Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-6-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Friday, September 6th, and we start with local news. About 1,000 workers at the General Motors joint venture electric vehicle battery plant in Spring Hill will get big pay raises now that they have joined the United Auto Workers Union, GM and LG Energy Solution of Korea, which jointly run the plant, agreed to recognize the union after a majority of workers signed cards saying they wanted to join the UAW said on Wednesday. Both sides will bargain over local contract provisions, but worker pay and other details will fall under the UAW national contract negotiated last fall. The union said in a prepared statement, "Starting pay, which was $20 per hour, "will rise to a minimum of $27.72 per hour. "Over three years, minimum production worker pay "will rise to $30.88," the contract says. The joint venture, AltiumSells LLC, said in a release that the union recognition came after an independently certified process that ended Tuesday. "We believe this will support the continuity of operations, "drive innovation and enhanced world class manufacturing," the release said. Representation of the battery plant gives the UAW another foothold in U.S. southern states as it tries to organize non-union auto plants. Workers at the 4,300 employee Volkswagen assembly plan in Chattanooga, Tennessee voted in April to join the union and contract bargaining is expected to begin this month. But the union lost its first organizing vote in May at a Mercedes assembly plant and other facilities near Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Spring Hill is the second GM joint venture battery plant to join the union and fall under the national contract. Workers at a plant near Warren, Ohio voted to join the union in 2022. Battery cell production began in Spring Hill earlier this year. The city of Columbia was recently certified as a pet-friendly city through Mars, a pet care's better cities for pets program. We are honored to be recognized as a certified city by Morris Petcare, a testament to the commitment to being a more pet-friendly city, Columbia Mayor Chance 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 Four Pets Program, which launched in 2019, is part of an initiative by Morris Petcare 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, oppressfully states. The program's goal is to encourage cities to recognize the benefits pets 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 from the city of Columbia. Murray County Mayor Sheila Buds 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 at the former O Charlie 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 as 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, first 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 the 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 teams 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 7 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. daily for pickup, delivery, and dining service. To place an order or join a digital waitlist, visit firstwatch.com. As the new school year begins, Columbia Central High School welcomes a new principal who hopes to kick off her tenure strong. Principal Shonda Sparrow Lang has had a long career in education up to now, and she intends to draw from her experiences to lead Columbia Central. When she was at college on a basketball scholarship, Sparrow Lang wanted to practice sports medicine. Her dream was to be a physical therapist for the then-ascended Tennessee Titans. But after working in a hospital, she felt more desire to work with students than even with professional athletes. She became a teacher in 2001 and served for about eight years, where she focused especially on special education and struggling students. Sparrow Lang started working in the schools of Marshall County, where she was made an administrator in 2008. Later, she worked at Spring Hill Middle School as principal for 10 years, where she was named Murray County's principal of the year in 2018-2019 and 2023-2024. She aims to bring that same excellence to Columbia Central. Her secret, learning from her superiors and servant leadership. She remembers having great administrators for mentors and taking notes on what worked for them, as well as what didn't. She also put students first. A lot of people say that, but I am, I'm sorry, a lot of people say that, but I ask them, do you really believe it? She said, we are in customer service. I'm a servant leader. I work for the students. They don't work for me, she said. Principal Sparrow Lang's goals for Columbia Central are to restore the academic performance of recent peak years and to build trust between administrators, teachers and students. She's optimistic about both. We have some excellent teachers here. She said, noting that there is still a need for teachers at the school. We have a great central office staff, Superintendent Lisa Ventura, she's wonderful to work with. She is a visionary and a forward thinker, which I feel I am too, she said. She admits that the school faces challenges, especially since her administration, is the fourth in five years. They've seen a lot of turnover. That is hard for education because of different leadership styles and different expectations, she said. The school has also been on the state ATSI list for two years, on account of a group there with persistently low test scores. Sparrow Lang wants to return to the stride that the school was hitting by 2022, with the help of the specialist hired with state ATSI grant money. Ultimately, Sparrow Lang knows that she first has to win the hearts and minds of students and staff, which will take time. Restoring the roar is her chosen hashtag for returning to a good status quo and building up school spirit. I have six more years to retirement. I'm not saying that, I'm not saying that because I'm counting down the days, she said. I started in 2000 and I still have the passion. I still love the students. I still feel that way. The day I stop feeling that way, I'm gone, she said. The City of Columbia has announced the launch of Eye Count Week, a special initiative aimed at encouraging all residents to participate in the special census and ensure an accurate count of the city's growing population. Eye Count Week kicked off with a community event last Saturday at Fairview Park. The event was designed to make the online self-response process both easy and enjoyable for everyone. Attendees to the event completed the special census online during the event and received free popcorn and shaved ice for their effort. To complete the special census online, residents will need their 12-digit census ID, which was mailed to their address by the US Census Bureau. The questionnaire is quick and straightforward, taking about 10 minutes on average. The online response window is open through today, September 6th. City officials want to assure the public that all information provided to the Census