Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 5-30-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. You are hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews National Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Thursday, May 30th, and we start with local news. On Tuesday, HCA Healthcare and TriStar Health announced the donation of $50,000 to support relief efforts for communities in Murray County impacted by the devastating EF3 tornado that hit on May 8th. "As part of HCA healthcare, we are committed "to creating healthier tomorrows "for the communities we serve," said Mitch Edgeworth, President of the HCA Healthcare TriStar Division. "We are grateful for the opportunity to show our support "to those that have been impacted by this storm "and are proud to be a provider "of healthcare services in this community," he said. The $50,000 donation will go to the Murray County Storm Victims Fund, which is currently helping support community members who are directly impacted by the storm. Hundreds of homes were damaged and many were destroyed by the powerful winds that swept through the Spring Hill and Columbia communities. Our county appreciates this generous donation of $50,000 from the TriStar Division of HCA Healthcare, so very much at this difficult time, the money will go directly into the Murray County Storm Victims Fund and will only be used locally, said Murray County Mayor Sheila Budd. "The fact is that after a disaster, "such as we experienced on May 8th with a tornado, "it takes a strong, resilient community "to rebuild houses, lives, and homes. "This donation will go a long way "in helping those with the most immediate needs "and those who may have hurdles to cross in home re-homing. "Thank you, HCA Healthcare and TriStar Health "for helping support a community in this way," she said. HCA Healthcare affiliates TriStar Spring Hill ER and Pinewood Springs Mental Health and Wellness are both located in Murray County. Hundreds of HCA healthcare employees also live in the county. The residents of Murray County who were significantly affected by the tornado on May 8th will be relieved to know that additional funds and support are available as they begin to rebuild their lives, said 8th District County Commissioner Ray Jeter. As the County Commissioner for this area, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for this generous contribution. "Thank you," he said. On behalf of all citizens of Murray County, I want to express my gratitude to HCA Healthcare for the generous donation to the storm victims of the May 8th tornado, said 6th District County Commissioner Kathy Grodai. "Donations from the private sector "ease the burden for all to rebuild and thrive. "I extend my heartfelt thanks," she said. On the evening of May 8th, I saw firsthand the devastation that our community and those in my district suffered. Neighbors, friends, and family were all impacted tremendously by this life-changing event, said 5th District County Commissioner Brandon Nutt. It's been a blessing to witness so many people reach out and assist those in need. I know that HCA Healthcare and TriStar Health's offering will directly help those who, at this difficult time, need it the most," he said. On Monday, May 27th at approximately 7.12 AM, the Columbia Police Department responded to a mail lying on the ground at 1129 Trotwood 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 lifesaving 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. The owners of a series of local vaping stores have filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Springhill and District Attorney Brent Cooper in response to a series of raids earlier in May. On Thursday, May 9th, the Springhill Police Department posted on its Facebook page that local state and federal officials had conducted court-authorized searches at old school vapor shops in Columbia, Franklin and Springhill. No arrests were made as a result of the searches. On Monday, May 20th, Litz and PLLC filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court on behalf of clients old school vapor and S.A.K. wholesale for what it called the illegal seizure of $1.35 million worth of legal hemp products by the Springhill Police Department. The warrants authorizing the searches of the stores reportedly did not allow for the seizure of hemp products, which are legal under federal and Tennessee law, as long as the Delta 9 THC levels are not more than 0.3% of dry weight. The lawsuit also claims that there was no warrant issued to search S.A.K. wholesale's Columbia warehouse. The illegally seized hemp was fully compliant with federal and Tennessee law. In our clients presented third party laboratory test results to law enforcement indicating that the products were within legal limits. Litz and S.A.K. and a press release announcing the lawsuit. Named in the lawsuit are Brent Cooper, the district attorney general for the 22nd Judicial District, Springhill Police Chief Don Bright, Springhill P.D. Sergeant Andrew Burdad and the city of Springhill. The lawsuit also names 10 John Doe defendants, whose identities were not available to old school vapor. Assistant District attorneys for the 22nd Judicial District, Springhill Police Officers, including its drug unit, members of the Columbia Police Department's drug unit, agents with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and deputies from the Murray County Sheriff's Department. The John Doe defendants were all said to have been present when the hemp was seized. The lawsuit alleges that the warrants did not allow for the