Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-9-24
(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 Tuesday, July 9th, and we start with local news. A Spring Hill Middle School is receiving pushback after a school official was found mixing religious prayer into official school ceremonies. The second time, second such time rather, the official was recorded doing so. The Freedom from Religion Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to protect the separation of church and state, sent a letter of concern to Battle Creek Middle School after a parent at the school told the organization that the school's principal, Mike Canard, was leading students in prayer at a May 23rd graduation ceremony. This is the second such incident with the same individual who was called out by FFRE in 2023 for using a number of Bible verses and prayer to conclude an award ceremony. After both the 2023 and 2024 incidents, Murray County Public School Superintendent Lisa Ventura told the FFRF in identical letters that she spoke privately with the principal about the misconduct. The organization has posted the letters online. I have investigated this incident and spoken with Mr. Canard. Venture is letter stated both times. The actions of Canard violated the school district's policies and procedures. I have issued a private letter of concern and he has been instructed not to repeat this behavior going forward. Venture also repeated that school administration would receive training to further prevent such incidents. It makes no difference how many students want prayer or would not be offended by prayer at the graduation ceremony. Courts have continually reaffirmed that the rights of minorities are nonetheless protected by the Constitution. FFRF Patrick O'Reilly legal fellow Hirsch M. Joshi wrote in two venture in response to the May graduation ceremony. Neither venture nor Canard replied to requests for comment. The US Supreme Court has struck down prayers at schools, sponsored events multiple times, including public school graduations, including the 1922 case of Lee versus Wiseman, which declared a clergy delivered prayers at a public school graduation unconstitutional and the 2000 case Santa Fe Independent School District versus Doe, which found that pre-planned prayers at graduation ceremonies are also unconstitutional, even if student led. According to 2020 census data collected by the nonprofit Public Religion Research Institute, Murray County is in the top 10 counties for highest religious diversity in the state with a score of 0.576 per 96,000 residents. The index is calculated so that a score of one signifies every religious group is equal in size and a score of zero indicates a complete lack of diversity and one religious group comprises the entire population of a given county. The average religious diversity score by county in the US is 0.625 according to PRRI. According to the same data, Murray County is 64% Christian. Despite the repeat incidents at the school, FFRF co-president Annie Laurie Gayler, said she is optimistic that the school will take steps to ensure adherence to the established clause. Even as the actions of this principle have continued to violate the constitution, we will continue to keep children free from such conduct. Gayler said, "We're pleased that Battle Creek "will ensure graduation ceremonies going forward "will honor the accomplishments of students "instead of being misused for religious proselytization," she said. Murray Regional Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Bowling to its Board of Trustees. Bowling brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise and insurance and employee benefits to the organization and served as a member of the advisory board from 2022 to 2024. Since its inception in 1953, Murray Regional Health has been blessed with strong leadership through its Board of Trustees. Mrs. Bowling's service on the board will add to that tradition, said Murray Regional CEO Dr. Martin Chaney. Her background and proven advocacy for her community will be invaluable assets as we strive towards delivering a clinically excellent, compassionate experience for our patients, he said. Bowling serves as general counsel for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Bureau Insurance, Tennessee. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Agriculture. Bowling received her Doctor of Juris Prudence with High Honors from Emory University School of Law in 2006. She practiced law in Atlanta, Georgia for three years focusing on tax controversy and litigation before moving to Columbia to serve as Assistant General Counsel. She later took on the additional role of manager for payroll and benefits. Today, Bowling enjoys working on a variety of legal issues for the Tennessee Farm Bureau and its service companies, including employment law, tax issues, litigation, insurance law, and agricultural law. She has licensed to practice law in Tennessee and Georgia. As someone who has experienced excellent care from Murray Regional, and I've seen people I care about receive excellent care, I am honored to join the Board of Trustees of Murray Regional Health and look forward to contributing to its mission, said board member Julie Bowling. "Together, I believe we can create a positive impact to health care in our region," she said. The Board of Trustees for Murray Regional Health is comprised of nine members. Beverly Horner serves as Chair, Scott Gaines as Vice Chair, with additional members being Doctor Jeff Adams, Greg Martin, Jan McKeel, Drew Parker, Brian