Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-12-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news, broadcasting from the WTVU's Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Thursday, September 12th, and we start with local news. A Murray County pastor and former candidate for County Mayor has taken his own life one day after his arrest by the Murray County Sheriff's Department on a charge of aggravated sexual battery. David Mark Baker's senior was booked into the Murray County Jail on Tuesday, September 10th, and charged with one count of aggravated sexual battery. Baker was released on $200,000 bond and had been scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, October 9th. However, on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 11th, Baker walked into a bathroom at Murray Regional Medical Center, and according to Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Alsop, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In a press release, Murray Regional Health stated, "At approximately 12.45 p.m. on September 11th, a code silver alert was activated at Murray Regional Medical Center's emergency department. A code silver is activated when a firearm has been discharged on campus, where a person is confirmed or suspected of possessing a weapon on the premises. The emergency department was immediately placed on lockdown as a result. It was discovered that an adult male entered the emergency department, did not seek medical treatment, and proceeded directly to the public restroom where he administered a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest, discharging the weapon twice. The emergency department staff initiated life-saving medical treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries. No other individuals were present in the restroom at the time, and no patients or staff members were harmed. The medical center is in the process of identifying and contacting relatives and emotional support services are being provided to both patients and staff members who were present at the time of the incident. The Columbia Police Department has secured the scene for investigation. No additional details are available at this time. We're deeply saddened by today's events. Our prayers are extended to the family and friends of this individual as well as the members of our team who responded, said CEO Dr. Martin Chaney. The welfare and safety of our patients and healthcare team members are paramount at Murray Regional Health. I am proud of the quick response of our security team, emergency department staff, and Columbia Police Department, he said. Prior to Baker's death, Murray County Sheriff's Department officials had said the aggravated sexual assault case was still under investigation and declined further comment. Baker, a Santa Fe native, started Independence Baptist Online Bible College, a ministry of family Baptist Church, of which he was pastor, and has led a life coaching business and is an author of several books. He also ran a ministry, Fallen in Grace, with Indiana pastor David Hiles. Hiles has faced much controversy, including allegations of rape, according to multiple media reports by the Fort Worth Star Telegram, though he was not charged. Baker previously served as chaplain of the Murray County Jail for 28 years. Baker ran for County Mayor in 2022 and filed a defamation lawsuit against eventual winner Sheila Butte, that was later dismissed. The lawsuit referenced a text message that mentioned alleged links between Baker and a person who later committed suicide, as well as a previous lawsuit against Baker. The Murray County School Board held its first meeting last week with newly elected members, Frank Bellamy, Darryl Martin, David Moore, Sue Stevenson, Brendan Babcock, and Lisa Webster Dawson. The six were sworn in by County Mayor Sheila Butte and joined incumbent members, Kristen Scholl, Jamila Brown, Will Sims, Steve McGee, and Jackson Carter. 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 are on this days are not, 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 jobs and sometimes more difficult than it looks, but I appreciate you all so much, she said. Sue Stevenson thanked the district's IT and HR departments for onboarding the new members so quickly. Chairman Will Sims was reelected by acclimation and 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 contained sensitive information. The board also approved the Touchdown Club and baseball booster clubs at Battle Creek High School. The support clubs 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 since they were certified with the state and the IRS and Battle Creek wasn't open yet on August 1st. Marshall Medical Center Physical Therapy is proud to announce the launch of autism testing services, significantly reducing the wait times and travel burdens for families in Southern Middle Tennessee. Until now, families had to endure a multiple month or year long wait list at facilities further away in Nashville, Murfreesboro, and other cities. The new service launched at the end of July offers autism evaluations in the area for both children and adults. "We are incredibly proud of the dedicated staff "at Marshall Medical Center Physical Therapy "who have worked tirelessly to bring this essential service "to our community," said Phyllis Brown, CEO of Marshall Medical Center. "Their commitment to providing compassionate, "high-quality care ensures that families in our region "have access to the critical resources they need "right here at home. "This new autism testing service is a testament "to their hard work and unwavering dedication "to our patients," she said. Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The spectrum nature of autism means that it manifests differently in everyone with varying degrees of severity and a diverse range of symptoms. Some common signs include difficulty in making eye contact, delayed language development, strict adherence to routines and unique sensory processing experiences. Autism is generally diagnosed in early childhood, but signs can be apparent at any age. Danielle Kissain, autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist at Marshall Medical Center, spear-headed this initiative, having recognized the urgent demand for local autism testing. "I saw a need for autism testing "to be available in our area," said Kissain. "Beyond offering testing, I can also lead parent classes "and work with our local schools "to help them build the best practices "for students with ASD," she said. The journey to offering these services began in 2023, involving a detailed process of approvals, form submissions, and 40-plus hours of coursework and examinations with PESI rehab. This follows best practices guaranteeing that the testing and subsequent support services meet high expectations of care. The testing protocol includes a developmental screening followed by one of two advanced pathways, depending on the need of the child or adult. The Autism Diagnostic Interview Review, ideal for adults and parents of nonverbal children, or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule II, best suited for verbal children. "We are committed to supporting our community "by offering these essential services locally," added Kissain. "Our goal is to provide a thorough evaluation "and work closely with families and educators "to support children with ASD effectively." For appointments, families or individuals will need a referral from their physician. Marshall Medical Center remains dedicated to delivering exceptional care for every patient, and this new autism testing program is a testament to that commitment. Marshall Medical Center Physical Therapy recently expanded 2,600 square feet of space dedicated to pediatric therapy, which supports occupational, speech, and physical therapy programs. Learn more or schedule an autism evaluation at www.marryregional.com/autism or call 931-270-3676. When Ronnie Brewer left Hampshire Unit School in 2021, he left a teaching post. Now that he's returned as its principal, he has no intention of leaving again. It was a hard decision, I was very happy here, and I tell everybody that asks if of all the places I've been, this was always the most enjoyable place I've ever taught, he said. Brewer started teaching math and coaching basketball at Hampshire in 2017. He studied and started his career as a teacher in the 1990s, but only came back to it after tutoring kids at his church. I remember helping them at math and trying to encourage them at school, he reminisced, and I felt like I could make just a big difference in the classroom, he said. What drew him away from education was ministry. Brewer, a Lewis County native who lives today in Hohenwald, was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Louisville for 20 years, and he continued to minister on a part-time schedule when he resumed teaching. From that pastoral experience, he learned the truth of the old saying that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care, and he applies that to his educational work. While studying Southern Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, seminary rather in Louisville, Kentucky, he started a six-year stint as an administrator in the Lewis County Jail, which was an education in itself. Every minute was somebody's kid or grand kid or spouse or brother or sister, he learned, and you still treat people with respect. Those people that came into my office had already had enough life trauma, he said. He still sees the fruits of his approach from time to time. I see some of them today that have flourished and we're friends in recalling an experience familiar to every school teacher. After teaching there for four years, Brewer left Hampshire in 2021 to take an offered assistant principal position in Hickman County. He became principal the next year and stayed in that role for two years. "Those three years have helped me become a better leader to encourage people," he said. "I'm a firm believer in, you hire good people, you turn them loose to do what they're good at, and then you support them," he said. Then the departure of Hampshire's principal opened another door. "I said, if I could come back, I would," he smiled, and he made good on that resolution this year. Brewer said he approaches Hampshire's teachers and administrators a great deal. "The staff just welcomed you in and within a month I felt like I had been here my whole career. People are invested here," he said. "Many of the people that I worked with are still here, so it's like a homecoming." The teachers sent something special about Hampshire staying there for many years and they worked hard to keep the school in great shape. Brewer said, "No matter how successful our teachers are, when I meet with them, they want to know, how can we still improve and get better," he said. The teacher, I'm sorry, the parents of students also do their part to reinforce the importance of education. "The parental support for our students is second to none," Brewer said. "If you can get that support from home, it sure makes things more effective, more productive," he said. The town of Hampshire rallies around the school and the school intern holds community activities to more involve the citizens in school life. Hampshire benefits even more from the enthusiasm and constancy of its volunteers. "I probably worked harder at Hampshire than at any other place I've taught, and the reason is that everybody's involved in everything," the principal said. "We're a small staff, and