Front Porch Radio - Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price
Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-15-24
(upbeat music) - Hello and welcome to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM and WKRN Radio. Your hometown news broadcasting from the W Matthews Nashville Realty Newsroom in Columbia, Tennessee. I'm your host, Tom Price. Today is Monday, July 15th, and we start with local news. Governor Bill Lee announced this week his appointments of three key judicial positions. Among the appointments was Jessica Parrish, to the 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court. The 22nd Judicial District covers Giles, Lawrence, Murray, and Wayne counties. I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles, Lee stated in a press release. "I appreciate their leadership and I'm confident they will serve Tennesseans with integrity," he said. Parrish currently serves as Assistant District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District. She earned her bachelor's degree at Austin B. State University and Juris Doctor at Cecil C. Humphrey School of Law at the University of Memphis. Parrish has been appointed to succeed retiring Judge David L. Allen, effective August 3rd. It means a lot to me to be able to step into this new role and represent the state of Tennessee and its people in this way, Parrish said. "I am extremely honored and humbled by the appointment," she said. District Attorney Brent Cooper of the 22nd Judicial District said he believes Parrish will serve the position well as she was his Assistant DA for many years. "She's been a phenomenal prosecutor and I think she will make a fantastic judge," Cooper said. "She's been great and we are going to miss her on our staff," he said. In a rare meeting in the 5th District Congressional primary, U.S. Representative Andy Ogles and his challenger, Nashville Metro Council member Courtney Johnston, both made their pitch to Marshall County Republicans at their annual dinner in Lewisburg on Thursday night. While both have campaigned voraciously in recent weeks, the event was one of the few this cycle that they've made their pitch to the same room. Afterward, voters stated that their support for Ogles was solidified while others carried signs for Johnston. On Thursday, about 230 people gathered at the Lewisburg Parks and Recreation Facility in 80-minute drive south of Nashville for a fried chicken dinner, door prizes, and speeches from state and federal elected officials. U.S. Representative Tim Burchit drove over from East Tennessee to headline the night, and state Senator Joey Hensley and Representative Todd Warner also spoke. Trump hats and flags were on sale in the back for $10. The mayor just called and asked all the politicians to please park their cars on the left side of the parking lot. Marshall County GOP chair Craig Blackwell joked, kicking off the evening with a hearty laugh from the crowd. Johnston was a new face from any in the room as she has worked to build name recognition in rural counties outside of Nashville and in suburbs where she is better known. Introducing herself, Johnston touted her work fighting tax hikes and securing resources for police while being completely outnumbered as a conservative on the 40-seat Progressive Metro Council. "I think we deserve at a baseline level to be represented by people with a heart for public service that want to make a difference, that have character, integrity, and the ability to tell the truth," Johnston said. "We have to trust who is representing us," she said. Just over 10 miles from his farm, it's Ogle's home turf. He won the county with 37% of the vote in a crowded 2022 primary. How many people missed Donald Trump? Ogle's yelled as he went on stage to cheers from the crowd. "I was the first member of Congress that Donald Trump endorsed for 2024. I have a relationship with the president and I can tell from my conversations with him that he's ready for the job." Ogle's invoked the former president's name 10 times during his eight-minute speech as he touted his efforts to help secure the southern border and cutting government spending, primarily by introducing 131 pieces of legislation. Ogle's told the crowd that while some of his legislation has not yet moved forward, it is important because it will be taken up when Trump gets back in the White House," he said. Several attendees said their views on the race were solidified by Ogle's' remarks. "I'm impressed with what our existing congressman has done for us," voter Jack Cathy stated. "I support him and the job he's doing. When we go into January and we have the White House, we have the Senate and we have the House of Representatives, we've got to get it done," he said. "You're going to see a lot of executive orders by the president. We're going to start rolling back all this nonsense from Joe Biden. You're going to see this legislation that we're putting forward to start coming to the Senate," Ogle said. In a straw poll held at the end of the evening, Johnston earned 27 votes to Ogle's 155. On Friday, merchandise marketplace located at Neely's Mill Shopping Center in Columbia held a grand reopening. Front porch radios Mike Lyle attended the ribbon cutting and got to learn about what merchandise marketplace has to offer. Hello, this is Mike Lyle with WKR&WKOM Radio and we are here at Neely's Mill at the merchandise marketplace. And I am talking with Anthony, the manager of the store. Anthony, tell us what's going on today. So we're doing a re-grant opening today. We hope everybody comes out. The reason we're here is to provide quality products at a low price for everybody in our community. Tell us about some of the offerings that you have here. So we have everything from clothes to home goods, home decorations, auto supplies, anything you possibly need for your house, we have it. OK, you said this was a grand reopening. What kind of special events have you got going today? So everything in the store is 25% off anything over $50. OK, why don't you tell us exactly where you