Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-16-24
[MUSIC] Hello and welcome into Southern Middle Tennessee today here on Frontport Radio. Broadcasting live from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm Chris Yao filling in for Tom Price glad to be here with you as we are bringing you all the news that is news from across Southern Middle Tennessee. Of course, we'll start as we do each and every single day. We'll have local news. Murray County is urging citizens to continue abiding by the debris management guidelines that have been set forth. If you are a resident or volunteer, we are requesting you place debris on the right of way so debris removal agencies can begin picking up the waste. There may be rolling road closures with following roads impacted but may not be limited to Old Highway 99, Nicholson Schoolhouse Road, Blackburn Lane, Newt Hood Road, Hickory Ridge and Heather Lane. Until further notice, the county will continue to pick up vegetative debris. We need citizens to continue practicing safe techniques while recovering and please use correct equipment where correct personal protection equipment and be mindful of faulty equipment as well. For those who may need additional assistance, please call the crisis cleanup hotline at 615-488-1875. Please take note, if you hire a contractor, the contractors are fully responsible for the disposing of their debris. They are not permitted to bring debris to the right of way. Also, be mindful when hiring a contractor to verify their insurance. If you are unsure of a contractor's licensure status, you can go to search.cloud.com or call the Murray County Sheriff's Office. As the recovery process continues, please be cautious of citizens at or around roadways. We are urging for drivers to proceed cautiously through the area. If you need to report reckless driving or suspicious activity, please reach out to the Murray County Sheriff's Office. It will continue to rain intermittently throughout the week. Please have any damaged structures covered in order to prevent further damage. We do have a slight risk for severe weather and all modes are possible. If you need resources or supplies or if you would like to donate, there are multiple organizations you can contact, including, but not limited to, New Lisea Church of Christ, the Well and the Family Center in Columbia. We are requesting you do not call the Office of Emergency Management's general phone number. Please call 931-490-6983 for general questions or 931-490-6982 for mental health crisis assistance. Those of you who are asking to volunteer, refer to the website murraycounty-tn.gov/233/emergency-management and go to the tab labeled Disaster Relief. There is a section about volunteering toward the bottom and will have information that you will need regarding recovery. Duck River Electric has reported all restorable power is back on. Recovery is ongoing, but the Rally Hill substation is back online, although adjacent facilities will take more time to restore. Murray County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura is excited to announce that Ms. Robin T. Smith has been promoted to principal at Baker Elementary School. Smith began her career with Murray County Public Schools in 2019 as an assistant principal at Baker Elementary, where she worked alongside Mr. John Clanton. Robin said that is "the best career move I've ever made." She attended Koleoka and Columbia Academy graduating in 1988. She then completed her undergraduate degree at David Lipscomb University and earned her master's in education at Leadership and Supervision from Lipscomb in 2006. Robin has been involved in education in various capacities for 22 years. She started her career as a teacher at Hickman County Middle School, where she taught 7th and 8th grade social studies, coached basketball, and later became the school counselor. In 2016, she returned to Murray County and was appointed school counselor at Columbia Academy, where she served for three years. Upon accepting the principal position, Ms. Smith stated, "I know that my experience in each of these roles has led me to this moment in my professional career. Each of my previous duties has informed the way I view education and the educational process. Kids come first and the relationships we build with them have an impact that is lifelong. I do not take lightly, I have personally been shaped and encouraged by so many amazing people in my career from elementary and high school teachers, fellow coaches, and fantastic administrators. I want our students to leave Baker feeling the same way about us and that I feel about those folks. I am thankful to Ms. Ventura for the confidence she has placed in me to continue the positive trajectory of Baker Elementary. It's a special place and I look forward to every moment of it." Ventura expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment, saying, "Ms. Smith brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and dedication to her new role as principal of Baker Elementary." Her proven track record and unwavering commitment to student success make her the ideal candidate to lead Baker into the future. I am confident that under Robin's leadership, Baker Elementary will continue to thrive as a center of excellence in education. Judy Davis comes to the Franklin rodeo and spends her whole-time working. For the past 34 years, the Spring Hill woman has spent all three nights at the rodeo volunteering with a group of high school students to man the concessions at the rodeo. The Page High School's social studies teacher and