Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-19-24
[music] Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. You're hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Friday, April 19th and we start as always with local news. The Duck River, touching seven counties as the most biodiverse river in North America, joins the list of America's most endangered rivers of 2024, according to a recent American Rivers report. The river's endangered status, according to a press release by American Rivers, is due to excessive development and unsustainable water consumption. The organization says urgent action is needed to safeguard the vital river's ecosystem. Through the work of local preservation activists and locally elected officials, the Tennessee General Assembly approved a 2023 legislation that expands protections for a portion of the Duck River in Murak County. The law classifies approximately 30 river miles of the waterway as a class to scenic river area. The designation generally prohibits certain activities like mining, commercial timber harvest, or the construction of roads within a certain proximity of the river. Local Save the Duck group, formed and flooded Capitol Hill and Nashville last year, pleading with legislators to protect the waterway. After Louisiana-based developer Trinity group pulled permits to build a solid waste landfill within a couple of miles of the river, at the now defunct Monsanto Superfund site. After the legislation was passed, Gail Moore, a Columbia resident who serves on the Save the Duck board, said, "The battle is not over." Four permits to build the proposed landfilled by Trinity group are still pending in the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Local leaders, as well as Save the Duck, remain vigilant to protect the river. The Duck River ranks as the third most endangered river, after those in New Mexico and the big sunflower and yazoo rivers of Mississippi. "If we want reliable clean drinking water, and if we want the Duck River to continue sustaining its communities, we must take action now to protect it," said Anna Bell-Wannitsky of American Rivers. As the most biodiverse freshwater river in North America, the Duck is recognized as one of three global hotspots for fish and muscle diversity, and is home to many endangered and threatened species. It also serves as the drinking water source for nearly 250,000 people, and provides water for the region's growing population and industry. The river is the backbone of the local outdoor recreation economy, with more than 150,000 people enjoying the river and its tributaries each year, the press release states. Tennessee remains one of the fastest growing states in the nation, and explosive growth in the mid-state is having a major impact on local waterways, including, and especially, the Duck River. Population and industry growth has led to extreme development pressures, and local water utilities are trying to dramatically increase the amount of water they withdraw from the duck. Inadequate long-term management and unsustainable overconsumption of water from the duck threatens to drain the river during periods of low flow and drought, putting the river's aquatic inhabitants at risk and threatening long-term water supply for local communities, American River explains in the release. "Right now, we're on a collision course. This river is our lifeblood, but poorly planned growth will suck the river dry." Grace Strange, CEO of Harpeth Conservancy, said, "The good news is we can change course and wisely manage our water to protect the river, our economy, and quality of life," she said. American rivers and partners are now calling on Governor Bill Lee to protect the Duck River by convening a technical working group to develop a comprehensive water use plan, and by securing funding for studies to understand the flow needs of the river. The Duck River flows 269 miles through seven counties in Middle Tennessee. It is one of the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world, home to 22 aquatic snail species, 56 muscle species, and 151 fish species. Many species in the duck are federally listed as endangered or threatened, including some whose only remaining viable populations are found in the Duck River. The annual America's Most Endangered Rivers report is a list of rivers at a crossroads. In recent years, other rivers in the region have been listed as most endangered due to toxic chemical pollution, sewage pollution, and excessive water withdrawals. They include the Mississippi River in 2022 and the Holston River and Harpeth River, both listed in 2015. American rivers reviews nominations for America's Most Endangered Rivers from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria. The river's significance to people in wildlife, the magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice, and a decision in the next 12 months that public can influence. Over the years, the American River report has helped in the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with wild and scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution. American rivers is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has been advocating for 50 years for the protection of a million miles of river for waterways across the United States. The Interstate 40 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," it said. TDOT is asking drivers to slow down an exercise caution in the work area. Travelers can also call 5-1-1 for statewide travel information and see the latest construction activity traffic updates by using the TDOT smart way map. Paul Turner, Manager of Murray County Regional Airport in Mount Pleasant, has been named as the Airport Manager of the Year by the State. The annual award was presented by the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, or TAC, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division. The Airport Manager of the Year award recognizes the airport manager who contributed the most to the development, safety, customer service, airport promotion, and/or airport operations for the previous calendar year in the State of Tennessee. Turner has been at Murray County Regional, or KMRC, for 15 years, and has served