Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-3-24
(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 Tuesday, September 3rd, and we start with local news. The city of Columbia has announced the launch of EyeCount 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. EyeCount Week kicked off with a community event on 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 September 6th. City officials want to ensure the public that all information provided to the Census Bureau is kept strictly confidential and is used solely for statistical purposes. Acura 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 stronger, more resilient community. By responding online during EyeCount Week, you can avoid an in-person visit from the 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 EyeCount 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. Be counted for Columbia's future. Murray Regional Medical Center has received the American College of Cardiology's NCDR chest pain MI Registry Gold Performance Achievement Award for 2024. Murray Regional Medical Center is one of only 61 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin during arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling, and cardiac rehabilitation, among others. We are extremely proud to receive this award from the American College of Cardiology. This recognition highlights the exceptional care and dedication to our cardiology team in delivering life-saving treatment to our patients, said Murray Regional Medical Center CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney. This reflects our ongoing efforts to remain focused on advancing health for our community, resulting in the best outcomes, he said. Chest pain MI Registry empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients, according to the most current science-based guidelines, and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety, and outcomes of care, provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients. The award recognizes Murray Regional Medical Center's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients, and signifies that Murray Regional Medical Center has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care, as outlined by the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, Clinical Guidelines, and Recommendations. To receive the Chest Pain MI Registry Gold Performance Achievement Award, Murray Regional Medical Center has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain MI Registry for two consecutive years, and performed at the top level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process, using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations, and overall quality for care provided to heart attack patients. It is an honor to award Murray Regional Medical Center with the Gold Performance Award for their valuable national leadership and dedication to meeting comprehensive performance measures and patient care, said Dr. Michael C. Cantos, Chair of the NCDR Chest Pain MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, and cardiologists at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. The receipt of this award indicates that Murray Regional Medical Center remains committed to providing top quality guideline-driven care for heart attack patients. Their success ensures patients are receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care, he said. To learn more about heart services at Murray Regional Medical Center, please visit www.muryregional.com/heart. Columbia State Community College took the next major step in constructing its new Southern Regional Technology Center, a project aimed to become a cornerstone for the region's future economic growth and workforce development. The approximately $50 million SRTC project was celebrated last Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony, which in addition to Columbia State staff was attended by several Columbia and Murray County leaders. Today, we had the chance to shovel dirt for the beginning of a building that will help educate and train the workforce of the future. Columbia Mayor Chaz Mulder posted to social media Wednesday afternoon. "There's a lot of things I love about this building "and its potential for the college, "our community and our region," he said. "I'm proud the city of Columbia "could be a partner in this venture. "Among many partners, we stand by the college, "the state's first community college today "and all days ahead," he said. In September of 2022, Columbia approved a $100,000 appropriation for the new facility, while also committing to an annual $25,000 allotment over the next four years. The SRTC project was made possible through partnerships between Columbia State and Tennessee College of Applied Technology, or TCAP, campuses at Hohenwald and Pulaski. The SRTC is also the college's first building to be approved in more than 20 years. Previously described by Columbia State President Dr. Janet F. Smith as a state-of-the-art facility, the building will serve as a center point in providing the latest training in industry and healthcare fields with an emphasis on business partnerships, offering student internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities. The 99,000 square foot building estimated at $50 million will house programs that will provide graduating students an associate degree of applied science and technical certifications and advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, CNC machining training, industrial maintenance, fire science, EMS, nursing, radiology, medical lab technology, engineering systems technology, respiration care technology, health informatics, and veterinary technology. Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a regional hub for both citizens and employers, offering the latest industry and healthcare training. The SRTC will emphasize partnerships through internships, apprenticeships, program development, and job placement. Educational offerings include diplomas, technical certificates, and associate of applied science degrees. Marker 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 in the October Fest festivities and support a fantastic local cause. Room in the Inn is a nonprofit 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 bedrooms 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 tastings, 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. You can learn more by visiting 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 in 1320 Trawood 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 serve 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, L-I-H-E-A-P or Proof of Residency in Public Housing are eligible for USDA commodities. Columbia Main Street is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Second Annual Fall Fest, scheduled to take place on September 28th from 2 PM until 8 PM in downtown Columbia. This event presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia promises a day filled with family friendly activities in the heart of downtown. This community festival includes free admission to listen to live entertainment, enjoy a fun zone for all ages, pose in front of Tri-Greens tractor photo booth, watch the Miss Murray County Fall Fest pageant and paint a mini pumpkin. Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan craft vendors eating from delicious food trucks, purchasing a ticket for the Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Murray County Fall Fest pageant. Bring the lawn chair and your dancing shoes because you're going to be singing along and having a great time with each of the bands, says Kelly Johnson, Columbia Main Street Manager. We're excited to expand Fall Fest this year by closing down the entire square, providing ample space for attendees to fully immerse themselves in the festivities while exploring all that downtown Columbia has to offer, said Johnson. "We are privileged to partner with so many local businesses "and organizations that work hard to produce amazing products, "excellent food and great customer experiences "that help transform events like this "that create memorable moments for those in attendance. "We hope that you enjoy the craft vendors, "food trucks, the bands, and all the activities for every age." For more information about the second annual Fall Fest, including how to participate or volunteer, please visit columbiammainstreet.com or follow Columbia Main Street on social media. The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Celebrate Spring Hill 2024 presented by John Mayor Builders. This longest standing annual event celebrates the community spirit and invaluable contributions of the Spring Hill Chamber. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on September 14th from 6 to 10 p.m. at worldwide stages located at 5,000 Northfield Lane Door 100 in Spring Hill. Proceeds will benefit the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets will, I'm included with the tickets, will be craft cocktails, a culinary experience, whiskey tasting, dueling piano show, gaming tables, and valet parking. A tire for the evening is elegant or cocktail chic. There will be valet parking at Door 100. Sponsors for the event include the presenting sponsor John Mayor Builders, the celebration partner worldwide stages, Gold Sponsors Murray Regional Health, TriStar Spring Hill ER, Vanderbilt Health and Williamson Health. Silver Sponsors are Lister Hill Credit Union and bronze sponsors include Company Distilling, Premier Design Build, Parkway One in Spirits, and others. Celebrate Spring Hill is a highly anticipated annual benefit for the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce. This year's event promises a night of community, celebration, and impact by showcasing timeless community assets and celebrating the Chamber's work and mission. Tickets are available now through September 1st, I'm sorry, through this week reserve your spot today by visiting tinyurl.com/FFUFFHDS. Columbia Academy will host an event detailing the history and architecture of the Columbia Arsenal and details found from the recently discovered blueprints housed at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland. The presentation will consist of a panel, including architect Justin Lowe of Centric Architecture, Columbia Academy President Dr. James A. Thomas, and me, County Archivist Tom Price. Built in 1890 by the United States Government, the 67-acre campus was an active military installation known as the Columbia Arsenal and originally consisted of 10 buildings, six of which remain today. The Arsenal closed shortly after the Spanish American War in 1901 and transitioned into Columbia Military Academy in 1904. In 1979, the Academy was turned over to a board from local churches of Christ as they established Columbia Academy and now pre-K through 12th grade private Christian school. The lecture will take place in the Polk Hall Auditorium on the upper school on Thursday, September 5th from 7 to 8 30 p.m. This free event is open to the public and no tickets are necessary for admittance. The Murray County Clerk's Office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 30 p.m. at the Murray County Senior Center located at 1020 Murray County Park Drive. Please drive around the back of the building and look for the card tag renewal sign near the back door. Forms of payment include credit or debit, card or check, no cash will be collected at that site. Any Murray County resident can use the office. All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 public square. Also, you can renew online at tncountyclirk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hills City Hall or Mount Pleasant Courthouse. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Helen Morgan Brunson, 95, the 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, she 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 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 10 30 a.m. until 12 noon in the parish hall at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Home Town Memorial 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 rites 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 cloudy skies today with occasional showers in the afternoon. The high will be 86 degrees with light and variable winds. The chance of rain? 40%. Tonight, we can expect mostly cloudy skies and a low of 64. 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. Debbie Matthews-Rilter and her husband Jason, who is a pro songwriter, also own a music publishing company. They live in historic downtown Columbia with their dogs. Dog rescue work is their passion project. They consider Middle Tennessee their backyard and their lives are full of all things Tennessee. Debbie says there is no greater honor than to help someone find a home. To be trusted with that job, there is no greater privilege to call Debbie at the Nashville Realty Group 615-476-3224 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, see 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 the 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-Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. This is Trey Hancock 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. 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 Holland tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely mowing equipment. We also have New Holland construction equipment, attachments, and accessories for your tractors in 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. This is Bob Kesseling 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 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. 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 Moran the State. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is issuing new driver's licenses and ID cards with the fresh design and improved security features along with new self-service kiosks, which can reduce wait times at driver service centers. The new credentials and kiosks will expand to all driver service centers over the next few months. The new driver's licenses and ID cards prominently feature a stylized version of Tennessee's historic state capital and state flag with its iconic three stars representing the state's three grand divisions. The new design features waves and patterns printed in very fine lines that are not able to be scanned or easily reproduced. The new credentials are made with a sturdy polycarbonate composition incorporate cutting edge security and printing techniques. This includes elaborate overlapping of data and graphics and laser engraved elements that will show if the document has been altered or is fraudulent. A machine readable barcode with applicable class, endorsements, and restrictions are printed on the back of the card. A mini ghost image repeated from the photograph is encoded elements for automated validation to help reduce identity theft. The new Tennessee driver's licenses incorporate the latest technology, which makes them more difficult to counterfeit, alter, or duplicate, said Tennessee Office of Homeland Security Commissioner, Jeff Long. "These countermeasures help prevent theft and fraud and help keep your identity safe," he said. "There's no need for citizens to obtain a new driver's license or ID with a new design before their existing license or ID expires. Driver licenses and ID cards with the old design will be in use alongside the new cards. Previously issued driver's licenses are valid until the expiration date listed on the card. Individuals do not need to replace their current driver's license or ID card unless their current credential has reached its expiration or a required change is needed, such as a name or address change." The new design will apply to all credentials issued by the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, including regular driver's licenses, teen graduated driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle license, license, ID only license, real IDs, and handgun carry permits. "We're excited about the added flexibility and convenience the new self-service kiosk will provide for Tennesseans," said Long. "Citizens can complete many driver's services transactions at one of these new kiosks, which will help reduce wait times at driver's services centers," he said. Tennessee can use the self-service kiosk to complete many driver's service transactions, including renewing or replacing a duplicate driver license or ID card, changing an address, updating emergency contact information, advancing a teen graduated driver's license, paying reinstatement fees, and much more. For more information on Tennessee driver's services, including the new self-service kiosks and driver licenses, and ID cards, visit tn.gov/safety. 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 and Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.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% 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 MurrayRegional.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 Landers Insurance Agency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. Grammy award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, producer, and government meal frontman Warren Haines will release his new solo album "Million Voices Whisper" this fall. Due out on November 1st, Haines produced "Million Voices Whisper" and marks the first solo album in almost a decade and the fourth solo collection in Warren's esteemed career catalog. In support, his Warren Haines band will hit the road on a 16-day fall headlining tour that stops locally in Nashville on Saturday, October 5th at the Rhymen Auditorium. Tickets and various VIP packages are on sale now at www.warranhaines.net. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOM, WKRM 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. [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] (upbeat music)