Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-13-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Friday, September 13th, 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, Sr. was booked into the Murray County Jail on Tuesday, September 10th and charged with one kind of aggravated sexual battery. Baker was released on a $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 PM 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 or a person is confirmed or suspected of possessing a weapon on the premises. The emergency department was immediately placed on a lockdown as a result. It was discovered that a male, 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 this incident. The Columbia Police Department has secured the scene for investigation. No additional details are available at this time, they wrote. Prior to Baker's death, Murray County Sheriff's Department officials had said the aggravated sexual assault case was still under an investigation. 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 has not been charged. Baker previously served as chaplain of the Murray County Jail for 28 years. Baker ran from Murray County mayor in 2022 and filed a defamation lawsuit against eventual winner Sheila Butt. 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 Sheriff's Department in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is actively searching for a suspected murderer, Michael Dobbs, who has been added to the TBI's Most Wanted list. Authorities are seeking Dobbs in connection with the recent homicide of 37-year-old Harold Grisham III. Grisham was tragically shot and killed in Murray County on September 4th. According to his father, Harold Grisham, Jr., his son was known for his cheerful demeanor and willingness to help others. Most people that had been around him and everyone would say that he was always happy, cheerful, always had a smile, Grisham, Jr. reflected. Harold Grisham III, named after his father, was a dedicated father himself. His teenage daughter was described as the light of his life. According to court documents, Michael Dobbs 46 is alleged to be the individual responsible for Grisham's death. The details surrounding the incident remain sparse, but authorities have issued a warning that Dobbs is considered armed and dangerous. The TBI and Murray County Sheriff's Department are urging anyone with information about Dobbs's whereabouts to come forward. A reward for up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest. As the search for Dobbs continues, Grisham Jr. remains focused on seeking justice for his son, expressing that Harold's death was both senseless and deeply unjust. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Murray County Sheriff's Department or the TBI immediately. One generation away is returning to the Columbia State Community College campus to offer free groceries to anyone in need. The non-profits drive-through mobile pantry will be on campus at 1665 Hampshire Pike on Saturday, September 14th, and will include fresh produce, dry goods, bakery items, dairy, and more. We don't ask any qualifying questions to receive food and no paperwork is required, said Chris Whitney, founder and CEO of One Gen Away. "All you have to do is show up "and we'll take care of the rest," he said. Food will be distributed beginning around 8.30 a.m. and continue until 10 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at 7.30 a.m. to help sort and distribute food. No registration is required to volunteer. It will be cold, so bundle up. For more information about One Gen Away and its food assistance programs, visit www.onegenaway.com. Benny Jett, a local teen, has joined with Spring Hill Public Library and other history honoring helpers for a project that will document the lives of veterans, past and present within the Spring Hill community. The project, a book with a simple working title of Spring Hill Veterans, will seek to include historical facts and information about the lives of as many veterans as can be found in Spring Hill. Jett is asking his community for a hand at helping to include and honor those who have served with a tentative Veterans Day release date. Two well-known community veterans recently joined Jett and longtime resident in Spring Hill historian in her own right, Alicia Fitz, at her home on Sugar Ridge Road, to detail their part in the Young Writers Project. Jett's task is calling all veterans, and to date, he's helped locate 550 veterans to be a part of the book. He hopes compiling the information for the book will serve as a meaningful document of history to those who have served and their families. Spring Hill Library director Dana Giroux is also helping Jett with a task of collecting the veterans' information sheets, collecting basic information like name, birthday, death date, if applicable, branch of service, rank, and war's fought. There is space for each veteran to write a paragraph that further details their time in the service. Each sheet also includes a request of any photos of the veteran or family of the service member. It's a task that is quite the undertaking for Jett, a 14-year-old homeschool student, but he has some prominent figures of Spring Hill helping him in the task. Veterans Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hageman and Vice Mayor Will Pomeroy, men attorney, joined Jett and Fitz to share their stories in the book, but both men have a strong commitment to capturing the town's history. Pomeroy served in the Army from 2007 until 2014 with an extended service in the Army Reserves from 2015 to 2019. His role was with military police as a commissioned officer, and his tours of duty include Hawaii, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. As a freshman in college, Pomeroy felt an urge to serve his country as he heard stories about the Iraq war. Hearing the news of soldiers dying, Pomeroy was moved as he felt the call to serve, considering I'm no better than those people who are dying over there. It almost caused him to halt his college