are? We said Neely's Mill or the website if somebody wants to find you. So we're at 1412 Trotwood Avenue, a suite 20 right next to Pigly Wiggly. Our email address is merchandisemarkerplays.us. OK, and what are your hours around here? Our hours Monday through Thursday are 10 to 7, Friday Saturday 10 to 8, and Sunday is 10 to 6. OK, we got your website and stuff like that. Do you have a phone number you can give us? The phone number is 931-982-6030. All right, thanks, Anthony, for being with us. And I hope everything goes well in your grand reopening. OK, this is my cloud, WK-R-M-W-K-O-M radio. Thank you. We'll go back to our regular station now. [MUSIC PLAYING] The Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative has chosen artist David Allen Clark to create the new Thurgood Marshall Monument to be located at the intersection of North Maine and East-A streets in downtown Columbia. Columbia City Council approved the project back in November. The monument will stand at the entrance of the historic Columbia former Black Business District, formerly known as the Bottom, as well as the site of the 1946 Columbia Race Riot. Now remembered by local historians as an uprising in the Black community against Tennessee state troopers who ransacked the neighborhood. Marshall, a young NAACP lawyer at the time, was notable for visiting Columbia to help assemble the legal team who gained the acquittal of almost 25 Black residents arrested in the 1946 riot. Marshall became ill during the trial, requiring hospitalization, while lawyers Z. Alexander Lubbe and Maurice Weaver became lead counsel in the case. Marshall later faced such threats, such as a near lynching during a visit to the city when he was detained by law enforcement on a faulty drunk driving charge, and driven by authorities to the Duck River before being deterred by attorney Lubbe, who made sure to follow close behind the police car, according to multiple historical accounts. Marshall, despite such dangers and intimidation, went on to become the first Black US Supreme Court Justice. This statue marks the beginning of our efforts to tell the story of the 1946 Columbia riots. Dr. Krista Martin said, "We aim to select a statue "that serves as a powerful gateway to that narrative," she said. In choosing an artist, Columbia Mayor Chasmolder appointed a committee, which included seven members. These included Martin, Co-chair, and board member Eric Jacobson, who is the CEO and historian for the Battle of Franklin Trust, that manages Ripavilla in Spring Hill and other civil war sites in Franklin. Clark is a sculptor raised near Green River, Wyoming, crafting his first commissioned bronze piece as a teenager. His works have since been featured among many cities, universities, and more around the nation, including one of Senator Matthew Gaines at Texas A&M University, civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Reverend Jose O'Williams, W. A. Scott, Dr. Rita Samuels, and Dorothy Lee Bolden in Atlanta, Georgia. President Abraham Lincoln is a Young State Senator in Naperville, Illinois, and more. Clark sculptures are often known for their emotional, depth, and historical accuracy, including his upcoming Marshall statue, a CPJI press release stated. Clark's vision for the Marshall statue, he said, was inspired by a 1956 Associated Press photograph. In the photograph, a 38-year-old Marshall is depicted in his iconic trench coat, striding uphill from East Aid Street towards the Murray County Courthouse. This would symbolize Marshall's relentless fight against racial violence and oppression, Clark said. The fact that he is walking uphill reminds us that the struggle is hard, and that it is still not over, Clark wrote in his proposal. In addition, a noose will be placed at Marshall's feet, which is to illustrate the dangers he faced. The sculpture will also be a 125% of life size, illustrating Marshall's larger-than-life impact and legacy. I was particularly captivated by how Clark plans to capture motion in the statue, said Jan McKeill, a member of the Thurgood Marshall statue committee and former executive director of the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance. It's not just a static figure, like so many others you see, Clark's unique approach brings statues to life, even in bronze. You can see the movement and the muscles, all telling a compelling story through a seemingly static piece of art, she said. The CPJI and Clark plan to unveil the new Marshall sculpture in July of 2025. Hope and dignity are the primary goals for the well-outreach, says Chief Executive Officer Shelly Sassen, as the food pantry finds fresh new ways to innovate and feed hungry families. Now, clients at the new "The Well" facility in Mount Pleasant in Murray County can access high-quality food options without the rising cost of grocery shopping, an expense that is becoming increasingly difficult for many to afford. Enter hydroponic lettuce growing, a method that uses various means of growing produce via a nutrient-based water solution. Grants have allowed much expansion for the ministry, and the new hydroponic growth system is just one new direction that will yield fresh varieties of lettuce grown entirely at the pantry's new Mount Pleasant location. Finding a sustainable way to provide fresh produce at a reasonable cost has been a big challenge, according to Sassen. "We are thankful this enables us to meet our goal," Sassen said. "This allows us to honor our mission of giving dignity in hope to our clients by providing access to the very best products that we can," she said. Describing the choice of offering lettuce as a versatile food, cheap to produce, Sassen said growing greens on site will ensure freshness and abundance under one roof cutting out transport. The well-outreach recently expanded its single Spring Hill location by opening a second location in April in Mount Pleasant, located at 700 North Main Street, which is more than twice the size of its original location. The new 16,000-square-foot facility houses a large food pantry, coffee