Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-30-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news of broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. This is our special Labor Day weekend edition, but we still start, as always, with local news. On Sunday night at 9.04 PM, Murray County Fire Department was alerted to a person who is experiencing a medical emergency near Still House Hollow Falls. Units responded along with Murray County Sheriff's Department and Murray Regional Emergency Medical Services and paramedics. Murray County Fire Department arrived on the scene with a litter wheel and stokes basket and descended down to the patient. Units extracted the patient without incident. 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 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, said Columbia Mayor Chas Mulder on 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 wrote. I'm proud the city of Columbia could be a partner in this venture among many partners, and we stand by the college, the state's first community college today and all days ahead, he concluded. 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 Community College of Applied Technology or TCAT campuses at Hoennwald in 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 internship, apprenticeship 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. On August 28th, Marie Regional Health was presented the Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy for 2024. Created in 2001, the TBR Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy recognizes an organization's generous giving, volunteer efforts, ethical leadership and philanthropy, civic responsibility and a demonstrable commitment to students and community. Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Hoenwald, nominated Marie Regional Health for the award for their generous donation of $25,000 to assist with the establishment of a licensed practical nurse or LPN program in Columbia. While this program is certainly beneficial to Marie Regional and those we serve by training tomorrow's healthcare team, it also aligns with our corporate values, one of which is equity. We define equity by ensuring that everybody, our patients, our employees and our community, has full opportunity to achieve their potential, whether that be with their health or a calling to a career in healthcare. Shared Marie Regional Health CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney. Marie Regional Medical Center is tremendously honored to receive this award, he said. Presented by TBR Chancellor Flora Tydings, this award honors the exceptional support provided by Marie Regional Health in partnership with Tcat Hoenwald. The LPN program has already seen remarkable success with the first cohort graduating in August of 2024 and a new cohort of 15 plus students starting September of 2024. This partnership has been instrumental in addressing critical healthcare workforce needs in the region. "We are excited to present this award to Marie Regional Medical Center who has provided many years of giving and support to our colleges," said Chancellor Tydings. Our partnership often involves our students' training directly alongside Marie Regional employees, which provides an invaluable hands-on learning experience. "We cannot do what we do without their support," she said. The college system of Tennessee, governed by the TBR, comprises the state's 13 public community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology, and the online Tennessee Ecampus, serving more than 170,000 students last year through four-credit academic, career, and technical education programs, and workforce training programs in partnership with Tennessee Business and Industry. TBR provides high-quality accessible education that prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning, while also driving economic and workforce development throughout Tennessee. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Hohenwald, is a premier institution focused on providing accessible workforce development and technical education classes, including healthcare, career training, and the areas of certified nursing assistant, EKG Technician, emergency medical technology, phlebotomy, practical nursing, and surgical technology. TCAT gives students the opportunity to acquire marketable skills for entry or promotion in the labor market. At its August 19th meeting, the Murray County Commission voted against offering $900,000 to buy Melody's bookstore near the newly constructed courthouse on South Main Street in Columbia. Two commissioners introduced a resolution to buy the property, possibly to build a needed parking lot and to tear down the bookstore because it's out of character with the courthouse. The purchase would have been funded by interest on federal American Rescue Plan money, which wouldn't burden the Murray County tax base. Support of commissioners and public commenters also raised the possibility that an unsavory, high revenue business like a vape shop or bail bondsman could take over the old bookstore, undermining the dignity and visual appeal of the courthouse. Murray County Mayor Sheila Buck, compared to buying it to her and her husband's decision, to buy five acres next to the 15 they already owned, to prevent bad neighbors from moving in next door. "If my grandchildren and I drive by this building "and there's a vape shop or a cigar shop "or a cash place in front of our $32 million justice building, "I'm gonna be ashamed," she said, "that this county commission did not have the foresight "to say, this is what needs to be here." Most who spoke against the purchase were motivated by fiscal responsibility. "Everything that government spends money on "is a result of taxation," said Commissioner Kenny Moro, summing up their sentiments. "So don't get the idea that there's any free money "involved in this," he said. Commissioners Moro, Pam Huffman and Kathy Grodai, transmitted unanimous opposition from their constituents. They also judged the side a bad return on investment. Moro said he didn't see how two-fifths of an acre in Murray County could be worth $900,000. Public commenters, Karen Parkhurst and Dave Grodai, did the math and found that if a one-level parking lot cost a further $1.4 million to build, the city would be spending between $40,000 and $100,000 per parking space. Depending on how many spaces the lot could hold. Public commenter Jason Watley reported that earlier commissions had thought nothing of larger unwise purchases like the old daily Herald building. Commissioners Scott Sumner's and Jerry Bridenbaugh also replied that at 4,000 square feet, the bookstore was comparable in price to nearby real estate. Sumner said all but one of his constituents came to support the purchase when he explained the reasons and the