Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-26-24
(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 Wednesday, June 26th, and we start with local news. 11 members of a drug trafficking conspiracy pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in middle Tennessee. According to United States Attorney, Henry C. Leventes of the Middle District of Tennessee. Seven of the 11 hail from Columbia. The seven are Devontae Holt, age 30, who pled guilty on April 8th. Kyrie McLean, 21, who pled guilty on May 17th. Ethan Kimes, age 22, who pled guilty on May 29th. Johari Armstrong, 22, who pled guilty on May 29th. Jaden Armstrong, also 22, who pled guilty on May 29th. Tristan Orr, 24 of Columbia, who pled guilty on June 17th and Cortez Duncan, 36, who pled guilty on June 18th. The remaining four, hailed from California. According to charging and plea documents, agents with a drug enforcement administration and Homeland Security investigations, we're investigating the distribution of methamphetamine, marijuana and counterfeit fentanyl-laced oxycodone tablets with the inscription M30, which were being shipped from the Santa Rosa, California area to Tennessee and more than a dozen other states. Subsequent investigation, including surveillance and the review of social media sites and mobile payment records, identified members of the Drug Distribution Network. Law enforcement officers in Columbia, Tennessee, executed several search warrants of the defendant's residences and recovered loaded firearms and blue tablets inscribed M30. On July 25th of 2022, Homeland Security agents seized a package from a UPS store in Sebastopol, California, which was destined for Nashville. This package contained thousands of counterfeit fentanyl-laced oxycodone M30 tablets weighing over two kilograms. The package also contained more than eight pounds of methamphetamine. On August 9th of 2022, HSI agents intercepted two additional packages from the Santa Rosa area, which were destined for residences in Nashville. One package contained 472 grams of the counterfeit fentanyl-laced oxycodone M30 tablets and the other package contained approximately four pounds of methamphetamine. The defendants will be sentenced before the United States District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. in the spring of 2025, four of the Californian and two from Columbia, McLean and Duncan, face up to life imprisonment and a 10 million dollar fine. Holt or Kimes, Jehari Armstrong and Jaden Armstrong face up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency and the Columbia Police Department, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ahmed Safula and Rachel Stevens are prosecuting the case. The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the commencement of the Columbia Infrastructure and Green Space Improvement Project. This key initiative aims to enhance both the safety and aesthetic appeal of the downtown district. The project is being carried out in partnership with Columbia Main Street, thanks to the GM on Main Street Grant Program. Earlier this year, this program awarded five $50,000 grants to non-profit organizations and municipal government entities near GM facilities, including the City of Columbia. Work officially began on June 24th and is expected to be completed over the next several months. City Manager Tony Massey stated, "ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is paramount. The Columbia Infrastructure and Green Space Improvement Project underscores our commitment to enhancing downtown's vitality while prioritizing pedestrian safety. Downtown will see significant improvements as a result of this project, including curb extensions at three intersections on the public square, increased green space and two informational kiosks. Curb extensions and innovative traffic calming measure will enhance pedestrian safety by reducing crossing distances and slowing motorists. The additional green space will offer passive areas for relaxation and enjoyment, while the informational kiosks will provide visitors with details about local businesses, attractions and Columbia's unique history, fostering a stronger sense of place. Assistant City Engineer Douglas Tony remarked, "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." The Columbia Infrastructure and Green Space Improvement Project will further enhance Columbia's attractive and vibrant downtown, making it safer and more enjoyable for the entire community. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and OP Mobility, formerly Plastic Omnium, officials announced on Monday that the company will undergo a $3 million expansion at its Spring Hill plant. The sustainable mobility company's expansion will create 186 new jobs, up from just 18 currently in Murray County and 568 across the state, contributing to the automotive industry, according to the announcement. OP Mobility headquartered in France is a global family-led group with 152 plants across 28 countries. The company has operated in Tennessee since 2015, with locations in Chattanooga, Smyrna, Spring Hill and Hendersonville. Officials say the project is a new opportunity for OP Mobility to expand its product offerings for customers and further support electric vehicle production lines, according to the announcement. Tennessee has earned a worldwide reputation for being one of the best places to do business, not just in the U.S., but across the globe. I'm grateful that OP Mobility has chosen to expand its operations and welcome more jobs and greater opportunity for Tennesseans, Governor Bill Lee said. Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart Seamak-Whorter said, "We're excited for OP Mobility to expand its Spring Hill plant. "It's clear that the automotive industry is booming in Tennessee "and today's announcement is the latest example. "We always appreciate foreign investment in the state "and brands like OP Mobility help strengthen our reputation "for being a state friendly to those businesses "outside our borders," he said. Since 2020, Tennessee Economic and Community Development has supported approximately 15 economic development projects in Murray County, resulting in more than 3,500 job commitments and nearly $5 billion in capital investments. Commissioner McWhorter said the expansion is further evidence of the automotive boom in Tennessee. Murray County alone is home to the largest General Motors plant in North America located in Spring Hill, which is also the location of the multi-billion dollar Altium Cells Battery Plant, which supplies batteries for the Cadillac SUV Lyric manufactured at the GM Spring Hill plant. "OP Mobility is excited by the new challenges given "by the overall mobility transportation transformation "in the automotive industry," said Xavier Murray, OP Mobility Operations Director. "We are proud to pursue our engagement "and industrial excellence in Tennessee "with one of the top OEM and vehicle electrification," he said. Senator Joey Hensley concluded, "I am proud to help announce that OP Mobility "is expanding its operations into Murray County. "The 186 jobs will be a great boost to the local economy "and I look forward to seeing the company succeed," he said. OP Mobility, formerly known as Plastic Omnium, is a world leader in sustainable mobility and a worldwide technology partner to actors from every mobility sector. Innovation driven since its foundation in 1946, OP Mobility has five complimentary business groups offering its customers a wide range of solutions, intelligent exterior systems, customized complex modules, lighting systems, energy storage systems and battery and hydrogen electrification solutions. OP Mobility's customers also benefit from OP and Soft, its in-house software development specialist. With $11.4 billion in economic revenue in 2023 and an international footprint of 152 plants and 40 research and development centers, OP Mobility relies on its 40,300 employees to meet the challenges of making mobility more sustainable. An open house promoting the economy of Spring Hill in the surrounding area drew hundreds of people to summit high school on Saturday, despite temperatures nearing 100 degrees. Almost 150 local businesses and institutions from dance studios to apartment complexes to funeral homes gave out information in freebies during the experienced Spring Hill event. The open house, which is in its 17th year overall and 7th year under its current name, was hosted by Tristar Spring Hill and the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce. Rebecca Melton, the Chamber's executive director said last year's event drew about 3,500 people. "It's free for people to come and experience what Spring Hill has to offer and to support local businesses," she said. "A lot of businesses support our schools and provide so many things to the community. Having a strong economy is important to us," she said. Hospitals and other health facilities had a sizable presence, including Williamson Health, Murray Regional Health and Vanderbilt Health. Multiple tourism departments, including Visit Franklin and Experience Murray, also passed out brochures touting attractions in Murray and Williamson counties. Spring Hill employees were also on hand from the Police Fire and Utility Departments, among others, to sharing information on the city itself. For kids, a scavenger hunt, face painting and volunteers dressed as characters from Star Wars and Disney movies kept smiles on their faces. Local restaurants got in on the act as well with a rock and roll sushi, aha Indian Grill and Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery, among others, selling lunch to hungry guests. Blake Aldridge, branch manager for Liberty Federal Credit Union Spring Hill branch, shared information on LFCU's products and encouraged entries for a giveaway of a cooler full of summer essentials like sunglasses, towels and toys. "We want to help the community any way we can," Aldridge said, adding that it was LFCU's third year participating in Experience Spring Hill. One popular attraction came in the form of Goliath and eight-year-old miniature horse from Freedom Raines Ranch in Columbia. The ranch provides free therapy sessions for children with 15 horses that have been rescued from abuse and neglect. Carissa Ramsdell, Freedom Raines founder and executive director said Goliath has brought joy to experience Spring Hill guests for the last three years. "We like to say that he gives away free smiles and he's really good at it," she said. "It's a really fun event. We love seeing lots of people," she said. As he began assembling the coaching staff for Battle Creek