Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-29-24
(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 Wednesday, May 29th, and we start with local news. On Monday, May 27th at approximately 712 a.m., the Columbia Police Department responded to a mail lying on the ground at 1129 Trawood Avenue. As officers arrived on the scene, they discovered 51-year-old Thomas Dion Braden injured and unresponsive in the parking lot. Emergency medical services attempted life-saving measures. However, Braden succumbed to his injuries on scene. Through investigation, it was discovered that an altercation occurred between the victim and 39-year-old Gerardo Mendoza Rodriguez at a convenience store a short distance away. As Mr. Braden walked away from the altercation, Mendoza Rodriguez struck Braden with his vehicle, killing him. Gerardo Mendoza Rodriguez has been taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault resulting in death and driving on a suspended license in connection with this incident. Anyone who witnessed this incident or anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department at 931-388-2727. For its 39th year, Columbia veterans, leaders, and citizens gathered at Polk Memorial Gardens for its annual Memorial Day tradition to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Despite a few late Sunday flash flood warnings, the weather was clear and sunny for Monday's ceremony, which included the traditional recognitions of every branch of the U.S. military, as well as a demonstration of the flag-folding ceremony performed for fallen soldiers. I'd like to thank the staff at Williams Funeral Home and Polk Memorial Gardens for all the effort and beauty they've created out here and the care they've taken, getting everything ready for us to have this event. Polk Memorial CEO Alan Blevins said, "They take great pride in honoring fallen veterans "for having the service to honor the veterans we've lost "and to remember those serving right now for us overseas "and in this very country. "It renews our hope for the future of the country," he said. Monday's ceremony also featured keynote speaker John Foti, CEO of Nonprofit Operation Song, the organization partners with veterans as well as veteran families, who are partnered with a professional songwriter to tell their stories by creating original music. Since Operation Song's foundation in 2012, the nonprofit has produced more than 1,700 songs. Memorial Day often is just as much about America as it is about the veterans that gave their life on the battlefield or in the line of duty," Foti said. One of the things I love most about Memorial Day is remembering the other side, the American side, which says, "We promise to take care of you "when you come home, and God forbid, "we will take care of your family if you don't." Foti began his career in 2012 as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army after graduating and commissioning for the University of Tampa as a distinguished military graduate. Foti soon became the U.S. Army's, joined the U.S. Army's flight school in Fort Rucker, Alabama, training for 18 months, learning to fly combat helicopters. His first assignment was with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky as a flight line platoon leader of a Black Hawk helicopter air assault company. He was later deployed to Afghanistan in 2015 as a combat aviator. In 2018, everything came to a halt when Foti was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I was about to head to South Korea for a duty assignment and it turns out they don't let you fly helicopters if you have Type 1 diabetes. Foti said, "They don't even let you serve in the Army." And so this is my uniform now, he said. Still wishing to serve his country, Foti worked as a wounded warrior fellow for the United States House of Representatives in 2019. His nonprofit work later began as CEO of the Dale K Graham Veterans Foundation in Norman, Oklahoma, eventually leading 100 volunteers to serve 5,000 veterans per year. Though he won't be flying Black Hawk helicopters into the battlefield anymore, Foti said that serving his fellow veterans remains vitally important, not just in the work he does, but also contributions from citizens, local government, and other organizations. I urge you to take everything you can out of today and take it back to your community to try and foster a community that supports veterans and their families, that remembers their service and sacrifice that truly embodies the moments we take today on Memorial Day, Foti said. Truly think about that because America's next war will be fought by our sons and daughters. And we as a society hope that the current individuals that lie in the halls of our middle schools and high schools will put on that uniform and fight for the freedoms we have today. Foti concluded his speech by presenting one of Operation Songs projects, which was written and arranged by Nashville songwriter Stephen J. Williams. The song, titled Angel Versary, was written in collaboration with a family of SPC John Pelham, who was killed in Afghanistan on February 12th, 2014. The song is one of eight featured on Operation Songs, a salute to Gold Star Families album, released in 2021. Monday's ceremony concluded with a traditional performance of the Bula Land by the Highland Park Baptist Men, Baptist Men of Praise Chorus group, as well as dueling taps and Amazing Grace, performed by Todd Boswell on the Scottish bagpipes. The city of Columbia announced yesterday that due to recent inclement weather, the completion date for the city of Columbia parking garage improvement project, originally set for the end of June, has been delayed by one month. Renovation crews are working diligently to ensure this project is completed as soon as possible. The Murray County Horseman's Association will be hosting its 73rd annual Columbia Spring Jubilee from May 30th through June 1st at Murray County Park located at 1018 Murray County Park Drive in Columbia. The event