Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-17-24
(upbeat music) - Welcome into another edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Chrisia, I'm filling in for Tom Price. Glad to be along with you here in the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty, Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. Bringing you all the news that is news from Front Porch Radio, WKLM, WK-R-A-M. We'll start as we do each and every day with 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're requesting you do not call the Office of Emergency Management's general phone member. 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 we'll 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 announced the appointment of Mrs. Marissa Massey as the new principal of Randolph Howell Elementary STEM School. Massey brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role, according to a press release having served as principal at Marvin Wright Elementary for the past 13 years. Massey holds a Bachelor of Science from Middle Tennessee State, a Master's in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University, and a Master's plus 30 from Drake University. Her career in education began in Murray County at Holland Park Elementary in August of 2000. While at Holland Park, she taught across various grade levels, including Title I, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 4th grade. While teaching Title I, Massey became trained in recovery strategies. She later assumed the role of Title I facilitator at Holland Park Elementary before transitioning to Marvin Wright in August of 2011, where she served as assistant principal for five years before being appointed as principal. Reflecting on her time at Marvin Wright Elementary, Massey expressed gratitude for her tenure there, stating it was a great privilege becoming the principal at Marvin Wright in 2015. I will miss the Marvin Wright community. However, I am excited and blessed to start my next journey with the Randolph Howell community. I look forward to serving the students, parents, and staff. It is a true honor to continue working in Murray County, as I have served many students, parents, and staff members over the past 23 years of service. Former principal Dr. Michael Ford announced his resignation on Thursday, April 25th, two days after being suspended by Murray County Public Schools. In addition, assistant principal Beth Hamilton announced her retirement effective immediately on Friday, April 26th. In a statement to Main Street, Murray Ventura stated the principal of Randolph Howell Elementary School was suspended pending investigation on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024. Murray County Public Schools received his resignation on Thursday, April 25th. Specifics regarding personnel matters will not be discussed or disclosed. MCPS officials declined to discuss the reason for the departures or the reason for the investigation of Ford. Unconfirmed reports of claim the suspension was linked to manipulation of test scores. Ventura sent a letter to Howell. Parents dated May 2nd and posted on the school's Facebook page, which stated in part all state mandated assessments, TCAP10 ready for all grades tested at RHESS have been successfully submitted to the state for scoring. There is no truth to the rumors regarding any students being forced to retake any state assessments due to this investigation. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a source with the school board who was briefed on the situation by the school's district attorney and superintendent and a parent whose child was involved till WSMV Channel 4 that when the TCAP testing began, Ford pulled a group of low-performing students into a separate classroom. Both sources say Ford proctored the students' testing and they completed the written portion on their own. However, according to those sources, when it came to the multiple choice part of the test, Ford allegedly told the students not to fill out their Scranton bubble sheets. Instead, the sources say that Ford told the students to mark their answers in their testing booklets and he would fill out their Scranton sheet later. Those sources tell WSMV 4 investigates that the district found out what Ford allegedly did when a teacher at Howell Elementary blew the whistle. Binter expressed her confidence in Miss Massey, stating Mrs. Massey will be a valuable addition to Randolph Howell Elementary. Her extensive experience and dedication are well suited to the school's commitment to excellence. Her collaborative approach is expected to inspire both students and faculty, promoting a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and achievement. Massey has a strong commitment to students, parents, and staff; she leaves a legacy of excellence and community at Marvin Wright, and I look forward to that attitude and sense of community permeating the halls of Randolph Howell. The City of Columbia is pleased to present Hannah Miller as their new public information officer. Hannah brings a dynamic skill set and a passion for community engagement to her new role, according to a press release. As the new public information officer, Miller will be responsible for maintaining transparent communication between the city government and its residents, ensuring that accurate and timely information is readily available to the public. She will assist the tourism and marketing department with a variety of initiatives involving social media, public relations, and community involvement. Hannah has a valuable skill set that has been and will continue to be an asset to the City of Columbia City Manager Tony Massey. Her dedication to the public service and her ability to effectively communicate with the public make her the perfect fit for this role. Miller holds a degree in mass communications and began her professional journey in 2012 when she joined Jane's Media to assist in the production of the local news magazine show Murray County Now. Her dedication and expertise over the years contributed significantly to the program's success during its airing from 2012 to 2017. Over the last three years, Hannah has been an integral part of the City of Columbia's Fire and Rescue department serving as the community risk reduction and PIO. And in this capacity, she has demonstrated her commitment to keeping the community informed and safe. I'm honored to take on this new role with the City of Columbia City and Miller. I'm excited to continue serving this work in a full community and to further enhance communication and engagement. The search