Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 9-24-24
(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 24th. And we start with local news. In Middle Tennessee, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Cookville, McMinnville, Dixon, Fayetteville, Columbia, and Shelbyville Driver Service Centers and 12 Driver Services partner locations will close this week for a one-day installation of new credentialing equipment and new self-service kiosks. The Columbia Driver Services Center located at 1701 Hampshire Pike will be closed on Wednesday, September 25th. The new self-service kiosks can be used to complete many driver service transactions, including renewing or replacing a duplicate driver's license or ID card, changing an address, updating emergency contact information, advancing a teen graduated driver license, paying reinstatement fees and requesting a license reissue after reinstatement requirements are met. The new kiosks can take photos and process payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a credit or debit card. For more information on Tennessee Driver Services, including the new self-service kiosks, visit www.tn.gov/safety. Bright Apple is said to host the first ever Apple Fest on Saturday, November 2nd from noon to 3 p.m. The event will take place at Iglesia Una Esperanza Viva Church located at 2628 Polaski Highway in Columbia. The event is being held to raise funds to support Bright Apple's mission to provide healthy snacks for students in Murray County. Attendees will enjoy tacos and dessert. They can also participate in an Apple tasting of treats such as apple cider and donuts, apple butter, homemade applesauce, and fried apple pies. There will be plenty of family fun with outdoor games and festivities, a fall-themed photo booth, live band, face painting and temporary tattoos. Kids can even try bobbing for apples. Our board of directors and volunteers are excited for this first ever Apple Fest and are rallying together to make it a special time for folks to get together for great food and good fun for our mission. Said Lisa C. Aslega, director of development for Bright Apple. Bright Apple is a nonprofit organization that provides healthy snacks for students in Murray County each school day. The snacks help students concentrate during the school day as many students have lunch at school, but don't eat again until the following day. School schedules vary and some children eat lunch earlier late in the day and feel hungry before or after lunch. It is Bright Apple's mission to focus on feeding children so they can focus on learning. We conducted a survey earlier this year with our teachers and administrators, C. Aslega said, out of the 103 responses we received, 100% said that the healthy snacks contribute to better student focus and attention in class, she said. Since 2019, Bright Apple has provided over 850,000 healthy snacks to students in Murray County. Bright Apple proudly serves the students of JR Baker Elementary, Joseph Brown Elementary, Highland Park Elementary, Mount Pleasant Elementary, and Riverside Elementary. Bright Apple's newest school, Randolph Howell Elementary, was added to the roster this school year. Howell Elementary Principal Marissa Massey says the snacks have been very well received and the teachers are appreciative. It really equals the playing field when everyone has a healthy snack during the school day. Massey said, kids can't learn when they are hungry. As a school, we want to give students what they need academically, emotionally, and physically. The snacks from Bright Apple help us do that. It truly makes a difference, she said. It costs just $5 a month to provide snacks for one student each school day. Bright Apple has relationships with food distributors to have USDA smart snacks, such as apples, bananas, pears, and cheese and crackers sent directly to participating schools. The goal for Bright Apple's first ever Apple Fest is to raise enough money to fund one school for the entire school year. Every contribution we receive from Apple Fest means so much more than a yummy fruit for our students in class. It means dignity, staying intact, better classroom atmosphere, behavior issues, decreasing, teacher satisfaction, and most importantly, learning success for our students, C.S. League of Sad. Apple Fest tickets can be purchased online for $25 per person for all ages, table sponsorships are available for $200, an included mission for eight table guests, as well as the opportunity to have informational booths at the event. For more information about Apple Fest and to purchase tickets, visit brightapple.org or send an email to info@brightapple.org. Columbia Academy is proud to announce Jeff Duncan as the 2024 Alumnus of the Year, a true servant to the community. Jeff has consistently led by example and has earned the respect and admiration of all who know him. For 28 and a half years, Jeff served the citizens of Columbia as a member of the Columbia Police Department, where his commitment to public service shown brightly. Throughout his tenure, he received numerous awards and recognitions. One of the most powerful, impactful initiatives is the Shop with a Cop program, which he founded in 2003. This program has positively touched the lives of hundreds of youth in our community, fostering meaningful connections between law enforcement and the families they serve. This initiative has grown over the years, inspiring other local agencies such as the Marie County Sheriff's Department to implement similar programs. Jeff, a member of the class of 1993, was not just an outstanding student, but also an active participant in school sports, serving as a four year member of the varsity basketball