Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-17-24
(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 Tuesday, September 17th, and we start with local news. One person had to be extricated after four cars were involved in a crash on Sunday. Around 9.20 PM, units responded to a motor vehicle accident at CB height Road and New Lewisburg Highway in Murray County. Units arrived to find four vehicles involved in one patient entrapped. Crews performed as side removal of one vehicle. A total of three Murray Regional Emergency Medical Service units responded for patients, all of whom were in stable condition. The Franklin Police Department is seeking the public's help and locating two brothers who are accused of multiple financial crimes targeting elderly victims. According to a Franklin Police Department news release, 24-year-old Laverias Marquez Owens and 23-year-old Lederias Tracian Owens are both wanted by police on the charges of financial exploitation of the elderly. Theft over $10,000, theft over $2,500, forgery and identity theft. Police said that the brothers both reside in Columbia and may be traveling in a silver Chevy Impala with Tennessee Tag BQZ 5414. Franklin Police Department has not released any additional information, but are asking that anyone with information call 615-794-2513. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Williamson County by calling 615-7944,000, where tips that lead to an arrest could result in a $1,000 reward. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office has successfully apprehended Michael Van Dobbs, a fugitive wanted for criminal homicide out of Murray County. Dobbs 48 was taken into custody at approximately 7 p.m. near Garrison Road in Natchez Trace Parkway in Williamson County. Dobbs, who is a suspect in the murder of Harold B. J. Grisham, had been the subject of a multi-agency search after a Tennessee-most one at alert was issued. He was last seen near the Garrison Creek Trailhead on the Natchez Trace Scenic Trail, wearing a maroon long-sleeve shirt and black shorts. A tip from an alert citizen who recognized Dobbs in the area and immediately notified law enforcement enabled deputies to locate and apprehend Dobbs without incident. Dobbs is now in custody and will face charges stemming from the criminal homicide investigation in Murray County. Law enforcement would like to thank everyone who shared information and helped bring this situation to a safe conclusion. Up to $100 million in funding for a number of expansion projects at Murray Regional Medical Center received preliminary approval for Murray County Health and Environment Committee during the group's September meeting. We have a lot of projects in the works. We have identified five phase one projects that we consider transformational because they're really going to change the care of patients and the experience of patients that come to Murray Regional for care, said Murray Regional Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Martin Cheney. The five projects Dr. Cheney identified are the Pavilion Orthopedic Institute, labor and delivery expansion, behavioral health, emergency renovation, roads and parking and expansion of the lobby. Dr. Cheney said one had begun, one was near starting and the others should start in 2025. While the hospital has self-funded much of the work thus far, Cheney said the hospital now needs help from Murray County to continue. He presented committee members of what he called turnkey price estimates that reached $94 million. Additionally, Dr. Cheney estimated most of that expenditure would take place over two to three years. As we can see from the timeline, we're going to have a time coming in 2025 when there's going to be multiple projects going on and the cash outlays will start coming in and be in larger amounts, Dr. Cheney said. We're not sure when we're going to actually need the money, but when we need it, we want to be nimble enough to move and not delay projects, he said. Dr. Cheney said the Orthopedic Institute would add 35,000 square feet on the Murray Regional campus and that this particular project was already underway. It would include a women's center for breast wellness as Cheney noted Murray Regional Medical Center performs 39,000 mammograms annually. While the language in the resolution calls for the bonds to be paid from both ad valorem taxes and hospital revenues, Dr. Cheney pointed out that just like in other instances, Murray Regional would pay off the bonds without any need for county money. Part of the agreement with the county will also require the hospital to keep one year's worth of debt payment in reserve. Murray Regional Health is expected to 100% fund the repayment of these bonds over a 20-year period, Dr. Cheney said. Asked what the hospital's current debt obligations were, Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Binkley gave an estimate of around $32.3 million, saying the hospital could well handle that. Commissioner Ray Jeter asked if the bond issuance would affect the county's borrowing capacity and was told by finance director Doug Laconan that it would not. Jeter also said that since interest from the $100 million would go to Murray Regional until the funds are spent, he would like to see a corresponding reduction in the county's expected contribution to the ambulance service. You're using our bond capacity. That $2 million is coming from Murray County taxpayers. And if there's any way we can come back from that, I'd like to see that happen. It would be a win-win for everybody, Jeter said. In an effort to provide better safety measures