Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-11-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRN Radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Wednesday, September 11th, and we start with local news. The Murray County Sheriff's Department is searching for a man they say is armed and dangerous. Michael Van Dobbs, 45, is currently wanted for criminal homicide. He's six feet tall and weighs about 235 pounds. No clothing description was provided. A Tennessee-most-wanted alert has been issued for Van Dobbs. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Murray County deputies are seeking any and all information regarding his whereabouts. If you see him or know of his location, please do not approach him, but immediately call deputies at 931-388-5151. The Murray County School Board held its first meeting last week with newly elected members Frank Bellamy of District 2, Darryl Martin of District 4, David Moore of District 5, Sue Stevenson of District 6, Brendan Babcock of District 8, and Lisa Webster Dawson of District 10. The six were sworn in by County Mayor Sheila Budd, and join incumbent members Kristin Scholl of District 1, Jamila Brown of District 3 Will Sims of District 7, Steve McGee of District 9, and Jackson Carter of District 11. Superintendent Lisa Ventura welcomed the new members and thanked them for taking on the board's responsibilities. The jobs that you all do while you're on this days are so important to the lives of the children of Murray County. And not only do you represent every family in your district, but once you're on this days, you do represent 13,000 children and 2,000 employees, she reminded them. Sometimes it's a thankless job and sometimes more difficult than it looks, but I appreciate you all so much, she said. Stevenson thanked the District IT and HR departments for onboarding the new members so quickly. I just really wanna compliment those departments for all that they've done for us so far, she said. Chairman Will Sims was reelected by acclimation as was Vice Chairman Jackson Carter. David Moore was elected as Chairman Pro Tem, Steve McGee as Tennessee Legislative Liaison, Jamila Brown as sick bank trustee and Kristen Scholl as alternate sick bank trustee. The school board passed several budget amendments and determined to vote on four new ones at the next meeting. They also voted to sell surplus electronic equipment on gov deals and destroy computers that were damaged or contain sensitive information. Stevenson asked why some computers were in good or excellent condition were being included in the surplus. Superintendent Ventura replied that some were desktop monitors which the students and teachers now could not use. "In matters of technology, it's mostly that we have evolved to newer, better, higher quality technology," she clarified. The board also approved the Touchdown Club and Baseball Booster Clubs at Battle Creek High School. These support groups would have normally had to wait at least a month for approval because they hadn't submitted the approval request by August 1st, but the board agreed to waive that timing requirement to allow them to start operating, which they were certified since they were certified with the state and the IRS and Battle Creek wasn't yet open on August 1st. At the request of the Duck River Agency, the City of Spring Hill is enacting voluntary conservation measures due to drought conditions in the Duck River watershed. Per the U.S. drought monitor, far west portions of the Duck River watershed are currently in D3 extreme drought conditions. At D3 levels, expected impacts include a water supply that is inadequate for wildlife. Spring Hill is currently in the area of D1 moderate drought conditions. In response, the Duck River Agency is initiating a drought response team consisting of Spring Hill leaders alongside other local and state officials who will meet weekly to assess drought conditions and escalate the response if needed. The Duck River Agency is declaring the river as in a stage one river drought. While the Normandy Reservoir is not seeing drought impacts currently, many downstream entities, including Spring Hill, are seeing low river flow levels. This means significant amounts of river water is being lost to groundwater replenishment. At this stage one designation, Duck River Agency is requesting all water users to voluntarily reduce all non-essential water usage. Non-essential water use includes irrigation, outdoor recreation, filling or refilling pools and hot tubs and dust control measures during construction, among others. These voluntary measures are to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Duck River watershed, which has been declared one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America and to ensure all entities have sufficient water flow for customers. The City of Spring Hill is thankful for your support in this request. Duck River Agency will continue to monitor the situation and further announcements will be made in the coming weeks. In honor of Mount Pleasant's 200th anniversary, the community will host a bicentennial home tour on September 27th and 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The special event will offer an exclusive look inside some of the town's most beautiful and historic buildings, providing a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and charm of Mount Pleasant. The bicentennial home tour will feature a carefully curated selection of homes that represent the diverse architectural heritage of Mount Pleasant. This tour is not just about viewing beautiful homes, it's about celebrating our community's legacy and the people who have shaped it over the past 200 years, said Haverly Pennington, director of Main Street, Mount Pleasant. We're excited to share Mount Pleasant's history with residents and visitors alike, she said. The dates are September 27th and 28th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., various homes will be opened throughout Mount Pleasant. Tickets are available for purchase in Mount Pleasant Visitor Center and Murray County Visitor Center for $35. Proceeds from the event will benefit Main Street Mount Pleasant. For more information on Main Street Mount Pleasant, tickets or volunteer roles, please visit the Mount Pleasant Visitor Center located at 205 North Main Street in Mount Pleasant. We are grateful for the support of our co-chair, Jennifer Graham, and volunteers who are helping to make this event a success, said Haverly Pennington. Their commitment to Mount Pleasant's future is a testament to the spirit of our community, she said. Come celebrate Mount Pleasant's rich past and bright future. As with many cities in small towns, Spring Hill is facing rapid growth, especially in the popular food truck industry. Spring Hill's current laws regarding mobile food vendors were established when the population was much smaller and food trucks as they are known today had not yet caught on as a viable form of business. City elected officials say this has prompted