High School, Mike Kennard had an idea of what he wanted his athletic leaders to embody. And early in the process, he hired that embodiment in the form of Paul Lamb. After 18 years in a state baseball championship at Spring Hill, who became one of the new school's first two coaches, along with boys basketball coach Donnie Chambers. We would be, he would be a great model to put everybody up against. And that's pretty much what I did. Kennard said as he secured nine of the 10 coaches that will lead the Grizzlies onto the fields and courts for the first time in about six weeks. "It's a load off my mind. All my faculty is on board. The only one clearing human resources is our softball coach and math teacher," he said. Joining Lamb and Chambers, previously boys basketball coach at Battle Creek Middle School will be football coach Justin Burham, who is most recently served as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia. Volleyball coach Jay Bennett, who previously served as an assistant at Columbia Central. Girls soccer coach John Spencer, who will serve on a non-faculty basis after previously spending time as a boys assistant at Richland while attending UT Southern. Cross-country coach Jessica Holtz, who also comes from Battle Creek Middle School. Girls basketball coach Dan Langland, most recently a women's assistant at Treveccanazzery University after five years as coach at Easton Rapids, Michigan High School. Boys soccer coach AJ Smith, who previously served in the same role at Summit, and will be at Battle Creek on a non-faculty basis. And track and field coach Josh Tran, also a non-faculty coach who has worked with the program at an independence. Of those, golf, wrestling, and tennis will compete in a non-competitive basis with Spring Hill. Only one has a state title to their credit. He has so many qualities I was looking for in a coach, not only the ability to build a program and build a winning program, but also build a program that builds the kids and contributes to not only their athletic success, their wins or growth, but also their academic success. Kannard said of Lamb, a 400 game winner at Spring Hill. That's the type of person I've looked for in all these people. And I feel like I can honestly say, as I look at every one of these head coaches, they all emphasize both areas of the student athlete, where they're going to help them grow both as competitive athletes and as contributing members of society. That was the main thing I was looking for, and I've found that in every one of these, he said. Heading into the two week T-W-S-W-A mandated dead period, which began last Monday, with his staff completed, besides softball, was a bonus for Kannard. I don't think it's ever easy to find the right people, he said. I probably could have done it in a whole lot less time than I did, but I've been trying to be as patient as I can be to find the right people. I've looked at over 800 applications for different people, for different things, trying to take the time to get the right people, I think was the hardest part. Not that there aren't a lot of good people out there. I probably turned away some really good people, but I feel like I filled this building with some amazing people, he said. The City of Columbia has announced that the free parking lot directly behind City Hall will reopen to the public on Monday, July 1st. A small handful of parking spaces near the Columbia Police Department will remain closed temporarily to allow for the completion of additional repairs. The City of Columbia downtown parking garage remains under construction after the completion day to originally set for June was delayed by one month. The three hour parking enforcement downtown will also resume on July 1st. The Athenaeum, one of Columbia's premier historic sites will be hosting the 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 outreach 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 still wanna get in on the fun, 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 is perfect for the whole family. Come and be a part of this 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. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Ochs and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Kathleen Fay Aiken Coates, born in Columbia, 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. on 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 Duvall, 76, a retired educator from 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 Ochs and Nichols Funeral Home. burial will follow in Hardison Cemetery on Joe Brown Road. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Kathy Lee Sellers-Colum, 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. burial will follow in Lasting Hope Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Ochs and Nichols Funeral Home. hometown memorials is sponsored by Ochs 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 Ochs 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 Ochs 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 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 eye for 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. - Ochs 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 early with thunderstorms developing as the day goes on. The high will be near 90 degrees with winds out of the West-South West at five to 10 miles per hour. There's a 70% chance of rain. Tonight, we can expect showers with a possible thunderstorm early than variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. The low will be 69 degrees with light and variable winds. There's a 70% chance of overnight rain. 