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NAACP Candidate Forum, 3-11-10

The Bradley Academy Museum played host to a forum of this year’s city council and mayor candidates, jointly sponsored by the NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta. Goldie Wade, the head of the Rutherford County NAACP, established early on which city issues were most pressing to the group, and what they were looking for in a candidate. The forum was attended by candidates David Boyce, Thomas Connor Moss, Bill Shacklett, Brian Vaughan, Mark Nobles, and Madeline Scales-Harris for council, and challenger Tim Davis for mayor. Notably absent were all four of the incumbents, including Councilmen Shane McFarland and Doug Young, who had earlier confirmed their participation in the event. The absences created a great deal of discontentment among both the audience and the candidates, as did the apparent lack of media coverage for the event, save for yours truly, your good neighbor station. For those of you who would like to hear the candidates for yourselves, log on to wgnsradio.com and keep it tuned here, as more forums and debates are set to be announced.

Riverdale Wins A State Tournament 2OT Thriller over Mt. Juliet

A nail-biter at the Murphy Center…

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Riverdale versus Mt. Juliet in the opening round of the T-Double-S-Double-A girls state tournament…and it was a classic…

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But it was in that second overtime Riverdale found the edge they needed. Jon Dinkins had the play-by-play on WGNS…

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Lady Warrior sophomore Shacobia Barbee scored the last four points of the game and finished with 26. The Lady Warriors, now 28-and-2 on the year, move on to play Memphis Overton in the state’s final four this (Friday) afternoon. Game time will be 4 o’clock and you can hear it on WGNS. The other semi-final game will feature Morristown West versus Memphis Central. The semi-final winners will advance to the championship game Saturday night at 6. If you missed the Riverdale/Mt. Juliet game, you can listen to the entire broadcast by logging on to WGNSRadio.com and under sports, check out prep scores and audio highlights.

ENTIRE BROADCAST:

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LaVergne Man On TBI’s 10 Most Wanted List

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has added a man accused of running an investment scheme to its list of Top Ten Most Wanted fugitives after he was indicted on federal charges for mail fraud and theft.

Jeffrey Lynn Cassman, 34, last known address 2132 Academy Way, LaVergne, TN, is wanted by the FBI and Dickson County Sheriff’s Office for mail fraud, securities fraud and three counts of theft. He was arrested on the theft charges in December of 2007 and was out on bond when he failed to appear in court in 2008. In February 2010, a federal grand jury indicted Cassman on mail and securities fraud.

Cassman is accused of bilking several victims out of thousands of dollars between January 2003 and November 2005 using an investment scheme. He, his wife and their nine children have been on the run since 2008. He has a criminal history that includes driving on a suspended license and passing worthless checks.

The LaVergne resident is described as a white male with black hair and brown eyes. However, he may have colored his hair to change his appearance. He is 6’1” and weighs 230 lbs. He may be in the Southwest United States or out of the country. He is known to carry firearms and speak several languages. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jeffrey Lynn Cassman is urged to call TBI toll-free at 1-800-TBI-FIND (824-3463).

Unemployment Numbers for Tennessee and Rutherford County are NOT PRETTY

Tennessee’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for January was 10.7 percent, unchanged from December 2009.  The national unemployment rate for January was 9.7 percent.

County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for January 2010, released today, show that the unemployment rate increased in all 95 counties.  Lincoln County registered the state’s lowest county unemployment rate at 8.3 percent, up from 7.3 in December.  Marshall County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 20.3 percent, up from 18.7 in December.

Nearby Davidson County was 9.6 percent, which is up from 9.2 in December. 

What About Rutherford County?

And the numbers for the county most of us within our listening demographics live in, Rutherford… 

Rutherford County’s unemployment rate for January came in at 10.3%. Looking back to December, the Rutherford County unemployment rate was recorded at 9.5%. That is an increase of .8%. When you compare January 2010 to January 2009, the picture is even worse. Again, January 2010 numbers are standing at 10.3%. January ‘09 numbers came in at 8.7%.

OBSERVATION: A good neighbor’s leaving Friday…Why?

A really good neighbor is closing Friday, and you wonder could I have made a difference? My best high school friend came through town a few years ago, and we met at the Clay Cup for coffee and cinnamon rolls. My wife heard about their mouth-watering pastries, and yesterday I finally took her to the eatery on the west side of the square. Sadly, the final sand is trickling through their hourglass and the restaurant’s closing this Friday (3/12/10).

L-R: The Clay Cup on the west side of the square, owner Chris Gerbman, and Tabita Fracker helping a customer.

A True Family Business

This is a true family business in which Chris and Karen Gerbman have exposed their love for this community by keeping memories alive. My visit there for lunch the other day was highlighted by a delicious bowl of home-made soup. While there I stepped back to the days of the Princess Theatre. A chrome sign that had a space where a poster could be inserted telling of a coming flick was on the wall. Then the mental feast captured caricatures that were mounted on the front of the old Men’s Shoppe. And you wonder if the electric horse in the corner was the one you rode that was in front of Sullivan’s Department Store? There were drive-in movie speakers on display and adventures at the Starlight or Marboro came into focus. On another wall was a Rebel Maid poster proclaiming ice cream cones for 5, 10 and 15-cents or a banana split for 35-cents. This local business on-the-square shared memories with everyone for almost nine-years.

