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SPECIAL EVENT: "Arts for Education Jazz Brunch and Art Auction"

On Sunday, March 28th, the Business Education Partnership will host the inaugural "Arts for Education Jazz Brunch and Art Auction" from 12:30 to 3pm. The event will take place at the new salsa dance club Espana on Main Street, just off of the square in Murfreesboro.

During the event you can enjoy jazz music by local performers and salsa dancing to bossa nova sounds while learning about the all-new electric Leaf car by the event’s presenting sponsor, Nissan.

WGNS has confirmed that brunch will be catered by Chef Julio and the award-winning Smyrna High School culinary arts students.

MORE:

From 12:30pm-2:45pm, a silent auction will feature art from local artists, entertainment packages, and youth artwork from the recent all county arts competition. This event will help to support BEP programming for youth and teachers to insure a well prepared future workforce.

Tickets are $65 per person, Reservations are required. For more information and reservations call (615) 893-6565.To learn about the BEP’s mission and programs visit www.rutherfordbep.org.

BEDFORD COUNTY: Man Faces Trial for Rape Charge

A Bedford County Judge has set a new trial date for a Bedford County man charged with kidnapping and rape in 2002.

James Lynne Stewart, age 52, was charged with aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, and theft of over $500 in 2002, after he allegedly raped a woman in her vehicle on Aug. 16, 2002, in Bedford County. Stewart was scheduled to stand trial last December, but the case was continued in order for DNA testing to be done on an article of evidence. The new trial date is scheduled for May 24th.

Stewart is being held in the Bedford County Jail on $190,000 bond.

UPDATE: Healthcare Bill Historic for Tennessee and Beyond, an In Depth Look

INTERNET EXCLUSIVE – NOT HEARD ON THE AIR:  After months of preaching, pleading and practically pulling teeth, PRESIDENT OBAMA is closer than ever to accomplishing the top priority of his first term: remaking the nation’s $2.5 trillion healthcare industry in order to insure tens of millions of Americans currently without medical coverage.

On Sunday, the House passed the Senate version of healthcare reform legislation by a 219-to-212 margin. The bill now goes to Obama for his signature on Tuesday, while another measure that the House approved reconciling substantial differences between the two chambers heads back to the Senate, where it needs a simple majority for passage. That bill is preferable to the first because it would fix certain problems but at the very least, the White House can now move forward to enact healthcare reform.

Obviously delighted by the outcome of the mission on which he staked his presidency, Obama said later in remarks from the White House East Room that the legislation “answers the prayers of every American who has hoped deeply for something to be done about a health care system that works for insurance companies but not for ordinary people.”

The president added that long after pundits determine who the political winners and losers are as a result of congressional action on healthcare reform, the real beneficiaries are millions who can’t get coverage because they’re unemployed, work for a small business that can’t afford to insure their workers, or can’t get coverage from a private insurer because of a pre-existing medical condition.

Supporters are touting healthcare reform as domestic legislation as important as passing Social Security, Medicare and the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Detractors maintain that it’s a white elephant that will destroy the economy and lead to second-rate healthcare.

Upon learning of the bill’s passage, VICKI KENNEDY, the widow of Mass. Senator TED KENNEDY, who long championed healthcare reform in the U.S., said that now “healthcare becomes more than a dream, it becomes America’s commitment.”

With some doubts that Democrats had enough votes to get the bill passed, the White House got over the hump earlier Sunday when the president satisfied anti-abortion activists within his own party by agreeing to sign an executive order that would prohibit federal funds being used to terminate pregnancies.

There was no Republican support for the ten-year, $940 billion measure that the GOP contends will balloon the federal deficit, raise taxes, cut Medicare benefits for seniors and more importantly, facilitate a government takeover of the healthcare industry that would make medical services worse, not better.

The White House and most Democrats say virtually the opposite will happen. Besides covering an additional 32 million people, they argue the bill would hold private insurers’ feet to the fire by making it illegal for them to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions or cancel policies if someone gets sick.

Furthermore, Democrats insist the legislation would reduce the federal deficit by $1 trillion over two decades based on calculations from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.

The new law would make it mandatory for every U.S. citizen to be insured by 2014 or else face penalties of up to $2,085 per family annually. The government would make subsidies available to do those who find it difficult to afford coverage.

About the only thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on is that the issue of healthcare legislation has caused a schism in this country among those who are in favor of widening medical coverage for the uninsured and those fearful of losing what they have now.

Despite the apparent success by the White House to make healthcare more universal, three Republican attorneys general say they will file legal challenge against the bill, arguing that it’s unconstitutional to force Americans to buy health coverage, as dictated by the legislation.

The administration is prepared to deal with legal challenges wherever they arise. Supporters of the bill also plan to launch a public relations campaign to cite examples of who has immediately benefited from healthcare reform.

Statement from White House Communications Director (DAN PFEIFFER)

Today, the President announced that he will be issuing an executive order after the passage of the health insurance reform law that will reaffirm its consistency with longstanding restrictions on the use of federal funds for abortion.

While the legislation as written maintains current law, the executive order provides additional safeguards to ensure that the status quo is upheld and enforced, and that the health care legislation’s restrictions against the public funding of abortions cannot be circumvented.

The President has said from the start that this health insurance reform should not be the forum to upset longstanding precedent.  The health care legislation and this executive order are consistent with this principle.

The President is grateful for the tireless efforts of leaders on both sides of this issue to craft a consensus approach that allows the bill to move forward.

IN TENNESSEE (Sen. Bob Corker):

U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., made the following statement Sunday evening after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate’s version of health reform legislation.

“Tonight’s vote is disappointing, and its cost will hit our state and future generations very hard,” said Corker. “On Friday, Governor Bredesen let me know this bill will cost Tennessee an estimated $1.1 billion in Medicaid expansion over five years – a huge unfunded mandate that creates a very difficult situation for our state.

“Beyond that, I think what bothers me most about the bill are its disingenuous accounting mechanisms. It’s insulting to the American people. First, the bill applies 10 years of new taxes to finance six years of spending, resulting in huge deficits over the next decades. Second, even President Obama’s own Medicare officials have determined that Medicare savings are counted TWICE in the bill, hiding the legislation’s true cost. This comes down to elementary school logic; you can’t spend the same dollar twice. And finally, almost as soon as the ink dries on this legislation, a new bill will come forth to deal with all or part of what is called the ‘doc fix’ to ensure that physicians who treat Medicare recipients do not receive a 21 percent cut. The cost of that over 10 years is more than $200 billion, proving that Americans have not been dealt with squarely on the true accounting associated with this bill.”