during a catastrophic event, Columbia City Council has applied for a grant that would fund an emergency alarm system within the downtown district. The state of Tennessee Small Cities Development Block Grant Program was a pursuit spawned by Columbia's recent tornado on May 8th, which swept through the city's rural areas down Bear Creek Pike, leaving hundreds of homes damaged and resulting in one death. On May 8th, we had an event affect our community that some folks are still recovering from, Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins said. Hopefully with this and everything going through on this grant, we and the very near future can have an early warning system, all comprehensive that will notify and protect our community. It will give them a little more knowledge of what's going on before the event takes place. It's something we definitely need in our community and is well-oriented, he said. Currently, Columbia does not have a city-wide warning system with only a limited range siren located at Columbia State Community College. The Office of Emergency Management recommends the new system feature a multifaceted approach to emergency alerts such as tone and voice sirens, wireless alerts or televised warnings. As per the grant application, the city is seeking $420,000 through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Block Grant Program with a total project budget of 525,000. If approved, the grant would also be funded 100% without any match or additional contribution required by the city or the taxpayers. City Councilman Danny Coleman was also instrumental in working with Columbia Fire and Rescue staff to complete the grant application. With all of the tornadic activity that's been coming through, I wish we would already have had this in place, of course, but this will be incredible, Coleman said. I still remember that day picking my daughter up from school and her saying, I didn't hear any tornado sirens, I thought we had some, but we only had the one at the college. Hopefully we'll be able to get something a little more comprehensive so that everybody around knows something serious is happening, he said. Council members also voted to apply for a new grant to fund the installation of 12 new pickleball and six tennis courts at Ridley Park. The 2024 Blue Cross Healthy Places grant would be funded up to $1 million for the project if approved. Columbia Parks and Recreation Director, Mac Reagan, said not only has the sport of pickleball grown in popularity, but its draw would also fit right into the economic impact other sports events at Ridley tend to bring in. Given that it's Ridley Park and the location, it will not only be for local use, but for our locals to form tournaments, Reagan said, with our new economic formula, we're looking at bringing in about $23 million in economic impact at Ridley Park alone, along with premier girls softball, bringing it to about 20 million a year. This will fit really into what our original scope of play was, and will hopefully bring us up to that whopping $30 million soon, he said. Reagan added that the pickleball and tennis courts will be separate, but can provide multiple uses, such as pop up basketball tournaments. We can pull portable basketball goals out there and play on them. There are a lot of things we can do with it, but with the way pickleball has grown and has been, I think we can fill these courts up on day one, he said. Vice Mayor Randy McBroom agreed, given that he has witnessed pickleball's popularity in Columbia in person, my daughter played in a tournament this past weekend, and I'd say at least 500 people came through there. McBroom said, it was positive, music was playing, and everyone was having a good time. We have a good facility here to do this, he said. The city of Columbia will maintain its double A plus bond credit rating, as well as receive its fifth consecutive Triple Crown status for financial reporting, according to city officials, bond issuances, which will fund construction of the city's new wastewater treatment plant, resulted in approximately $10.5 million in net savings to taxpayers, a city press release says. This effective long-term financial planning and fiscal discipline for capital projects secured the city's double A plus status. The second highest, awarded by Standard and Pours, the press release said. The wastewater treatment plant is estimated to total approximately $95 million, 70 million of which was funded via bonds and remains the single largest building investment in the city's history. In addition, Standard and Pours upgraded Columbia's financial management metric from strong to very strong. This bond issuance is a critical step in our continued investment in Columbia's infrastructure, Columbia Mayor Chaz Mulder said. By securing such favorable terms, we're not only meeting the needs of today, but also laying a solid foundation for future generations. Our strong financial standing allows us to make these necessary improvements while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, he said. Columbia City Council approved the bond closing back in July. Elizabeth Zalka of Raymond James served as financial advisor. By timing, the bond closing ahead of potential market disruptions due to the upcoming national election, the city was able to secure the best terms, the press release said. Initially, the interest rate for the new debt was modeled at 4.5%, Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonsky said. "At an actual borrowing rate of 3.8%, "we're saving Columbia citizens considerably "over the course of the 30 year life of the