Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-1-24
(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, October 1st, and we start with local news. The Murray Regional Women's Center is proud to announce that it has earned the prestigious American College of Radiology accreditation for breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided biopsy. This reaccreditation, effective until 2028, recognizes the center's commitment to providing high quality imaging and diagnostic services that meet or exceed national standards in radiology. Receiving this accreditation from the American College of Radiology highlights the dedication and experience of our team at the Women's Center, said Dr. Martin Chaney, CEO of Murray Regional. Almost every family has been impacted by breast cancer, including my own. The Women's Center strives for excellence every day to serve the women of our community, especially women who are high risk for breast cancer, and for those undergoing breast ultrasound and biopsy procedures, he said. Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and better treat medical conditions. Ultrasound imaging of the breast produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast. An ultrasound guided biopsy is a procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needle to extract a tissue sample for analysis. The ACR is a professional medical society that accredits facilities based on rigorous peer review evaluations conducted by board certified radiologists and medical physicists. This comprehensive review process assesses the qualifications of personnel, equipment performance, quality control procedures, and overall quality assurance. The accreditation is recognized as a national gold standard in radiology, validating Murray Regional Women's Center's ongoing dedication to quality, safety, and patient care. This accreditation also reflects Murray Regional Women's Center's continuous efforts to maintain the highest levels of precision and accuracy in diagnostics imaging. Breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided biopsies are critical tools for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, allowing physicians to identify and address concerns swiftly and effectively. The Women's Center, located in the pavilion at Murray Regional Medical Center, provides a convenient, private, and pleasant environment for women's health services, such as 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, and bone density studies. For more information about Murray Regional's Women's Center and its accredited imaging services, visit www.muryregional.com/women. The Murray County Commission has approved a resolution to change how it receives certain funds via new development through the county powers relief act. Commissioners approved the resolution earlier this month in its second and final reading. The approval would exonerate the county's use of the adequate facilities tax effective at the end of regular business hours, October 31st, with the county powers relief act taking effect the following day, November 1st. Discussion was minimal prior to the Monday, September 16th vote, but District 5 commissioner Scott Sumner's asked if the county's adequate facilities tax committee would disband or rather adapt to the new format and remain. Murray County Attorney Daniel Murphy responded, saying he was unaware if the committee would be required under the county powers relief act versus the private act. "The adequate facilities board, to my knowledge, has never met, and if it has, it's only been once," Murphy said. "It is required by the private act to remain in place as long as there are entities or properties out there seeking clarification on their square footage. So that board would need to stay in place, though I don't know how long that would be," he said. Under the new code, taxes will be based on the floor area of a new development at a rate of $1.50 per square foot for residences and $12.50 per square foot up to $150,000 for commercial property. I can't let this be voted on without saying a big thank you to every commissioner in this room, but also the commissioners in the prior commission who started this fight several years ago, commissioner Ray Jeter said. "It's been over three years in the making, and a lot of us fought this battle. It's not exactly what we wanted, but it's better than what we had, and we agree with that. This is a big deal for the people of Murray County, a big deal for our schools, and how we are going to fund our growth. I appreciate every commissioner who's fought this battle," he said. The final verdict resulted in a unanimous 22 votes in favor of the county powers relief act. Blood assurance is in immediate need of blood and platelet donors for the devastating landfall of Hurricane Helene and its impact on the blood supply. The storm has caused widespread cancellation of appointments and blood drives across the service area. In addition, blood assurance is on standby this week with the Blood Assurance Emergency Corps, or BERC, to provide immediate support to communities if needed. BERC, made up of 35 community blood centers across the United States, collects extra units of blood on a rotating basis to be ready for disasters like this. These life-saving donations are crucial in times of crisis. We're in critical need of O-negative, O-positive, and platelet donors, a spokesperson for blood assurance said through a news release. O-negative is the universal blood type, often used in emergencies, while O-positive is the most common blood type in the U.S. Platelets help control bleeding and are vital in emergency situation. We're also looking for AB plasma donors, as AB is the universal plasma type, he said. You can visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 1-800-96-206-28, or text the word be a give to the number 999-777 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted. 568 campers packed Spring Hills Fisher Park for a weekend of outdoor activities at the third annual Spring Hill Camping in the park, which took place September 21st and 22nd, made possible by the Union