MORE TAXES for TN (Sen. Lamar Alexander):

“Governor Bredesen has already told us that the Senate health care bill will add $1 billion in costs to TennCare over five years,” Alexander said. “The TennCare office estimates that the House’s changes would increase those costs by adding another $200 million in physician reimbursement fees and bringing the latest estimate of total cost to Tennessee up to as much as $1.5 billion.”

“Because of the explosive growth of Medicaid, most of these new costs will inevitably fall on higher education,” said Alexander, who was governor of Tennessee and president of the University of Tennessee.
  
“Gov Bredesen’s proposed budget for higher education for 2010-2011 reduces funding by $43 million for higher education, bringing the total reduction to $277 million over the past three years. The new cuts imposed by the health care bill can only be offset by new taxes, larger tuition increases, a decrease in the quality of the education offered, or serving fewer students—or a combination of all of these.”

“The most outrageous addition to the health care bill is the Washington takeover of the student loan program. Nineteen million students will now go to four federal call centers to get their loans, instead of to 2,000 community banks and non-profit lenders. This will add a half trillion dollars to the federal debt and throw 31,000 people out of work. Worst of all, the government will use $9.1 billion of the ‘savings’ from this takeover to help pay for the health care bill. Specifically, in Tennessee, the federal government will be overcharging 200,000 students on their loans in order to help pay for the health care bill.”   

Dr. Ron Kirkland (Running for Congress in West Tennessee):

Upon learning of the passage of President Obama and Speaker Pelosi’s plans to radically alter our health care and economy this evening, Doctor Ron Kirkland released the following statement after meeting with fellow health care professionals at the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) national meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana:

"Today, Americans witnessed the lengths to which the radical liberal agenda will go to push this country down the road to socialism. It is hard to believe that our representatives in Congress would sell us down the river for kickbacks and pay-offs, and not stand on principle.

"I fear, with this new law, America’s flame of freedom has diminished remarkably. Personal responsibility and individual accountability — the basic tenets of our liberty — have been shoved aside in favor of more and ever-intrusive government, increased regulations, and burdensome taxes from which no business or citizen will be able to hide.

"Health care reform is desperately needed in our country, but not like this. This bill is just more of the same from the likes of President Obama and Speaker Pelosi. This bill is out of touch with America’s values because it:

- Allows federal funding of abortions and leaves the President to fix it. 
- Does not include the right to shop for health insurance across state lines.
- Does not include much-needed provisions to protect doctors and medical professionals from frivolous lawsuits filed by out-of-control trial lawyers.
- Dumps 15 million citizens into state Medicaid programs which are already failing, without any way to pay for those 15 million except for more tax increases on hard-working Americans.
- Opens the door for a government run national health care system that will lead to mediocre health care for everyone in the short run, and will eventually lead to the destruction of our economy by saddling it with costs and regulations.

Congressman Bart Gordon Says He Supports the Bill:

Over the past year, I have been contacted by thousands of Middle Tennesseans with opinions on health care. Because this issue is so important, I have heard from passionate voices on all sides through face-to-face meetings, call-ins, surveys, town halls, calls and letters.

During that time, I have consistently said I would not support any version of health care reform unless it brings down rising health care costs, improves access to affordable care, and does it all without adding one nickel to the national deficit. I’ve now been presented with a bill that does all three; in fact, this proposal reduces the deficit by $130 billion over the next 10 years and $1.2 trillion in the 10 years after that. Finding solutions to the problems we face has been challenging, but we simply cannot sustain the status quo any longer.

I’ve heard from many Tennesseans in the past year who are struggling to afford health care. Since 2000, health insurance premiums for the average family have doubled. Too many hard-working families and small businesses are getting priced out of needed health care.

There is no evidence this trend of escalating costs is moderating. If no reform is passed, the average family premium in Tennessee is expected to increase from $11,550 today to $19,700 in 2019. Hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans who currently have insurance are projected to lose their coverage. Small businesses that have stretched their budgets to cover employees will be forced to either cut care or cut staff. If we do nothing, local hospitals that are already struggling to accommodate uninsured patients through emergency room care and other resources will be stretched to the breaking point; some will likely go bankrupt.  - From WBRY NEWS

LOOKING BACK TO SATURDAY: The Fire that Struck the West Side of the Square

A 911 call was received by the Murfreesboro fire emergency communications center at 10:43 Saturday morning. Responding units were at 219 West Main Street in less than 2-minutes, but flames were already shooting through the roof at Music City Medical Supply and the sky was filled with heavy black smoke. The pictures below were taken by WGNS’ Andy Hutchins.

Free Easter Egg Hunt Being Planned for April 3

A special Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 3rd that is open to the public at the Fellowship United Methodist Church. Rick Wooten, event coordinator tells WGNS…

Again, the Easter Egg hunt will be held on April 3rd from 2pm to 4pm at The Fellowship United Methodist Church. The church is located on Highway 99, down from Cason Lane.

International FolkFest Here June 13-20, 2010

A cultural event is happening in Murfreesboro from June 13th through June 20th! Musical and dance groups will be visiting the International FolkFest from Spain, Italy, and Austria. The week-long activities will encompass culture in the form of vibrant music, dance and colorful costumes.

Rutherford Country’s own Cripple Creek Cloggers will host these countries during the festival and will also be performing Applachian style square dancing to celebrate East Tennessee culture.  The celebration of cultures will feature music, dance, and colorful costumes from each country.  This promises to be an exciting week, as high-energy performances will be conducted at different sites throughout Murfreesboro and Nashville.

Please access our website at www.Mboro-International-Folkfest.org for all pertinent information.  You may also contact Steve Cates at 615-896-3559 or e-mail him at appdancer@aol.com for further information.

STRONGER DOLLAR FORCES PRICE OF CRUDE TO DECLINE

The U.S. dollar strengthened against the euro last week, after the euro fell the most since January on news that Greece may not receive financial assistance from the European Union to help ease debt issues. The change in currency value boosted the dollar and made crude oil less appealing to investors; signs the market is still strongly influenced by the dollar. Crude oil closed Friday at $80.68 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

U.S. fuel consumption decreased more than expected by 4.2 percent during the week of March 8, according to a report released last week by the Energy Department. This is 7.8 percent lower than the five-year average for the second week in March.