Gerbman told WGNS that he has been collecting Murfreesboro memorabilia for more than 20-years. His collection includes the front sign from Ruby’s Dress Shop. In fact the “R” takes up the entire front window. Chris commented, “The Clay Cup has served as a mediation point for families considering a divorce. Hopefully, some marriages were saved while enjoying coffee here. I know some couples got together here. Two people met while placing their food orders, another couple met while working here—and there are probably others.”

Are We Victims Of Technology?

I find myself drawn back today for lunch with a friend at the Clay Cup, a second time in one week. We both looked around, soaked in the ambiance of the old fashioned soda shop stools, the cathedral radio on a shelf behind us, large overstuffed chairs, and the classic music from the 40’s in the background. We debated whether or not today’s society is caught-up in smart-phones and other hi-tech toys. Do we miss connecting with the passing world due to our preoccupation of reading e-mail and texting as we walk down the sidewalk and pass the Clay Cup? Or did that disconnect start generations earlier? Whenever it happened, each one of us has the power to change. Whether it’s not connecting with the folks who have lived next door for a decade and you never met them, or severing a relationship with a family member and not contacting them for too long…so long that you aren’t really sure why the disconnect occurred.

You can change!

Make it a point to greet that person who is sitting alone at church. If you’re in a civic club, sit at a different table and get to know others who share similar interests. Put away your smart phone and look-up and speak to people as you walk around our beautiful square. Meet your neighbors and certain let your family members know how much they really mean to you. Smell the roses and don’t let the garden die. And yes, the Clay Cup at 113 North Maple Street is open through Friday (3/12/10), so stroll in that direction. To borrow a phrase from Bob Hope, tell Chris and Karen "THANKS FOR THE MEMORY".   

Man Accused of CVS Robbery Arrested

Police have nabbed a suspect in the CVS Drugstore robbery that took place in February. Authorities believe 34-year old Matthew David Terrill is the man responsible for the heist that involved the theft of powerful painkillers from the pharmacy as opposed to a robbery involving cash.

No one was hurt in the hold up that occurred at the CVS store on Broad Street at Mercury Blvd.

Terrill, who lives on Kings Highway in Murfreesboro, will face aggravated robbery charges on May 6th in General Sessions Court.

Man Finds OVER $1,000 in Cash in Front of Murfreesboro Restaurant!

Have you lost any money? One local good Samaritan by the name of Dallas Blackwell found an envelope in front of a fast food eatery that contained over $1-thousand dollars in cash. Blackwell, who works at Papa Johns Pizza, turned the money over to the Murfreesboro Police Department for safe keeping until the rightful owner claims the cash.

What’s interesting about this story is that cash is nearly non-traceable and despite the possibility of no one knowing if he kept the money or not, he still did the right thing.  

By the way, Blackwell describes himself as a broke college student.

We are told that if no one claims the cash, it will eventually be his.

Help Roy Waldron School Receive Grant $$ for Playground

From the City of La Vergne…

Please help Roy Waldron School receive a $25,000 grant from Pepsi to build a playground. Go to www.rws.rcs.k12.tn.us. On the right side of our web page, click on Roy Waldron’s Playground. Follow the directions from there, and vote for our playground. We are currently #99 and must climb to the top ten to get the grant. There are only 24 days left to vote. You may vote one time per day on each IP address available to you. We have had difficulty getting registered here at our school, but have been successful when registering from a home computer. Registration is free. Once you have registered and entered a password, you do not have to reregister each time you vote. Please help us get to the top ten. Tell everyone you know to help us out by voting every day. Thank You! Roy Waldron School

Local Man is Running 120-miles in 24-Hours Down Highway 231

Greg Armstrong is preparing for a big run to bring awareness to the global water crisis. The Run 4 Water is planned for March 27th, when Armstrong plans to run 120 miles in 24 hours. That’s from the Alabama/Tennessee border south of Fayetteville to the Kentucky/Tennessee like north of Westmoreland. His run will take him the width of the state along U-S Highway 231. Money raised will be used to provide water filtration systems in third world counties and right here in the United States. With less than one-percent of the world’s fresh water available to humans, Armstrong says these systems are life changing. The problems aren’t just in third world countries. In the nearby Appalachian Mountain area, some residents must travel four-miles for fresh water. To pick up more information about Armstrong’s run March 27th and how you can participate, stop by MOAB (MOW-ab) Bikes on North Maple Street.

TULLAHOMA, TN: Murder of a Two Year Old

A Tullahoma man has been charged with First Degree murder, in a case involving the death of a two-year-old.Coffee County District Attorney Mickey Layne told partner station WMSR that Tullahoma Police arrested Thomas Fancher Greenwood Wednesday afternoon.

According to the police report, Tullahoma Officer Matthew Walker went to the residence at 617 Circle Drive and found EMT’s performing CPR on a two-year-old white male Tuesday afternoon.

Thomas Greenwood reportedly told Walker that he had been holding the child when he, Greenwood, had a seizure, causing the baby’s head to hit a bed rail.
The EMT’s told Walker that the child had bruises on his body.

The child, Hayden Gage West, was transported to Harton Regional Medical Center and later died.

Tullahoma Police Chief Paul Blackwell stated:

Greenwood was arrested Wednesday afternoon and has been charged with First Degree Murder. He was taken to the Coffee County Jail on $2 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 18th.