career, but instead he decided to go the ROTC route at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Close in mind was Pomeroy's wife, Michelle, with whom he shares two boys, Bear and Braxton, and worked a civilian Navy job. From a documentarian aspect, Pomeroy was excited to help with the project, like Fitz, who hosted the gathering, also serving on the Spring Hill Historic Commission and Cemetery Board. But Pomeroy says his mind typically moves toward veterans who are younger, since these are the people he hopes to help. As an attorney and board member of Williamson County's Veterans Treatment Court, he works further to help those who fight different battles once they complete their term of service. From struggling with issues like traumatic brain injuries to substance abuse, Pomeroy is passionate about making sure younger veterans have someone to support them in their legal challenges, but is mindful of possible contributing factors. Pomeroy noted a report on neurological effects of service members who have been exposed to recurring mortar shell blast related cognitive impairment and how some of his clients facing legal troubles have sometimes experienced such issues. Mayor Jim Hageman served in a variety of roles for 21 years during his time in the Air Force. He said his love for airplanes fueled his service in this branch, and if he had to do it over again, he would have started that career track much sooner. I liked adventure, but I also believe strongly in our country. I was a young patriot, Hageman said. "I've been all over the planet and determined easily that America, while we have our issues, is the best country on the planet," he said. As for what extent the mayor's military service played a role in him going into public service, Mayor Hageman said that one decision did work to inform the other somewhat. But more than that for me, I just love to cause people to have a better day. Hageman said, "I love to be in a position of service." Hageman has served in churches and volunteered his time with a community. "I just tremendously enjoy being a public servant," Hageman said. Turning the conversation back to Jett, who sat listening to the mayor, Hageman remarked on the great experience the project was for Jett. "You're just a young man," Hageman said, addressing Jett during a recent meeting, "and they start giving you leadership roles almost immediately in all branches of service, so that gives you experience like drinking from a fire hose to learn about people," he said. Hageman commended Jett on his early leadership experience and taking charge of the project. Jett's genuine journalistic curiosity for people, even at his age, is the inspiration for the focus of his blog, "The Ancestor Detector," and it has provided a means for Jett to take on projects such as the book. While the pictorial was in the works at the library, Jett became part of the particular conversation from discussing ways the library could document those who have served and were also from Spring Hill. "We found there were way too many veterans to include in a small section," Jett said. "We're trying to create a book where everyone is honored," he said. "From the Revolutionary War to today, Spring Hill service members from all backgrounds will be recorded in the book. Cemetery director Mike Hoover helped Jett collect information on some of the earliest veterans who lived in the area. From the Black families who served to Native Americans to more recent wars, the pages are filling up fast. No matter the background of the veteran, some would return home, others would not, and yet any of these veterans of various backgrounds will be compiled together and into the pages of Spring Hill history. I enjoy getting to hear all the stories from the person or family member of the veteran," Jett said. "It makes it special to hear in person about the stories that people know by heart," he said. "Unable to include your veteran for the first volume? Don't worry. Jett is hoping he can produce another volume after releasing the first edition. Do out around Veterans Day." 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. 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," she said. Tickets are available for purchase at Mount Pleasant Visitor Center and at Murray County Visitor Center for $35. Proceeds from the event will benefit Main Street 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. So come help celebrate Mount Pleasant's rich past and a bright future. Mark your 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 about 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. You can learn more by visiting www.historicathaneum dot 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 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 Tri Green's tractor photo booth, watch the Miss Murray County Fall Fest pageant and paint a mini pumpkin. Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with 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 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 Johnson. "We're privileged to partner with so many local businesses and organizations that work hard to produce amazing products, excellent food and great customer experiences that help transform events like this that create memorable moments for those in attendance. We hope that you enjoy the craft vendors, food trucks, the bands and all the activities for every age," she said. For more information about the second annual Fall Fest, including how to participate or volunteer, please visit www.columbiamainstreet.com or follow Columbia Main Street on social media. For your southern middle Tennessee weather, we will have cloudy skies today with scattered thunderstorms developing a few storms may be severe. The high will be 82 degrees with winds out of the southeast at 10 to 20 miles per hour. The chance of rain, 50%. Tonight, we can expect thunderstorms with the potential for heavy rainfall. The low will be 67 degrees with winds calming a bit out of the east at five to 10 miles per hour. The chance of overnight rain, 100%, with an inch expected. For your weekend forecast, we will see thunderstorms on Saturday with a lesser chance of rain on Sunday. Daytime highs will be in the high 70s. Overnight weekend lows will be in the mid 60s. 