The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $2.82 per gallon reflecting a four-cent increase from last week. Florida’s average price is $2.85, Tennessee’s is $2.70, and Georgia’s average price is $2.72 per gallon, all reflecting a one-cent increase from last week, respectively. A few competitive dealers in the ‘Boro have $2.55 a gallon regular fuel. 

"It’s not surprising to see the price of crude close lower than it did last week. Not only did a report show consumer sentiment is down for the month of March, but basic fundamentals do not support these high prices," said Jessica Brady, manager, AAA Public & Government Relations. "A stronger dollar coupled with a report that shows U.S. fuel consumption is down is a cocktail that is sure to bring down the price of crude oil.

"We may see retail gas prices decline a few cents this week in response to the lower crude price and this should help postpone $3 gasoline from becoming a common sight in the Southeast."

34th Season of Cannonsburgh Opens April 17th

History will come to life at Cannonsburgh Village on April 17 as the 34^th annual spring opening is celebrated. This free family event will take place at 312 South Front Street in Murfreesboro from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Cannonsburgh was Rutherford County’s entry into the Tennessee bi-centennial competition back in 1976. And yes, it was and still is a winner! The complex is owned and operated by the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department.

Activities include blacksmithing, lye soap making, a craft show of over 40 local crafters and artists, old time concessions, square dancing, clogging, petting zoo, antique car show, hayrides, Art League show, and a concert featuring The Rigney Family Bluegrass Band, June LaGreen as Harriet Tubman, The Dulcimer Club and more.

The early 19^th & 20^th Century village contains historic artifacts, buildings and enactors who will teach and demonstrate old time home making skills to traditional trades. There are numerous attractions for guests to enjoy including a toll bridge, visitor’s center and gift shop, grist mill, one room schoolhouse, an early 1900’s telephone office, soap making ash hopper, town hall, 1776-1876 museum, doctor’s office, country store, blacksmith shop and other attractions.

Huge Tent Covers A Block of West College For “Backstage Bash”

On Saturday (3/20/10) the Center for the Arts in the historic district of Murfreesboro blocked off College Street from North Church to Walnut in preparation for the Backstage Bash. A huge tent covering the entire block will protect the area from the elements while party goers enjoy the Tyrone Smith Review.

The dinner package begins at 6:00PM. Mike Zelenak at Maple Street Grille is preparing a gourmet meal that will please the most discerning pallet. Those tickets are $100 per person. The “Dance Till You Drop” tickets are $35 per person and those persons can enter at 8:00 Saturday night. In addition to the great music and food, there will be a silent auction from 6:00 to 10:00PM. If you have last minute questions, phone 615-904-ARTS (2787).

Saturday Fire Destroys 110-Year Old Building Off Historic Square

A 911 call was received by the Murfreesboro fire emergency communications center at 10:43 Saturday morning. Responding units were at 219 West Main Street in less than 2-minutes, but flames were already shooting through the roof at Music City Medical Supply and the sky was filled with heavy black smoke.

In the early stages of the fire, the smoke was so thick that firefighters had a difficult time seeing and being seen by their commanders on the ground. (Left photo below you can barely see firefighters in the bucket above the burning structure)

The downtown structure was built in 1900, and was a total loss. The 4,500 square foot structure is owned by Barton Dotson and his wife Janis. Officials told WGNS News that Music City Medical Supply was closed on Saturdays and no one was in the business. They said that the Dotsons were out of town.

An investigation is underway, and at this time it is not known what started the Saturday morning blaze in this historic downtown district.

Above photo: This is the rear of the structure and the white building is Concert Productions. It remains open, but 3 Brothers Deli is closed with some damage to walls and roof. The above photo shows the severe damage to the Music City Medical Supply building. It was a two-story structure with the roofline being slightly higher than the top of Concert Productions (as shown in left photo above this one).

Murfreesboro Fire Marshall Ken Honeycutt told WGNS that the city codes inspector ordered a backhoe-crane brought to the site to raze some of the walls as they were already collapsing and creating dangers for firefighters and adjacent structures. He noted that businesses on either side of Music City Medical Supply received smoke damage. Concert Productions received the least and remained open, however 3 Brothers Deli on the corner of West Main and Walnut Street suffered roof and wall damage. Honeycutt told WGNS News that there was a large hole in the interior wall toward the back of the restaurant’s bar area. It is not known how long 3 Brothers Deli will remained closed while repairs are made.

West Main Street was closed to traffic from Walnut to the Square all Saturday afternoon. Motorists who had parked in that section had to wait patiently all day, because fire hose were spread up and down the roadway. WGNS News will let you know what investigators feel started the blaze as soon as their studies are complete. Honeycutt said that would be some time next week.

(most photos by Andy Hutchins, others by Bart Walker)

Local Teachers and Student Authors and Artists To Be Honored

A reception spotlighting Rutherford County teacher authors, student authors and student artists will be held Tuesday, April 6th at 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Siegel Middle School.

The works of the authors and artists are published each year in a collection of two books produced by Rutherford County Schools. One book features student work and the other features the writings of teachers. This year’s books are titled Handprints on My Heart.

Selected readings from both teachers and students will be held in the auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by signings in the library by all authors who are present.

The book project began in 1999 as a way to promote a love and excitement for writing. A majority of the proceeds from the books cover publishing costs and any remaining funds help support the annual Rutherford County Writers’ Academy for teachers.

This year’s books feature works from more than 350 students and 70 teachers in Rutherford County. The project has become extremely popular with parents. The school district initially ordered 590 books containing students’ works, but those books have sold out and additional copies have been ordered.

For additional information, contact Community Relations Coordinator James Evans at (615) 893-5812 or evansj@rcs.k12.tn.us.

‘Boro Represented Well In "Fiddler On The Roof"

Murfreesboro was represented well in the Arts Center of Cannon County’s production of “Fiddler On The Roof”. In fact, Rutherford County’s Public Defender Gerald Melton (left photo) play the lead role of Tevye. He danced and sang through the 3-hour performance showing the merits of “Tradition”. Also from his office, Rusty Perkins portrayed Lazar Wolfe. Well known Murfreesboro singer Katherine Sandoval Taylor did a great interpretation of Hodel. The play takes place during 1905, a time of rapid change during the start of the Russian Revolution. It was an outstanding evening of theatre, and made even better with dinner in the Arts Center’s cafe. Performances are at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday evenings along with 2:00 o’clock Sunday matinees through April 3rd. The cafe opens at 5PM for evening performances and at 11:00 o’clock on Sunday mornings. For more information about “Fiddler On The Roof”, call 615-563-ARTS (2787) or check their website: www.ArtsCenterofCC.com. 

