Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-10-24
(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 Monday, June 10th, and we start with local news. One person is reported injured following a crash involving a member of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and a lawnmower in Murray County. According to officials, a 46-year-old THP sergeant was heading north on Theta Pike in a 2017 Ford Explorer around 1 p.m. on Thursday while a zero-turn lawnmower was mowing a private yard along the street. The lawnmower reportedly entered the sergeant's travel lane causing the off-duty officer to hit the lawnmower. THP said the 36-year-old Tennessee man riding the lawnmower was injured. However, there's no word on the nature of those injuries. Meanwhile, the sergeant was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and was not injured, authority said. No charges are pending in connection with the incident. According to the THP, Murray County Sheriff Bucky Rowland stated that the road was closed for a short time while THP investigated the crash. 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, who's 39, pleaded guilty on four counts of civil rights intimidation on Tuesday of last week. 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 were discovered on the doors of Faith United Missionary Baptist Church, Bethel Chapel AME Church, and Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church all in Columbia. Walls discussed the charges with media following his arraignment on August 14th, 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 Axe Christian Center. It's unfortunate, but when things like this happen, you have to send a clear signal to anyone who may wanna 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 Calvary 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 Calvary 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 matter such as this, he said. At the time of walls is a rest, a 17 year old white male was also arrested in connection with the incident, but was not identified. District Attorney Brent Cooper issued a statement 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. The Mount Pleasant community gathered with city officials, local business leaders, and residents for the groundbreaking ceremony of the highly anticipated downtown improvement project that started on June 3rd on Main Street in Mount Pleasant. The significant initiative set to be completed by May of 2025 aims to revitalize the downtown area and enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors. The downtown improvement project will introduce a range of enhancements, including new streetlights, historical, energy efficient street lighting, will improve visibility and safety, creating a welcoming atmosphere for evening activities and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the downtown area. Infrastructure upgrades, critical infrastructure improvements will ensure long-term sustainability and reliability, addressing current needs and future growth. Increased walkability, sidewalk expansion, and pedestrian-friendly pathways will promote walking, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage a healthier lifestyle for residents and visitors, and beautification efforts, landscaping, public art installations, and other beautification projects will add to the charm and appeal of downtown, making it a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Mount Pleasant Main Street director, Haverly Pennington, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The downtown improvement project marks a new chapter for Mount Pleasant. These upgrades will enhance the beauty and functionality of our Main Street area and boost economic development and community engagement. We are excited to see these improvements, positive impact on our city," she said. The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Bill White, city manager Kate Collier, and other key stakeholders, followed by a ceremonial ground turning to officially commence construction. Attendees had the opportunity to view project plans and ask questions. The event marked the beginning of a brighter future for Mount Pleasant and the community's strong turnout demonstrated widespread support for the project. For more information about the downtown improvement project, please contact Haverly Pennington at Haverly, that's H-A-V-E-R-L-Y, at visitmountpleasanttn.com. On Friday, Baker Realty held their grand opening at their new downtown location. Front porch radio's Delt Kennedy attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to proprietor Katie Baker to learn about what the business is offering. - This is Delt Kennedy, Front porch radio. This afternoon, I am in beautiful downtown Columbia. I'm at the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Baker Realty Group's new offices, right here off the square, half block off Square North Main Street. I'm speaking with Katie Baker of Baker Realty Group. Katie, congratulations. - Thank you so much. I'm so glad you were here and you got to enjoy it, and we had a wonderful crew. We love being back downtown, so we hope to have more people up here as often as we can. - These offices are so beautiful, tell me about them. - Yes, well, we love the fact that they're historic. That's one of the things that we focus on, our historic properties. We focus on commercial properties. So being downtown in the hub of all these businesses, all these other small business owners and entrepreneurs, that energy just feeds us. And then of course being across from the visitor center, we like to help everybody relocate to Columbia, tell them how