Local Matters

What really goes into determining your property value? Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Property Assessor Steve Pierce to break down the reappraisal process and what it means for local homeowners. Steve explains how his office works with the state to approve reappraisal plans, why Putnam County follows a five-year cycle, and what’s included in the upcoming 2025–26 plan. He also discusses how the housing market has begun to level out and why many appraisal decisions are guided by statewide requirements rather than local choice.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Asthma affects millions of Americans — and some of the causes might surprise you. This week, Drs. Emily Lee and Jennifer Mabry sit down with board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Erin Rohman to break down what asthma really is, why it’s more common in women and children, and how treatment has evolved over the years. They tackle common myths — including whether you can “outgrow” asthma and if inhaled steroids stunt growth — plus share practical tips for parents. Tune in to find out more!

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Big flavor, small-town charm, and a hot dog cart with a story to tell! Tiffany sits down with Dan Custardo of D&D Hotdogs, a Chicago native who traded big-city life for Sparta, Tennessee—and turned semi-retirement into a passion project on wheels. With 35 years in logistics and a background in the food truck scene, Dan brings high-end beef dogs, shipped-in Chicago favorites, and his signature “dog sauce” to a community he says feels like Mayberry. From creative toppings to carefully chosen buns, he breaks down what makes his hot dogs stand out—and why, in his words, “everybody loves hotdogs.”

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Cookeville native Elliot Woods joins Jeremy Wendt to talk about the journey that led him from local student to Special Education teacher’s aide and longtime Cookeville High School lacrosse coach. Since 2014, Woods has helped build a program rooted in teamwork, belonging, and heart. He shares stories about the teachers and coaches who shaped him, the near state-championship team he led, and why making every athlete feel welcome matters just as much as winning. It’s a heartfelt conversation about mentorship, community, and the lasting impact of sports.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Graham Perry from the Tennessee Historical Commission, whose path into history began with a love for Nashville and its evolving culture. Graham shares how traveling to historic sites — and learning more about African American history — shaped his career in social history and preservation. He also discusses his work as a cemetery preservation specialist and why interest in cemetery history continues to grow. Plus, Graham breaks down Tennessee cemetery law and some newly uncovered details within those regulations.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Putnam County is growing fast—but agriculture, education, and community roots are still at the heart of it all. Ben Rodgers sits down with Michelle Parrott, Director of the Putnam County UT Extension Office, to talk about how the county has evolved over the past 20 years and how Extension continues to serve both rural and increasingly urban communities. Michelle highlights programs ranging from lawn and garden help to youth development through 4-H, including camps, judging teams, and archery. She also explains how residents can take advantage of Extension services—from canning resources to horticulture advice—and why staying connected with the community is at the center of their mission.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Putnam County is growing fast—but agriculture, education, and community roots are still at the heart of it all. Brad Halfacre sits down with Michelle Parrott, Director of the Putnam County UT Extension Office, to talk about how the county has evolved over the past 20 years and how Extension continues to serve both rural and increasingly urban communities. Michelle highlights programs ranging from lawn and garden help to youth development through 4-H, including camps, judging teams, and archery. She also explains how residents can take advantage of Extension services—from canning resources to horticulture advice—and why staying connected with the community is at the center of their mission.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

There are more tobacco stores in Tennessee than McDonald’s resturaunts — let that sink in. This week, the doctors sit down with Lindsay Bice-Shirley and Rachel Nichols from the Department of Health to discuss nicotine-free initiatives happening across our 14-county region, what 56 local organizations have pledged to, and how your community can get involved. From shifting vape and nicotine pouch trends — especially in rural areas — to Dr. Mabry’s infamous Myth vs. Truth segment and practical tips for parents, this conversation is eye-opening, informative... and even a little hilarious. Tune in to hear more from Lindsay Bice-Shirley and Rachel Nichols on Nicotine Prevention in the Upper Cumberland!

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

What started as a hobby quickly turned into a shop full of history. On this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Tammy Swafford, owner of Old Standing Stone Cast Iron & More, to talk about how her love for collecting cast iron and antiques turned into a thriving small business just outside Livingston. Tammy shares the health benefits of cooking with cast iron, how to properly season and care for these timeless pieces, and why collectors treasure brands like Griswold. It’s a fun conversation about preserving history, restoring forgotten cookware, and the passionate community built around cast iron.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Abbi Dunford, principal of York Institute in Jamestown, to talk about leading one of Tennessee’s most unique and historic schools. From advanced CTE programs and a 400-acre working farm to dual enrollment opportunities that let students graduate with an associate degree at no cost, York is preparing students for life far beyond the classroom. Tune in as Abbi shares the legacy of Alvin C. York, the school’s upcoming centennial celebration, and the innovative ways they’re shaping the future in Fentress County.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1