Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-7-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news is broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews National Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Monday, October 7th, and we start with local news. Cities across the state continue to pitch in to provide relief for victims of tropical stormholine, which left many East Tennessee residents without basic necessities like food, water, and clean clothes. Columbia and Murray County businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers stepped up in response to the damage left by the category four storm, such as deploying 13 firefighters to assist emergency teams in the areas most affected. The community has also begun accepting donations, including food, water, hygiene products, and medical supplies at various drop-off locations, at schools, churches, and local businesses. Many of the efforts happened last Friday due to the constraints of fall break in the school system. Columbia State Community College accepted bottled water donations at each of its campuses on Friday, including the Columbia campus, Williamson, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg, and Clifton campuses. Murray County Public Schools accepted donations at EA Cox Middle School through Friday. Items included cases of bottled drinking water and cleaning supplies such as disinfectants, gloves, mops, and buckets. Many families are without basic necessities, and communities face a long road to recovery. EA Cox posted on social media. By coming together as a school district, we can help ease the burden for those affected by providing essential items they desperately need. Other organizations that gathered relief donations included the United Farm and Home Co-op, located at 975 Riverview Lane, which accepted donations on Friday, with another truck to be posted at a later date. The Tennessee National Confederate Museum at Elm Springs, located at 2357 Park Plus Drive, accepted donations on Friday, and Bonnie's Barnyard accepted donations and items for anyone with animals affected by the storms. The company hosted a tax sale at the Baker Building at Murray County Park last Friday and Saturday. They gathered items, including halters and leads, buckets, feed, fencing supplies, and first aid. People with livestock have been cut off from the rest of the world due to flooding and roads being washed away. Horse trainer Laura Lee Schuster posted on social media. They have animals that desperately need food. This easiest way to help is to just make a phone call, she said. South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, made up of 13 counties, including Murray, generated more than $517 million in direct visitor spending and saw 3.6 million visitors to the region in 2023. The 2023 economic impact of travel on Tennessee report was released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tourism in South Central Tennessee is on a remarkable upward trajectory, fueling both economic growth and community development. SCTTA executive director Ryan French said, "This progress is a testament to the strong partnerships we've cultivated across the region and the invaluable role these relationships play in enhancing local resources and strategies," he said. Specific to Murray County, the same report revealed $136.85 million in domestic visitor spending in the county in 8% increase from 2022. Tennessee Department of Tourist Development released a new data just ahead of the industry's annual governor's conference in Chattanooga, statewide, Tennessee Tourism generated $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023. Tax dollars generated by tourism support important local public services like education, health, and safety. This record growth is a testament to the strength, resilience, determination, and efforts of our hardworking industry in bringing visitors to enjoy why Tennessee sounds perfect. Markey Zell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, stated, "Murray County ranked 20th among the 95 counties in Tennessee, while visitors spending in Murray County generated $13.9 million in state and local tax revenue." South Central Tennessee Tourism Association estimates that if it were not for state and local taxes generated by tourism, each Murray County household would pay $352 more in state and local taxes. Visitors spending also generated $34.2 million in payroll for Murray County. French added, "We're at an exciting juncture, witnessing unprecedented growth and widespread community support for our shared mission. As we prepare to launch our new tourism-ready strategy, we're focused on expanding resources for small businesses, lodging partners, and attractions, further solidifying our region as a premier destination for visitors," he said. This October, Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Carousel will be retold by Watershed Public Theater in Columbia. The play is set around a New England seaside carnival, something delightful in nature, but its complicated characters exist in desperate times and live by desperate measures. It's a family story, but a hard one. Director Peyton McCarthy is absolutely raring to tell it. The MTSU grad became fascinated with Carousel after seeing the film adaptation about a decade ago. The emotional depth and potential of the play would help propel Peyton through his academic career, studying theater as he pondered the moral questions posed by the script. Through numerous Carousel-centric college papers and projects, Peyton developed a vast personal vision of how to bring the production to life in a new and original way. When Watershed invited him to direct their seasonal musical, McCarthy was ready to go with his Carousel concept and his path became a perfect circle. Carousel depicts a love story in which one of the lovers is desperately struggling to keep his life together and lashes out in that struggle. McCarthy said, "It is one specific form of abuse." And despite this unhealthy dynamic in the relationship, there's real love between these two characters. It's a complicated situation. This show is a cautionary tale. He said, "As stage musical innovators, Rodgers and Hammerstein used song and dance to do more than just entertain. The music helped advance the plot and express the soul of the characters, debuting as their second musical in 1945, Carousel was an early example of the duo's dedicated attention to social issues. In this case, crime and domestic abuse. Director McCarthy's thoughtful updates to the play aim to add more impact for a 2024 audience. The setting is bleak, the story is detailed and the pain of the characters is vivid. In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Watershed Public Theater hosted a special preview event, a closer look at Carousel. Following the performance was a discussion led by production director Peyton McCarthy and Cindy Sims, executive director of Center of Hope. "I want survivors in the audience to know that they're not alone. And I want to make a statement about just how harmful abusive actions are." As said McCarthy, "The final note we leave on our production is