bonds," he added. City Manager Tony Massey commented on the importance of the financial savings. "Whenever we save money for the citizens "of the Columbia, it's a good day," Massey said. "The fact that the rating agencies "recognized the city's strong financial position "led to these significant savings, "we are pleased to, the city will save "approximately $10.5 million on the bond issuance "for the construction of our wastewater treatment plan," he said. In September, the city announced another major financial accomplishment after earning its fifth consecutive triple crown status from the Government Finance Officers Association, or GFOA. The awards included the Certificate of Achievement for Financial Reporting, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award. According to last year's data, Columbia was one of only three cities to receive that status. "Receiving the triple crown for five consecutive years "reflects our team's unwavering dedication "to transparency and fiscal responsibility," Mayor Mulder said. "This recognition demonstrates Columbia's commitment, "not only to responsible governance, "but also to producing annual budgets "that clearly communicate our goals "and priorities to the public," he said. In addition, Columbia was also awarded the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the Fiscal Year ending June 30th of 2025. "This recognition reassures our residents "that we are providing clear and accessible "financial information while laying a strong foundation "for Columbia's continued growth and success," Massey said. Jablonsky, who also serves as Columbia's Chief Financial Officer, praised the city's financial staff. "I am incredibly proud of our finance department team "for their exceptional performance "and achieving the triple crown recognition from the GFOA," Jablonsky said. "The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Award "and Triple Crown status reaffirm our ongoing commitment "to strong financial management. "The city of Columbia takes pride in being fiscally responsible "and transparent with taxpayers' dollars, "and this award highlights our dedication "as responsible stewards of the city's treasure," he said. Congratulations to Columbia Academy sophomore Taylor Sims, who recently had the incredible opportunity to enter the International Trap Men's Open and the Junior Olympic Championship Competition for the State of Tennessee. Competing against top world Olympic athletes, including Paris Olympic champions, Taylor achieved an impressive 14th place in the men's open category. His rank was based on cumulative scores, and while top Olympic athletes receive additional points for previous placements, Taylor, competing for the first time, did not receive those extra points. Despite this, he outperformed several current USA national and international world champions to earn his position. In the Junior Olympic men's under 18 category, Taylor excelled further, placing first and winning a gold medal after shooting 226 out of 250 targets. This was a qualifying event using the two highest scores from the Junior Olympics to determine a spot on the 2025 Junior Olympic squad. Taylor needs one more qualifying score to secure his place. Taylor Sims is the son of Deirdre and Eric Sims. Dr. Charles Hunter-Pregene has joined the Montgomery Regional Medical Group, and will provide services at Lewis Health Center, serving Hohenwald and the surrounding areas. Dr. Pregene received his medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in St. George's Grenada. He completed a residency at Florida State University, Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida. At Lewis Health Center, Dr. Pregene joins Joe Edkamal, doctor there, and nurse practitioners Nicky Edwards, Ashley Hancock, and Bailey M. Horton. Lewis Health Center provides a range of outpatient services, including primary care, imaging, physical therapy, laboratory testing, and a physician specialist clinic. It is designated as a federally qualified health center facility, meaning it provides a patient-centered medical home approach to primary care, and allows income-based discounts for patients' care, as well as the services available. For more information about the facility, please visit www.mariregeneal.com/lhc. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Mr. Billy Joe Center, 87, former longtime resident of New Cut Road in Columbia, died Saturday, September 14th at his granddaughter's residence in Austin, Kentucky. A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, September 17th at 11 a.m. at Philadelphia Cemetery on Fred White Road in Murray County. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday following the service at the cemetery. Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Danny Stinnett, 54, a roadway mechanic for CSX, and a resident of Hampshire, died Thursday, September 12th at Murray Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, September 18th at 2 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Whorly Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, September 17th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Hometown Memorials is sponsored by Oakes 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 Oakes and Nichols, we believe it's first and 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 Oakes 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 Oakes 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. Oakes 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 mostly sunny skies today with a high near 85 degrees. Winds will be out of the North Northeast at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect a few clouds and a low of 61. Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll cover state and national news that affect you. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Debbie Matthews 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. 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 put your family first. We're auto, home, life, or business insurance. Sea Shelter Agent Tommy High Junior 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 are 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 keep 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. - One of our objectives at Caledonian Financial is to impact our clients and friends in a positive manner. Whether it's a friendly voice, a smile and a wave as we walk past our office or supporting our community, the Caledonian team is actively involved. Through our memberships and 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 Daisy Cook with Caledonian Financial in historic downtown Columbia. - Securities and Investment Advisory Services offer 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 the portrait deck of your dreams. Give us a call today from our website, MEMSModernLandscape.com. That's MEMSModernLandscape.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 no news from around the state. After 30 days, members of the communications workers of America reached a tentative agreement with AT&T Southeast on Sunday. According to a release, the strike was the longest in the telecommunication region's history. Members returned to work on Monday after accepting the contract that covers 17,000 workers, including technicians, customer service representatives, and others who install, maintain, and support AT&T's residential and business network in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North, and South Carolina. Tennessee AT&T workers were part of the strike and had been picketing outside of the 333 Commerce Street building in downtown Nashville since the strike began. House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemens and Representative Bo Mitchell brought lunch to the union members at the picket line on Friday. Clemens' grandfather was a CWA member and joined strikes in 1955 and 1971. The newly reached five-year agreement includes wage increases of 19.33%, with an additional 3% increase for wire technicians and utility operations. Health care costs were also a key part of the deal and will remain the same for the first year, decrease in three and increase monthly over the final two years of the agreement. Our bargaining team has worked tirelessly to negotiate a contract that provides significant wage increases that reflect the hard work and dedication of our union members and a medical plan that ensures that our members and their families have affordable, comprehensive health care services. CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt said in a statement, "For every member who has walked a picket line, spoken out for the contract they deserved, or joined their co-workers for a union action, you built this," he said. The CWA also reached a tentative agreement with AT&T West after members previously rejected an agreement on September 6th. The agreement is for four years and covers 8,500 workers in California and Nevada. Union members will hold ratification votes in their respective regions before the contracts are officially adopted. As National Voter Registration Day approaches, Secretary of State Trey Hargut is encouraging all eligible Tennesseans to register to vote. "It has never been easier to register or cast a ballot in Tennessee," said Secretary Hargut. "If you have not already registered, National Voter Registration Day is a great opportunity to do so. National Voter Registration Day is today Tuesday, September 17th. The Voter Registration deadline for the November 5th state and federal general election is 11.59 p.m. on October 7th. The fastest way for eligible Tennesseans to register, update or check their status, is through the free GoVoteTn app or online at GoVoteTn.gov. Early voting for the November 5th state and federal general election begins October 16th and runs through October 31st. For more information, visit your trusted source for election information. GoVoteTn.gov or download the free GoVoteTn app. 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 McCall at 931-388-6822. They've been doing business since 1947 and in their current location since 1964. They provide the best tire and mechanical work at some of the best prices in middle Tennessee. Hey, they're official Michelin and Goodyear dealers and they've got all kinds of brands as well. Stop by and see Walker Vining and his professional staff or check them out online at Turner and Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Living with a worn 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 murriregional.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 Columbia. Call us at 931-380-2003. Our website is landersinsuranceagency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Luke Grimes, known as Casey on the popular show Yellowstone, is also a Mercury National Range Music Recording Artist who just announced a 10-day concert run. Playing on the tracks tour will stop at the Ryman on November 14th with special guest, Faith Carter. Tickets are available now. You can get them at www.ryman.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 frontportradiotm.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) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)