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
1,560 Episodes
1 – 20

Sean Mitchell Joins George Halford To Speak On Storytelling & Being An Author

George Halford sits down with Sean Mitchell — former California Highway Patrol officer, author, and natural storyteller. From a childhood shaped by loss and resilience in Sacramento to discovering a love for radio and eventually serving in law enforcement, Sean shares the defining moments of his life with honesty and…
3 Nov 9AM 32 min

Lesile Russell Yost Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss Ozone Café & Market

Tiffany Anton chats with Leslie Russell Yost, owner of Ozone Café & Market in Crab Orchard, TN. Leslie shares how she transformed an old gas station near Ozone Falls into a vibrant plant-based café and market, inspired by her southern roots and love of cooking. She discusses her journey from…
29 Oct 9AM 33 min

Paula Stover Joins George Halford To Speak On Overton Co. Heritage Museum & History

George Halford sits down with Paula Stover of the Overton County Heritage Museum to explore her deep-rooted connection to the region and her passion for preserving its history. A fifth-generation Overton County resident, Paula shares stories from her childhood—traveling cross-country by train as an infant during WWII, working on the…
27 Oct 9AM 32 min

Mark Farley Joins Ben Rogers To Discuss UCDD

Ben Rogers sits down with Mark Farley, Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District. They discuss Mark’s journey into his role, the vital work UCDD does across all 14 counties, and how grant funding—over $52 million last year alone—supports local governments, small businesses, and critical programs like substance abuse…
24 Oct 9AM 32 min

Angela Rector Joins Drs. Mabry And Lee To Discuss Suicide Prevention Month

Dr. Angela Rector, a licensed professional counselor and Director of the Center for Counseling and Mental Health Services at Tennessee Tech, shares her decades of experience serving the Upper Cumberland. She reflects on her personal journey into mental health work and discusses the vital suicide prevention efforts taking place on…
23 Oct 9AM 32 min

David Vaughn & Tiffany Anton Talk Vaughn's Monument Works

In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with David Vaughn of Vaughn's Monument Works, a family-owned business that has been a part of Cookeville since 1946. David shares stories of his father, who began the business by selling monuments door to door, and reflects on the memories of growing up…
22 Oct 9AM 32 min

Tammy Wilson Joins George Halford To Discuss The Heart Of Cumberland

George Halford welcomes Tammy Wilson, Executive Director of Heart of the Cumberland, to share her inspiring journey from accountant to nonprofit leader. Tammy discusses her path from opening her own accounting firm to joining the Heart of the Cumberland board in 2012, eventually becoming director in 2019. She highlights the…
20 Oct 9AM 32 min

Kurt Dronebarger Joins Ben Rogers To Discuss Directing White County Schools

Ben Rogers welcomes Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools in White County. With over 27 years in education, Kurt shares insights from his decade leading the district, where all eight schools have consistently earned top academic marks. He talks about the challenges and rewards of public education, the impact of enrollment…
17 Oct 9AM 33 min

Amy Ayers Joins Dr. Mabry To Discuss Breast Cancer Awareness

Dr. Mabry speaks with Amy Ayers, Breast Health Nurse Navigator at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, about the critical role she plays in guiding patients through one of the most difficult times in their lives. Amy shares her path into nursing, her work in breast cancer education, and how she helps…
16 Oct 9AM 32 min

Sherri Stickler Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss Synergy Herbal Works

In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Sherri Stickler, founder of Synergy Herbal Works, to discuss her journey into holistic medicine. Originally a respiratory therapist, Sherri shares how her passion for herbology and natural healing led her to open her first shop in Sparta in 2018, eventually expanding into…
15 Oct 9AM 32 min

Kylie Johnson Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Stone Memorials' Criminal Justice Program

In this episode, Jeremy Wendt talks with Kylie Johnson, who has always dreamed of teaching criminal justice. She shares how she keeps her students engaged and the unique programs that are part of her curriculum. Kylie highlights her community work around drunk driving prevention, vehicle safety simulations, and partnerships with…
14 Oct 9AM 33 min

Chris Savage Joins George Halford To Discuss The Legacy Of Cream City

Whether it's their famous ice cream you're looking for, a great array of snacks, or even just the vibes, Cream City has been the place for all of that in Cookeville. Chris Savage, former city commissioner turned leader of Cream City, joins the show to talk with George Halford. They…
13 Oct 9AM 33 min

Zach Stephens Joins Ben Rogers To Discuss The Overton Co. Chamber Of Commerce

Ben Rodgers sits down with Zach Stephens, President of the Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce, to discuss his path from studying pre-med to leading community and economic development in his hometown. Zach shares insights into the Chamber’s role in supporting local businesses, attracting tourism, and revitalizing downtown Livingston through the…
10 Oct 9AM 32 min

Drs. Tracey Dailey & Curt Gilbert Join Drs. Mabry & Lee To Discuss Hospice Of TN

Dr. Kurt Gilbert, Medical Director at Hospice of Tennessee, and Tracy Dailey, who guides families through the transition from hospital to home hospice, discuss the compassionate care they provide across over half of the Upper Cumberland region. They explain the differences between hospice and palliative care, offer free consultations, and…
9 Oct 9AM 32 min

Tina Francis Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss Being Principal Of The Year

In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Tina Francis, a Cookeville native with over 30 years in education. From her start as a teacher at Park View to serving as a librarian, assistant principal, and now principal, Tina shares her journey through the school system. She highlights the unique…
7 Oct 9AM 33 min
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