if there's something to be done, people pitch in." People would say, "I'll work a ball game. We're serving on committees. We're working to bring the community in. You've got to be willing to do it yourself. That's what leaders do, but whatever you ask of them, they're up here saying, "Look, I'll do it," he said. Brewer has no intention of saving or fixing Hampshire because there's no need to. The unit school has been riding high for a while, performing very well on standardized tests and take home best in county for, and taking home best in county for one math and five English grade levels for 2023 and 2024. "My goal has always been when you leave, leave it better off than when you got here," he said, modestly. Brewer plans to continue the working strategies at the school, the slight annual increases in test scores and the slight annual decreases in discipline referrals. "We work across grade levels. Second grade is working with third grade, asking how effective were we in second grade last year?" The third grade takes that information and says, "How can we improve that?" "The fourth grade does the same thing," he explained. "The staff here wants to be top-notch. When you have people that are willing to work like that, that improvement is what you're going to continue to do." He isn't worried about whether these will bring results. I brag on Hampshire. He admitted Riley at the end of the interview. "There's a reason people file for out of zone to come to Hampshire because it's a special place. I'm looking to stay here and make this place as good as we can make it. And we've got the staff to make that happen. No doubt about it," he said. In honor of Mount Pleasant's 200th anniversary, the community will host a bicentennial home tour on September 27th and September 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This 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." Tickets are available for purchase at the Mount Pleasant Visitor Center and a Murray County Visitor Center. The cost is $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 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 Pennington. "Their commitment to Mount Pleasant's future is a testament to the spirit of our community," she said. So come celebrate Mount Pleasant's rich past and bright future. Mark your calendar's Columbia Room in the Inn's biggest fundraiser of the year is just around the corner. On October 4th, the community is invited to join in the October Fest festivities and support a fantastic local cause. Room in the Inn is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, resources and hope to single mothers and their children in need. Their latest project, Grace House, aims to create a safe, supportive living space with individual beds, private bedrooms and bathrooms, a community kitchen and laundry facilities. All proceeds from this year's October Fest event will go directly towards the construction of Grace House, making a real difference in the lives of local families. So what can you expect at this year's October Fest celebration? Plenty of fun, food and community spirit. The event will take place on October 4th at Riverwalk Park in Columbia from 6 p.m. 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 perpetual upkeep of the Athenaeum Rectory historic site. Learn more by visiting www.historicaethaneum.com. For your southern middle Tennessee weather, we will have rain today with a high of 71 degrees. Winds will be out of the east at 10 to 20 miles per hour. The chance of rain today, 100% with half an inch expected. Tonight, we can expect rain early then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. The low will be near 65 degrees with winds out of the southeast at 10 to 20 miles per hour. The chance of overnight rain, 80% with another half of an inch expected. 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) As years go by, people may tend to forget just what a funeral is really all about. At Oaks and Nichols, we believe it's first at always a special remembrance of someone you love. We start by listening to your needs and desires. If you're unsure, we can help gently, professionally. At Oaks and Nichols funeral directors, we haven't lost sight of why we're here to serve Murray County families in the ways they prefer. And why Matt and Susie Sowell believe the way to honor tradition is with especially personal service. We believe your traditions, your customs, your rites of passage are very important, but we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. At Oaks and Nichols, we try to do more than just the expected things. So the service you receive honors your heritage and is uniquely yours. And we invite you to experience the difference. Oaks and Nichols funeral directors, 320 West Seventh Street in Columbia. Since 1856, people you can rely on. - 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. 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. - 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 hauling tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely mowing 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. - One of our goals at Caledonian is to impact our clients and friends in a positive manner. Whether it's a friendly voice, a smile and a wave as you walk past our office or supporting our community, the Caledonian team is actively involved. Through our memberships in Kiwanis, Rotary, Murray Alliance, Circle of Excellence, Volunteering in Boy Scouts in 4-H, serving on a variety of boards and more, we stay connected to Murray County. This is Perry Beaumont, a Caledonian financial and 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 and 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 the 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 