Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-15-24
(upbeat music) - Welcome into Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Chris Yao and filling in for Tom Price. Glad to be with you here on this Wednesday, bringing you all the news that is news from across Southern Middle Tennessee. We're gonna start as we do each and every day with local news here in and around Southern Middle Tennessee. The special needs registry is a voluntary service open to all citizens who live in the city of Spring Hill. The registry was created to help police officers and other emergency services personnel to better assist residents with special needs in the event of an emergency by providing those first responders with vital information regarding a registrants' disability, emergency contact information, a physical description, and a current photograph of the registrant. The goal of the SNR is to ensure that all residents who have a special need can get help and support they need in the time of an emergency or during an interaction with police, fire, or EMS personnel. An emergency can be defined as any event that may require a response immediate or otherwise by law enforcement or other first responders. Examples of emergency include but are not limited to medical emergencies, natural disasters, fire, mandatory evacuations, and crimes in progress. If a person with special needs is reported missing, first responders will have a current photograph and other vital information at their fingertips that will aid in locating the missing person more expeditiously. In an emergency, time is of the essence. The information contained in the registry can help in several different ways. Upon being dispatched into a resident's police dispatchers will be made aware that someone at the location is on the registry. Depending upon the type of call, the dispatcher can better assess the type of response necessary and dispatch manpower and resources accordingly. Also, police officers and/or first responders will be notified that there may be someone at the location with special needs so that they can better gauge their respective responses. The registry is open to any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities due to a physical and/or intellectual disability. There's no cost at all to register for. This and any person can register themselves or can be registered by a caretaker or loved one. If you have issue with your registration or need to make a change or update the information contact, Sergeant Curtis Floyd at cfloyd@springhilltn.org or Officer Shana Pewitt, C-P-E-U-I-T-T@springhilltn.org. Surgeons on the Medical Staff at Murray Regional Medical Center are trained to use advanced technology proven to result in better outcomes for patients. One of those tools is the DaVinci Robotic Surgical System. The hospital acquired the first system in 2016, followed by another in 2022. As more surgeons joined the Medical Staff, the Medical Center added two more in 2024 for a total of four DaVinci systems. The Z is the latest generation of the DaVinci system, a tool that utilizes advanced robotic computer and optical technologies to assist the surgeon during an operation. The system can be used across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures and has been optimized for surgeries in the areas of urology, gynecology, thoracic and general surgery. Murray Regional Health is committed to providing our medical staff with the latest technology to achieve exceptional outcomes for their patients, said Murray Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney. The DaVinci Z surgical system has been a great tool for our surgeons and we're grateful to be able to add more platforms to further enhance our robotic capabilities. The DaVinci system was a 3D high-definition system. Special instruments and computer software allow the surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. The 3D HD image is highly magnified and the DaVinci instruments have mechanical wrists that bend and rotate to mimic the movements of the human wrist, allowing the surgeon to make small, precise movements inside the patient's body. Benefits for patients who qualify for this minimally invasive approach may include less tissue damage, reduced blood loss and faster recovery. The system is an expandable technology that is designed to accommodate and seamlessly integrate a range of current technologies as well as future innovations in areas such as imaging, advanced instruments and anatomical access. The Murray County Building Committee voted last Monday on May 6th to nominate six members to be a part of the Steering Committee for the new administrative complex, which would possibly act as a joint office for both the school and the county. The members nominated include County Mayor Sheila Butt, Murray County Public Schools Board Chair Will Sims, Murray County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura, Finance Director Doug Laconan, Building Committee Chair Gabe Howard and Murray County Property Assessor, Bobby Daniels. During the joint study session with the joint school board earlier this month, three options were discussed on where the building should be located, including the former McDowell site, the square in downtown and a plot of Tom J. Hitch Parkway. Gabe Howard suggested this session was a good time for unity between the school board and county commission. We can really get to work on building these buildings. As I've stated multiple times, I think the commission is all in on moving this forward. District 5 Commissioner Scott Sumner's question, "How many committees Finance Director Doug Laconan is