Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-10-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Friday, May 10th, and we start with local news. All Murray County Public Schools will be closed today. Friday, May 10th is cleanup from the tragic storms continues. All graduations, after school athletics and performances will occur, unless you are notified by an individual school. The Boys and Girls Club will be open in the following school locations, Mount Pleasant Elementary and Marvin Wright Elementary. In addition, the Boys and Girls Club, Wayne Street and Teen Center locations will be open. 12-month employees of the school district should report if they can do so safely. More than 3,000 people remain without power following Wednesday's powerful EF3 tornado, which results in an extensive damage in Columbia, including one confirmed fatality. The National Weather Service, as well as local first responders, estimate the tornado touchdown at approximately 545 p.m. on Wednesday evening along the Bear Creek Pike area in northern Columbia, leaving a path of destruction that amassed to about two miles wide, damaging 105 homes, 40 of which are considered to be destroyed. This was in the area of Blackburn Lane, Lee Road, and LaSilla Road, Murray County Emergency Management Director, Jeff Hardy, said Bear Creek Pike is back open this morning, though a lot of the side roads are closed and will remain closed for the foreseeable future, he said. Murray County first responders were quick to assess the scene, receiving mutual aid from Columbia and other jurisdictions with many more offering help if needed. A press conference held Thursday morning with more details of the storm, as well as the recovery efforts being made for those affected and/or displaced. They said, "We have had a long night, but we have an amazing group of people checking in on everyone in our community." Murray County Mayor Sheila Butts said, "Hardy added that in addition to down trees, power lines and structural damage to homes, the storm also caused a fuel tanker to cap size on US Highway 31 north of Burt Drive in south of Carter's Creek Pike. We upped our coverage throughout the night and to address the National Highway incident. We are currently mitigating that, working with a cleanup company." Columbia fire chief Chris Cummins said, "We can expect a long day here, and so folks really need to look at alternate routes because this is going to greatly affect the traffic," he said. Murray County Fire Deputy Chief Richard Schatz confirmed that Wednesday's storms left one person dead with about a dozen others reported injured. "Approx. 12 people will remove from debris or from wooded areas with one confirmed fatality," Schatz said. "We had resources from several surrounding counties and municipalities all respond and provide search and rescue teams, as well as additional manpower to the area," he said. "The deceased person has been identified as 67-year-old Cheryl Lovett. By the time Cheryl Lovett received word, a tornado was barreling toward her Columbia home. She didn't have time to act," family member said Thursday. Brooke Helmick Lovett's niece said her cousin Brie Lovett sent a frantic text message to her mother, warning her of the large tornado barreling down upon them on Blackburn Lane. Cheryl and another relative, Penny Lovett, were together. Brie was on her way home from work. They got to the church first, Helmick said. My cousin texted them at like 5.18 p.m., told them they needed to get out. The two women lived in a mobile home next door to Brie Lovett. There was nowhere safe for them to shelter, Helmick explained. She said her aunt brushed off the warning with a laugh. "That was the last time they heard from her," Helmick said. Cheryl Lovett was found about 100 feet from the home. Penny Lovett was found alive, albeit in critical condition, in a field next to her home. She was rushed by helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for Care. Three others in the path of the tornado were also injured, officials said Wednesday night. Murray County officials have not yet publicly identified any of the victims. The home Brie Lovett shared with her 18-year-old daughter, said to graduate next week, her brother, his wife, and twin babies is gone. Alyssa Helmick, the youngest of four siblings, remembered her older sister well. Cheryl was the third child in the bunch. She was a free spirit, a hippie, she said. She loved animals and nature. She'd go by the creek and hang out with a family all the time. Cheryl Lovett was also known as a giving person. Deputy Chief Schatz added that additional more detailed search and rescue operations were undertaken on Thursday. A request was made through the Tennessee Mutual Aid System and members from surrounding organizations are responding into the area to conduct secondary searches in conjunction with dog teams, as well as to search completely collapsed structures that were checked. But we were going to follow it up with a more detailed search throughout the day, he said. In addition to ongoing cleanup and rescue, other relief efforts have been put in place for those whose homes have been damaged. This includes a shelter with the American Red Cross, which initially opened at Riverside Elementary School on Wednesday, but later moved to West 7th Street Church of Christ on Thursday, where it will remain operational. Monetary donations are also being accepted to help those in need, those can be made using cash or check at the Murray County Trustees Office at one public square between 80am and 4pm Monday through Friday. A citizenportal.com website has also been set up for debit or credit card donations. The Murray County Animal Shelter located at 1233 Maple Lash Drive is also offering