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. (whooshing sound) - Debbie Matthews grew up and lives in beautiful cool on but 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, sea 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. (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. 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 615-969-0118. 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. [MUSIC PLAYING] 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 Holland tractors from compacts to high horsepower. We have a full line of gravely morn equipment. We also have New Holland Construction Equipment attachments and accessories for your tractors in 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 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. Three, two, one. 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. On Monday, the Tennessee Department of Education released the 2023-2024 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, or TCAP, state, district, and school level results, which include both fall 2023 and, of course, or EOC program exams, rather, and spring 2024 exams in the English Language Arts, or ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies, with the exception of math EOC data, which will be available later in the fall pending the standard setting process. Full 2024 TCAP assessment data is available on the department's data downloads web page. The data files can be found in the state assessment section under the assessment files tab. Together, district and school leaders, educators, families, and elected officials have made tremendous efforts to support students in recovering from pandemic-related learning loss and accelerated learning. The 2023-2024 TCAP results demonstrate student performance, remain steady, or shows growth and improvement across tested grades and subjects. Tennessee's strategic education investments have resulted in steady growth for students across the state, said Governor Bill Lee. As we continue our work to ensure that all Tennessee students are learning on grade level, we remain committed to supporting teachers and empowering families with multiple pathways to achievement so every student can thrive in their academic journey, he said. Here are the 2023-2024 spring TCAP state level overviews. In English language arts, overall, 39% of all students are meeting grade level expectations with proficiency gains in most tested grades in elementary and high schools, continuing to outperform pre-pandemic levels. In math and grades three through eight, 40% of students are meeting grade level expectations with a nearly 3% point gain for fifth and seventh graders. In science, overall proficiency rates held steady for science with an increase of 1% point in overall student proficiency. And in social studies, results show a 1% point gain for all students tested in social studies showing continued improvements over the last three years. 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 Tyre company 1016 South Main Street and Columbia, give me a call at 931-388-6822. If you do 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. Looking for a physician, choosing a health care 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 experience team can provide you with quality care close to home. For more information, visit Murrayregionalmedicalgroup.com. Murray Regional Medical Group, your health is our primary care. Have you ever wondered if your insurance needs can be personalized? This is Hunter Carrey. 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 huntercarrey.com that's hunters, C-A-R-Y.com. Welcome back to southern middle Tennessee today and our final story. The extravagant all-day Independence Day celebration returns to Music City on July 4. It will feature family-friendly activities and musical performances in the Amazon family fun zone and Jack Daniel's Broadway main stage performances with multi-platinum artist Chris Young, headlining. Live musical commence at Music City Walk of Fame Park between 11 a.m. and 4.55 p.m. And the evening main show will continue from 4 p.m. to 9.20 p.m. to 9.20 p.m. Festivities will continue at Asanda Amphitheater where the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony will synchronize a live performance with the anticipated fireworks show at 9.30. The fireworks show for Let Freedom Sing will be one of the largest in the country, said Deanna Ivy, president and CEO of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation. And for the first time this year, we'll feature an accompanying drone show, she said. The drones and fireworks will synchronize with a live musical performance by the Nashville Symphony. 400 drones will soar 400 feet over downtown Nashville and 8-inch fireworks shells will skyrocket at 800 feet in the sky. More than 1,000 flares will illuminate the Cumberland River while ghost shells will appear in the sky as if by magic, according to Ivy. 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. ♪♪♪