seizure of hemp products, but that law enforcement seized over $1 million of hemp products anyway, after being directed by the district attorney's office, that it was the "same damn thing," unquote, as marijuana. Old school vapor reportedly presented third party lab results to law enforcement, stating that the products were within legal limits. The lawsuit alleges that law enforcement conducted its own tests, which reached the same conclusion, but ignored the result. Deputies with the Williamson County Sheriff's Department reportedly refused to seize any hemp products from old school vapor's Franklin location, because hemp was not mentioned in the warrant. The lawsuit seeks damages of over $1.35 million and attorney fees, as well as a finding that the constitutional rights of the plaintiffs were violated. A motion for preliminary injunction was filed on May 22nd, seeking the return of the hundreds of pounds of hemp so that it would not be ruined while in police storage. According to the filing, improperly stored hemp can increase its amount of Delta-9 THC and become illegal marijuana. Lucas Wright, spokesman for the City of Spring Hill, declined to comment when contacted by Main Street Murray, citing the pending litigation. General Cooper also declined to comment. A date has not yet been scheduled to hear the lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Nashville. 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. A Kalioka man has been awarded with the Legion of Merit, a military award that is given for exceptionally meritorious service, while serving as Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Tennessee Army National Guard. Chief Warrant Officer V David Ward, who has 39 years of military service, was recently presented the award by Tennessee National Guard Adjutant General, Major General Warner A. Ross III. Ward said he's honored to have received the award, which he said is usually given to brigade commanders. "I was shocked when they gave one to me, but I'm very humbled by it," he said. "The award is not given to warrant officers that much. It's a special award for me because when I was Command Chief, we just did very well," he said. Chief Warrant Officer V Ward served on active duty for three years after high school before transferring to the Tennessee Army National Guard. After he graduated from college, Ward went on to warrant officer school. Ward's background includes working with M1 tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles. Ward said his grandfather, who was in World War II, inspired him to join the military. He was a sergeant also. He fought in the third army with Patton in Germany, Luxembourg in France. Ward said, adding that his great-grandfather was in World War I. He taught me to go into the army, he said. Ward's many services included deployment to Iraq from 2007 to 2008, where he was a detachment commander and working during emergency programs such as Hurricane Katrina and COVID-19. From 2021 to 2024, Ward was the Command Chief Officer for the state where he worked for the Adjutant General. That means I was over all the warrant officers in the state of Tennessee. There were 240 of us. I was the number one chief in the state, so I worked with the Adjutant General directly, Ward said. Today, Ward still works full-time in the Tennessee Army National Guard as a CW5 maintenance manager for the Defense Maintenance Department in Nashville. We were the first state in the nation to do that, Ward noted. He resides with his wife Jennifer on a farm in Kalyoka. Ward also has a home in East Tennessee where he and his wife often host military couples who are having a hard time and just wanna get away. We like to give back and help people, he said. A veteran's ceremony of honor was held last Monday at the Golden at Spring Hill to honor 11 Korean War veterans. During the ceremony, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1140, in collaboration with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Brigadier General Richard Wind Chapter, presented 11 veterans with quilts of honor. I'm sorry quilts of valor, each individually handmade by members of the DAR. The men honored were George Thomas Andrews, James David Baucom, Pat Humphrey, Paul Leslie Lund, Michael David Wiggins, Glenn Layton, Robert Hyatt, Randall Shaw, Jerry Surnau, Stanley Holgate, and Richard Beelmere, each also received a certificate of appreciation. Speakers of the ceremony included Morley Levine of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1140, Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hageman and State Representative Scott Sapicki. Levine, a Vietnam veteran, spoke on the Korean War and how it is often overlooked. From 1939 to 1945, our country was at war. Just a few short years later, on June 25th, 1950, our country was drawn into another conflict. It was known as the Korean conflict, Levine said. These soldiers that were honored today are known as the Forgotten Soldiers. People don't wanna talk about Korea, but it happened, he said, of the war, which saw almost 40,000 men die and 100,000 wounded. Representative Sapicki, whose father served in World War II, also made comments during the ceremony, stating that the sacrifices made by his father in all veterans is a debt owed that we really never can repay, he said. We do our best to honor you on specific days in this country, but in all due respect, we should honor you daily for allowing me to live the life that I get to live to represent you fine people in the great state of Tennessee, he said. Mayor Hageman, who served 21 years in the Air