Local Matters

During this episode, our host Tiffany Anton talks to the executive director of Charter Senior Living about the services they offer, Dawn's background that led her to this position, the impact it has on our community, and more!

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Jeremy Wendt visits with Carroll Gotcher, Director of the Jackson County Middle and High School bands. With 31 years of experience, Gotcher reflects on his journey—from playing in band throughout school to initially choosing mechanical engineering in college while caught up in the typical distractions of teenage life.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Jett Stevens, director of Hope Ministries in Livingston, TN, and Josh Cobble, his program coordinator. Together, they aim to expand Hope Ministries across the Upper Cumberland region. Hope Center Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit supported by local churches, offering a three-phase, Christ-centered recovery program for men.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

On today’s episode, Ben Rodgers sits down with Derrick Hutchings, Chair of the White County Commission and a member of its Budget Committee. Derrick shares how he discovered a passion for public service by regularly attending county commission meetings—and now serves as the first-time commissioner leading budget discussions. He dives into the challenges facing White County’s finances, including proposed changes to property and sales tax, and details which budget items have been approved or cut in the current fiscal plan. Derrick also addresses ongoing county job vacancies and outlines what residents can expect in the year ahead under the new budget, balancing service improvements with fiscal responsibility.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Derek Woolbright walks us through the many different positions he's worked, and busts a few emergency medical myths along the way. Additonally, helpful tips and tricks you could take to keep yourself safe throughout life are discussed, as well as National Safety Month.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

In this episode, Tiffany Anton chats with Cy Sears, owner of Serious SEM, about his journey from Yellow Pages to digital marketing and web design. Cy shares insights on the value of original content, building business websites that act as true assets, and why customized ad leads outperform generic ones.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Nicholas Bishop, VP of Economic and Community Development at Volunteer State Community College, discusses enhancing K–12 education through community partnerships, expanding workforce pathways, and integrating AI tools for student success.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

George Halford sits down with Jill Stalnaker to explore her unique journey—from growing up in Brussels Belgium and Michigan to moving to Cookeville at age 9, eventually homeschooling through middle school. Jill opens up about how a traumatic divorce five years ago became a catalyst for personal growth and achievement. As a teen she served with churches in France and Germany, inspired by her father’s international career as a criminal defense attorney and author—but charted her own path. Now working in the mental health field, Jill shares how her faith has guided and continues to inspire her career and life.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Today, Ben Rodgers and Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter discuss the 2025-26 fiscal year and what lies ahead for the Upper Cumberland. They discuss rising employment among county workers, budget increases driven by inflation and community growth, and the positive trajectory of sales tax revenue—along with how that tax is divided among various county funds. The conversation also highlights school funding, long-term savings since 2014, and the importance of maintaining a healthy fund balance, as well as how the economy may impact that balance in the years to come. News Talk 94.1

Today Drs. Jennifer Mabry and Emily Lee discuss the importance of screenings, regular checkups and preventative measures for avoid illness and injury, and vaccinations for reaching long term health goals for men in the Upper Cumberland for Men's Health Month with Dr. Ernie Buchanan of Upper Cumberland Family Physicians.

Listen to the Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1