Gubernatorial Forum at MTSU

MTSU, in cooperation with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, will play host to a gubernatorial forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 29, in Murphy Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Free tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, starting with MTSU students, followed by faculty, staff and the general public. MTSU students with valid IDs may pick up tickets beginning Monday. All other university personnel and the general public may pick up tickets beginning Monday, April 5. Tickets should be picked up in advance at the MTSU Ticket Office, located at Gate 1A at Floyd Stadium on Faulkinberry Drive.

Uncle Dave Macon Days Selected as a Top 20 Event for the month of July 2010

The 33rd Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival has just been selected as one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for the month of July, 2010.  This distinctive award is given to a select number of events in a ten-state area.  Over 400 newspapers, magazines, AAA offices, radio and television stations receive the Top 20 listings.

Uncle Dave Macon, one of the pioneers of the Grand Ole Opry, is the inspiration for this old-time music and dance festival.  It includes major competitions in banjo, fiddle, buck dancing, clogging and more, plus food, arts and crafts and the Motorless Parade featuring mules, horses and wagons.  Uncle Dave Macon Days will be held July 9-11, 2010 at Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro.

Uncle Dave Macon Days was nominated by the Tennessee state coordinator to be included in the Top 20 list.  There are approximately 250 nominations from the Southeastern region. Three judges from the travel industry field select two events from each state for this coveted award.

The Southeast Tourism Society is a non-profit organization whose goals and objectives are to develop, market, and promote travel in the southeastern states.  The group started publishing the Top 20 Events list eleven years ago.  The members of the Southeast Tourism Society represent ten Southeastern states.  These states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Reception for student, teacher authors and artists set for April 6

A reception spotlighting Rutherford County teacher authors, student authors and student artists will be held Tuesday, April 6 at 6:30-8 p.m. at Siegel Middle School.

Members of the media are encouraged to cover the event to help commemorate student and teacher achievement.

The works of the authors and artists are published each year in a collection of two books produced by Rutherford County Schools. One book features student work and the other features the writings of teachers. This year’s books are titled Handprints on My Heart.

Selected readings from both teachers and students will be held in the auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by signings in the library by all authors who are present.

The book project began in 1999 as a way to promote a love and excitement for writing. A majority of the proceeds from the books cover publishing costs and any remaining funds help support the annual Rutherford County Writers’ Academy for teachers.

This year’s books feature works from more than 350 students and 70 teachers in Rutherford County. The project has become extremely popular with parents. The school district initially ordered 590 books containing students’ works, but those books have sold out and additional copies have been ordered.

For additional information, contact Community Relations Coordinator James Evans at (615) 893-5812 or evansj@rcs.k12.tn.us.

Uncle Dave Macon Days One Of The Top Southeastern Events

The 33rd Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival has just been selected as one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for the month of July, 2010.  This distinctive award is given to a select number of events in a ten-state area.  Over 400 newspapers, magazines, AAA offices, radio and television stations receive the Top 20 listings.

Uncle Dave Macon, one of the pioneers of the Grand Ole Opry, is the inspiration for this old-time music and dance festival.  It includes major competitions in banjo, fiddle, buck dancing, clogging and more, plus food, arts and crafts and the Motorless Parade featuring mules, horses and wagons.  Uncle Dave Macon Days will be held July 9-11, 2010 at Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro.

Uncle Dave Macon Days was nominated by the Tennessee state coordinator to be included in the Top 20 list.  There are approximately 250 nominations from the Southeastern region. Three judges from the travel industry field select two events from each state for this coveted award.

The Southeast Tourism Society is a non-profit organization whose goals and objectives are to develop, market, and promote travel in the southeastern states.  The group started publishing the Top 20 Events list eleven years ago.  The members of the Southeast Tourism Society represent ten Southeastern states.  These states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Local Hospital Names New Chief of Medical Staff

Middle Tennessee Medical Center announces Dr. Edward D. Eastham (left) as the new Chief of Staff and Dr. Michael R. Jordan (right)0 as Vice Chief of Staff.

Dr. Eastham is a board certified pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, and completed his pediatric residency at LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center in Memphis. Dr. Eastham is the former Chief of Pediatrics at West End Medical Center in Atlanta.

He has been voted Best Pediatrician by the readers of Rutherford Parent magazine, as well as the readers of the Daily News Journal. In his new role, he will act as a liaison between medical staff and hospital administration. He will be replacing Dr. Ray Johnson, a pulmonologist at the hospital.

Dr. Jordan is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinic in Augusta and is currently an orthopaedic surgeon at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance on Medical Center Parkway. Dr. Jordan has served as a team physician for MTSU, Sewanee and all of the Rutherford County and City high schools.

New officers and department chairmen include:

Chief of Medicine- Randall C. Rickard. M.D., family medicine

Chief of Surgery- Paul E.Goco, M.D., otolaryngologist/ facial plastics

Chief of OB/GYN- Brent B. Boles, M.D., OB/GYN

Chief of Emergency Medicine- Kevin H. Beier, M.D., emergency medicine

Chief of Pediatrics- Jeremy B. Harrison, M.D., pediatrician

Chief of Orthopaedics- Michael R. Jordan, M.D., orthopaedics

MTMC AWARDED ACCREDITATION FROM THE JOINT COMMISSION

By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission‘s national standards for health care quality and safety, Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) remains fully accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

The Joint Commission conducted an unannounced, on-site evaluation of MTMC in February. The accreditation award recognizes MTMC’s dedication to complying with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards on a continuous basis.

“The Joint Commission accreditation is a way for MTMC to prove our commitment of providing top quality and safe care to our patients,” says Gordon B. Ferguson, President and CEO of MTMC. “We view continuing this high approval rating as another step towards achieving excellence.”

MTMC was the first of many Ascension Health hospitals the survey team leader will be visiting throughout 2010. The survey team stated that MTMC has “set the bar high” for sister hospitals throughout the country.

