Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 3-15-24
[music] Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRN Radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Friday, March 15th, and we start with local news. The City of Columbia has released the official termination letter for Columbia Fire Chief Ty Cobb, which was made effective at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The March 12th termination letter, which was signed and submitted by city manager Tony Massey, references Cobb's recent 30-day suspension starting October 30th, which also included a year of probation. The reason for the previous suspension, as stated in the letter, was due to insubordinate behavior. However, during that probationary period, Massey states in the letter that Cobb participated in a "continuation of such insubordinate behavior." Since that time, a concerned citizen has presented to the city numerous text messages from you, evidencing a continuation of such insubordinate behavior, as well as an effort by you to undermine and impede the successful operation of the city of Columbia, the March 12th letter stated. The letter goes on to list examples of text messages shared by the citizen, who was not named, which include a message calling another city employee, a "dumass," a message falsely accusing the chief of police of being involved in an attempted break-in at the apartment of the person who sent the text, and a message offering to pay for favorable news stories, which would benefit Cobb's interest. Such unacceptable activities, which have occurred while you are on probation, cannot and will not be tolerated, especially not from a department head of the city of Columbia, the letter states. Massey could not be reached for comment, nor has there been any information regarding an interim fire chief following Cobb's termination. A familiar face is said to resume his former role on the Murray County Commission later this month. During the March 5th meeting of the Admin Committee, Scott Sumner's was presented as the choice to fill the vacancy in District 5, left by the January resignation of Vincent Fuqua. Fellow District 5 Commissioner Brandon Nutte presented Sumner's to the committee members. "We will miss Mr. Fuqua and his experience in local politics, his intelligence and insight. I believe Scott will serve the people well, and I look forward to the opportunity of working alongside him," Nutte said. Sumner served on the County Commission from 2014 to 2022, but opted not to seek re-election two years ago. During his tenure, he served as chairman of the County's Budget Committee. "I believe my service to my constituents and to the county as a whole speak for itself. Circumstances have changed in my life to allow me to be able to do this again, and I would appreciate your support," Sumner said. Sumner's nomination was unanimously advanced by the Admin Committee to the full commission, which will vote on the matter at its March meeting. A Columbia State poll dating back nearly 200 years will be marking its 1974 Revival's 50th anniversary, an event steeped in local tradition, which continues to draw hundreds of thousands to Mule Town each year. Mule Day is set to kick off the week of April 1st through the 7th, bringing back all of the usual favorites, starting with the Mule Day wagon train rolling into town, capped off with the annual Mule Day Parade in downtown Columbia. This year marks 50 years since the annual festival experienced its 20th century revival, drawing in thousands of locals, farmers, and out-of-town tourists year after year, only being canceled twice due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. Mule Day is a fantastic event in Murray County, and we are very fortunate to have it here. Louise Mills, who has been an organizer of the festival since 1986, said, "A lot of planning has gone into it for so many years because we started this in 1974 and it's still going strong. It's really going strong, and for me, it's been fun," she said. Mule Day office organizers are currently hard at work making final plans for this year's festivities, announcing this week that country artist and local resident Clay Walker will lead the parade as the 2024 Mule Day Grand Marshal. "He's a local, and we like to celebrate our local people anytime we can," Mandy Mills, another key organizer for this year's Mule Day, said, "This year's Mule Day will also pay tribute to late and long-time Mule Day organizer Dave Skillington, who passed away on December 9th." Skillington was given the distinction of this year's honorary Grand Marshal for his many years of service as a key player in Mule Day's longevity. His family is scheduled to ride in the parade in his honor. "He did a lot for Mule Day, and his family was here at some of the first, and he worked hard to get Mule Day off the ground," Mills said. "This year's Mule Man, a new title introduced last year, is Burnis White, another long-time Mule Day supporter." Mills said, "What makes the Mule Man honor so special is that they aren't nominated by the Mule Day Board, but by the public." "We take nominations, and he's been really involved in Mule Day and the Mule Community," Mills said. "He brings his own wagon train in camps and participates in the parade." Last month, Anissa Grimes of Columbia State Community College was crowned as this year's Mule Day Queen. As part of her role in this year's events, Grimes suggested adding an additional member to her court. On a rare Mule Day Queen, Carly McGee. "This was Anissa's idea, and she will ride in the parade behind the Queen's float," Mills said. "She's been battling cancer for over a year, and this just feels right," she said. Another new feature this year geared towards students is Mule Day's first $7,500 Mule Day Works Scholarship Giveaway for students studying CTE training. For more information or to register for the Mule Day Works Scholarship, as well as the full schedule and other Mule Day features, visit Mule Day's main website at www.muleday.com. "That's something we are really excited about this year," Mills said. "We're going to do three $2,500 scholarships, and of course we are hoping to increase that and be able to help all kids in Murray County." "It's open to Murray County students or students in the Murray County Bridal and Saddle Club. We always give back to the community, and