Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 8-28-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. You are hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Wednesday, August 28th, and we start with news. 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 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 Parks sentenced Daniel to four years probation with numerous conditions, including no alcohol consumption, counseling, and loss of 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 Boudreau prosecuted the case for the state. The crash was investigated by THP critical incident response trooper Paul Sanders. Two juveniles, a 17-year-old with a Spring Hill address and a 15-year-old with a Shelbyville address, have been charged with vehicle burglary in Murray County Juvenile Court in connection with several vehicle burglaries that occurred early Saturday morning, August 24th. On Saturday morning, officers received reports of vehicle burglaries in the Port Royal Road Commonwealth Drive area of Spring Hill. Officers located possible suspects and gave chase on foot. Police also used a drone to help locate the suspects. A ski mask and a handgun were recovered in a field near Commonwealth Drive where the suspects were seen running. If you have information regarding this crime or the other vehicle burglaries that occurred early Saturday morning, you may submit an anonymous tip at www.springhilltn.org. Spring Hill is looking for a new city administrator following the retirement announcement of current city administrator Pam Casky earlier this month. With the Board of Mayor and Alderman's approval, I will continue in my current role until a new administrator is appointed. Casky said, in part during the August Spring Hill Board of Commissioners meeting, this will allow me to complete the work I began three and a half years ago and give me the chance to hand off significant projects with some history to the new administrator, she said. On Monday, the Board of Mayor and Alderman unanimously approved both a $59,530 retirement payment for Casky and the beginning of the search for a new city administrator. At its August 20th meeting, which was held at Santa Fe Unit School, the Murray County School Board watched superintendent Lisa Ventura present the district's TCAP scores for the 2023-2024 school year. The scores covered all the schools in Murray County from grades three through 10. The meeting was held at Santa Fe to allow board members to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the school's new auxiliary gymnasium. The entire school district tended to show proficiency ranging from 25 to 50% in any given subject and each grade across schools typically improved by half a percent to 4% over the previous year's class with a few decreases. The best schools consistently had 45 to 65% of students showing subject proficiency. The schools which ranked at the top of their grade levels most consistently were Spring Hill High and Middle Schools, Marvin Wright Elementary and the Unit Schools. The lowest achieving schools lingered between five to 15% proficient with the schools that turned in the greatest number of these lowest in category scores being Riverside Elementary and EA Cox School, Middle School. Ventura prompted the Board to consider the growth scores, the progress of a single class from year to year. Remember that every percentage point that UC represents almost 1,000 children, she said, without clarifying the sample size. So it may look like a 3.4% increase when you're talking about grades three through eight scores, but that's 3,000 kids doing better, she explained. I'll take 42.7% proficient in English in 2024 compared to 42.5 we had last year, she said. Board member Wayne Lindsey agreed that these scores looked more promising. "When you compare the current and previous year's scores columns, that's what it tells me, that we are moving kids in the right direction," he said. "We might not be at the finish line, but we're moving there," he said. The superintendent attributed the general trend of slight county-wide improvement to an organized push for better instruction. "I have to say in defense of all the teachers and all the school leadership, that we do have a laser focus on instruction right now," she declared. "I have a great team in front of me, I have a great team behind me," she said. "The district's new elementary school phonics program has been showing successes since it was instituted last year. The phonics program does my heart good," Venture stated. A number of elementary teachers that spoke to me are so excited that they get to keep the phonics program. If you ever have a chance to visit our elementary schools, please ask to see the literacy block. "You'll see kids sounding out words, tapping out syllables and singing fun songs," she said. The superintendent acknowledged that the highest, lowest and typical scores are objectively disappointing. "The hard, heavy lifting is going to be there for a long time," she admitted. "We are turning an aircraft carrier around. 