Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-25-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews National Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Thursday, April 25th, and we start as always with local news. The Columbia Police Department is actively trying to locate 33-year-old George Alex Bullock and 24-year-old Shamar Ethan Arnale Davis. Both have an active warrant for attempted first-degree murder. Any information regarding the whereabouts of Bullock or Davis should notify the Columbia Police Department at 931-388-2727. A Columbia doctor is disappointed but left with no options after being denied the opportunity to appear on the ballot in August's Republican primary due to what he called a clerical error on his voting record. Dr. Jim Grippo, a diagnostic radiology specialist and former board member at Murray Regional Medical Center, had announced earlier this year his intention to challenge incumbent state Senator Joey Hensley in the August primary. But Dr. Grippo was removed from the ballot by the Republican State Executive Committee after a challenge was made to his qualifications as a "bonified Republican." I went to the Tennessee Hospital Association's Day on the Hill, and that was my first exposure to the variety of legislators. I left there a little disillusioned. Dr. Grippo said of why he chose to enter politics. I thought we needed some level of positive orientation in our legislature, and I didn't feel that when I was up there. It was something I thought about. I talked to others about running, and one night said, if it's not going to be anyone else and I feel strongly enough, it's going to be me. I pulled my petition and felt more American than I had in a long time because I was exercising the process, he said. However, officials with the Tennessee Republican Party removed Grippo from the ballot and did the same for a number of other candidates in the federal and state races last week, citing challenges to the candidate's status as "bonified members of the GOP." Listed among the state GOP rules concerning what makes someone a "bonified party member," is that candidates need to have voted in three of the last four statewide Republican primaries. While Grippo meets that criteria, his voting record lists him as having voted in the Democratic presidential primary in March of 2020. The Tennessee GOP changed the rule in January to include voting Republican in the March 2020 primary. Chris Morris, who represents District 28 on the Republican State Executive Committee, along with Angie McClanahan, stated that he had been informed by Tennessee GOP Chairman Scott Golden about the problem with Grippo's voting record. He said, "There's a problem and I have discussed this with Dr. Grippo, the Republican-bonified process. You must have voted Republican in three of the last four statewide primaries," Morris said. January 27th of 2024, "We had a special called session of the SEC, the State Executive Committee. What we did was if you had ever voted as a Democratic in any of those four primaries, you automatically lost your bona fide status," he said. Dr. Grippo said he had been told that challenges to his bona fide status came from within the district and not at the state level. Asked why he felt the change from three of four to four in a row was necessary, Morris cited a state law against crossover voting when a voter from one party votes for a candidate in another party's primary. That law has seldom been enforced and since Tennessee has open primaries, voters are not required to declare allegiance to a party. "I would like to see us be tougher. It doesn't take long to get three out of four," Morris said. Dr. Grippo insisted that after checking with local election officials, it was confirmed that his voting record was an error and that he should have been listed as having voted in the Republican primary. However, while a voter's record stays in the election commission's records, the voter details such as the signature sheets are by state law destroyed after 22 months. This means there was no way to confirm that Dr. Grippo's record was in fact an error. However, there is a process in state GOP bylaws that lets others vouch for someone to be considered bona fide and remain on the ballot. Grippo's supporters launched a social media campaign asking people to sign a petition or to contact Morris and McClanahan and encourage them to allow a waiver for Grippo. Reportedly, over 1,200 people either signed an online petition or reached out to the two executive committee members. Morris and McClanahan decided not to allow a waiver and that decision is left up solely to the executive committee members from that district. The deadline to file to run as an independent has also passed, leaving Dr. Grippo with no option to run. Morris said he was opposed to the waiver provision in principle. There had been people vouched for not only in Murray County but in other counties. Some of them had never voted Republican in their life. I was against vouchers, waivers, there's no difference, he said. Dr. Grippo was critical of the bylaw changes saying, there's been bylaw changes after bylaw changes to limit the availability to run for office, especially in the Republican party. To me as a voter, it seems I got caught up behind the scenes and this whole organization has shifted to limit voter choice. To have that election decided, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around that. The waiver system in the bylaws was a dog and pony show in my district because they don't believe in the rules, he said. At the federal level, GOP officials removed three candidates from running for US House seats, Caleb Stack in the seventh district currently held by Mark Green. George Flynn in the eighth district currently held by David Kustoff and Joe Dottora from the ballot on the fourth district, currently