Three surveyors were sent to MTMC, which consisted of a physician, nurse and an administrator. The surveyor team commented on their visit by stating the MTMC survey was a great experience. During the survey, the team stated MTMC is practicing leading edge work with their infection prevention program that only the better hospitals do and MTMC has a ‘healthy culture.’

“This survey shows how committed the associates and physicians are at MTMC,” says Ferguson. “Everyone rose to the occasion during the three day survey process.”

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits nearly 17,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services.

Linebaugh and Smyrna Libraries Closing 5-days For Tech Updates

As you recall, back in November the Christy-Houston Foundation awarded the Linebaugh Library System a grant that enables them to install the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology. Since that time, the staff at the local public Linebaugh libraries have been preparing for the new RFID system that Business Resource Solutions (BRS) and ST LogiTrack will install.

Closed Dates

The Smyrna Branch will close their doors Monday March 22nd through Saturday March 27th and reopen on the 29th. The Linebaugh Library will close on Sunday March 28th and will remain closed through Saturday April 10th.

Training

During the period that Linebaugh Library will be closed, the staff is taking the opportunity to do some training once their new RFID equipment and system is installed. To receive further updates on your Library and the RFID implementation, continue to follow the LPLS news feed at www.linebaugh.org/news.htm or go to www.tnrfidlibrary.wordpress.org.

Use Other Linebaugh Branches

Even though two of the Linebaugh branches will be closed, staff encourages patrons to continue borrowing from any of the four branches since only one branch will be closed at a time. So for members that frequently visit the Linebaugh and Smyrna branches, staff suggests using the Eagleville and Myrtle Glanton Lord branches until Smyrna and Linebaugh reopen. In fact, Linebaugh and MGL staffs have arranged “for members to retrieve their reserved items from the MGL branch while the Linebaugh Library is closed” says Linebaugh Library Director Rita Shacklett.

Did You Miss the MAYOR FORUM This Morning on WGNS? LISTEN NOW!

This morning on WGNS incumbent Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg joined host Scott Walker along with Tim Davis who is running for Mayor.

Here is a sampling of just two of the hot topics listeners talked about…

Mayor Bragg

Tim Davis

WGNS would like to thank the Mayor and Davis for allowing the public to ask them questions regarding our city before the election. The election day is April 20th.

GANGS in Murfreesboro

There is a growing concern of gangs in Murfreesboro and local church leaders and educators are taking notice. On April the 15th, a gang awareness seminar will be held at the Allen Chapel AME Church on Maney Avenue. Rev. Dwight Ogleton explains…

The seminar is again on Thursday night, April the 15th at 6:60 in the evening at the Allen Chapel AME Church in Murfreesboro.

How Many Millionaires Live in Good Ole’ Tennessee?

A brand new survey shows that there are a lot of millionaires living in Tennessee. Well, sort of…

In the Volunteer State, the total number of millionaire households: 88,284. While that may sound like a lot, the percentage is actually quite small. The percent of the population in Tennessee that is actually classified as millionaires is only 3.53%. The median household income here is $43,610.

The numbers were gathered from Phoenix Marketing International.

Want More Numbers?

The Most Millionaires
1. Hawaii
Total number of millionaire households: 28,363
Percent of population that are millionaires: 6.41%
Median household income: $66,701

2. Maryland
Total number of millionaire households: 133,299
Percent of population that are millionaires: 6.26%
Median household income: $70,482

3. New Jersey
Total number of millionaire households: 197,694
Percent of population that are millionaires: 6.22%
Median household income: $70,347

4. Connecticut
Total number of millionaire households: 82,837
Percent of population that are millionaires: 6.15%
Median household income: $68,294

5. Virginia
Total number of millionaire households: 166,596
Percent of population that are millionaires: 5.51%
Median household income: $61,210

6. Massachusetts
Total number of millionaire households: 137,792
Percent of population that are millionaires: 5.5%
Median household income: $65,304

7. Alaska
Total number of millionaire households: 13,348
Percent of population that are millionaires: 5.39%
Median household income: $67,332

8. New Hampshire
Total number of millionaire households: 27,562
Percentage of population that are millionaires: 5.34%
Median household income: $63,235

9. California
Total number of millionaire households: 662,735
Percent of population that are millionaires: 5.28%
Median household income: $61,017

10. Washington, D.C.
Total number of millionaire households: 13,028
Percent of population that are millionaires: 5%
Median household income: $58,553

The Fewest
1. Mississippi
Total number of millionaire households: 33,792
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.06%
Median household income: $37,818

2. Arkansas
Total number of millionaire households: $35,286
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.12%
Median household income: $38,820

3. West Virginia
Total number of millionaire households: 24,941
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.28%
Median household income: $37,528

4. Kentucky
Total number of millionaire households: 57,059
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.3%
Median household income: $41,489

5. South Dakota
Total number of millionaire households: 10,646
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.39%
Median household income: $46,244

6. North Dakota
Total number of millionaire households: 9,051
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.42%
Median household income: $46,574

7. Oklahoma
Total number of millionaire households: 50,304
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.51%
Median household income: $42,836

8. Tennessee
Total number of millionaire households: 88,284
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.53%
Median household income: $43,610

9. Louisiana
Total number of millionaire households: 59,747
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.54%
Median household income: $43,635

10. Alabama
Total number of millionaire households: 66,314
Percent of population that are millionaires: 3.55%
Median household income: $42,586

GOVERNMENT MANDATE IN TN: 4-New Shots Required for Youngsters Attending School

Students entering childcare facilities, pre-k, kindergarten, or seventh grade this fall will have a new set of immunization requirements. According to the State Department of Health, this is the first update to immunization requirements in ten years. Most of the new rules take effect on July 1.

New childcare, pre-k, and kindergarten children will be required to show proof of vaccination for HBV, PCV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. Previously, these shots were recommended but not required.

Meanwhile, students entering seventh grade will be required to have a tetanus booster shot and show proof of immunity against chicken pox. This can be demonstrated by having a prior chicken pox diagnosis or by taking two doses of the vaccine.

The state is providing new official immunization certificates to doctors. After completion of the required vaccinations, a doctor will complete a certificate which will be given by the parents to the school as evidence of required vaccinations.

As with other required vaccinations, students may be exempted for medical and/or religious reasons. For more information, you can visit www.health.tn.gov.