26 buildings and 13,000 kids is a daunting task, one that I cherish and enjoy. Moving a percentage point is a big deal," she said. EA Cox, though rated as a school in crisis, is receiving great human and material resources, thanks to a school improvement grant that has brought in coaches to train both students and teachers. The main struggle is to find and keep certified middle school teachers. The school has trouble with teacher retention, even after two better years, owing to frequent leadership changes, a notorious student culture, and the availability of preferable teaching posts in school districts to the north and west. The district is considering giving longevity or signing bonuses for teachers there. Part of the problem comes from the number of uncertified teachers in its population. Cox has the highest proportion of them, followed by Whit Thorne Middle School and Columbia Central High, two other schools with low proficiency rates. But at Cox, the school improvement grant coaches are instructing new teachers in education and classroom management, and the grant has sponsored material improvements. There is a lot going into EA Cox, as far as instructional materials and supplies, Ventura said. "If you've not been to EA Cox in a while, "you need to see the library. "They have all new furniture, all new books, "all new bookshelves," she said. Vice Chairman Jackson Carter asked what it would take to reduce class sizes. Murray County classrooms are much fuller than those of other counties in the mostly rural South Central District. Most have 21 to 25 students. While those in Giles or Lawrence or Lewis County, average 16 to 20. As of day 10 of the new school year, Woodard, Battle Creek, and Baker Elementary schools are overcrowded. RTI is being taught in halls. Elective teachers are pushing cards from class to class, and core subjects are being taught in trailers. Some students will withdraw or transfer to other schools, venture, as said. But others have just started coming to class because their families didn't know school started so early. Board member Wayne Lindsay wished that the County Commission had voted to fund the proposed new elementary school. Not much school revenue is coming in given the time of year from property taxes or sales taxes. The district faces a budget deficit of $11 million this year according to County Finance Director Doug Luconin, but expects to ease the shortfall with a fund surplus totaling $7.7 million. The Murray County Fair is set to kick off a fun-filled Labor Day weekend of rides, events, and more at Murray County Park. This year's fair events are scheduled to run from Thursday through Monday. Traditionally, the Murray County Fair arrives as the summer comes to an end with the event growing more popular each year. Whether it is attending nightly main events, loading up on carnival food or riding the rides and playing games for prizes, the fair provides a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Several Murray County Fair staples will be returning this year, starting with Thursday's rodeo main event. Other events will include the fairest of the fair, a tractor pull, beef and goat shows, as well as motocross on Saturday night. Senior citizens ages 55 and older can also receive free admission, not including rides on Friday during senior day. The 2024 fair will also bring back my day from 9.30 a.m. to noon on Friday, providing free access to rides and a lunch to the community's special needs, children, adults and students. Last year's my day set a new record with nearly 1,000 in attendance. For more information about the Murray County Fair, visit www.mericountyfair.com. For the past eight years, Reverend Jeff Kane of Westminster Presbyterian Church and Room in the Inn Ministry have worked tirelessly to provide shelter, food and a future for those in need. And while his Room in the Inn Ministry has remained steadfast throughout the years, it has constantly faced the challenge of providing enough for its clients, especially what is needed most, emergency housing. With some setbacks and much prayer, the ultimate goal from the beginning was for Room in the Inn to open its own temporary shelter, which is in the home stretch of becoming a reality. Though the home is a well accomplished feat, Kane says there are more out there to serve. I get at least two calls a day, plus emails from people needing emergency housing, Reverend Kane said. I could fill one of these 10 times over. It has been the highlight of my 38 year career to be able to provide a place like Grace House. According to Kane, whose ministry previously provided payment for hotel rooms at Columbia Inn, he said the ministry served up to 280 families and individuals a year in Murray County, looking for shelter. Through Grace House, we believe we can better serve the whole family by helping them gain permanent housing and employment to create a better life in the long term in a safe, supportive space of love and acceptance, he said. To celebrate, as well as raise funds to cover remaining costs, Room in the Inn is partnering with Southern Roots Radio and The Mule House for an evening of music, celebration and fellowship, benefiting Grace House currently under construction that will eventually house four families. Swanky Southern Knights is an upcoming concert event at The Mule House, which will benefit Room in the Inn's new Grace House shelter in Columbia. The show begins with a 5.30 p.m. cocktail hour at The Mule House Lounge, featuring music from jazz duo A Tale of Two with Stephanie Adlington and guitarist Aaron Lazard. Show time on the main stage will start promptly at 7 p.m. hosted by Southern Roots Radio co-founders, Mackie Kaler, Brenda Lynn Allen and Jack Plant. We hope to get more people and more visibility for what they're doing over at Room in the Inn. I'm always impressed with people who really put their hands and feet with their words, and these folks are out there doing some really good things, Kaler said. It's going to be a great presentation. It's going to be like a nuevo twist on the Golden Age of Radio with a live