Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-4-24
(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 Wednesday, September 4th, and we start with local news. Thousands attended the Murray County Fair over the holiday weekend, which offered rides, food, livestock competitions, and top-class rodeo. On opening night, crowds gathered at Murray County Arena to watch the rodeo, which included local and area cowboys who rode Bronx and Bulls while cowgirls participated in barrel racing. Fair board president Randy Ziegler greeted the crowd at the rodeo, explaining that the fair has grown to become bigger and better each year. Last year, $75,000 was raised and donated to various charities around Murray County, he said. The My Day at the Fair program, which is a day children with special needs or disabilities and their caregivers can attend for free, has grown from just over 100 participants to over 1,000 this year. The action-packed rodeo presented by rodeo air in middle Tennessee included local cowboys from Tennessee to Kentucky, even youngster and bull rider Wyatt Reed Connor, age 11, a sixth grade student at Hampshire unit school who wowed the crowd. Rodeo clown Johnny Allen led the laughs in the arena. After the rodeo, attendees hit the midway, filled with rides, games, food, and fun. (silence) 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 Marin Alderman 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 an 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 an extremely important role "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. The City of Columbia celebrated the dedication of the championship field at Ridley Park on Friday, August 30th, in honor of former city mayor Dean Dickey. The ceremony which coincided with Mayor Dickey's birthday was a fitting tribute to his enduring commitment to public service and his numerous contributions to the community. Columbia Mayor Chaz mold a remark. Dean Dickey's legacy was already destined to live on for many reasons. Today's dedication confirmed that his legacy with respect to Ridley Park will never be forgotten. I'm grateful for his service to our community and hope that our city can continue to cultivate leaders who care about their community like Dean Dickey has, he said. Mayor Dean Dickey began his journey in public service in 2008 when he was elected to the Columbia City Council. He served as the mayor of Columbia from 2010 to 2019 during which time he led several significant capital projects including the development of the Ridley Sports Complex. His leadership, dedication and division have left a lasting impact on the community he so dearly loves. Dean Dickey has always been a leader in our community said city council member Debbie Wiles. Mayor Dickey's contribution is extended beyond his time in office. He has served on the boards of several community organizations including the United Way, American Red Cross and Marie Alliance Executive Committee. He has also been recognized as a Paul Harris fellow by the Columbia Rotary Club and received the George F Hicks in fellowship from the Columbia Kiwanis Club. Columbia City Manager Tony Massie stated, "The Ridley Sports Complex is the realization of the dream Mayor Dickey and other city council members had some years ago. It is here today in large part due to his support and commitment to see it built. It is an example of his leadership making Columbia better. The championship field dedication is a testament to Mayor Dickey's tireless work to enhance the quality of life in Columbia. The field will stand as a symbol of his commitment to fostering community spirit and supporting youth sports and recreation. Reflecting on the dedication, Mayor Dickey stated, "It is a tremendous honor to have the championship field named in my honor. I've always believed in the power of sports to bring people together and build a stronger community. This field represents not just my work but the collective effort of many dedicated individuals who share the same vision for our city," he said. The ceremony was attended by city officials, community members, family members and many others who have been touched by Mayor Dickey's work. At the city looks to the future, the championship field at Ridley Park will continue to serve as a reminder of the values and vision of a mayor who dedicated his life to his community. Murray Regional Health's Emergency Medical Services has received the American Heart Association's Mission Lifeline EMS Silver Achievement Award for its commitment to offering rapid and research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives. Mission Lifeline EMS is the American Heart Association's National Initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. This recognition program evaluates EMS agencies for their use of evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve care and outcomes. The Silver Level Awards agencies that meet certain criteria for 12 consecutive months, which includes actively submitting data to the National Cardiovascular Data Registry, positive performance achievement measurements, consistency in quality care, following proper protocols and procedures and ongoing quality improvement initiatives. Murray Regional Health EMS is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients, said Dr. Martin Cheney, CEO of Murray Regional. "This is all things to our dedicated and highly trained EMS teams utilizing the latest life-saving technology and care techniques. Everything we do is driven by our mission to serve and support the health and wellness of our community, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care from ambulance to hospital and back home," he said. EMS staff can begin treatment when they arrive, much sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car. This department plays a vital role in the early identification and stabilization of conditions and performing critical pre-hospital interventions that set the stage for effective treatment. Additionally, Murray Regional Hospital's EMS staff have technology that shares data with the emergency room before they arrive, which allows for smooth and efficient transitions into hospital care. Overall, EMS teams ensure the patients receive timely and definitive therapies, which are essential for achieving optimal outcomes and maximizing quality of life. The acronym FAST can be used to help recall common signs of a stroke. F is for face drooping, A is for arm weakness, S is for speech difficulty, and T is time to call 911. Other symptoms include