Stabbing Reported on Bradyville Pike

Two women were said to be injured with non-life threatning injuries during what was described as a stabbing on Tuesday.54-Year old Robert T. Fish, who lives in an apartment on Bradyville Pike, was appreended in connection with the attack. Fish was charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

UPDATE: Woman Robbed in Old Fort Parkway Parking Lot – Fights Back

A 17-year old woman was robbed of her wallet near the front entrance of the Kohl’s Department Store on Old Fort Parkway. The police report indicates the female saw someone walking towards her and as she turned, she could hear the man nearing quicker. She told officers the man then grabbed her pocketbook and at that point, she grabbed robber. The report, dated March 9th, shows that the man hit her across the chest in an effort to get her away from him. The female then grabbed the mans jacket, he pushed her away. The female victim got off the ground after being pushed down and again, tried to stop the culprit. The man pushed the female down a third time and eventually got away.

The good news, the incident report shows the 17-year old was not seriously injured in the robbery. More good news, the suspect was CAUGHT!

24-Year old Lee L. Warren was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 99 near Barfield Road. Warren was charged with robbery and simple assault. The Lawrence Road man will be in court to face those charges on May 12th.

Low Interest Bond Likely to be Approved by Rutherford County for New Office Building

$12.7 Million dollars backed by the Rutherford County Industrial Development Board has been earmarked for a new office building next to the new Middle Tennessee Medical Center near the Medical Center Parkway, Thompson Lane intersection. The board approved the low interest bond on Wednesday. The loan will now have to get the okay from the full county commission this (Thursday - March 11th) evening.

A portion of this future project will be exempt from taxes. The building will consist of 100-thousand square feet and will house medical related offices. One of the many offices within the structure will include the MTMC Cancer Center. The existing cancer center on Bell Street will close once the new one is open.

The building is being built by Birmingham, Alabama based Johnson Development.

More Business Growth…Chamber Welcomes Cedar Bucket Restaurant

You’ve heard conversations on WGNS talk shows about the days of the great cedar bucket rivalry between Bradley Academy and a school in Shelbyville. Whichever team one the game, got to keep the “cedar bucket” for the year. Historians also show that the cedar industry was a vital part of this area, which was also known as the cedar capital of the world. In addition to cedar buckets, there were pencils and the famous cedar chests. It’s only fitting that we have a restaurant here named Cedar Bucket. The Chamber of Commerce coordinated the ribbon cutting that celebrates another new family business.

 

The Cedar Bucket Restaurant and Catering is a new family business that is located at 1626 Middle Tennessee Boulevard. That’s just down from the Kroger grocery store. The eatery is owned by Ricky Turner. For more information, phone 615-896-8706.

Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club to Host 2nd Annual “Flags of Remembrance Healing Field”

The Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club is proud to host the 2nd Annual “Flags of Remembrance Healing Field” over Memorial Day Weekend, 2010.

A grassy field on Medical Center Parkway Belk side of The Avenue will be transformed into a field of 1500 three foot by five foot American (made) flags on eight foot poles aligned in perfect rows and columns.  This impressive display will be an awe inspiring tribute to honor those men and women who have sacrificed their time, talents – some even their lives for freedom. Each flag will fly in honor or memory of a Hero – military, civilian service, law enforcement, or personal.

The Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club is inviting all to participate in this emotional Memorial Day Weekend tribute to Heroes. Sponsor a flag in honor or memory of all who serve and sacrifice or just a personal hero in your life.

At the end of the event you can take that flag home or to your business or present it to your hero to fly and continue the tribute. This is a lasting treasurer of the weekend event. Businesses, organizations, church groups, etc., are encouraged to consider one of the levels of sponsorship as a way to honor and give thanks to those brave men, women and their families. A small price to pay to honor those who have given much more.

The “Flags of Remembrance Healing Field” event is free of charge and open daily to the public. Bring your chairs or blankets to sit and take in the emotionally inspiring view of the “Field of Flags” blowing in the breeze – sometimes hearing the chimes placed among the field. Come walk among the flags of Heroes; Teach your children and grandchildren the importance of respecting the American Flag; Educate others of sacrifice many have made to make sure The American Flag continues to wave as a symbol of freedom. Experience the Spirit of America as you never have before.

~ Opening Ceremony ~ Saturday May 29th @ 11:00 AM ~
Short Patriotic Ceremony and the Singing of the National Anthem.

~ Closing Ceremony ~ Monday May 31st @ 6:00 PM ~
Patriotic Ceremony, Reading of the names of Tennesseans who have
lost their lives in Iraq or Afghanistan; Prayer; Playing of “Taps”; 21 Gun Salute;
Closing of the Field; Retrieval of Sponsored Flags

To be a sponsor, dedicate a flag, volunteer or additional information visit our website www.healingfield.org/murfreesboro or call (615) 641–0121

Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club, America’s Service Club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Youth Activities, Community Service and the Prevention of Child Abuse.

The Club meets each Thursday for lunch at Stones River Country Club.

Riverdale Girls Bid for State Title Begins Thursday

The Riverdale girls will begin their battle for a state title in the 2010 Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee State Basketball Championships. They’re one of eight teams in Class Triple-A vying for the gold ball. The Lady Warriors will battle Mt. Juliet at 2:30 Thursday afternoon and you can hear it on WGNS. Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins will have the play-by-play story from the Murphy Center at MTSU. A win would put them in the semi-finals and the final four Friday afternoon at 4pm. Get out and enjoy the game from the Murphy Center. If you can’t make it, tune in to WGNS Talk Radio. Also, tell your out of town family members they can hear the live internet stream of the game from our website, wgnsradio.com.