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) - 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. Jim Sasser, the last Democrat to represent Tennessee in the United States Senate, who later went on to serve as U.S. ambassador to China during the Clinton administration, died on Tuesday. He was 87. Sasser died at his home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina at about 5.40 p.m. on September 10th, his family confirmed just days before his 88th birthday. As his friends and former staff will attest, Dad loved his family, the state of Tennessee, his years serving in the U.S. Senate and old cars too, and loved them in that order. His children Gray and Elizabeth Sasser said in a statement, "He believed in the nobility of public service "and the transformational power of government," they said. Former U.S. Senator Jim Cooper told the Tennessee and on Tuesday that Sasser represented the best in public service. He was humble, gentle, kind, smart. He knew regular people and regular people loved him, Cooper said. He wasn't flashy or showy. He didn't run for president. He just wanted to represent Tennesseans and he did an awesome job at it, he said. Former vice president and U.S. Senator Al Gore described Sasser as a man of outstanding character and conviction, a great United States senator and later an outstanding diplomat in the truest sense of the word. It is impossible to put into words how much Jim Sasser meant to me and my family, Gore said in a statement. Throughout his career in public service, Jim represented the best of Tennessee and the best of America. He was an effective leader, not simply because he spoke clearly and persuasively about the initiatives he believed in, but also because he listened intently to the concerns, hopes and aspirations of his constituents and colleagues. Several middle Tennessee cities have asked residents to conserve water as dry conditions are expected to continue indefinitely across the state. The remnants of tropical storm Francine are expected to march across West and middle Tennessee at the end of this week, according to meteorologists, but they warn the coming rain won't be enough to completely eradicate the drought. Spring Hill is the latest city to enact such conservation efforts joining Portland and Franklin as the third town in a growing list. So far, there have been three official city announcements asking residents to conserve water, but more are expected in the morning days, especially in areas around the Duck River. Split between Robertson and Sumner counties to the north of Nashville, the city of Portland issued a water shortage alert on September 6th, citing low city lake levels and a lack of rainfall in the area. City officials said Friday on Facebook that Portland's raw water supply is nearing emergency status. Franklin residents were asked days earlier on September 4th to stop all non-essential water use until further notice. The Williamson County seat is under an emergency status one, water shortage. Spring Hill and other cities in the Duck River Basin are choosing to enact voluntary water conservation measures at the request of the Duck River Agency, a nearly 60-year-old comprehensive regional development agency responsible for the control and development of water resources in the Duck River watershed in Bedford, Coffey, Hickman, Marshall and Murray counties. 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 a call at 931-388-2822. They've been doing business since 1947 and in their current location since 1964. They provide the best tire and mechanical work at some of the best prices in middle Tennessee. Hey, they're official Michelin and Goodyear dealers and they've got all kinds of brands as well. Stop by and see Walker Vining and his professional staff or check them out online at Turner and Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Living with a war and joint can be painful and frustrating. Leave your joint pain in the past with a joint replacement procedure at Murray Regional Health. Our joint replacement program has been recognized in the top 10% of the nation for medical excellence and patient safety. Thanks to our highly skilled and experienced surgical staff who perform progressive procedures for the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. For more information, go to Murrayregional.com/jointreplacement. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. This is Howlanders, owner of Landers Insurance Agency. We are independent agency representing the famous Erie Insurance Group. Landers Insurance Agency has been committed to providing great rates and great service since 2002. Whether it's home and auto or business or life insurance, we've got you covered 24/7 in-house claim service. We've got that too. Visit Landers Insurance at 514 North Garden Street, 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. Megan Maroney will be hitting the road in 2025 for her 25-date MIOK tour, which will bring the emo cowgirl to the pinnacle for two show dates. Maroney will play the new music venue on April 9th and 10th next year. The Tennessee Orange singer announced the tour on Tuesday. In the midst of her successful sophomore album, Maroney recently garnered three 2024 CMA award nominations. On Monday morning, the Country Music Association announced Maroney was nominated in the New Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year categories. General on sale will begin on Friday, September 13th at 10 a.m. You can find them at www.magandmaroney.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMW-K-R-M radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to at any time or read the transcript online by visiting front porch radio TN.com. 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)