Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-16-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM radio. Your hometown news, broadcasting from the W Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Monday, September 16th, and we start with local news. 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 and 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 Wanted 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. A house fire destroyed a home and caused the death of a family's pet on Thursday in Lawrence County. Lawrence County Fire and Rescue shared that they received a call around 8 p.m. on September 13th to a residence on fire with people possibly trapped inside. When units arrived, the back of the two store home was engulfed with fire. High wind, high wind speeds on Thursday drove the flames even higher, Lawrence County Fire and Rescue said. An additional fire engine from Lawrenceburg arrived on the scene as did several fire units from new prospect. Fire engines and tankers were used to shuttle water to the house because the water supply on the scene was insufficient. First responders were able to get in contact with the homeowners and learned that there was no one in the home. Despite their efforts, Lawrence County Fire and Rescue said the homeowners believed at least one pet did not survive. Lawrence County Fire and Rescue said it took nearly four hours for the scene to be cleared. 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's 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 dash. On May 8th, we had an event affect our community that some folks are still recovering from. Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cumman said, "Hopefully with this and everything going through on this grant, we in the very near future can have an early warning system, all comprehensive, that will notify and protect our community. They 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 warranted," 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 budget project 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. 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 have already 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,' and 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 Mack Reagan said, "Not only has the sport of pickleball grown in popularity, but it draws, 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 in 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, who can fill these courts up on day one," he said. Vice Mayor Randy McBroom agreed, giving 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 is proud to announce the commencement of the fourth year of the Columbia Mayor's Youth Council or CMYC. The 2024-2025 class held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, September 10 at Columbia City Hall. This year, CMYC is made up of students from various Murray County high schools who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The CMYC's mission is to educate students about local government, encourage civic participation, and develop future leaders within Columbia's diverse high school population. Monthly meetings and community projects will provide opportunities for students to engage directly with their local government and make a positive impact on the community. The 2024-2025 CMYC members were selected through an open application process, available to all public, private, and homeschooled high school students in Murray County. Applications were accepted from August 1st through August 23rd. Columbia Mayor Chasmolder shared his enthusiasm for the new class, stating, "Being a homegrown Colombian and also the youngest mayor to serve in this role, investing in our youth has been a top priority for me from the very beginning. And I am proud to see the continued success of the Mayor's Youth Council. This program has created a meaningful platform for young leaders to contribute to our community. The students selected for this year's council all bring fresh perspectives and a shared passion for making Columbia a better place. I'm excited to see what they will accomplish and proud of this investment in our future, because I have no doubt it will make meaningful returns," he said. To learn more about the CMYC or stay updated on their projects and initiatives, visit www.columbiatn.gov/cmyc. You can also follow Columbia Mayor's Youth Council on Facebook and Instagram. The United Stroke Alliance is hosting a Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp, a transformative weekend retreat designed for stroke survivors and their caregivers. This experience-packed weekend will take place October 18th through the 20th at Pickwick Landing State Park in Counts, Tennessee. This event is proudly sponsored by Murray Regional Health Care Foundation, with volunteers from the nursing team at Murray Regional Medical Center. "We're proud to sponsor this important event that brings together stroke survivors and their caregivers in a nurturing and educational environment," said Courtney Lewandowski, development specialist of the Murray Regional Health Care Foundation. The Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp offers a unique opportunity for participants to find community, learn valuable information, and focus on their well-being," she said. The United Stroke Alliance is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting and educating people about the preservation, awareness, and recovery of stroke for survivors, caregivers, and their families. The Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp is an opportunity for stroke survivors and their caregivers to escape the routine of daily life and immerse themselves in a supportive community. This weekend retreat is filled with engaging activities, educational sessions, and plenty of relaxation, all tailored to the unique needs of those affected by stroke. An attendee can expect to find new friendships and connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges, pampering and relaxation, where they can take advantage of sessions focused on personal care and relaxation. Comfortable accommodations will stay in cozy rooms with the tranquil setting of Pickwick Landing State Park, delicious meals to enjoy, catered to a variety of dietary preferences, creative outlets where participants can take part in therapeutic and fun craft activities, educational sessions to gain insights from experts on stroke recovery and caregiving, engaging discussions where they can share your experience and learn from others during facilitated discussions, plenty of games and more. Several Marie regional health employees are volunteering at the event, including Amanda Coughran, disease-specific coordinator at Marie Regional Medical Center's Emergency Services Administration, where she will present a session on life after stroke. Attending Stroke Camp provides an opportunity to not only learn about life after a stroke, but also to connect with others who are on a similar journey, said Coughran. I'll be sharing insights on recovery, navigating challenges and how to rebuild your life with confidence. This camp is about empowerment, helping stroke survivors and their families feel supported and informed every step of the way, she said. The cost for the weekend is $100 per person and registration is now open. Rooms are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to register, visit www.strokecamp.org, click Find a Camp and follow the prompts to select the camp in Columbia. For questions, you can contact the United Stroke Alliance at 309-688-5450, or visit www.strokealliance.com. Marie Regional Medical Center is recognized with certification as an advanced primary stroke center by the Joint Commission and American Heart Association, American Stroke Association. Physicians providing care include Marie Regional Medical Group, hospital-based neurologists, a neurosurgeon and other clinical professionals. 