great our town is. And so being right here with that visitor center energy too, it's just perfect. - Tell us what you offer here at Baker Realty Group. - So we offer residential and commercial real estate services. For the commercial side of things, we can help you find the perfect space to lease for your business. We can help you buy our cell properties for the residential side. We do vacation properties, historic homes, luxury homes, land lots farm, really anything. We try to be an office of specialists, so I've got an agent that's dedicated to whatever your needs are. - That's absolutely amazing. Now for more information, where do people go? - Go to BakerGroupRealty.com, or for more really fun stuff, go to our Instagram @BakerGroupRealty. - Again, Del County Front Sports Radio in downtown Kool-Onbe, Tennessee, the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Baker Group Realty Group's new location, talking with Katie Baker. Congratulations one more time. - Thank you so much. I appreciate you being here. - Murray County Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christine Potts as the new principal of EA Cox Middle School. Dr. Potts brings a wealth of experience and a dedication to academic excellence to her new role. With a background deeply rooted in education, she has served in various capacities, including as principal of Spring Hill High School, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership in overseeing the daily operations of the school and its staff. Prior to her tenure as principal, Dr. Potts served as an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University, where she taught bachelor, master's and EDS level classes in curriculum and instruction in leadership. Her commitment to educational excellence is further evidenced by her role as assistant principal at both Spring Hill High School and Mount Pleasant Middle School of the Visual and Performing Arts. Dr. Potts' educational journey includes a doctorate degree in administration and supervision from Tennessee State University, a master's in administration and supervision from Middle Tennessee State University, and a bachelor of science from the same institution. Additionally, she holds an associate's degree from Columbia State Community College and a certificate from the Summer Institute for Special Education at Memphis State University. Dr. Potts stated, "I am both excited and saddened at the same time. I'm sad to leave my Spring Hill family with whom I have been for over 10 years. However, I am also excited about the new opportunity to lead EA Cox in a positive direction, a place that I helped open in 1997. I'm looking forward to working with the staff, students and families who support the EA Cox community and I can't wait to get started," she said. Superintendent Lisa Ventura shared, "Dr. Potts' passion for education, coupled with her extensive experience and leadership skills, make her an excellent fit for the role of principal at EA Cox Middle School. Murray County Public Schools looks forward to our leadership and the continued success of EA Cox Middle School under her guidance." In other Murray County School news, Murray County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura has named Dr. Brian Brewer, principal of Spring Hill High School, effective July 1st. Dr. Brewer has served as the principal at Hampshire Unit School for the past two years. Dr. Brewer started his education career in 2010 in Bartlett, Tennessee, as a math and CTE information technology teacher at Bartlett High School. In 2016, Dr. Brewer became the career in technical education coordinator for Metro Nashville Public Schools. From 2019 to 2022, also at Metro, Dr. Brewer served as assistant principal at Pearlcone High School. In addition to his career in education, Dr. Brewer held senior manager and director level roles in IT and engineering. Dr. Brewer graduated from Kirby High School in Memphis. In December of 2000, he received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Creighton College. In 2012, he earned a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Memphis. And in 2017, an Educational Doctorate and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, also from the University of Memphis. Dr. Brewer stated, "I'm excited to be the new principal at Spring Hill High School. As a member of the Spring Hill community in Murray County, it is a great honor to serve in this role. Spring Hill High School has a rich history that I will continue to build upon. We will continue to create an environment where all students can succeed and be prepared for life after high school. Whether students go to college, trade school, or enter the workforce, we want to ensure that every student is ready for their next step. I look forward to working with the outstanding Spring Hill High School faculty, staff, students, parents, and community," he said. Superintendent Venture has shared, "Dr. Brian Brewer has had a unique and inspiring journey into education, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences that enrich his approach to teaching and leadership. He truly has the heart of an educator, consistently demonstrating his commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. His dedication to student success and his innovative vision have already made a significant impact at Hampshire Unit School. As he transitions to his new role as principal at Spring Hill High School, I'm confident that his leadership will ensure continued excellence and stability. Dr. Brewer's passion for education and his ability to connect with students, staff, and the community will undoubtedly sustain the strong