Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-29-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the W Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Thursday, August 29th, and we start with local news. Shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Spring Hill Fire Department responded to an alarm at the Hampton Inn in the crossings, engine 61 and a battalion 60 were dispatched, while on route dispatch received a 911 call reporting the smell of something electrical burning on the second floor. Chief 60 and 61, Marshall 60 and 62 responded to the scene and battalion 60 added truck 63 to the call. Units operated on site for nearly an hour, thoroughly checking the entire building. Fortunately, nothing was found during the investigation and the alarm was reset. (upbeat music) On Sunday night at 9.04 p.m., Murray County Fire Department was alerted to a person who was experiencing a medical emergency near Stilhouse Hollow Falls. Units responded along with Murray County Sheriff's Department and Murray Regional Emergency Medical Services 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. (soft music) On Friday, August 23rd, a sentencing hearing was held in Murray County Circuit Court following the guilty plea of Clark Daniel to reckless vehicular homicide. Around 4 p.m. on December 12th of 2022, at the intersection of Highway 43 in Williamsport Pike, Reserve Deputy Brad Miller was working security in a construction zone in a marked patrol unit when he was rear-ended by 27-year-old Daniel. Deputy Miller died as a result of his injuries. After hearing testimony from the victim's family, the defendant's family, and a THP accident reconstruction expert, Circuit Judge Russ Park sentenced Daniel to four years probation with numerous conditions, including no alcohol consumption, counseling, and loss of a driver's license for four years. Reckless vehicular homicide is a class C felony, carrying a sentence of three to six years. Assistant District Attorney Ross Burrow prosecuted the case for the state. The crash was investigated by THP critical incident response trooper, Paul Sanders. At its August meeting, the Murray County Commission voted against offering $900,000 to buy melodies 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. Supportive 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. County Mayor Sheila Butt 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 cashplace in front of our $32 million justice building, I'm going to 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 the government spends money on is a result of taxation, said commissioner Kenny Morro summing up their sentiments. So don't get the idea that there's any free money involved in this, he said. Commissioners Morro, Pam Huffman and Kathy Grody transmitted unanimous opposition from their constituents. They also judged the site a bad return on investment. Morro 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 Grody 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 40 to $100,000 per parking space depending on how many spaces the lot could hold. Public commenter Jason Watley retorted 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's 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 moved to bring 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 core 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 steep hill far from the offices that lawyers have rented for decades around the old courthouse. After commissioner and public comments lasted 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 2 to 8 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 Tried 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 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. 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 a taste to taste a variety of Chili recipes from local teams and vote for their favorites. "We love hosting our annual Chili Cook-Off," says Suzanne Ganzer from Kiwanis of Columbia. "We're still accepting teams, so sign up today to secure a spot for your business." Find details on how to register your team or purchase tickets on the Fall Fest event page at ColumbiaMainStreet.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, @MissEnergy. The opening act is Catapult, a high school group from Santa Fe, 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 also 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 up and decorate a mini pumpkin, thanks to the sponsor, Wire Masters. We are 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, Columbia Main Street Manager. 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, she said. For more information about the second annual Fall Fest, including how to participate or volunteer, please visit ColumbiaMainStreet.com or follow ColumbiaMainStreet on social media. ColumbiaMainStreet remains dedicated to enhancing our community by offering opportunities, events like this that bring people together, fostering a stronger sense of pride for our beloved town. Our mission focuses on preserving the historic and cultural identity of downtown Columbia through community engagement, economic revitalization, and promotion of local businesses. Please visit ColumbiaMainStreet.com. Yesterday afternoon, Columbia State Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Southern Regional Technology Center, from Port's Radio's Delt Kennedy attended the ceremony and spoke to Columbia State President Dr. Janet F. Smith to learn all about what the new facility will offer students. - This is Delt Kennedy from Port's Radio. This afternoon, I'm at Columbia State Community Colleges, Columbia Campus. There's been a big deal going on here. A groundbreaking for the new Southern Regional Technology Center, which will be built right here at the Columbia Campus of Columbia State Community College. It's