Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-18-24
[Music] Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. You are hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews National Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host Tom Price. Today is Thursday, April 18th and we start with local news. The Spring Hill Fire Department was on the scene of a gas leak near the area of Buckner Lane and Stuart Campbell Point yesterday afternoon. Spring Hill Police Department posted the notice at 1.51 p.m. Through traffic was not allowed on Buckner Lane. The closure was lifted. No incidents were reported as result and normal traffic resumed by 3 p.m. The Interstate 840 eastbound bridge at mile marker 28 in Williamson County will be reduced to a single lane for an estimated three months after the bridge was damaged on Tuesday. The bridge was damaged after a CSX excavator working on the railroad tracks under the bridge struck the underside of the bridge. Emergency crews shut down the interstate and diverted traffic and hours later the Tennessee Department of Transportation announced an emergency bridge repair contract with Bell and Associates Construction. After a thorough inspection they deemed the untouched portion of the bridge safe to cross but the right lane of the road will remain closed until the necessary repairs can be made. TDOT said in a news release. One lane of travel will remain open for most of the project aside from some temporary short-term full closures of the bridge during work, the release said. TDOT is asking drivers to slow down an exercise caution in the work area. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information and see the latest construction activity traffic updates by using the TDOT smart way map. After being deferred from a previous agenda annexation of 410 acres of land located at 400 Bear Creek Pike in Columbia was brought before the Columbia Planning Commission last week and eventually rejected. A motion to deny on the grounds that the conditions of the area have not changed enough to warrant the rezoning process was seconded and put to vote. The motion to deny passed 4-2 with Danny Coleman, Chasmolder, James Shannon and Charlie Goats 4, and Krista Martin and James Sloane against. The request for annexation included a plan of services and zoning to plan to urban, I'm sorry, plan unit development residential under a preliminary site development plan. City planner Kevin McCarthy said that nearly all the land is located outside the city and a small portion is located in the city off of Bear Creek between Bear Creek itself and Bear Creek Pike. The proposed development is 800 units and a daycare, he said, adding that the structures will vary in size of lots and homes. A portion of the property is intended to serve active adults, so it would be limited to people 55 and older, McCarthy said. He said that the project would include six phases with over 400 units being built from north to south in the first half and the second half of development, including the completion of a road from Bear Creek Pike to Ironbridge Road. The spine road would also have a multi-use trail with a bike lane, McCarthy said. He said that the revised plans included the elimination of cul-de-sacs to reduce grading near streams flowing into the Duck River. Other changes, revisions, and/or proposals included consolidating from two pump stations to one in the southern portion of the property, pulling away from the river and changing their grading plan to move some of their tree preservation area and meeting the requirement for that preservation in the zoning ordinance, proposal to provide about 85 acres of civic and open space, a walking trail dedicated to the city of Columbia's Park and Recreation Department, and the requested deviations from default planned unit development R standards, McCarthy said. The commission was presented with the structure types which included active adult single family, large lot homes, town homes, courtyard homes, and single family alley-loaded along with the proposed daycare facility and amenity building. After McCarthy's presentation, the commission allowed public comments. County Commissioner Jerry Strand said that he assisted in the organization of a neighbor meeting when the development was first proposed over a year ago. I said my sights on trying to stop this development with 1,400 houses, density issues, and traffic, Strand said. "The result of that, I attended many of your planning commission meetings. I attended many of the council meetings. I learned somewhat how the planning committee works, how the planning engineers work, and was amazed," he said. "I watched your team of city planners with the developers work together to make this development the desirable development that it is," he said. "Will Rainey, a retired registered professional engineer and seventh-generation Marine County resident, also spoke. As far as my assessment of this, I see it purely and simply a matter of money," Rainey said. A developer is trying to develop this as cheaply as possible to put as much money into his pocket. "The city and county are looking to raise the tax base money on both sides," he said. There were several more public comments. McCarthy said 30 letters and about 10 emails had also been received. Chairman Gold said he does not see right now at this time and moment that that area has changed so much that we need to annex a piece of the property now and approve it for additional homes, he said. "I'm struggling with that. I don't see the need at this particular moment that we're busting at the seams and we need to annex another piece of property in that area for the density that is being requested here today," he said. There was a clarification that in order for property to be annexed into the city, the annexation had to be requested by the property owner. Chairman Goats said the vote was only for the recommendation from the commission to go to City Council and that the