Sportsmen's Alliance or USA, United Auto Workers Local 1853, Spring Hill Parks and Recreation and the Bearden Group. Fisher Park was filled with nearly 150 campsites, archery, rock climbing, an obstacle course, frisbee golf, a scavenger hunt, backyard bass, and an outdoor movie. Over 300 kids were present and their engagement is a reason why USA Conservation Coordinator Cody Campbell called the event a success. This event was one for the books for the USA, he said. The partnership with the City of Spring Hill Parks and Recreation is what made it all possible. This is the largest non-fishing youth event the USA has been a part of. We had a lot of firsts at this one and it was amazing to see the smiles and excitement these kids had getting their first introduction to the outdoors. Casey Williams, Spring Hill Parks and Recreation Director, said factors such as affordability, location, convenience, and quality activities all contribute to the event's popularity. We had about 80 campsites last year and this year we had 143. We feel like this event will continue to grow year after year, Williams said, not only because it is fun, but also because it gives people an opportunity to see if they like camping without having to spend a ton of money on gear or travel far. Hopefully camping out becomes something they will continue to do so they can experience this beautiful country in a whole new way, she said. Volunteers with UAW Local 1853 provided all the food and cooked hot dogs for attendees. This partnership is more than just a once a year event for us. Williams said, it is something we lean into year round, conservation awareness, green space planning, outdoor experiences are all part of our platform as well. Also, Spring Hill is the home of the USA headquarters, so it and its members are part of our city's DNA, part of our community family. We look forward to many more years of working together with the USA, she said. Campin in the park was a part of a series of free community based youth outreach activities organized under work boots on the ground, the USA's flagship conservation program. Spending time outdoors opens them up to a huge new world that can provide so much fun and serenity to balance out the stresses and negativity of other things in kids' lives. Williams said about the benefits of being outside. Fresh air, open spaces, exploration, physical activity, changes in scenery and new experiences can have a big impact on our state of mind and our overall health, she said. The Tilted Mule located at 102 Depot Street in Columbia will close, announcing their closure on social media the restaurants last day will be Sunday, October 6th. They shared, "The creation of the Tilted Mule has been a labor of love and we have been fortunate to witness countless memories unfold within our space. From the delectable food and drinks to the incredible entertainment, we have always aimed to cultivate an atmosphere where camaraderie thrives." Continuing, "After much thought and reflection, we have arrived at the difficult choice to close the Tilted Mule. This was not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one for us at this time. As we approach our final day, we will be honored to say farewell to each of you. It means a lot to us to have the opportunity to personally express our gratitude for being part of our journey." They wrote. Columbia Main Street announced that due to the inclement weather that moved through Middle Tennessee this past weekend, the second annual Fall Fest has been postponed until October 12th. The event will take place from 2 to 8 PM in downtown Columbia. This event presented 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. In conjunction with Fall Fest, the Kiwanis Club of Columbia is proud to present the annual Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off from 3 to 5 PM on the square. This autumn tradition brings chefs from all over Murray County to decide whose chili reigns supreme. Tickets are $10 each at the event and children 10 and under are free. Also, be sure to visit the Kiwanis Kid Zone at Fall Fest for face painting, complimentary snow cones, inflatables and more. Additionally, attendees can support local businesses by shopping with artisan craft vendors, eating from delicious food trucks or pre-registering to participate in the Miss Murray County Fall Fest pageant. "Bring a long 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. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the week of October 4th on State Route 50 at the zero mile marker in Murray County, starting at 10 PM. Impaired 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 those of 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. Mark your calendar's Columbia, room in the inn's biggest fundraiser of the year is just around the corner. On October 4th, the community is invited to join in the October Fest festivities and support a fantastic local cause. Room in the inn is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, resources and hope to single mothers and their children in need. Their latest project, Grace House, aims to create a safe, supportive living space with individual beds, private bedrooms and bathrooms, a community kitchen and a 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 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. Bright Apple is set to host the first ever Apple Fest on Saturday, November 2nd from noon until 3 p.m. The event will take place at Iglesia Una Esperans of Viva Church located at 2628 Pulaski 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 activities, 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 the 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 Sia-Slega, 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 late early, I'm sorry, eat lunch early or 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, Sia-Slega said, out of the 103 responses we received, 100% said that the healthy snacks contribute to better student focus and attention in class. 