Local Man Running as Democrat in 6th District Race has Strong Feelings About the Current Administration

A local man by the name of George Erdel is making quite the impression on conservative democrats in Rutherford County. Erdel has qualified to run for the seat that is currently held by US Congressman Bart Gordon. Erdel, who is often seen wearing a handgun and who says that he fully supports the rights of gun owners, stated during a press conference on Thursday that he believes that at least 70% of those who classify themselves as a democrat are against the pending healthcare legislation.

Erdel calls himself a grassroots activist and you may recall he attended Bart Gordon’s town hall meeting on health care last summer. During that meeting, he stated he felt the country is headed towards socialism…

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Again Erdel, who is classified as a democrat,  is running for the Tennessee 6th District United States House seat that is currently held by democrat Bart Gordon.

Complete List of those who have qualified to run:

US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST. STEVEN L. EDMONDSON ( R )

US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST. GEORGE T ERDEL ( D )

US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST. JACK DEMPSEY HYDRICK, II (D)

US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST. BENJAMIN T LEMING ( D )

US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST. JAMES R OBERMAN ( D )

US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST. JIM TRACY ( R )

US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST. JUSTIN O SMITH ( R )

US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST. LOU A ZELENIK ( R )

More on Healthcare:

Sunday could turn out sunny or bloody for Democrats eager to pass healthcare reform.

That’s the day for the projected vote, and both the White House and Democratic leaders got a lift Thursday when the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) came back with some numbers that seem to bolster the legislation’s chances of passage.

While the price tag on the ten-year measure to overhaul the healthcare industry is estimated at $940 billion, the non-partisan CBO contends the bill will also reduce the federal deficit by $1.3 trillion over two decades.

House Speaker NANCY PELOSI was crowing over the figures even as Republicans, such as House Minority Leader JOHN BOEHNER, vowed to stop at nothing to make sure the legislation “never, ever, ever passes.”

With his first-term agenda hanging in the balance, PRESIDENT OBAMA has canceled his postponed his scheduled trip this week to Asia and Australia until June so that he can be in town for the vote, which needs 216 votes in the House.

Another Democrat who has been on the fence about voting for healthcare reform, Indiana Congressman BARON P. HILL, gave indications after seeing the CBO numbers that he won’t switch his planned yes vote to no.

But even if the House does approve the Senate version, the reworked bill has to go back to the Senate, where lawmakers there will consider amendments supplied by House Democrats.

Since the amendment will be presented as a budget reconciliation measure, Democrats only need a simple majority to pass the bill.

Even so, Senate Minority Leader MITCH MCCONNELL said he work hard to stop the amendments from passing.

Violent felon attacks deputy, detective

A female deputy sheriff and a male detective were treated for head injuries after a 26-year-old convicted felon resisted arrest on charges of attempted first-degree murder.  Deputy Monica Fonseca and Detective Steve Kohler responded to a domestic disturbance at 110 Country Side Road off Old Woodbury Pike about 10 p.m. Wednesday. A man was reportedly assaulting another man with a pick ax. They made contact with alleged assailant, Carl David Soffiantino, who they report acted and smelled intoxicated, sitting on the porch of the house.  As the officers attempted to handcuff him, Soffiantino began violently resisting by punching Fonseca in the head over her left ear and next to her right eye. He allegedly delivered a punch to Kohler’s forehead with caused a split to the skin that later required a half-dozen stitches to close. Fonseca and Kohler were treated and released at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Fonseca used a chemical agent that had no effect on Soffiantino, but the two officers were able to get him on the ground and hold him until backup officers arrived. Soffiantino continued his violent resistance and had to be handcuffed, leg-shackled and restrained with plastic straps to be brought under control.

Detectives Bryant Gregory and D.J. Jackson responded and their investigation revealed that prior to the officers’ arrival, Soffiantino had struck Brian Mason over the head and back with a wooden cane following an argument. Mason is the boyfriend of Soffiantino’s sister. Mason was able to get back into his car with his girlfriend and two young children, but Soffiantino continued the attack by using a garden fixture shaped like a pick axe to destroy portions of their car, throwing shattered glass onto the children.

Gregory has charged Soffiantino with Attempted First- Degree Homicide, two counts of Reckless Endangerment, two counts of Aggravated Assault on Police Officers, Resisting Arrest, Felony Vandalism and Vandalizing Government Property. More charges are pending, Gregory says. Soffiantino is currently in custody, held in lieu of $51,000 bond and awaiting an appearance in General Sessions Court on May 20. If he cannot make bond he will go in front of a judge within 10 days.

Soffiantino is no stranger to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. He has been booked in a total of 22 times since June 2001 and has spent a total of 484 days behind bars. His past charges range from felony possession of narcotics, to aggravated assault, burglary, domestic violence, resisting arrest, alcohol-related crimes including DUI, and failing to appear in court.

UPDATE: Roll of Steel Kills Man

49-Year old Victor R. Chipman is dead as the result of several thousand pounds of steel falling on him Wednesday. The accident occurred in Murfreesboro at a company called Steel Technologies, formerly MiTech Steel, located on Mi-Tech Drive, off of South Church Street. Evidently, the roll of steel was being lifted by a crane when it fell on to Chipman. The report shows that Chipman was a truck driver from Rockwood, Tennessee.

Building a Better Business Picture

Single-family home construction continued to grow in the fourth quarter, according to Midstate Economic Indicators, a publication of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center (BERC). Dr. David Penn, BERC director, writes, “Permits issued for construction hit bottom in the first quarter and have increased in subsequent quarters. Activity in the fourth quarter is 25.9 percent higher over the year but remains much lower than pre-recession levels. Construction of multifamily units, including apartments and townhouses, has not fared as well. Multifamily construction is 27.3 percent lower over the year but experienced a very large spurt of activity during the fourth quarter. Multifamily housing is experiencing credit availability problems more severe than for single-family housing.”

Facebook Cancels Israeli Maneuver

Social media present users and consumers with new challenges as well as new opportunities. After an Israeli Defense Forces soldier leaked details, including time and place, of an upcoming operation on Facebook, the operation had to be cancelled. Dr. Larry Burriss, journalism professor and First Amendment expert, was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force and served on active duty in Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe and the Pentagon. He says, “Government agencies at all levels are trying to figure out how to cope with e-mail, cell phones and social networking sites. In some instances, commanders and supervisors are authorized to completely ban cell phones and to limit access by government computers. In addition, intelligence officials have reported that members of terrorist groups, as well as agents of nation-states, will often join social networks to try to influence government members or gain access to classified information.”