radio vibe to it and a lot of energy. It's going to be good, and we are looking forward to be presenting this, especially here at home, he said. This is also the first major event at The Mule House since coming under new ownership. The evening's featured guest will be Marty Raybon, lead singer of the group Shenandoah, who will perform an acoustic set along with many other special guests, singers, and speakers sprinkled in throughout the night. Kaler will also perform with his Swanky South Players Band, which will include a performance of his recently adopted Tennessee State song, "Tennessee in My Dreams." It will also be the first time Kaler has performed the song live with a band in Columbia since receiving its renowned state song status. We're also going to be visiting with one of the guests room in the inn has helped, which is going to be really special. Allen said, "It's been really unique how we've been able to collaborate on this," she said. Tickets for Swanky Southern Nights are available at www.eventbrite.com. Ticket prices started $25 for general admission with additional upgrades and VIP pricing for priority seating, such as $40 for seats in the first four rows, $200 for tables for four at the front of the stage, or $1,000 for the presidential balcony, which includes your own personal server. Columbia's Room in the Inn has been dedicated to addressing the local unhoused and displaced families for eight years. Since its foundation, one of Room in the Inn's goals, other than providing things like food, shelter, and a sense of fellowship to its clients, was to open its own shelter in Columbia. Grace House, which sits at 1131 Maple Lash Avenue, is nearing its final stages of completion. Kane said, "The Mule House has hosted a similar concert benefit back in 2023, and plans were all said to bring it back in time for Grace House's opening this year." However, the Mule House underwent a change of ownership during that time, while some of the bands that were booked also began dropping out. Therefore, the idea of a benefit concert in 2024 seemed less likely to happen. That is, until Kane was visited by Alan two days after the Easter holiday, where the idea of putting on the swanky southern night's event was initially pitched. Since his whole thing started, it's been nothing but a miracle. And you could call this an Easter miracle, Kane said. Mackie and Brenda Lynn have been so gracious in being able to jump in and plan it, organize it, and oversee the publicity. Kane added that southern roots radio and the Mule House join a very long list of community supporters, wishing to see room in the inn meet its goal, as well as continuing in its ministry of serving local individuals and families with the greatest needs. It's been incredible, and the community, I can say again and again, has been so supportive, so prayerful in helping us get across that goal line, Kane said. It's contagious, because it's human beings who are touching. While some people might make beds or serve food with you with this, you really are touching people. You feel like you are making a difference, a real impact, which is why I and others, like me, keep going, he said. Reverend Kane said he hopes room in the inn's grace house will become fully functional by the end of the year, with most of the construction complete. The only hang ups at the moment are in regard to certain codes and standards needing to be approved by the city. Kane said he's excited to brainstorm ideas of what room in the inn's next major project could be. It would be great to do something like get some land and build a bunch of tiny homes, because the need is there, Reverend Kane said. We are still praying, still trying to be patient and trusting. We're going to get there, and with this concert, and with this concert, let's sing our way there to celebrate. A great night of singing and praying, he said. 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, a now pre-K through 12th grade private Christian school. The lecture will take place in the Polk Hall Auditorium in the upper school on Thursday, September 5th, from 7 to 8 30 DM. The event is free and open to the public, no tickets are necessary for admittance. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Gwendolyn Marie Montgomery Krieger, age 69 of Esto Springs, passed away on August 24th. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, August 29th at 11 a.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Bethany Carol Hickman Brothers, 66, a resident of Antioch, died Sunday, August 25th at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, August 29th at 4 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends from 2 to 4 p.m. until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended online at www.ox and nickels.com. 