exciting. I'm talking with Dr. Janet Smith, President of Columbia State Community College. Dr. Smith, tell us what this building will house. What will it add to education here in Southern Middle Tennessee? - Well, first half, it provides us facilities that are gonna be state of the art. And so there's some of our existing programs that have the type of facilities they need to teach our students to work in the workplace that exists today. In the health sciences area, we will have a respiratory therapy program, a radiology technology program, a veterinarian technology program, a nursing, the RN nursing program, the ADN program. There will also be an LPN program from Hohenwa. And then there is a med lab program that would be in the health section of it. In the more industrial area, we will have our Macatronics engineering systems technology program, as well as from Pulaski, Ticat Pulaski. There will be HVAC and welding. And then from Ticat Hohenwa, in addition to the LPN program, they will be doing automotive, which will be regular automotive, EV and other technology. So all types of careers that are needed today in our community and that will be needed tomorrow. Describe the impact that you've received for this facility here in Southern Little Tennessee. What's the practical outcome? You've already hit it, but elaborate, please. Well, I think it's going to provide programs that has not existed in this area, particularly the Ticat programs that we're bringing in. They have before they've been at Northville and Northville closed and they went away. It's also going to provide state-of-the-art facilities. You know, life's changing out there. And our students need to be in spaces learning that are consistent with what they're going to work in. Areas that are designed that enhance instruction, as opposed to work around the facility that is there. So I'm excited about the collaboration with the Ticats and what that's going to bring. The opportunity is going to allow students to transition from one college to the other, explore new things. They may come in one way on our side and think they want to do this. See what's happening of the Ticat program? Say, "I want to go there," or vice versa. So I think it just opens so many opportunities for this community, for the students in this community and this region to grow, to develop, and have that career that leads to the livelihood that they so want. That is just absolutely amazing. And it's sort of hard for me to even take in all you've described. It really sounds fantastic. Again, this is Delle Kennedy at the groundbreaking for the new Southern Regional Technology Center, which will be located right here on the Columbia campus, Columbia State Community College. Dr. Smith, once again, congratulations. - Thank you, thank you very much. I do appreciate that. One more thing I need to say is this, we are very appreciative of our Board of Regents, our Chancellor and Facilities and what they've done, but we're really appreciative of our community through the donors in this area that have given to this facility, 'cause we do have to raise a certain amount of money to make it go. So to those donors, to this community, who anyone in it who has had anything to do in conversation or whatever to make this day of reality, they have my heartfelt thanks. We wouldn't be here without them. - Again, Dr. Smith, congratulations on this. And congratulations to all these institutions who have gathered together to make this happen. This is going to be fantastic, the new Southern Regional Technology Center here at Columbia State's Columbia campus. Again, congratulations. - Thank you, thank you. - Thank you. - The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Celebrate Spring Hill 2024, presented by John Mayer 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 p.m. 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. Included with tickets will be craft cocktails, the culinary experience, 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 include John Mayer Builders, the presenting sponsor, worldwide stages, Murray Regional Health, Tristar, Spring Hill ER, Vanderbilt Health, Williamson Health, 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 their website at tinyurl.com/FFUFFHDS. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Vera Ann Rose Allen, 81, a resident of Columbia, died August 28th at her daughter's residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, August 31st at 12 noon at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow @PokeMemorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Friday, August 30th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. 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 all ways, a special remembrance of someone you love. We start by listening to your needs and desires. If you're unsure, we can help gently, professionally. At 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 a mix of clouds and sun today with a stray shower or a thunderstorm possible. The high will be near 100 degrees with light and a variable winds. Tonight, we can expect some clouds that will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. The low will be around 70 degrees. Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll cover state and national news that affect you. You're listening to southern middle Tennessee today. Debbie Matthews grew up and lives in beautiful Coolum, but Tennessee has a realtor. She is well versed in homes, neighborhoods, development and schools. She wants to share her love of her home state with others to help them find just the right place to raise a family, open a business or develop a dream. From luxury listings to land, she can handle it all. She is the current leading producer, Nashville Realty Group contact Debbie Matthews Realtor at 615-476-3224. That's 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 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 triadcock 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 agriculture and construction equipment needs. We carry a full line of new haul and tractor from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely morn equipment. We also have new hauling construction equipment, attachments and accessories for your tractors and a complete parts department. We are locally owned and operated. Come see us at 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard or learn about us on Facebook. Our contact is at 931-490-8183. - 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. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 and WK are at 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. The parents of an Independence High School student are suing the Williamson County School Board and district attorney Stacey Edmondson after they say their child was unfairly expelled and punished under a district-wide zero tolerance policy. The case is the latest filing against the board regarding the zero tolerance policy passed in 2023 as a result of a covenant school shooting in Nashville. A second case filed May 21st in the US District Court's Middle Tennessee District at Nashville involves two middle Tennessee students and is also pending. The Williamson County School Board declined to comment for this story citing the pending litigation. Attempts to reach Edmondson for comment on the story were not successful either. The newest lawsuit filed August 16th by Julie and Scott Warner in the same US District Court at Nashville. Claims the couple's son was criminally prosecuted by Edmondson's office and was quote, "humeliated before his peers deprived of access "to his classes in curriculum "and made to suffer other indignities." After he was expelled for allegedly doing a Hitler salute and making a comment about North Korea in a class on September 11th. Under Williamson County School's zero tolerance policy any student found to have made threats including speech that a reasonable person could conclude would lead to a serious bodily injury or death for two or more people should be expelled for a year. But no evidence has been presented to date showing that the boy actually made the salute or the comment, the 22 page suit said, noting that Independence High School principal Nikki Patton is said to have shouted, "I don't care, I want him arrested," unquote, in response to the lack of proof. The boy was subsequently arrested, strip searched, taken to a juvenile detention center and placed in solitary confinement, the suit said. It also adds that the use of the word threat is not defined in state law. And as a result, the lack of an intent element leaves a child who utters anything that could be even remotely construed as a quote, threat, vulnerable to criminal prosecution and other dire consequences. That argument is advanced further in the joint lawsuit filed on behalf of the middle schoolers in May. It claims both students were questioned and punished under the zero tolerance policy. In the first incident, a 14 year old student at Page Middle School was accused on August 10th of 2023 by another student of making threats about having a gun in his backpack, shooting up the school and having a bomb at home, the suit said. The student was placed on a 24 hour solitary confinement hold and was required to strip down and change into jail clothes while an adult male face guard was facing away. The suit said, also noting that the boy was incarcerated for four days and later placed under house arrest in his parents' custody. After appealing the punishment to the school board, Williamson County Superintendent Jason Golden concluded that the boy would be allowed to return to class, although he created a rumor of a threat of a weapon at school. The second incident outlined in the joint suit makes no mention of a resolution. It occurred on August 22nd, 2023 at Fairview Middle School. School officials determined that a 13 year old student's text message was a threat of mass violence, the suit said. In a text thread shared with the court, the student was talking about plans for the week and responded at one point, "On Thursday, we kill all the Mexico's," the suit reads. The girl was taken to the Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center where she was forced to undergo a strip surge. She was also allegedly questioned by staff who asked, quote, "If she had ever had sex, an abortion or suicidal thoughts," the suit read. The joint suit is seeking $300,000 in damages for both students and for the zero tolerance policy to be declared unconstitutional. The Warner lawsuit is also seeking $300,000 in damages along with the same policy designation. 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 an 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. The nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center announces its highly anticipated 2024/2025 international dance series, a captivating exploration of global dance traditions and innovations featuring four world-renowned dance companies. From the bold innovations of modern dance of the Martha Graham Dance Company and Paul Taylor Dance Company to the vibrant cultural expressions of ballet, folklorico de Mexico and the timeless elegance of classical ballet from the Joffrey Ballet, this season offers a diverse and broad spectrum of movement through the world of dance. Each performance promises to be a unique celebration of rhythm, storytelling, and artistic excellence. Series ticket packages are on sale now. You can get them by visiting www.tpac.org. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on 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. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (lively music)