on?" Well, you've had some conversations about how busy you are and I don't want you to be burned down with something else. I just don't want you to have too many irons in the fire. That's just my concern. Laconan requested to be on the committee stating his department is the largest involved. Also, during that meeting, County Committee members heard updates regarding several building projects, including the new Judicial Center, Jamie Spencer of Hewlett and Spencer, tasked with the construction of the Judicial Center, said all the windows have been installed and paving a set to take place May 23rd. Spencer said the steering committee led by Judge Douglas Chapman has decided on October 14th to 20th on the time frame they're going to move. They're not going to schedule in any court cases the week of the 14th through the 20th. Several commissioners admitted their hesitancy toward the project has now changed since taking a walkthrough. As someone who's taken some flak for some of that project and the funding, it's turned out tremendously well, Scott Sunders said. It's going to be something Murray County is proud of and went beyond my dreams for that facility. The time capsule is set to be placed into the wall of the new center on May 31st. The Historical Society was also granted permission by the commission to install the time capsule earlier this year. Join Williamson County Parks and Recreation as they host the second annual Power Wheels Junior Rally on Saturday, June 15th at Williamson County Soccer Complex. Children's ages three to eight are invited to bring their personal power will or borrow a Williamson County Parks and Rec Power will to compete in a friendly race. The competition will be divided into two age classes, ages three and five and six to eight, competing separately. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place for both age classes. They will run heats five to six vehicles at a time. Placing in heats determines when they will race again. Each child is guaranteed two races. Races will continue until six races remain who will then compete in the future. The cost is $20 per racer and free for all others to attend. So be sure to bring your pit crew to cheer your racer on to victory. All registered participants will start their morning with inspections where WCPR mechanics will verify there have been no engine modifications. Inspections will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the first race at 1030 a.m. Registered Power Wheels must be original stock vehicles 12 volt battery with no modified batteries. Helmets are required for participation and participants will be required to wear at a minimum a bicycle helmet tennis shoes or boots, flip flops, sandals or open toed footwear is not allowed. The driver's body must be fully contained in the vehicles and where the legs are on the outside such as four wheelers those vehicles are not allowed. Traction devices or studs are not allowed in tires, no bumpers, weights or anything to reinforce the vehicle is allowed. Pre-registration for the race is required with no onsite or day of registrations allowed. You can visit wcparksenrick.com for more information. We'll be right back after these messages here on Frontport Radio News. Broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom here in Columbia, Tennessee. Right back after this on WKOM, WKRM Radio. Frontport News. Southern Middle Tennessee today. [Music] Keep listening 101.7 103.7. WKOM, WKRM can be owner operator. Great to have you with us. [Music] This is Debbie Matthews with the Nashville 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 Nashville Realty Group 615-476-3224. [Music] 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 High Junior 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 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. American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning is built to a higher standard so you can focus on the problems in your life that actually matter. Like the stair that only creaks when everyone else in the house is asleep. American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning, built to a higher standard. Call Davis Heating and Cooling at 931-388-2090 for all your home comfort needs. Davis Heating and Cooling is your local American Standard dealer and proudly serves the Murray County area. Find Davis Heating and Cooling online and on Facebook or call today. 388-2090. This is Triacock 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. Hi, I'm Matt Parralis, Manager of Murray County Equipment. We help you with all your agriculture and construction equipment needs. We carry a full line of New Holland tractors from compacts to high horse power. We have a full line of gravely mowing equipment. We also have New Holland construction equipment, attachments and accessories for your tractors and a complete parts department. We are locally owned and operated. Come see us at 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard or learn about us on Facebook or contact us at 931-490-8183. 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 up scholarships, Tennessee Promise and much more. Visit deonlottery.