for the woman whose picture was found more than 70 miles away from her Murray County home is now over. The severe weather that tore through Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, May 8th destroyed Valerie Bernhardt's home along Blackburn Lane in Spring Hill. She and her husband John Bernhardt consider themselves very lucky to have survived the storm. We went to the laundry room and we had just gotten there and about that time it hit. We huddled in a corner. I put that blanket over me. John shielded me and we felt debris pelting us in the back. He's got a big bruise on his back where he was pelted and I was just huddled there. Praying constantly. Lord, please help us. Valerie recalled. She said they heard their house being ripped apart and when the storms passed their laundry room was all that was left of their home. Meanwhile, a photo of Valerie ended up in a Putnam County field. Terry Van Curren found the picture on her farm along Little Indian Creek in Buffalo Valley. She reached out to News 2, hoping to identify the woman. Before traveling 71 miles away, that photo was in the room next to Valerie's laundry room. She considers this picture one of the few things left of her home after the storm. I was shocked. Somebody emailed or called us and said, and I said, "What?" Then my next thought was, "Okay, what picture? Was it a good picture?" Valerie said as she laughed. But it was a family portrait. I could tell that my family was standing around me. You can't see the rest of them, but that's just incredible. It's torn and everything. But yeah, let's get it back just as a souvenir. I'll frame it and say, "The Tornado Picture." Time now to take our first break of the day on Southern Middle Tennessee today here on Frontport's Radio. We'll be right back with more news from around the state as well as your hometown memorials right after this. Once again, I'm Christiane. I'm filling in for Tom Price. Looking forward to talking to you on the other side of the break. Stick around. ♪ 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 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 National Realty 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 put your family first. For Auto-Home, Life, or Business Insurance, see Shelter Agent Tommy Heid 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. We'll 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 Peralis, 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 horsepower. We have a full line of gravely mowing equipment. We also have New Holland Construction Equipment attachments and accessories for your tractors in a complete parts department. We are locally owned and operated. We are located 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 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. You're listening to your local radio. Welcome back in to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Chris, you're filling in for Tom Price. Glad to be with you here from the W. Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee at Frontport Radio WK-O-M-W-K-R-M in Coolumbia. Thank you. Welcome back again to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Chris, you're filling in for Tom Price. Glad to be with you here from the W. Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee at Frontport Radio WK-O-M-W-K-R-M in Coolumbia. We've got more news coming your way, but first we need to take a look at your hometown memorials brought to you by Oakton Nichols Funeral Home. Mr. Clifford McEwenbroke, 68, employee of AutoZone, retired bus driver for Murray County Public Schools and resident of Columbia, Dodd Friday, May 10, at Murray Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were conducted Monday at Oakton Nichols Funeral Home, with burial followed in Morrow Cemetery. Jason Daniel Sleiman, 43 resident of Columbia, Dodd Wednesday, May 8, at Murray Regional Medical Center. A graveside service was conducted on Monday at Chester Cemetery in Centerville. Ms. Cheryl Denise Hickman, Nannon Lovett, 67, retired from Stan's Restaurant and resident of Spring Hill, Dodd Wednesday, May 8, in Murray County. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at Oakton Nichols Funeral Home. Burial followed in Jones Cemetery. Now we'll take a look at news from around the state. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency responded to a missing person call at Saundersville Boat Ramp on Old Hickory Lake at approximately 11-15 a.m. on May 15. The initial investigation indicated that Merman Johnson, Jr. 76 of Goodletsville had been at the boat launch area where his boat drifted away from the courtesy dock. According to an eyewitness, Johnson jumped in the water and was attempting to swim the boat back to the dock when he disappeared. Emergency crews searched the area and recovered the body of Mr. Johnson, the victim of an apparent drowning. This is the fifth boating-related fatality in Tennessee for 2024. The victim was not wearing a life jacket and the incident remains under investigation. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter announced yesterday that the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Ron State Community College will receive funding from the Tennessee's Nuclear Energy Fund. The institutions will use the additional dollars to support existing nuclear programs as well as develop and implement new nuclear education curriculum. Our administration created the Nuclear Energy Fund in partnership with the Tennessee General Assembly to support and expand the state's nuclear ecosystem, said Governor Lee. Tennessee has the right assets in place to become a top state for energy independence and we are proud to partner with the University of Tennessee and Ron State Community College to upscale our talented workforce and better prepare Tennessee ends to enter the nuclear field. The University of Tennessee will establish a new program for non-nuclear engineers to obtain a minor in nuclear engineering at its Knoxville campus. The additional degree will be better prepare these engineers entering the nuclear energy field and will shorten the time needed to provide extensive training by their employers. This is indeed an exciting time for nuclear growth in Tennessee and we are eager to offer this nuclear power engineering monitor to better prepare our engineering graduates to meet the growing needs of the nuclear community, said Dr. Wes Hahn's nuclear engineering head at UTK. Our expertise in these areas combined with access to top-notch facilities will provide students with an educational opportunity they can't get anywhere