sponsor of the Interact Club, Davis oversees about 10 students each night. Between May 16th and 18th, where they will sell popcorn, cotton candy, candy and sodas to rodeo fans. In 1987, she and a fellow teacher at the school were asked to sponsor the Interact Club the youth version of the rotary club. As part of her duties, she schedules kids to work and works with them as they serve snacks and drinks at the rodeo produced by the Franklin Noon Rotary Club. The work is as much a time to visit, as it is to sell snacks. Davis reconnects with past students that are now adults attending the rodeo. She's even taught several of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club members who are part of the rodeo committee, such as Devin Gilliam, Zane Martin and others. Not all of the high school youth who volunteer at the rodeo are Interact Club members, some of them volunteer because they simply enjoy it. Once kids try out their first year, they usually want to volunteer the next, Davis said. In 2019, two young men volunteered and were excited to do it the next year, but the pandemic happened and there was no rodeo in 2020 or 2021. The next year, when the rodeo resumed, the men had graduated. Both graduates of Columbia State, they hoped to volunteer this year if their schedules allow. Working the concession stand gives kids the chance to learn certain skills Davis said, like working with the public, how to grieve the public, and how to deal with people. It's customer service relations. It also gives them a chance to observe what the rotary club does to see how a service organization works. Davis graduated from Spring Hill High School and she'd never been to the rodeo before she started working the concession stand. Once she went, she loved it. Her husband, Larry, before he passed away in 2004 would also help out the rodeo. A teaching assistant at Franklin School District, he knew a lot of Williamson County people and would visit with friends. It's an enjoyable activity for students to be involved with, even though it's considered work, Davis said. The kids can watch parts of the rodeo between helping customers and they like it. The Interact Club is the oldest continuous club supported by Franklin Noon Rotary Club. And again, the 73rd Franklin rodeo takes place on May 16th through 18th at the Ag Expo Park. Show times are at 7 o'clock each night. Standing room only tickets are available for $20 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are available online at franklin rodeo.com and ticket buyers are encouraged to purchase only from the rodeo website instead of third party sellers. Who might mark up prices? 12 tornadoes were previously crowded by the service originating from severe storms that rolled through on May 6th and again on May 8th through 9th. Five reports in Lincoln County from the May 8-9 outbreak are continuing to be evaluated, officials says. Meteorologist Hunter Kramer didn't rule out the possibility that some of the Lincoln County reports could be combined, though as of Wednesday, they were considered separate incidents. Extensive flooding and straight line wind damage were also reported in several communities. In Murray and Marshall County is a powerful EF-3 with winds estimated up to 140 miles an hour had a 12.5 mile track touching down along the Duck River east of Columbia and eventually lifting into Western Marshall County. Multiple homes receive substantial damage along the Cotheron and Cranford-Holler roads before the tornado crossed highway 412 and caused more substantial damage on old highway 99 and Blackburn Lane. The tornado reached its maximum strength along Blackburn Lane and LaZaya Road, where a large transmission of power truss collapsed. A house was destroyed with only a small interior room left standing and a double wide mobile home was swept away. The tornado continued northeast damaging additional homes and blowing down trees before crossing I-65 near mile marker 47. The tornado crossed Highway 431 near Kiedron Road and continued to blow down trees as it took a sharp south eastward jog before lifting in a forest east of Moses Road in Far Western Marshall County. In Johnson County and EF-2 with high winds estimated at 115 miles per hour had a track of nearly 6 miles and a width of 700 yards. The tornado touched down along Case Road and continued causing significant tree and structural damage. On May 14th, a tornado in Lawrence County hit around 416 p.m. with top winds estimated at 85 miles per hour. The path lasted 3.86 miles and was about 100 yards wide. Numerous trees were snapped, uprooted or lost significant branches, a few farm outbuildings and several homes had damage. The Murray County Regional Medical Center Auxiliary is hosting its inaugural gala on June 8th at Antrim celebrations in Columbia to support the service organization's work-based learning program for the next generation of healthcare professionals. The gala presented by Protech, DB's and Miltown Rec will feature a plated dinner, cash bar, dancing and live entertainment. Local musician Tom Ellis will perform during the cocktail hour and eight-piece top-tier band based out of Nashville will provide dance music to close the evening's events. The Auxiliary is incredibly excited to host our first ever gala set Auxiliary President and Chair Nancy Hunter. We look forward to sharing a fun evening with our community while helping to support our initiatives that give back to our current and future healthcare professionals. The Murray Regional Medical Center Auxiliary is a service organization formed before the first