represented by Scott Dejarlay. In total, 14 Republican candidates were removed from ballots statewide after challenges were made to their party's bona fide status, including two for the state senate and nine for the state house. Asked if he would consider running for office as a Republican again in the future, Dr. Grippo said, "Absolutely, this confirmed that what our leadership needs is people pointed in the right direction. Jim Grippo is not going away," he said. Yesterday, Columbia Paint and Wall cover opened a new location in Spring Hill. Front porch radios Mary Susan Kennedy attended the grand opening and spoke to owner Zach Maddox to learn more about what the new location has to offer. This is Mary Susan Kennedy with Front porch radio. In this morning, I'm in Spring Hill at a ribbon cutting, celebrating the grand opening of Columbia Paint and Wall cover's new Spring Hill location. And I'm speaking with Zach Maddox, who along with his father, Zeke Maddox, are the owners. Congratulations, Zach. - Thank you, thank you, we're excited. - This is big news. Tell our listeners about the product line y'all offer here. - Well, our big line is Benjamin Moore Paint. That's our main paint line that we carry. Then we also carry fair one ball. Plus, we sell window treatments. We carry Hunter Douglas and Graber shutters and blinds, along with all kinds of sundries and everything else you need for projects at home with painting, wallpaper, anything like that. - That's perfect, so comprehensive. And what are the services y'all offer? Do you help install any of the blinds, for example? - We do, yeah, we install window treatments and shutters. That's one of the services. We also repair spray equipment and pressure washers, different equipment and tools like that. - That's awesome, so helpful. And what are your days and hours of operation here in Spring Hill? - We're open Monday through Saturday, Monday through Friday. We're here from seven to five and Saturday's eight to one. - Okay, great, so convenient. And tell everybody where you're located. - So we're at 2001 Campbell Station Parkway in Sweet B5. We're right next to the Spring Hill Academy and Whirly Giggs consignment store. - Okay, great, very convenient to folks north and south of you, I know it's a large populated area. And what is the best way for someone to contact you if they have questions or need more information? - Sure, we're at paintcolumbia.com. Email us at color@paintcolumbia.com. - Let's repeat that. - Paintcolumbia.com. Email us at color@paintcolumbia.com. We're also on Facebook and Instagram. - Well, that's great. Well, I know y'all are such a wonderful addition to the community. Thank you all for opening up this new one. Again, this is Mary Ceasing Kennedy with Front Porch Raid. - Road closures in Columbia have begun for utility work associated with the Drake Development, a nearly 300 luxury apartment complex being built at Woodland Street and East 7th Street, affected streets and closure dates include from North Glade Street between East 6th and East 7th streets from now through October 31st, East 7th Street between Woodland and North Glade streets from now until May 4th, and Woodland Street between East 6th and East 7th streets from May 6th through May 17th. Yesterday, United Producers Incorporated in Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America held an Agriculture Appreciation Day in Columbia. WKOMWKRM's Delk Kennedy attended the event and spoke to Devin Gillam, Senior Financial Officer and Laura Lee Harris, Associate Financial Officer at Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America to learn more about what they do for the agricultural community. - This is Delk Kennedy Front Porch Radio. Today, Wednesday at noon, I'm out here at United Producers Incorporated, Columbia Livestock Barn. They have teamed up with Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America to have an Ag Partners Day, and they're all sorts of pickup trucks and ag equipment. People interested in agriculture involved in agriculture. They're out here having a big time, getting to know each other, having this little fellowship and a good lunch, which is being provided by Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America. I'm speaking with Devin Gillam, Senior Financial Officer with Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America. Devin, how you doing? - Doing great, doing great. Really appreciate you all being out here today. - Glad to be here, and Laura Lee Harris, who's an Associate Financial Officer at Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America. - Thanks, Delk. We really appreciate you covering this event. - Oh, happy to do it. Now, Devin, tell me what's going on here today. - Well, this is just a day that we want to bring the community together. Both people involved in agriculture and others in the community, and just come out here. We're grilling burgers, and just want to bring everyone together for a little fellowship and a good time and promote agriculture here in Murray County. - Laura Lee Harris, tell me more about what Tennessee Farm Credit offers at your offices right here in Columbia, Tennessee. - Yes, so we secure the future of rural communities. So we offer lending for farmers. We do operating loans, we do equipment loans, real estate loans, so we're glad to help if you have ever have any need in one of those departments. - Wow, that's fantastic. Now, Devin, can you elaborate on the services that Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America offers here in Columbia? - Pretty much, if you get outside the city limits, we probably have a loan that we can help you with. Whether it be a home loan, livestock, operating loan for your farm, construction loan for a home, or you just want to purchase a small building lot. If you're outside the city limits, we'd love to talk