Spring Hill leadership to address the issue, discuss potential solutions and create a plan that best suits not only the food truckers but also citizens, customers and local government. The Board of Mayor and Alderman was presented the topic this month for discussion. No votes were taken, but the Board of Mayor and Alderman will hold a joint meeting with the city's planning commission on Monday, September 30th to discuss the topic. Monday's meeting began with comments and concerns from a few local food truck owners, each sharing concerns ranging from the cost of special permit fees to operate, which food truck owners say would have a negative impact. These food trucks are a compliment to the area because we are able to go into the communities and people seem to love them. Ed Curry of Gia's Kitchen said. One of the bigger concerns was in regard to the permit fee and application process. Currently the cost is $200 if a mobile food vendor wishes to apply for a temporary use permit on commercial property per location. If I paid two to $300 to get into the event, my food costs are at 30% and my overhead is another $100. I'm basically making $400 for my time out there. And now I'm partnered with Spring Hill because they want $200 and that's every event, every time, Curry said. Another thing is they want a 30-day notice and sometimes we get a call saying there was a cancellation and this would squash all those events. Eric Mark, who operates Spring Hill based The Spices Right Food Truck said he too was concerned about the $200 fee. I estimate that we operate about 20 locations in Spring Hill throughout the year. I'll let you do the math, but that's a lot of money. Mark said, "Food truck owners unfortunately aren't wealthy people. A couple thousand dollars in fees every year actually means something to me and my family," he said. Spring Hill Development Director, Derek Sanders, said one of the main goals of the discussion was to create a clear picture regarding the permit application process. This not only includes application fees, but things like traffic flow, public safety, parking, and whether the site can provide inefficient power supply. There are certain things that we are looking out for as the permitting agency for temporary use permits, Sanders said, and these are far less restrictive than our neighbors in Columbia, Brentwood, Mount Juliet, and Smyrna. When the discussion was brought to board of mayor and Alderman members, some suggested there be a simpler, more streamlined approach when it came to the application process. When we wrote and updated the Unified Development Code, we did it before food trucks were prevalent. And so the fact we have an ordinance that doesn't fit food trucks very well is understandable. Alderman, Matt Fitterer, said, "I think it is in the city's best interest and the resident's best interest that we have ample parking, that we don't impede traffic or create emergency response conditions. I would encourage staff, and I think staff will come back with something that's the least invasive as possible," he said. City Administrator Pam Kasky concluded the September 3rd discussion by summing up the basic idea of what the Board of Mayor and Alderman intends to discuss at the upcoming September 30th joint Board of Mayor and Alderman Planning Commission meeting. So what I'm hearing from the Board is you would like to see some streamlined approach that is relatively straightforward in terms of paperwork, but does take into consideration health, safety, transportation, parking, traffic circulation," Kasky said, and then you would like a fee recommendation that is more reasonable than the $200 every time something changes, she said. Mark Dora Calendars, 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 p.m. 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 p.m. Come tour the Athenaeum, 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 upkeep of the Athenaeum Rectory historic site. Learn more by visiting historic Athenaeum.com. 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 p.m. until 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 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 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. "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," Johnson said. "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 Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative will be hosting an evening with civil rights activists and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, attorney Fred Gray, on Thursday, September 19th at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Murray Hills Church located at 101 Unity Drive in Columbia. Fred D. Gray is a pioneer of the civil rights movement. Mr. Gray's life mission has been to destroy racial segregation wherever he finds it and that is what he continues to do. He's practiced law since 1954, specializing in civil rights litigation and continues to practice today at the age of 93. He has been a cooperating attorney with a National Association for the Advancement of Color People and Legal Defense Fund incorporated since 1956. He represented many civil rights icons and organizations, including the victims of the Tuskegee syphilis study, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin, Congressman John Lewis, and many more. Attorney Gray is the recipient of many honorary degrees and awards. On July 7th of 2022, President Joe Biden awarded Mr. Gray the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest award a civilian can receive. Proceeds from the CPJI legacy fundraiser will replace the traditional legacy luncheon in 2024. We'll support the completion of the Thurgood Marshall Round about coming in 2025 in partnership with the City of Columbia. The Roundabout will feature a sculpture of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall created by sculptor David Allen Clark. It will be located at the intersection of South Main Street and East East Street, a gateway to the historic Black Business District and the epicenter of the 1946 Columbia race riot, a pivotal moment in Columbia's history that sent shockwaves across the nation. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for more information, contact Russ Adcox at Russ@merryhills.com or call the number 931-628-0736, individual tickets are $55 and may be purchased at www.CPJI.org. 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 need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square. You can also renew online at tncountyclerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mount Pleasant Courthouse. For your southern middle Tennessee weather, we will have a mix of clouds and sun today with a high of 89 degrees. Winds will be out of the Southeast at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect overcast skies with a slight chance of a rain shower. The low will be 66. 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. 