shelter for displaced pets. The Murray County Sheriff's Department is also available to report any missing persons at 931-388-5151. Murray County Office of Emergency Management is also requesting no volunteers at this time due to safety concerns, but will likely welcome them at a later time, Hardy said. That will come in the near future over the coming days, Hardy said. We've got a lot of first responders in the area and are asking our folks to give them space, give them time to do what they do. And then in the future, we will take volunteers, he said. Thursday's press conference also included words from state and local leaders, recognizing the efforts of not only local responders, but the many others who pitched in during Columbia's time of need. This was a multi-agency response so far with a lot of people, a lot of help from the state and surrounding counties. And so I'd like to say thank you to those folks as we continue to mitigate these instances and our damage assessments, come and said. Representative Scott Sapicki described the incident as a tragedy for the community, but also an example of several entities working together in a time of crisis. "Tragedy has been falling our county overnight, but I'll tell you this, the volunteer spirit is alive and well in Tennessee," Sapicki said. "The outpouring of support across the state, wanting to help our citizens in need right now has been overwhelming. Law enforcement and emergency responders all working together, coming together so quickly to provide help to those in need, who need it at the most, has just been an impressive thing to watch," he said. Columbia Mayor Chas Mulder added that having mutual aid ready to help out during an incident like this is something to always be grateful for, and that while having help at the ready is a good thing, having the resources right at home gives him comfort that Columbia will see itself through this. "Whenever anyone in our community is affected, we are all affected," Mulder said. "I've heard from mayors all across the state of Tennessee offering to lend a hand, offering to deploy resources if necessary. Fortunately, right now I think we're going to be okay, though there will be a long recovery and people in need. But I think from a community infrastructure standpoint, we have the adequate resources," he said. Governor Bill Lee and wife Maria visited Murray County on Thursday and met with officials and toured the damaged areas. There's been a heartache from one side of the state to the other, and Murray County was the hardest hit spot with significant flooding across the state," Lee said. "We wanted to meet out with the first responders, meet with the families and meet with the people that are intersecting this tragedy that has been happening across our state," he said. Accompanying Lee on Thursday were Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Butch Eley. Sheehan said Tima will continue working over the next few weeks to conduct a more detailed damage assessment. "We will be working with the mayors and other community leaders here moving forward," Sheehan said. "We are just glad to see the community come together and do a tremendous amount of work to support each other already. For those standing by and waiting for help, T. and Tima will be putting out information about how to help, where to help, and I can encourage those with a heart to help to look at Murray County," he said. The Mount Pleasant City Commission held a special called meeting last Tuesday in which they offered a contract to current fire chief Phillip Grims to become the next city manager. On April 16th, the city had announced its decision to move forward with Stephen Cross, a fire management consultant with the state's municipal technical advisory service. However, Cross later declined the offer after reviewing the terms in the contract. Commissioner Pam Johnson, who made the initial motion to select Cross, said she felt Cross's requested salary was too much. "I said in my conversation with him that his salary I felt was excessive, and I felt if he really wanted to be here that he should have some grace and humility in that," Johnson said. The commission had the option of either re-offering the position to cross or reopening the application process. Commissioner Mike Davis made a motion to open the position back up, which failed three to two. "I appreciate Phillip and everything he has done for our city, but I have some problems," Davis said. "I know we've had one commissioner, maybe more, that said Phillip was not qualified, and people saying he's not qualified, maybe it does need to be reopened," he said. Johnson said her opinion of Grims' qualifications changed after meeting with him. "In the process of meeting with him after that statement, I had been really blown away by the level of his knowledge of the city," she said. "I think it's absolutely vital with an election coming up that we keep continuity with our city, and we have people in place that know what's happening," she said. Commissioner Willie Alderson made a motion to offer Grims a contract, which passed four to one. Those who voted in favor included Alderson, Johnson, Mayor Bill White, and Vice Mayor Jacqueline Granberry, Davis was the sole no vote. Johnson later made a motion to accept a contract as presented, which passed three to two. Those who voted against were Granberry and Davis. The contract includes a salary of $134,000, which was increased from the listed $120,000 salary. Current city manager Kate Collier said she has agreed to cut her hours in half and stay for a short period of time in order to assist with the transition. If Grims accepts the contract, which begins July 1, an interim fire chief would be chosen to fill his position for one year, which is