begins at 6 p.m. on May 30th. There will be 108 classes shown over the three day event. The show follows the guidelines set forth by the State of Tennessee, the Department of Agriculture's guidelines for livestock events, and the joint guidelines issued by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and exhibitors association, and Walking Horse Trainers Association. The event is an international high point affiliated horse show. Judges for the event will be Scotty Beatty, Scotty Brooks, and Justin Jenny. This is one of the shows on the annual Walking Horse circuit promoted by the Walking Horse Owners Association and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and exhibitors association. Famous for its smooth and easy gate, the Tennessee Walking Horse is a popular breed blending thoroughbred, Narragans at Pacer, Morgan, Standard Bread, and American Saddlebread Bloodlines. According to the WHOA, the bloodline goes back as far as 1886 with a foundation sire named Black Allen. The stallion was bred to be a trotter, but ended up being a Pacer. While Black Allen was born in Kentucky, he was purchased in his later years by Albert DeMent of War Trace, Tennessee to help him produce a horse with a gate between a trot and a pace, which came to be called a running walk. A horse with this gate became the Tennessee Walking Horse. In 1935, the breed association was formed known today as the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and exhibitors association, and is now the official registry for Tennessee Walking Horses. Columbia's Planning Commission gave preliminary approval at its main meeting for the rezoning of property located on Nashville Highway for expansion of a water treatment facility. Columbia Power and Waters' number one goal is to preserve the capacity for existing customers and make sure that the system is available and running at all times, said project manager Mike Harris, representing CPWS. The request for the property was to rezone from a CD4C that's General Urban Corridor Character District in CD3 that's Neighborhood Character District to plant urban development MU or mixed use plant urban plant unit development, rather, and to approve a preliminary master plan at 806 and 812 Nashville Highway. Harris said that Columbia Power and Water Systems purchase of the former American Legion property opened the door for expansion of this water treatment plant. It's a very unique site, very unique facility that really wouldn't fit in any of the zones, he said, adding that staff had helped the department with these plans. When asked if the new facility would reach the needed capacity for the new permit, Harris stated that the current plan was a capacity of 17 and a half million gallons per day, and the expansion will increase that by about 12 million gallons per day. Other discussion included a decorative fence with brick columns across the front of the property and black coated fencing with barbed wire around the perimeter. Since residential homes are around the property, several of the commission members expressed their concern about the barbed wire fence. Harris said this was something that was enforced for safety purposes after 9/11. When asked if other options were considered, he said that ultimately the customers bear the costs and this was considered when attempting to balance the cost and aesthetics of the fence. The commission approved the request with its own request for the applicant to have some additional options for fencing for the city council to consider. The city council will ultimately have to approve the proposed rezoning. The summer season is almost here and blood insurance is calling on community members to donate before the holiday weekend, during and after the holiday weekend to help keep supplies from dropping to critical levels. The time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 delliest days of summer. During this time blood donations typically drop, but the need surges because of an increase in traumatic car crashes. This can create a strain on the blood supply and lead to a critical need for donations. More than 540 volunteer blood donors are needed every day in order to have an adequate supply for the hospital's blood insurance serves. We need everyone who is healthy and able to step up and donate this summer. Said Dr. Liz Coller of the president and CEO of Blood Assurance. We understand people have busy schedules and vacations, but please remember those in urgent need of blood transfusions. Your one donation can help save three lives, she said. Donors who give now through May 31st will receive a special Memorial Day t-shirt while supplies last. You can visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule. Call 1-800-9620-628 or text the word BA Give to the number 999-777 to schedule an appointment. Walkins will be accepted. (gentle music) In 2021, Murray County Chamber and Economic Alliance and 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 2023-2024 Wired mastermind group is comprised of five local entrepreneurs and CEOs that were selected through an application process. The group of five local leaders have 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 now it is 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 business is deserving of a grant valued up to at least $5,000. The individuals will also commit to mentoring the chosen business 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 in order to be considered to participate in the pitch competition on July 23rd. Chosen applicants will pitch their idea in front of the Wired mastermind group and the group will determine which businesses weren't investing in the amount invested. The Wired mastermind group will then serve as mentors to the chosen entrepreneurs. You can find a link to the application by visiting www.marryalliance.com. All Murray County businesses are encouraged to apply. Buckle up young readers and families for an exciting adventure awaits at the Mount Pleasant Touch-A-Truck