Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-11-24
(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. On your host, Tom Price. Today is Thursday, July 11th, and we start with local news. The Special Investigations section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted an investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of one Jackie Sloan of Murray County. Revenue Special Agents Arrested Sloan Age 80 on Tuesday. His bond was set at $10,000. On Friday, June 28th, the Murray County Grand Jury indicted Sloan on two counts of tax evasion. These indictments allege Sloan provided false amounts on the registrations of two vehicles to the Murray County Clerk's Office. The Department of Revenue has always been committed to making sure Tennessee's tax laws and procedures are applied uniformly to ensure fairness. Revenue Commissioner David Gargano said, "We can never allow individuals engaged in fraudulent tax activity to have a competitive advantage over honest Tennesseans," he said. If convicted, Sloan could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and find up to $3,000 for tax evasion. The Department is pursuing the criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Brent Cooper's Office. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee's revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hotline at 1-800-FROD-TX. The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws, as well as the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The department collects around 87% of total state revenue. During the 2023 fiscal year, it collected nearly $22 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.7 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue. After lengthy and heated discussions, Murray County's Building Committee voted by a four to three margin to forward a request for qualifications or RFQ from Klein's Sweeney Associates over Hewlett Spencer as an owner advocate for upcoming building projects during their July 1st meeting. Commissioners Kathy Grodie, Ray Jeter, Gabe Howard and Brandon Nutt voted in favor while commissioners Connie Green, Carl McCallen and Kevin Markham voted against. The resolution was briefly discussed in the budget committee and has now been passed on to the full commission. A number of commissioners spoke in favor of Hewlett Spencer, which has managed a number of local projects, including Battle Creek High School, the Murray County Judicial Center, and the Murray County Archives. Klein's Sweeney has done projects for Murray County public schools previously, but not for Murray County government. After the vote, commission chairman Eric Pravitti asked if the budget committee or full commission could substitute Hewlett Spencer when the items come up later. County Attorney Daniel Murphy advised that the commission could make a different nomination when the time came. Commissioner Gwen Evans cited increased costs of Battle Creek High School in supporting the request, saying, "When you have somebody who gets paid based on how much the building costs, "I can predict what's going to happen. "If you're building a $120 million building, "we need someone looking out for our interests. "I think the savings far outweigh the initial cost," he said. An amendment to advance both RFQs from Klein's Sweeney and Hewlett Spencer for a decision by the full commission failed after it was noted that it was unusual to send dueling proposals. Commissioner Jeter criticized Hewlett Spencer asking if the company had solicited bids from general contractors on the judicial center before awarding the project. Chairman Steve Hewlett said the company had not done so. "Their proposal says they have an open "and competitive bid process. "I do not believe that to be the case. "I believe they hire their general contractor "and that contractor bids out their scope of work," Jeter said. Steve Hewlett called that an inaccurate picture of the company's practices, saying, "The team brings bids in. "We're not just looking for prices. "We're looking for ways to cut the cost. "Bidding the general contractors is a way you get low bids "and low quality," he said. Commissioner Jeter raised what he called issues with Hewlett Spencer's proposal, saying, "They've not brought change orders to us "after they give us a guaranteed maximum price. "The open and competitive hard bid process. "I don't believe that to be the case. "They're negotiating with a contractor, "their engineers and architects. "Marie County is going to spend a lot of money "on building projects in the next five to 10 years. "It's important that we get this decision right "for the people of Murray County," he said. The committee also reviewed updates on construction of the judicial building, ag extension building, and the new county, expanded county archives. Commissioners were told all asphalt was laid at the judicial center and the carpeting and flooring was nearing completion on the ground level. Millwork on ground floor court rooms has been completed and was beginning on the second floor. Furniture is scheduled to be installed in September and move in is scheduled for the week of October 14th. Commissioners were told. With regards to the ag extension office, the utility roughins are being completed and the building had passed inspection by the fire marshal earlier that day. Sidewalks have been poured and stonework and siding are complete and the move in date is scheduled for October 1st. The county archives have passed a permanent power inspection and about 75% of the exterior brickwork is complete. Commissioners were told, utilities