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
1,504 Episodes
40 – 60

Randy Porter And Ben Rogers On The Putnam County 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget

Today, Ben Rogers 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…
20 Jun 4PM 33 min

Dr. Ernie Buchanan With Drs. Mabry And Lee Discusses Men's Mental Health Month

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…
19 Jun 4PM 33 min

Beth Ruck And Tiffany Anton Speak On The Impact Of Decluttering

Tiffany Anton sits down with Beth Ruck, owner of Conquering Clutter, to explore the art of decluttering and its profound impact on daily life. Beth shares practical strategies for deciding what to keep and what to part with, she discusses her personalized organizing services, and more! Listen To The Local…
18 Jun 10AM 33 min

Meredith Flatt And Jeremy Wendt Discuss Passion For Teaching Dance

In this episode, host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Meredith Flatt, a dance educator in Putnam County, shares her passion for teaching multiple dance styles and history, fostering a strong local dance community, and exposing students to diverse artistic expressions! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
18 Jun 9AM 32 min

Liz Wilkinson And George Halford Speak On Her Love For The Outdoors

George Halford chats with Liz Wilkinson, a Cookeville native whose journey has taken her from Oak Ridge to North Carolina and back home again. Liz shares her lifelong love of the outdoors, her passion for biking, and how she's helping connect the community through the TN Central Trails grants and…
16 Jun 10AM 33 min

Gage Farmer And Ben Rogers Discuss Economic Development/ Tourism in Van Buren Co.

Host Ben Rogers interviews Gage Farmer, an entrepreneur from Dalton, Georgia, now serving as Vice Chairman of Economic Development and Tourism for Van Buren County. They discuss local restaurants within city limits, the Tourism Comittee's vision for revitalizing historic downtown Spencer, and ongoing efforts to secure grants for community development…
11 Jun 9PM 32 min

Steve Pierce And Ben Rogers Discuss Putnam County's Budget, Taxes, & Truth

Ben Rogers sits down with Steve Pierce, Property Assessor for Putnam County, to talk about the upcoming budget season and the budget reappraisal process. Steve breaks down the behind-the-scenes work, the systems used, and how varying budget cycle lengths can impact taxes—explaining why shorter cycles tend to benefit taxpayers and…
6 Jun 10AM 32 min

Mary Jane Allen And Jeremy Wendt Discuss North Cumberland Elementary

Listen in as host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Mary Jane Allen, who is the principal at North Cumberland Elementary School in Cumberland County. Listen to her story as she recounts what led her to this area from Canada originally, how her faith has changed her life, and more. Listen…
3 Jun 11AM 33 min

Michele Wyatt And George Halford Discuss The Impact Of Cooperative Aid

Listen in as host George Halford sits down with the Founder of Cooperative Aid, Michele Wyatt. She has a passion for serving God by working through her nonprofit to lead mission trips and reach people across the globe. Hear about her family, upbringing, faith, work, fundraising, what landed her in…
2 Jun 11AM 33 min

Mayor Holmes Talks Growth, Jobs, and Schools

Hear our host Ben Rodgers speak with the new Mayor of Baxter, Danny Holmes. They talk about what has been improving in Baxter, the opinions of the citizens and city employees, upcoming growth updates, Danny's perspective on transitioning into the role, and more! Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
30 May 10AM 33 min

Sara Johnson On National Speech, Language, And Hearing Month

Listen in as Dr. Jennifer Mabry and Dr. Emily Lee sit down with Sara Johnson. This episode raises awareness about communication disorders, and the importance of early intervention and access to care. Sara owns her own speech pathology practice in Cookeville, and she speaks on her experience in the field…
30 May 10AM 33 min

Tate Craig From Mint To Be

During this episode, our host Tiffany Anton sits down with Tate Craig who is the owner of Mint To Be in Cookeville. Mint To Be is a wedding chapel and venue service that is brand new. Hear about Tate's passion, how she created her space and business, and more. Listen…
30 May 10AM 32 min

Clif Matlock On Administration And Education

During this episode, our host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Clif Matlock, who is currently serving at Upperman Middle School. He has been in the education sector for decades and today, we hear about his legacy and how it's based on the success of his students. Listen To The Local…
27 May 2PM 33 min

Julie Randolph Talks Bedwetting

During this episode, our hosts Dr. Jennifer Mabry and Dr. Emily Lee sit down with Julie Randolph to talk about bedwetting. Julie discusses her journey into pediatric urology... how she began, the work she does now, etc. and shares her insight into bedwetting. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!
22 May 2PM 34 min

Bruce And Zach From Print Link Printing

Our host Tiffany Anton sits down with Bruce Helton And Zach Sing who work at Print Link Printing. This is a commercial printing company that is local to Cookeville. They started off as a print broker then bought equipment and began working on their own. Hear all about how printing…
21 May 11AM 33 min

Renee Craig On Arts At Upperman

During this episode, our host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Renee Craig who is a teacher at Upperman High School. She teaches theater, drama, yearbook, English, and more! They discuss how she became a teacher, her education, work in the theater department, how she develops performances, and more! Listen To…
20 May 10AM 32 min
40 – 60