AAA Boys Girls on WGNS
Thursday, 2:30p, 2:15 pregame
Riverdale Lady Warriors vs.
Mt. Juliet Lady Bears
LISTEN TO THE LIVE STREAM FROM WGNS
winner advances to play Friday at 4:00pm
STATE TOURNAMENT BRACKET

Welcome TSSAA Visitors

Don’t miss out on all of the fun and excitement at the 2010 Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee State Basketball Championships!  Come to MTSU’s Murphy Center in Murfreesboro to watch hoop action at its finest.  The Girls’ Tournament is March 10 – 13 and the Boys’ Tournament is March 17 – 20, 2010.

This event brings thousands of visitors to Rutherford County each March and has an economic impact of $3 million for both weeks of the Girls’ and Boys’ tournaments.  The Girls’ tournament has been played continuously in Murfreesboro since 1975.  The Boys’ tournament was hosted in Murfreesboro from 1975-82 and 1989 to present.

Mona Herring, Vice President of the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau says, “It is always an exciting time when the basketball teams and fans are in Rutherford County.  The tournaments are not only a great boost to our economy, but also offer some quality family entertainment.”

General admission tickets are $10.00 per day. There are six games per day from Wednesday - Friday. On Saturday, there will be one session of three championship games and general admission tickets are $12.00.

For more information, call TSSAA at 615-889-6740 or check out their website:  tssaa.org

SRO Rodeo This Weekend

It’s the weekend for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s School Resource Officers Rodeo. Sheriff Truman Jones tells WGNS News the rodeo will be held Friday night and Saturday. But something special again this year…Friday morning, special needs kids from all over Rutherford County will get a special showing just for them…

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The public can enjoy the rodeo this Friday night and Saturday at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum on Thompson Lane, across from Siegel Middle School. For more information, call 904-3070…that’s 904-3070.

Multiple Drug Charges Filed Against Local Teen

Multiple drug charges have been filed against a Murfreesboro teenager. 19-Year old Develle K. Barton was apprehended after multiple felony warrants were issued for his arrest. Barton will face a total of 6-charges on April 6th in a general sessions courtroom. In the meantime, Barton remains behind bars under a $27,500 bond.

Special Membership for Seniors at the YMCA with New Program

The local YMCA is aiming to help senior citizens get fit in 2010. The Silver Sneakers program allows seniors with certain health insurance carriers a special membership to the YMCA. Members end up paying just $3.50 per visit.

An open house and meeting will discuss the Silver Sneakers program on March 18th from 10-AM – 12-noon.

MORE:

For additional information, contact the YMCA at 895-5995.

Workers Comp Issue Hits Court Room

A workers compensation case against Nissan in Smyrna, TN has seen the light of a court room again during an appeals process. According to court records filed earlier this month in Tennessee, the trial court has awarded workers’ compensation benefits for gradual injuries to an employee’s hands, arms, shoulders and left knee.

Kathy Cantrell evidently worked on the Nissan assembly line from March 1992 to December 2002.

In another case, a man by the name of Joe Turner was awarded benefits in a workers comp case filed against Bridgestone. In that case, that dates back to 2005, Turner sustained a compensable injury to his lower back. He alleged that he also sustained a mental injury as a result of chronic pain. Records show the trial court awarded benefits for the mental injury.

Turner’s impairment rating came in at 15%.

HIV Testing at the Rutherford County Health Department

Today about one in four Americans living with HIV is a woman, and a new woman in the United States is diagnosed with HIV every 35 minutes. These sobering facts are being released in conjunction with the foundation of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The Tennessee Department of Health is participating in this annual health observance March 10 by reminding women and girls about preventing HIV and the importance of getting tested.

Dr. Veronica Gunn stated, “It is vitally important that all women and girls in Tennessee who are sexually active get tested for HIV.”

The Rutherford County Health Department offers confidential HIV testing on a daily basis. The Tennessee Department of Health also offers counseling with a trained health care provider on ways to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

Tourist Spending WAY UP in Murfreesboro Over Past 8-years

$100-Million dollars in 8-years is not bad. Numbers gathered by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the U.S. Census Bureau show that tourist spending increased by $100-million dollars during the past 8-years in Rutherford County.

The numbers collected show that in 2001, tourist spent just over $140-million dollars. In 2008, tourist were spending close to $241-million dollars in Rutherford County.

FIRE: Duplex Badly Damaged Near MTSU

On Tuesday, a fire was reported near MTSU. A duplex was badly damaged at the Bell Street, Middle Tennessee Blvd. intersection. The right side of the home appeared to be totally destroyed. MTSU students who live in the home will now have to find an different place to stay.

No one was injured in the blaze.

New Abortion Proposal in State Includes $2500 Fine

Written consent for doctors to perform an abortion may soon be required by law.

Elected officials on the state level are pushing to make abortions pushed on them by a significant other be a crime. A house committee has passed a bill that would mandate a female give written consent to perform an abortion in Tennessee. If a hospital performs the procedure without having a sign posted in their clinic that states the law, the clinic could face a $2500 fine.