applicant could still make the request directly to the City Council. The Murray County Commission voted this week to appoint Justin Hawke to fill the unexpired term for District 5 school board member Laura Nutt, who recently resigned from the position. Hawke's term will run from now until August when the position will be open once again for election. Prior to the vote, District 7 Commissioner Aaron Miller said Hawke was also endorsed by outgoing member Laura Nutt to serve as her replacement. Other nominees included David Moore, who previously served District 5 on the school board but was defeated in his 2022 race for reelection by Nutt. Prior to the vote, the floor was open to the public and the nominees for comments. This included former Murray County Commission Chairman Michael Fulbright, who endorsed Moore as the right choice based on his past work experience alongside him. Fulbright also served three years as school board chairman during Moore's tenure. "Any time I had any questions with what was going on with the school board, David was going to be able to answer it," Fulbright said. "We are very blessed to have two people who have volunteered to serve in this role. That is something we should be very proud of and whoever is nominated, we will be blessed to have that person," he said. Former County Commissioner Sue Stevenson suggested that oftentimes an outgoing board member's role is filled by their spouse or the person named at the member's request. Since Halco was the replacement Nutt had endorsed, Stevenson also endorsed him as the proper candidate. "The school board needs fresh minds and has struggled over the past years, particularly with audit findings," Stevenson said. "David served on the board for two terms already. I support Justin and think he will do a good job, and this is something that has been taking place for a number of years. Filling unexpired terms is a pretty rare event, but when it does happen, it is very important," she said. Following public comment, both Moore and Halco were provided time to speak on their nominations. Moore argued that his two-term experience on the board would bring an advantage, such as overcoming the initial learning curve of serving, as well as his personal attachment to the schools. This includes not only bringing his children up through the Murray County school system but also preparing for his first grandchild's early education experience. "There is a bit of a learning curve, and I hope my experience can get past that, especially going into the budget season, coming on very quickly," Moore said. "To be able to step right in, I can start doing my homework and be able to fill the seat as the eleventh member, to be able to move forward with that board," he said. About Murray County opening a charter school, a recent controversy which failed to pass twice, as well as at the state level, Moore said, "It remains an open topic worthy of discussion. But that could, but that he could not state his support or opposition." Halco, a 14-year Spring Hill resident, said he has experience in budgeting and wants Murray County to set better long-term goals. This way the schools can grow and develop in conjunction with the county's overall growth. "When people ask if something isn't broken, why try to fix it? I like to say, well, if it isn't broken, can you not make it better?" Halco said. "Of course, nobody on the school board is going to agree on all of the same things, but you can get things done by talking it out. Being civil," he said. Halco added that he also is in support of Murray County opening a charter school if that were to reappear as a topic of discussion. "I have zero problem with us having a charter school in this county," Halco said. "As far as I know from what I've seen, it's kind of a lottery. Well, some people say it's not and that they pick and choose. That is not how I've been informed on how charter schools work. And so if we had a charter school, I'm sure I'd apply for at least one of my children to go there," he said. In the end, Halco received 12 votes against Moore, who received seven. Continuing the theme, African Americans making history in the field of sports, the April speakers of the African American Heritage Society of Murray County will be Bernard Childress and Chris Pointer. The lecture will take place on Saturday, April 20th at 10 a.m. at the Murray County Archives, a temporary location located at 1446 Oak Springs Drive Suite 100 in Columbia. Bernard Childress was named the Executive Director of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, or TLSAA, in 2009. A native of Columbia, Childress graduated from Columbia Central High School. While at Central, he served as the vice president of the Student Council and was a member of the basketball team. In 1978, Childress received a Bachelor of Science degree from Belmont University, where he was a member of the basketball team for four years. Continuing with his education, he received a master's degree from Treveca University. He began his career in education as a teacher and coach at Columbia Central High School. In 1985, he was the assistant basketball coach at Middle Tennessee State University. He returned to Columbia and was the assistant principal of Columbia Central High School for five years before becoming the principal of Whitthorn Middle School. In 1995, he was named the assistant executive director of the TLSAA. Childress was inducted into the Belmont University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. In 2005, he was honored for his contributions to high school athletics as a recipient of the prestigious National Federation of State High School Association Citation Award. This citation is one of the most highly regarded achievements in high school activities. Chris Pointer was named the district athletic director of Murray County Public Schools in 2017, becoming the first African-American appointed to the position. A native of Columbia, Pointer graduated from Columbia Central