traditions and achievements of Spring Hill High School. I look forward to witnessing the positive developments and ongoing success that will flourish under his guidance. The future is bright for Spring Hill High School with Dr. Brewer leading the way," she said. The Columbia Central High School football field will soon be getting artificial turf following a vote by the Murray County School Board. The school board approved on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding with the County Parks and Recreation Department to install turf and rent out the football field at Central High School. The memorandum gives the board the funds necessary to install artificial turf at Lindsay Nelson Football Stadium located near Columbia Central High School. It also places the responsibility on the board to pay for the replacement of the turf every 10 years. Per the agreement, all maintenance of the turf will be made under the Parks Department. Under the agreement, the board will also have first priority rights to the stadium for events and games, though the stadium can be rented out to third parties by the Parks Department as long as the board approves. The measure was passed with two nays coming for board members, Michael Fulbright and Justin Halka, leading up to the vote, Fulbright voiced his concerns. "We are once again being asked by the County to do something to benefit them on their behalf. And how did the discussion go tonight about the new school?" Fulbright asked. "I think that this, just like Mr. Carter said the other night, we're being asked to do something again for the County and we see the things that we get." Board Chair Will Sims voiced his support for the measure. "We have a positive track record with the Parks Department taking care of that field and it's one that we don't have to take care of because they do. And so it is a give and take," Sims said. The concern for member Halka was along other lines. He was worried about the material of the field. "Recently it's been debated whether faux fields may contain forever chemicals, compounds that are incredibly resistant to breaking down naturally," Halka explained. Halka said he'd much rather have real grass fields for that reason. Ultimately, the board approved the memorandum and the installation of synthetic baseball, football and softball fields near central high school. Halka was the only nay. The Murray County GOP invites you to celebrate Reagan Day and the birthday of Donald J. Trump at Puckett's restaurants, guitar and Cadillac Hall, upstairs located at 15 public square in Columbia on June 14th at 6 p.m. Special guest speakers include Congressman Andy Ogles and Tim Burchard, 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 Glimming, Can America Be Saved?" Signed copies of the book will be available. Puckett's cuisine will be served and an exciting silent auction will be held featuring everything from condo 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.murytngop.com Columbia State Community College's Columbia campus is excited to announce summer camps for 2024. 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, enjoy music games and take part in choral singing. Innovate and Illuminae 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 and to register, visit www.campusce.net/ColumbiaState or you can email workforcedev@columbiastate.edu. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oak Synacles Funeral Home. Betty Fern Metcher Center, 83, a former longtime resident of New Cut Road in Columbia, died Saturday at her granddaughter's residence in Austin, Kentucky. A graveside service for Mrs. Center will be conducted on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Philadelphia Cemetery on Fred White Road. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday following the service at the cemetery. Hometown Memorials is sponsored by Oak Synacles 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 Oak Synacles, 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 Oak Synacles Funeral Directors, we haven't lost sight of why we're here, to serve Murray County families in the ways they prefer. And why Matt and Susie Sowell believe the way to honor tradition is with especially personal service. We believe your traditions, your customs, your rites of passage are very important. But we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. At Oak Synacles, we try to do more than just the expected things, so the service you receive honors your heritage and is uniquely yours. And we invite you to experience the difference. 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 partly cloudy skies today with a high of 82 degrees. Winds will be out of the Northwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect a clear sky with a low of 54. Winds will be out of the North at 5 to 10 miles per hour. 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. This is Debbie Matthews with the National Royal Otii 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 Royal Otii Group 615-476-3224. Family First. My dad used to tell us that all the time. But Family First wasn't just something he'd say to us. It was how he lived every day of his life. And it's how I try to live mine too. At Shelter Insurance, our agents are dedicated to helping provide personalized auto, home, and life protection that puts your family first. For Auto Home, Life, or Business Insurance, see Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole bar. Then you should give Sands Fence Company a call that's 931-309-1644. Will Sands has built his business based on the principles of honesty, quality, and integrity. Sands Fence Company has been in business for over 20 years, providing a community with farm, residential, and commercial fencing, as well as pole barns and buildings. Call today for a free estimate. Sands Fence Company 931-309-1644, 931-309-1644. For 40 years, the Jewelers' Bench has worked hard for their customers and provided the highest quality jewelry at the best price. They keep going back. Recent renovations have allowed them to expand their inventory. More high quality jewelry, custom vintage and estate pieces, and professional jewelry and watch repairs. They also buy gold. The Jewelers' Bench, still here, still great service. 808, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. 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. 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. This is Bob Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The vacuum 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. An investigation is underway after an inmate died while in custody of the Grundy County Sheriff's Office. The Middle Tennessee County is on the southeastern edge of the Grand Division, about 98 miles from Nashville. Grundy County deputies were called to a one vehicle crash on Cheryl Road on May 29th. They found Ronnie Ledbetter combative and was actively resisting. Helped from paramedics, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Office Thursday evening. Ledbetter appeared to be intoxicated and under the influence of a narcotic, the statement said. After paramedics cleared him of injuries, Ledbetter was taken into custody and put in the back of a deputy's patrol car. "Mr. Ledbetter began trying to kick the glass out of the unit along with head-buddy in the glass," the statement said. He was moved to a different patrol vehicle with bars over the glass and taken to jail. Upon arrival at the jail, Mr. Ledbetter continued to fight and resist deputies while getting him out of the unit and into a booking cell. The statement said. Once inside the jail, Mr. Ledbetter was secured and his handcuffs were removed. As deputies placed him in a seated position, they observed he had stopped breathing. Jail staff gave Ledbetter Narcan and overdose reversal drug. They started CPR and used a defibrillator on him, the statement said. Ledbetter was taken to the Swani Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Sheriff's Office and District Attorney Courtney Lynch's office called the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to take on the case. All video footage from the jail was turned over to the TBI and the autopsy results are still pending, the statement said. Dolly Parton is not slowing down during Fanfare X at the 51st CMA Music Fest on Thursday. Parton dropped a laundry list of projects, including a Nashville hotel and the name of the Broadway musical based on her life. Of course, everybody always wants to know what I'm doing, she said, during Fanfare X. Nobody wants to know that more than me. I'm going to so fast, I've met myself coming. I don't know how I can do it either, but it's true, I'm going to have a hotel right here in Nashville. The hotel called the Songteller Hotel will also feature a museum, Parton said. It'll be on Third and Commerce, Parton said, and should be open in a couple of years. We're working real hard on that, she said. I've always wanted a hotel in Nashville and a museum. Parton said it was divine intervention that led her to both the location and name for the hotel. When we were looking for the property and we were walking through an empty room and there on the table was my book Songteller, she said. We hadn't thought about a name for the hotel, we thought that might be a sign, she said. The museum will be different from the Dolly Parton experience at Dollywood, she said. "We'll have a lot of my real articles," she said, referring to artifacts and clothing. "Hopefully people will get to see some of my actual things like the little replica of my coat of many colors," she said. Let's take one last break. When we come back, we'll cover the final story of the day. We are 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. Have you 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. Living with a worn joint can be painful and frustrating. Leave your joint pain in the past with a joint replacement procedure at Murray Regional Health. Our joint replacement program has been recognized in the top 10% of the nation for medical excellence and patient safety. Thanks to our highly skilled and experienced surgical staff who perform progressive procedures for the knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. For more information, go to MurrayRegional.com/jointreplacement. 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 now our final story. John Bon Jovi and his band open JBJ's on Broadway in downtown Nashville on Saturday. It's located at 405 Broadway. JBJ's will be the tallest and second largest bar by square footage. Hosting 37,000 square feet dedicated to a rock and roll revolution and caring for the roots of country music from Nashville's storied history. If the building doesn't look familiar, it was previously a small parking lot. This was a ground up project. It's located right next door to Garth Brooks' friends in low places. As you enter, John Bon Jovi will greet you with a message saying, "Come on in and make yourself at home." JBJ's has two fifth-story outdoor rooftop decks with breathtaking panoramic views. The band released a new album Forever on Friday, June 7. It was recorded in Nashville at Ocean Waste Studio. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. 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. ♪♪♪