confusion, dizziness, severe headaches, and trouble with the eyes. Heart attack symptoms vary from person to person, but men will generally experience chest pain or discomfort, general pain that radiates to arms, back, neck, jaw, or arms, shortness of breath, cold sweat, heartburn, sudden dizziness, and heartburn. Women have similar issues yet tend to experience more arm or jaw pain than in the chest. If you or someone has experienced these symptoms, take action by calling 911, noting the time that the symptoms start in, and if possible, chewing an aspirin to prevent blood clotting. Acting quickly has a significant impact on outcomes for both stroke and heart attack. To learn more about emergency medical services, visit www.meriregional.com/ems. In other Murray Regional News, Murray Regional Medical Center welcomes Dr. Brent Begley, a cardiologist with Ascension St. Thomas Heart, Columbia, to the medical staff. Dr. Begley received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in St. Michael Barbados. He completed a residency at Michigan State University, Corwell Health Grand Rapids, and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Canton Medical Education Foundation, Altman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, in cardiovascular disease. His board certified in internal medicine. Ascension St. Thomas Heart, Columbia, is located at 1222 Trawat Avenue, suite 211 in Columbia. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 30 p.m. To make an appointment, call 931-777-2300. With the addition of Dr. Begley, the medical staff at Murray Regional Health includes 15 heart specialists with expertise in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and electrophysiology. The Heart Center offers a vast array of cardiac services ranging from diagnostic and interventional procedures to pacemaker and defibrillator implants, and recently invested $1.9 million to enhance cardiac services, which included new state-of-the-art technology in its cardiac catheterization labs. The Medical Center has been recognized as a chest pain center with PCI by the American College of Cardiology, and holds certification in the treatment of heart failure from the Joint Commission. In addition, US News and World Report has recognized that Medical Center is a high-performing hospital for heart attack treatment for 2023 and 2024. And finally, Dr. Emily Jenkins, a specialist in medical oncology and hematology, has joined the staff at Murray Regional Medical Center. She is associated with Tennessee Oncology at the Murray Regional Cancer Center. Dr. Jenkins received her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville. She completed a residency in a fellowship in hematology and oncology at University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill. Dr. Jenkins is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology. Dr. Jenkins joins Drs. Varun Dulepala, Romani John Pulley, and Mark Messinger in the Tennessee Oncology Practice in Columbia. The office is located at the Columbia Mall in the Murray Regional Cancer Center, located at 808 South James Campbell Boulevard. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. for more information. Call 931-381-3872. 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 leave their 12-digit Census ID, which was mailed to their address by the U.S. Census Bureau. The questionnaire is quick and straightforward, taking about 10 minutes on average. The online response window is open through September 6th. City officials want to ensure the public, assure rather 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 U.S. 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 stronger, more resilient community. By responding online during iCount Week, you can avoid an in-person visit from the U.S. Census Bureau, who will otherwise conduct door-to-door surveys from September 25th through November 14th. You are 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 iCount 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. Mark your calendar's Columbia, Room in the Inn's biggest fundraiser of the year is just around the corner. On October 4th, the community is invited to join the October Fest festivities and support a fantastic local cause. Room in the Inn is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, resources, and hope to single mothers and their children in need. Their latest project, Grace House, aims to create a safe, supportive living space with individual beds, private rooms and bathrooms, a community kitchen, and laundry facilities. All proceeds from this year's October Fest event will go directly towards the construction of Grace House, making a real difference in the lives of local families. So what can you expect at this year's October Fest celebration? Plenty of fun, food, and community spirit. The event will take place on October 4th at Riverwalk Park in Columbia from 6 to 10 pm. Guests will be able to enjoy local craft beer tasting, delicious fare from food trucks, live music, and traditional October Fest games and activities. Riverwalk Park is located at 102 Riverside Drive in Columbia. The Athenaeum Rectory, one of Columbia's premier historic sites located at 808 Athenaeum Street, will be hosting their annual candlelight tour on September 28th from 7 to 9 pm. Come tour the Athenaeum Rectory the way it needs to be seen by nothing but candlelight and learn the morning customs of the 19th century. Tickets are $10 per person and available at the door. The ticket price goes towards the perpetual upkeep of the Athenaeum Rectory historic site. Learn more by visiting www.historicathaneum.com. The South Central Human Resource Agency announced that they will be conducting a commodities distribution through the US Department of Agriculture. The food distribution will take place from 9 to 10 am on Thursday, September 5th at Greymere Church of Christ, located at 1320 Trawat Avenue in Columbia. This food distribution is intended to help with food insecurity in the community and will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis to those who are eligible. Eligibility will be based on total household income that is within the income guidelines. Anyone receiving aid from SNAP, families first, SSI, LIHEAP, or Proof of Residency in Public Housing are eligible for USDA commodities. And now your hometown memorials, sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Helen Morgan Brunson, 95, a 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 Oaks and 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 Boddy Naddy, 59, father, husband, son, and beloved pharmacist of Columbia, died Friday, August 30th, surrounded by his whole 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 1030 until noon at the parish hall at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. hometown memorials is sponsored by Oaks 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 Oaks and Nichols, we believe it's first, at 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 Oaks 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 rights of passage are very important, but we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. At Oaks 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. 