News Talk 94.1 Local Matters

Local Matters

Education, Sports, Faith & Everything In Between

Originating from News Talk 94.1 the show deals with community issues and interests that affect listeners closer to home. With topics from major events across the nation and how they impact our area to interesting people and figures from across the Upper Cumberland. Local Matters is where local, matters.

Covering the issues that matter to you. Every weekday.
Daily English United States Society & Culture · Education
1,592 Episodes
1 – 20

Dr. Teri Anderson And Jeremy Wendt Dive Deep Into The Imagination Station Library

Jeremy Wendt sits down with Teri Anderson, a lifelong educator and board member for the Imagination Station Library. Teri shares her 39-year journey in education—from teaching kindergarten and serving as assistant superintendent of curriculum at Upperman High School to rediscovering her love for working directly with children. She opens up…
6 Jan 9AM 33 min

Penny Meadows Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss How Early Education Changes Lives

Host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Penny Meadows, Director of LBJNC Head Start, to talk about how early education is changing lives across the region. Penny shares her journey from volunteering as a Head Start parent in Crawford to leading the program that now serves 80 children in four Upper…
16 Dec 2025 9AM 33 min

Johnathon Williams Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss His Lifelong Commitment To Service

Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Commissioner Jonathan A.D. Williams, whose journey from Chicago to the Marine Corps to Cookeville shaped a lifelong commitment to service. Williams shares how his upbringing, military career, and years in law enforcement inspired his passion for local government and community leadership. Now a…
12 Dec 2025 9AM 33 min

Dr. Michael Littrell Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss The Future Of Education

In this episode host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dr. Michael Littrell from Tennessee Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences. Together, they talk about how technology—and even artificial intelligence—is changing the way future educators learn and teach. Dr. Wendt reflects on his own Cookeville roots, growing up in a…
9 Dec 2025 9AM 33 min

Morgan Abston And George Halford Talk How Legacies Shaped Her Path Into Service

George Halford sits down with Morgan Abston, Public Information Officer for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, to talk about family, service, and community. As the daughter and granddaughter of longtime law enforcement officers — including former Sheriff Jerry “Pa” Abston — Morgan shares how their legacies shaped her path. She…
8 Dec 2025 9AM 33 min

Bryan Arms Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss Pickett Co. Tourism

Ben Rodgers sits down with Bryan Arms, the Executive Director of Tourism for Pickett County, to talk about his first year in the role and his deep roots in the community. Bryan shares his journey from growing up on “Slob Knob” and playing on Pickett County High School’s 1999 state…
5 Dec 2025 9AM 32 min

Dana Karlowski Joins Drs. Lee & Mabry To Shed Light On Sleep Apnea Awareness

In this informative episode, Dr. Lee sits down with Dana Karlowski, CEO of Dr. John’s Medical Solutions, to shed light on Sleep Apnea Awareness. Dana breaks down the difference between obstructive and central sleep apnea, explains how to recognize when snoring may signal a more serious issue, and outlines the…
4 Dec 2025 9AM 31 min

Robbie & Daryl Jackson Join Tiffany Anton To Shed Light On Jackson Moving Company

Tiffany Anton talks with Robbie and Darrell Jackson of Jackson Moving, a Cookeville-based moving company serving the Upper Cumberland since 2006. Darrell shares how what started as helping a friend move grew into a thriving local business with repeat clients and a trusted reputation. They discuss their busiest times of…
3 Dec 2025 9AM 33 min

Mel Presley Joins Jeremy Wendt To Talk On Journey Through Education

Jeremy Wendt talks with Mel Presley, principal of Park View Elementary, about her journey in education and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Mel shares how her passion for teaching and her dedication to students led her from the classroom to the principal’s office. She reflects on what makes…
2 Dec 2025 9AM 33 min

Chuck Johnson Joins George Halford To Discuss History Of Johnson's Nursery

George Halford sits down with Chuck Johnson, lifelong Putnam County resident and owner of Johnson’s Nursery, to reflect on a legacy that began in 1918 when his grandfather purchased the family farm. Born in Cookeville in 1943 and raised in Baxter, Chuck shares stories of his upbringing alongside his two…
1 Dec 2025 9AM 33 min

Dr. Mary Fornehed Joins Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss National COPD Awareness Month

Dr. Lee is joined by Mary Fornehed to highlight the importance of COPD Awareness Month. Mary shares her background—from growing up in a medical family to earning her degrees at Tennessee Tech and Vanderbilt—and her extensive work in pulmonary critical care. She breaks down what COPD is, the most common…
20 Nov 2025 9AM 33 min
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