Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-24-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRN radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the Debbie Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Monday, June 24th, and we start with local news. A second arrest has been made in connection with the 2021 murder of 52-year-old Loreto resident, Sharon Gillespie, that took place outside the summit of Lawrenceburg. Gillespie had been working at the summit on April 13th, 2021 at the time of her death. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and Gillespie was found unresponsive in the parking lot shortly afterwards. She was transported to nearby Southern Tennessee regional health system, Lawrenceburg, where she succumbed to her injuries. In August of 2022, detectives presented evidence to a Lawrence County grand jury who opted to return indictments against 40-year-old Columbia resident Brandon M. Ware. Ware was subsequently arrested on charges of first-degree murder, criminal homicide, attempted a specially aggravated robbery and criminal conspiracy to sell scheduled to narcotics. Ware was incarcerated under a bond of $1 million. At the time of Ware's arrest, officials with the Lawrenceburg Police Department indicated that additional arrests were expected in the future. This past May 31st, a grand jury returned indictments charging Columbia resident Victoria A. Cash, age 40, in Gillespie's murder as well. Cash was indicted on one count each of first-degree murder, criminal homicide, attempted a specially aggravated robbery and criminal conspiracy to sell scheduled to narcotics. Cash has been arrested and incarcerated under a $3 million bond. Investigation in the case was conducted by detectives with the Lawrenceburg Police Department in conjunction with special agents with the Office of Homeland Security. We have more details on the deadly crash on Hampshire Pike last week. One person is dead and five people were hospitalized after a head-on crash in Murray County on Tuesday morning. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said 30-year-old Nathaniel Morris died in the crash. At about 6.45 a.m. crews with the Murray County Fire Department were called to a head-on crash on Hampshire Pike near Ridgetop Road. When crews arrived, five people were found trapped in two cars and one person was found to be deceased according to officials. Crews said it took an hour to extricate all of the victims from the cars. Three adults were flown and two juveniles were driven to local hospitals. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Morris was driving west on Hampshire Pike and the other driver's 61-year-old Michael Sportelli was driving east. Morris crossed the center line and hit Sportelli's car head-on, the THP said, and he was ejected onto the roadway. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said Sportelli's car hit several trees before stopping on the south side of the road. Morris's car stopped in the westbound lane facing north with him lying next to the front left fender. He was not wearing a seatbelt, THP reported. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No charges are expected for anyone involved. (silence) U.S. Representative Andy Ogles expensed more on lodging and meals than 94% of his house colleagues in 2023. According to a congressional expenses filed in a new receipt-free reimbursement program, the some critics say lacks accountability and transparency. Ogles ranked 25th in spending out of the 328 house members who spent a total of $5.8 million in 2023. It was a report on the reimbursement program from the Washington Post. The total reflects member expenses filed as of June 2024 for lodging and meals and incidental expenses during official business in 2023. And members have until December to file any outstanding expenses from 2022 and 2023. Ogles' recouped spending also far outpaced the rest of the Tennessee delegation. The Tennessee and previously reported Ogles has spent more than $335,000 on taxpayer-funded communications since 2023. Ogles' increased spending on these ads as he faces a competitive primary race later this summer. Out of 435 house members, 107 members did not file any reimbursements under the new receipt-free program, including U.S. Representative John Rose of Cookville and U.S. Representative Tim Burget of Knoxville. The other Tennessee members expense less than $19,000 each on lodging and meals. The reimbursement program finalized last year was intended to help lawmakers cover the out-of-pocket costs they shoulder by living part-time in Washington, D.C. and their home districts. Members earn a salary of $174,000 and haven't seen a cost of living raise in 15 years. Though the annual salary is well above that of the average American, some have argued the costs of being a D.C. lawmaker can be a barrier to those who aren't independently wealthy. The Washington Post reports government accountability and transparency experts have criticized the new program as ripe for abuse as lawmakers can now file for reimbursements without providing any paper trail. The few rules of the new program block lawmakers from reimbursing themselves for principal or interest payments on their mortgage, but it doesn't require members to keep a record of their expenses. The program's biggest spender in 2023 was U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, a Republican from Michigan, who was reimbursed $44,079, a 25% value compared to the congressional salary of $174,000 per the