funding to them. Commissioner Gabe Howard reminded the commission that the resolution had been debated for eight or nine months. Was not recommended by its committee and would have died there if two commissioners hadn't brought it to a vote. He also took the opportunity to argue that Murray County development has a systemic problem, much bigger than a bookstore. We need to approach it from the strong towns method. Our court needs to be strong. He concluded that courthouse should have been in the back parking lot behind the square, he said. The new courthouse is a few blocks from the square down a hill far from the offices that lawyers have rented for decades around the old courthouse. After commissioners and public comments lasting more than an hour, the resolution was brought to a vote and failed to pass with only eight votes in favor. It would have needed a two thirds majority since it had failed in committee. An amendment lowering the offer to $650,000 failed when Commissioner Kevin Markham told the commission on what he called good authority that somebody had just offered the owner $800,000. 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 two to eight p.m. 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 Green's 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 artists and 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. This year's festivities feature the highly anticipated annual chili cook off by Kiwanis of Columbia. This ticketed experience supports Kiwanis' local initiatives. Attendees who purchase a ticket will get it to taste a variety of chili recipes from local teams and vote for their favorites. We love hosting our annual chili cook off, said Suzanne Ganzer from Kiwanis of Columbia. We're still accepting teams, so sign up today to secure a spot for your business. You can find details on how to register your team or purchase tickets on the fall fest event page at www.columbiammainstreet.com. Kiwanis of Columbia will also host a fun zone featuring free face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, inflatables, a dunk tank, axe throwing and refreshing snow cones. Live entertainment will light up the fall fest stage with performances from talented local artists throughout the day, thanks to sponsor Atmos Energy. The opening act is catapult, a high school group from Sanofi who will kick things off with hit classics from the early 2000s. The middle band will be The Exotics who will bring a mix of hits from the '60s and '70s. And the headliner is DeAndre and 46 story who will wrap up the day with a high energy dance set featuring both current and classic R&B songs. Bring a 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. Back by popular demand is the Miss Murray County fall fest pageant by Brits. Early registration is encouraged and can be found by visiting ColumbiaMainStreet.com. Attention local businesses, you're invited to join the best pumpkin contest at fall fest. Show off your creativity by entering a handcrafted pumpkin by your business. Attendees will vote for their favorite designs and prizes will be awarded to the top entries. Plus, kids can enjoy a painting station where they can pick and decorate a mini pumpkin thanks to sponsor Wire Masters. 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 Kelly Johnson. We're 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, she said. For more information about the second annual fall fest, including how to participate or volunteer, please visit www.columbiamainstreet.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 the invaluable contributions of the Spring Hill Chamber. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on September 14th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at worldwide stages located in 5,000 Northfield Lane Door 100 in Spring Hill. Proceeds will benefit the Chamber of Commerce. Included with tickets will be craft cocktails, a culinary experience, a whiskey tasting, dueling piano show, gaming tables and valet parking. A tire is elegant or cocktail chic. There will be valet parking at Door 100. Sponsors to the event include the presenting sponsor, John Mayor Builders, the celebration partner worldwide stages, Murray Regional Health, TriStar Spring Hill ER, Vanderbilt Health and Williamson Health, Listerhill Credit Union and many more. 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. Reserve your spot today by visiting tinyurl.com/ffuffhds. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Ochsynical's Funeral Home. Vera Ann Rose Allen, 81, resident of Columbia, died August 28th at her daughter's residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, August 31st at 12 noon at Ochsynical's Funeral Home. Barry will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Friday, August 30th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ochsynical's Funeral Home. hometown memorials is sponsored by Ochsynical's 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 Ochsynical's, 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 Ochsynical's 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 and passage are very important. But we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. At Ochsynical's, 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. Ochsynical's 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 sun and clouds today with a stray shower or a thunderstorm possible. The high will be 96 degrees with light and variable winds. Tonight, we can expect a few passing clouds. The low will be 70 degrees. For your holiday weekend, we will see slightly cooling temperatures with daytime highs in the low 90s and overnight lows in the mid 60s. There's a 60% chance of rain on Saturday and a 70% chance on Sunday. Labor Day, we'll see 90 with partly cloudy skies. 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) Keep listening 101.7 103.7, WKOM, WKRM, can be owner, operator, great to have you with us. This is Debbie Matthews with the National Royal Tea 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 Royal Tea 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. We're 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 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. - You're not just a homeowner. You're also a bug in the basement with a frightening number of legs owner. Fortunately, you've got heating and cooling built and tested to keep going. American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning built to a higher standard. - Call Davis Heating and Cooling at 931-388-2090 for all your home comfort needs. - Davis Heating and Cooling is your local independent American Standard dealer and proudly serves the Murray County area. Find Davis Heating and Cooling online and on Facebook for call today, 388-2090. - 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 