event on June 1st and celebration of the upcoming Mount Pleasant Library summer reading program. This interactive and educational event will bring the community together for a day of hands-on exploration with a variety of vehicles. It will take place on June 1st from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Hanlong Avenue and the Square in Mount Pleasant. The Touch-A-Truck theme is about community heroes and lots of different trucks lining the street for kids to check out and learn about their community heroes that help us every day. This unique opportunity will allow children and families to get up close and personal with an array of vehicles from fire trucks to construction equipment, police cars, and more. This free family-friendly event not only promises a day of fun and excitement, but also serves as the perfect kickoff for the library's summer reading program. The event is designed to inspire a love of reading and learning in children, while offering a memorable experience that fosters a sense of community. Participants will have a chance to climb aboard and explore the various vehicles, interact with local community heroes, and even learn about the roles these vehicles play in our daily lives. We are thrilled to present the Touch-A-Truck event as a dynamic kickoff to the Mount Pleasant Library summer reading program. It's an opportunity for families to engage with the community, spark curiosity in children, and promote a love for learning. Said Haverly Pennington, director of Mount Pleasant Main Street. In addition to the vehicle displays, the event will feature entertainment, food trucks, and activities, Mount Pleasant Main Street, Mount Pleasant Library, Heritage Bank, First Farmers Bank, United Community Bank, South Side Baptist Church, Norman's Body Shop and Stag Simple Shine have joined forces to make this day unforgettable and sharing a festive atmosphere for all attendees. Families are encouraged to bring their children, explore the trucks, and discover the joy of reading. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the Touch-A-Truck event and the Mount Pleasant Library's summer reading program, contact Haverly Pennington Main Street director at Haverly at visitmountpleasanttn.com. Columbia State Community Colleges, Columbia Campus is excited to announce summer camps for 2024. The game design unity camp will run from June 10th through the 14th, or rising 6th through 8th grade students. Campers will craft virtual worlds, master optimization techniques, and bring their video games to life with sounds and animations. Join us for an adventure in creativity and technology. Rhythm Retreat Music Camp will run from June 24th through the 27th for rising 4th through 6th graders. Student participants will experience drumming, comprehend new piano skills, and join music games and take part in choral singing. Innovate and illuminate will run from July 8th through the 12th for rising 6th through 8th graders. Participants will learn to make fun and useful projects using the fundamentals of circuit building and microcontroller programming. For more information about the camps and to register, visit www.campusce.net/ColumbiaState or email, workforcedev@columbiastate.edu. The Murray County Clerk's Office can now help residents with the renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at the Murray County Senior Center located at 1020 Murray County Park Drive. Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the card tag renewal sign near the back door. Forms of payment include credit and debit card or check, no cash can be accepted at this location. Any Murray County resident can use the office. All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 public square in Columbia. Also, you can renew online at tmcountyclirk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mount Pleasant Courthouse. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Joanne Davis Dial, 85, died Tuesday, May 28th at Life Care Center of Hickory Woods and Antioch. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 30th at 11 a.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in McCain's Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Rose Murray Jones Sharp, 88, a lifelong resident of the Bear Creek community, died Friday, May 24th, an American home assisted living facility in Lebanon. Funeral services for Mrs. Sharp will be conducted on Thursday, May 30th at 2 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Jones Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Mr. Paul Dean Smith, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbia following a brief illness. A memorial service for Paul Dean Smith will be conducted on Friday, May 31st at 2 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. Ms. Lisa Lynn Elliot Ashley, 46. A resident of Columbia passed away Monday, May 27th, surrounded by her family at her brother's residence. A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, May 31st at 6 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Mr. David Marshall Watkins II, 77th, retired engineer from Marda, former resident of Gallatin and a resident of Columbia died Monday, May 27th at NHC Columbia. A funeral mass will be conducted on Saturday, June 1st at 10.30 a.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. An earnment will follow in Zion Cemetery with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post-19. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 9.30 to 10.30 a.m. at St. Catherine's. Mr. Walter Henry Hank Keller III, 46th of Columbia, passed away at his home on May 5th. The family will visit with friends on Saturday, June 1st from 11 until 1 at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home with a grave side service immediately following at St. John's at Ashwood. Home Town Memorial is sponsored by Oakes 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 Oakes 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 Oakes 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. - Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors, 320 West 7th Street in Columbia, since 1856, people you can rely on. - For your Southern Middle Tennessee weather, we will have sunny, departly cloudy skies today with a high of 81 degrees. Winds will be out of the North Northwest at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect clear to partly cloudy skies and a low of 54 degrees. 