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 cloudiness as the day progresses. The height will be 88 degrees with winds out of the southeast at 5 to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect overcast skies in a low near 65. 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. 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. Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole bar, then you should give Sands Fence Company a call that's 931-309-1644. Will Sands has built his business based on the principles of honesty, quality, and integrity. Sands Fence Company has been in business for over 20 years, providing a community with farm, residential, and commercial fencing, as well as pole barns and buildings. Call today for a free estimate. Sands Fence Company 931-309-1644, 931-309-1644. 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-Troughtwood Avenue, Columbia. This is Triacock with Dixie Equipment, Sales and Rental. We sell ASV and Wacker Nordstrom equipment. We also rent a wide variety of compact equipment in the middle Tennessee area, come see us. We are located in Columbia, Tennessee at 200 East 16th Street. You can call us at 615-969-0118 or visit our website at www.dixiediesel.com. We have been in business for over 42 years and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. Some people are just obsessed with their loans. They 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. Z are a full line of gravely products at Murray County Equipment, 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia, Tennessee, or check us out on Facebook. This is Bob Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The vacuum 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 at 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. Three, two, one! 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 no news from around the state. Tennessee is projected to approach a population of 8 million by 2040, and will surpass 9 million by 2070. According to a new analysis from the University of Tennessee's Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, Tennessee first surpassed 7 million residents in 2022, according to U.S. Census projections. The projections, say the state's number of adults 65 and over, are expected to rise by 25 percent by 2040. The overall population increased by 900,000, from 2022 to 2040, a 12.6 percent increased. The annual growth rates are expected to be 0.82 percent from 2020 to 2030, and then slow from 0.55 percent between 2030 to 2040, the analysis says. At the state level, the amount of population growth during the 2020s will feel similar to the gains we saw last decade, said Matt Harris, Boyd distinguished professor of health economics, and co-author of the new projections. But as the baby boom generation reaches the later stages of life, a rising number of deaths will begin to slow Tennessee's population increases, he said. Those 65 and older are expected to make up 20 percent of the state's population by 2040. A growing senior population doesn't just have implications for the health care system, Harris said, the full array of senior-oriented services such as housing, transportation, and other types of personal care will also be in higher demand over the coming years, he said. The group of population under the age of 20 is expected to rise from 24.2 percent in 2022 to 24.4 percent in 2040, according to the report. To commemorate National Voter Registration, month Tennessee Secretary of State Trey Hargut is encouraging all eligible Tennessee residents to register to vote. More Tennesseans than ever are registered to vote, but we want all eligible citizens to register and participate in the November 5th state and federal general election, said Secretary Hargut. National Voter Registration Day, September 17th, and the deadline to register to be eligible to cast a ballot in the November 5th state and federal general election is 11.59 p.m. on Monday, October 7th. The fastest way to register, update, or check your registration status is through the free Go Vote TN app or online at govotetn.gov. Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at govotetn.gov. Early voting for the November 5th state and federal general election begins October 16th and runs through October 31st. 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. Good McCall 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 war and joint can be painful and frustrating. Leave your joint pain in the past with a joint replacement procedure at Murray Regional Health. Our joint replacement program has been recognized in the top 10 percent 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 murreagional.com/jointreplacement. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. This is how Landers, 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 Landers Insurance Agency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Bringing a new level of excitement to Freedom Friday, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is proud to announce its partnership with Hi-Vee for the Hi-Vee Battle on Broadway. A pit stop competition featuring five of the fastest pit crews from the NTT IndyCar series. The fourth annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Race Week and kicks off with the action packed Freedom Friday on September 13th, a free event where IndyCar and country music stars converge for Nashville's most thrilling street festival. The adrenaline-fueled showdown begins as the Hi-Vee Battle on Broadway features world-class pit crews in their lightning-fast precision and teamwork as they compete to be the quickest crew. The stakes are higher than ever at the Hi-Vee Battle on Broadway with a generous $50,000 payout. Learn more by visiting www.musiccitygp.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. 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.