it's really important that people know about this because we want to invest in the future," she said. Looking to get more involved in local government in Spring Hill? Want to see how the city operates? Now is your chance. You can sign up for the 2024 Spring Hill Citizens Academy. This eight-week course will give you the opportunity to interact with your elected leaders and senior city staff while you explore municipal government through presentations, hands-on experiences, and open discussions. The 2024 City of Spring Hill Citizens Academy is open to Spring Hill residents and will meet each Thursday beginning April 4th from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. The classes will be taught by your elected leaders and senior city staff. Topics include legislation, fire department, utilities, budgeting, public works, capital improvement projects, police, development services, parks and recreation, and library. Participants will have the opportunity to speak directly with city officials and ask questions as well as tour key facilities to gain a new perspective on the inner workings of their local government. Graduates of the program will receive a certificate and will be introduced at a public meeting of the board and mayor in Alderman. Registration is required and class size is limited. You must be at least 18 years old and a Spring Hill resident to participate. You can fill out your information at www.springhilltn.org/formcenter. If your application is accepted, you will be contacted by city staff. Site plans for a comfort inn located off Kiedren Parkway moved forward this week, though not without its share of concerns. The approximate 28,300 square foot comfort inn newly rebranded from the formally proposed sleep inn hotel will include 50 rooms and 61 parking spaces. One of the concerns specifically by nearby residents and citizens was that the plans show an increase in the room capacity, which was originally 37. Another was the expanded square footage, which had been 22,000 square feet when presented in February. The parking spaces also decrease from 72 to 61. We will have three hotels here now, all within walking distance of about 6 to 700 residents. Christy Smith, a split rail lane resident said. If this is supposed to be part of our downtown area, which includes Old Town, I hope that in moving forward we can get some staff to address the holes in the Unified Development Code so we can develop our downtown so people that live here can walk. I live next door and it's hard for me to walk anywhere. And now we've got two new daycares and three hotels. What are they going to offer me as a resident to walk, live, work and play here? Not a lot right now, she said. The comfort inn site plan request was reviewed by the Spring Hill Planning Commission on Monday, where the board was presented with three options, which were to deny the request, defer it until April or approve it with a list of conditions. The hotel will also require a review by the city's Board of Zoning Appeals, particularly for the decreased parking spaces. We wanted to elevate this to a comfort inn, and in doing so we want to meet a certain room threshold, which is 50 rooms. And in order to get 50 rooms we had to decrease parking spaces. Nathan McVay of applicant T-squared engineering said, "We are asking to stay in the planning queue for now, and that the approval is also contingent on receiving that Board of Zoning Appeals parking variance." Commissioner Jonathan Duda said he was uncertain if approving the request prior to the Board of Zoning Appeals review would be in the city's best interest. He requested that, if approved, the comfort inn would be required to meet with the Board of Zoning Appeals in April. If not, it would need to come back before the Planning Commission. Alderman Matt Fitter ultimately motioned to approve the request, along with the BZA condition, which, due to seconded, the item was approved unanimously. Murray County's Building Committee voted against purchasing and abolishing Columbia's one-stop bookshop, located at 1113 South Main Street, which would have served as additional parking spaces for the new judicial center. The proposal, which took place during the committee's March meeting, was rejected by a five-to-one vote. Commissioners who voted against the motion were Ray Jeter, Connie Green, Brandon Nutt, Kathy Grodai, and Chairman Gabe Howard. Kevin Markham, who represents District 9, was the only "yes" vote. The building, which would cost upwards of $1 million to be demolished and torn down, would allow for 39 additional parking spaces. Jamie Spencer of Hewlett Spencer, the design build company tasked with constructing the judicial center, said there are currently 173 spaces above what is required by code. "We are required to have 165 parking spaces," Spencer said. "We are delivering to you 173 parking spaces, so we are above what is required by code, and we have an approval on that parking number from the city of Columbia. 88 are designated for staff and 85 designated to the public," he said. County Commission Chairman Eric Pravitti, who first brought the idea to the committee one year ago, said the commission was made to offer of $950,000 with payments being split over two years. "I had a phone conversation with a realtor the other day," Pravitti said. She said the seller would have to pay the commission fee, but she would work with him to try to get that number down. "There's not a hard number right now," he said. "Growed eye of District 6 said she's against the idea, citing the potential raise in property taxes to cover the cost. "I did not feel like I could look anybody in the eye and raise their property taxes to buy a bookstore that we're going to demolish," she said. "The things I would like to look a constituent in the eye over if I had to raise their property taxes is something that I believe in, and that would be fixing their roads and giving them a school," she said. Others were in favor of tearing down the building, including Attorney Jason Watley, who raised the issue of aesthetics and the perception it would give to the county. "You are making a generational decision," Watley said, "because we've invested the people's money and for the long term, and it sort of represents our community," he said. "Being conservative does not mean being cheap. I would say here to be