Williams, and Murray Regional Health CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney. Captain Will Kraft of Columbia Fire and Rescue will successfully completed the process that awards the Professional Designation of Chief Training Officer, or CTO, the Commission on Professional Credentialing Met on June 15th to confer the designation. Captain Kraft is one of only 12 CTOs in the entire state of Tennessee. The CTO designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components. Experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan. The program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential, the Commission on Professional Credentialing Awards the designation only after an individual successfully meets all of the organization's stringent criteria. Fire Chief Chris Cummins remarked, "Captain Kraft's dedication and hard work exemplify the highest standards of our profession. This designation is a testament to his unwavering commitment to training excellence and the safety of our community," he said. "This professional designation is valid for three years to maintain the designation. Recipients must demonstrate ongoing growth in professional development, contributions to the field, active association membership, and community involvement. Additionally, they must adhere to a strict code of professional conduct." The Commission on Professional Credentialing and Entity of the Center for Public Safety Excellence Incorporated administers the designation program. The CPC consists of individuals from academia, federal and local government, and the fire and emergency medical services profession. Last September, the Rose Hill Cemetery Association released an urgent plea for assistance, although several donations were received. The total amount was far short of the $80,000 needed to fund the annual maintenance of the cemetery. Last week, the balance of the cemetery's operating fund reached $4,000. Unless a significant number of donations arrive within the next few days, the cemetery's governing board will have to terminate its mowing contract, meaning that the cemetery will not be mowed for the rest of the year. "Mowing is a large part of the budget," said Kayla Southern, the association president. "But this also means we won't be able to remove down trees or have paid trash removal. We're going to depend on families to take care of their family plots," she said. There is no safety net. The perpetual care fund was liquidated years ago, only the operating fund remains. The cemetery can expect no assistance from the local governments, as the cemetery is owned by the association. The only sources of income available to the cemetery are sales of plots and donations. To donate online, visit paypal.com/donate. Donations can also be mailed to the Rose Hill Cemetery Association, PO Box 1511, Columbia, Tennessee, 38402. Rose Hill Cemetery was established in 1853. Among the 13,000 internments at Rose Hill are U.S. Senators, veterans from every U.S. conflict, from the Revolution to the War on Terror, including Confederate General and recipient of the Medal of Honor, killed in World War II, and thousands of men and women who have descendants still living in Murray County today. To reach Kayla Southern with questions, call 931-797-3316. Murray Regional Medical Center is thrilled to announce the launch of a newly renovated hybrid vascular operating room, an investment of nearly $2.5 million. This surgical suite combines advanced imaging and surgical capabilities in one space. This operating suite was specifically designed to do two things. First, enhance vascular surgeries through the implementation of new state-of-the-art imaging capabilities, and second, provide additional operating space for other growing service lines, such as general surgery, said Murray Regional CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney. Building this surgical suite is a significant investment toward meeting the surgical needs of patients from Murray and surrounding counties, he said. Minimally, invasive surgical procedures are complex and technically demanding, requiring high quality, flexible imaging capabilities. A clinical trend toward minimally invasive procedures is driving demand for hybrid operating rooms. Vascular procedures are a type of surgery that treats blood vessel and heart flow complications, such as aortic aneurysm, stroke, or blood clots. More specifically, vascular procedures that can be accomplished in the new space include endovascular, laparoscopic, aortic, carotid, dialysis access, vascular fistula creation, trans carotid artery revascularization, and percutaneous nephrostomy surgeries. However, this space is not limited to vascular surgeries and can be leveraged from any other operations. The operating room incorporates sophisticated technology from floor to ceiling, said Dr. Brian Kendrick, a board certified vascular surgeon on the medical staff. "It's a game changer in our field, enhancing our capabilities to treat even the most complex vascular conditions," he said. This, the advanced Azurian imaging system from Philips supplies high quality imaging, achieving excellent visibility at low X-ray dose levels for patients of all sizes. Specializing in hybrid operating rooms, Gatinja's state-of-the-art operating tables work seamlessly with Philips' imaging systems and support a wide variety of patient positions that are suitable for any imaging and surgery. The hybrid vascular operating room also includes 10 medicals, Skytron, Indigo Clean Ceiling Light System. Essentially, Indigo Clean