High School. In 2005, he received a bachelor's degree from Austin P. State University, where he received All-American and Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Honors. Continuing his education, he received his master's degree in 2008 from Austin P. State University. Again, the lecture featuring Chris Pointer and Bernard Childress will take place on Saturday, April 20th at 10 a.m. at the Murray County Archives temporary location at Mule Town Wreck at 1446 Oak Springs Drive Sweet 100 in Columbia. The Murray Alliance Agribusiness Committee invites you to their annual farm city breakfast, honoring the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Murray County. This year's farm city breakfast will be held on Friday, April 26th at the Ridley 4-H Center. The breakfast line opens at 6.45 a.m. with the program beginning at 7 and concluding by 8.30. The keynote speaker is Mr. Eric Mayberry, President of Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, and he will be honoring the Biffle Potts Farm in Hampshire as a century farm. There's no charge to attend the breakfast, however, they will be collecting donations during the event for the 2024 Farm City Scholarship Memorial Fund. This year's scholarships will be given in memory of D.C. Neely. Learn more about the scholarship opportunities by visiting www.murryalliance.com. The Spring Hill Police Department is currently taking applications for the 2024 session of the Citizens Police Academy, or CPA. The CPA is an excellent opportunity to learn about your local police department and what goes on behind the scenes. The academy will cover topics such as the use of force, patrol operations, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, firearms training, and more. The CPA is open to all individuals 21 years of age or older and reside or work within the municipal city limits of Spring Hill. Persons may apply outside of the municipal city limits, however, presidents will be given to those who live within the Spring Hill city limits. For more information, please get in touch with Officer Michael Stewart at M. Stewart. That's M-S-T-E-W-A-R-T at springhill-T-N.org. You can apply online also at www.springhill-t-n.org/5752.citizens-police-academy. Columbia Academy's Richie Eastab didn't believe in himself, thrust into a head coaching role as a young man he never dreamed. He'd still be doing this job nearly 25 years later. On Monday night at his alma mater, Eastab celebrated a 12-2 win over University School of Nashville, but more than just his team's 20th win of the season, it was Eastab's 700th career victory. Every hundredth kind kind of hits me a little bit. I never dreamed I would have been around to do this. As a young head coach, I didn't believe in myself that I could be one for a long time. I have to give credit where it's due. The players are the ones who play, he said. His Bulldogs overcame an early two to nothing deficit after some small ball tactics worked in favor of the visiting Tigers. Pitcher Gunner Skelton settled in nicely and worked quickly the rest of the contest. On offense, the Bulldogs piled on runs and the third kicked off by a CJ Juro single to left, which brought home a run and then Skelton cleared the bases with a two run single to give CA the 3-2 lead. One, it would never relinquish. Andy Reed was three for three for the dogs with a pair of RBIs as well. Eastab, who was among the inaugural members of the CA Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, directed good pastor for four state championships and one runner-up team in 14 seasons, compiling a 462-119 record, 10 of his team's advance to the state tournament. Since leaving to return to his alma mater where he was the Mid-State Baseball player of the year in 1992, played baseball and was quarterback of the Bulldogs football team, Eastab has guided Columbia Academy to one state championship in 2018 as well. Athletics director Purnell Knox also serves as an assistant coach on the team but played with Eastab most of his life as a team mate and even an opponent. The two longtime pals were forced on one another in a way but the truth is neither of them would trade the time they've spent together. I tell everybody I know that Richie is the best athlete I've played with or against Knox said knowing he wanted me here helping him and having played with him since the age of nine it's cool to see 600 and then 700 he said. Last year we were out of coaches and I kind of forced Purnell to help me but it's like we've coached together forever. We're like brothers. I don't ever want him to go. Eastab said. Eastab shared the milestone with former player now pitching coach Alex Huey as well. Huey who left freed Hardeman as the school's all-time leader in strikeouts and wins is in his first year helping the program. Being able to be a part of his of this win was surreal for the former Bulldog. It means everything to me to be here. It is nice that it comes full circle because getting to work under a guy like him is special he said. He deserves a lot more credit than he gets on this team and I'm forever grateful for the coach and role model he is. While Eastab is quick to shower praise on his players and assistants including that Huey has taken the pitching staff office played and allowed him to focus on managing the game every person in the program has a word of praise for the skipper. Knox wasn't surprised when he reached this milestone in fact it didn't take as long to get to this double zero as one might think. With his resume you knew that if he did it long enough that this would come he said the day we shut down for covid was his 600th win and now there it is. It's well deserved and not surprising at all. Hopefully I can keep him around long enough to see 1000. I think it's just around the corner. I really do he said. And now your hometown memorial is sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Carrie Blaine Huckabee 57 died Monday April 8th in Columbia. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday April 20th at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Barrio will follow at Pope Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Friday April 19th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the atrium of First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesand nickels.com. Mrs. Janie Nicholson 83 died Thursday April 11th at her residence. Her body will lie in state on Thursday from 12 to 6 with family present from 5 to 6 at Baxter Brothers Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Friday from 11 to 12 at White Springs United Primitive Baptist Church with Funeral to follow at 12. Barrio will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery. 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 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 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 scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon with a high of 84 degrees. Winds will be out of the south at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The chance of rain today 50 percent. Tonight we can expect thunderstorms in the evening that a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. The low will be 63 degrees with winds out of the southwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The chance of overnight rain 70 percent. 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 Realty 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 Realty 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 is 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. Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole bar then 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 a 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 Trawatwood Avenue Columbia. This is Triadcock 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. We all live very busy lives. Sometimes we just need a break. Wouldn't it be nice to have an extra pair of hands to help out? Let me introduce you to new dawn cleaning service. No job is too big or too small because they do it all from residential to commercial. They offer standard cleaning, construction cleaning, carpet shampooing and window cleaning. Whether you are looking for a one-time service or regular schedule cleaning plan, new dawn is ready to help. With years of experience, you can relax, kick back and call new dawn cleaning service at 615-977-6901. Announcing two big days of celebration at the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Columbia Paint and Wall Covering's brand new Spring Hill location at 11 a.m. on Wednesday April 24th. Everyone is invited. On Thursday April 25th at 11 a.m. contractor appreciation day. Refreshments serve from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Columbia Paint and Wall Covering has a long standing reputation for outstanding customer service locally owned and family operated since 1946. Zach Maddox is now the third generation owner and operator following his grandfather Ralph Maddox and his father Zeke Maddox. Columbia Paint and Wall Covering offers a full line of paints featuring Benjamin Moore, window treatments, wallpaper and so much more. That's 11 a.m. April 24th and 25th. Columbia Paint and Wall Covering's ribbon cutting, grand opening and contractor appreciation celebrations. 2001 Campbell Station Parkway and Spring Hill. Just off highway 31 north next to the Spring Hill Academy and Preschool. Give them a call 931-674-1985 or visit Columbia Paint and Wall Covering online at paintcolumbia.com. 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 Bryce and now news from around the state. Summertime brings hotter temperatures, lake days, barbecues and droves of cicadas producing that piercing, screeching sound most southerners have gotten used to. 2024 will see the emergence of brood 19 cicadas which have been dormant for the past 13 years. The cicadas will be emerging in the trillions due to a rare double brood event when many are calling cicada gettin. Cicada gettin will include the 13 year brood, brood 19 and 17 year brood 13. Brood 19 will be found in 14 states including Tennessee and brood 13 will be emerging in the Midwest. The two broods will likely overlap in Iowa and Illinois according to cicada mania.com. Tennessee will not see any overlap of the two cicada groups. Brood 19 cicadas will emerge around mid-May in Tennessee through mid-June as the insects try to find mates before hibernating once again. Exact timing however is weather dependent. Male cicadas scream in order to attract mates. Females lack the structures known as tibbles that produce sound so only the males will scream. Male cicadas begin screaming four or five days after they emerge. Each species of cicada have a distinctive song they produce said the University of Illinois and according to the National Institute of Health the mating calls can reach over 90 decibels as allowed as a lawn mower motorcycle or tractor. 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. Good McCall 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 their 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 911 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 Street across from the fire station. We're also in line at huntercarry.com that's hunter c-a-r-y.com Welcome back to southern middle Tennessee today and our final story. On Monday boys to men announced their 2024 tour with DJ Robin Thicke. The group will hit the stage at nationals ascend amphitheater on Friday, August 2nd. The R&B group began in 1985 in Philadelphia when Nathan Morris and Mark Nelson started singing together in high school. From there the group has gone on to win four Grammy awards and release hits such as End of the Road and on Bended Knee. For more information about the group in their newest tunes head to boys2men.com 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 front porch radio tn.com. It's always there for you. 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.