post-database. At 25th on the list, Ogles received $30,264 in reimbursements, including more than $21,000 for lodging costs and more than $8,500 for food. Ogles' reimbursement total far outpaced the rest of the Tennessee delegation. U.S. Representative Diane Harshberger of Kingsport received $18,035. Representative Steve Cohen of Memphis received $17,271. Representative Mark Green of Clarksville $14,600. Representative Chuck Fleischman of Ultzewal received $8,561. Representative Scott Dejarlay of Murfreesboro received $4,989. Representative David Kustoff of Germantown received $2,377, and representatives Rose and Bertrand filed for zero lodging and meal reimbursements. In related news, Representative Ogles was the resounding victor among attendees at the Davidson County Republican Party's annual picnic event on Saturday, who participated in a straw poll weighing candidates running in the August 1st Republican primary for Tennessee's 5th congressional district. Ogles won the straw poll with 144 votes over Metro Nashville City Council member Courtney Johnston, who received just 48 votes. Elected to Congress in 2022, Ogles is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and boasts a 100% rating on the Heritage Action scoreboard, the nation's leading conservative scoreboard, scorecard rather. 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 want to get in on the fun. Not a runner, but still want to 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. Join the breakfast rotary, noon rotary, and Kiwanis of Columbia for the 10th anniversary of the clubs, 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 Virilis, 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. Everyone comes out in their colors, red, white, and blue, and decorations, and just has a great time, Virilis said. He said that everyone is welcome, but bikes are for younger children, and if they need help decorating their bikes, ribbons will be provided. In years past, along with the bikes, Virilis 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 kid's 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 Fourth of July means to them, Virilis said. There will be free drinks and snacks for children, and they are also invited to participate in other activities like face painting and caricatures as well. Virilis 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, he said. The celebration is expected to wrap up by 11.30. The Murray County Democratic Party announced there will be a debate on Monday, July 8th at 6 p.m. between two Democratic candidates running for the Tennessee State House of Representatives for District 64. The event will be held at Macedonia Recreation Center located at 501 Armstrong Street in Columbia and is open to the public. It will begin at 6 p.m. and will last for approximately an hour. Eileen Longstreet and Alex Pierce will participate with Justin Kanu of the Tennessee Haller Moderating. Alex Pierce is from the Columbia area and Eileen Longstreet is from Spring Hill. House District 64 includes the eastern part of Murray County. The seat is currently held by Representative Scott Sepicki, a Republican from Kalyoka. James Dallas, the Murray County Democratic Party Chair said, "We're excited to offer voters in House District 64 an opportunity to learn more about our candidates," he said. Murray Alliance is excited to announce that applications for the Leadership Murray Class of 2024-2025 are now open. Leadership Murray offers a unique opportunity to connect with local decision-makers, gain insights into various sectors, and explore all the great things Murray 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 now and be a part of a network of passionate leaders dedicated to making a difference. Learn more at www.merryalliance.com. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety roadside safety checkpoints this week on State Route 7.1 miles south of Knob Creek Road in Murray County, starting at 10 p.m. Empaired driving is a serious crime that kills more than 16,000 people and injures 305,000 others every year in the United States. Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Troopers will target those who operate a vehicle while impaired and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools in the battle against impaired driving. Columbia State Community College's Columbia Campus is excited to announce one last summer camp for 2024, innovate and illuminate. We'll run from July 8th through the 12th for rising six through eighth graders. Participants will learn to make fun and useful projects using the fundamentals of circuit building and microcontroller programming. For more information and to register, visit www.campusce.net/ColumbiaState or email workforcedev@columbiastate.edu. The Murray County Clerk's Office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at the Murray County Senior Center located at 1020 Murray County Park Drive. Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the card tag renewal signed near the back door. Forms of payment include credit or debit card or check. No cash will be accepted at the Senior Center. Any Murray County resident can use this office. All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 public square in downtown Columbia. Also, you can renew online at tncountyclirk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mount Pleasant Courthouse. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. Mrs. Kathleen Fay Aiken Coates, born in Columbia on April 25th, 1939, 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, online condolences, may be extended at www.oakesand nickels.com. Theo Arnold Fox, 80, a retired welder and resident of Columbia died Sunday, June 23rd at his residence. Services are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesand nickels.com. Hometown memorials 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 Sowo believe the way to honor tradition is with a specially personal service. - We believe your traditions, your customs, your rights of passage are very important, but we also believe in taking care of your personal wishes as well. - At Oakes and Nickels, 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 7th Street in Columbia. Since 1856, people you can rely on. - For your Southern Middle Tennessee weather, we will have plenty of sunshine today with a high of 93 degrees. Winds will be light and variable. Tonight, we can expect clear skies and a low of around 66 degrees. Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll cover state and national news that affect you. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. (upbeat music) - Debbie Matthews-Rilter and her husband, Jason, who is a pro songwriter. Also own a music publishing company. They live in historic downtown Columbia with their dogs. Dog rescue work is their passion project. They consider Middle Tennessee their backyard and their lives are full of all things, Tennessee. Debbie says, "There is no greater honor than to help someone find a home. To be trusted with that job, there is no greater privilege. Call Debbie at the Nashville Realty Group, 615-476-3224, 615-476-3224." - Family first. My dad used to tell us that all the time. But family first wasn't just something he'd say to us. It was how he lived every day of his life. And it's how I try to live mine, too. - At shelter insurance, our agents are dedicated to helping provide personalized auto, home and life protection that put your family first. We're 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 barn. 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 Trey Hancock 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 to gravely, they don't have to. You see, gravely makes not only the best built and most comfortable lawnmowers, they also leave your house looking like a 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 Kesley 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. - Here we go. (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. The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law banning domestic abusers from owning guns, showing that a conservative court that has expanded gun rights also sees areas for limitations. Since the founding, our nation's firearm laws have included provisions preventing individuals who threaten physical harm to others from misusing firearms. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the 8-1 majority in a decision that faulted some courts from misunderstanding the court's recent moves backing gun rights. For Justice Clarence Thomas, the lone dissenter on Friday and author of one of the past key gun rights decisions said there isn't a single historical regulation that justifies the ban. Justice Katanji Brown Jackson joined the majority that quibbled with analyzing statutes based on how they would have been viewed historically. She said a historical perspective on the Second Amendment would depend on the historians who are consulted. "Who is protected by the Second Amendment "from a historical perspective?" Jackson wrote. "I could go on, as others have, but I won't," she said. "The decision indicates the court is likely "to be more flexible in applying the historical test," it said in 2022, "but doesn't foreshadow "how that test will be applied to other restrictions, "such as prohibiting nonviolent felons from having guns "or banning high-capacity magazines," according to Joseph Blocker, co-director of the Center for Firearms Law at Duke University School of Law. "I think the Supreme Court is probably going to have "to take more cases going forward to resolve those issues," Blocker said. "This is a win for the government, but in some respects, "it's about the narrowest win that the government could have." In fact, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in a concurring opinion that the decision leaves open the question of whether the ban on guns for those subject to a domestic violence restraining order could be challenged by someone with different circumstances. The case centered on a Texas man, Zaki Rahimi, who was involved in five shootings between 2020 and 2021. Rahimi pleaded guilty to the federal crime of possessing guns while subject to a restraining order, but an appeals court threw out his conviction. The New Orleans-based Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals relied on the court's Blockbuster 2022 decision, New York State RPA versus Bruin, striking down a New York law that required state residents to have "proper cause," to carry a handgun. In that six to three opinion, the court ruled that gun regulations must be consistent with this nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation to survive court challenges. The Supreme Court on Friday said Friday the appeals court was wrongly looking for a historical twin to the regulation, rather than a historical analog. Some courts, Robert's wrote, have misunderstood the methodology of our second recent Second Amendment cases, he said. "These precedents were not meant to suggest a law trapped in amber," Robert's