a true conservative, you have to look at the long-term investment, the long-term investment of this particular land, which in so many ways this building represents not only the way it functions, but the way it looks and the way it presents," he said. Commissioner Jeter of District 6 cited the market value of the building as his reason to vote no. "It's a hard pill to swallow when you can pull up, aside from me doing an appraisal on this building. You could pull up the market value of this building right now at $468,000," Jeter said. "I can't, in good conscience, spend more than $500,000 on this building for the sole purpose of tearing it down and making it into parking spaces," he said. Committee Chairman Gabe Howard said he's received more calls from constituents regarding this issue than he has on almost anything in the commission so far. "Overwhelmingly, the constituents in my district that did reach out were very specifically asking me to vote on this. For that reason and that reason only, I will not be supporting this motion moving forward," he said. Visit Columbia's Welcome Center invites guests to experience its latest monthly art exhibit featuring the works of three local artists while also tying into Mule Day and Women's History Month. The new exhibit, which will be on display at the 713 North Main Street Welcome Center throughout March, includes works produced under multiple mediums, including photography, paint, and portrait art. "It is also all created by local artists and displays the growing variety of creative minds in the community," Columbia Main Street Director Kelly Johnson said. "All of them are very different, and that's what I love about art. It's that you have so many different platforms you can show and exhibit, and they are all beautiful in their own way," Johnson said. "It's fun to have new artists come in, and they are all appreciated." The artists featured this month include Painters Jennifer Turpin and Kristen Seebold, as well as photography by Ron E. Marks. "We have two women artists on the wall, and we picked them specifically for being National Women's History Month, one being Jennifer Turpin, and then we also wanted the Mule Day aspect. Having Kristin was an easy highlight for that and made artwork specifically for us here," Johnson said. And Ron E. Marks, the final artist, is another way to get people excited for Mule Day, with his gentleman's photography showcasing past Mule Days. Not only can guests view and admire these original works, but they are also available for purchase. "It's another way of getting the community to understand the love of arts, which I don't think the community talks about enough," Johnson said. "It's nice to have tidbits like this as a way for people to continue to learn and develop a love for the arts and local artists," she said. Jennifer Turpin, who currently resides in Spring Hill, finds her artistic inspiration from many forms. Her specialty is creating vibrant acrylic paintings which focus on the variety of objects, subjects, including people, pets, plants, and more. Jennifer's artistic focus lies in capturing the true essence of the individual, often through joyful expressions and playful gestures, a city of Columbia Press release states. This fascination with diversity fuels her passion, as her art not only reflects the richness of different cultures, but also celebrates the unique spirit residing within each person she portrays. Turpin's online gallery can be viewed at www.jenniferturpinart.com. Tennessee native Kristen Seebold discovered her passion for painting at a young age. Now living in Spring Hill with her husband and three children, her artistic passion is creating acrylic paintings using old rustic items, things that would often be discarded and often featuring mules with unique designs and facial expressions. Seebold's other artistic specialty is in mural restoration, as well as creating large custom murals for businesses and private clients. Seebold's work can be viewed via Instagram by following @paintedmuleart. New York City native Ron Marks has been a Columbia resident since 2016. Beginning a career as a working musician, Marks cut his artistic chops with a guitar, playing with multiple bands and as a studio musician since 1986. Marks' love of photography began in full force in 2006 with a desire to document cross-country motorcycle rides, working almost exclusively in black and white film, while also sporting his trademark bib and overalls. Much of Marks' work can be viewed on Instagram at his Ron "The Film Guy" profile by following @skram_nor. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Barbara King Norton, 86, retired resident of Orange Park, Florida, died Wednesday, March 6th at her residence. Funeral services for Mrs. Norton will be conducted Saturday, March 16th at 10 a.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barry will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Friday, March 15th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Carol Armstrong, 77, passed away on Monday, March 11th. A celebration of life service will be held at 1st Baptist Church of Columbia on Saturday, March 16th. Family will visit with friends prior to the service from 2 to 4 p.m. Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be extended at www.oxandnichols.com. Carolyn Edwards Stacey, 94, a lifelong resident of Columbia, died Tuesday, March 12th at Life Care Center of Columbia. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, March 17th at 3 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. And 2 mitt will follow @pokememorialgarden's mausoleum. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Home Town Memorial 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 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 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. You made something we thought would be hard, easier than we thought it would be. Not that we made it easy. We made it easier. 