Incident on West Main Street

A man walking down West Main Street in Murfreesboro around 12-noon on Tuesday, called the police after an unknown subject pulled a gun out on him. The 40-year old man and his girlfriend told an officer that a motorist almost struck him while driving down the road. The victim evidently told the motorist that he was traveling too fast. That was when the man behind the wheel of the Pontiac got out of the car and pulled a gun out proclaiming that he had something for him, reffering to the man walking with his girlfriend. 

The man who yelled for the motorist to slow down, told the subject he did not want to get shot over this issue and walked away. The man armed with the gun got back in his car and simply drove away. No arrests were made.

MTSU Uses Money from Clean Energy Grant to Purchase Green Power Exercise Machines

MTSU is once again ahead of the curve when it comes to green technology. The university has added new exercise machines to the student Health and Wellness Center that actually generate clean power as you work out. MTSU is not the first gym to offer this technology, a small work out facility in Connecticut first had the idea several years ago. In Connecticut, a gym owner decided to generate electrical power with spin bikes. MTSU is different in they are generating power with elliptical machines.

The rec center now features a total of five Precor USA elliptical machines. The machines have been in place at the center since February 19th. MTSU is the first university in Tennessee to use green power in their workout facility.

Right now the machines generate one kilowatt hour of electricity every two days. We are told that is enough power to keep a laptop going for about 24-hours.

Money to pay for the five machines, which cost several thousand dollars each, came from a $30-thousand dollar Clean Energy Grant. An additional $6-thousand dollars from the wellness center budget helped cover the costs as well.

FREE Guitar Festival At MTSU March 21-25

Does watching world-renowned musicians, free, appeal to you? How about supporting Middle Tennessee State University student and faculty members in their growth and education through the performing arts?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, then the eighth annual Tennessee Guitar Festival, which will be held at MTSU March 21-25, is your event.

William Yelverton, an MTSU guitar professor who also is overseeing the festival, said the event is the largest of its kind in Tennessee.

Those who attend will see award-winning musicians who will showcase classical guitar music ranging from the Renaissance all the way up to contemporary, along with the Spanish style of music and dance called flamenco.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sit in on master classes hosted by performers at the festival. MTSU students perform in the master classes for the guest instructors, who then critique their pieces. Master classes also are free and open to the public.

On Sunday, the first night of the festival, performances will begin at 8 p.m. in the Hinton Music Hall of the Wright Music Building. Yelverton will perform alongside Andrea Dawson, MTSU assistant professor of violin; then Roger Hudson, adjunct guitar professor, will finish out the night with Bela Musiqua.

On Monday, March 22, the festival will begin with a master class given by Enric Madriguera, guitar studies director from the University of Texas in Dallas. The class will be held in Room 117 of the Saunders Fine Arts Building from 1:40 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Madriguera also will perform for the first half of the evening concert, which again begins at 8 in Hinton Hall. The Duo Guitano, composed of Bethel University guitar professor Carlos Castilla and Amanda Virelles, a piano professor from Lane College, will perform for the second half of that evening’s concert.

John Knowles, award-winning composer and arranger, and Nicholas Ciraldo, guitar studies director from the University of Southern Mississippi and a winner of the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, will perform on the festival’s third night on Tuesday, March 23, at 8 p.m. in Hinton Hall.

The fourth day of the festival, Wednesday, March 24, will begin with a master class in Hinton Hall from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. with Ciraldo leading the lesson.

Yelverton said that headliner Jason Vieaux will be the solo performer for Wednesday night’s 8 p.m. concert. After taking first prize in 1992 as the youngest winner of the GFA competition, the virtuoso, with 10 albums to his credit, has played hundreds of concerts across the United States and abroad.

BEP Student Arts Show In City Hall Rotunda Through March 26th

The Murfreesboro City Hall Rotunda Art Gallery is exhibiting artwork from the Business Education Partnership’s “Arts for Education” student art contest, now through March 26th.

The art was submitted by students in Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County schools for the innaugural “Arts for Education” competition and event, presented by Nissan North American and the Business Education Partnership at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.

There are 80 pieces displayed from students K-12th grade. The theme is “the leaf electric” to celebrate the blend of artistry and technology that created “The Leaf”, Nissan’s new all-electric vehicle.

The Business Education Partnership Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization created by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to form and sustain valuable relationships between Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County schools with businesses in Rutherford County. The BEP has also been instrumental in forming a united arts council for Rutherford County through the Chamber of Commerce’s Three Star certification project- an initiative to equip communities with resources for improving economic development.

“Arts for Education” was created as the BEP’s major fundraiser for 2010 and as a means of bringing attention to Rutherford County’s art community. These submissions will be judged by category and the winning entries will be included in the silent auction for the BEP’s “Jazz Brunch and Art Auction” on March 28th.

That event will be the launch of “The Leaf” electric car in Rutherford County, include live jazz music performances, and auction items will feature the works of local visual and craft artists as well as entertainment and travel packages to regional arts events and destinations. Brunch will be catered by J&J Catering and students from the award-winning Smyrna High School culinary arts program, and a coffee bar presented by Jozoara Coffee Shop.

Proceeds from the “Jazz Brunch and Art Auction” will go towards BEP programming for Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County educators and students, including the BC³ Academy for Math and Science Study Enhancement, BEP/Nissan Teacher Mini-Grants, Adopt-A-School Partnerships, and others.

For more information about the BEP, or to purchase tickets for the “Jazz Brunch and Art Auction,” visit the website at www.rutherfordbep.org or call (615) 893-6565.

Homer Pittard’s Holly Wilson Ray Named Regional Teacher of the Year

Holly Wilson Ray has been selected as the Regional Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Ray is a fifth grade teacher at Homer Pittard Campus School Campus School and MTSU adjunct instructor in the Elementary and Special Education department.

A panel of judges who reviewed all the candidates submitted from the Mid-Cumberland Field Service Center area selected her.  This area contains twelve school systems, so being the regional selection is quite an honor.

Mrs. Ray was recently selected as the Homer Pittard Campus School Teacher of the Year by her colleagues, and represents Rutherford County School System as the Middle Level Teacher of the Year.  As the regional winner, her name has been submitted for consideration for the Grand Division competition. 