Bureau is kept strictly confidential and is used solely for statistical purposes. Accurate population data is vital for the fair allocation of resources, and the city of Columbia has partnered with the US Census Bureau to conduct this special census. Since the 2020 census, Columbia has seen significant population growth and the initiative is designed to ensure that every resident is counted. Proper census data helps the city secure essential funding for critical services like education, public safety and infrastructure, directly benefiting the community. We urge all Columbia residents to participate in the 2024 special census to help build a strong, more resilient community. By responding online during I-Count Week, you can avoid an in-person visit from a US Census Bureau employee who will otherwise conduct door-to-door surveys from September 25th to November 14th. Your timely participation online not only helps streamline the census process, but also supports the growth and development of our city, city officials said in a press release announcing I-Count Week. Remember, accurate census data ensures that Columbia receives its fair share of state funding, which is essential for maintaining and improving our local schools, public services and infrastructure. Your participation truly makes a difference, so be counted for Columbia's future. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Collection Service will be in Murray County on Saturday, September 7th. Tennesseans are encouraged to bring household hazardous waste, including cleaning fluids, pesticides, swimming pool chemicals and more to a designated drop-off location. A person does not need to live in the county to participate. The drop-off location in Murray County is the Murray County Solid Waste Department located at 1233 Lawson White Drive in Columbia, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The contact is Victoria Grissom. You can reach her at 931-375-6402. We wanted to be convenient for Tennesseans to recycle household hazardous waste, and this collection service is a great way to show that commitment, said TDEC Commissioner David Sawyers. "We are pleased to, we can offer the service, "and we encourage Tennesseans to participate," he said. Since the program's inception in 1993, more than 373,000 Tennessee households have properly disposed of more than 24 million pounds of material. There have been over 1,500 one-day collection events. Household hazardous waste materials are considered flammable, toxic, reactive, and/or corrosive, and should not be placed with regular garbage. Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, break fluid, swimming pool chemicals, paint thinner, and used needles in sturdy containers. Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, and any empty containers that should be disposed in normal trash. There is no cost or appointment necessary for household hazardous waste collection. While household waste may be disposed for free, there is a cost for disposal of very small quantity generator waste, i.e. wastes from non-household sources, such as businesses, schools, farms, churches, et cetera. An appointment is also necessary for those groups. You can call 615-643-3170 to request a price quote and schedule an appointment. Many counties and municipalities meet the needs of local residents by providing collection of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, and electronics scrap. When handled correctly, these materials are minimally hazardous, but inappropriate for collection at household hazardous waste events. Tennesseans are encouraged to contact their local city or county solid waste department to find collection sites for those materials in their area. When transporting materials to the site, place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper or plastic to prevent spills and cross-contamination in the trunk of a car or back of a truck. Be sure to keep materials away from children and pets. For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, please call 1-800-287-9013. The city of Mount Pleasant recently announced that it has been awarded an Arts Build Communities 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 sessions 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 that would like to participate in this opportunity, help them sign up for this fun-filled painting class taught by artist extraordinaire Susan Jones. Sign ups 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, officials said. On Tuesday, August 27th, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced the approval of Spring Hills proposed Advanced Water Purification Pilot Project. This project has been in the works for many years, first being put before the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen on September 6th of 2022. The overall Advanced Purification Project plan outlines how the city of Spring Hill can maximize its fair share of water from the Duck River through extensive treatment processes at an expanded wastewater treatment plant and in accompanying reservoir. Prior to the long-term structures being put in place, the city of Spring Hill must display the plant's capabilities through a multi-year pilot project, as discussed with TDEC. With this latest approval, construction of the pilot project is expected to begin in 2025. Similar projects have been completed throughout the country, especially in drier climates in the West, but this would be the first project of its kind in Tennessee. Spring Hill has been given the opportunity to set the standard for the state of Tennessee when it comes to water reuse projects, said Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hageman. "I am proud of our city leaders and staff "who have put us in this esteemed position, "and I am grateful we are moving forward "with the infrastructure that Spring Hill residents need "and deserve. "Thank you to the leadership at TDEC "and all those who played extremely important roles "in this process," he said. Further updates about the design and construction timelines will be released on the city of Spring Hill website and social media channels. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakson Nichols Funeral Home. Helen Morgan Brunson, 95, longtime resident of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, August 28th at her home. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 2 p.m. at Oakson Nichols Funeral Home. Following the service, you will be laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. A visitation will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. Immediately preceding the funeral service. Dr. Sammy, body, natty, 59. Father, husband, son, and a beloved pharmacist of Columbia died Friday, August 30th, surrounded by his family at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, September 7th at 12 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Reverend Chris Bowie officiating. An earnment will follow at St. John's Episcopal Church Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 10 30 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the parish hall at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. hometown memorials is sponsored by Oakson 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 Oakson Nichols, we believe it's first that always 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 Oakson 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 your satisfaction is so important to Jeff Hargrove and Susie Sowell. There's a great deal of satisfaction in serving a family and serving them well. It's an offer detail and thoughtfulness and taking the time to see that things are done right. We do have nice facilities and good people and we work hard to do things well, but we don't want that to intimidate people as to what they think it will cost. Taking care of you is our primary concern. Oaks 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 a mix of clouds and sun today with increasing clouds as the day progresses. The high will be 89 degrees with light and variable winds. Tonight, we can expect rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. The chance of overnight rain, 40%. For your weekend forecast, we will see cooler temperatures. The high on Saturday and Sunday will be 78 degrees with lows in the high 40s. We will have partly cloudy skies on Saturday and a beautiful sunny day on Sunday. 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. (upbeat music) - 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. (upbeat music) - 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 High 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, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. - Some people are just obsessed with their lawns. They'd cut their grass with a pair of scissors if they could. Bikes are gravely, they don't have to. You see, gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawnmowers, they also leave your house looking like a doggone country club. So whether you're a commercial landscaper wanting the best or just a perfectionist homeowner, you can't do better than a gravely. - See our full line of gravely products at Murray County Equipment. 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia, Tennessee, or check us out on Facebook. - I don't know about you, but I just love doing business with small businesses. You feel appreciated when you walk in and they know your name. At Caledonian Financial, we try very hard to appreciate our clients. We value everyone and we reject the idea that you're not worthy of advice. If you don't have a certain amount of money, we love our neighbors, all of them. This is Monty Sneed with Caledonian Financial in historic downtown Columbia. - Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NBC Securities Incorporated, member FINRA and SIPC. (upbeat music) - 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. (upbeat music) - This is Bob Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The VACO operator has the engine running and is moving into position. He's heading for the ground. He's in there. (whistle blows) 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. - Here we go. (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 now news from around the state. It's time for the Tennessee agriculture and forestry industries to develop new crops of leaders in their field. The Naifee Center for Effective Leadership and Agency of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service, the UT Institute of Agriculture, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and other partner agencies have developed the Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program or TAFLP. TAFLP provides leadership and networking opportunities for farmers, foresters and the agriculture community. The farm community is the backbone of rural Tennessee. It's exciting to bring our Naifee Center's expertise in executive and community leadership to support food, fiber and forestry producers in this personal growth experience. In turn, we expect the participants in the program with the tools, expect the participants in the program with the tools, skills and network it provides to have a meaningful impact on rural vitality across the state. Said IPS Vice President Herb Bird III. The partnership and support of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Farm Bureau, UTIA Farm Credit Mid-America, Tennessee farmers co-op and other commodity groups, demonstrates a strong commitment to rural leadership. UTIA continues to educate undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture and forestry and looks to expand those efforts with this new partnership. TAFLP is an 18-month program that includes travel across the state, an out-of-state industry trip and a visit to Washington, DC. It connects cohort participants with others in the agriculture and forestry industry and includes tours of farms, forests and businesses. Participants will attend leadership development sessions to enhance communication, leadership, critical thinking, entrepreneurial and strategic planning skills. By improving communication skills, broadening understanding of major policy issues, especially issues facing agriculture and rural communities and gaining an understanding of the effects of globalization on agriculture and rural communities, TAFLP graduates gain the self-awareness and confidence to be effective leaders. Land loss is an issue across the U.S. and Tennessee is one of the states that has seen the most loss. In 2020, the American farmland trust ranked Tennessee as the fourth most threatened state for farmland conversions. 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 me 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. Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack and Murray Regional Health is ready to care for you. Utilizing the state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab at Murray Regional Medical Center, our team of expert cardiologists and experienced clinical professionals are equipped to investigate heart conditions quickly and perform life-saving interventional procedures. Go to murrayregional.com/heart to learn more. And remember, always dial 911 when you or someone near you is experiencing heart attack symptoms. 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 now our final story. Columbia's monthly first Fridays will once again hit the streets of downtown this weekend with vendors, live music and community. As always, first Fridays events will run from 5 to 8 p.m. This month's highlights include Packard Playhouse located at 614 North Main Street, who will host a first Friday comedy night, starting at 7 p.m. Featuring Paul Aldrich and Rick Roberts. Tickets range from 10 to $30 and are available at www.packardplayhouse.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. I'll be back on Monday 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) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)