Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-8-24
(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, July 8th, and we start with local news. 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 in counties preparedness and response capabilities ahead of the tornado season. The exercise conducted just weeks before the devastating tornadoes of May 8th and 9th, 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 wasn't valuable, said Murray County Mayor Sheila Budd. "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," he said. During the exercise, participants navigated simulated emergency operations, including initial response efforts, damage assessment, resource allocation, debris management, volunteer coordination, public information dissemination, and inter-agency 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, remarked 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 Tima 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 Tima Director Patrick C. Sheehan. Murray County's and the City of Columbia's proactive approach and participation in the AHIMP exercise demonstrates leadership commitment and a steadfast resolve to community resilience, he said. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency recognizes the invaluable, I'm sorry, the incredible value in the development of local and state partnerships and the AHIMP exercise provides an opportunity to develop those relationships and capabilities. With local administrators, emergency management personnel and state AHIMP to members working together, the state can continue to strengthen our emergency readiness. (mouse clicking) The Tennessee Municipal League annually honors cities across the state for excellence, improvement, outstanding programs or departmental achievements. The City of Columbia, committed to environmentally resilient and green infrastructure, is proud to announce it has received the Tennessee Municipal Leagues Award for excellence in green leadership. This prestigious award will be presented on Tuesday, July 23rd at the 84th annual conference of the Tennessee Municipal League or TML at the Knoxville Convention Center. Columbia Mayor Chas Molder stated, I'm so proud of this recognition, not only because it represents the commitment that city leaders have made to investing in infrastructure for today, but also because it recognizes our vision for the future. We know our city was well positioned for this extraordinary moment in time and we must ensure Columbia remains on that same trajectory for years to come. This recognition highlights our vision to create a cleaner, more efficient way of doing business and our sound fiscal management, he said. The city hired path company to manage the conversion of 6,000 streetlights to LED bulbs. Previously, Columbia Power and Water Systems owned the lights and the city bore the costs of power consumption, maintenance and installation. The LED conversion has reduced these costs, saving the state street aid fund $450,000 annually. Maintenance responsibilities have been transformed back to CPWS under the new agreement. In addition, the city has made plans to upgrade its existing wastewater treatment plant originally built in the 1970s. The new HVAC system has already been added to the administration building, providing energy and cost savings. Lighting at the plant has been upgraded to energy efficient LED plants for a new facility, soon to be under construction, include multiple energy saving advances in keeping with the city of Columbia's green oriented goals. City Manager Tony Massey remarked, "We are very honored to be recognized by TML for excellence in green leadership. Converting Columbia streetlights and implementing energy saving measures has been a key strategic goal of the Columbia City Council. Our citizens now enjoy the benefits of this conversion, and we thank TML for this recognition." Assistant City Manager Thad Jablonsky added, "The City of Columbia is serious about its commitment to the environment. This follows from the City Council's leadership in support of projects that value conservation and sustainability. The city's management team and city departments will continue to ensure that city projects impact the environment positively and in accordance with the City Council's vision," he said. The city's latest strategic plan also includes the installation of new EV charging stations. City leaders are collaborating with CPWS and TVA to place these charging stations downtown, further demonstrating Columbia's commitment to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. What started as a grassroots effort to attract more foot traffic into downtown Columbia, first Fridays has become one of Columbia's most attended monthly events, and it keeps getting bigger. First Fridays has become a staple for visitors, vendors, musicians, and businesses, bringing large crowds of visitors both local and out of town. The event now stretches beyond the square to feature other gathering areas such as food truck parks and marine alliances strolling on six block party along West 6th Street. In June, the event celebrated its seventh anniversary, and in doing so, brought new changes to better enhance the first Friday experience, while also upgrading safety measures for pedestrians and creating new ways to raise funds for downtown and tourism related projects. First Fridays became so big, so well attended and popular that it surpassed the threshold and being required to have a mass gathering permit by the city. Columbia Tourism and Marketing Director Kelly Murphy said, "It was time to manage the event beyond the fact "it has been an organic event for seven