a message of consequence, regret and accountability," he said. Watershed Public Theater's partnership with Center of Hope continues through the run of Carousel performances later this month. Anyone who brings a donation item for Center of Hope's shelter to the preview event or performances will receive a discount of $5 off every Carousel ticket purchased. The items of greatest need for the shelter are shelf-stable convenience foods, such as cereal, canned meats, and soups, as well as large sizes of diapers and phone chargers. Carousel features a talented cast of middle Tennessee artists. Showtime's are October 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th at 7 PM, with matinee performances on October 20th and 27th at 3 PM. It'll be held at Columbia State Community Colleges Cherry Theater located at 1665 Hampshire Pike in Columbia. Tickets can be purchased online at www.watershedpublictheatre.org or at the door. Columbia State Community College is excited to announce the 22nd season of its popular performance series sponsored by first farmers and merchants bank, showcasing a dynamic lineup of talented artists at the 500-seat Cherry Theater on the Columbia campus. Audiences can look forward to memorable performances with the added perks of free parking and a complimentary art exhibit at the prior art gallery before each show. This season of the performance series at Columbia State is a true celebration of musical artistry, showcasing exceptional talent that transcends genres and generations, said Tammy Rossen, director of events and alumni relations at Columbia State. Each performance offers something truly special, whether it's the soulful harmonies of Rockland Road, the powerful vocals of Wendy Moten, the fresh take on traditional country from the Mall Pass brothers, the nostalgic yet modern sound of Admiral Radio, the dynamic piano mastery of Ryan and Ryan or the timeless swing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. We're excited to welcome our community to the Cherry Theater for what promises to be an unforgettable season of entertainment, she said. Tickets are $35, which includes all fees. Free and convenient parking is available along with a free art exhibition in the prior art gallery before each performance. Learn more and purchase tickets by visiting www.columbiastate.edu/performanceseries or call the box office at 931-540-2879. The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Lister Hill Credit Union is excited to announce the launch of the Think Shop Explorer local passport campaign and initiative designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore and support the diverse range of local businesses in Spring Hill. This exciting campaign will run through October from the first to the 31st, offering participants a chance to win a grand prize haul valued at thousands of dollars. Starting October 1st, visitors can pick up their local passport at any participating business or the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center, located at 5326 Main Street, Sweet G. To qualify for the grand prize, participants simply need to collect stickers for a minimum of 15 participating businesses and return their completed passports by October 31st to the Welcome Center. Those who complete their passports entirely will be entered into the grand prize drawing twice, doubling their chances of winning. The campaign features an array of local shops, including restaurants, retail shops, health centers and more. Some of the featured shops include Aha Indian Grill, The Awaken House, The Spot, Burgers and Beers, Hampton and Spring Hill, Light Hill Meats, TriStar ER Spring Hill, Williamson Health, Bone and Joint Institute, and many more. A comprehensive list of all participating businesses and an interactive map is available online, guiding participants on their local adventure. For an extra entry into the grand prize drawing, participants can take photos at designated community photo stops, including the Spring Hill Public Library, City Hall and Fisher Park. Simply post your photo on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #shpassport24 to earn an additional chance to win. The grand prize hall includes an incredible assortment of gifts and vouchers from participating businesses, offering one lucky winner a prize worth thousands of dollars. This includes gifts from notable local businesses, such as Lister Hill Credit Union, Toe Heat Club and Birdsong Social, Brunch Collective and many others. Once you have collected at least 15 stickers, return your passport to the Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center, located at 5326 Main Street, Sweet Gee, by October 31st. A drop box is available for after-hours submissions, ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate. The Think Shop Explore Local Passport Campaign is an excellent way to discover new businesses, support our local economy, and engage with the Spring Hill community. So grab your passport, explore all that Spring Hill has to offer, and get ready for a fun-filled October with plenty of opportunities to win big. For more information, visit the Spring Hill Chamber website or contact Spring Hill Chamber Welcome Center at 931-486-0625. Columbia Main Street announced that due to the inclement weather that moved through Middle Tennessee because of the Hurricane, the event will take place, the Fall Fest event, the second annual Fall Fest event will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. on October 12th in downtown Columbia. This event presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia promises a day filled with family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown. This community festival includes free admission to listen to live entertainment, enjoy a fun zone for all ages, pose in front of Tri Green's tractor photo booth, watch the Miss Murray County Fall Fest pageant and paint a mini pumpkin. In conjunction with Fall Fest, the Kiwanis Club of Columbia is proud to present the annual Kiwanis chili cook-off from 3 to 5 p.m. 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 lawn chair and your dancing shoes because you're going to be singing along and having a great time with each of the bands," said 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 ColumbiaMainStreet.com or follow Columbia MainStreet on social media. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the week of October 11th on State Route 50 East, 0.2 miles east of the 19 mile marker in Murray County, starting at 10 p.m. 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 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. The Murray County Clerk's Office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. At the Murray County Senior Center located at 1020 Murray County Park Drive. Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the card tag renewal sign near the back door. Forms of fame include credit or debit card or check. No cash will be collected at that site. Any Murray County resident can use the office. All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 public square in Columbia. Also, you can renew online by visiting tncountyclerk.com or at kiosks in the Spring Hill City Hall or Mount Pleasant Courthouse. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Bertha Scroggins Clark, 90, a longtime resident of Carter's Creek Pike died Friday, October 4th at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, October 9th at 1 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow and poke Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, October 8th from 4 to 8 p.m. And again on Wednesday from 12 p.m. till the time of the service 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 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. - We made something we thought would be hard, easier than we thought it would be. Not that we made it easy, we made it easier. - 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 partly cloudy skies today with a high of 77 degrees. Winds will be out of the north at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect a clear sky and a low of 47. 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. - Here we go. - This is Debbie Matthews with the National Reluity 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 Relty 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 it's how I try to live mine too. At Shelter Insurance, our agents are dedicated to helping provide personalized auto, home, and life protection that puts your family first. - For auto home, life, or business insurance, C Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. - For 40 years, the Jewelers bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory, more high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers bench, still here, still great service. 808, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. - 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. - Every morning, I park my car across the street from my business, and I can't wait to get in there. That's pretty common for small business owners. We have the added satisfaction, however, of guiding hundreds of families with their retirement, education, savings, and general investments. We're a locally owned business that tries very hard to simplify a complicated world. This is Mani Sneid from Caledonian Financial in historic downtown Columbia. - Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NBC Securities Incorporated, member FINRA and SIPC. - 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, 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 VACO 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 go down to 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. Dolly Parton's vast charity has arrived to aid Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Severeville, Tennessee native announced a partnership with Walmart to assist with relief efforts after the storm killed hundreds and left thousands of homes and businesses without power throughout Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Parton announced a $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing immediate assistance to Hurricane Helene flood victims. In addition, the Parton's East Tennessee businesses, Dollywood Parks and Resorts, Dolly Parton's stampede and Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, as well as the Dollywood Foundation, are combining efforts and have pledged to match her donation to Mountain Ways with a $1 million contribution of their own. Parton announced her charity partnership at the Walmart Super Center in Newport, Tennessee's Newport Town Center. I just want you to know that I am totally with you because I am part of you. I love you, Parton told a crowd of over 250 community members gathered in the parking lot. I look around and I think these are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my rivers flowing like a stream, these are my people, these mountain colored rainbows, these are my people and this is my home, she said. Parton said she couldn't believe the devastation Helene caused in the region where she grew up, recalling she used to go to the dentist in Newport as a child. During the event, US President and CEO of Walmart, John Furner announced that the company, including Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, would increase its earlier commitment of $6 million up to a $10 million donation to hurricane relief efforts across the affected states. "One of the things we love most about Dolly is a partner "is her incredible heart and care for her community," said Furner. "She reminds me of our associates who are always "the first to jump to action when our communities need us. "This time is no different and we will continue "to provide support until they have recovered," he said. Newport Walmart store manager Matthew Underwood said, "Has seen his team and community come together "a mid-helene recovery? "He's grateful to have the support of Furner and Parton." "I've been in the military and I've seen servant leadership. "I've seen leaders talk servant leadership, "but they're doing it at their level," Underwood said, of Furner and Parton. "I think it's a great opportunity for them to use their voice "and use their influence to be able to bring that light together "and just be so impactful," he said. One week ago downtown Newport was evacuated after the Nolichucky Dam was determined to be at risk of catastrophic failure. Though authorities later determined, it was a false alarm. Residential households in the US are eligible for another order of four free at home COVID-19 tests from USPS.com. Your order is completely free. You do not have to pay for shipping. The tests will begin to ship now. You can place your order at USPS.com. The tests available for order are rapid antigen at home tests, not PCR. They can be taken at home or other locations, give results within 30 minutes. No lab drop off is required. You can, they can be used for testing. If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, they can be used for testing whether you are up to date or not on your COVID-19 vaccines and are preferred to as self-tests or over-the-counter tests. 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 'em 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 'em 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 murriregional.com/jointreplacement Murray Regional Health where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. You may have seen their viral videos or saw them in Nashville last year, but if you missed it, here's your chance to see the Savannah Bananas again in 2025 at Nissan Stadium on May 10th. Known as the world famous baseball circus, the team announced on social media they will visit three different stadiums in 2025 that a bananas will be joined by the party animals and a new team, the Texas tailgaters. To score a ticket to the game, you must sign up for the lottery, which closes on November 1st. Tickets start at $35 on the Savannah Bananas website. A random drawing will take place two months before the event. If you're drawn, you'll be notified and can purchase tickets. You can sign up for the lottery at www.bbwt25ticketlotto.fansfirsttickets.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. 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)