Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-9-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the W Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Monday, September 9th, and we start with local news. U.S. Representative Andy Ogles is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to return the cell phone confiscated by the FBI last month so that he can identify protective legislative materials. He says that are on them. FBI agent seized Ogles' phone and Google account the day after he won a contested primary last month. In a filing Tuesday, Ogles' attorney argue that some materials on the phone and email account are protected as they contain communications reflecting legislative acts of the most sensitive character, including confidential debate among dozens of representatives about who should lead the House as speaker. Ogles wrote in an accompanying affidavit that his phone also contains text messages and emails from other House members, senators, and former President Donald Trump. Ogles' filing asserts that the FBI probe is a form of political persecution, noting that the Department of Justice targeted Ogles after he filed articles of impeachment against the vice president. This danger is acute from members who find themselves opponents of the executive branch. The motion reads, "Not only is Mr. Ogles "a Republican member of Congress "when the executive is led by a Democrat, "but he's also a member of the House Freedom Caucus, "which this president has described "as extreme opponents of his agenda. "Plus, only days after the executive sought the search warrants, "Congressman Ogles introduced articles of impeachment "of impeachment against vice president Kamala Harris," it reads. Ogles has previously said he believes the FBI probe is related to errors in his campaign finance disclosures, but the filings repeatedly claim Department of Justice attorneys did not characterize Ogles as the target of an investigation. During my conversation with prosecutors, they informed me that they considered Congressman Ogles to be a subject of their investigation rather than a target. Ogles' attorney, John Rowley, the third wrote in an affidavit. Federal Judge Alistair Neuberne is giving the Department of Justice until September 11th to respond. (mouse clicking) On a parched patch of Duck River in Hickman County, dry rocks mix with empty muscle shells bleached from the sun. Don Hubs, a malachologist and one of the state's top experts on freshwater mussels wades into the river and pulls out a large brown washboard muscle that he estimates is about 50 years old. A natural water purifier, the washboard can filter up to 50 gallons a day, he said. "This one's an old soldier," he said. Mussels are the lifeblood for biodiverse rivers and they're often a canary in the coal mine, showing the first signs when something's wrong in the ecosystem. And here in the Duck River watershed, they're dying at alarming rates. Over two days in July, Hubs collected 565 newly dead muscles, representing 28 different species, including several that are listed as federally endangered. It was the worst he seen since the region's last severe drought in 2007. Drought conditions have gripped much of middle Tennessee this summer, with some counties like Hickman seeing severe drought. Duck River is already experiencing historic lows for water flows and conservationists fear a plan to allow utility companies to drain up to 73 millions of gallons a day will decimate a critical Tennessee resource. Last week, the Southern Environmental Law Center sent a letter to state leaders, urging them to form a drought response task force and deploy immediate water conservation measures. "We're at a watershed moment, if you will, as far as we have a river that is currently in a state of crisis," said George Nolan, director of the Law Center. "There is well-deserved attention that's being applied to it, and it's really time for our government leaders to step forward and start protecting the river," he said. The duck river flows 269 miles across Tennessee and has been recognized as the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America, with more than 200 species of snails, muscles, and fish. But the river faces strain, as more water is pulled for consumption in rapidly developing middle Tennessee. This year, it ranked third on a list of America's most endangered rivers. And the challenge is that it's not a really big river as compared to some of the other rivers here in Tennessee, and so it's a finite resource," Nolan said. Eight utility companies have petitioned the state to pull an additional 19 million gallons from the river for a total of 73 million gallons of water each day. Environmentalists say the plan would permanently damage the river's health. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has so far issued permits to three of the eight utilities, but the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation is appealing those permits. The group is pushing for permit terms that will safeguard the river and require water utilities to cut back on consumption in periods of low flow and drought. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation in a statement said it has long recognized the high value of the duck river and has taken proactive measures to ensure its protection. Since 2020, TDEC has initiated a comprehensive data-driven permitting process for the Duck River watershed that has included hosting a series of stakeholder meetings and public hearings, the agency said. TDEC will continue to meet with stakeholders, be responsive to the public's interest in the Duck River, and utilize the checks and balances within our regulatory authority to ensure this precious resource remains protected and utilized appropriately. The agency said it is meeting with stakeholders on a recent drought conditions and the impact on water levels and is working to address short and long-term water and conservation. Nolan said a major concern is the lack of a clear drought management plan for the river. Utilities that draw from the river are required to enact their own drought emergency plans, but they have yet to kick in despite the water being dangerously low, he said. He said the Duck River Agency, which is funded by the water utilities, has a decade-old drought management plan that only measures water levels from behind Normandy Dam, located upstream in Bedford and coffee counties. The drought triggers aren't keyed to the conditions in the river, Nolan said, they're keyed to how much water is behind the Normandy Dam, which is in the upper reaches of the river. And Tennessee Valley Authority has been very cautious about how much water it releases to the river from that dam, he said. Duck River Agency executive director Doug Murphy acknowledges the need for an updated drought plan and said the agency is in the process of forming a drought response team with state and local officials that will meet weekly to assess conditions. The river agency is also declaring a stage one river drought and is requesting that all water users voluntarily cut back on non-essential usage, such as irrigation, washing sidewalks and driveways, outdoor recreation and non-commercial washing of vehicles and boats. Murphy said the alarm bells went off for him last week when he saw a shockingly dry patch of river. Our number one goal is to protect the river, he said, we don't want to run out of water, we want to protect the river and we want to protect aquatic life, he said. But for those who live along the river, the alarm bells have been going off for much longer. Doug Jones, whose family has owned 150 acres along the river for decades, said neighbors have been calling him noticing boulders and other strange formations jutting out of the dwindling waters. They're telling me, I'm seeing things in the river I've never seen before, he said. He and others say it's time for the state to step in and set new drought regulations. On Thursday, Jones was joined on his riverfront property by Nolan and representative Jody Barrett, a Republican from Dixon, who has also been fighting for more duck river conservation. Barrett said he'd like to see Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and TDEX step in to put pressure on the water utilities to start implementing drought management plans and residents need to do their part two, he said. "There's some easy stuff that can really raise awareness," Barrett said, you can put out statements saying, "Hey, we're in drought, we're, we'd like you "to cut back on non-essentials, no extra showers, "don't water your lawn, don't fill your pool, "it raises awareness for everyone "when they go to turn on that tap," he said. "As Barrett spoke, hubs the malachologist "and expert on mollusks waited through the river "gathering dead muscle shells. "While he's concerned, hubs said muscles "are amazingly regenerative. "When water levels are low, they can dive deep "into the ground and wait for better conditions. "One thing the duck river has going for it, "it's a fairly resilient river," he said. The city of Columbia was recently certified as a pet-friendly city through Mars, Pat Care's Better Cities for Pets program. "We are honored to be recognized as a certified city "by Mars, Pat Care, a testament to the commitment "to being a more pet-friendly city," Mayor Chaz Mulder said. This award highlights Columbia's dedication to fostering a pet-friendly environment where both people and pets can thrive together. We remain committed to ensuring Columbia continues to be a place where all residents, two legged and four legged, "can lead healthy, happy lives," he said. The Better Cities for Pets program, which launched in 2019, is part of an initiative by Mars, Pat Care to help cities become more pet-friendly. The program was developed in partnership with Civic Design Center, a leading entity in regard to designing inclusive public spaces while incorporating feedback from government and animal welfare experts. With over 60% of households in the US and Canada now including pets, Columbia is at the forefront of fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that supports the well-being of both pets and their owners, oppressed release states. The program's goal is to encourage cities to recognize the benefits Pat's bring to communities, while also providing guidance on pet-friendly policies and practices. It is very exciting for Murray County Animal Services to receive this recognition with the city of Columbia, Murray County Mayor Sheila Butts said. The county has spent the last two years making our animal services more responsive to the needs of our community. I wanna congratulate Director Kim Raffoff and her staff for achieving this recognition for Columbia. Working together, we make Murray County a better place to live for all of us, she said. First watch, the popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant will open in Columbia on Monday, September 16th. The restaurant is located at 202 South James M. Campbell Boulevard, the former Ocharly site. They will bring a