At this point, the bill has not passed. WGNS will keep you informed.

Mobile Meth Lab in Truck Explodes in Antioch

In Antioch, a vehicle containing a mobile meth lab exploded in a busy parking lot. Metro police have arrested 30-year-old Cory Ingram and 33-year-old Anthony Coker – both of Nashville, in connection with the explosion.

Witnesses claim the meth lab was in the bed of a white truck. Metro Police confirmed the truck exploded while the two men were in Walmart shopping. A Hazmat team with the Nashville Fire Department had to be called to clean up the debris. At least one Metro Officer and one customer were injured. The officer was treated at the scene and the customer was transported to the hospital. Both are now doing fine.

Reports indicate the two men were at Walmart to purchase more methamphetamine ingredients. Federal charges are now pending. 

TODAY: Coffee County Man Accused of Murdering Roommate in Court

The Coffee County man accused of killing his roommate last year is scheduled to appear in court today (Wednesday – March 10, 2010). Daniel Teal was arrested last year on August 23rd after allegedly shooting and killing his roommate, 44-year old Barry Lark, in their residence.

Teal has been charged with First Degree Murder and Theft of Property. He is being held in the Coffee County Jail on $252,500 bond. Attorneys Kevin Askren and Margo Lamb represent Teal in court today.

Lady Raiders Sun Belt Conference Tournament Champions

The MTSU Lady Raiders are Sun Belt Conference Champions, defeating Arkansas Little Rock 70-68 in overtime. Dick Palmer had the play-by-play on WGNS in the final seconds of overtime…

DOWNLOAD THE LAST SHOT & LAST SECONDS

Tim Tackett and Andy Herzer with All Sports Talk spoke to Lady Raider coach Rick Insell after the game and we have the interview below…

DOWNLOAD THE INTERVIEW

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - All-American and Sun Belt Player of the Year Alysha Clark turned and hit a bank shot from the left side with 1.8 seconds remaining in overtime to seal a 70-68 victory for No. 25 Middle Tennessee over UALR in the Sun Belt women’s basketball championship game Tuesday afternoon inside Summit Arena in Hot Springs, Ark. The crown is the Blue Raiders sixth in eight appearances in the Sun Belt title game and locks up Middle Tennessee’s 13th NCAA Tournament berth in school history.

In an epic battle between the top-two seeded teams in the tournament, it went an extra five minutes with the two squads never quitting over the course of the 45 minutes. Clark was the driving force for the Blue Raider offense, tallying a Sun Belt Tournament single-game record 48 points on 16-of-28 field goals and 16-of-18 free throws while never stepping off the floor. The 48 points for the Mt. Juliet, Tenn., native are two shy of her career high and the Sun Belt’s overall mark on her way to earning Sun Belt Tournament Most Outstanding Player accolades for the second-straight year.

She added 16 rebounds for her third-straight double-double, 19th of the season, 36th as a Blue Raider and 74th overall of her career to move within one of fourth place on the NCAA’s all-time list. She also increased her career total to 2,835 points to pass Western Kentucky’s Crystal Kelly for 12th place in NCAA history. While Clark was doing the work on the offensive end, it was Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year Jackie Pickel who turned in a solid performance on the other side guarding the Trojans’ top threat, Chastity Reed. Pickel limited Reed to 7-of-23 from the floor for 14 points and caused six turnovers.

Pickel was the second-leading scorer for Middle Tennessee (25-5) with nine points, all on three 3-pointers, while Anne Marie Lanning (left photo) added a pair for six points to garner All-Sun Belt Tournament Team honors.

Shanika Butler led UALR (26-6) with a double-double of her own, netting 18 points and hauling in 10 rebounds. Asriel Rolfe knocked down five 3-pointers among her 17 points, while Kim Sitzmann also reached double figures with 11.

The Blue Raiders finished with 19 assists on their 23 field goals and connected on 18-of-20 free throws in their first overtime affair of the campaign.

Clark hit a pair of free throws to begin the extra period, after Marian Kursh missed a set for the Trojans. Reed came down on the next possession to knot the score for the seventh time at 61-61 before Clark went back to the line for two more with 2:53 to play. Lanning then buried a triple at 2:31 to put MT ahead five, 66-61. The lead grew to eight following a Butler miss and Rolfe fouling Lymon. The senior point guard sank a couple charity tosses with 1:59 remaining for a seven-point cushion, 68-61.

UALR, however, would answer with seven consecutive points of its own, started by a Rolfe trey and followed by a Butler layup and two free throws from Channon Haywood to force the eighth tie, 68-68, with 29 seconds to go.

Without calling timeout, Middle Tennessee pushed the ball inside to Clark. She did not have the shot she had hoped, prompting her to pass back out to Lymon. The pair then reconnected with three seconds left and Clark turned to hit the game-winning shot. The Trojans launched a three-quarter court shot but it fell well short.

UALR jumped out in front 5-2 to start the game, as Sitzmann buried a corner triple and Reed laid the ball in with just over a minute passed. Lymon then stole an in-bounds pass and converted an ensuing layup to pull the Blue Raiders within one. Clark’s backcourt steal and uncontested layup at 14:25 provided the first tie, 9-9.

