Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-11-24
(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 Friday, October 11th, and we start with local news. Workers at the Columbia Graphite Giant Merson Plant have chosen to join the industrial division of the communications workers of America, following a vote Monday by the National Labor Relations Board. Merson, a French multinational conglomerate specializing in electrical power and advanced materials, employs 60 workers at the Columbia plant, bringing in an investment of about $70 million. The company held a grand opening in ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11th of 2023, drawing locally elected officials and hundreds of supporters in the business community. Monday's vote, which was 39 to 13, represents a key moment for the company's employees, aiming to address issues like low wages, safety concerns, and a lack of job progression. "We are proud of what we've accomplished by standing together to form a union," said Tracy Jones, a worker involved in the organizing process. "We look forward to working with Merson to create a safer and more structured workplace and to secure fair wages for everyone," he said. According to a CWA press release, workers at the Columbia facility have raised concerns about the lack of a clear pay structure, highlighting the need for more equitable compensation that reflects the varying levels of skill and responsibility across different rules. Additionally, there are no formal pathways for temporary workers, which the company heavily relies upon to become full-time employees, a situation that has led to frustration among the workers. The press release states, "Safety issues have also been a major driver of the union effort with employees reporting frequent incidents and injuries due to the demanding nature of the work, which often involves exposure to high temperatures and workers working far apart in isolation of each other." Merson has recently experienced significant growth, particularly in the United States. In 2023, the company reported $1.27 billion in global sales, $486 million, of which came from the United States. Much of this success has been attributed to U.S. government support via initiatives like the CHPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act, both of which have boosted demand for the advanced materials, Merson's supplies. Merson's strong financial performance and expansion in high growth sectors like semiconductors and renewable energy make this moment particularly significant, said Orvin Caraballo, an IUE CWA organizer who helped the Merson workers organize. As more workers in these industries organize, we are building greater density, which will translate into more worker power and better conditions across the sector, he said. The city of Columbia has been awarded $810,000 in home grant program funds from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, or THDA, following an initial announcement in May. These funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, will enable the city to support the rehabilitation and repair of single-family homes for low-income residents in Columbia. "We recognize that maintaining affordable housing is crucial for our residents, especially during this period of exponential growth, and this grant will help us realize our goal of ensuring that all parts and all people of our community succeed. "We all do better when we all do better," said Mayor Chasmolder. The home grant program aims to promote the preservation of affordable housing for low-income households with these funds, the city of Columbia plans to assist eight to 13 homeowners in completing much-needed home repairs, depending on the scope of repairs required for each eligible property. The focus will be on ensuring that all homes receiving support meet residential building code requirements upon completion of the project. City Manager Tony Massey remarked, "As the city of Columbia continues to grow, it's essential that we prioritize the needs of our longtime residents and ensure that they aren't left behind." To kick off the program, the city will be hosting a public meeting on October 29th to provide details and distribute applications. Applications will be accepted for 30 days following the meeting with a submission deadline of November 29th. After the submission deadline, applications will be reviewed, selections will be made, and a contractor will be hired to perform the work on the selected homes. Applicants will be assessed according to THDA and HUD guidelines with priority given to low-income homeowners. The South Central Tennessee Development District will administer the grant on behalf of the city of Columbia. The city of Columbia makes a point to apply for all state and federal dollars that can benefit our community, set assistant city manager Thad Jablonsky. The cost of buying and owning a home right now is high and rising. We understand that, and we are especially focused on programs that provide quality of life assistance to Columbia's residents, he said. The city of Columbia remains committed to leveraging all available resources to enhance the quality of life for its residents. This grant aligns with the city's ongoing mission to ensure that all citizens have access to safe, sustainable, and affordable housing. For questions regarding applications and eligibility, please contact Tia Lockridge, Director of Housing for the South Central Tennessee Development District at 931-379-2957. Or via email at Tlockridge@sctdd.org. Mary County's 911 employees were honored on Tuesday, October 2nd at the Tennessee Emergency Numbers Association Annual Meeting, where they received a Dispatch Event of the Year Award for their tremendous response and dedication during the May 8th tornado event. I am so proud of them and thankful for each of them and their service to the people of Murray County. They fielded thousands of calls through that disaster, said Murray County Mayor Sheila Butt. South Central Tennessee Tourism Association was awarded the prestigious Destination Management Organization, or DMO of the Year, Small Budget in the Stars of the Industry Awards. The honor took place at the state's Governor's Conference on Hospitality and Tourism 2024, held recently in Chattanooga, and was presented by Commissioner Marquez Elle, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Executive Director and CEO, Ryan French, was named Destination Management Organization, Director of the Year. SCTTA, commonly known by its public-facing brand, experienced Tennessee, received