Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-7-24
(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 Friday, June 7th, and we start with local news. Santa Fe man, Daniel Walls was sentenced in Murray County Criminal Circuit Court to three years of jail time this week in connection with his involvement in posting racist flyers on black churches in Columbia in July of 2023. Walls, 39, pleaded guilty on four counts of civil rights intimidation on Tuesday. In addition to his three-year sentence, Walls will also be given six years of probation. Circuit Judge David Allen of the 22nd Judicial District presided over the hearing. Walls' arrest and charges initially stemmed from the incident last year in which flyers associated with the "old glory" nights of the Ku Klux Klan, unquote, were discovered on the doors of faith United Missionary Baptist Church, Bethel Chapel AME Church, and Mount Cavalry Missionary Baptist Church, all in Columbia. Walls discussed the charges with media following his arraignment on August 14th of 2023, confirming at the time that he heads the "old glory" nights as stated on the group's website. Walls' sentencing, which will be served in the Murray County Jail, also includes a no-contact order to the three churches, as well as the Acts Christian Center. It's unfortunate, but when these things, when things like this happen, you have to send a clear signal to anyone who may want to do the same thing. Hate is just not going to be tolerated in any fashion, and so I think the sentence was fair and just for what took place. Pastor Kenny Anderson of Mount Cavalry said. Footage obtained by the Columbia Police Department last year also showed images of a male individual placing an additional flyer on the side of Muletown Pizza's food truck. Following the initial reports, Anderson, along with members of Columbia Police, citizens, as well as city and county leaders, gathered together at Mount Cavalry with the message that this kind of behavior would not be tolerated, or rather, that the community would face it with love and support, not hate. We came together in unity, love and oneness. We came together against anyone who wants to bring racism and hate to our city, Anderson said. Love can always outweigh hate and will always be victorious in any matters such as this, he said. At the time of walls is arrest, a 17 year old white man was also arrested in connection with the incident, but was not identified. District Attorney Brent Cooper issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the verdict. I hope the sentence handed down today to Mr. Walls serves two purposes. One, it makes the minority community feel safer, and two, it sends the message to those like-minded with Mr. Walls that this type of intimidation will not be tolerated in our community, Cooper said. Unity psychiatric care Columbia, a leading provider of mental health services for seniors in Columbia and Murray County, announced recently the opening of a new wing, increasing its capacity from 16 to 24 beds. This expansion comes alongside the introduction of outpatient mental health treatment and therapy services, extending care to adults aged 18 and older. The hospital hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 21st to unveil the new wing attended by community leaders. Lisa Hogan, mental health nurse practitioner and assistant vice president of operations for unity psychiatric care said, "This expansion represents a significant step forward "in our mission to provide accessible, "high quality mental health care to people in Columbia "and all across middle Tennessee." By increasing our capacity and introducing outpatient services, we want to bridge gaps in mental health care and ensure that individuals receive the support and care they need. Unity psychiatric care Columbia specializes in short-term care for adults to aged 55 and older, experiencing mental health crises or behavioral disturbances, including those related to dementia. With the addition of eight beds, Unity Columbia reaffirms its commitment to meeting the mental health needs of the community. The hospital is also expanding its service, offering to provide outpatient mental health care and therapy to adults 18 and older, with both in-person and telehealth care options. We are thrilled to unveil our new wing and expand our services to better serve our community, said Morgan Redix, administrator, unity psychiatric care Columbia. Mental health care is essential to overall health and well-being, and we are dedicated to breaking down barriers to access, she said. The expansion of Unity psychiatric care Columbia addresses critical gaps in mental health resources, particularly in rural areas. Rural communities often face shortages of mental health professionals, leading to unmet needs and increased stigma surrounding mental health care. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I've seen firsthand the impact of limited mental health resources on rural communities, said Hogan, with our expanded capacity and outpatient services, we are better equipped to meet the growing demand for mental health care and support individuals and families in their journey toward healing, she said. Murray County's ongoing efforts to provide relief from the May tornado, which left many families displaced and hundreds of homes damaged, continues with something a little unique, fun and magical. Magic and melodies for Murray and is a grassroots effort spearheaded by a couple of local entertainers in an effort to give back to those affected, while also providing a fun night of music, magic and more. The variety show event will take place on Saturday, June 22nd at Rory Feaks Homestead Hall, located at 4544 Highway 431. Tickets are $25 for VIP, $15 for general admission and $10 for children. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or online at www.eventbrite.com. I'm seeing the show will be event organizers and escape artists extraordinaire, Sheryl and Samantha Knox. Pretty much the day after the tornado happened, I started working on this, started making calls for performers, Sheryl said. This is my first time ever organizing a charity event, and so this has been a very big learning curve, but I am grateful for everyone who has helped, she said. These modern day Harry Houdini said this event is particularly special to them, not only as a way to show off their talents to benefit their community, but because like so many others, they too were affected personally by the tornado. Our aunt and uncle, their house was damaged and they have a daughter with Down syndrome who is nonverbal, Sheryl said. It broke the kitchen window and knocked glass everywhere, she said. Proceeds from the June 22nd event will be donated to New Lecia Church of Christ, located at 1570 Lecia Road, which has been a set up spot for donations since the May tornado occurred. They've been great, Sheryl said. I think just about everybody has some kind of personal investment in this because we all know someone somehow that's been affected. The magic and melodies lineup will also include elevator to space, barbershop quartet, Fletcher, formerly known as Kentucky lineman, songwriter Anika Meyerhoff, us two in him bluegrass group, and Columbia's own classic vinyl 931. Former Murray County Commission chair Don Morrow, who plays drums and classic vinyl 931, recalls the aftermath of the tornado. Though he wasn't personally affected by the damages, he knows many who were. Morrow stated that an event like this should be supported because while it isn't hammering nails and shoveling debris, it is a way for people to use what they have to give back. We all want to donate our talents for this, which is a no-brainer for all of us, donating our talents for those in need, Morrow said. All of us can't trim trees and cut wood, but we can't do this, he said. While magic and melodies was the Knox's brainchild, it could not have been accomplished without donations and the efforts of many others, ranging from feet, donating his venue to the show's performers and many sponsorships. It's been really awesome making all of the connections and everyone working together has just been great, Cheryl said. So far, the event sponsors include copycats, printing, Patrick Sandow, providential broadcasting 1460, Homestead Hall, Dixon's Fine Jewelry, Catfish Campus, William C. Barnes, Attorney-at-Law, Nathan's Electrical and HVAC, Middle Tennessee Home Savers LLC, and Oak Synical Spinal Home. Individual and business sponsorships are still being accepted by calling 931-774-6951. Murray Regional Health announced the launch of the Coalition for Responsible Healthcare, a community organization created to serve as a collective voice for healthcare in opposition to the HCA Tri-Star Certificate of Need application to build a second hospital in Murray County. High-quality, responsible healthcare is a foundational need of our community, however, it must be delivered in a responsible manner to ensure that our citizens do not have a responsibility in a responsible manner to ensure that our citizens do not incur high charges and are not needlessly transferred to Nashville hospitals, said Murray Regional Health CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney. While on the surface, HCA Tri-Star's proposed hospital may sound appealing, the reality is that it will not offer the level of specialty care currently available at Murray Regional Health and Williamson Health, and it will only serve to exacerbate the national shortage of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, he said. According to Dr. Chaney, the Coalition of Responsible Healthcare was formed to provide a voice for healthcare providers and community members across the region who want to ensure the patients remain the top priority without regard to shareholder benefits. As a longtime physician in Murray County, I am deeply concerned that a second hospital in Murray County will increase costs for patients, worse in local healthcare recruiting and staffing issues and ultimately impact patient safety for the residents here in Murray County, said Dr. Mark Siegel, a specialist in internal medicine and pediatrics. As a patient advocate organization, the Coalition for Responsible Healthcare is designed to oppose unnecessary or potentially detrimental healthcare and opposes the proposed HCA Tri-Star facility for several key reasons. The Coalition for Responsible Healthcare believes it will increase costs for patients, exacerbate healthcare staffing shortages, duplicate certain services while not offering advanced specialty care and shift the focus away from prevention and wellness to more costly episodes of care, such as ER visits, procedures and hospitalizations. The Coalition for Responsible Healthcare launched a new website, coalitionforresponsiblehealthcare.com to provide crucial information about the proposed HCA Tri-Star Hospital to Murray County and Middle Tennessee residents. "We are here to take care of the people of this region," said Dr. Chaney, "from more than 70 years we have succeeded in that mission and with our community support, we'll be able to continue our mission for decades to come. Among our most recent advancements are a $1.9 million improvement to the cardiac catheterization labs in our heart center and the addition of a fourth da Vinci robotic assisted surgical system. Not only do we offer more advanced care, but our charges are also much lower than for-profit hospitals. All hospitals are not equal, so we urge community to seek more information, which is available at coalitionforresponsiblehealthcare.org. There are several ways people can voice their opposition to the proposed HCA Tri-Star project. They can write a letter opposing a second hospital in Murray County and send