Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-28-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRM Radio. Your hometown news is broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Friday, June 28th, and we start as always with Local News. While the show's theme often finds creative ways to dive into the past, reconnecting roots with roots in Columbia has broken new ground by achieving its first daytime Emmy Awards wins. Hosted by Columbia resident Gabe McCauley, the PBS show took home two top prizes at the 51st daytime Emmy Awards on June 7th. The program won Outstanding Original Song, We're Home, which has served as the show's theme and is performed by McCauley's wife, Mandy McCauley, along with Dylan Hodges and Heidi Feek. The second award was for Outstanding Original Writing Team for a daytime nonfiction program. It's the first time we ever submitted for the awards, and when we finally did, it was like, oh wow, we actually got nominated. That's pretty cool, Gabe said. It feels validating and pretty awesome, though I'm still trying to make sense of what it actually means. It's like it's the same show it was before, only now there's more purpose to the show, he said. Now prepping to release its fourth season, reconnecting roots delves into many topics, which focus on iconic industries, cultural movements, music, topics that have influenced and helped shape the world today. I was very hopeful that Mandy, Heidi, and Dylan were going to win for the song, but I did not expect the writing team to win just because it was in a category with some pretty big shows, Gabe said. Headwriter Dave Boyd recalls the surreal moment, and that it took a few seconds to process before the crew was making their way up to accept the awards. It took the table a few seconds to really catch up to what had happened, so there was like a two or three second lull of silence of everybody waiting for us to react. It was hysterical, Dave Boyd said. Mandy McCauley said one of the biggest surprises wasn't just in winning, but the supportive community in the daytime Emmy world. I didn't expect number one to win, but number two for everybody to be so supportive. That surprised me so much, she said, and it's crazy that we wrote this song about almost seven years ago, and now it's winning an award. To celebrate the show's Emmy wins, Muletown Coffee Roasters hosted a special party to honor Columbia's local award winners. Kelly Coyne, who serves multiple jobs producing reconnecting roots, said this was a way to take a pause, celebrate the achievement, and get ready for another busy year of filming, recording and more. I've known Gabe and Mandy for so long and feel like they have been worthy of this for so many years, Coyne said. It felt just so good to see them be recognized for their phenomenal work. As far as what reconnecting roots viewers can expect out of the next year, there will be quite a lot to choose from with season four set to premiere in September. We are putting out singles every month until the show comes out, and then we will put out a whole album, Mandy said. So our season four album will be coming out in September and then start working on our season five album, not long after that. We've got a lot coming up, she said. Plans for a new hospital in Spring Hill cleared their first major hurdle with the approval of a certificate of need for the proposed 68-bed facility. At its June 26th meeting, Tennessee Health Facilities Commission approved the application by HCA TriStar for the certificate of need by a six to two vote. We are grateful for the incredible support we receive from community leaders and residents in the Spring Hill community, said Mitch Edgware as president of HCA Healthcare TriStar Division in a statement. This decision brings us one step closer to fulfilling a promise we made to the Spring Hill community 18 years ago. We are thrilled to expand our services with the addition of a full service hospital, he said. Over the past few months, TriStar Health hosted community meetings to learn about what healthcare services the community wants and needs. More than 1,100 people wrote letters of support for the hospital project, including many Spring Hill elected officials. I am thankful that the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission approved the certificate of need for a hospital in Spring Hill. This is a major step in the right direction and an enormous win for Spring Hill residents, Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hageman said. With our current population and projected exponential growth, a hospital is an absolute necessity. I'm proud to continue this push to get Spring Hill residents access to the healthcare their families deserve, he said. TriStar said more details about construction will be announced in the coming months. The decision came despite joint opposition by Murray Regional Medical Center, Williamson Medical Center, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We are disappointed with this decision and believe another hospital in such close proximity to Murray Regional Medical Center and Williamson Health, both highly respected and nationally recognized, will only serve to substantially increase the cost of healthcare for the Spring Hill and surrounding communities. However, the HFC's decision does not dampen our commitment to expanding exceptional health services to our entire region, including Spring Hill. Murray Regional CEO, Dr. Martin Cheney, said in a statement provided by the hospital. Murray County Commissioners had declined to take a stand against the proposed hospital after those representing the Spring Hill area cited their constituents support of the project. After all the debate, my opinion is let them build it. Spring Hill wants it. Once built, let the competition begin, said Commission Chairman Eric Pravitti. In the end, Murray Regional will have superior service and better care. It's really not even apples to apples here. Murray Regional will be full service, better service of this, I'm confident, he said. TriStar will not, TriStar is for profit and will cause healthcare costs to go up. For that reason, this does not help Murray County and that's my concern, he said. Commissioner Scott Sumner's whose district includes part of Spring Hill added. The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission's 