The Trojans raced out to a four-point edge, 15-11, when Rolfe nailed a 3-pointer at 12:17, but Middle Tennessee used a Clark layup and Pickel trey to take its first lead, 16-15, with 11:09 to play in the stanza. UALR mounted a 13-2 spurt over the next five-and-a-half minutes, to race out to a game-best 10-point cushion, 28-18, with 5:31 on the clock.

The Blue Raiders went to Clark for a pair of layups, trimming the deficit to six preceding a Pickel 3-pointer at 3:06 to pull within five, 30-25. Sitzmann made two free throws before Middle Tennessee closed the period on a 7-0 run, all coming from Clark, to force a 32-32 halftime score.

The close game ensued during the second 20 minutes with Reed knocking down her own miss at 13:28 for a six-point advantage, 41-35. Clark went back to the charity stripe and recorded a layup during the next minute to close the gap to two, 41-39.

Butler registered four of the next six points, giving the Trojans another eight-point margin, 47-39, with exactly 11 minutes remaining. The differential would stretch to nine, 50-41, on another Rolfe trey with 8:57 to play.

Lanning answered with a 3-pointer before the Blue Raiders then would take control during the next four-and-a-half minutes, turning to Clark for a eight consecutive points to force a 52-52 tie with 4:24 to go in regulation.

Brandi Brown drained a 25-foot triple at 3:35 to give Middle Tennessee a three-point advantage for its first lead in 12 minutes. The Blue Raider lead would swell to five a couple times down the stretch, the last on a Clark layup with 2:44 left. UALR battled back with five-straight points via Rolfe, including another 3-pointer, to tie it at the end of regulation, 59-59.

Middle Tennessee entered the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll for the first time this season at No. 25, a ranking which was released just before the nationally-broadcast tip-off on ESPNU and ESPN360.com.

The Blue Raiders will await word for their NCAA Tournament fate. The tournament selection show will be at 6 p.m. Monday with details of the team’s plans still in the works. Tune to WGNS…your BLUE RAIDER CONNECTION (FM 100.5,  FM 101.9,  AM 1450,  over-the-air TV 11,  worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com).

Dream Of City-County Law Enforcement Shooting Range Now A Reality

Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman said Sheriff Truman Jones saw a need for a firing range several decades ago. Joint sharing of construction expense by the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County made this a reality on Tuesday afternoon (March 9, 2010).  Chief Chrisman said

(L-R above photo) County Commissioners Rick Hall and Steve Sandlin, Murfreesboro City Manager Rob Lyons, County Commissioners Jeff Phillips and Bob Bullen, Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg, Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman, Rutherford County Sheriff Truman Jones, County Mayor Ernest Burgess, and Commissioner Anthony Johnson. The complex was designed by architect Mark Rodgers and incorporates state of the art technology including specially designed moving targets that are controlled by a computerized switcher and console. Sheriff Jones indicated deputies used to be able to qualify once a year, but now they can become better trained to serve the public on an on-going basis. Sheriff Truman Jones commented

L-R photo ID: Rutherford County Sheriff Truman Jones, Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman, Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, and Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg.

Citizens Will Benefit

The goal of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Murfreesboro Police Department is to provide court-defensible, reality-based firearms training that will enhance the officers’ survival potential and their probability of achieving hits when use of deadly force becomes necessary.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Dan Goodwin said, “Courts have held firearms training must be reality based and include such things as stress, decision making, weapons handling skills, shoot-don’t shoot scenarios, moving targets, shooting while moving and low-light training. The new, jointly funded county/city firearms training center provides the location at which relevant training can occur. The range was funded jointly by the city of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County more than two years ago. They will be taught how to shoot well in all conditions, and when to shoot.

Ground was broken in February, 2009 and construction began last spring. Originally the project was funded with more than $1.2 million by the two governmental bodies, but the downturn in the economy resulted in much lower construction costs.

When bids were opened Fellowship Construction was chosen with a bid of $700,000, a savings of about $300,000. We have not received the final total expenses incurred by design changes and unforeseen construction costs, but it will still be far less than the $1.2 million originally allotted.

(above left) Captain Steve Spence, who is in charge of training with the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office, gave a behind the range tour and explained the state of the art technology used at this city-county target range. (above right) Technical Services Manager Darlene Spence showed how the targets are controlled to simulate different criminal activities.

Law Enforcement Agencies Team Together

The Murfreesboro Police Department and Rutherford County Sheriffs Office will share the range. They will swap control every week in order to satisfy each agency’s training schedule and demands. There is a possibility that other agencies may be allowed to train there in the future, however—an extended “break-in” period will enable the city and county to get comfortable with schedules and the capabilities of the complex.

Detective Sergeant Goodwin commented, “The sheriff’s office will use the complex for quarterly qualifications by our officers, and regular, supervised training for officers who wish to train on their own time and expense. Qualification scores will be submitted to the state’s Police Officers Standards and Training board yearly, along with documentation of mandated in-service requirements. We will also begin hosting armorer and firearms instructor training courses at the classroom inside the range house.”

(above L-R) Retired Murfreesboro City Manager Roger Haley coordinated the initial plans between the city and county governments. City Manager Rob Lyons, who was assistant manager at the time, now oversees Murfreesboro’s investment in the firing range. Architect Mark Rodgers shares insight into the project. Local entrepreneur and former deputy Ronnie Barrett tells how this facility will help everyone. His company is now known simply as Barrett, and it is the world leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing of weapons for the United States military and more than 50 American allied countries across the world.