years," she said. The new changes include temporarily shutting down a portion of the square and West 7th Street to traffic, allowing more space for walking, while also minimizing the risk of an accident. There was some safety issues, pedestrian and vehicular. There have been some close calls, and so this is for the safety and well-being of everyone who attends the event," Murphy said. Closing the streets makes it a much more family-friendly event when you feel more comfortable to walk within an enclosed area and not have to worry about things like being run over by a car or not having enough room on the sidewalk, she said. Closing down the streets also allows for new first Friday features such as cruise in, featuring classic cars, as well as curated vendor market. June did so well and I think it surprised everyone. We had more vendors apply than we had booth space available and the same thing for July, Murphy said. "We're making sure we have a good cross-section of people "that are participating as vendors." While the changes are aimed to create a safe room and more inclusive experience, some of the benefits also come with a price for some, including a new $25 vendor fee required for anyone wishing to showcase their works. Murphy said any money generated from the vendor fees will not go directly to the city. Instead, it will feed back into the Columbia Main Street Corporation to better enhance future events and projects. In response to the new fees, a change.org petition was created with concerns that the new fees might not only prevent certain vendors from being eligible, but could lead to other restrictive regulations down the road. The petition has since garnered 140 votes, not gaining much traction and was to raise awareness of the changes Clayton Smith, Columbia resident who created the petition said, "For me, it's all about what will come next. "Any time there is that kind of involvement in oversight, "it just makes me nervous," Smith said. "It's definitely about awareness, but I also wanna figure out "if there is more broad appeal. "Because at the end of the day, homegrown involved community "to me is super important," he said. "The city is not making any of the money taking rather, "any of the money that comes in from first Fridays," Murphy said, "that is all being utilized "by the Columbia Main Street Corporation "for beautification of downtown "and future projects for downtown," she said. "And while first Friday's growth will likely continue, "keeping the spirit of how it began remains a top priority. "Columbia Main Street still wants it to feel very organic "and still feel very much like a community event," Murphy said. Murray Regional Cancer Center has achieved accreditation under the American College of Surgeons or ACS Commission on Cancer or COC accreditation program. The ACS COC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards. "Taking care of our community's health and wellness "with quality and compassionate care is our goal," said Dr. Martin Chaney, CEO of Murray Regional Health. Murray Regional Cancer Center collaborates willingly with ACS COC to guarantee our community receives outstanding cancer care from prevention, detection, or comprehensive treatment," he said. The Commission on Cancer accreditation is granted to institutions committed to providing high quality cancer care by demonstrating compliance with the COC standards. Each cancer program must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with the COC standards. To maintain accreditation, cancer programs must undergo a site visit every three years. The COC accreditation standards supply the structure for providing all patients with a full range of diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services, either on-seat, on-site, or by referral, including community-based resources. A cancer diagnosis can be a difficult journey for patients and loved ones. Gaining national accreditation is about giving our patients peace of mind that Murray Regional Health is offering state-of-the-art cancer care, said an administrative director of oncology, Dana Salters. I want to personally commend the multidisciplinary team of physicians and professional caregivers for their commitment to oncology care at Murray Regional Health by obtaining reaccreditation from the Commission on Cancer, she said. The Murray Regional Cancer Center at the Columbia Mall is a comprehensive treatment center that includes the clinical specialists, treatment technologies, and support services needed by cancer patients and their family members. As a COC accredited institution, Murray Regional Cancer Center also becomes an ACS surgical quality partner. Being a surgical quality partner signifies an institution's dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches while maintaining a critical eye on processes at every step. The surgical quality partner designation lets patients know Murray Regional Medical Center is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at surgical quality partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality. American College of Surgeons quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital's surgical quality. As an ACS surgical quality partner, Murray Regional Medical Center has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement, said ACS Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patricia L. Turner. You can learn more about the COC accreditation program by visiting www.facs.org. After spending her first year on staff as an assistant, Catherine Huey has been elevated to the helm of the Columbia Academy softball program, becoming the Lady Bulldogs' third head coach in