team. His spirit and enthusiasm were recognized when he was voted most school spirit during his senior year. Today, Jeff continues to be an integral part of Columbia Academy, volunteering extensively in various sports programs and managing social media for both boys and girls' basketball teams. His commitment to law enforcement runs in the family. Following in the footsteps of his father, Frank Duncan, a dedicated officer for 40 years with the Columbia Police Department, Jeff began his own career in November of 1995. After nearly three decades of service, he retired in May of 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and community engagement. Throughout his career, Jeff received multiple accolades, including the Floyd Hines Memorial Award in 2004 from the Fraternal Order of Police for his dedication in establishing the Shop with a Cop program. Officer of the year in 2005 and 2019 from the Knights of Columbus, making him the only two time recipient of this honor in the department's history. The Howard Allen Memorial Award in 2007 for Outstanding Investigative Work, and the Chief Ed Hilton Award for Community Service in 2023 from the Columbia Noon Rotary Program. In 2007, Jeff furthered his education by graduating from the University of Tennessee's National Forensic Academy, known as the Body Farm. Columbia Academy is proud to honor Jeff Duncan for his service to the community. The city of Columbia is proud to announce the successful completion of the inaugural Columbia 101 program, an initiative designed to engage residents with local government and community services. Held on September 17th and 18th, Columbia 101 provided participants with a unique hands-on opportunity to interact with city officials, learn about municipal services, and explore avenues for community involvement. Mayor Chaz Mulder praised the program's impact, stating, "Columbia 101 gives our residents an opportunity to go behind the scenes and to understand the inner workings of their local government. It bridges the gap between our administration and the community, fostering engagement, collaboration, and a shared sense of responsibility. I am proud of the success of this inaugural program and excited to see it continue," he said. The two-day program kicked off at the Columbia Police Department, where attendees were introduced to the city's 12 departments, including development services, fire and rescue, and public works. Participants also toured select facilities gaining first-hand insights into how vital city services are delivered. City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the long-term benefits of the initiative. Columbia 101 is an integral part of the City of Columbia's long-term strategic plan to build a well-informed and engaged community. By educating residents about city operations and resources, we empower them to contribute to the growth and development of Columbia," he said. The program was created and facilitated by marketing coordinator Lexi Dearborn, who explained the vision behind Columbia 101. The city is committed to strengthening transparency between residents and local government. Columbia 101 was designed with that goal in mind, providing an opportunity for residents to gain valuable insights into city operations. Our aim is to build a more informed and engaged community that plays an active role in shaping Columbia's future. Participants shared positive feedback with one attendee remarking, "There is so much to be proud of here in Columbia. There is an abundance of riches in the quality of government in all departments. Columbia 101 is an experience everyone should take advantage of. Columbia 101 will be offered twice per year and is open to all city of Columbia and Murray County residents. The next session will be announced in the coming months and those interested are encouraged to apply." For more information, visit the City of Columbia's website at www.ColumbiaTn.gov. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the week of October 4th, starting at State Route 50 at zero mile marker in Murray County, starting at 10 p.m. Embair driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 people every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving. Organizers and fall enthusiasts are prepping to kick off the city's second annual fall fest later this month as temperatures begin to dip, signifying the first celebration ahead of a slew of holiday events in Murray County. After embarking upon bringing a brand new community event to downtown in 2023, Columbia Main Street and Kiwanis Club of Columbia will bring back their fall fest and chili cook-off from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 28th. This year's festival promises to be even bigger and better, including closing down the entire downtown Columbia Square to open up more space for the chili cook-off, more pedestrians, more food trucks, and more activities. I'm excited that fall fest is back in town because it provides more space for the community to come down, to be together, and to hang out while enjoying so many local things, whether that's businesses interacting with nonprofits or shopping. Columbia Main Street director Kelly Johnson said, "It's just that time of year when people want to get out and about and enjoy life together as a community," she said. Visit www.visitcolumbietian.com for more information, such as entry forms for Miss Fall Fest and the Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off. To newcomers or anyone unfamiliar with Fall Fest, Johnson describes it as a kind of like first Fridays, but on steroids. This includes constructing a main stage for live music, as well as a fun zone and the annual