the length of his contract. If the city is not satisfied with Grims' performance or if he does not want to remain as city manager, Grims would have the option to go back to being fire chief. Murray Regional Medical Center earned an A hospital safety grade, the highest possible ranking for the spring of 2024 from the LeapFrog group, a national nonprofit watchdog. LeapFrog assigns an A, B, C, D, or F grade to general hospitals across the country, based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. I'm extremely grateful for all Murray Regional Medical Center staff members who consistently show their commitment to patient safety, which makes this recognition possible, said Murray Regional Health CEO, Dr. Martin Cheney. This acknowledgement from the LeapFrog Hospital Safety Grade is a direct reflection of the diligence our employees and medical staff have when caring for patients, he said. The LeapFrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The LeapFrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually in the fall and the spring. Everyone who works at Murray Regional Medical Center should be proud of this A hospital safety grade, said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the LeapFrog group. It takes complete dedication of, at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Murray Regional Medical Center, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety, she said. To learn more about Murray Regional Medical Center's commitment to quality, including accreditation, certifications, and recognitions, visit www.merryregional.com/quality. Visit hospitalssafetygrade.org for more information about the hospital safety grade, including details on individual hospital grades and rankings. The Murray County Sheriff's Office this week announced that the identity of a Jane Doe from a missing person case from the 1970s has been identified through the use of modern DNA science. On February 14, 1975, two hunters found skeletal remains on Joe Brown Road in Eastern Murray County near I-65. Forensic examination in 1975 by Dr. William Bass at the University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, determined that the remains were of a black female between the ages of 17 and 21. The remains have been stored at the University of Tennessee Department of Anthropology in Knoxville since that time. Over the years, the case has been looked at many times. DNA samples have been taken and examined but no clues to the identity were ever discovered. In 2012, Lieutenant Jerry Williams began looking at the case again and revived efforts to identify the remains. He had more forensic tests done and re-interviewed as many people as possible. Many people that were connected to the case in 1975 are now deceased. Numerous tips and leads were chased of missing persons that fit the description, but nothing matched. In 2019, the Murray County Sheriff's Department began working with the DNA Doe Project. DNA Doe Project is a volunteer-driven nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to identify John and Jane Doe's and return them to their families. Their donors provided funding for new DNA testing and research by genetic genealogists to start work on tracing the genealogy of Jane Doe. It took the efforts of four labs over three years to successfully create a DNA profile which was uploaded to jedmatch.com in 2022. A distant match was found of a possible relative and the family tree began to build. Volunteer genetic genealogists spent more than 530 hours building the family tree. In April of 2024, DNA Doe Project provided a potential sibling. After making contact with the sibling, the Sheriff's office was able to confirm that she was a full sibling by DNA match. The matching person relayed that she had a sister that went missing in the fall of 1974 but was never officially reported as missing. Her sister was a black female, 19 years old. The family had been searching for her since that time. All other siblings are accounted for. It has been determined through DNA that the remains of that are that of 19 year old Annie Carolyn Jenkins of Memphis. She had been visiting with relatives in Chicago in the fall of 1974. She left Chicago on a flight bound for Tennessee. This was the last known contact with her family. Her remains were recovered in Murray County in February of 1975. Her remains will be returned to her family now who have been searching for her for 49 years. This remains an open homicide investigation. Sheriff Bucky Rowland will like to extend his thanks to Detective Keith Rather, Lieutenant Jerry Williams now retired, Gina Rather, genetic genealogist and all the others that have worked on this case over the years since 1975. And his special thanks to DNA Doe Project, their volunteers and donors who made this identification possible. (gentle music) And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Ty David Smithson, 33, a resident of Spring Hill, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 5th in Williamson County. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, May 11th at 4 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 12 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oaksand nickels.com. Keith P. Lord III, 81, a resident of Williamsport, passed away on May 1st. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, May 18th at 2 p.m. at Williamsport United Methodist Church. Barry will follow in Williamsport Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Hometown 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 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. - 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 a mix of sun and clouds today with a high of just 70 degrees. Winds will be out of the Northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect mainly clear skies and a low of 48. For your weekend forecast, we will see generally sunny skies on both Saturday and Sunday. Daytime highs will be in the high 70s, Saturday night slow will be around 48 degrees, Sunday night slow, about 56. We may see some rain 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. 