three seasons. Huey succeeds Danny Ford, who took over following the 2023 resignation of Seth Anderson after six seasons. When we hired her last year, we talked to her and this was something she wanted to do. CA Athletics Director, Purnell Knox, said regarding Huey, the wife of former Bulldogs baseball stand out and current assistant, Alex Huey, we wanted to give her a chance to work under someone and kind of get her feet wet. "See how things go," we said. Ford informed the Columbia Academy administration at the conclusion of the season that he'd be stepping down after previously serving as an assistant under Anderson, his son-in-law. Columbia Academy advanced to four consecutive state championship games with Anderson, now approaching his third season as the school's football coach atop the program, winning the 2019 class A title in the 2021-2022 Division II A crowns following the pandemic before finishing as a D1A state runner-up in 2023. This spring, CA was eliminated from post-season play in the Division II A middle-region tournament and finished 17 and 10. Huey, a 2019 graduate of Hazel Green, Alabama, completed her playing career at Fried Hardman in 2023 before accompanying her husband back to his Alma mater. Definitely, the good thing about it is that she's not too far removed from school, that she can't relate to these high school kids. And at the same time, she's played at a high level and she's mature enough to see things from a coaching standpoint. So I think it's the best of both worlds when we get her and she was no scrub, she could play the game. Your credibility, your resume always helps. Huey agreed that her experience on the field and in the dugout will factor into her new role. I'm very competitive, I feel like that competitive drive that I had when I was playing is something that I still have held onto in coaching, she said. "I love to win, but more than that, "I think playing ball, you learn how to be mentally tough, "you learn how to be physically tough, "you learn how to battle through adversity. "I think learning that as a player "and I know where the girls have been "helps me meet them where they are at as a coach. "I've been where they are, I've been in their shoes, "just coming out of that is helpful," she said. Huey realizes she's been fast-tracked into a head coaching role, but doesn't question her path. I would not have ever expected it, but I've prayed about it for so long just for God to put me where I'm supposed to be. Putting it in his hands and trusting his timing and all of this, she said, "I don't believe I'd be here right now "if he hadn't put me here. "I'm confident I'm going to grow "and learn from the people around me," she said. Marie Alliance is excited to announce that applications for the Leadership Marie class of 2024, 2025 are now open. Leadership Marie offers a unique opportunity to connect with local decision-makers, gain insights into various sectors, and explore all the great things that Marie County has to offer. Whether you live, work, or volunteer here, this program is your chance to contribute to the future of the community. Apply by July 19th and be a part of a network of passionate leaders dedicated to making a difference. Learn more at www.mariealliance.com. For your Southern Middle Tennessee weather, we will have mainly cloudy skies today with a chance of early rain. The high will be 94 degrees with light and variable winds. Tonight, we can expect mostly cloudy skies with a few showers developing late. The low will be 73 degrees. The chance of overnight rain? 30%. 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. (upbeat music) - 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 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. 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, 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 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 Triadcock with Dixie Equipment. Sales and rental. We sell ASV and Wacker Nordstrom equipment. We also rent a wide variety of compact equipment in the middle Tennessee area. Come see us. We are located in Columbia, Tennessee at 200 East 16th Street. You can call us at 615-969-01-18. Or visit our website at www.dixiediesel.com. We have been in business for over 42 years and we would love to help you turn your project into reality. - Some people are just obsessed with their lawns. They'd cut their grass with a pair of scissors if they could. Bikes are gravely, they don't have to. You see, gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawnmowers, they also leave your house looking like a doggone country club. So whether you're a commercial landscaper, wanting the best or just a perfectionist homeowner, you can't do better than a gravely. - See our full line of gravely products at Murray County Equipment. 1075 North James Campbell Boulevard in Columbia, Tennessee. Or check us out on Facebook. - This is Bob Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The vacuole operator has the engine running and is moving into position. He's heading for the ground. He's in there. - Wait, there's a flag on the play. Let's get out of the field for the call from our official. - A legal procedure on the digging team. - Oh, that penalty could cause a costly accident. - That's right, Bob. He needs to call before he digs. There's underground utility lines that could be hiding just below the surface. Water, sewer, electrical, communication lines, and even natural gas. Avoid a penalty by first calling 8-1-1 to have any underground public utility lines located and 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) (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 now news from around the state. Trauma surgeon, Dr. John Morris, stepped into Vanderbilt University Medical Center to build its first trauma center from the ground up 40 years ago, and he was filled with excitement for the newness ahead. On the 40th anniversary of Vanderbilt Life Flight, Morris reflects on how the program revolutionized healthcare statewide. TraumaCare was relatively rudimentary in 1984. There were no designated trauma centers at the time, and the state wouldn't establish its organized trauma system for another four years. Morris quickly realized Vanderbilt needed to reach beyond the ever-growing bounds of Nashville and into rural Tennessee. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that the key to having a successful trauma center in Nashville was to be able to bring patients from the rural area into the urban area. Morris said, "The key with trauma care is to concentrate a large number of patients in the hands of a small number of physicians." So that's what Vanderbilt did. Morris became the first director of the Health Systems Life Flight Program, which has spent the last 40 years deploying trained medical professionals to care for patients in emergency situations while transporting them to the nearest hospitals. I remember the first day of training. The entire day was spent learning how to get in and out of the aircraft. Morris said, "That was how juvenile we were in the very early days. Since then, we have progressed. We have one of the best, if not the best, safety record in the country." A Cambridge University Press article identified a total of 87 accidents and 239 fatalities associated with air medical flights from 2000 through 2020. According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board, none of those were affiliated with Vanderbilt. While medical helicopter crashes are statistically rare across the US, they are common enough for the National Transportation Safety Board to urge medical helicopter companies to improve safety standards as recently as 2020. In four decades, Vanderbilt Life Flight has transported 80,118 patients and 76,942 flights without any major safety incidents. Now, the program reaches across most of the state and even into southern Kentucky with its nine helicopters, 28 advanced life support ambulances and four large critical care ambulances. Morris said the last 40 years have been constantly improved avionics and increasing sophistication in the way doctors and nurses are trained to operate in medical aircrafts. "Basically, the flight nurses are providing a mobile intensive care unit in a space the size of a jacuzzi," Morris said. "It's really remarkable when you see the types of things that they're capable of pulling off," he said. These in-air treatments include transports while using balloon pumps for a patient's heart, blood transfusions, and a number of complicated cardiac resuscitation techniques. I was incredibly fortunate to be part of that incredible team as both a clinician and a leader during the significant time in the programs beginning and growth. Former director Jean Yeetman said, "She grew the aircraft fleet from one to four vehicles and started the process to fund a $1.1 million helipad at the Children's Hospital." Let's take one last break. When we come back, we'll cover the final story of the day. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Give me a call at 931-388-2822. 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@osburn.com. That's turner@osburn.com. Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack and very regional health is ready to care for you. Utilizing the state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab at Murray Regional Medical Center, our team of expert cardiologists and experienced clinical professionals are equipped to investigate heart conditions quickly and perform life-saving interventional procedures. Go to maririgional.com/heart to learn more. And remember, always dial 911 when you or someone near you is experiencing heart attack symptoms. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. - Have you ever wondered if your insurance needs can be personalized? This is Hunter Carey. Our team specializes in planning your insurance needs to get you the best possible solution. State Farm is the largest home and auto insurer in the country. I love bringing that to my hometown. Born and raised in Columbia, I'm grateful for our close community ties. We offer help with home, auto, and life insurance for everyone in our community. Our office is located at 909 South Garden Tree across from the fire station. We're also in line at huntercarry.com. That's hunter@carry.com. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and our final story. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens names international sculptor Ann Carrington is the 2024 Interventions Artist with an exhibition running now until October 27th. Now in his third year, Interventions Lost launched in 2021 as an arts initiative to activate the historic period rooms and to seek inspiration from the Cheek family. Based in Margate, England, Carrington studied at the Royal College of Art and is well known for working with discarded and found objects to create ornate sculptures and works of art for eccentric and elegant pieces breathe new life into otherwise mundane items like knives, spoons, buttons, cans, and coins by unraveling their associations and assigning new meaning as sculpture. To learn more about current and upcoming exhibitions ticketing and other information, visit www.cheekwood.org. 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. (upbeat music) (upbeat music)