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.

Episodes

October 3, 2025 32 mins
Host Ben Rogers sits down with Brandon Smith of the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency to discuss how the EMA recently handled a major incident on I-40, offering insight into the complex process of emergency response and cleanup. Smith breaks down the responsibilities of EMA, the critical role it plays within county government, and the importance of collaboration across the 14 counties in the Upper Cumberland region. He also...
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Dr. Mabry and Dr. Lee sit down with Deidra Garrett, a dental hygienist with over 17 years of experience at Upper Cumberland Family Dentistry, which serves patients in Algood and Livingston. Deidra shares the educational paths available to aspiring dental hygienists and explains why dental hygiene is a vital part of preventive healthcare. She breaks down common patient needs—from decay to periodontal disease—and discusses how oral c...
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In this episode, Tiffany Anton speaks with Tonya Reagan, founder of Affordable Assist Private Care — a Crossville-based organization dedicated to providing in-home and transitional care across 14 counties in Tennessee. Tonya shares the story that inspired her to start the business after surviving a life-altering accident and facing challenges with inaccessible home care. Now seven years strong, Affordable Assist serves low-income f...
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Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1
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Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1
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Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1
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The Drs sit down with Connie Vasseliv from the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability to discuss the CHOICES program—Tennessee’s long-term services and supports initiative for seniors and adults with disabilities. Connie explains who qualifies, the types of services offered, and how the application process works. She also addresses common myths about aging in place and shares how the program helps individuals remain s...
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In this episode, Tiffany Anton welcomes Cora Hageman, founder of Wonderfill Refillery, to discuss her mission to promote low-waste, sustainable living in Cookeville. A Clay County native, Cora was inspired to launch the refillery after traveling out west and experiencing eco-conscious markets and refill shops. With only seven other refilleries in Tennessee—all located in larger cities—she saw an opportunity to bring this movement t...
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Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1
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Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1
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Ben Rogers sits down with White County EMA Director Matt McBride to discuss the challenges and progress of emergency services in White County. A lifelong resident, McBride shares how the county balances its funding to maintain critical equipment and operations, despite ongoing challenges with volunteer recruitment. They break down how White County is organized across its fire departments, the role of strong community partnerships, ...
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In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Mabry welcomes Dr. Kayla Jackson from the Mental Health Cooperative to talk about the importance of mental health care in the Upper Cumberland and beyond. A Cookeville native and Tennessee Tech graduate, Dr. Jackson shares what inspired her to pursue a career in mental health and how the Mental Health Cooperative—now with locations in Cookeville and Nashville—is helping individuals ac...
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In this episode, Upper Cumberland native Cayce Wallace joins Tiffany Anton to share the inspiration and vision behind Cavin Haus — a thoughtfully designed unisex boutique and event space. What was once a laundromat is now being reimagined through Cayce’s strategic use of her marketing expertise and her husband’s hands-on involvement in the renovation process. She discusses their collaborative approach, the intentional branding, and...
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Jeremy Wendt sits down with Vicky Brummitt, a Secondary 9-12 Literacy Specialist in the Putnam County School System, to explore her journey into teaching. Vicky opens up about her passion for education, her philosophy of “No one will fail my class as long as they do the work,” and how she developed a deep love for the job. She shares the emotional transition from being a full-time teacher to taking on the Literacy Specialist role, ...
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George Halford sits down with Jason and Rachelle Kerr to share their powerful journey from personal struggles to spiritual transformation—and how it all led to the founding of The Community House in Fentress County. Jason, a former voice actor turned pastor, and Rachelle, a lifelong believer with deep roots in the area, open up about their contrasting upbringings, their battles with depression and doubt, and how faith ultimately br...
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Ben Rodgers sits down with Fentress County EMS Director Daniel Coleman, along with colleagues Tyler Arms (Finance Director), James Bilbrey (EMA Director), and Mickey Brown (911 Director), for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of emergency services in rural Tennessee. The group shares their personal journeys into emergency management and the collaborative efforts that keep Fentress County prepared. They discuss the im...
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September 11, 2025 33 mins
Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1
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Amanda Looper, Director of Retail and Strategy for Buckeye Home Medical, recently sat down with Tiffany Anton to share the company’s journey and future goals. What began as a small business in Jamestown, TN, has grown into a thriving operation with 11 locations across Tennessee, and plans to expand into Kentucky, increasing the total to 13. Amanda discussed the wide range of customers they serve and emphasized Buckeye’s commitment ...
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In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Ben Herron, Principal of White Plains Academy, and Lesley Herron, Principal of Avery Trace Middle School, to discuss their unique paths to education leadership. Lesley shares how teaching wasn’t initially in her plans, while Ben talks about how coaching football led him to become a teacher. Together, they emphasize the importance of creating safe and calm environments for students, and B...
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Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1
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