wrote. "Holding otherwise would be a mistaken as applying the protections of the right only to muskets and sabers," he said. During the court's discussion of Rahimi's case in November, the question arose of what to do about a situation such as domestic violence, in which there was essentially no law on the books when the Second Amendment wasn't acted. Much of the discussion focused on the idea that even if the framers didn't ban domestic abusers from owning guns, there was historical precedent for banning guns from people who were considered dangerous. Thomas, in his dissent, accused the other justices of mixing and matching historical laws. He called that strategy a regulatory blank check to allow the government to disarm its citizens. That means the government need only find a historical law with a comparable justification to validate modern disarmament regimes, Thomas wrote. "As a result, historical laws finding certain behavior could justify completely disarming a person for the same behavior," he said. While the appeals court had acknowledged Rahimi was hardly a model citizen, it ruled the law prohibiting him from owning a gun is an outlier that our ancestors would never have accepted. Underscoring the significance of the case, hundreds of gun safety and domestic violence prevention advocates had rallied outside the Supreme Court ahead of the November oral arguments, holding signs that read mom's demand action or a student's demand action on gun control. Ashley Lance, executive director of Brady Political Action Committee, said two thirds of women killed by an intimate partner are killed with a gun. Thousands of women and other victims of domestic violence can breathe the sigh of relief today as the court correctly ruled that their abusers cannot own firearms, Lance said, in a statement on Friday. President Joe Biden said, "No one who has been abused should have to worry about their abuser getting a gun." Our Attorney General, Merrick Garland, said the court maintained a common sense prohibition consistent with the Second Amendment to protect victims of domestic violence from their abusers. Even Second Amendment's rights groups acknowledged that Rahimi probably should not have access to guns. In 2019, Rahimi pulled out a gun and fired at a passerby who witnessed him dragging his girlfriend through a parking lot. Months later, after getting into an accident, he repeatedly shot at the other driver. In 2021, he fired several times after a friend's credit card was declined at a water burger, burger joint. But those groups, including the National Rifle Association, argue that Rahimi should have his guns confiscated only after he has been convicted of the crimes. The federal law that bars people from owning guns because of restraining order, those groups say, is consistent with the way courts have historically viewed punishment. 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. (upbeat music) Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Good Macaula, 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 of prices in Middle Tennessee. Hey, they're official Michelin and Goodyear dealers and they've got all kinds of brands as well. Stop by and see Walker Vining and his professional staff or check them out online at Turner and Osborne.com. That's Turner and Osborne.com. Don't let pain keep you out of the game. Murray Regional Physical Therapies experience team of therapists can help you recover from surgery, injury, or illness by designing a plan that meets your unique needs. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to help you get back to doing the things you love. Schedule a consultation at any of our convenient Southern Middle Tennessee locations by calling 931-380-4014. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. - Have you ever wondered if your insurance needs can be personalized? This is Hunter Carey. Our team specializes in planning your insurance needs to get you the best possible solution. - State Farm is the largest home and auto insurer in the country. I love bringing that to my hometown. Born and raised in Columbia, I'm grateful for our close community ties. We offer help with home, auto, and life insurance for everyone in our community. Our office is located at 909 South Garden Tree across from the fire station. We're also in line at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today. And now our final story. Jeopardy, host Ken Jennings announced that the US Postal Service will issue a forever stamp honoring beloved former host Alex Trebek, concurrent with the show's 60th Diamond Celebration that was launched earlier this year to celebrate the remarkable legacy of America's favorite quiz show. Presales for this special stamp have begun at www.usps.com. The stamp commemorates Alex Trebek, a longtime host of the television quiz show Jeopardy, who became a respected and beloved presence in millions of homes. The grade of 20 identical stamps resembles the array of video monitors that form the Jeopardy game board. On the stamp is written a prompt. This naturalized US citizen hosted the quiz show Jeopardy for 37 seasons. And underneath, upside down is the correct response. Who is Alex Trebek? That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today on Kennedy Broadcasting WKOMWKRM Radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontportradiotn.com. It's always there for you. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Price. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music) (upbeat music)