leverages the visible light spectrum to transmit a wavelength that kills harmful bacteria and viruses, such as CDIF, MRSA, and SARS-CoV. These lights are top performers for brightness and shadow control, giving every angle optimal viewability. "As a vascular surgeon, safety is paramount in every procedure we perform," said Dr. Patrick Yu, a board certified vascular surgeon on the medical staff. "Our new hybrid vascular operating room offers greater precision, precision invisibility, ensuring we can deliver the highest standard of care to our patients," he said. "All these technologies in one room make Murray Regional Medical Center's new surgical suite one of the most advanced and safest in the state of Tennessee. Murray Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in Tennessee to receive the excellence in patient safety and outstanding patient experience awards from Health Grades in 2024. Murray Regional Health has also invested in four da Vinci robotic surgical systems, which enhances surgical vision, precision, dexterity, and control. Murray Regional Medical Center offers 16 surgical suites, on-site pathology capabilities, an endovascular lab, and a digital imaging system that enables physicians to view diagnostic images such as MRIs during the surgical procedure. In addition to surgical services available at Murray Regional Medical Center, convenient locations for surgery are in Lewisburg, Spring Hill, and Wainsboro. Murray Regional Health recently held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 30th to launch construction of the Orthopedic Surgical Institute on the Murray Regional Medical Center campus. More than 50 physicians on the medical staff perform surgical procedures and all the anesthesiologists on the medical staff are board certified. You can learn more at murreregional.com/surgery. Just weeks before the May 8th tornado, Murray County participated in an all-hazards incident management team or AHIMT exercise in collaboration with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, the City of Columbia, and multiple statewide and local partners focusing on tornado response and recovery. This proactive initiative aimed to bolster the team and county's preparedness and response capabilities ahead of the tornado season. The exercise, conducted just weeks before the devastating tornadoes of May 8th, provided Murray County leadership with critical insights and practical experience in managing severe weather incidents. Participants from numerous county and local departments, emergency services and partner agencies engaged in a series of realistic scenarios designed to test and enhance their coordination, communication, incident management, and decision-making skills. Engaging in this comprehensive exercise was invaluable said Murray County Mayor Sheila Butt. It allowed our team to identify strengths and areas for improvement in a controlled environment, ensuring we are better prepared to protect our community in the event of a real tornado, she said. City of Columbia Mayor Chaz Mulder also emphasized the importance of the exercise, stating, "The AHIMT exercise was an essential step in strengthening our city's emergency response framework. It provided us with a clear understanding of how to manage tornado-related emergencies and reinforce the necessity of coordinated efforts to protect our residents." During the exercise, participants navigated simulated emergency operations, including initial response efforts, damage assessment, resource allocation, debris management, volunteer coordination, public information dissemination, and interagency collaboration. This hands-on experience equipped Murray County officials with a deeper understanding of the protocols and procedures necessary to manage an effective disaster response. The timing of this exercise could not have been more critical, remarks Murray County Emergency Management Director Jeff Hardy. The knowledge and experience gained directly influenced our real-world response efforts, enabling us to address the tornadoes that followed more efficiently and effectively, he said. The collaboration with TEMA and the All Hazards Incident Management Team Program underscores Murray County's commitment to enhancing its emergency management capabilities. The exercise is part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced training and preparedness measures to safeguard residents and infrastructure from natural disasters and emergencies. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is dedicated to supporting local jurisdictions as they prepare and bolster their readiness and crisis management capabilities, stated TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. Murray County's and the City of Columbia's proactive approach and participation in the AIMT exercise demonstrates leadership commitment and a steadfast resolve to community resilience. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency recognizes the incredible value in the development of local and state partnerships, and the AIMT exercise provides an opportunity to develop those relationships and capabilities. With local administrators, emergency management personnel, and state AIMT members working together, the state can continue to strengthen emergency readiness. The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of Columbia 101, an innovative program designed to engage residents with local government and community services. Participants in Columbia 101 will have the unique opportunity to interact closely with city officials and staff, gaining firsthand knowledge of how municipal services are delivered and learning about avenues for community involvement and advocacy. This consecutive two-day program will be open to all City of Columbia and Murray County residents and offered twice per year, with the official kickoff occurring on September 17th and September 18th. Participants can expect to begin each day at City Hall before learning more about all 12 city departments and touring select city facilities, such as the Fire and Rescue Department and Public Works Department. Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, August 9th at 4 p.m. Learn more and apply today at www.columbiatn.com. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Jean Rogers Smith, 89, a former resident of Columbia, died Thursday, July 4th at her residence, Lebanon. Funeral services for Mrs. Smith will be conducted on Thursday, July 11th at 1 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. Barry will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Betty Sanders Haynes, 83 of Kalioka, passed away on Friday, June 28th. A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, July 12th at 12 p.m. at Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at the funeral home. Mr. William Daniel, Danny Duncan, 70, a retired truck driver for Martin Transportation Systems and a resident of Columbia died Sunday, July 7th at Life Care Center of Columbia. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Oaks and Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. Hometown Memorial 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, at all ways, 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 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 Oaks and Nichols, 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 afternoon showers or thunderstorms. The high will be 93 degrees, with winds out of the south at 10 to 20 miles per hour. There's a 50% chance of rain today. Tonight, we can expect more clouds to roll in overnight with a low of 67 degrees. Winds will be out of the west-southwest at 10 to 20 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. 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 put your family first. For Auto Home, Life or Business Insurance, C Shelter Agent Tommy Hyde Jr. at 388-2009. Are you thinking about a new fence? Maybe you need a pole bar. Then you should give Sands Fence Company a call that's 931-309-1644. Will Sands has built his business based on the principles of honesty, quality and integrity. Sands Fence Company has been in business for over 20 years providing 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 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 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 Vaccala 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, you are a hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price. And now news from around the state. This won't come as a shock, but the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area has been named one of the fastest growing areas in the country for 2024. The report comes from Exploding Topics, which drew its data from the most recent U.S. census, worldometers, worldclimate.com, bestplaces.net, and related sources. Exploding Topics is a site that determines trends using a combination of data analytics, machine learning, and human analysis. Nashville claimed the number 10 spot behind metro areas in Texas, Arizona, and Florida. In 2023, the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Davidson, Murfreesboro, and Franklin, increased by approximately 86 people a day, said the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce in March. The rise in population occurred through natural population changes, as well as more people coming from other parts of the country. More recently, information from the U.S. Census Bureau highlighted how Tennessee's population changed from 2022 and 2023. According to the data, between July 2022 and July 2023, Tennessee saw a 1.1% change in population. The middle Tennessee area saw the biggest increases, with Clarksville and Spring Hill, each seeing spikes of more than 2%. Surrounding areas also saw population increases, including Murfreesboro, up by 1.9%, Smyrna, up by 1.6, and Franklin, up by 1.3%. 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. Good McCall 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 in Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Living with a war and 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, hips, shoulders, elbows and ankles. For more information, go to murriregional.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 Street across from the fire station. We're also in line at huntercarry.com. That's huntercary.com. Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today, and now our final story. Bring your boards to Walnut Street, Skate Park on Saturday, July 13th at 10 a.m. for the third annual Skate Jam hosted by Spring Hill Parks and Recreation. There will be categories for skateboarders of all ages, plus an additional category for the overall best trick. Entering to the competition is free, and you will have the chance to win prizes donated from local skate shops and sponsors. To participate in the 2024 Skate Jam, you must sign a participation form. You can find more information by visiting www.springhilltn.org. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM 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. 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] [MUSIC PLAYING] (upbeat music) (upbeat music)