6 to 2 vote in favor of the new hospital in Spring Hill will give residents quicker access to healthcare. My constituents overwhelmingly supported the new hospital and now they will have an option to stay in their hometown for their healthcare needs, he said. TriStar Health announced in April its intention to apply for a certificate of need to bring a $250 million full service hospital to Spring Hill that would be at the site of the current TriStar Spring Hill ER. The proposed hospital would include 68 beds and would provide an estimated economic impact of nearly $870 million and over 3000 new jobs to Spring Hill according to estimates provided by HCA. The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission agenda stated the proposed project also seeks to initiate diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization services, magnetic residence imaging or MRI services and will include a level two neonatal intensive care unit. Murray Regional has expressed its attention to expand services in Spring Hill and reference those plans in its statement with Dr. Chaney stating, Murray Regional Health remains committed to expanding healthcare services in a responsible manner in Spring Hill with a strong focus on primary care and physician specialists and is looking forward to continuing discussions with Spring Hill leadership about healthcare needs of their community and how we can expand our services in ways to best address those needs. In case you happen to see a few extra construction teams in downtown Columbia, it's because the city has begun its latest project to enhance the Columbia Square, the Columbia infrastructure and green space improvement project was made possible via a $50,000 national GM on Main Street program grant. It was also accomplished to the city's partnership with Columbia Main Street, who were one of the only, one of only five nonprofit organizations and municipal government entities to receive the grant. Columbia City Council previously voted to accept the grant in March. Construction for the project began on Tuesday and is expected to be completed over the next several months, according to a city of Columbia press release. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is paramount, city manager Tony Massey said. The Columbia infrastructure and green space improvement project underscores our commitment to enhancing downtown's vitality while prioritizing pedestrian safety, he said. The project's details include several significant improvements to the downtown district, such as curb extensions at three of the four intersections, as well as increased green space. The curb extensions will serve as an innovative traffic calming measure aimed to increase pedestrian safety by reducing crossing distances and slowing downtown motorists. Basically, we're designing the curb out into the white striped no parking area. Columbia Tourism and Marketing Director Kelly Murphy said in March, "It extends the view for the pedestrians "trying to cross the street. "They will be able to go further out into the area "in its traffic calming for the cars "that are coming through the square as well," she said. There will also be two informational kiosks to provide visitors with details about local businesses, restaurants and attractions. Increased green space will also offer more areas to gather and relax. We are excited to begin this project that has been in our imaginations for quite some time, with many city departments being involved in brainstorming, design and the construction and implementation. The improvements will provide increased safety and beautification to match more recent improvements downtown." Massey said. Murray County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura is pleased to announce Kendra Chapman as the new principal of Spring Hill Middle School. Kendra Chapman brings a wealth of experience and a dedication to academic excellence to her new role. With over 25 years in education, she has served in various capacities, including classroom teacher, instructional coach, principal and district leader across two states and seven diverse school districts. Most recently, she served as the middle and high school coordinator for Murray County Public Schools. Kendra holds a BA in political science with a minor in criminal justice from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina and an MSED in special education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She received her credentials in school administration from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and is licensed to teach and administer K-12 education in both Virginia and Tennessee. Kendra resides in Lewisburg, Tennessee with her husband and triplet sons. When she's not coaching and supporting teachers and families, she enjoys traveling abroad, gardening, sewing, painting and drinking coffee. As the new principal of Spring Hill Middle School, Kendra shared, "I look forward to fostering "a collaborative and inclusive environment "where every student can thrive. "I am eager to work with the dedicated staff, "supportive families and the broader community "to continue the tradition of excellence "at Spring Hill Middle School." Superintendent Lisa Ventura shared, " Kendra Chapman's extensive background in education, "her proven leadership through multiple roles "and her commitment to fostering an inclusive "and supportive learning environment "make her an excellent fit for Spring Hill Middle School. "We are confident that under her guidance, "Spring Hill Middle School will continue "to thrive and excel," she said. Mount Pleasant Commissioners moved forward with their own application for a grant to benefit the town's library during their June 18th meeting. The resolution authorizes the city to request up to $2 million in funding with a 10% local match for a connected communities grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. "The Columbia branch of the Murray County Public Library "has already applied for and received such a grant "and has pointed out that the Mount Pleasant branch "needed to apply for its own grant. "We're kind of mirroring what the Murray County Library did "where we're going to, going for a new roof, "new doors and a lot of improvements to the facility," said city manager Kate Collier. "But