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 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 eye for 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. Debbie Matthews Realtor 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, Sea Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. - 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. - Some people are just obsessed with their lawns. They'd cut their grass with a pair of scissors if they could. Bikes to gravely, they don't have to. You see, gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawnmowers, they also leave your house looking like a doggone country club. So whether you're a commercial landscaper wanting the best or just a perfectionist homeowner, you can't do better than a gravely. - See our full line of gravely products at Murray County Equipment. 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia, Tennessee, or check us out on Facebook. - I don't know about you, but I just love doing business with small businesses. You feel appreciated when you walk in and they know your name. At Caledonian Financial, we try very hard to appreciate our clients. We value everyone and we reject the idea that you're not worthy of advice if you don't have a certain amount of money. We love our neighbors, all of them. - This is Monty Snade with Caledonian Financial in historic downtown Columbia. - Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NBC Securities Incorporated, Member FINRA and SIPC. - Hello, my name is Connor Mims. My wife, Bradley and I live in Columbia, Tennessee in Riverside. I am a deck and porch builder and my wife is a second grade teacher at Riverside Elementary. My specialty is designing and building elegant and comfortable porches and decks. Let me work with you to design and build a portrait deck of your dreams. Give us a call today from our website, mimsmodernlandscape.com. That's mimsmodernlandscape.com and check out what we have to offer. Thanks. - 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 and 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) - 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. Tennessee's population is predicted to reach nearly 8 million and less than two decades. According to researchers at the University of Tennessee's Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, Tennessee is on track for the amount of adults 65 and older to increase by 25% by 2040. They say this is actually expected when comparing it to trends we've seen over the past few decades. The biggest driving force of this increase is net migration or new residents moving into the state. The recent net migration influx happened between 2020 and 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. But in years ahead, Matt Harris with University of Tennessee's Boyd Research Center predicts that migration into Tennessee will be more spread out statewide. Where growth has been very explosive the last decade, it looks like it's going to be a little more stable. Explained Harris. Researchers also predict the volunteer state is expected to grow more radically, I'm sorry, more racially and ethnically diverse as years go on. Ahead of the November 5th state and federal general election, Tennessee Secretary of State Trey Hargot is encouraging Tennesseans to consider becoming poll workers later this fall. "Our poll workers are critical to a successful election," said Secretary Hargot. "We anticipate a robust voter turnout "and there is always a need for poll workers, "especially during a presidential election cycle," he said. During early voting and on election day, poll workers conduct various tasks, including greeting voters, answering questions, explaining how to cast a ballot and counting votes at their community locations. They are paid for their work and for attending required training sessions. Most citizens are eligible to work at polling locations, regardless of political affiliation. The minimum age is 16 and anyone over 18 must be a registered voter in the county where they desire to serve. Other qualifications include being able to read and write in the English language, you cannot be a candidate or close relative of a candidate and you cannot be supervised by a county or municipal elected official who is on the ballot. All city, county and metropolitan government employees unless working directly under the supervision of an elected official on the ballot are eligible, as are state employees. Federal employees should consult with their individual human resources department to determine eligibility. "Pole workers are the backbone of elections," said coordinator of elections, Mark Goens. "These individuals and their efforts ensure all citizens know "that Tennessee's results are accurate "and our elections remain secure." Tennessee has been ranked number one in election integrity for three consecutive years. The Secretary of State's office is also the trusted source for all election information. For more information about becoming a pool worker, please visit www.sos.tn.gov/poleworkers. Tennessee gas prices continue to decline over last week, falling nine cents on average. Tennessee also moved to the third least expensive market in the country. The Tennessee gas price averages now $2.82, which is 20 cents less expensive than one month ago and 55 cents less than one year ago. 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 mccaul 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, their 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 will check them out online at Turner and Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Minutes matter when you call 911 for 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 Hal Landers, owner of Landers Insurance Agency. We are independent agency representing the famous Erie Insurance Group. Landers Insurance Agency has been committed to providing great rates and great service since 2002. Whether it's home and auto or business or life insurance, we've got you covered. 24/7 in-house claim service, we've got that too. Visit Landers Insurance at 514 North Garden Street, 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 now our final story. SiriusXM announced that country music superstar Eric Church will perform a special concert for SiriusXM live from his Nashville venue, Chiefs on Broadway on Monday, September 30th. The exclusive for listeners full band show will feature Eric Church on the stage of the neon steeple within Chiefs, harkening back to the in demand club shows that defined the early days of church's career. Church previously took them to the neon steeple stage for a series of 19 solo acoustic to beat the devil residency shows, making his one night only event the first time he will play the venue with a full band. SiriusXM subscribers can enter for the chance to win a trip to the once in a lifetime event beginning now for all entry details and official rules and to sign up for SiriusXM, click www.seriousxm.com forward slash Eric Church at Chiefs. 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 Bryce. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)