to you. - So you don't necessarily have to be a farmer? - Don't necessarily have to be a farmer, no sir. - All right, now your offices here serve as Williamson, Murray, and Marshall County, is that correct? - Yes, sir. - And you have an office here in Columbia, you have offices in the other counties as well? - We have offices scattered throughout Tennessee, so no matter where you are, there's a farm credit office near you. - There we go, now, to learn more about Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America, and what they do here in Marshall, Murray, and Williamson counties, where do people go? - Well, you can get on our website, it's fcma.com, or you can stop by our office on the corner of Baker Road in Nashville, highway. - There we go, again, Delk Kennedy Front porch radio. I'm at United Producers. They're having an ag partner's appreciation day that everybody's having a big time. The burgers smell delicious. I've been speaking with Devin. - Kill 'em, senior credit officer with Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America, and Laura Lee Harris, associate financial officer with Tennessee Farm Credit Mid-America. Laura Lee, Devin, congratulations on a great event. - Thank you, Delk, and happy beef mutt. - Thank you very much, thanks for being here. - Yesterday, the Mount Pleasant High School opened a heavy equipment simulator program to assist students who are hoping to go directly into the workforce following high school. Our own Delk Kennedy stopped by the school and spoke to construction teacher Scott Andrews and student Carter Gillam about how these simulators will help students on their career paths. - This is Delk Kennedy Front porch radio. This afternoon, I am at Mount Pleasant High School. We've had a ribbon cutting for what's called the cat simulators. I'm in a room where there are caterpillar company simulators simulating both a track hole and a bulldozer. They have operator seats with a real set of back hole and bulldozer control. I'm looking at a Mount Pleasant High School tire with a caterpillar yellow hard hat on pictured on the wall. I'm speaking with Scott Andrews, who is the construction teacher here in Mount Pleasant. Scott, what's going on here? - Well, we're getting simulators now. We've been working on this a couple of years. We have tried my program. We have a lot of partners. We have partners with Lee company, pre-apprenticeship with them. We have a partnership with Bell Construction and we decided we wanted to go with some simulators heavy equipment because there's about 42,000 jobs vacancies every year for heavy equipment operators in the state of Tennessee. So that just seems to be another convenient venue for my students to walk out the door if they don't want to go to a post-secondary college or. - Tell me about the course. I assume students enroll in your heavy equipment course. Tell me what happens there. - Well, when we roll out, they will have laptop work, they'll have walkarounds, then they'll have all kinds of disciplines to go through during the course. Their course will probably consist of about 100 hours and hopefully they'll have good muscle memory on this. When they complete this course, then we're gonna go out to the big machines with some of our partners and operate those. - So they have classwork and then they work on these simulators and then at the end of the day, I believe you've partnered with Harness Company here in Columbia so they can go out and get hands-on experience on the real thing. Is that how it works? - That's how it works. And hopefully they can get gainful employment from that. - There we go, I'm talking to Carter Gillum, who's a student in your construction class. Carter, tell me about it, how's it been for you? - That's pretty fun, it's just like the real thing. It rocks and all does, all the motions, just like a real one would. And it's pretty cool. I enjoy doing them, it's pretty fun. - Are you thinking you might make a career out of it? - Yes sir, I'm looking into it, I might. I don't know, really yet. - Yeah, tell me how these simulators help you. - I mean, it's just like a real one. It does all the swaying, especially in the advanced mode. Does all the swaying like a real one? It vibrates, it rocks, and does all the things a real one would. - All right, that's absolutely amazing. - It is amazing, man. - I will be honest, this young man here, was who I had in mind, one of them, when we did the simulators, because he loves equipment. Works on the farm all of his life, and he's like a natural. And these things are, we'll say these are cat simulators. You can take anything from the seat to any of the controls. If a cat broke down out here, you can take it off of this machine, put it on the real machine, and it would work. - There we go, again, Del Kennedy at the Riven Cutting for the cat simulators here in the construction class, Mount Pleasant High School, I'm teaching with Scott Anders, who's the construction teacher, and also Carter Gillum, who is in the course right now. Folks, congratulations, this is really cool. It's a big step from Mount Pleasant High, isn't I? - Yes, sir it is, it's a big investment, and I'm proud of all the central office and everybody that's made this possible, even from the state level, the ISM grants and all. - All right, congratulations one more time, guys. - The Murray County Emergency Food Shelter Program, or EFSP Board, is announcing the open application process for EFSP Phase 41 grant funds. The EFSP funds are federal funds made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Securities, Federal Emergency Management Agency. The award amount for Murray County Phase 41 is $33,132. The purpose and priority of the distribution of these funds is to provide emergency food and shelter for our neighbors in Murray County. To understand if your organization is eligible to apply, please go to www.fema.gov/home for requirements. If you have any questions or would like to request an application, please email UnitedWayofMurryCounty@gmail.com or call Laura Truelove at 931-381-0100. The deadline to request an application is May 10th. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Dorothy Faye Underwood-Hubble, 86, passed away on Monday, April 22nd at Murray Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday at 11 a.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Contolences may be extended online at www.oxandnichols.com. James B. J. B. Shepherd passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on April 19th. A private graveside service will be held at Pope Memorial Gardens. Oaks and Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. Willodine Baker Wood, 92, died Sunday, April 21st at her residence. A private graveside service will be held at Pope Memorial Gardens. Oaks and Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. Home Town Memorials 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 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 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 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. - Oaks 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 partly cloudy skies today with increasing clouds throughout the day. The high will be 76 degrees with light and variable winds. Tonight, we can expect cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower. The low will be 56 degrees with light and variable winds. Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll cover state and national news that affect you. We'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. (laughs) My dad used to tell us that all the time. But family first wasn't just something he'd say to us. It was how he lived every day of his life. And it's how I try to live mine too. At shelter insurance, our agents are dedicated to helping provide personalized auto, home and life protection that puts your family first. - For auto, home, life or business insurance, Sea Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. - Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole barn. 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. (upbeat music) - 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 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 615-969-01-18, 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 coverings, 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 served 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 coverings, ribbon cutting, grand opening and contractor appreciation celebrations. 2001 Campbell Station Parkway in 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. Oracle Corporation Chairman Larry Ellison announced Tuesday the company's headquarters will soon move to Nashville. In 2020, the computer software company moved its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Austin, Texas. Now Ellison says Oracle is making its way to Tennessee to focus on healthcare. Adding that Nashville is the center of the healthcare industry and a quote, "fabulous place to live," unquote. The headquarters is expected to be situated along the Cumberland River and will be a part of the East Bank development. Tennessee and saw a small break at the gas pump over the last week with gas prices falling four cents on average. The Tennessee gas price average is now $3.24, which is four cents more expensive than one month ago, but nine cents less than one year ago. Tennessee drivers saw a nice change in pace for gas prices with slightly lower prices emerging at the pump over last week, said Megan Cooper, a spokeswoman for AAA, the Auto Club Group. This time of year, we typically see a lull in gasoline demands since spring break trips are in the rear view mirror, but the next big travel holiday isn't until Memorial Day. If oil prices continue to decrease over this week, it's likely that Tennesseans will see another break in pump prices. However, we still cannot rule out an additional fluctuation given the uncertainty in the market. 55% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.25. Tennessee is currently the seventh least expensive market in the nation. 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 Osmurr.com, that's Turner and Osmurr.com. Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack and very 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 lifesaving interventional procedures. Go to Murrayregional.com/heart to learn more. And remember, always dial 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 Tree across from the fire station. We're also in line at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. - Here we go. (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today, and now our final story. The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is hosting the much anticipated 40th annual Main Street Festival sponsored by First Horizon to be held in historic downtown Franklin from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th, and Sunday, April 28th. The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County's Main Street Festival is a highly anticipated annual tradition held in the historic downtown. Consistently listed among the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, Main Street Festival will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024 and is expected to attract 100,000 plus visitors. The festival features more than 200 high quality arts and craft spenders, superb entertainment, great food, and fun for the entire family. You can learn more about the festival by visiting www.williamsonheritage.org. 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 it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontportradiotn.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. (upbeat music)