shop, consultation rooms, prayer rooms, a children's area and warehouse area for food storage. The response to the new hydroponic option has been huge, Sassen said, with the help of social media. Green Star, Romaine, Butterhead and summer crisp varieties will make their way into the homes of nearly 1,300 people, according to Sassen. The new greens offer a higher grade of food that people will find with farm-to-table options. The pantry is also offering meat and dairy from nearby local farms, including farm-fresh Jersey milk from Oldstone Creamery Market, produced by Clayburn Jersey and Angus Farm in Spring Hill, and beef from 1822 farms in Williamsport. The well-used its grant funds to purchase the hydroponic system installed on-site thanks in part to a Cygna Healthcare initiative that seeks to create better communities. Across the globe, Cygna has given 15 fellowships to nonprofits to launch the Community Ambassador Fellows program, a fellowship forged by choosing a nonprofit partner to better the community. The goal is to complete a project by positively, to positively impact the health and vitality of individuals in the communities where we live and work, said Cygna Senior Clinical Account Executive, Kent Wolfestad, who serves as project leader. Wolfestad and leaders of the well-identified hydroponics as an innovative approach to help deliver fresh produce year-round and was selected by Cygna, Wolfestad was selected by Cygna as a 2024 Community Ambassador Fellow to turn the hydroponics dream into reality for the well. Wolfestad was given a three-month term to help implement the new project with $20,000 of partial funding from Cygna. The Cygna grant works alongside Governor Bill Lee's Community Development Block Grant Program to assist lower-income families. In total, $70,000 has been prioritized to help kickstart the environmentally-friendly growing method, which will yield about 50 pounds of lettuce per week. Hydroponic growing at a food pantry is something brand new that one would have to look far and wide to find, according to Wolfestad. Part of his job is to guide and educate staff and volunteers on the growing and production process. The process begins with seeds being planted in saturated rock wool or small nutrient-filled porous fertilizing trays, housing buds which are then transported to a large flood tray where they receive proper light and continue growing. Patrons can view the cylindrical growing columns where the lettuce is eventually ready for picking. The hydroponic growing method is free of pesticides and not entirely organic, but eliminates some negative aspects of food processing. Its refreshing surprise for many clients said Mount Pleasant site manager Dawson Gorman, their eyes kind of pop when clients see the new produce, Gorman said, "This is the first time they've ever seen anything like this here," he said. For now, Dawson says the plan is to keep the efforts focused on producing quality lettuce, but says other foods like tomatoes are not out of the question for the future. Until that time, Dawson says the pantry will continue to offer the best food possible for its clients. For more information, visit www.thewelloutreach.org. The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the launch of Columbia 101, an innovative program designed to engage residents with local government and community services. Participants in Columbia 101 will have the unique opportunity to interact closely with city officials and staff, gaining firsthand knowledge of how municipal services are delivered and learning about avenues for community involvement and advocacy. This consecutive two-day program will be open to all City of Columbia and the city of Columbia and Murray County residents and offered twice per year, with the official kickoff occurring on September 17th and 18th. Participants can expect to begin each day at City Hall before learning more about all 12 city departments and touring select city facilities, such as the Fire and Rescue and Public Works Departments. Applications for Columbia 101 are available now and will close on Friday, August 9th at 4 p.m. Learn more and apply today at www.ColumbiaTN.com. For your southern middle Tennessee weather, we will have mostly sunny skies today. It will be hot and humid with a high of 96 degrees. Winds will be out of the West/South, West at five to 10 miles per hour. Tonight, we can expect clear skies and a low of 73. Winds will be light and variable. 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. 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 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. Oaks and Nichols funeral directors, 320 West Seventh Street in Columbia. Since 1856, people you can rely on. - This is Debbie Matthews with the National Reluity Group. And if you've been paying attention, you know the housing market has been tough, but rates are beginning the thaw. So if you're thinking about selling, the time to jump in is getting better every day. But if you're thinking about buying and those interest rates are still a little bit too high, a good agent knows how to negotiate interest rate by downs. And I'm a good agent. So call me, Debbie Matthews with National Relty Group, 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, 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 estimates 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. (upbeat music) - This is Trey Aycock 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. (upbeat music) - Hi, I'm Matt Peralis, 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. 