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 Marie County Visitor Center for $35 each. 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 at 205 North Main Street in Mount Pleasant. We're 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. So come celebrate Mount Pleasant's rich past and 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, supported 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 Rectory 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. You can learn more by visiting www.historicathaneum.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 the tri-green 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 are 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. 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, 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. Home Town Memorial 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 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 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 your satisfaction is so important to Jeff Hargrove and Susie Sowell. - There's a great deal of satisfaction in serving a family and serving them well. It's an offer detail and thoughtfulness and taking the time to see that things are done right. - We do have nice facilities and good people and we work hard to do things well, but we don't want that to intimidate people as to what they think it will cost. - Taking care of you is our primary concern. - 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 sunny skies early, then clouds coming in later in the day. The high will be 86 degrees with winds out of the East, Northeast at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect mainly clear skies in a low of 58. 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-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. (laughs) My dad used to tell us that all the time. But family first wasn't just something he'd say to us. It was how he lived every day of his life. And is 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 haul and tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely morn equipment. We also have new haul and construction equipment, attachments and accessories for your tractors and a complete parts department. We are locally owned and operated. Come see us at 1075, North James Campbell Boulevard, or learn about us on Facebook. Our contact is at 931-490-8183. - 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 Monte Sneed 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 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. - 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. Classes have been in session for a few weeks now, meaning enrollment numbers have been set in stone, finalizing a new record for the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. This fall campus welcomed 38,728 students, which is 1,000 more than estimated when classes began on August 19th. A total of 6,804 first-year students joined the volunteer family for the class of 2028. UT credits its record-breaking enrollment to a record 91.9% retention for first-year and sophomore students. In 2019, the retention rate was 86 and 1/2%, meaning UT has grown the rate by more than 5% in five years. This fall's enrollment had a 6.7% increase over last year. The number of undergraduate students grew 6% and graduate students grew 10%. The hands-on programming and community building efforts that we have put into place over the last several years are paying off and helping ensure our students have the confidence and the resources they need to thrive here on Rocky Top, Chancellor Donde Plowman said in a news release, "I'm incredibly proud of the way everyone on campus, "including faculty, staff and administration, "take ownership in the success of our students." In another new record, UT received a 59,764 first-year applications, including 13,515 applications from in-state students. In-state high school students have the opportunity to receive guaranteed admission to any UT campus as long as they meet the requirements. The last surviving Sycamore tree originally planted at the corners of the Rutherford County Courthouse has been scheduled to be removed in November. The county estimated the trees aged to be between 179 and 184 years old. However, they added that the tree has been ailing for years. Rob Craker, a member of the International Society of Arbora Culture and Tree Whisperer, tried to help by conducting a root-seller excavation process. Ultimately, though, that effort was unsuccessful due to a harsh winter and storm damage that the tree later sustained. A Rutherford County historian, Greg Tucker, wrote about the tree. "The tree was the oldest living thing on the square. "The courthouse sycamore evidences our community's legacy "and expansive history," he said. However, not all hope is lost. Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr directed that a graft could be obtained from the current tree. That way, a genetically identical sycamore could be planted at the courthouse. A replacement tree will be placed in the spot where the sycamore currently stands until a new genetic line is planted in the spot. Let's take one last break. When we come back, we'll cover the final story of the day. We'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@osburn.com. That's turner@osburn.com. - Looking for a physician? Choosing a healthcare provider for your family is one of the most important decisions you will make. Murray Regional Medical Group delivers primary care for individuals of all ages from newborns to adults and has an array of specialists ranging from endocrinologists to urologists. With locations in Murray, Lewis, Marshall, and Wayne Counties, our experience team can provide you with quality care close to home. For more information, visit Murrayregionalmedicalgroup.com. Murray Regional Medical Group, your health is our primary 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. Tennessee State Parks will join First Lady Maria Lee's Tennessee Serves Initiative from September 19th through the 29 with volunteer work events at parks across the state. The volunteer opportunities coincide with National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 28th. Through Tennessee Serves, the First Lady invites Tennesseans to join her efforts to transform the state through service. Each month, the service challenges presented to encourage Tennesseans to roll up their sleeves and serve communities and September's challenge is serving Tennessee State Parks. Governor Bill Lee has issued a proclamation declaring September as Conservation Month. Tennessee Serves includes activities, include such tasks as trail cleanup, garbage pickup and removing invasive species. Tennessee State Parks deserve our care and these volunteer events help us ensure Tennessee continues to be home to the best parks in America, First Lady Maria Lee said. For more information on National Public Lands Day, go to the link www.neefusa.org. 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 at any time or read the transcript online by visiting frontportradiotn.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) (dramatic music)