recognition for its Tourism Ready Initiative, and for the organization's work with key stakeholders. Over the past year, South Central Tennessee Tourism Association developed strong partnerships with Jack Daniel Distillery, Tennessee Distillers Guild, Lynchburg, Moore Metropolitan County Chamber of Commerce, and various others within the region in order to support tourism development. South Central Tennessee Tourism Association launched the Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead Visitor Center, located on the Jack Daniel campus. The center boasts rather more than 200,000 visitors annually. It was an honor to be recognized for our work, and named Destination Management Organization of the Year, French said. South Central Tennessee Tourism Association has a dedicated team of tourism professionals, working every day to lift up the 13 counties who are part of the experienced Tennessee region. This is a well-earned recognition for our staff, and all of our hard-working tourism partners, he said. Tourism Ready promotes enhanced understanding of the industry's economic potential, increased local business engagement, and improved marketing and operational skills tailored to the tourism industry. South Central Tennessee Tourism Association works with DMO directors, elected officials and business owners to spotlight the importance of tourism, connect them to resources, and inform them about hotel, motel tax allocation requirements. South Central Tennessee Tourism Association has positively impacted the region by providing consistent resources to DMOs, acting as a liaison between DMOs and the state, and developing as sets that enhance tourism promotion for the region at large. The South Central Tennessee Tourism Association is a state-supported agency that services 13 counties, including Murray County. For more information, visit www.sctta.org, or www.experiencetenacy, I'm sorry, experience tn.com. On Monday, October 7th, the City of Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Alderman voted to accept the resignation of City Administrator Pam Kasky. Her resignation will take effect immediately. Human Resources Director Chris Closie has been appointed as the interim City Administrator. Closie will carry out the duties of the office as the nationwide search for a new City Administrator takes place. On August 19th, the Board of Mayor and Alderman passed Resolution 24-209, creating a request for proposal to compile bids for search firms to begin the process of hiring a new City Administrator. This process began following Kasky's announcement of her intent to retire at the August 5th meeting. While there's no timetable for when a new City Administrator will be chosen, the Board of Mayor and Alderman and City staff are aware of the importance in filling this position with top-level talent. In the City of Spring Hill's form of government, the Board of Mayor and Alderman appoints a City Administrator to carry out the policies and programs approved by the Board of Mayor and Alderman. The City Administrator also provides organizational leadership to all City Departments and staff. Further updates about the search for a new City Administrator will be made at upcoming Board of Mayor and Alderman meetings and on the City of Spring Hill website and social media channels. On Sunday, October 27th, Murray Regional Health will host a free seminar led by Surgeon Amy Vertrees about the advanced technology used to detect and treat breast cancer, followed by a health fair dedicated to breast cancer resources. The seminar titled What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer will begin at 3 p.m. in the Murray Regional Annex located at 1223 Trawood Avenue in Columbia across from the hospital. RSVP is required at murriregional.com/breastseminar or by calling 931-490-7011. I often hear in my clinics, I wish I knew that about breast cancer, said Dr. Vertrees. "I want to share what I know before you need to hear it," she said. Dr. Vertrees is a Board-certified surgeon specializing in surgery, breast surgery and robotic surgery. Dr. Vertrees served as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army for 17 years with three war deployments including Iraq and Afghanistan. She received her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland and completed an internship in residency at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. She has been on the medical staff at Murray Regional Health for the past seven years and is associated with Columbia Surgical Partners, which she co-founded. Before and after Dr. Vertrees' presentation, representatives from community organizations will be on site to discuss resources for women and breast cancer patients. These groups include the Tennessee Breast and Servical Screening Program through the Tennessee Department of Health, Murray Regional Women's Center, Murray Regional Physical Therapy, Murray Regional Health Care Foundation and Murray Regional Medical Group Primary Care Columbia. Breast cancer is a journey from diagnosis to treatment said administrative director of oncology Dana Salters. Our patients don't have to navigate that journey alone. There are a number of resources available to assist women in our community as they seek the vital care they need and we are thrilled to have them join us for this afternoon dedicated to women's health and wellness, she said. To register for this free seminar, visit www.muryregional.com/breastseminor or call 931-490-7011. Murray Regional Health offers mammography services at locations throughout Southern Middle Tennessee, including the Murray Regional Women's Center in Columbia, Lewis Health Center in Hohenwald, Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Wayne Medical Center in Wainsboro and Spring Hill Imaging Center in Spring Hill. To schedule a mammogram at any Murray Regional Health location, call 931-380-4044. To learn more, visit www.muryregional.com/mammagram. The second annual Fall Fest will take place on October 12th from 2 to 8 p.m. in downtown Columbia. This event presented in partnership with Kiwanis of Columbia, promises that they 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 tenant 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," 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 www.columbiamainstreet.com, or follow Columbia Main Street 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. Embered 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. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Terry Lee Allen Ervin, 34, a resident of Columbia, died Monday, October 7th at Centennial Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesand nickels.com. 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 all ways, 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 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. 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 cloudy skies early that will give way to mostly sunny skies later in the day. The high will be 81 degrees today with light and variable winds. Tonight, we can expect clear skies in a low of 47. For your weekend forecast, we will see sunny weather for the whole weekend. Saturday's high will be 83 degrees. Sunday, 88. Overnight lows on Saturday will be in the high fifties on Sunday, exactly 50 degrees. Cooler weather is expected starting on Monday. 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 grew up and lives in beautiful Koolambia, Tennessee. As a realtor, she is well-versed in homes, neighborhoods, development, and schools. She wants to share her love of her home state with others to help them find just the right place to raise a family, open a business, or develop a dream. From luxury listings to land, she can handle it all. She is the current leading producer, Nashville Realty Group contact Debbie Matthews Realtor at 615-476-3224, that's 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, 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. As a former small business owner here in Columbia, I know how important it is to stay connected to clients and the community. That's why at Caledonian Financial, we make every effort possible to give back to this community that has given so much to us. We do this by supporting our local schools, nonprofit organizations and community outreach programs to name of heat. We are so proud of our town. This is Blair Park-Sittman with Caledonian Financial in Historic Downtown Columbia. - Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NBC Securities Incorporated, Member Fingra 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 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 WKOM101.7 and WKRM103.7. Your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. East Tennessee counties heavily impacted by Hurricane Holene can now tap into a new state loan program officials developed in recent days with $100 million aimed at addressing immediate debris and water issues while local governments apply for federal reimbursements. Governor Bill Lee on Thursday announced the new Holene Emergency Assistance Loan or a HEAL program, which will funnel no interest loans to local communities in the coming days to bridge the gap between immediate needs and federal reimbursement funds. Lee said the HEAL program was born out of a conversation with an East Tennessee County mayor who told him the county might not be able to make payroll and pay for immediate cleanup costs. There's a lot of work to be done. There's a lot of pain. There's been a lot of heartache across our land and frankly, across our country. Governor Lee said. But what's needed most is an efficient response that gets what people need delivered to them when they need it. And that's really the heart behind this HEAL program, he said. The state will allocate $35 million toward water and wastewater systems repairs and $65 million for dangerous debris removal. It is an interim strategy for them to cross that fiscal bridge and get to the place where the federal funding will begin to come in and the work that they have done to restore their communities is paid for through those federal funds, Lee said. To provide the no interest loans, Tennessee is tapping into an unusual pot of money, a 10 care shared savings program that is part of the state's Medicaid block grant. These dollars are ours, they're here, they're available and they're specifically designed to be used for health and welfare, Lee said. This is clearly a health and welfare issue with clean water, wastewater and sewage treatment. "These are exactly the right dollars to use," he said. The timeline for communities to receive these dollars and eventually pay them back are still being hammered out, Lee said. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency will distribute the funds. Gas prices across Tennessee move slightly lower over last week, falling three cents on average. The Tennessee gas price average is now $2.73, which is 11 cents less expensive than one month ago and 53 cents less than one year ago. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are the likely cause of the increases we saw in crude oil prices over last week, said Megan Cooper, a spokeswoman for AAA, the Auto Club Group. These higher oil prices could contribute to an uptick in pump prices over this week. Tennessee is currently the fourth least expensive state in the nation for gas prices. 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@osburn.com. That's turner@osburn.com. Don't let pain keep you out of the game. Murray Regional Physical Therapies experience team of therapists can help you recover from surgery, injury or illness by designing a plan that meets your unique needs. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to help you get back to doing the things you love. Schedule a consultation at any of our convenient Southern Middle Tennessee locations by calling 931-380-4014. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. This is Hal Landers, 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 now our final story. Besides, Columbia's fall-fast and Kiwanis-Chilly cook-off, it is also second Saturday at the factory at Columbia this weekend. Now is the perfect time to get a jump start on this year's holiday shopping or maybe a few last-minute decorations just in time for Halloween. Visit the factory at Columbia at 101 North James M. Campbell Boulevard for its monthly second Saturday shopping event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The factory will be packed with vendors as well as food trucks and live entertainment. Being the Halloween season, there will also be a dog costume contest. Visit @offreedomjourney on social media for more information and to sign up. Also, be sure to explore the factory's many shops and restaurants which will remain open during regular business hours. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOM, WKRM 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 frontporttradiotn.com. It's always there for you. I'll be back on Monday to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great weekend. 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