are being worked on and the rear grading of the building is complete, drywall, mechanical, and plumbing are being worked upon inside. Finance Director Doug Luconin reported that the steering committee for the county's new administrative complex had met in early June and had recommended to build at the McDowell Elementary site to place both county government and the board of education on the site and to remove the senior citizen center from the project. United Communications announced this week that it has officially started signing up new fiber internet customers in Murray County as part of a multi-year $24.4 million investment that will expand internet service to more than 6,500 locations, including homes, businesses, schools, and other important community institutions. The announcement was shared during a groundbreaking event in Santa Fe where United Communications celebrated the installation of a new infrastructure site alongside Duck River Electric Membership Corporation and local Murray County government officials, including County Mayor Sheila Butt. Groundbreaking events usually mean that something big is coming to an area and this one is no different, said Duck River Electric Interim President and CEO Troy Crowell. It is exciting to see Project Unite continue connecting rural places in middle Tennessee to high-speed internet service and Duck River Electric is honored to be a part of supporting this effort in Murray County and in other communities that we serve, he said. Through Project Unite, an initiative to establish universal high-speed internet coverage in middle Tennessee, United Communications and its parent company, Middle Tennessee Electric, secured $53.4 million in broadband infrastructure grants on behalf of six county governments through the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund in late 2022. The biggest share of grant funding was awarded to Murray County, which received $17 million. United Communications and the Murray County Commission committed to a combined $7.4 million in supplemental funding for a total investment of $24.4 million. By mid 2025, United Communications will connect 4,000 unserved Murray County addresses to fiber broadband service through its grant-backed construction projects. The company also plans to connect an additional 2,500 homes in the county that currently have limited access to broadband providers but did not qualify for grant funding. It became very clear over the past three years that it was imperative for thousands of adults and students to have better communication options in our county. Mayor Sheila Buck explained, Duck River Electric, United Communications, the State of Tennessee and Murray County have all stepped up to the plate together to make this happen, she said. To ensure access to fiber internet service and avoid potential costly installation fees, Murray County residents should visit United's website to sign up now and guarantee that fiber internet, the fastest and most reliable of broadband connections available, is extended to their homes under this program. We're committed to doing everything we can to help our neighbors get the fast, reliable internet service they need with the value they deserve, said United Communications Chief Operating Officer and Murray County resident, Josh Lynch. Folks who sign up now can take advantage of the grant to cover installation costs, making it especially beneficial for properties with long driveways and potentially expensive fiber runs. This is a great opportunity to save money not only on installation, but also on monthly service costs all while enjoying exceptional customer service, he said. Tennesseans can save an average of $70 per month by switching to United Communications internet from satellite internet and enjoy more than twice the speed of 5G home internet connections. Learn more about United Communications fiber broadband services for residential business and enterprise customers by visiting www.united.net. Yesterday on the Columbia Square, a crowd gathered to celebrate July as Tennessee prayer month, WKOM, WKRMs, Delt Kennedy stopped by to learn more about the effort and spoke to organizer, Kathy McCool. - This is Delt Kennedy, front porch radio. This afternoon I am downtown in beautiful downtown, WKOM, you Tennessee on the courthouse square. A large crowd of people is here, I'd say a couple of 300. They have gathered here to commemorate or celebrate a resolution of the General Assembly of Tennessee. I'm talking to Kathy McCool who is one of the folks who's helped organize this event. Kathy, what's happening here this afternoon? - Well, we're gathering together. Representative Monty Fritz is our house representative for the state of Tennessee. He's gonna show up here and with some of our local representatives and senators. He is going to be reading a joint resolution that was passed in the House of Senate. It's a joint resolution 803. It was signed into law by Governor Lee. And it's a calling upon the state of Tennessee to join in prayer and fasting for the month of July. Representative Fritz is gonna be traveling to all 95 counties and proclaiming this proclamation from the courthouse squares in every county and calling upon people. We're asking people to come and pray with us, repent and just join in the prayer and fasting for our state. It's acknowledging that all the things that we see happening are out of our hands and we're calling upon God and asking him to intervene for us that we can see turn around in all the different things that we're struggling with. - Wow, that's fantastic. Kathy, I would describe