chef-inspired menu and rotating seasonal offerings to a 6,265 square foot space that seats more than 150 people. The new spa will also offer a patio with umbrellas and an indoor bar. To celebrate the opening, customers who dine in at the new Columbia South location Monday, September 16th through Friday, September 20th will receive free project sunrise coffee with their meal. First watch's menu takes an elevated approach to traditional breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings. All dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients in a kitchen without heat lamps, microwaves, or deep fryers. Fan favorites include avocado toast, lemon ricotta pancakes, and million dollar bacon. Five times a year, fresh watch offers a revolving seasonal menu that follows the position of the sun to source fresh ingredients. The Columbia South restaurant will offer its first seasonal menu in winter of 2024. The restaurant will employ approximately 30 people and operate on a one-shift-a-day, no-night-shifts-ever approach that enables its team to enjoy their evenings and build a better quality of life. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at careers.firstwatch.com. First watch is open from 7 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. daily for pickup, delivery, and dine and service to place in order or join a digital wait list, visit firstwatch.com. September is Sepsis Awareness Month and September 13th is World Sepsis Day. These global events aim to raise awareness and save lives and Murray Regional Health is participating to spread awareness with a campaign to stop sepsis in Southern Middle Tennessee. According to the World Health Organization, sepsis affects millions of people worldwide each year, and approximately one in five deaths globally were associated with it in 2020, calling for an opportunity for greater awareness. Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. As a physician working in critical care, I've seen firsthand how early recognition and swift action makes all the difference for patient outcomes, said Dr. Thomas Quinn, a board-certified specialist in internal and critical care medicine at Murray Regional Health's medical staff. "We're here to care for our patients. Should they become septic? But we want to also help our community learn about prevention and early detection," he said. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that originates when the body has an extreme response to an existing infection, which causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Some common infections, when left untreated, that may cause sepsis include minor infections, such as a small cod or a bug bite, to more serious conditions, such as lung infection, urinary tract infection, skin infection, or an infection within the gastrointestinal tract. Sepsis can lead to septic shock, which is a significant drop in blood pressure that can lead to organ failure or death. While all ages are susceptible to sepsis, infants, seniors, and those with diseases or treatments that compromise the immune system are at greater risk. Common symptoms to monitor for sepsis include fever, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, fast heart rate or weak pulse, confusion or mental decline, sleepiness, sweaty or clammy skin, extreme pain or discomfort. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate emergency medical attention. Tell your physician or sepsis, I'm sorry, tell your physician or nurse about any cancer infections and say, "I'm concerned about sepsis." The best way to avoid sepsis is by taking measures to prevent infection and seeking medical attention if you believe you may have an infection. Sepsis is treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids. Early detection and treatment are critical to improving outcomes. Murray Regional Medical Center offers a state of the art critical care floor to provide sophisticated medical care for patients who have experienced trauma, as well as those recovering from surgical procedures and critical illnesses. The physicians and nursing staff have advanced training and caring for critical patients. Learn more about how to stop sepsis at Murray Regional by visiting www.muryregional.com/sepsis. The city of Mount Pleasant recently announced that it has been awarded in Arts Build Communities or ABC Grant by the Tennessee Arts Commission for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The intent of this grant money is to host a continuation of the acrylics painting course for Mount Pleasant area senior citizens that started last fall. This course will build on the foundations learned in the last sessions and will develop artist skills. If you are a senior that did not attend the session last year, do not worry, you can still start new this year. We will be glad to have you, city officials stated via social media. If you know of a local senior citizen who would like to participate in this opportunity, help them sign up for this fun-filled painting class taught by artist extraordinaire, Susan Jones. Signups can be made online at www.mountpleasant-tn.gov or by visiting the Mount Pleasant Community Center to pick up a form. A huge thank you to the Tennessee Arts Commission. It is because of their continued support that we have the opportunity to provide such a great class to our community, official said. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Brenda Joyce Harris-Tune, 73, a resident of Columbia, died Friday, September 6th at Murray Regional Medical Center. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 11th at 10 a.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens. Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Home town memorials is sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home, serving with dignity and consideration for over 150 years. As years go by, people may tend to forget just what a funeral is really all about. At Oakes and Nichols, we believe it's first, at all ways, a special remembrance of someone you love. We start by listening to your needs and desires. If you're unsure, we can help gently, professionally. At Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors, we haven't lost sight of why we're here, to serve Murray County families in the ways they prefer. And why Matt and Susie Sowell believe the way to honor tradition is with especially personal service. We believe your traditions, your customs, your rites of passage are very important. But we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. At Oakes and Nichols, we try to do more than just the expected things. So the service you receive honors your heritage and is uniquely yours. And we invite you to experience the difference. Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors, 320 West 7th Street in Columbia. Since 1856, people you can rely on. For your southern middle Tennessee weather, we will have partly cloudy skies today with a high near 85 degrees. Winds will be light and variable. Tonight, we can expect clear skies and a low of 52 degrees. Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll cover state and national news that affect you. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. (buzzer beeps) - Three, two, one. - This is Debbie Matthews with the National Reluity Group. And if you've been paying attention, you know the housing market has been tough. But rates are beginning the thaw. So if you're thinking about selling, the time to jump in is getting better every day. But if you're thinking about buying and those interest rates are still a little bit too high, a good agent knows how to negotiate interest rate by downs. And I'm a good agent. So call me, Debbie Matthews with National Relty Group, 615-476-3224. - Family first. My dad used to tell us that all the time. But family first wasn't just something he'd say to us. It was how he lived every day of his life. And it's how I try to live mine too. - At Shelter Insurance, our agents are dedicated to helping provide personalized auto home and life protection that puts your family first. - For Auto Home, Life or Business Insurance, Sea Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. - For 40 years, the Jewelers bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory. More high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers bench, still here, still great service. 808, Trottwood Avenue, Columbia. - Hi, I'm Matt Peralis, Manager of Murray County Equipment. We help you with all your agricultural and construction equipment needs. We carry a full line of new haul and tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely mowing equipment. We also have new hauling construction equipment, attachments and accessories for your tractors and a complete parts department. We are locally owned and operated. Come see us at 1075, North James Campbell Boulevard or learn about us on Facebook. Our contact is at 931-490-8183. - We always get the question, what is Caledonia? That's easy. We're a full financial services firm. Who is Caledonia? Well, that's a little more interesting. Monty has an economics background. Daisy and Perry come from the banking world. Gay is an accountant and Thomas has science and business degrees. Blair was a small business owner. Finally, I'm Becky Price and I have a background in education. Together, we make up Caledonia and Financial in historic downtown Columbia. - Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NBC Securities Incorporated, Member FINRA and SIPC. - Hello, my name is Connor Mims. My wife, Bradley and I live in Columbia, Tennessee in Riverside. I am a deck and porch builder and my wife is a second grade teacher at Riverside Elementary. My specialty is designing and building elegant and comfortable porches and decks. Let me work with you to design and build the portrait deck of your dreams. Give us a call today from our website, mimsmodernlandscape.com. That's mimsmodernlandscape.com and check out what we have to offer. Thanks. - This is Bob Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The vacuole operator has the engine running and is moving into position. He's heading for the ground. He's in there. Wait, there's a flag on the play. Let's get out of the field for the call from our official. - A legal procedure on the digging team. - Oh, that penalty could cause a costly accident. - That's right, Bob. He needs to call before he digs. There's underground utility lines that could be hiding just below the surface. Water, sewer, electrical, communication lines, and even natural gas. - Avoid a penalty by first calling 8-1-1 to have any underground public utility lines located and marked with flags or paint. It's free, it's easy, and it's the law. - For more tips, visit pipesafety.org. This message brought to you by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and the Tennessee Gas Association, funded in part by a grant from the Underground Utility Damage Enforcement Board. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 and WKRM 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price, and I'm news from around the state. The Tennessee Ethics Commission has dismissed a complaint against Education Commissioner Lizette Reynolds, the ethics complaint filed by Representative Caleb Hammer, a Democrat from Nashville in May, alleges Reynolds illegally accepted travel reimbursements paid for by a group that also lobbies the legislature. Reynolds attended two out-of-state events last year with expenses paid by her former employer, Excellan Ed, a national advocacy group whose partner 501(c)(4), which shares staff, office space, and a post office box, employs a lobbyist in Tennessee. State law prohibits members of the executive branch from accepting gifts, including travel reimbursements from lobbyists and their employers. Excellan Ed employs Miranda Williams, who is registered as a lobbyist in Tennessee. Williams works for both Excellan Ed and Excellan Ed action according to the group's websites. She advocated for Governor Bill Lee's statewide universal school voucher proposal this spring, which Reynolds as Commissioner of the Department also pushed the legislation. After the Tennessee and First reported the travel and the ethics complaint was filed, Reynolds paid back about $2,000 in travel expenses and was reimbursed by the state. Commissioners considered the complaint last week behind closed doors, ultimately voting four to zero to dismiss the complaint and not refer it to the Attorney General's office for further investigation. In a letter to Reynolds, her attorney, and Hammer sent Friday, the panel noted that Reynolds's repayment of the funds was the deciding factor for the finding. The commission found that, although the need to address these matters is disappointing, ultimately due to Commissioner Reynolds' repayment of the expenses in question, there is insufficient probable cause and insufficient value to be gained by proceeding with this matter further, the letter states. Commissioners did not make any conclusion on whether Reynolds knowingly violated state law by accepting a prohibitive gift, noting that her willingness to correct the potential violation precluded the need for further action from the body. Commissioners instructed the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance to recommend the legislature require all members of the governor's cabinet to complete the same ethics training that is already required by lawmakers. The commission is convinced that the circumstances here might never have occurred had Commissioner Reynolds sought guidance from the commission or the commission's staff regarding ethics laws, the letter states. Hammer this week announced plans to file legislation next year to clarify state ethics laws that prohibit officials from accepting travel paid by groups that lobby the legislature. Let's take one last break. When we come back, we'll cover the final story of the day. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia, give a call at 931-388-6822. They've been doing business since 1947 and in their current location since 1964. They provide the best tire and mechanical work at some of the best prices in middle Tennessee. Hey, they're official Michelin and Goodyear dealers and they've got all kinds of brands as well. Stop by and see Walker Vining and his professional staff or check them out online at turner@osburn.com. That's turner@osburn.com. Living with a worn joint can be painful and frustrating. Leave your joint pain in the past for the joint replacement procedure at Murray Regional Health. Our joint replacement program has been recognized in the top 10% of the nation for medical excellence and patient safety, thanks to our highly skilled and experienced surgical staff who perform progressive procedures for the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. For more information, go to murriregional.com/jointreplacement. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. This is Howlanders, owner of Landers Insurance Agency. We are independent agency representing the famous Erie Insurance Group. Landers Insurance Agency has been committed to providing great rates and great service since 2002. Whether it's home and auto or business or life insurance, we've got you covered. 24/7 in-house claim service, we've got that too. Visit Landers Insurance at 514 North Garden Street, Columbia, call us at 931-380-2003. Our website is landersinsuranceagency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. The all new production of the Itoni Award-winning Broadway classic Peter Pan will perform at Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Jackson Hall from January 7th through the 12th of 2025. This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award winner Lonnie Price, with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa Fasthorse, choreography by Lauren, flying sequences choreographed by Paul Lauren, with music supervision and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn. Peter Pan is one of the great treasures of the American musical theater, Simlani Price. The show nurtures and inspires the imagination of its audience and reminds us to keep alive the child within us all. Tickets are on sale now at www.tpac.org. By phone at 615-782-4040 and in person at the TPAC box office at 505-Detterk Street in downtown Nashville. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. If you ever miss a poor partner, all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting fromportradiotn.com. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price, thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music)