we're going to add programs that allow employees "to maybe have a health kiosk where they can come "and have their blood pressure taken. "Our goal is to expand the kitchen "where we can do cooking classes. "Everything has to be tied to broadband, "so if we do cooking classes, it'll be on the internet "so people can see it," she said. The grant is funded through federal dollars via the 2021 American Rescue Plan, which have to be spent by next year. The group also approved on second reading the city's fiscal year 2024-2025 budget, which totals $15.023 million, and has no tax increase. In her report, finance director Shifra Cox said the city was working to improve its billing system to get away from postcards. "The amount of calls we get, people not receiving bills, "the amount of people who get two bills at the same time, "the amount of people who get wrong bills, "we started the research process on this about a month ago," Cox said, adding that she hoped a new system would be in place within two or three months. Mayor Bill White noted that he himself had a problem with his bill not arriving on time during June. Collier noted how people were responding to the downtown construction that began in early June as part of their downtown improvement project and that the bridge work was supposed to begin in August. Collier also reported on ongoing wastewater projects saying that rainy street sewer improvements were near completion. The wastewater treatment plant had an issue, she said, because the contractor did not get the state inspector to come in and inspect the electrical. "They're probably going to have to dig up some of their work "to look at it because they should have gotten "the station inspected before they covered it up," Collier said. The trunk line project, which rehabilitated roughly 4,300 feet of sewer pipeline, was also complete, according to Collier. The commission also approved nonprofit appropriations of $1,500 for the Mount Pleasant Murray Museum of Local History, $25,000 for the Mount Pleasant Forward Foundation, Main Street, and $1,500 to the Mount Pleasant Senior Citizen Center. Commissioners also approved the reappointment of Jacqueline Johnson to a three-year term on Mount Pleasant's Board of Zoning Appeals. The South Central Human Resource Agency announced that they will be conducting a commodities distribution through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The food distribution will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, July 1st at Grey Mayor Church of Christ, located at 1320 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia. This food distribution is intended to help with food insecurity in the community, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to those who are eligible. Eligibility will be based on total household income that is within the income guidelines. Anyone receiving aid from SNAP, Families First, SSI, LIHEAP, or Proof of Residency in Public Housing are eligible for USDA commodities. The Athenaeum, one of Columbia's premier historic sites, will be hosting their annual membership meeting and Bean Supper and Auction this Saturday, June 29th at the Athenaeum Rectory, located at 808 Athenaeum Street in Columbia, Supper begins at five, followed by the meeting and auction. There will be many items to choose from, so please join us and help with the upkeep of the historic Athenaeum Rectory. Join the well outrage on July 4th at Summit High School in Spring Hill for an action-packed day of fun in support of your local food pantry. Lace up your shoes and choose from a timed 5K or color-fun run, complete with a foam pit. There's a one-mile turnaround option for those young ones who wanna get in on the fun as well. Not a runner, but still wanna support the well, opt for the sleep-in option, and still grab some awesome event merchandise. Plus, don't miss the bicycle stroller parade hosted by Spring Hill Parks and Recreation, which will be perfect for the whole family. Come and be a part of the Unforgettable event as we run for hunger in Middle Tennessee. Sign up today. As spots will fill up fast, you can sign up at www.thewelloutreach.org. Your participation can make a difference to help feed families in need in Middle Tennessee. Join the breakfast rotary, noon rotary, and Kiwanis of Columbia for the 10th anniversary of the club's 4th of July celebration. The clubs will be sponsoring this free event on Thursday, July 4th at the Kiwanis shelter located in Murray County Park. We honor citizens that day that have done just an outstanding job for our community. noon rotary member George Virile has said, adding that three such citizens will be receiving a Great American Service Above Self award. The honoring ceremony will be at 8.30 AM, and the kids bike parade will follow at 9.15. In years past, along with bike, the bike parade, Virile has said that children have been in wagons and strollers, and dogs have also been in the parade that begins at the Kiwanis shelter located next to the kids kingdom and goes around the back of the playground and ends back where it started. Along with the ceremony and parade, there will also be a children's essay contest on what the 4th of July means to them, Virile has said. There will be free drinks and snacks for the kids, and they are also invited to participate in other activities like face painting and caricatures as well. Virile has included that the event is intended to give honor to our veterans and local community heroes that have served our community well and to inspire patriotism in our youth. The celebration is expected to wrap up by 11.30. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Kathleen Fay Aiken Coates, born in Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on May 20th at the age of 85. A memorial service will be held at Riverside United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. in June 29th. The family will visit with friends prior to the service at the church. A private internment will be held at Pope Memorial Gardens, Mausoleum. Mrs. Barbara Ann Head-Davall, 76, a retired educator for Murray County Schools and a resident of Columbia died Thursday, June 20th at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, June 29th at 2 p.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Barrio will follow in Hardison Cemetery on Joe Brown Road. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 12 until two at the funeral home. Mrs. Kathy Lee Sellers Column, 66, a retired elementary school teacher for Columbia Academy and a resident of Columbia died Monday, June 24th at Murray Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, June 30th at 2 p.m. at West 7th Street Church of Christ. Barrio will follow in lasting Hope Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from three until seven at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Hometown Memorial is sponsored by Oakes 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 Oakes and Nichols, 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 Oakes 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 rights and passage are very important, but we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. - At Oakes 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. - Oakes and Nichols Funeral Directors, 320 West Seventh Street in Columbia. Since 1856, people you can rely on. - For your Southern Middle Tennessee weather, we will have a mix of sun and clouds today with a high of 92 degrees. Winds will be out of the South-South-East at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect partly cloudy skies and a low near 75. For your weekend forecast, we will see mostly sunny skies on Saturday until the evening when scattered showers and thunderstorms roll in. Scattered thunderstorms will continue through Sunday tapering off Sunday night. Weekend highs will be in the low 90s, overnight lows will be in the low 70s. - 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 Koolambia, 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 a community with farm, residential and commercial fencing, as well as pole barns and buildings. Call today for a free estimates and 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, Trotwood Avenue, Columbia. (upbeat music) - 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. - Hi, I'm Matt Parralis, Manager of Murray County Equipment. We help you with all your agricultural and construction equipment needs. We carry a full line of new haul and tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely morn equipment. We also have new haul and construction equipment, attachments and accessories for your tractors and a complete parts department. We are locally owned and operated. Come see us at 1075, North James Campbell Boulevard or learn about us on Facebook or contact us at 931-490-8183. - This is Bob Kessel with Pat Ryan. It's a beautiful day for digging. The vacuole operator has the engine running and is moving into position. He's heading for the ground. He's in there. Wait, there's a flag on the play. Let's get out of the field for the call from our official. - A legal procedure on the digging team. - Oh, that penalty could cause a costly accident. - That's right, Bob. He needs to call before he digs. There's underground utility lines that could be hiding just below the surface. Water, sewer, electrical, communication lines and even natural gas. Avoid a penalty by first calling 8-1-1 to have any underground public utility lines located at marked with flags or paint. It's free, it's easy and it's the law. For more tips, visit pipesafety.org. This message brought to you by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters and the Tennessee Gas Association, funded in part by a grant from the Underground Utility Damage Enforcement Board. (whooshing) (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 no news from around the state. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or TWRA participates in Operation Drywater, a year round boating under the influence or BUI and enforcement campaign. Operation Drywater's heightened awareness and enforcement annually takes place around the July 4th holiday. The July 4th holiday means an increase in boater activity and the TWRA will be on heightened alert for boating under the influence and fractions. Over the course of the July 4th holiday period, law enforcement officers will also be working to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs for both operators and passengers. Voters will notice an overall increase in officer patrols on the water, the combined efforts of the participating law enforcement agencies will result in the removal of impaired operators from the state's waterways, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters. Boating under the influence is a 100% preventable crime that will not be tolerated by wildlife officers, said Lieutenant Colonel Matt Majors of TWRA's Boating and Law Enforcement Division. It is very selfish and irresponsible to endanger your life or the safety of others by consuming alcohol or drugs and operating a boat in Tennessee, he said. - 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 a 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. - Looking for a physician? Choosing a healthcare provider for your family is one of the most important decisions you will make. Murray Regional Medical Group delivers primary care for individuals of all ages from newborns to adults and has an array of specialists ranging from endocrinologists to urologists. With locations in Murray, Lewis, Marshall and Wayne counties, our experienced team can provide you with quality care close to home. For more information, visit murrayregionalmedicalgroup.com, murrayregional medical group. Your health is our primary 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 online at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. The second annual Field Day at Riverwalk Park in Columbia will be this Saturday. Field Day at Riverwalk will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Riverwalk Park Splashpad located at 102 Riverside Drive in Columbia. This all ages event is free to attend. Activities will include games like tug-of-war, sack races, corn hole and yard games. There will also be refreshing ice pops available to cool down plus a whole lot more. For more information, contact Ireland at ifitspatric@columbiotn.com or call 931-982-2298. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting, W-K-O-M-W-K-R-M radio. I'll be back on Monday to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great weekend. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)