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. You're listening to your local radio. [MUSIC] Welcome back into Southern Middle Tennessee. Today, Frontport's Radio News here on Frontport's Radio WKOMWKRM. Glad to be with you. I'm Chris Yau filling in for Tom Price here on this Wednesday. Happy to be bringing you the news that is news from across Southern Middle Tennessee from the Debbie Matthews National Realty. Newsroom here in Columbia, Tennessee. Take a look now at your hometown memorials, brought to you by our friends at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Ms. Cheryl Denise Hickman, Nannon Lovett, 67, retired from Stan's Restaurant and Resident of Spring Hill, died Wednesday, May 8th, in Murray County. Funeral Services will be conducted Wednesday, May 15th, at 3 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Jones Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Kenneth P. Lord III, 81, resident of Williamsport, passed away on May 1st, 2024. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, May 18th, at 2 p.m. at Williamsport United Methodist Church. Barrio will follow in Williamsport Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Army. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Billy Gower Dial, 83 of Brentwood, formerly of Kaleoka, passed away at Summerfield Health Center on May 10th. A short graveside service will be held Friday, May 24th, at 1 p.m. at Friendship Cemetery in Kaleoka. Visitation will be on Saturday, May 25th, from 1230 until 2, followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m. at Brent Haven Church at 516 Franklin Road in Brentwood. And now we take a look at news from around the state. Tennessee's Attorney General sued the federal government again Monday over protection's First Chance Gender people. The most recent lawsuit asks a judge to block new guidelines for six based harassment in the workplace that extend to cover an employee's gender identity. Tennessee is leading a group of 18 mostly Republican led states challenging the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's guidelines in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Under the guidelines, an employer could not be held liable under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination if they don't allow employees access to bathrooms consistent with their gender identity, repeatedly and intentionally refer to an employee with pronouns inconsistent with their gender identity, or harass an employee because they dress or appear differently than the way typically associated with that person's sex, for example. This is the second time in a matter of three weeks that Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Scrametti sued over EEOC guidelines and federal chance gender protections. He most recently sued the U.S. Department of Education over similar rules protecting students from harassment based on gender identity under updated Title IX rules. In a news release, Scrametti argued that EEOC through these rules is making law a power given to elected representatives not unaccountable commissioners. We, as here, a federal agency engages in government over the people instead of government by the people. It undermines the legitimacy of our laws and alienates Americans from our legal system, Scrametti said in a release. Tennessee's attempts to roll back transgender residents' ability to use the bathroom, they feel comfortable in, have had mixed results in the past. In May 2022, a federal judge in Tennessee's Middle District struck down a state law requiring businesses and government buildings to post a sign if they let transgender people use facilities associated with their gender identity. But in 2022, July, a judge in Tennessee's Eastern District granted an injunction blocking guidance from the EEOC and Department of Education prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, including requiring that students and employees be allowed to access the bathroom consistent with their identity. State gay mourns cannot enter private property in Tennessee without a warrant the state's Court of Appeals ruled last week. The decision puts in check a unique power wielded for decades by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to secretly patrol and surveil Tennessee's privately owned lands for potential violations of hunting, fishing and wildlife laws. TWRA official officers don't seek permission from a judge before entering private property, need no supervisor approval, keep no records of their searches and don't inform property owners, sometimes donning camouflage or installing cameras to secretly monitor activities based on the suspicions of an individual officer. The blistering and unanimous opinion by a three-judge panel compared TWRA's tactics to British customs officials who were granted unlimited writs by the King of England to conduct arbitrary searches in the years leading to the Revolutionary War, abusive actions that would go on to inform the establishment of the U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment protecting Americans from illegal government searches and seizures. The TWRA searches, which it claims are reasonable, bear a marked resemblance to the arbitrary discretionary entries of customs officials more than two centuries ago in colonial Boston, the judges wrote. The TWRA's contention is a disturbing assertion of power on behalf of the government that stands contrary to the foundations of the search protections against arbitrary governmental intrusions in the American legal tradition generally and in Tennessee specifically. The decision concluded TWRA's warrantless forays onto private property violate Article One, Section Seven of the Tennessee Constitution, which reads in part, "The people shall be secure in their persons' houses, papers and possessions from unreasonable searches and seizures. It will require TWRA to seek judicial warrants based on probable cause a crime has been committed before entering private property. The same rules that bind every other law enforcement agency in the state." TWRA officials are carefully reviewing