Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 10-10-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news is broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Thursday, October 10th, and we start with local news. In a decisive vote, workers at Merson's Columbia, Tennessee plant, part of the French multinational conglomerate, specializing in electrical power and advanced materials, have overwhelmingly chosen to join the industrial division of the communications workers of America or the IUE CWA. The National Labor Relations Board election concluded with a 39 to 13 vote in favor of unionization late on Monday evening, while four additional ballots remain contested. This win represents a critical moment for the 60 full-time employees who aim to address low wages, safety concerns, and a lack of job progression at the facility. 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. Workers at the Columbia facility 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 roles. 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 workforce. 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 employees working far apart in isolation of each other. Merson has experienced significant growth, particularly in the U.S. market. In 2023, the company reported record global sales of approximately $1.27 billion with North America contributing $486 million, driven by strong performance and electric vehicles, renewable energy and semiconductors. Much of this growth has been supported by U.S. government initiatives like the CHPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act, which have boosted demand for the advanced materials, Merson supplies. The success of the Columbia workers follows a growing trend of unitization in the advanced materials manufacturing sector. IUE CWA has recently organized workers at several other facilities, including MPP in Campbellsburg, Indiana, and another Merson facility in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, and has seen increased interest from workers across the country in the advanced materials sector. 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 organized. 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. Merson's Columbia workers are eager to negotiate a fair contract that addresses these concerns, and they look forward to collaborating with the company to build a safer and more equitable workplace. On Monday, the city of Spring Hill board of Marin Alderman voted to accept the resignation of city administrator, Pamela Kasky. Her resignation will take effect immediately. Human resources director, Chris Clawsey, has been appointed as the interim city administrator. Clawsey 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 Marin 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 is no timetable for when a new city administrator will be chosen, the board of Marin Alderman and city staff are aware of the importance in filling this position with a top-level talent. In the city of Spring Hill's form of government, the board of Marin Alderman appoints a city administrator to carry out the policies and programs approved by the board of Marin 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 Marin Alderman meetings and on the city of Spring Hill website and social media channels. Several East Tennessee communities remain among the many affected by Hurricane Helene's storms late last month, whose path of devastation was reported to have stretched hundreds of miles from the eastern border. Massive flooding with historic water levels has left a swath of areas without the proper resources to provide emergency aid. Columbia couple Randy and Melissa Jones, whose spearhead a greater ministry of volunteers at Southgate Church of Christ in Columbia, deployed to Newport, Tennessee with a food trailer to assist in providing warm meals to those affected. The church ministry deploys to areas in need during times of tragedy to offer communities in need of anything from prayers to warm meals. Pitching in during times of natural disasters has become a big part of the ministry's calling, said Randy Jones. While many of the state's first responders have answered the call to provide assistance, there remains the need for food, clean water and medical supplies. The need has prompted many local community groups. Churches like Southgate Church of Christ and volunteers to pitch in by delivering donations and supplies to the victims. Immediately following last week's storms, the Jones is joined a group of about 10 volunteers who visited the disaster area in Newport, Tennessee. During that time, the group church was a church group, rather, was able to serve more than 1,700 meals over a three day period. While also providing supplies, they collected via donations to families in need. Randy Jones described the state of Newport from the group's observations. The community has really been supportive with what we are trying to do, he said. There is such a broad scope of work that needs to be done out there and we're just trying to do a little bit at a time. Do what we can to chip away at this. But this is different than anything I have ever seen in scope, probably about 200 miles wide and 500 miles long. You can pick any spot, go there and they need you, he said. We served every meal we had and this was a really needed effort. This was a small community, maybe about six to 7,000 people and they are devastated. No water, no electricity, Jones said. You can flush a commode, but that's it because the waters contaminated with all kinds of bacteria. We don't know how long until they can get drinking water back and folks are going for five to six days without a shower and no hot meals. It's a mess, he said. In some cases, the moisture caused by the rainfall for some residents who still have standing homes to seek shelter elsewhere. We saw the super nice log cabin that was out on the river, maybe two to three years old and there's now a tent out front where they've had to move out and camp in their front yard, Jones said, there was just so much mold in the house you couldn't stand to be in it and this was somebody's house, their dream home that they built. It's kind of humbling in a way because we get to come home to a warm bed and a shower and we can do what we wanna do. These people can't. At the same time, witnessing the number of volunteers giving up their time, money and resources to help out has been just as equally overwhelming, if not inspiring. It doesn't matter who you are, if somebody needed help, you'd get it, Jones said. It strips away everything except for the need and some people would come through two or three times a day. We'd ask them what their housing situation was like, what they needed and if we could pray with them, almost everyone asked us to pray, which I thought was really neat and that we were able to do it. And then they'd come back the next day and ask us to pray again, he said. Jones said, this will certainly not be the last trip the ministry will take and there's still many ways people can donate to directly mail donations send to Southgate Church of Christ at 2700 Pulaski Pike or visit www.SouthgatechurchofChrist.org and click on the blue give icon. It's automatic and pretty easy where you can donate one time or set it up to do it every week. Jones said, I'm not computer savvy, but it's pretty simple. He said, Jones added that Southgate is also one of the many cleanup efforts people can take part in. The important thing he said is that the community's response has been one of hope, even during the bleakest of times when hope seems out of reach. Even though these people had lost everything, hadn't had a hot meal or a shower in almost a week, they're still looking for the bright side. Jones said, it's really good to see humanity during its most trying of times where people come together and look for something bigger and better. And it's just good to be there for them to be able to help do that, he said. 