as Airport Manager for the past 14. The safety record at KMRC over that time speaks to Turner's commitment to keeping the airport in top shape and always making the right decisions regarding airfield operations in challenging conditions. During that time, Turner led the airport from requiring annual local subsidies to having yearly positive cash flows, the TAA award announcement said. Yearly fuel sales at Murray Regional Airport exceeded 200,000 gallons with only 25-based aircraft, according to the announcement. The Regional Airport, one of 78 airports throughout the State, has made a name for itself as one of the busiest airports of his size in Tennessee. Housing one of the longest runways among small airports in the State and selling 20,000 gallons of fuel per month. Turner achieves this result by being the preferred destination for cargo operations in support of the automotive industry's operating south of Nashville. General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, and 26 other manufacturers are frequent users of KMRC's 6,000-foot runway. Automotive executives, retail executives, and world-famous performers routinely utilize KMRC. These individuals value the enhanced security which comes from how rigorously Paul and his team maintain their privacy regarding arrivals and departures, the announcement says. Everyone who lands at KMRC gets the same outstanding service from Paul. He provides 24-hour fuel, catering, courtesy cars, and always with the same smile and friendly conversation. A check of the five-star reviews posted about Paul on AirNav tells you everything about how much passengers and crews appreciate Paul's efforts to make a stop at KMRC as part of their future flight planning. The local leadership has also recognized Turner's efforts. The city of Mount Pleasant declared a "Paul Turner Day" in recognition of his contributions to the community. Turner hosts classroom visits, annual youth aviation events, and joint community events at the airport. The support Paul receives is best represented by the recent reopening of the airport. The county mayor, two city mayors, and two state representatives attended the ribbon-cutting. Last year, the Murray County Regional Airport was closed for about three months to undergo a much-needed facelift of its aging runway, an $8 million dollar project that included resurfacing of the 6,000-foot runway, laying the foundation of future travel in Middle Tennessee. The project also included installing LED lighting, upgrading electrical systems, and adding hangers. Behind the scenes during the project, Turner was in constant communication with the cargo operators, corporate flight departments, and his other customers. As a result, within the first months of reopening, the airport's fuel sales exceeded previous record highs, the announcement said. The airport will be able to absorb the losses related to the closure without any local assistance. Paul's passion for the airport and his commitment to outstanding service have made KMRC an invaluable asset for the flying public, the announcement said. The TAC and TDOT Aeronautics give these awards to command recipients for their hard work, diligence, and devoted efforts in improving airports, airport safety, and aviation in Tennessee. The awards in a small way reflect the respect that the TAC and TDOT Aeronautics have for the many airports and airport managers within the state who have dedicated themselves to excellence in aviation and aviation safety. The Murray County Commission voted this week to appoint Justin Hauka to fill the unexpired term for District 5 school board member Laura Nutt, who recently resigned from the position. Hauka'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 Hauka 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 re-election by Nutt. Prior to the vote, the floor was open to the public in 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 Morris tenure. Anytime 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 Commissioner Sue Stevenson suggested that oftentimes an outgoing board member's role is filled by their spouse or a person named at the member's request. Since Hauka 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 school 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 Hauka 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 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 11th 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 he could not state his support or opposition." Hauka, 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?" Hauka 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 and being civil," he said. Hauka added that he is also 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," Hauka said. "As far as I know, from what I've seen, it's kind of a lottery. While 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, Hauka 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 temporary location, located at 1446 Oak Springs Drive, Sweet 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 from Belmont University, where he was a member of the basketball team for four years. Continuing his education, he received a Master's degree from Trevecke 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 in 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's citation award. The citation is one of the most highly regarded achievements in high school activities. Pointer, Chris Pointer, was named the district athletic director of Murray County Public Schools in 2017, becoming the first African-American appointed to that 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-America 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 of the African-American Heritage Society of Murray County will take place on Saturday, April 20th at 10 a.m. at the Murray County Temporary Archives location at 1446 Oakespriggs Drive, Sweet 100 in Columbia. And now your hometown memorials 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 and poke 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 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the atrium at First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com. Patrick Steve Compton, 78, a resident of Sunnyside, die Sunday, April 14th at Murray Regional Medical Center in Columbia. A memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, April 21st at 3 p.m. at St. John's Church Yard. Military honors will be provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. 