Force, said he would go back and repeat his life if he could. When I talk to veterans of all branches of the service in all decades, one of the things that we have in common is we love our country. We love to do the things we do and have done for the people we have served, he said. I wanna say to the Korean and Vietnam veterans and any branch of the service or area you served in, I truly am thankful for your service so that everybody has the life they are living right now. A rezoning of approximately 126 and a half acres of mail and more road for the construction of 213 single family homes moved to step forward last Monday following a vote from the Spring Hill Planning Commission. The item was recommended for approval with a recommendation for the city's board of mayor and aldermen to consider rural agricultural instead of the proposed residential single family zoning district. Residential single family permits 20,000 square foot lots whereas rural agricultural district with a conservation overlay does not have limits on the size of the lots or the density. The property is currently zoned agricultural district and rural residential. The development would be located west of mainland more road and east of Jackson Road. Citizens took to the microphone to express their concerns over traffic and road conditions including John DeQuire who lives in the Stonegate subdivision. The road is falling apart and we're proposing to put another 126 acres but approximately 200 houses on that development, DeQuire said. "We have three new schools in that area. "I worry about the safety of the road," he said. Resident Bridget Ward requested that Jackson Road be limited to emergency requests and residence vehicles only. Most of the road is in Murray County but if I'm correct, a small section of Jackson Road behind the property was designated as an emergency entrance when the property was annexed in 2017, she said. "The residents of Jackson Road are requesting "nothing to do with the subdivision." Commissioner Johnathan Duda questioned why the applicant is requesting residential based zoning as opposed to rural agricultural. "What has stayed the same is our UDC "and the tools we use for zoning," Commissioner Duda said. "Would a lesser intensity zoning as a base zoning "that still permits what you're trying to accomplish "with the plan development, not be desirable "for all involved," he asked. applicant Eric Olson with Anderson Delk Epson Associates said he was open to making changes. "If we can still do this plan, we could look at that," he said. "Duda made a motion to amend the commission's recommendation "to a base zoning of rural agriculture "which he ultimately withdrew. "I don't think we have any ability to change "or strike the zoning that the applicant is asking for," Alderman Matt Fitterer said. "I think we have the duty to give a yes or no answer "if the zoning being requested meets the standards "of the code. "It is inappropriate for us to change "the applicant's application this evening," he said. Commissioner Duda then recommended a more consistent based zoning such as rural agriculture by expanding or exploring approval standards in the staff report. If this is the path that we're going to go, it has to be residential sent to the board of zoning appeals. I think it makes good sense to forward something that is consistent fully with our land use plan under rural agriculture plan development and find that the residential requested zoning is non-consistent and that there's an alternative, he said. The board of Mayor and Alderman will meet to discuss the item including the next steps on Monday, June 17th. The sunmar season is almost here and blood assurance is calling on community members to donate through the summer. The time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 deadliest 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 assurance serves. We need everyone who is healthy and able to step up and donate this summer, said Dr. Liz Coller, 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 up to three lives. 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 1-800-96-20628 or text the word be a give to the number 999-777 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will also be accepted. And now your hometown Memorial's sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Mr. Paul Dean Smith, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbia following a brief illness. A Memorial service for Mr. Smith will be conducted on Friday, May 31st at 2 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Beria 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, November 20, I'm sorry, Monday, May 27th, surrounded by her loving 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 Walk-ins the second, 77, a 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. Nernment will follow in Zion Cemetery, with military honors provided by 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 Church. Mr. Walter Henry Hank Keller III, 46 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 graveside service immediately following at St. John's Church in Ashwood. Hometown 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 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 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 your satisfaction is so important to Jeff Hargrove and Susie Sowell. There's a great deal of satisfaction in serving a family and serving them well. It's an eye for detail and thoughtfulness and taking the time to see that things are done right. We do have nice facilities and good people and we work hard to do things well, but we don't want that to intimidate people as to what they think it will cost. Taking care of you is our primary concern. 