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. - You're listening to your local radio. (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 now news from around the state. The Tennessee Department of Health is launching a significant maternal health campaign devoted to stillbirth prevention to provide expecting mothers and their families with education, information and tools they can use to monitor their health, especially in the third trimester of pregnancies. "We are working to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across Tennessee," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Ralph Alvarado. "Stillbirths have a profound impact on families and preventing these tragedies is a top priority. We are committed to providing expectant mothers and their families with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their pregnancies and support healthy or outcomes," he said. "Among the common signs and symptoms, expectant mothers may experience indicating a potential problem with a pregnancy, cramping, abdominal pain, fever or spotting. The Tennessee Department of Health campaign will focus on how a change in the timing of a baby's normal movement is often the first or only indication to parents there could be an issue with the pregnancy. Tennessee Department of Health will launch the childbirth prevention campaign in September, encouraging expecting parents to download and use Count the Kicks, a free mobile app with online digital education materials and printable paper charts also available. The Count the Kicks app will help expecting parents monitor and track their baby's movements once a day from the start of the third trimester or 28 weeks of their pregnancies. Changes in the time it normally takes for their baby to get to 10 movements could indicate potential problems and mean expecting parents should contact their healthcare provider right away. The Count the Kicks app will be available in 21 languages and will make printed education materials available to maternal health providers, social service agencies and childbirth educators in English and Spanish. Tennessee Department of Health will host a Count the Kicks webinar at 1030 AM Central on Tuesday, September 17th for healthcare providers and others to learn more about the importance of fetal movement monitoring and how to use the Count the Kicks app and materials effectively. Stillbirths are the loss of a baby at or after the 20th week of pregnancy. In 2021, there were over 541 stillbirths in Tennessee. Approximately 32% of stillbirths occurred from 28 to 37 weeks gestation and 16% occurred and more than 37 weeks gestation. It is estimated that one quarter of stillbirths are preventable. 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 Osborn Tyre company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Good Macaula, 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 Osborn.com. That's Turner and Osborn.com. Don't let pain keep you out of the game. Murray Regional Physical Therapies experience team of therapists can help you recover from surgery, injury or illness by designing a plan that meets your unique needs. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to help you get back to doing the things you love. Schedule a consultation at any of our convenient Southern Middle Tennessee locations by calling 931-380-4014. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. This is Howe 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 if I want for North Garden Street, Columbia, call us at 931-380-2003. Our website is Landers Insurance Agency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Hate the order of hope, promise, tomorrow. For years, the Tennessee Lottery has written some pretty big checks, but it turns out that our biggest winner continues to be education. In fact, we've raised more than seven and a half billion dollars and provided more than two million scholarships and grants for Tennessee students. Learn more about how Lottery Dollars are making a difference at tnlottery.com. It's game-changing, life-changing fun. Bucks, cash, bread, coin, doe, bank, loot, shutter, whatever you call it, the cash-instant games from the Tennessee Lottery have lots of it. Four great games absolutely loaded to the brim with top rises from $50 to $1,000. Now that's a whole lot of cabbage, mula, cheese, tenero, Benjamin's, well, you get the idea. Only from the Tennessee Lottery, game-changing fun. Please play responsibly. (upbeat music) - This is Elle Kennedy from Port radio. Today I'm at Foodland in beautiful downtown Coolum, Tennessee. I'm speaking with Bobby Howell, your hometown grocer. Bobby is gonna give us a sampling of the specials in this week's Foodland Circular. Bobby, what's happening at Foodland this week? - We got whole rib eyes, $6.99 a pound. Family pack of rib eye steak, $7.99 a pound. Seageless watermelons, $4.99 each. Two years of corn for 88 cents. Niagara drinking water, 3 for 10, 24 pack. Fago drinks, 12 pack, 3 for 10. Milo T, 3 for 10 for gallons. Whole tenderloin fillets, $14.99 a pound. Tenderloin steaks, $15.99 a pound. And slicing tomatoes, $1.99 a pound. - And that's just a sampling of the specials here at Foodland in this circular this week. And folks, don't forget, guys who grill, they come here to Foodland, the best meat department in the county. Bobby Hall, have a great week here at Foodland. - Thank you, and God bless. - Here we go. (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today, and now our final story. This Labor Day Blood Assurance is asking potential blood donors to assist in an effort to address critical supply shortages and low donation numbers. Not only with the act of donating blood and/or platelets assist in historical blood shortages during the holiday weekend, but donors will also receive a special prize for doing so. Earlier this week, Blood Assurance denounced, it would offer $20 gift cards to all donors who participate between Monday, August 26th through Sunday, September 1st. Anyone who donates on Wednesday, September 11th will receive a commemorative 9/11 memorial shirt. We understand that many people are busy with holiday plans during Labor Day, but the need for blood never takes a break. Said Gary Allison, Senior Vice President of Operations for Blood Assurance. By offering $20 gift cards to all donors, we hope to incentivize more people to take a moment to donate and help save lives, he said. Blood Assurance's Columbia location is at 1412 Trotwood Avenue inside the Neely's Mill Shopping Center. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit www.bloodassurance.com/schedule. (upbeat music) That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOM, WKRM 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 Labor Day weekend. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)