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 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. He made something we thought would be hard easier than we thought it would be. Not that we made it easy, we made it easier. Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors 320 West Seventh Street in Columbia since 1856 people you can rely on. For your southern middle Tennessee weather we will have mostly cloudy skies today with a slight chance of a thunderstorm. The high will be 67 degrees with winds out of the north northwest at five to ten miles per hour. Tonight we can expect more clouds and a low of 48 degrees. For your weekend forecast we will see mostly cloudy skies for both Saturday and Sunday. The high on Saturday will be 67 on Sunday 62. The overnight low on Saturday will be 45 on Sunday 38. We can expect sunny skies to return 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. Here we go. This is Debbie Matthews with the National Royal Otii 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 Royal Otii 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 estimates. 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. 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-E 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 vague 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. Jack 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 in 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 Price. And now news from around the state. With only a little over a year in Congress, Representative Andy Ogles has submitted his 100th piece of legislation. This is not only the highest number of legislative proposals submitted by any freshman member of Congress in several decades, but also the second highest amount of legislation among all current members of the House of Representatives. Of his 100 legislative proposals, 37 have been passed by the House and three have been signed into law. Additionally, Congressman Ogles has co-authored legislation with Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, Steve Danes and others on several occasions. This achievement places Ogles at the forefront of his class with the highest number of standalone pieces of legislation passed among all freshman members of Congress. I came to Congress to participate in meaningful policymaking and hold President Biden accountable. "My legislative record reflects just that. Fighting for Americans requires active and effective legislators, and I am proud to be one. I am tremendously grateful to my staff for the long hours they dedicate every week, to my family for their unwavering support, and to my constituents who have the time to share their concerns and encourage me," Ogles said in a press statement. "I am also grateful to my esteemed Senate colleagues, Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, and Steve Danes for leading Senate companion bills for some of my legislation," he said. "My three legislative submissions that have been signed into law include an amendment to prohibit the use of federal funds to delist the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization. This amendment was a result of a bipartisan letter I sent with Democrat Congressman Jared Moskowitz to the House Appropriations Committee. The IRGC is guilty of injuring and killing thousands of Americans and continues to provide material support to the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist entities. Another one of my legislative victories prohibits the removal of companies from the section 1260H list of Chinese military companies. This increase is oversight over Joe Biden's potential to collude with Chinese Communist Party with regard to Chinese military companies. Biden's appeasement policy towards the CCP has enabled him to remove these corrupt entities from a DoD Black list of companies that undermine American national security," he said. Congressman Ogle's 100th piece of legislation, the Defunding Unscientific Mask Mandates Act of 2024, would ensure that federal funds could not be used to create a COVID-19 mask mandate. This would allow individuals to decide for themselves whether to wear a mask or not, rather than forcing them to comply with arbitrary rules, he said. Let's take one last break when it comes back. We'll cover the final story of the day. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Turner and Osborn Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia Good will 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@osborn.com. That's turner@osborn.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. 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 our final story. Fields of Honor Tennessee announces the return of the highly anticipated fourth annual Rock and Jock celebrity softball game scheduled to take place on Monday, June 3 with 1st pitch at 6.30 p.m. at 1st Horizon Park in Nashville. Get ready for the electrifying showdown as the hottest musicians, professional athletes, comedians, influencers, honorary military and first responders go head to head in the upcoming softball game. Visit 1sthorizonpark.com for more information and to purchase tickets for an evening of star studded entertainment all for a noble cause. Fields of Honor Tennessee, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen military members and first responders, is teaming up with companies dedicated to making a positive impact who champion various charitable initiatives and community outreach programs. Get ready for an unforgettable night with celebrity players including Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Brent Young, Ernest, Ray Lynn, Charles Eston, Mitchell, Tenpenny and many more. And a special performance of God Bless America or I'm sorry God Bless the USA by Lean Greedwood during the seventh inning stretch. Learn more at 1sthorizonpark.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Kennedy Broadcasting 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.