patient was admitted to the hospital in 1953. In the time since, volunteers have continued to offer valuable assistance and support in a variety of areas throughout the medical center. The Auxiliary has also provided more than 2.5 million in financial contributions to Murray Regional Health through fundraising efforts by volunteers to support an array of projects including the care of Ann, shuttle service, chapel, conference rooms, scholarships for local students, $100,000 toward the purchase of Murray Regional Health's mobile medical unit for canine security dogs and more. The work-based learning program is a new addition to the Auxiliary's programs facilitated through Murray Regional Health's volunteer services department that allows local high school students to learn from professionals at Murray Regional Health and gain valuable real-world experience. The program is in partnership with Murray County Public Schools and provides students the opportunity to job shadow in various clinical and non-clinical areas of the hospital for 2 hours each week throughout the school year. The program is open to all seniors at Murray County Public Schools. The work-based learning program is an excellent opportunity for students to develop the necessary skills that will make them successful in any workplace such as strong work ethic, effective communication, time management, customer service and an understanding of career expectations, said Director of Volunteer Services Cindy Short. In addition, Murray Regional Medical Center will soon offer the work-based learning scholarship beginning in 2025. Participants with Murray Regional Medical Center as their host site will be able to apply for the scholarship to support their post-secondary school education. The Murray Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Gala is a cocktail attire and will take place Saturday, June 8 at 6 p.m. at the interim celebrations. Tickets are $150 per person and are non-refundable. 75% of that, pardon me, $75 of that amount is tax deductible and RSVPs are requested by May 25, and may be submitted online at murrayregional.com/gala. We'll take a break. When we come back, we'll have your hometown memorials, news from around the state, and much more. Here on Southern Middle Tennessee today, we'll be right back on Frontport Radio, right after this. Keep listening 101.7 103.7, WKOM, WKRM, Doug Kennedy, owner, operator. Great to have you with us. This is Debbie Matthews with the National Reluity 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 Relty 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 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, see Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole bar. Then you should give Sands Fence Company a call that's 931-309-1644. Will Sands has built his business based on the principles of honesty, quality, and integrity. Sands Fence Company has been in business for over 20 years, providing a community with farm, residential, and commercial fencing, as well as pole barns and buildings. Call today for a free estimate. Sands Fence Company, 931-309-1644, 931-309-1644. For 40 years, the Jewelers Bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory. More high-quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers Bench, still here, still great service. 808-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 Trey Aycock 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 Peralis, Manager of Murray County Equipment. We help you with all your agricultural and construction equipment needs. We carry a full line of new haul and tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely mowing equipment. We also have new haul and 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. Our contact is 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 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 wait responsibly. You're listening to your local radio. [music] We are back in the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom here in Columbia, Tennessee. This is Southern Middle Tennessee today on Front and Sports Radio, WKOMWKRM. Right here in Coolumbia. I'm Chris Yau, filling in for Tom Price. Looking forward to telling you all the news of his news from across the region. Right now, though, we'll take a look at your hometown memorials. Mr. Clifford McEwenbrook, 68, employee of AutoZone Retired Bus Driver for Murray County Public Schools and Resident of Columbia, died Friday, May 10th at Murray Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted, May 13th, and 2 o'clock at Oakes and Nichols, burial to follow in tomorrow's cemetery. Jason Daniel Sleiman, 43 resident of Columbia died Wednesday, May 8th. Funeral, a graveside service was also conducted on May 13th at Chester Cemetery in Centerville. Sheldon Ease Hickman, Nannon Lovett, 67 retired from Stan's Restaurant and Resident of Spring Hill died Wednesday, May 8th. Funeral services were conducted May 15th at 3 o'clock in books and nickels. Burial followed in Jones Cemetery. Now news from around the state. Tennessee's Attorney General Jonathan Scrametti has joined GOP counterparts in 24 states in challenging the new Biden administration rules limiting greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and coal ash contamination generated by the nation's gas and coal-foured power plants. The legal petition was found Thursday in D.C. Court of Appeals, the same day the Environmental Protection Agency published its final rule, held by environmental groups as a critical step forward in curbing planet warming pollution. The