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 thunderstorms early than variable clouds during the afternoon with a chance of showers. The high will be 66 degrees with winds out of the West at 5 to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect clouds then clearing expected late. The low will be 46 degrees with winds out of the North at 5 to 10 miles per hour. For your weekend forecast, we will see a mix of sun and clouds on Saturday with a high of 69 degrees. Saturday night's low will be around 47. On Sunday, we'll have mainly overcast skies with a high of 63. Sunday night, we'll see a return of some colder temps with a low of about 33 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. Debbie Matthews grew up and lives in beautiful Coolumbia, 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, see Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole bar. You should give Sands Fence Company a call that's 931-309-1644. Will Sands has built his business based on the principles of honesty, quality, and integrity. Sands Fence Company has been in business for over 20 years, providing the community with farm, residential, and commercial fencing, as well as pole barns and buildings. Call today for a free estimate. Sands Fence Company 931-309-1644. 931-309-1644. 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. Bank with first farmers, and you can bank with confidence. With personalized solutions, dedicated experts, and over a century of experience, first farmers let you feel secure and empowered in your financial choices. This is Felicia Brown with First Farmers, and I would like to remind you that no matter your goals, First Farmers is here for you. Visit MyFirstFarmers.com or call 1-800-882-8378 to switch the first farmers today, Member FDIC. This is Trey Hancock with Dixie Equipment, Sales and Rental. We sell ASV and Wacker Nordstrom Equipment. We also rent a wide variety of compact equipment in the middle Tennessee area. Come see us. We are located in Columbia, Tennessee at 200 East 16th Street. You can call us at 615-969-0118 or visit our website at www.dixiediesel.com. We have been in business for over 42 years and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. Your home is your biggest investment. Getting the most for it when it comes time to sell is important. At The Way Realty, we help you get more by providing all our clients with a full service real estate company. At no extra cost to you, we help you prepare your house to look its best. With home staging, landscaping, professional pictures, marketing and all the major websites, touch-up repairs and home inspection repairs up to $700. Get more with The Way Realty by reaching out to us to see what we can do for you and to find out the market value of your home. Visit us today at The Way Realty TN.com. Call us at 931-580-4669 or stop by our showroom at 800 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, Tennessee. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 and WKRM 103.7. This program is sponsored and par by George Vryless and The Way Realty. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. For years, county mayors have come to Tennessee's capital asking for the right to enact a tax on development to cover cost and fluxes due to population growth, only to be rebuffed by lawmakers lobbied by powerful and well-funded business groups. The fight-over impact fees or one-time costs paid by developers when building new housing or commercial projects, and often based on project size, pits the Tennessee Association Realtors and Home Builder Association of Tennessee against county mayors. Joe Carr, a former state house Republican, now serving his first term as mayor of Rutherford County and Republican Murray County Mayor Sheila Butts, spent the past two years lobbying for their local delegations to introduce bills for the authority to set an impact fee. Both counties had risen in population, turning them from rural to suburban communities and prompting a need for increased public services like police and fire departments, sidewalks and schools. They had recently raised property taxes, but were searching for another way to generate government revenue. For most of Tennessee's histories, cities and counties have had the right to implement an impact fee without state approval. But that changed with the 2006 county powers relief act, which barred counties that didn't already have an impact fee from implementing a new one. Only four counties met that criteria, including Wilson and Williamson counties, which, like Rutherford and Murray, have experienced significant population increases as the suburbs of Nashville continue to expand. Since the acts enactment, no locality has been able to persuade the state to grant the authority to implement an impact fee. 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 Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack, and Murray Regional Health is ready to care for you. Utilizing the state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab at Murray Regional Medical Center, our team of expert cardiologists and experienced clinical professionals are equipped to investigate heart conditions quickly and perform life-saving, interventional procedures. Go to murrayregional.com/heart to learn more. And remember, always down 9-1-1 when you or someone near you is experiencing heart attack symptoms. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. Have you ever wondered if your insurance needs can be personalized? This is Hunter Carey. Our team specializes in planning your insurance needs to get you the best possible solution. State Farm is the largest home and auto insurer in the country. I love bringing that to my hometown. Born and raised in Columbia, I'm grateful for our close community ties. We offer help with home, auto, and life insurance for everyone in our community. Our office is located at 909 South Garden Tree across from the fire station. We're also in line at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today, and now our final story. Everybody's a little Irish this weekend as Columbia celebrates St. Patrick's Day all weekend with food, music, and more. McCreary's Irish pub and eatery at 814 South Main Street will be celebrating all Sunday long starting at 11 a.m. with happy hour running from noon to 3. Johnny Jamison and the Empty Pines will perform from 4 to 7 p.m. and will auction off a custom cigar box banjo. There will also be other giveaways, Irish-themed cocktails as well as traditional cuisine like corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and the fat Irishman burger. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOMWKRM Radio. 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. ♪♪