Local Matters

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Kim Dillon, the new Director of Overton County Schools, to discuss her unexpected journey from classroom teacher to district leadership. Originally planning to become an attorney, Dillon switched paths after having children and has now been in education for 23 years. She shares her thoughts on how career pathways have evolved, the importance of secondary education, and the recent success of AP and dual enrollment programs — including record-high AP test scores and the enthusiastic support behind the AP Academy they are hoping to implement this coming school year. Dillon also addresses the district's new no-phone policy, acknowledging the challenges of implementation while emphasizing the need for focused learning environments. Despite the pressures of state-level decisions, she remains passionate about her work and reminds us that the professionalism of educators deserves far more recognition than it often receives.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Host George Halford sits down with Trish Stover, a proud Jamestown native and owner of Stover's County Kitchen in Livingston, Tennessee. Trish shares stories from her upbringing, the strong family values that shaped her, and how those values are reflected in her restaurant. She opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her youngest daughter—a tragedy that deeply affected her but ultimately strengthened her resolve and passion. From resilience to the realities of food service, this conversation reveals the heart behind the business. This is how Trish Stover has helped weave the tapestry that makes up the Upper Cumberland region as we know it.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster sits down with Ben Rodgers to discuss Cumberland County's 2025-2026 year growth, and what it means for the county now and in the upcoming future. Hear the Mayor's first hand account of what this will mean for Cumberland County and the surrounding counties around the areas.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Alma Shoemaker of Caring Hearts United joins Drs. Lee and Mabry to share her journey from truck driver to devoted volunteer in this moving episode. She reflects on meeting founder Melinda Breedlove at the Warren County Fair and the compassionate mission that sparked Caring Hearts United. After Melinda's passing, Alma and Melinda's sister, Diane Sneed continued her legacy—providing hospice units in Middle Tennessee with donated care packages and heartfelt support. Discover how one woman’s vision continues to impact hospice patients throughout the Upper Cumberland.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Elizabeth Best and Mary Ann Martin join Tiffany Anton to discuss the story behind Bless the Mess Cleaning and how it all got started for them. They discuss how Bless the Mess Cleaning works, and how they're always able to help out no matter how big the mess!

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy Wendt sat down with Algood faculty and staff Beth Gaw (assistant principal), Kesha Johnson (kindergarten), and Jill Williams (3rd grade) to discuss the importance of teaching and how to bring more people into the profession. They reflected on the influence of their own favorite teachers and how those experiences shape their current methods in the classroom. Jill emphasized the value of soft skills, self-discovery, and active learning, saying, “If you're not struggling, you're not learning.” Beth shared insights into her daily responsibilities as an assistant principal, while Kesha and Jill highlighted Algood's new Family Engagement Program, stressing the importance of parental involvement in student success.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Sandy and Bill Miller to explore their journey from the depths of the ocean to behind the lens. These St. Louis natives met during Bill’s first scuba dive, where Sandy was his instructor—a meeting that sparked both a lifelong partnership and a shared passion for adventure. After two decades as dive instructors, the couple discovered photography, a hobby that began when Bill gifted Sandy a camera after she missed out on a photographers-only boat trip. Eventually, they moved to Cookeville, drawn by its artsy, college-town charm and scenic surroundings. Tune in to hear about their global travels, artistic inspiration, and a special event they have coming up on August 11th!

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this episode, Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Phillys Goolsby, Director of Social Services at Grandview Post Acute Care, to discuss her journey into elder care and the evolving role of social work. With a background in education and sociology, Phillys shares how her passion for working with seniors was sparked by the rich, personal histories they've shared with her over the years. She touches on the advancement of mental health and physical therapy services at Grandview, as well as the importance of activities like bingo and kickball in maintaining quality of life. Phillys also highlights their inclusive spiritual services and gives a preview of the cutting-edge AI technology soon to be implemented—offering around-the-clock, privacy-conscious monitoring to enhance patient care.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson joins Ben Rodgers to break down the 2025–26 fiscal year and the progress being made across the county. Johnson discusses major construction projects, including new junior college buildings, school and highway funding, and the impact of state revenue on small counties with lower pay scales. He opens up about the challenges of retaining emergency service personnel amid rising costs for essential gear and vehicles, while highlighting the county’s growth with 250 new homes recently built. Johnson proudly reflects on his seven years in office, during which he’s prioritized access to higher education, emergency medical services, and the expansion of Fentress County’s impressive agricultural programs.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tennessee Tech alumna Blakelee Smith, a Cookeville native, joins Drs. Lee and Mabry to spotlight the importance of UV awareness during National UV Awareness Month. Blakelee shares what sets her dermatology practice apart, highlighting the wide range of clients they serve—from teens struggling with acne to older adults managing chronic skin conditions. She breaks down common myths around sunscreen, explains the differences between UVA, UVB, and blue light exposure, and emphasizes practical skin protection beyond just sunblock. Blakelee also weighs in on how the younger generation is investing heavily in skincare—but not always wisely.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1