else and put them in a position to be immediately sought after by industry for their skills. Separately, funding will also be used to support Ron State Community College in purchasing laboratory equipment for its inaugural nuclear technology program which launches in the fall of 24. The nuclear renaissance is here and in the heart of East Tennessee and this region will lead the country in developing a clean, reliable source of power for the future, said Dr. Chris Waley, President of Ron State Community College. The rapid growth in this technology requires a new labor force of educated, trained, and skilled employees committed to this new industry. These dollars from the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Fund will allow Ron State to establish a state-of-the-art program and laboratory for experiential learning. Both campuses, which are in close proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will play a vital role in attracting nuclear companies to the region with the enhanced curriculum and equipment. With assets like Oak Ridge National Lab, East Tennessee is our state's focal point for nuclear energy. So it's important that we support our existing institutions with the tools needed to prepare a workforce that is ready to enter the nuclear energy field, said Commissioner McWhorter. These workforce projects are the first of many that will build out Tennessee's nuclear sector by attracting new investment and high-quality jobs to the region. The Nuclear Energy Fund was in Governor Lee's recommended 2023-24 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. The $50 million fund aims to expand Tennessee's nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem. It assists nuclear power-related businesses, choosing to relocate or grow in the volunteer state, and supports the state's universities and research institutions in further developing their nuclear education programs. The projects announced today were vetted and recommended by the Education and Workforce Subgroup, Part 2. Part and part of the 22 member, Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. Three people are dead after a small plane crashed and Wednesday in Williamson County local officials confirmed. Williamson County Chief Deputy Mark Elrod told reporters that the plane had left Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was headed to Louisville, Kentucky, but crashed in Tennessee near Leapers Fork about 30 miles south of Nashville around noon. "It does appear that the plane did break up in the air," Elrod said. He added the debris field is more than a mile long, but no structures have been reported damaged. Giselle and John Luke Doucette, children of Dr. Lucius J. Doucette III died in the crash. This is heartbreaking for the LSU community, but especially for those who know and love these two students. Those were expecting to share graduation with them, LSU said, in a statement. The plane was traveling from the Louisiana Regional Airport in Gonzalez to Louisville, Kentucky and crashed in Tennessee. Joe Burgeon, a spokesperson for the Williams and County Emergency Management Agency, said they received a 911 call about 12.05 pm. He just said a possible plane crash, but didn't have a lot of details. Burking told reporters he just heard a sound and saw debris, so that's all the information he gave. The Federal Aviation Association has identified the plane as a single-engine beachcraft V-35. The FAA and NTSB are investigating. ♪♪ All right, time now for our final break of the day. When we come back, we'll have one more story. So stick around here on Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOMWKRM from Sports Radio. Once again, I'm Chris Yaw filling in for Tom Price. We'll be right back after these messages. Stick around. ♪♪ ♪♪ Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Good Macaula 931-388-2822. 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 will check them out online at Turner and Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.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 at HunterCarry.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 easier. We made it easier. Oaks and Nichols' funeral directors, 320 West 7th Street in Columbia, since 1856, people you can rely on. [MUSIC] Welcome back into Southern Middle Tennessee today. Live from Front porch radio. I'm Chris Yau filling in for Tom Price. On this Friday, glad to have you with us. As we bring you all the news that is news from across Southern Middle Tennessee, from the Debbie Matthews National Realty Newsroom here in Columbia. In 2021, Murray County Chamber and Economic Alliance and the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce launched Wired, a mastermind group for local entrepreneurs and CEOs. Wired mastermind is designed to foster growth and development through the sharing of experiences, lessons learned, and game-changing moments. The 2023-24 Wired mastermind group is comprised of five local entrepreneurs and CEOs that were selected through an application process. The group of five local leaders has been meeting monthly over the course of the year, learning from one another and developing a deeper understanding of themselves. Each participant committed their time, resources, and expertise to the group, and it is now time for them to host the finale, the Wired Pitch Contest, a pitch competition for early businesses poised for growth in Murray County and Spring Hill. The group will decide which businesses are deserving of a grant valued up to at least $5,000. The individuals will also commit to mentoring the chosen businesses as needed. The Wired Pitch Contest is funded by Wired mastermind's annual fees. Local entrepreneurs are encouraged to complete the application by June 1st of 2024 in order to be considered to participate in the pitch competition on July 23rd. Chosen applicants will pitch their idea in front of Wired mastermind group, and the group will determine which businesses aren't investing and the amount invested. The Wired mastermind group will then serve as mentors to the chosen entrepreneurs. All Murray County businesses are encouraged to apply. The application is anonymous and will only be shared with the Wired Pitch Contest Reviewing Committee. Participants are selected without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran, or disability status. That's going to do it for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee Today. Again, I'm Chris Yao, filling in for Tom Price. We'll be back on Monday right here on Frontport Radio, Southern Middle Tennessee Today. See you then. ♪♪