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 wanna give students what they need academically, emotionally, and physically. The snacks from Bright Apple help us to 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 school, I'm sorry, 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 and included mission for eight table guests, as well as the opportunity to have an informational booth at the event. For more information about Apple Fest and to purchase tickets, visit www.brightapple.org, or send an email to info@brightapple.org. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Linda Messick Craig, 75, died Saturday, September 28th at her residence in Lewisburg. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, October 1st at 3 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, October 1st from 1 to 3 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Dot Mayfield, 91, a retired cafeteria manager for Columbia Academy and a resident of Columbia died Tuesday, September 24th at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, October 3rd at 12 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow at Palestine Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, October 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. hometown memorials is sponsored by Oaks 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 Oaks and Nichols, we believe it's first at always a special remembrance of someone you love. We start by listening to your needs and desires. If you're unsure, we can help gently, professionally. At Oaks and Nichols Funeral Directors, we haven't lost sight of why we're here to serve Murray County families in the ways they prefer. And why 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 eye for 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. Oaks 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 clouds early with peaks of sunshine expected late. There's a slight chance of a rain shower. The high will be around 80 degrees, so the wind's out of the Northwest at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower. The low will be 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 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. (upbeat music) - 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. (upbeat music) - Some people are just obsessed with their lawns. They 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. - Caledonian Financial is a full service family financial planning firm. What we mean by that is we will work with young clients, assisting them with budgeting in rods, young families with college planning, life and disability insurance, older clients as they bring in 401k rollovers and seek advice for state and tax planning. And finally, our elderly clients, when it comes to the distribution base of the retirement plan and long-term care options. This is the days it could with Caledonian Financial in historic downtown Columbia. - Securities and Investment Advisory Services offer 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 in 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 Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The backhoe 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 I'm news from around the state. East Tennessee was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Now, the cleanup continues aided by the Tennessee National Guard. There are 130 guardsmen and seven helicopters activated in East Tennessee to assist, according to Sabrina Singh, the Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary. Four rotary-wing search and rescue aircraft and a pair of rescue teams have been deployed to McGee Tyson in Knoxville. Over the weekend, the National Guard has done helicopter rescue missions, delivered supplies to areas of need, supported debris removal, and worked in the 24/7 Joint Operations Center, according to the National Guard's social media. The rescue missions are flown by the service members of the 230th Assault Helicopter Battalion based at Knoxville's Joint Base McGee Tyson, according to a National Guard Press release. Their work includes a rescue of Unicorn County Hospital, where more than 50 people were stranded on a roof, surrounded by the rising waters of the Nolichucky River on Friday. "Our priority is to rapidly deploy to the affected areas and assist emergency responders with rescue operations," said Tennessee's Adjutant General, Major General Warner Ross, and a press release on Friday. "We are monitoring the situation and prepared to support as long as needed to ensure the safety of our fellow Tennesseans," he said. "Additional support for the region is provided by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which is conducting bridge inspections and from a U.S. Northern Command's Joint Enabling Capability Team in Nashville," according to Singh. Let's take one last break. When we come back, we'll cover the final story of the day. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee, today. - Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia, give a call at 931-388-6822. 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. - 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 experienced 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 Landers Insurance Agency.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Bluegrass Rocker Billy Strings' new album, "Highway Prayers" released on September 27th and on the heels of that release, Strings announced a winner tour that includes two nights at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena February 28th and March 1st, followed by a March 2nd show at the Ryman Auditorium. Tickets for the Ryman Show will be available via lottery to be eligible for the fair access ticketing request. Fans are required to purchase a ticket for at least one of the two Bridgestone Arena shows. Registration for pre-sale ticket access is open now with general on sale starting Friday, October 11th at 10 a.m. Learn more about the lottery at www.ryman.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm 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 tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price, thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music)