this as a serious but joyful celebration. Is that fair? - Oh yeah, it's joyful for sure. Everybody here is having a great time. There's this bird has gotten out and people from different churches are coming. It's not only bipartisan, it's also non-denominational. We're calling on unity for everybody to come together. This is an opportunity for us to come together and unity and oneness and just call upon God. One more thing, we are the first state in the nation to do this and all the other states are looking at us and saying, "Wow, that's amazing." And we've even heard people that have heard about it in some other countries that are saying, "Hey, we wanna join in and be a part." And they're praying for our state. - Oh, wow, again, Kathy McCool on the courthouse square in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. July is a month of prayer and fasting by proclamation of the General Assembly of Tennessee. Kathy, thank you. - Thank you so much. - County Commissioners discuss the first step towards implementing an impact fee on new construction in Murray County during the July 2nd meeting of the County's Admin Committee. Back in the spring, the Tennessee General Assembly passed House Bill 2426, later signed into law by Governor Bill Lee, allowing counties that had not opted into the 2006 County Powers Relief Act to enact impact fees if they met specific criteria related to population growth as determined by the latest U.S. Census. The bill allows counties that meet specific criteria, which includes Murray, to temporarily increase their adequate facilities tax on new residential and commercial construction up to $1.50 per square foot. Such changes require a 2/3 vote by the County's legislative body into consecutive meetings. Murray County's current rates are 50 cents per square foot for residential construction and 30 cents for non-residential. The thought is that if we pass it in July and August, we can begin the 1st of September. County Mayor Sheila Butt said, "I've talked to building and zoning director Robert Calvorero about it. He has written a letter that will be sent to the cities to let them be aware of what's going on and when and how that's collected. I think we stand to get three to $4 million more per year depending on what comes this way," she said. Commissioner Gabe Howard called the bill, "Not what we really wanted," but said, "It was what the Realtors and builders allowed us to have." Howard asked if the County's Ad Hot Growth Committee would hold a called meeting to examine the legislation before it was voted upon. We know it's much better for us, but it's got some limitations. "I think once we pass this on first reading, there's some deep dive needed before the second reading," Howard said. Finance director Doug Laconan said on average, "commercial had only been around 14% of adequate facilities, tax revenue in Murray County, and that the residential was likely to have more of an impact." Laconan estimated an average increase of $3 to $3.2 million from increased construction fees. He said that while the increased fees are required to be used towards school capital projects, it would free up other funds to be used elsewhere in the County budget. "I think you see how it pans out and reallocate your penny's next budget year to account for that. So you have time to see how it performs," Laconan said. County Attorney Daniel Murphy cautioned the committee, saying his interpretation of the new law indicated that Murray County's private act held precedence. Murphy also said the law required the county to get a letter from the Tennessee Comptroller certifying that Murray County meets the growth criteria. "We probably ask our representatives or senator to ask for an attorney general opinion. It only takes one person to sue and Murray County's been sued twice on our adequate facilities tax," Murphy said. "Since the statute says you are prohibited from enacting this tax as long as your private act is in effect, I think we've got to go through that process," he said. The mayor questioned Murphy's opinion, saying, "I don't believe that we have to wait that long to get this done. I know Daniel feels like some builders going to come back and sue us. They're not going to do that. We're dragging our feet here for no reason," she said. The language of the new law available on the state website states that if a county no longer qualifies under the growth criteria, then it can resume taxing construction at the rate set by a private act prior to the enactment of the new law. That would seem to indicate that a private act would be suspended by the new legislation and resume if the county no longer meets the growth criteria. Commissioner Brandon Nutt said he agreed with the mayor that it would be better to advance the new fees as soon as possible. Commission Chairman Eric Pravitti said he agreed with Murphy that there were issues with the new law that needed addressing before the county took any action. "This does not solve the growth problem," Pravitti said. "Why does it have to be July, August? Could it be August, September?" he asked. The mayor said she was willing to hold a called meeting, if necessary. Howard urged his fellow commissioners to advance the resolution saying that they could pump the brakes if it was determined that Murphy's interpretation was correct. Ultimately, committee members voted to advance the resolution with the required commission votes scheduled for August and September. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakson Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Betty Sanders Haines, 83 of Kalioka, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28. A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, July 12, at 12 p.m. at Oakson Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 10 until 12 p.m. at the funeral home. hometown memorials is sponsored by Oakson 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 Oakson 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 Oakson 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 offer 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. - 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 mostly sunny skies today with a high near 90 degrees. Winds will be light and variable. Tonight, we can expect mostly clear skies and a low of around 65 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-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 to 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, 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, to 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, Troughwood Avenue, Columbia. - This is triacock with Dixie equipment, sales and rental. We sell ASV and whacker-norton 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 loans. 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 Kesselen with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The backhoe 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. (upbeat music) - 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 I'm news from around the state. On Saturday, a group of white nationalists known as the Patriot Front marched through Nashville and made their way up the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol. The group wore ski masks, matching clothing and carried Confederate and upside down American flags as well as shields. According to a statement from the Tennessee Democratic Party, the group chanted, "Deportation saves the nation." The Patriot Front is a white nationalist hate group that formed following the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia back in August of 2017. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the group was formed by members of Vanguard America, a neo-Nazi group that participated in the deadly rally. Saturday's demonstration was not the first time a white supremacist group marched through the streets of Nashville. In February, two dozen people wearing Nazi gear marched through downtown. On Monday, Governor Bill Lee addressed the march. My understanding is that group has some anti-Semitic ties and should be condemned at every level, he said during the event, during an event. Jewish people in this community and around the world have suffered for generations. Anti-Semitism should not be tolerated, he said. In 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center tracked 37 hate in anti-government groups in Tennessee, which include white supremacist groups like Patriot Front, Atlantic City Skins, National Alliance and more. Early voting in Tennessee's August 1st primary election will begin on Friday, July 12th. Races ranging from the US Senate to general assembly seats will be on the ballot for contested Republican and Democratic primaries, where multiple candidates have the same party are vying for the nomination ahead of the November general election. A number of county general election races are also up for grabs. Early voting ends Saturday, July 27th. Here's some facts to keep in mind. Is it too late to register to vote for the August 1st primary? Yes, the voter registration deadline for the primary was July 2nd. To check your registration status, visit govotetn.com. Can you vote absentee? If you are registered and plan to vote absentee, the last day to request an absentee ballot is July 25th. The Secretary of State's office advises voters request a ballot by July 18th to allow for mailing delays. Absentee voters must submit a request to their local county election commission office. Not everyone is eligible for an absentee ballot. However, per the Tennessee Secretary of State's office, check out their website to see the 14 eligibility requirements. Top races that will appear on the ballot include one US Senate, US House races, and general assembly races as well. Visit your local election commission website for a sample ballot for the elections in your area. 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. Here we go. Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Good to 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. 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 Street 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. Hundreds of music collectors and enthusiasts are expected to gather in Spring Hill on Saturday, July 13th for the inaugural Mid-Tennessee Record Fair, hosted by Rockerolla Records of Spring Hill. The fair takes place at the 14,000-square-foot UAW Local 1853 Union Hall on 125 Stephen P. Yokech Parkway, conveniently located right off Tennessee Route 396 in Spring Hill. With 70 tables, visitors can expect to see tons of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, cassettes, 45s, music memorabilia, vintage clothing and t-shirts, stickers, pins and more. In addition to door prizes and giveaways, there will be food trucks out front for hungry record collectors. Early entry admission at 10 a.m. is $20, while general admission is $5 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOM, WKRM Radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it any time or read the transcript online by visiting frontportradiotn.com. It's always there for you. 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) (upbeat music)