Attorney's General, however, argued the EPA's new rule exceeds the agency's statutory authority and otherwise is arbitrary, capricious, and abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with law. Industry groups have also criticized the EPA for rules that imposed the use of untested technology on the energy sector and warned of job loss and destabilization of the nation's energy grid. The EPA rules require testing of coal-fired plants to limit carbon emissions by 90% beginning in 2039 or cease operations entirely. New gas plants will also have to meet the new carbon capture standards that depend on their capacity. The rules also force power plants to clean up lingering deposits of coal ash, a toxic byproduct of power generation that can leach, arsenic, mercury, and other dangerous pollutants into streams, lakes, and groundwater. In Tennessee, the rules would apply largely to the Tennessee Valley Authority, its fleet of coal and gas plants, and large accumulations of coal ash. A spokesperson for TVA said, "Last week the utility is currently reviewing the new EPA rules, noting carbon reduction initiatives and coal ash management practices already underway." Nearly 60% of TVA's energy comes from carbon-free sources, including nuclear, hydropower storage, and solar. We are actively integrating more renewables into the system, investing in new technologies and retiring older, less efficient generations. We are doing this in a holistic way that ensures affordability, reliability, and resiliency for our 10 million customers," said Scott Brooks, a spokesperson. In total, Tennessee derives 20% of its electricity from natural gas, 24% from coal, 42% from nuclear, and 14% from renewables, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Tennessee saw another break at the pump this week with the state gas price average dropping $0.8. The Tennessee gas price average is now at $3.23 per gallon, which is $0.6 less expensive than one month ago, but seven cents more than one year ago. Lacklustre demand, rising gasoline supplies, and falling oil prices are helping to push pump prices lower, which could mean good news for those planning a road trip over Memorial Day," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA, the Auto Club Group. Continued volatility at the pump cannot be ruled out completely, however, as AAA is expecting a very busy summer driving season. The biggest wildcard right now, as we head to the Memorial Day holiday, is the price of oil, and major changes in crude oil pricing in the next couple of weeks could have an impact on pump prices. AAA released its 2024 Memorial Day travel forecast today. More than 783,000 Tennesseans are expected to travel by car to their holiday destinations, which is the second highest travel volume since 2005. During last year's holiday weekend, Tennessee gas prices averaged $3.19 per gallon. Today's national average is $3.61, two cents less than a month ago and eight cents more than one year ago. The most expensive metro market in Tennessee is Moorestown at $3.30, Jackson at $3.27, and Johnson City at $3.26. The least expensive metro markets are Chattanooga at $3.13, Clarksville at $3.21, and Kingsport Bristol at $3.21. Time now to take our final break of the day when we come back one final story from Delkenity here on a southern middle Tennessee today. In front porch radio news, stick around. We'll be right back after these messages. ♪♪♪ Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Good Macaula 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@osburner.com. That's turner@osburner.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. 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 and 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're back here on Southern Middle Tennessee today. We have our final story, this one from Delkenady. Take it away, Delken. This is Delkenady from Port Triadio. This afternoon I am on Riverside Drive in beautiful Coolumbutes, Tennessee. I'm at the Grand Opening in Ribbit County for Mule Town embroidery and boutique. I'm looking around the room here. I see a lot of items, hats and children clothes, what not out front. But in the back, I see rows and rows of embroidery machines with colorful thread. Just hundreds of spools of colorful thread. It's really fun to see. I'm speaking with Shelby Green for Printer here at Mule Town embroidery and boutique. Shelby, congratulations. What do you offer here? So we offer custom embroidery and merchandising for anyone that needs things for their personal items or for businesses. Give me an example. What's your most popular item? Most popular is hats or shirts. And what would you do with those? We custom embroider them with your business logo and then also a lot of baby items, then they get them monogrammed. Wow, neat. Okay. What are your days and hours and your address? 901 Riverside Drive, Sweet A, and our hours are Monday through Friday, 830 to 430. On our website, we do pop-up Saturdays and we promote that on Facebook. And so you have a Facebook page, not a website, correct? Yes, a Facebook page, Mule Town embroidery. Alright, again, Delkenady Frontport Radio with a grand opening ribbon cutting for Mule Town embroidery and boutique. I'm speaking with Shelby Green, Prider, Shelby, once again, congratulations. Thank you so much. Alright. That's going to do it for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today here on Frontport Radio. This has been a Frontport Radio production. I'm Chris Yoff, filling in for Tom Price. We'll see you tomorrow. [MUSIC PLAYING] (upbeat music)