Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-21-24
(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 Friday, June 21st, 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 especially aggravated robbery and criminal conspiracy to sell schedule 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. On May 31st, a grand jury returned indictments charging Columbia resident Victoria A. Cash, age 40, and Gillespie's murder as well. Cash was indicted on one count each of first-degree murder, criminal homicide, attempted especially aggravated robbery and criminal conspiracy to sell schedule to narcotics. Cash has since 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. The median home in Murray County lists for $469,998 as of May, down 2.2% from the previous month's $480,325, an analysis of data from Realtor.com shows. Compared to May of 2023, the median home list price increased 7.2% from $439,445. Murray County's median home was 2069 square feet, listed at $228 per square foot. The price per square foot of homes for sale is down 3.6% from May of 2023. Listings in Murray County move steadily at a median 29 days listed compared to the May national median of 44 days on the market. In the previous month, homes had a median of 30 days on the market. Around 248 homes were newly listed on the market in May, a 3.9% decrease from 258 new listings in May of 2023. Across the Nashville, Davidson, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Metro area, median home prices rose to $588,450, slightly higher than a month earlier. The median home had 2,204 square feet at a list price of $273 per square foot. Murray Regional Health has earned a 2024 Great Place to Work certification, a prestigious award from Great Place to Work, based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Murray Regional Health. The organization is one of only six companies in Tennessee, two of which are health care providers, to achieve this certification. "We firmly believe that our greatest asset is our people," said Murray Regional Health CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney. "They are the driving force behind our success, "and their unwavering commitment to excellence "is truly commendable. "Receiving this honor not only validates our commitment "to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, "but also reflects the exceptional contribution "each team member makes to our organization every day. "It's a true testament to the culture we've built together, "one that values collaboration, "respect, and innovation," he said. "Great Place to Work is a global authority "on workplace culture, employee experience, "and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver "market-leading revenue, employee retention, "and increased innovation. "To become certified companies must use "great place to work's trust index survey "to gauge employee experience and complete a culture brief." The survey asks questions about employees' attitudes, perceptions, and opinions regarding credibility, fairness, respect, pride, and camaraderie. Among the highest ratings achieved on Murray Regional Health Survey, include employees feeling they are treated fairly, regardless of race or gender, positive perception of Murray Regional Health's contributions to the community, and safety in the workplace, companies that score above 65% or higher achieve great place to work certification. "Great Place to Work certification "is a highly coveted achievement that requires "consistent and intentional dedication "to the overall employee experience," said Sarah Lewis Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place to Work. She emphasizes that certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Murray Regional Health stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees," she said. Murray Regional Health provides an environment where employees can grow and excel in their chosen profession. In addition to offering robust professional development opportunities, the organization provides one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in middle Tennessee, including medical, dental and vision insurance plans, merit-based pay increases, flexible shift options, an on-site daycare center, education assistance for qualifying candidates, access to earned wages before payday, financial counseling and career navigation support, local discounts, and more. First Farmers and Merchants Corporation, the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, announced last week that Theresa Matthews has joined the bank as secondary mortgage operations manager. We are pleased to welcome Theresa Matthews to our team as secondary mortgage operations manager, stated Brian K. Williams, first farmers chairman and CEO. Theresa brings over two decades of extensive experience in mortgage operations and secondary market management. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to our expand our mortgage services, he said. Theresa will be transitioning into her new role with guidance from our existing leadership team to ensure a seamless integration. We are confident that her background in managing risk, quality assurance, and secondary markets will significantly contribute to our strategic objectives, Williams added. Prior to joining First Farmers, Matthews served as mortgage operations manager and senior vice president at Linneage Bank in Franklin. Her responsibilities included overseeing all aspects of mortgage operations, implementing software solutions like the encompassed loan origination system and key investor relationships, as well as establishing a relationship with Freddie Mac. Matthews has managed secondary market activities such as pricing, rate establishment, and interest rate risk management. Previously, Matthews held mortgage related roles at Franklin Synergy Bank, Cumberland Bank, and Franklin Financial Mortgage Incorporated. At Franklin Synergy Bank, she managed all secondary market operations and developed comprehensive management reports for secondary market controls. At Cumberland Bank, she oversaw mortgage operations, implemented essential software systems and monitored production volumes and budgets. At Franklin Mortgage, Financial Mortgage Incorporated, she handled pricing, rate establishment, and ensured that mortgages met investor standards. Matthews has completed numerous courses and certifications from the Mortgage Bankers Association, the American Institute of Banking, and Canon Financial Institute. First Farmers and Merchants Corporation is the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, a community bank serving the middle Tennessee area through 22 offices in