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. - Three, two, one. - Debbie Matthews-Rilter and her husband, Jason, who is a pro songwriter, also own a music publishing company. They live in historic downtown Columbia with their dogs. Dog rescue work is their passion project. They consider Middle Tennessee their backyard and their lives are full of all things Tennessee. Debbie says there is no greater honor than to help someone find a home. To be trusted with that job, there is no greater privilege. Call Debbie at the Nashville Realty Group, 615-476-3224, 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 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. (upbeat music) - For 40 years, the Jewelers bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory. More high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers bench, still here, still great service. 808, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. This is Triadcock 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. Some people are just obsessed with their lawns. They'd cut their grass with a pair of scissors if they could. Bikes to gravely, they don't have to. You see, gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawnmowers, they also leave your house looking like a dog-on-country club. So whether you're a commercial landscaper wanting the best, or just a perfectionist homeowner, you can't do better than a gravely. See our full line of gravely products at Murray County Equipment. 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia, Tennessee, or check us out on Facebook. (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 and WKRM 103.7. You are hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. To celebrate State Hood Day on the Bicentennial Mall State Park Campus, the Tennessee State Librarian Archives has announced its new Dear Governor exhibit, which will debut to the public on Saturday, June 1st. As part of State Hood Day at the Librarian Archives, visitors can see this exciting new exhibit featuring rare correspondences from constituents during the 10 years of various Tennessee governors. These communications date back to the earliest days of Tennessee's history and provide an incredible glimpse into the moments and events that shape the tenors of Tennessee's leaders. The staff at the Librarian Archives has done a phenomenal job organizing and assembling this historic exhibit featuring letters from constituents, communications from the governor's office to the White House and outreach from the office of the governor to Tennesseans across the state. Said Secretary of State Trey Hargett. Preserving these historic items helps us capture the sentiment of certain time frames while reminding us that every written word can profoundly impact future generations. Former governors Lamar Alexander Phil Bredison and Bill Haslam were the first to see TSLA's newest exhibit during a private viewing earlier this month. The historic correspondences captured in this collection will be available for public viewing in the interactive exhibit lobby from June 1st through early fall. Let's take one last break when we come back. We'll cover the final story of the day. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Give me a call at 931-388-6822. They've been doing business since 1947 and in their current location since 1964. They provide the best tire and mechanical work at some of the best prices in middle Tennessee. Hey, they're official Michelin and Goodyear dealers and they've got all kinds of brands as well. Stop by and see Walker Vining and his professional staff or check them out online at Turner and Osborne.com that's Turner and Osborne.com. - Looking for a physician? Choosing a healthcare provider for your family is one of the most important decisions you will make. Murray Regional Medical Group delivers primary care for individuals of all ages from newborns to adults and has an array of specialists ranging from endocrinologists to urologists. With locations in Murray, Lewis, Marshall and Wayne counties, our experience team can provide you with quality care close to home. For more information, visit Murrayregionalmedicalgroup.com, Murray Regional Medical Group. Your health is our primary 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. (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. Grammy Award winning and prolific singer, songwriter, Lainey Wilson was surprised by Opry member Reba McIntyre live on NBC's "The Voice" with an invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. The multi-platinum and reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year and Louisiana native will be inducted into the Opry family on Friday, June 7th. She made her Opry debut on Valentine's Day of 2020. McIntyre then presented Wilson with a gift commemorating the occasion, a custom made belt buckle reading Opry and Lainey with 2024 emblazoned on the reverse side. Wilson, the 2024 ACM Awards winner for Entertainer of the Year and female artist of the year was a member of the Opry next stage class of 2021 and has been an avid champion for the Opry as well as a mentor to the Opry next stage class of artists in the years since. The multi-award winning singer, songwriter, just released her new single "Hang Tight Honey" from her forthcoming studio album, World Wind Out on August 23rd. Wilson will also kick off her 2024 headlining Country's Cool Again tour on May 31st in Nashville. 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 frontportradiotn.com. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (dramatic music)