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 plentiful sunshine today with a high near 80 degrees, winds will be light and variable. Tonight, we can expect clear skies in a low of around 55 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. Debbie Matthews grew up and lives in beautiful Koolambia, Tennessee. As a realtor, she is well versed in homes, neighborhoods, development, and schools. She wants to share her love of her home state with others to help them find just the right place to raise a family, open a business, or develop a dream. From luxury listings to land, she can handle it all. She is the current leading producer, Nashville Realty Group contact Debbie Matthews Realtor at 615-476-3224. That's 615-476-3224. - Family first. My dad used to tell us that all the time. But family first wasn't just something he'd say to us. It was how he lived every day of his life. And it's how I try to live mine, too. - With 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, sea 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. - 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 615-969-01-18, or visit our website at www.dixiediesel.com. We have been in business for over 42 years and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. - Some people are just obsessed with their lawns. They'd cut their grass with a pair of scissors if they could. Bikes are 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 doggone 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. - This is Bob Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The vacuole operator has the engine running and is moving into position. He's heading for the ground. He's in there. Wait, there's a flag on the play. Let's get out of the field for the call from our official. - A legal procedure on the digging team. - Oh, that penalty could cause a costly accident. - That's right, Bob. He needs to call before he digs. There's underground utility lines that could be hiding just below the surface. Water, sewer, electrical, communication lines, and even natural gas. - Avoid a penalty by first calling 8-1-1 to have any underground public utility lines located at marked with flags or paint. It's free, it's easy, and it's the law. - For more tips, visit pipesafety.org. This message brought to you by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and the Tennessee Gas Association, funded in part by a grant from the Underground Utility Damage Enforcement Board. (air whooshing) (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM101.7 and WKRM103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. The Tennessee real estate commission is offering something new to high school seniors in 2024. Track is partnering with Kaplan Real Estate Education to offer recent high school graduates the chance to study real estate and earn a license through the new Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program. The program is designed to give recent graduates a jump on their careers. This could be an option for students who don't yet know what they want to do after school. The program is free. There are six primary requirements for the Trek's newest program, the only people who are able to apply to the Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program are high school seniors that graduated in 2024. Other requirements include students must be 18 years old or older to submit a licensing application after passing the licensing exams. Exams may be completed prior to turning 18. Submit fingerprints for a background check. Provide proof of high school diploma or equivalent certification. Provide proof of completion of 60 credit hours of education before sitting for the PSI exam and have completed the 30-hour new affiliates course before applying for the license. Kaplan will provide you with completed completion certificates. Successfully pass the state in national portions of the real estate exam. Both exams must be taken and passed within six months of each other and submitted to the Trek. Students can apply at www.tn.gov/commerce. 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 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@osberg.com. That's turner@osberg.com. Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack and Murray Regional Health is ready to care for you. Utilizing the state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab at Murray Regional Medical Center, our team of expert cardiologists and experienced clinical professionals are equipped to investigate heart conditions quickly and perform life-saving, interventional procedures. Go to Murrayregional.com/heart to learn more. And remember, always dial 911 when you or someone near you is experiencing heart attack symptoms. 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 online at huntercarry.com That's huntercarry.com. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Join Spring Hill Parks for a fun-filled evening with their movie at the Parks series featuring the movie Liliu and Stitch. That'll take place on June 14th starting at 8 p.m. The movie begins right after dark at Evans Park located at 575 Murray Hill Street in Spring Hill. Come out and enjoy a night with movie at the park. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. If you ever missed a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontportfradiotn.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. ♪ [MUSIC PLAYING]