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 h...

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...

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...

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 mak...

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 interes...

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 la...

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 tr...

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...

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...

What happens when a small-town officer turns a personal calling into a mission for prevention and hope? George Halford sits down with Brent Hickerson, the School Resource Officer at Van Buren High School and leader of the Eagle Prevention Initiative. Hickerson shares how faith and community shaped his journey through law enforcement, from the old county jail to police work during the COVID era. He...

Ben Rodgers sits down with Pickett County’s own Garry Garrett — a lifelong first responder wearing many hats as EMS Director, EMA Director, Fire Chief, and Rescue Captain. From battling ice-storm calls to managing one of Tennessee’s smallest volunteer-based departments, Garry shares his passion for service, the challenges of rural emergency response, and what it truly means to protect your neighbo...

Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with Mistie Johnson from UCHRA as the organization celebrates an amazing 50 years of serving the Upper Cumberland. Mistie shares the wide range of programs and support services UCHRA offers to local communities—and how you might qualify for help. She encourages anyone who’s struggling to reach out, even if they’re unsure if they meet the requirements. Plus, she explains...

What do rodeo arenas, real estate, and running your own business have in common? For Clark Adcock—quite a lot. On this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Upper Cumberland native Clark Adcock of Adcock Auctioneer to talk about his unexpected journey into the auction world. From competing on a national championship rodeo team at University of Tennessee at Martin to traveling the Midwest as a prof...

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Emma Seagrave, fifth-grade teacher at Prescott South, softball coach, and self-proclaimed pickleball enthusiast. From playing junior college, Division I, and Division II softball to shaping young minds in the math classroom, Emma shares how athletics, mental health, and mentorship all connect in her teaching philosophy. Tune in as she talks about representation in women...

There’s a story behind every great teacher — and this one stretches from a farm in Avon South Dakota to a classroom right here in Cookeville Tennessee. George sits down with Sheila Jett, longtime North East Elementary teacher and member of the Christian Educators Group, as she shares how faith, family, and powerful mentors shaped her journey into education. From teaching abroad in the Czech Republ...

Fire Chief Rocky Dial joins Ben Rodgers to take us inside the front lines of emergency service in Livingston. From staffing challenges and vital EMT training to the high cost of fire apparatus and the importance of mutual aid across the Upper Cumberland, Dial shares what it really takes to keep a community safe. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about teamwork, resilience, and the future of lo...

Drs. Lee and Mabry sit down with VP Patrick AbdelMessih and Joy McCameron from Birth Tissue Donation Services to talk about an incredible way new moms can make a life-changing impact. They share why birth tissue donation is especially important in rural areas like the Upper Cumberland and how it helps support healing through advanced medical grafts. Joy, a mother and donor herself, explains how qu...

Tiffany Anton sits down with Hayden Cassidy, founder of Kings Plumbing, to talk about building a business from the ground up — and yes, being in the “number one and number two” business. From starting as a 19-year-old apprentice in Louisiana to launching a full-service residential plumbing company, Hayden shares the mentors, family support, and long-term vision driving his success. Tune in as they...

Jeremy sits down with Cory Gleasman, Associate Professor of Computer Science Education at Tennessee Tech, to talk about the power of teaching and critical thinking in today’s world. Originally from Upstate New York, Cory shares how his passion for instruction began in an unexpected place—swim lessons—and grew into a career shaping future problem-solvers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about...

George Halford sits down with Bryant Presley, a former funeral home owner whose life has been shaped by faith, family, and decades of service. Born on Detroit’s east side before moving to Tennessee in 1971, Presley says he was “bit with the funeral bug” early on after working in a funeral home during school. He went on to manage several funeral homes across Kingsport and even purchased the old Coo...

From Honduras to Tennessee Tech, doctoral student Sahera Abumariam is making waves in the world of chemical engineering! With award-winning research on microplastics and a passion for environmental innovation, she’s turning big dreams into real-world impact. Hear her inspiring journey, her goals for the future, and how family and STEM brought her all the way to Cookeville! Listen To The Local Matt...

Stomach issues aren’t always “just an upset stomach.” Drs. Lee and Mabry talk with GI specialist Dr. Nichole Pisapia about IBS, warning signs to watch for, diet tips, and when colon cancer screenings should start—plus myth-busting you don’t want to miss. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

Tiffany sits down with Brittany Phillips, the new owner of B Fit Women’s Studio, to talk about her inspiring journey of purchasing the business and giving it new life after hearing it was set to close. Brittany shares what makes her studio stand out from other women-centered fitness spaces, transforming it into more than just bungee classes—it’s a supportive wellness community. She explains the di...

On this episode of the Local Matters podcast, Jeremy Wendt is joined by Jackie Vester, CTE Supervisor in Putnam County, to discuss how CTE is helping to connect students to career pathways. She talks about her journey to Cookeville, how she found a love for education, and what she has enjoyed most about her job. Jackie also speaks on programs like work-based learning, which allows students to work...

Behind every nurse is a lifetime of compassion, sacrifice, and service—and the Tennessee Nurses Honor Guard makes sure that legacy is never forgotten. George Halford sits down with Donna Sherrill and Barb Davis, two Upper Cumberland natives helping lead this meaningful nonprofit tribute organization founded in 2019. They share what inspired them to become nurses, how healthcare has evolved over th...