seven middle Tennessee counties. As of March 31st, First Farmers reported total assets of approximately $1.9 billion, total shareholders' equity of approximately $124 million, and administered trust assets of $6 billion. The Arby's Foundation is dedicated to giving back to its communities across the country, and throughout 2024, it will donate $4.5 million to organizations that support childhood hunger, youth leadership, and career readiness initiatives. Of the total donation amount, $1 million will go toward no kid hungry, $500,000 to folds of honor, and $3 million to support hundreds of other local community groups throughout the United States. In Columbia, the Arby's Foundation proudly donated $15,000 to Carmack Boulevard Church of Christ. Giving back to communities through local grants and our nonprofit partners, and it is an integral part of what we do, said Rita Patel, Arby's brand president. We also know that for many kids, summer is the hungriest time of year. That's why in addition to our local grants, we are launching a summer match campaign with no kid hungry, she said. Through the end of July, Arby's Foundation will match up to $250,000 on all donations to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign run by share our strength, a nonprofit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. The Arby's Foundation believes reliable access to meals is ground zero for a child's success, and is proud to support this important initiative this summer, a time when children and communities need additional resources when school isn't in session. To donate, visit nokidhungry.org/Arby's Foundation to have their contribution matched through July. To learn more about the work the Arby's Foundation is doing throughout the year, visit www.foundation.arby's.com. Join the Columbia Breakfast Rotary, Noon Rotary and Kiwanis of Columbia for the 10th anniversary of the club's 4th of July celebration. The club's 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 Vrylis said, adding that three such citizens will be receiving a great American service above self-award. The honoring ceremony will be at 8.30 a.m. 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 good time, Vrylis said. He said that everyone is welcome, but bikes are for younger children, like elementary school kids, and if they need help decorating their bikes, ribbons will be provided. And here's past, along with the bikes, Vrylis 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 4th of July means to them. Vrylis 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. Vrylis 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. (mouse clicking) Increases for water rates and impact fees received approval on first reading at the Columbia City's Council monthly meeting in June. Columbia Power and Water Systems made a request to increase the water rates at charges for large volume customers. The rate increase is part of a proposed two year rate plan in which the customer charges for residential customers would increase by $5 and customer charges for commercial industrial customers will increase by $10. The new usage rates are broken out into two areas, urban and suburban, urban residential commercial customers with monthly usage from zero to 8,000 gallons will pay $3.30 per 1,000 gallons. Those using 8,001 through 20,000 gallons per month will increase to $3.80 per 1,000 gallons and users over 20,000 gallons per month will pay $4.05 per 1,000 gallons. Suburban residential commercial customers with monthly usage from zero to 8,000 gallons will pay $4.30 per 1,000 gallons. Those using 8,001 through 20,000 gallons per month will increase to $4.80 per 1,000 gallons and users over 20,000 gallons per month will pay $5.05 per 1,000 gallons. A second year of rate changes is also part of the CPWS proposal but is yet to be considered or approved. The ordinance establishing a new rate schedule, past and first reading, the public hearing for the ordinance has been set for July 11th prior to the next voting session of the city council. Second and final reading is expected to be on the agenda for that meeting as well. Another CPWS proposal also passed on first reading last week increases the water impact fee on new water customers in an effort to serve the demand for water system capital facilities and public improvements. The resolution recommends three impact fee increases of $5 per single family unit equivalent and CPWS would desire to implement the first $500 increase on August 1st after two readings with the city council and a 30 day notice period, a memo concerning the impact fee proposal states. The next two fee increases would occur on July 1st of 2025 and July 1st of 2026. The memo goes on to explain that the increase is proposed on the cost of a 3/4 inch meter service which represents one single family unit equivalent. Larger meter costs, it goes on to explain or normalize to the number of single family unit equivalents it can serve. A table of the costs for the meter sizes for 3/4 inch and 10 inch was included. I would like to thank CPWS and the board for what they've done. Councilman Danny Coleman said it will help improve things, but also having growth pay for growth, he said. 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 in 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 one hour. Eileen Longstreet and Alex Pierce will participate with Justin Knue of the Tennessee Holler Moderating. Alex Pierce is from Columbia 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 Sapicki, a Republican from Colleoka. James Dallas, the Murray County Democratic Party Chair said, "We are excited to offer voters in House District 64 an opportunity to learn more about our candidates." Spring Hill's popular annual community event experienced Spring Hill the event, presented by TriStar Spring Hill ER is back on Saturday, June 22nd. This jam-packed event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Summit High School. Experienced Spring Hill the event offers attendees a chance to explore all that Spring Hill has to offer in one day under one roof. The free event features over 140 exhibitors from local businesses and nonprofits, a children's activity area, a food court, community and city information, games with prizes for all ages, dance performances and much more. "We're thrilled to host this popular event again this year," said Rebecca Melton, Executive Director of the Spring Hill Chamber. Experienced Spring Hill the event offers an excellent opportunity for residents to explore local businesses and access community information while enjoying family-friendly fun, she said. Experienced Spring Hill the event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available at Summit High School. For more information, visit www.experiencedspringhill.com. And now your hometown memorials sponsored by Oak Synicals Funeral Home. Robert Hardison, Bobby Walker, 97 of Lewisburg, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17th. Mr. Walker is best known as the Longtime President of Walker Dye Casting Incorporated, which he founded in 1958 and presided over for many years. The funeral service for Mr. Walker will be held at the Lewisburg Methodist Church on Saturday, June 22nd at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the McKnight Center in Lewisburg on Friday evening from 4 until 8 p.m. Linda Roberts Harris, 83, died Sunday, June 16th at Vitality Living in Franklin. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, June 22nd at 11 a.m. at West 7th Street Church of Christ. Barry will follow at Pope Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Mrs. Kathleen Fay Aiken Coates, born in Columbia, Tennessee on April 25th, 1939 and 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.oaksandnickels.com. Home town memorials is sponsored by Oaks and Nichols Funeral Home, serving with dignity and consideration for over 150 years. As years go by, people may tend to forget just what a funeral is really all about. At Oaks and Nichols, we believe it's first at 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 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. For your southern middle Tennessee weather, we'll have a mix of sun and clouds today with a high of 93 degrees. Winds will be light and variable. Tonight we can expect some clouds in a low of 69. For your weekend forecast, we'll have partly cloudy skies on both Saturday and Sunday with a daytime high of 93. There's a slight chance of scattered thunderstorms on Sunday. Overnight lows during the weekend 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 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. 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 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 615-969-0118 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. 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 mooring 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. Our contact is 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. 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 I'm news from around the state. The Nissan Rogue joined 15 other finalists for a coolest thing made in Tennessee online voting contest, according to a press release. The top 16 are among over 100 applicants to enter submissions for consideration for the Tennessee Manufacturers Association Competition, according to a press release from Aldo Amodo, a spokesperson with Cooley Public Strategies in Brentwood. Other organizers of the first ever coolest thing made in Tennessee competition include Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association, and Smart Factory Institute, Tennessee. Those interested in voting in the online coolest thing made in Tennessee poll have until June 24th to participate through the event website, coolestthingmadeintn.com/vote. Smyrna Mayer-Mary Esther Reed stated that she's pleased to learn that the Nissan Rogue built in her town has gained statewide recognition. Voting for the top eight in the competition will commence June 26th and run through July 2nd. The top four will be announced on July 8th with final voting starting on July 9th through July 24th. The winner will be announced on July 25th at the coolest things made in Tennessee luncheon at the Commons at PIE Innovation Center in Cleveland. Other coolest things that made the list include American Paper Optics Eclipse Glasses, Gourmet Flavored Bacons from Hitman Smoked Products, Helicopters from Bell Textron, Jack Daniels' Tennessee Whiskey, of course, and John Deere X370R Electric Zero-Turn Moer. Williamson Medical Center celebrated a new expansion with some special guests on Tuesday, country singer Luke Bryan and his wife Caroline, who'd lived just down the road, were there to cut the ribbon for the expanded and renovated West Tower on Carruthers Parkway. Caroline is the campaign co-chair and Luke the honorary co-chair of the renovation's fundraising effort. A sign was unveiled with their names on it honoring their hard work. The day also included facilities tours, free food, and lots of children's activities. Let's take one last break when we come back. We'll cover the final story of the day. You're listening to Southern Middle Tennessee today. Turner and Osborne Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Good macolodine 3-1-3-8-8-68-22. 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 are checking out a line at Turner and Osborne.com that's Turner and Osborne.com. Living with a worn joint can be painful and frustrating. Leave your joint pain in the past with a joint replacement procedure at Murray Regional Health. Our joint replacement program has been recognized in the top 10% of the nation for medical excellence and patient safety. Thanks to our highly skilled and experienced surgical staff who perform progressive procedures for the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. For more information, go to MurrayRegional.com/jointreplacement. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. Have you ever wondered if your insurance needs can be personalized? This is Hunter Carey. Our team specializes in planning your insurance needs to get you the best possible solution. State Farm is the largest home and auto insurer in the country. I love bringing that to my hometown. Born and raised in Columbia, I'm grateful for our close community ties. We offer help with home, auto, and life insurance for everyone in our community. Our office is located at 909 South Garden Tree 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 our final story. Columbia's Power Sports Super Center, located at 800 South James M. Campbell Boulevard, invites the community for its bike day charity event this Saturday. The event will raise money for Lighthouse Kids, a center specializing in children with autism. The event will include food, a kid's bike race, bounce houses, face painting, and more. Bike day will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday. That's all for this edition of Southern Middle Tennessee today. I'm Kennedy Broadcasting, WKOMWKRM Radio. If you ever miss a part or all of this broadcast, you can listen to it anytime or read the transcript online by visiting frontportradiotn.com. It's always there for you. 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. Have a great weekend. [Music]