Maney Avenue Improvements Public Meeting

   The Murfreesboro Planning and Engineering Department will hold a public meeting to gather input on proposed street and drainage improvements for Maney Avenue from Broad to College streets.
   This project will address drainage problems experienced in the neighborhood and provide a new streetscape.
   The meeting will be held March 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Mercury Blvd. Residents will be able to review plans and offer their ideas and suggestions for the project. The City will also have photographs of some of the contemplated improvements for residents to comment upon.

   Information will be available regarding the proposed improvements including:

• Landscaping with street trees and sodded grass strips
• Stamped asphalt crosswalks (red brick colored)
• Stamped concrete plaza areas (red brick colored)
• Defined on street parking using concrete porous pavers
• Decorative street lighting, black cast aluminum poles with acorn fixture
• Handicap ramps with black, truncated domes
• Utilities including Water, sewer and stormwater line replacements..

   Many of the proposed improvements were outlined in the Maney Avenue Comprehensive Community Plan which, though not formally adopted, has been used as a guide by several developers of projects in the area.
    City staff is still in the design stage of the project and wants to obtain community input before finishing the design
   After completing the design stage, the city will then proceed with obtaining the necessary easements needed to complete the project. The City also plans to continue these improvements from College Street to Oaklands Mansion at a future date.
   “We anticipate obtaining the easements, advertising for construction, awarding the construction contract, and beginning construction by late spring or early summer,” said Murfreesboro City Engineer Chris Griffith. “The anticipated construction schedule is a little over a year in duration which would make completion in early fall, 2011.”

   Those who attend will be invited to share their ideas and will have the opportunity to provide comments to City staff.

MTSU Tornado Siren Test

The whaling tornado siren near downtown and on the MTSU campus will be a test and not an actual tornado warning Wednesday. The test takes place at 11:15 Wednesday morning. Again, when you hear the tornado siren around 11:15 Wednesday morning, it’s only a test.

Already Convicted Sex Offender Accused of Fondling 6-year Old

A man by the name of Michael Thomas Sherfield (pictured) in Murfreesboro has been arrested on 3-counts of aggravated sexual battery charges. Sherfield, who is already a registered sex offender, allegedly fondled a 6-year old child on multiple occasions.

According to the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, Sherfield lives at 419 Minerva Drive. He is currently on the registry as the result of a conviction that dates back to year 2000 when he was arrested on attempted aggravated sexual battery charges.

Sherfield will appear before a judge in a Rutherford County Circuit Court room on March 15th.

United Way Celebrates 2009-2010 Campaign

The United Way held its community celebration at World Outreach Church. Agency President and CEO Brian Hercules says it was truly a celebration and the fact the agency was able to raise over two-point-three-million dollars for local non-profits…

Hercules says while the numbers represent 83-point-5-percent of their campaign goal, the United Way realizes it’s more than just about the numbers…

The Daily News Journal’s Andrew Oppmann (OP-muhn) led the campaign this year and handed the baton over to Pat Murphy with General Mills. It was General Mills’ 557-thousand, 442 dollars pledged that recognized that organization as the biggest contributor to this year’s campaign. The rest of the top ten contributors are Publix, Rutherford County Government and Rutherford County Schools, Nissan, State Farm, Ingram Content Group, Bridgestone La Vergne Plant, Yates Services, MTSU and Heritage Farms Dairy. For more on the community celebration, log-on to www.uwrutherford.org. (u-w-rutherford-dot-org.)

Date is Set for the 4th Annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon

The fourth annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon (“The Middle Half”) and Kids Fun Run presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center will be held Saturday, October 16, 2010.

The 13.1-mile race is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. with a wheelchair start at 6:55 a.m. Because the course runs by the geographic center of Tennessee, begins and ends at Middle Tennessee State University and is presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center, it has been tagged “The Middle Half”.

“We’ve increased the registration limit to 2,250 runners, which is a little over ten percent above last year’s limit,” said Melinda Tate, race director. “Last year we met our limit of 2,000 athletes 45 days before the race.”

Registration for The Middle Half begins May 1, 2010 at 7:00 a.m. Both online and mail-in forms will be available. The registration fees per athlete are: May 1 – May 31: $50; June 1 – July 31: $55; beginning August 1, the fees increase to $65.

Children ages six to thirteen will have an opportunity to participate in the Kids Fun Run which will begin immediately after the half marathon start.

The course goes down scenic tree-lined Main Street and Maney Avenue to Oaklands Historic House Museum. Runners will circle the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Square, pass by by MTSU’s Fraternity Row and the obelisk on Old Lascassas, and then finish on the MTSU track.

Middle Tennessee Medical Center is the presenting sponsor of the event. The City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation, Fleet Feet Sports, Middle Tennessee State University, Snapple, CB&S Bank, IdeasTees, Purity Dairies, State Farm, The WORX Group, Jason’s Deli and Emerson Heating Products are major sponsors. The Daily News Journal, The Murfreesboro Post, Murfreesboro Magazine, Hobnob Murfreesboro and WGNS are media sponsors of the race.

For more information, visit www.TheMiddleHalf.com.