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, that 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 7th Street in Columbia, since 1856, people you can rely on. - Debbie Matthews-Rilter 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. 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, C 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 Parralis, 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. - Every morning, I park my car across the street from my business and I can't wait to get in there. That's pretty common for small business owners. We have the added satisfaction, however, of guiding hundreds of families with their retirement, education, savings and general investments. We're a locally owned business that tries very hard to simplify a complicated world. This is Mani Sneid from Caledonian Financial in historic downtown Columbia. - Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NBC Securities Incorporated, Member FINRA and SIPC. (upbeat music) - Hello, my name is Connor Mims. My wife, Bradley and I live in Columbia, Tennessee and Riverside. I'm 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. (upbeat music) - This is Bob Kessler 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. (whistle blows) 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. (whooshing) (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WPOM 101.7 and WPRM 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. Metro National Police Credit Rockstar John Bon Jovi for helping a woman at the Cignon Thaler pedestrian bridge, the police department shared on social media, a shout out to John Bon Jovi and his team for helping a woman in Nashville on the Cignon Thaler pedestrian bridge Tuesday night. Bon Jovi helped persuade her to come off the ledge over the Cumberland River to safety. "It takes all of us to keep each other safe," said Chief John Drake. After removing the woman from the bridge, Metro Nashville and Nashville fire department responded to the scene. A video of the incident was shared on YouTube, but has now been taken down. However, other videos remain on social media. Bon Jovi is a Nashville to film a music video. The bridge was open to the public while filming. He also paid a visit to the Parthenon where he took photographs with visitors. Also, Bon Jovi appeared at his newly opened bar on Broadway, JBJ's Nashville. The bar shared on social media. You never know who you'll catch on stage or behind the bar at JBJ's. Thursday morning's Metro Sports Authority Meeting revealed the latest estimate for the new Nissan Stadium, which is now expected to cost more than $2.235 billion. This updated figure is higher than the initial $2.1 billion projections. Despite the rising costs, contributions from the Sports Authority and the state remain the same. The Sports Authority is funding $760 million while the state is covering the $500 million. Initially, the Titans were responsible for about $840 million, but with the updated estimate, they will now need to cover an additional $135.6 million approximately. The meeting also provided the Sports Authority with updates on the stadium's design plans. The South Plaza will be used as an event space while Second Street is set to become a pedestrian and festival-friendly area. Security improvements for these spaces are still in the planning stages. Tennessee hemp growers filed a lawsuit against the Tennessee Department of Agriculture on Friday, alleging that the state illegally issued a new set of emergency rules for the $200 million hemp-derived goods industry. The rules announced in June include regulations around product testing, labeling, and licensing. Hemp farmers say they're unsure when or how they will be enforced. It's very confusing just in general to industry members. Tennessee Growers Coalition President Kelly Hess said, "Nobody seems to have any solid answers on what to expect going forward." Tennessee Growers Coalition is a political action committee that advocates for Tennessee businesses that manufacture, grow, and sell hemp-derived products. The group filed Friday's lawsuit alongside two East Tennessee hemp companies, Sailor Enterprises and Gold Spectrum CBD. In May of 2023, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed into law the state's first regulations for hemp-derived cannabinoids, making it illegal to sell products like Delta 8 and CBD to anyone under the age of 21. The law also imposed a 6% state tax on the products and tasked the Tennessee Department of Agriculture with oversight of regulation enforcement and a licensing program for Tennessee hemp companies. Two months later in July of 2023, the legal age and state tax went into effect, and the law allowed the TDA an additional year to establish formal rules around packaging and licensing in compliance with federal and state regulations. 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 to 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. 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 how 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, 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. Columbia Breakfast Rotary Club is prepping for its largest annual fundraiser this weekend at the newly reopened Mule House. Sunset rhythm and vines will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday at the Mule House located at 812 South High Street in Columbia. The events featured entertainment will be Alabama Tribute Act Boys in the Band. Tickets are $48 per person and are available at www.eventbrite.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontportradiotn.com. I'll be back on Monday to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price, thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great weekend. (upbeat music) (dramatic music)