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. (upbeat music) (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today on WKOM 101.7 and WK RN 103.7, your hometown source for news and information. I'm Tom Price, and now news from around the state. The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally reverberated Sunday across Tennessee where Governor Bill Lee and other leaders rallied behind the likely 2024 GOP presidential nominee before today's start of the Republican National Convention. Trump was addressing a crowd of supporters at 6.15 PM when gunshots rang out. A bullet grays Trump's upper right ear, leaving him visibly bloodied but not seriously injured before he was escorted off stage. According to authorities, one rally attendee confirmed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as former volunteer Buffalo Township fire chief Corey Compertory was killed in the gunfire. Two others whose names have not been confirmed were critically injured. Representative Ronnie Jackson, a Republican from Texas, said Saturday on X that his nephew was among those injured at Trump's rally in Butler. My family was sitting in the front near where the president was speaking. They heard shots ringing out. My nephew then realized he had blood on his neck and something had grazed and cut his neck, he wrote. A GoFundMe created by Meredith O'Rourke, the national finance director and senior advisor for the Trump campaign to assist the victims, the families of the victims has raised nearly $1.2 million since it opened with Nashville musician Kid Rock in the top donations slot with a $50,000 donation. The shooter was later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who is a kitchen worker in a local nursing home with no criminal background. Shortly after the incident, US Secret Service spokesperson, Anthony Ghouli Yellmey posted on X that a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside the rally venue. He added, "US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures and the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured, the incident is currently under investigation and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It has since been confirmed that the shooter was on a rooftop about 150 yards from where Trump stood. Representative Tim Burchit of Knoxville and a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has called for an investigation to understand how the shooter was able to thwart Secret Service security. "Heads ought to roll over this," Burchit said in a statement in the hours after the shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania. Shortly after the news broke, Governor Lee posted a statement on social media. "Marie and I asked Tennesseans to join us in praying for President Trump and his family and all who were in attendance at today's rally in Pennsylvania," he said. Representative Andy Ogle stated on social media, "President Trump is an American hero. Join me in praying for him and the innocent rally attenders in Pennsylvania. This is a dark day in American history." "Our love goes out to the other victims and their families," Trump said in a statement on Truth Social on Sunday morning. "We pray for the recovery of those who are wounded and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who is so horribly killed," he wrote. Trump added later that he would travel to Milwaukee for Monday's opening of the Republican National Convention. 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 Osburn Tire Company 1016 South Main Street in Columbia. Give me 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 Osburn.com. That's Turner and Osburn.com. Minutes matter when you call 911 for a heart attack and Murray Regional Health is ready to care for you. Utilizing the state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab at Murray Regional Medical Center, our team of expert cardiologists and experienced clinical professionals are equipped to investigate heart conditions quickly and perform life-saving interventional procedures. Go to Murrayregional.com/heart to learn more. And remember, always dial 911 when you or someone near you is experiencing heart attack symptoms. Murray Regional Health, where clinical excellence meets compassionate care. - Have you ever wondered if your insurance needs can be personalized? This is Hunter Carey. Our team specializes in planning your insurance needs to get you the best possible solution. State Farm is the largest home and auto insurer in the country. I love bringing that to my hometown. Born and raised in Columbia, I'm grateful for our close community ties. We offer help with home, auto and life insurance for everyone in our community. Our office is located at 909 South Garden Tree across from the fire station. We're also in line at HunterCarry.com. That's HunterC-A-R-Y.com. - Here we go! - Welcome back to Southern Middle Tennessee today and now our final story. Trailblazing country music group Sawyer Brown is the definition of a road warrior band with 40 years under its belt since winning the first ever star search singing competition. The band announced that it will play its 6,000th show on October 1st at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Throughout Sawyer Brown's four decade long career, the band has performed on thousands of stages across the country and world with one of the most rowdy high energy sets in the genre. Fans can expect to hear the band's hit songs including Some Girls Do, Step That Step, The Walk, The Boys and Me, and more. I wanted our 6,000th show to be special and what better way to celebrate than at the iconic Ryman Auditorium with the second best 90s band Hot Country Nights said Sawyer Brown's Mark Miller. Over the last year, Sawyer Brown has celebrated its 40th anniversary milestone with a new documentary, Get Me to the Stage on Time with Blake Shelton serving as executive producer, lead singer Mark Miller's memoir, The Boys and Me, My Life in the Country Music Supergroup Sawyer Brown and the Shelton produced album Desperado Troubadours. The band will also tour across Canada with a Grammy winning 90s country man, Shenandoah supporting. It's all been leading up to this unforgettable show at one of Nashville's most iconic venues. You can learn more and get tickets by visiting www.soyourbrown.com/tour. 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. I'll be back tomorrow to update you with the latest news. I'm Tom Bryce. Thanks for listening. Be safe and have a great day. (upbeat music) (upbeat music)