it to the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission and Care of Certificate of Need at 502-Deterick Street, Andrew Jackson Building Ninth Floor in Nashville, or go to coalitionforresponsiblehealthcare.com and complete the form to show your support. The coalition for responsible health care is encouraging people to act quickly as the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission will vote on the proposal on June 26th. "Time is of the essence," said Deborah Lumpkins, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Murray Regional Health. "As a career nurse and longtime resident of Murray County, "I cannot stress enough how important it is "for our community to come together "and support responsible locally managed health care," she said. The Murray County GOP invites you to celebrate Reagan Day and the birthday of Donald J. Trump at Puckett's Restaurant, Guitar and Cadillac Hall. That's upstairs located at 15 public square in Columbia on June 14th at 6 p.m. Special guest speakers include Congressman Andy Ogles and Tim Burchett, as well as Tommy Laren, conservative commentator, host of Tommy Laren is fearless on Outkick.com and Fox News Regular, who will share her views on many topics impacting the conservative movement, current political events, and more. Also joining the event will be Todd Starnes, a conservative columnist, author, speaker, and radio host of the Todd Starnes Show, who will address many of the challenges facing America and perhaps delve into some of the broader points made in his most recent book, "Twilight's Last Gleaming, Can America Be Saved?" signed books will be available. Puckett's cuisine will be served and an exciting silent auction will be held featuring everything from condos stays to local crafts, collectibles, and much more. A limited number of individual tickets are still available for $100 each. You can find yours by visiting www.MurrayTNGOP.com. Dr. John D. Bonner, a specialist in ophthalmology, recently joined the medical staff at Marie Regional Medical Center and is associated with Southeast Eye Specialists. Dr. Bonner has more than 25 years of experience, most recently practicing in Chattanooga prior to joining Southeast Eye Specialists in 2019. He provides comprehensive ophthalmology services and devotes a large portion of his practice to glaucoma and ocular surface disease management. Dr. Bonner obtained his medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. Dr. Bonner is board certified in ophthalmology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Southeast Eye Specialists is located at 927 North James Campbell Boulevard, Suite 103 in Columbia. Their office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, call 931-840-35 01. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety checkpoints during the week of June 7th on State Route 50 East, 0.2 miles east of the 19 mile marker in Murray County, starting at 10 p.m. Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 people every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving. Columbia State Community College's Columbia campus is excited to announce summer camps for 2024. The game design unity camp will run from June 10th through the 14th for rising sixth through eighth 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 fourth through sixth graders. Student participants will experience drumming, comprehend new piano skills, enjoy music games and take part in choral singing. Innovate and illuminate will run from July eight through the 12th for rising sixth through eighth graders. Participants will learn to make fun and useful projects using fundamentals of circuit building and microcontroller programming. For more information and to register for summer camps, visit www.campusce.net/ColumbiaState or email workforcedev@ColumbiaState.edu. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Joyce Ann Duckworth Parks, 84, a retired employee of Farm Bureau in the widow of Douglas R. Parks Jr. died Saturday, June 1st in Manchester, Tennessee at the residence of her daughter. Funeral services for Mrs. Parks will be conducted on Saturday, June 8th at 1 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Pope Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the services at the Funeral Home. James Marin Thompson Jr. 70, a retired butcher for Superrama Foods and a resident of Hampshire died Wednesday, June 5th at Murray Regional Medical Center. The family will visit with friends on Sunday, June 9th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oaksandnickels.com. Home town memorials is sponsored by Oaks 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 Oaks and Nichols, we believe it's first but 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. - For your Southern Middle Tennessee weather, we will have plenty of sunshine today with a hive around 85 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. The low will be 57 degrees with light and variable winds. For your weekend forecast, we will see partly cloudy skies on Saturday with isolated thunderstorms possible after midnight. On Sunday, we can expect cloudy skies with a 50% chance of rain showers. Weekend highs will be in the mid 80s. Overnight lows will be in the mid 60s. - 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 Coolumbia, 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. - 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, 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 the community with farm, residential, and commercial fencing, as well as pole barns and buildings. Call today for a free estimate. Sands Fence Company 931-309-1644. 931-309-1644. - For 40 years, the Jewelers Bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory. More high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers Bench, still here, still great service. 808, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. - This is Trey Hancock with Dixie Equipment. Sales and rental. We sell ASV and Wacker Nordstrom equipment. We also rent a wide variety of compact equipment in the middle Tennessee area. Come see us. We are located in Columbia, Tennessee at 200 East 16th Street. You can call us at 615-969-0118 or visit our website at www.dixiediesel.com. We have been in business for over 42 years and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. - Hi, I'm Matt Parralis, Manager of Murray County Equipment. We help you with all your agricultural and construction equipment needs. We carry a full line of new haul and tractors from compacts to high horsepower. A full line of gravely morn 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. - 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. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee. Today on WKOM 101.7 and WKRM 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. The 2024 Bobbie Wilson Free Fishing Day is set to be set to be set to be set to be set to be complete. It's been a great year. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee. Today on WKOM 101.7 and WKRM 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. - Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 8th in Tennessee. All state residents and visitors of any age may fish for free without a license in Tennessee's public waters. Additionally, youth ages 15 or younger may fish for free the entire week beginning on Free Fishing Day and continuing through the following Friday, June 14th. - Every year since 1991, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has provided the annual free fishing opportunity in hopes of introducing children and families to fishing and outdoor recreation. Each year, the agency stocks several thousand pounds of fish across the state to ensure high quality and exciting fishing for participants. Fishing is not only a great family activity but also helps bring awareness to the natural environment. TWRA and numerous communities and partner organizations have planned special fishing events across the state. A special thanks goes to Academy Sports and Outdoors for its continued statewide sponsorship for Bobbie Wilson Free Fishing Day. Visit the TWRA Events page for a full list of locations and details. Free Fishing Day is named in honor of Bobbie Wilson who retired in 2022 after more than 40 years of service to the TWRA. He served in the Fisheries Division for 35 years before being named TWRA Deputy Director in 2015 and Executive Director in 2020. Bobbie Wilson Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week applies to Tennessee's public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes continue to charge during the special day and week. Anglers will need to consult with those operators if there are any questions about a facility. 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 Osborn Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Give me a call at 931-388-6822. If you're 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@osborn.com. That's turner and Osborn.com. Don't let pain keep you out of the game. Murray Regional Physical Therapies experience team of therapists can help you recover from surgery, injury or illness by designing a plan that meets your unique needs. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to help you get back to doing the things you love. Schedule a consultation at any of our convenient Southern Middle Tennessee locations by calling 931-380-4014. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. Have you ever wondered if your insurance needs can be personalized? This is Hunter Carey. Our team specializes in planning your insurance needs to get you the best possible solution. State Farm is the largest home and auto insurer in the country. I love bringing that to my hometown. Born and raised in Columbia, I'm grateful for our close community ties. We offer help with home, auto and life insurance for everyone in our community. Our office is located at 909 South Garden Tree across from the fire station. We're also in line at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. A new month means a new first Fridays and this time it really will be new. As Columbia's monthly downtown gathering initiates a few changes for summer. As always, first Friday's events will occur from 5 to 8 p.m. but this month will feature street closures along West 7th Street and the adjacent half of the square. Also be sure to stop by Murray Alliance is strolling on 6th block party along West 6th Street for even more live music, vendors and food trucks. Changes were imminent for first Fridays as the event continued to skyrocket in attendance and more vendors were setting up on the sidewalks to showcase their products. Columbia Main Street Corporation press release states. Safety concerns were mounting so the decision was made to close the streets for this event rather than discontinue it. With the new changes, first Fridays will now feature a vendor market on the street opening up a more walkable environment for pedestrians. Food trucks will also be set up as well as a new cruise in display of vintage and classic cars. First Fridays Insiders, another new feature, will include a few downtown merchants bringing the monthly event indoors. Just look for the blue and gold balloons placed outside of participating shops. All vendors, food trucks, street performers, and crews and participants are also now required to apply each month at Columbia Main Street.com, which includes a vendor fee. All proceeds will benefit Columbia Main Street Corporation's continued downtown beautification efforts. 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 at any time or read the transcript online by visiting FrontportsRadioTn.com. I'll be back on Monday to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great weekend. ♪♪