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 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia across from the hospital. RSVP is required, you can do so by visiting www.murryregional.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 U.S. 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 cervical screening program "through the Tennessee Department of Health, "Murry Regional Women's Center, "Murry Regional Physical Therapy, "Murry Regional Healthcare Foundation "and a Murray Regional Medical Group "primary care Columbia. "Brest 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 MurrayRegional.com/Brest Seminar, "or call the number 931-490-7011." "Murry 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 Waynesboro, "and Spring Hill Imaging Center in Spring Hill. "To schedule a mammogram at any Murray Regional Health location, "call 931-380-4044, and to learn more, "visit www.murryregional.com/mammagram." "The Duck River Conservancy will hold "a save the Duck River rally at 6.30 pm "to night, Thursday, October 10th, "in the lead better auditorium "at Columbia State Community College. "The Duck River is the third most bio-diverse river "in the world and the most diverse in North America, "supporting 22 species of aquatic snails, "56 muscle species, and 151 kinds of fish. "It serves as the only water source "for 250,000 Tennesseans and Murray County locals "and visitors enjoy recreation on its waters every year. "The Conservancy says, however, "that the Duck's water level and delicate ecosystem "are in danger, as the Tennessee Department of Environment "and Conservation approves more and more withdrawals, "like the Altium plants 1.4 million gallon daily intake. "The American River Association named it "the third most threatened river in North America "by development and over consumption. "T-Dack is weighing eight pending withdrawal requests "from utility districts across the state, "which would total 73 million gallons per day at a maximum. "Columbia Power and Water Services, "alone seeks 32 million gallons of that total. "The intent of the rally is to petition T-Dack "to reduce the amounts allowed for the withdrawal requests. "Dug Murphy, head of the Duck River Agency, "said that 73 million gallons sums up to eight districts peak "hypothetical demands, and that it's impossible "for all of them to pull that much water at once. "The Southern Environmental Law Center claims "that one-eighth of the water drawn by CPWS leaks "and goes to waste. "Developing a conservation plan is even more important "in light of summer 2024's low rainfall, "which put parts of Murray County "in a moderate to severe drought. "Leaders in Murray and Williamson counties "implemented drought control measures "in the Duck River's water level dipped visibly "before recent heavy rains raised it again. "Duck River Conservancy had dug Jones, says that T-Dack "promised to draw up a drought plan in 2007, "but didn't come up with one until 2016. "The Columbia Power and Waters permit "to withdraw 32 million gallons of water "from the Duck will destroy this fragile river, period," said Jones. "The Duck River Agency and Columbia Power "view the river as an infinite resource "that will support many heavy industries "and many new subdivisions. "That viewpoint will literally drain the river," he said. Jones claims that T-Dack's current plan to draw from the Normandy Reservoir, proposed by the Utility Funded Duck River Development Agency, won't yield enough water. He advocates installing a pipeline from either the Cumberland or Tennessee River to help feed the duck. Last Thursday, the Murray Alliance hosted and streamed a candidate forum from the Mount Pleasant City Commission. There are three open seats on the commission and five candidates who do not run for separate words as in Columbia, but instead the three candidates who get the most votes win the seats. The incumbent candidates were optimistic about the future of the city and advocated staying the course. Mayor Bill White and Commissioner Willie Alderson praised the current administration's work, especially the budget reform that convinced the state to lift a building moratorium on the city. They touted the award Mount Pleasant received on Wednesday from the state comptroller's office, which applauded the city's now exemplary budgeting. White also advertised his administration's work to revitalize Gardenia Park, to build the fire station a new sewage treatment plant and to repair Mount Pleasant's water lines, which he said currently saves up to 300,000 gallons of water daily. The candidates all agreed that about the need for growth management, road and sidewalk repair, sewer and water updates, and preservation of Mount Pleasant's small town feel. Vice Mayor Jacqueline Granberry and candidate Lori Knowles took a cautious line on growth, advising voters and officials to make sure all expansions of the town are underwritten by solid infrastructure. Granberry reminded the audience that sewer and water needed to be addressed before the roads on top of them, and Alderson proposed to fund infrastructure updates by ending tax breaks for once new businesses. Knowles promised to fully review budgets, relocate funds to much needed areas and seek grants to make up for deficits. Mayor White laid out more specific plans for economic development than the other candidates, recommending that the town cultivate a diverse portfolio of businesses. "We have a varied, varied workforce here," White said. "We're making sure, as we bring industry into the community, that it fits our community and it's sustainable," he said. Knowles promised to focus upon bringing back retail businesses to Mount Pleasant's main street. He rejected the prospect of relying only on car manufacturing, warning the audience, "We've seen what that can do to communities." He spoke well of the manufacturing he had brought to Mount Pleasant, which he said had created about 130 jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in industry. Candidate Lonnie Thomasin, a lifelong resident and accomplished businessman, a former planning commission member in his third run for the city commission, sounded a more cautious note about growth. He worried that Columbia's development plans would ruin the Mount Pleasant Pike, a concern also raced by Columbia City Council candidate Ron Plagueman at the Monday candidate forum. "Mount Pleasant, at this time, is at a good point," said Thomasin. "But on the topic of growth, management and essential infrastructure," he added, "I want to see some things start happening in town. "I've talked to a lot of people, and they're not happy "about what they're seeing," he said. And now your hometown memorials, sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Female Home. Terry Lee Allen Irvin, 34, a resident of Columbia, died Monday, October 7th at Centennial Medical Center. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com. Hometown memorials is sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Female 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 Matt and Susie Sowell believe the way to honor tradition is with a specially personal service. We believe your traditions, your customs, your rites of passage are very important, but we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. At Oakes and Nichols, we try to do more than just the expected things. So the service you receive honors your heritage and is uniquely yours. And we invite you to experience the difference. 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 plenty of sunshine today with a high of 81 degrees. Winds will be out of the Northeast at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect a clear sky and a low of around 45 degrees. 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. - 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 to 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. - 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'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 vacuum operator has the engine running and is moving into position. He's heading for the ground. He's in there. Wait, there's a flag on the play. Let's get out of the field for the call from our official. - A legal procedure on the digging team. - Oh, that penalty could cause a costly accident. - That's right, Bob. He needs to call before he digs. There's underground utility lines that could be hiding just below the surface. Water, sewer, electrical, communication lines and even natural gas. - Avoid a penalty by first calling 8-1-1 to have any underground public utility lines located at marked with flags or paint. It's free, it's easy, and it's the law. - For more tips, visit pipesafety.org. This message brought to you by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and the Tennessee Gas Association, funded in part by a grant from the Underground Utility Damage Enforcement Board. (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 and WKRM 103.7. Your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. Vanderbilt University maintained its spot in the top 20 of U.S. News and World Reports National University's rankings, which were released last month. Four other Tennessee universities also kept their places in the top 250 of the National University's list, which includes 436 schools. Additionally, two Tennessee schools made the top 100 of the best liberal arts college rankings, which include 211 schools. According to U.S. News, it considers schools to be national universities if they offer a full range of undergraduate majors alongside master's programs, doctoral programs, and professional practice doctorates. It also defines them as universities with an emphasis on faculty research. Liberal arts schools are defined by their heavy focus on undergraduate education with at least 50% of degrees awarded in the arts and sciences. Last year, a change in methodology led to significant changes in how some schools ranked on the list. For example, Vanderbilt dropped five places last year while University of Tennessee at Knoxville rose 10. Others saw even sharper changes with some falling or rising dozens of places. This year, the changes in methodology were minimal according to U.S. News. Still, questions continue to swirl over the accuracy of the methodology, along with the relevance of college rankings as a whole. A recent survey of college admissions, officers by Kaplan, a global education services company, revealed 75% said college rankings have lost their prestige in recent years. Vanderbilt also commissioned an in-depth review of five college ranking systems including U.S. News that concluded college rankings are undoubtedly popular but flawed by methodological issues. Here's a look at where Vanderbilt fell among the top 20 national universities in its this year's rankings. Number one was Princeton, followed by MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, California Institute of Technology, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, University of Chicago, Brown, Columbia University, Dartmouth, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Rice, University of Notre Dame, and then at 20, Vanderbilt. U.S. News best national universities list this year included the Tennessee schools at 109, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 209, Union University in Jackson, 220, went to Belmont University in Nashville, and 244 to Lipscomb University, two Tennessee schools ranked in the top 100 liberal arts colleges, word the University of the South in Soani at number 45 in Rhodes College in Memphis at number 59. 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. - At Murray Regional Health, we're committed to delivering a reimagined healthcare experience when it puts our patients at the front and center. This effort has resulted in Murray Regional being recognized as the only hospital in the state of Tennessee and one of only 79 hospitals nationwide to receive health grades, 2024, Excellence in Patient Safety and Outstanding Patient Experience Awards. To learn more about our commitment to excellence and compassionate care, visit MurrayRegional.com. - 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. Nashville resident and national comedian, Nate Bergazzi, announced a Nashville Christmas holiday show that will be taped at the Grand Ole Opry on Thursday, November 21st. Tickets will be available on October 11th at 10 a.m. You can find them at www.operry.com. Bergazzi hosted Saturday Night Live last Saturday for a second time in the closing of the show. He mentioned Vanderbilt University's football win over Alabama. Vanderbilt shared the clip on X, stating our guy, Nate Bergazzi. He currently has a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop his own TV show. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on 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) (upbeat music)