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 and a 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, C-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 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. - 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. - The Tennessee Lottery congratulates this year's graduates from all the colleges and universities across the state. Your achievements set the stage for a brighter tomorrow. We're happy to have helped along the way by raising more than $7 billion for education and funding over 1.9 million scholarships and grants, including of scholarships, Tennessee Promise, and much more. Visit dnlottery.com to see how our proceeds support successful futures. - Hey there, you don't know me, but I was standing behind you the other morning in line. Remember, you thought about buying that Tennessee Lottery instant game, but changed your mind. Well, I just wanted to say thank you. - I bought it and one big, pretty annoying, right? But don't worry, I'll bring you back a t-shirt from the Bahamas. - Don't miss your chance to win up to $500,000 with the new May instant games, plus earn five times VIP rewards points on all multiplayer games in May, only from the Tennessee Lottery. Game changing fun. Please play responsibly. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 and WKRM 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. Rutherford County Schools Director, James Jimmy Sullivan provided new details Thursday about the injuries his 10 year old son sustained during Wednesday's storm. The boy whom the director identified as Asher in a social media post was playing with other children in the water that had accumulated in the street while neighbors gathered to begin the cleanup process when somehow he got caught in the storm drain and was swept under the neighborhood streets. He eventually came out in a drainage ditch and CPR was administered for quite some time. His heartbeat was reestablished, but the damage is substantial. Sullivan wrote in the post. Asher was taken first to Ascension and then to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the post noted, his lungs are severely damaged and he is not showing much brain activity outside of muscle jerks, Sullivan wrote. Specially pray for healing for his lungs and most importantly, brain activity to occur. Asher needs a miracle, he said. Rutherford County Schools scheduled a prayer vigil for the Sullivan family at 2 p.m. by the front door of the district central office in Murfreesboro, district spokesman James Evans announced. There has been an outpouring of love and support from the community for director Jimmy Sullivan, his family and specifically for his 10 year old son, Asher, Evans said, "We've had many requests for people who want to assist, but what the family truly needs right now is tons of prayers," he said. Like most of middle Tennessee, storms impacted much of Rutherford County on Wednesday, leading schools to shut down Thursday due to flooding. There was also several areas without electricity and several trees down, mainly in the Eagleville and Christiana areas, Evans told parents Wednesday night. Evans also apologized for the district's Thursday closure but called it, quote, "unavoidable." The spokesman's communication for parents Wednesday night also confirmed that Sullivan's son was injured during the storms and reported that Asher was in stable but critical condition. "We ask that you please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers," Evans said. 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. Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Good mccaul 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 Osmurnt.com. That's Turner and Osmurnt.com. Living with a war and joint can be painful and frustrating. Leave your joint pain in the past with a joint replacement procedure at Murray Regional Health. Our joint replacement program has been recognized in the top 10% of the nation for medical excellence and patient safety. Thanks to our highly skilled and experienced surgical staff who perform progressive procedures for the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. For more information, go to murreagional.com/jointreplacement 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 huntercarry.com. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. This Mother's Day weekend gets some last-minute gift shopping done at the factory at Columbia. Take mom out for a day of shopping at the factory at Columbia located at 101 North James M. Campbell Boulevard for this month's second Saturday bizarre. Second Saturday will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature a plethora of vendors, artisans, and pop-up shops. And this is in addition to the variety of unique businesses and eateries the factory has to offer. Live music will include Cave Street Band. You might even take home a new furry family member at the events freedom journey dog adoption. For more information about the factory to apply as a vendor, as well as other upcoming events, visit www.factory@columbia.com. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOMWKRM 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 front porch radio TM.com. It's always there for you. I'll be back on Monday to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Bryce. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)