Columbia Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off. With October and the Halloween season just around the corner, this year's Fall Fest will also feature a pumpkin decorating contest for downtown small businesses with a theme falling in love with Columbia. The contest gives these businesses the opportunity to be at the event in a different way. Johnson said, "They can paint, carve, decorate with accessories and bring it to Fall Fest, where attendees get to vote on their favorite. Everything we did this year was in how we can touch all of the local organizations in town, and so it looks like a true community event," she said. For the kids, Fall Fest will also have about 300 mini pumpkins to decorate provided by sponsor Wiremasters. Tri-Green will also provide a tractor photo booth. Live music will be sponsored by Atmos Energy and feature performances by Catapult, The Exotics, and Headliner Deondra and 46 Story. Another new change this year will be the Miss Fall Fest pageant sponsored by Brits of Columbia, which last year took place prior to the Fall Fest event. This year's pageant will be featured at the festival and is open to anyone up to the age of 18. I'm excited to see the pageant take place at the actual event because that's going to bring it all together full circle under one roof," Johnson said. "It'll be exciting to see everyone from zero to 18 years old, all dressed up, and hanging out," she said. "Whether it's axe throwing, snow cone eating, or plunging a person in a dunk tank, one of the big highlights of Fall Fest is what can be discovered in the event's fun zone. This year's fun zone is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Columbia, which promises there will be something for everyone and for all ages. Much like the festival itself, it will also be bigger. I'm thrilled for the community to have Fall Fest and we have wonderful sponsors who have sponsored not only Fall Fest, but also Kiwanis. Columbia Main Street Chair Suzanne Ganser said, "They made it so we could fund the fun zone," which this year included McDonald's of Columbia, Tenpin Alley, and Caledonian Financial. "We couldn't have done it without them," she said. After making quite the splash last year, the Fall Fest dunk tank returns once again, this year featuring representatives from various local nonprofits raising money per pitch. The Kiwanis chili cook-off will also return, this year boasting a record 20 entries and lots of spices with one space still available. This year's event will be on the entire square as opposed to last year when we only had half. So that has given us some more room and could allow for more teams. Ganser, who also chairs the cook-off, said, "Our primary beneficiary this year will be Murray County Schools through the Youth Education Foundation." Putting on a festival in a place like downtown Columbia involves a lot of work and a lot of manpower, but the work has drawn a fall enthusiast crowd of all ages, organizers say. Johnson said the response to last year's inaugural Fall Fest has been nothing but encouraging, especially in the weeks leading up to the September 28th event. It has also inspired organizers to come up with new ideas to make Fall Fest even better than before. We've had so many people want to be part of this event because they know this will be a huge event. Johnson said, "That's the exciting part because we are baby stepping this event forward. We are going to make, keep making changes and transforming the event each year in a way that makes sense for the community. For example, this year we are opening the backside of the square, which was an easy next step because more people can be at the event. Johnson is also making extra sure the event will fall on a nice, comfortable day for attendees to get into the fall and lube together. I've also ordered perfect weather for this year. Johnson said, "I'm really excited for Fall Fest and I think the community is excited for it as well. Just be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking," she said. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Evelyn Jett Brewer, 83, resident of Columbia, died Friday, September 20th at Poplar Estates assisted living. Funeral arrangements and a complete obituary will be re-released at a later date. Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. 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 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 the way you feel has always been so important to Susie and Tony Sowell. When people come here, I hope they feel like they're working with a person who's just like family. And by the time they leave here, I hope they feel like they're a part of our family. What I like most is when a family is leaving, they can say thanks. You made something we thought would be hard, easier than we thought it would be. Not that we made it easy, we made it easier. 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 thunderstorms today with gusty winds and small hail possible. The high will be 83 degrees with winds out of the Southwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. The chance of rain today, 90%. Tonight, we can expect scattered thunderstorms during the evening and cloudy skies after midnight. The low will be 64 degrees with light and variable winds. The chance of overnight rain, 60%. 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) - This is Debbie Matthews with the National Royalty 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 Royalty 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 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, Sea Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. - For 40 years, the Jewelers Bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory, more high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers Bench, still here, still great service. 808, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. - Some people are just obsessed with their lawns. They'd cut their grass with a pair of scissors if they could. Bikes 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 can't do better than a gravely. - See our full line of gravely products at Murray County Equipment. 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia, Tennessee, or check us out on Facebook. - I don't know about you, but I just love doing business with small businesses. You feel appreciated when you walk in and they know your name. At Caledonian Financial, we try very hard to appreciate our clients. We value everyone and we reject the idea that you're not worthy of advice if you don't have a certain amount of money. We love our neighbors, all of them. This is Monty 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 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) (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 I'm news from around the state. Ridgstone America's was putting teens behind the wheel at Nashville Super Speedway on Sunday where new drivers between the ages of 15 and 21 were invited to test their defensive driving and decision-making skills with specialized trainers. This is an extension of everyone's efforts to make sure all teens are safe on the road, said Wade Monday of Bridgstone America's corporate philanthropy. At Teens Drive Smart, instructors set up a course showing the dangers of driving distracted. On golf cards, teens drove through cones looking at a phone in their hand to see how risky it is to not look at the road. This really teaches me to stay alert while driving, said James Wilson, a senior from Maplewood High School. Teens also learned about what to do in bad weather and accident prevention overall. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in Tennessee. The state's fatality rate for 16 year old and 17 year old drivers is the 12th highest in the country. I'm a native Tennessean. From the sixth grade to 12th grade, there was a fatality every year in my school due to a traffic accident recalled Monday. Teens learned safe driving skills alongside professional race car drivers. Miles Rowe, who competes in the NDNXT by Firestone Series, said it's important to be confident behind the wheel. Just make sure you know you have the right skills and foundation under you to make sure you and everyone out there on the road is safe, Rowe said. That's what we're doing out here today. Very basic, simple exercises, making sure they have the right knowledge to go there and be comfortable, he said. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be celebrating 2024 National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, September 28th. The special day recognizes generations of sports men and women for their contributions to the rich tradition of wildlife conservation funded by hunting, fishing, and boating license sales. One of the main goals of National Hunting and Fishing Day is to recruit new hunters and anglers by encouraging participation and increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. "We encourage people of all ages to go outdoors "and experience the mental and physical benefits "of outdoor recreation," says TWRA Executive Director, Jason Maxiden. TWRA offers events throughout the year to teach people the skill they need to enjoy hunting and fishing, and we are grateful for licensed buyers who support wildlife conservation through their purchases," he said. Wildlife and fisheries conservation in Tennessee is primarily funded by the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, boating registrations, and a portion of the real estate transfer tax. In addition to licensed sales, TWRA also receives federal grant funding from excise taxes on the sale and manufacturing of certain outdoor recreation gear, firearms, ammunition, and fishing equipment. National Hunting and Fishing Day was established by the United States Congress in 1972 to recognize hunters and anglers for their financial contributions to wildlife conservation. The event is celebrated in all 50 states annually on the fourth Saturday in September. September 28 is also the launch of the statewide fall archery season for deer and fall archery season for turkey in select counties. Check the 2024/2025 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for specific season regulations and visit www.tnwildlife.org for more information on events and opportunities to get involved. 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 me a 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. 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 claims 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 Parks and Rec invites young royalty to a magical afternoon of fun and fantasy. On September 27th, from 4.30 to 6 p.m., the department will host a 2.2.T party at Fairview Park at 871 Iron Bridge Road. This enchanting event promises a variety of princess-themed activities for children. Participants will have the opportunity to create their very own tutus and tiara's, transforming into the princesses of their dreams. The party will also feature dress-up sessions, allowing young attendees to mingle with fellow princesses in their royal attire. Adding to the fairytale atmosphere, the event will include a sing-along of beloved Disney songs sure to delight fans of classic animated films. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWTR 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 FrontportsRadioTM.com. It's always there for you. 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)