 

Tanker Truck Explodes in Nashville (See Pictures Here)

INTERNET EXCLUSIVE STORY: Quite the stir in Nashville this morning (March 9, 2010)… Reports indicate a tanker truck exploded at a Raceway Service Station on Donelson Pike at I-40. Due the the explosion, the northbound lanes of Donelson Pike had to be completely shut down while crews cleared the scene.

WGNS Andy Hutchins was there and captured the incident on camera (pictures below). Pictures can be seen at WGNSradio.com. 

Multiple Tires Slashed near Mitchell Neilson Schools

Multiple vehicle vandalisms were reported near the Mitchell Neilson Schools on Sunday night and police have yet to make an arrest.  The incidents were reported on Murfree Avenue off of Medical Center Parkway. The complainants told officers that their tires were slashed or flattened. This marks the 4th time such an incident has been reported that involved multiple cars and tires in Murfreesboro over the past 3-years.

Mullins Jewelry Store on Local Square to be Auctioned Off

After serving Rutherford County since 1937, Mullins Jewelry Store decided to close their doors to business in 2009. As a result of the closure, Mullins will now auction off their building that quietly sits on the south side of the Murfreesboro square.

WGNS confirmed through Bob Parks Auction that the sale will take place on Wednesday, March 17th at 12-NOON.

Property records show the building was constructed in 1900. The total square footage of the main floor is just under 2,000-square feet.

The building will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

 

Father Forgives Teen Behind Wheel of Vehicle That Led to Sons Death October 16th

The father of a 20-year old man killed in a Murfreesboro car accident on October 16th of last year says that he forgives the 16-year old behind the wheel. Joe Butler, who lives in Hendersonville, says that his son Joe Shane Butler, was riding in the front seat of a car being driven by the teen when the young man crashed into a utility pole on Deerwood Avenue near Northfield Blvd.

During a recent detention hearing, the father of the deceased showed up and asked the judge for leniency. Evidently, the teenager had been drinking and possibly smoking marijuana prior to the wreck. The father told the courts that when he was younger he too did dumb things. He stated, “I cant hold anything against that boy.” 

Joe Butler has since set up a FaceBook site in remembrance of his son Joe Shane Butler.

DONATE TO THE RED CROSS WHEN VISITING LOCAL RESTAURANTS!

With March proclaimed as Red Cross Month, the Heart of Tennessee Chapter is continuing their special “Restaurants for Relief” program.  Patrons visiting local eateries including The Clay Cup, Maple Street Grill, Kirkenburt’s  and Newk’s can make a donation to the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross to help local disaster victims. All money donated will stay in our community to help families who are affected by upcoming storms, tornadoes, fires or serious accidents.

When you receive yourbill while visiting The Clay Cup, Maple Street Grill, Kirkenburt’s  or Newk’s, make sure you leave a donation to help fund the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

MORE:

“The Red Cross works tirelessly to be there with help and hope when people need it most–and we are grateful for the public support that enables us to continue our work – here at home and abroad,” said Greg King, CEO “Our community and our nation depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of people in American to achieve its mission.”

“During Red Cross Month, we want to recognize the valuable supporters whose generosity makes the work of the American Red Cross possible,” King added. “In addition, Red Cross Month is a great time for people to get involved with the Red Cross, such as donating blood; signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cross course; giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes, or getting involved as a volunteer.”

The Red Cross provides shelter, food, comfort and hope to survivors of nearly 70,000 disasters each year; helps prepare communities for emergencies; is the largest single provider of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills to more than 5 million people a year; supports military members and their families, and provides international humanitarian aid.

The American Red Cross touches the lives of millions of people every year through its network of 34,000 employees and more than 600,000 volunteers in more than 2,000 locations across the United States and more than 30 countries around the world.

“The Red Cross has responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope,” King  said. “The Red Cross is there in Haiti now – and we are also here each day across the country for families who need us.”

Although major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires capture national media headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities. In the past year, the Heart of Tennessee Chapter responded to 111 local emergencies, assisted 640

military families and trained 12,412 people in lifesaving skills.  And, people from this area donated approximately 11,849 units of blood last year.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation in 1943, recognizing the American Red Cross as a true reflection of the humanitarian and volunteer spirit and calling on Americans to “rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.”  Every president since that time has recognized the work of the Red Cross with a Red Cross Month.

About the American Red Cross

The Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross provides vital emergency assistance to help victims of local disasters in Rutherford, Bedford, Cannon, Franklin, Coffee & Moore counties. Over the past year the Chapter trained nearly 15,000 people in CPR & First Aid, Babysitting and Aquatics training, and provided pre-deployment briefings and emergency communications for over 640 active duty military personnel and their families. Over 13,177 pints of life-saving blood were collected from the community last year. All of these services are made possible by over 320 dedicated local Red Cross volunteers as well as through generous gifts from the local community. To get more information please call 615) 893-4272 or log on to www.midtnredcross.org.

It’s Been Awhile: 70’s on Monday

The weather to start of the week was simply gorgeous. Sunshine and an official high temperature on Monday of 73-degrees! Can you remember the last time it was that warm here in Rutherford County? Well, it was November 15th of last year when the temperature topped out at 72. That was the last time we’ve warmed into the 70’s. While temperatures have moderated a bit, the rest of the week looks to bring rain and a few thunderstorms. The complete WGNS Weather Eye forecast is coming up.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WGNS WEATHER EYE FORECAST FULL FORECAST

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