the court's opinion and will consult with an attorney general's office in the coming days, Emily Buck, an agency spoke persons said Friday. An attorney for Hunter Hollingsworth and Terry Rainwaters, two Benton County men who challenged TWRA's warrantless searches of their separate properties called the decision a massive win for property rights in Tennessee. TWRA claimed unfettered power to put on full camouflage, invade people's land, roam around as it pleases, take photos, record videos, sift through ponds, spy on people from behind bushes, all without consent, a warrant or any meaningful limits on their power," said Joshua Wyndham, an attorney for the Institute for Justice, a non-profit libertarian-leaning law firm. This decision confirms that granting state officials unfettered power to invade private land and a thema to Tennessean's most basic constitutional rights he said. State law allowing TWRA to go on any property outside of buildings posted or otherwise in order to enforce all laws relating to wildlife is constitutional, but not as applied by TWRA officials in the appeals court ruled. The court concluded that the state law does not apply to property that is in active use such as for hunting, fishing, farming, camping, and land that is posted and gated, a not uncommon description of properties owned in rural areas of the state that are used entirely for farming or recreation, even if unoccupied full-time. When considering uses of real property other than as a home, there's nothing in the Tennessean Constitution that suggests a lesser regard for uses of property more common in rural areas than those more typical of urban areas, the court wrote. The ruling does not apply to privately owned acreages that are left wild and unused. Land the Supreme Court has dubbed wild or waste lands and concluded in a so-called open fields doctrine are not subject to traditional search and seizure constitutional protections. The open fields doctrine has long allowed law enforcement to enter such properties without a warrant. Hollingsworth, who on whose property TWRA officer secretly installed a camera that captured areas where he hunted with friends, camped and was intimate with his girlfriend last week, said he was thankful for the decision and the lawyers, including local attorney Jack Leonard, who had pursued his case since 2018. TWRA's abuse of power had to stop. For as long as I can remember, these officers have acted like a law unto themselves. Hollingsworth said, but nobody, not even a game weren't as above the Constitution. And yesterday's decision makes that crystal clear. But the TWRA spokesperson noted the agency at the outset of the legal challenge voluntarily implemented a landowner consent process to enter private property, and officers have already received additional training on obtaining search warrants when appropriate. The agency will continue to serve the sportsmen and women of our state by fulfilling its statutory public trust, responsibility of protecting wildlife populations. The agency is also committed to preventing, poaching and illegal activity on both public and private property. TWRA has 60 days to appeal the decision to the Tennessee Supreme Court. We're going to take a quick break when we come back. One final story of the day, right here on Southern Middle Tennessee today from Portrania News. ♪♪ Turner and Osborn 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 these places 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 will check him out online at Turner and Osborn.com. That's Turner and 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 Street across from the fire station. We're also in line at HunterCarry.com that's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. 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. You made something we thought would be hard, easier than we thought it would be. Not that we made it easy, we made it easier. Oaks and Nichols' funeral directors, 320 West 7th Street in Columbia, since 1856, people you can rely on. ♪♪ ♪♪ We are back here on Southern Middle Tennessee. Today again, I'm Chris Yau. Filling in for Tom Price. Glad to be with you here on this Wednesday. We have one final story of the day coming your way here. As we broadcast from the debut Matthew's Nashville Realty Newsroom here in Columbia, Tennessee. The GFWC Spring Station inducted new officers at a May 6th meeting held at the Winchester Community Building in Spring Hill. New co-president, June McDaniel, has been a member of the group since January of 2019, and she has associated with GFWC since 1996 in Kentucky. Vice President Becky Rush moved to Spring Hill from the northern suburbs of Chicago in 2015. And Elizabeth Hart, the new treasurer, joined GFWC in 2021 after seeing a post on Facebook. In addition to becoming recording secretary, Denise Chapman was selected as the Tennessee Outstanding Club Woman of the Year. During her three years, she's been with the club. She's chaired the arts and education committees, the district fundraiser committee as well. While the club does not volunteer work for recognition, it does achieve first place in two categories, one for signature program, domestic and sexual violence awareness, and the communications with second place in leadership, membership, and outstanding club award. The GFWC does allow women of all ages to join their group. For more information, visit their Facebook page, GFWC Spring Station Woman's Club. That's going to do it for today here on Southern Middle Tennessee. Today, once again, I'm Christiane. I'm filling in for Tom Price. We'll see you again tomorrow. Have a great day. [Music]