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 your satisfaction is so important to Jeff Hargrove and Susie Sowell. - There's a great deal of satisfaction in serving a family and serving them well. It's an offer detail and thoughtfulness and taking the time to see that things are done right. - We do have nice facilities and good people and we work hard to do things well, but we don't want that to intimidate people as to what they think it will cost. Taking care of you is our primary concern. - Oaks and Nichols Funeral Directors, 320 West 7th Street in Columbia, since 1856, people you can rely on. - For your Southern Middle Tennessee weather, we will have partly cloudy skies today with a near record high of 101 degrees. Winds will be light and variable. Tonight, we can expect a few passing clouds and a low of 69 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. (upbeat music) - This is Debbie Matthews with the National Reluity Group. And if you've been paying attention, you know the housing market has been tough, but rates are beginning the thaw. So if you're thinking about selling, the time to jump in is getting better every day. But if you're thinking about buying and those interest rates are still a little bit too high, a good agent knows how to negotiate interest rate by downs, and I'm a good agent. So call me, Debbie Matthews with National Relty Group, 615-476-3224. - Family first. (laughs) 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 put your family first. - For auto home, life, or business insurance, C 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, Troughwood 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 615-969-01-18, 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 haul and tractor and compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely morn equipment. We also have new haul and 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 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. (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 that news from around the state. Tennessee is set to receive $813 million in federal funds to expand high-speed broadband internet into rural communities. The funds were approved by the US Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, as part of a national effort to extend broadband to underserved communities throughout the United States. The funding will be distributed in the form of grants to companies already authorized to provide broadband in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development said, "The state plans to open the program "for applications in November." Nearly 5% of the state has no access to broadband, increasingly essential access for school and work. Over the past five years, Tennessee has distributed $715 million in state and federal funding to broaden internet access. Under the administration of former Governor Bill Haslam, the state enacted the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act, aimed at increasing access to unserved citizens in 2017, at the time 34% of Tennessee residents lacked access to basic services. The decrease in pump prices picked up momentum last week with pump prices across the state, falling nine cents on average. Tennessee pump prices also fell below $3 per gallon. The Tennessee gas price average is now $2.93, which is 15 cents less expensive than one month ago and 48 cents less than one year ago. Labor day gas prices are likely to be the least expensive in three years for Tennessee. Today's state gas price average is 48 cents cheaper than what drivers paid on Labor Day last year and only two cents more expensive than what drivers paid in 2021. We're seeing more significant drops at the pump heading into Labor Day weekend, which is great news for those planning a holiday road trip. Said Megan Cooper spoke soon for AAA, the Auto Club Group. Tennessee has moved into the third least expensive state gas price average in the country and all but one of our major metro areas have metro averages below $3 per gallon. 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 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 Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack and Murray Regional Health is ready to care for you. Utilizing the state of the art cardiac cath lab at Murray Regional Medical Center, our team of expert cardiologists and experienced clinical professionals are equipped to investigate heart conditions quickly and perform lifesaving interventional procedures. Go to MurrayRegional.com/heart to learn more and remember always dial 911 when you or someone near you is experiencing heart attack symptoms. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. This is Howlanders, owner of Landers Insurance Agency. We are independent agency representing the famous Erie Insurance Group. Landers Insurance Agency has been committed to providing great rates and great service since 2002. Whether it's home and auto or business or life insurance, we've got you covered. 24/7 in-house claim service, we've got that too. Visit Landers Insurance at 514 North Garden Street, Colombia. 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. David Bellamy of the Bellamy Brothers, Al Anderson, Liz Rose, Dan Penn and Victoria Shaw will soon become the newest members of the Nashville songwriters Hall of Fame. According to an announcement made by Rich Hallworth, chair of the organization's board of directors and to Mark Ford, its executive director at a luncheon held in Nashville's historic Columbia Studio A, part of Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Ford introduced each member of the new class. Bellamy was elected in the veteran songwriter artist category. Anderson and Rose were elected in the contemporary songwriter category with Penn and Shaw in the veteran songwriter category. The top vote getter in the contemporary songwriter artist category, Brad Paisley, was unable to attend this year's ceremony due to a scheduling conflict and will be officially inducted next year as a member of the halls class of 2025. This year's five electees will join the 241 previously inducted members of the elite organization when they're formally inducted during the 54th anniversary Nashville songwriters Hall of Fame gala on Wednesday, November 6th at Music City Center. 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. (upbeat music)