We are extremely proud of Mrs. Ray.  She is an dedicated teacher and incredible faculty member. Mrs. Ray is a mentor teacher, and always volunteers her time to assist in activities before and after school hours.

Mrs. Ray has taught for 14 years. She has completed 12 years in Rutherford County Schools. During the last 4 years, Mrs. Ray has taught 5th grade at Homer Pittard Campus, a laboratory school for MTSU. She is the proud mother of two sons, Camden, 12 and Easton, 7. She has been happily married to her husband, Tony Ray, for eighteen years.

Mrs. Ray has an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from The University of North Alabama. She is currently a candidate for the Educational Doctorate Program at Trevecca Nazarene University. Mrs. Ray has made presentations internationally, nationally, regionally and locally in the areas of mathematics, science, reading and social studies instruction. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League in Murfreesboro which is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Tots’ Landing Students Help Linebaugh Library

Students from Tots’ Landing Learning Center’s pre-kindergarten class (pictured below) took up a collection for Linebaugh Library. The donation came in the form of loose change and dollar bills stored in an empty wet nap dispenser. The children presented $18.33 to bookmobile staff members David O’Flaherty and Tony Pineault, who visit the daycare on River Rock Boulevard each Thursday morning. The money will be applied to the library’s Children’s Book Fund in order to buy materials for the Youth Services department and the bookmobile.

O’Flaherty noted, “I asked, ‘These youngsters are our future patrons. During story time, even the little babies will focus on the book and listen. When Tony pulls the bookmobile into their parking lot, we typically see a rush of excited little faces pressing against the window like metal to a magnet. That’s rewarding—honestly, what better way can there be to start off your day? Stopping by to read to the children at Tots’ Landing each week, and allow them access to library books, is the high point of the week. The donation’s a bonus, and we thank them for it.”

The children in the pre-kindergarten class are: Bailey Boyce, Cater Cheatham, Camden Cooper, Jasmine Colbert, Tucker Cowles, Benjamin Gass, Jonathan Jaycox, Connor Mayercik, Connor Mitchell, Tanner Morgan, Andrew Neal, Rayce Parker, Gavin Plumlee, Alyssa Richardson, Camryn Schlangen, Donovan Spencer, Leah Stevens, Ashley Taylor, Rachel Wallace, Caya Williams, and Cory Wood. Their teachers are Paulette Bobeck, Cole Brown, Jackie Donovan, and Michelle Sanders. The directors are Diana Turner and Jessica Jones.

Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit www.linebaugh.org.

School Bus and Car Have Accident in Barfield Area

A vehicle has collided with a county school bus in the Barfield area. Reports indicate the accident occurred Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses say the wreck was near the Savannah Ride subdivision. The children on the bus were not injured, however there were injuries reported in the car.

No names have been released.

6th U.S. House Candidate Says His Party Mishandling Health Care Reform

George Erdel, who is seeking the 6th U.S. House seat that is currently held by retiring Bart Gordon, has reportedly contacted the offices of House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate leader Harry Reid regarding his concerns over the manner in which the Congressional Leadership is mishandling the issue of health care reform. The Murfreesboro Democrat told WGNS News that he has more information that will be released in a press conference at noon Thursday (3/18/10) on the steps of the state capitol.

Erdel supports the right to bear arms, in fact he was armed and wearing a shoulder holster during an interview at WGNS. He noted his strong opposition to abortions and feels that global warming is a farce. He said, “It’s just another way for liberals to tax us for the energy we use.”

United Way/Alexander Automall "Chase the Cars" Winner Announced

One lucky winner took home a new Ford Focus courtesy of Alexander Automall through the Chase the Cars give-away on Tuesday, March 16th at the Alexander-Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership on Broad Street. Individuals who contributed $300 or more during the 2009-2010 United Way campaign became eligible to win the vehicle, with 1,274 total donors eligible this year. The field was narrowed down to 25 finalists, and the final winner was announced as Andra Helton. By the way, the grand total for the United Way’s campaign this year was announced as $2,339,460.19, just shy of the $2.8 million goal. And although the car is no longer up for grabs, if you would like to donate to the United Way of Rutherford County, you can find out more at UWRutherford.org.

 

 

Local Business Receives Big Award from Middle TN Electric

(MTEMC Release) Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation recently honored A/C Plus of Rutherford County with the MTEMC 2009 Award of Excellence.

“For the third year in a row, A/C Plus has demonstrated the highest level in professional HVAC standards,” MTEMC’s Energy Services Coordinator Mandy Martin said.  “They’ve gone above and beyond with their customer service when working with our members and promoting all of our energy services package.”

To be eligible for the award, contractors have to demonstrate excellent customer service and meet the highest standard of installation requirements set forth by the program.

Middle Tennessee Electric and TVA developed the QCN list as part of their energy right Heat Pump Program, where the cooperative helps members finance the installation of a new heat pump system. The contractors install the units and provide servicing and maintenance.

In the past six years, more than 3,500 existing and new homes across MTEMC’s service area have received services under this program.

Worker Dies When Steel Falls on Top

A Steel Technologies worker is dead as the result of an accident that occurred shortly before 11:00 o’clock Wednesday morning (3/17/10). A metal coil weighing up to 7-thousand pounds fell on top of the employee. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Steel Technologies produces flat rolls of steel that are used in the auto, appliance and agriculture industries. The site of the fatal industrial accident is at 2010 Mi-Tech Drive, just off South Church Street.

State Medical Examiner Dr. Bruce Levy Arrested on Drug Charges

Tennessee State Medical Examiner Dr. Bruce Levy has been arrested on felony drug charges. Reports indicate that a package containing a couple of ounces of marijuana with his name on it was found at a distribution center. Several containers, each containing less than an ounce of marijuana, were also discovered in his Ridgeland, Mississippi hotel room.

Levy is a board certified forensic pathologist. The 49-year old doctor has had a contract with Tennessee since 1998 and has served as this state’s chief medical examiner. Prior to that, Levy served as Nashville’s medical examiner. Prior to that he was New York City’s  chief medical examiner from 1993 to 1997. In addition to his contract with the Volunteer State, Levy was one of six doctors who was also under contract with Mississippi. WGNS learned that Levy’s contract with both Mississippi and Tennessee have now been terminated.

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