Senator Alexander voted in favor of unemployment benefits
November 21, 2008
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of unemployment benefits for Tennesseans:
“Right now, Tennessee is suffering from the highest unemployment rate we’ve had since 1987,” Alexander said. “This measure could provide up to thirteen additional weeks of unemployment benefits to workers in Tennessee who have lost their jobs for reasons outside of their control, giving them more time to find new jobs during this tough economic time.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee’s unemployment rate is currently at 7.2 percent, which (along with Ohio) is the 7th highest in the country.
The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 (H.R. 6867) passed the Senate by a vote of 89-6. It passed the House of Representatives last month and now goes to the president for his signature.
Planning to be at Obama’s Inauguration? You won’t have anywhere to stay!
November 21, 2008
Two months until BARACK OBAMA’s inauguration and you’ve decided to join in the fun. Getting to Washington’s not the problem. It’s where you’ll be staying that’s causing the headaches.
All the hotels and motel rooms in the region have been snatched up, leaving potential visitors the option of either sleeping in their cars or looking at places a good distance away from D.C.
Apparently, there are plenty of folks with their own homes who’ll be more than happy to provide lodging at a fairly steep price.
For instance, ROCHELLE EDWARDS of Woodlawn, Maryland has a two-bedroom townhouse and would be willing to rent a room to people in desperate need of a place to stay. As long as they have lots of cash, of course.
There are plenty of others who’ll be glad to do the same. But Allstate insurance agent CJ RIDGELY says if you do rent out a room or two, make sure to do it only with a contract that acts as protection for both renters and guests.
Ridgely says the contract should contain all the terms of usage, including how many people will be staying and for how long, not to mention the items they’ll be bringing.
The agent recommends checking things like heating equipment, fireplaces and smoke alarms and consider adding a carbon monoxide detector.
Renters should also be cognizant of conditions outside the home. Since it’ll be January, all walkways should be free of snow and ice.
EXTENDED FIREWORKS BAN - 2-votes away from increased regulation!
November 21, 2008
It’s ALMOST official, the Murfreesboro City Council has voted to expand the current firework ban in the city limits. The new ban will make it illegal to possess bottle rockets, mortar type fireworks, re-loadable mortar type fireworks and mortar rockets. The proposal will also mean that it is illegal to sale motor type fireworks as well as shoot them. The council just needs to pass the new rules twice more before it becomes a new enforceable ordinance. Once passed, it will likely start on or before New Years Eve. Now keep in mind, these new rules do not apply to professional firework shows and they do not apply to residents living outside the city limits.
Bags of marijuana recovered
November 21, 2008
Two large bags of marijuana, illicit mushrooms and ecstasy were all recovered during an arrest on Manor Drive in Murfreesboro. 18-year old Demond Woods was apprehended and charged with felony possession of a schedule 6 and a schedule 1 drug. The teenager was also served an outstanding warrant. Manor Drive is where Spring Valley Apartments is located off Bradyville Pike. Woods will be in court on January 6th.
16-Year Old Brandon Brewer Doing Well After Transplant
November 20, 2008
16-year-old Brandon Brewer has successfully received a transplant of small and large bowels.” The LaVergne teen is obviously feeling pretty good. He told his mother that the ventilator needs to go so he can talk and get some ice chips. Brewer was born with Hirshsprung’s disease, which is a condition that doesn’t allow his body to absorb nutrients from food. Twelve years ago he received a small bowel transplant at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, but his body rejected the organ in 2007. Brandon was later placed on the waiting list for new organs and the rejected organ was removed.
Throughout his life, he has spent time on a feeding tube which has damaged his liver. Doctors are waiting for the medication to wear off before determining whether his body would reject the new organs. They are waiting to see if he is going to need a new pancreas and liver as well. At this time, Brewer’s mother Brande and father Chris are in Pittsburgh with him. Next week is his 17th birthday, so other family members are driving his brother Jonathan to visit. The visit will take family members on a 12-hour journey. That visit will give the Brewer’s a car for the first time in a number of days. His parents say they will be able to use the car to run needed errands in.
The Brewer’s insurance policy has a deductible, and they owe $35,000 to the Pittsburgh medical center now. On January 1st, another $35,000 will be due. Close family friend Shannon Perry said that donations to help with the $70,000 can be mailed to Brandon Brewer, 403 Mary Street in Smyrna, 37167.
Old Glory Plus 2 Fly At Central Middle School
November 20, 2008
If you’ve felt this community needs more flag wave’n, then Central Middle students are getting a good dose of America! The East Main Street campus now has three new flag poles in the middle concourse leading into the school. Students serve on the flag team. They are in charge of raising and lowering the American, Tennessee and Prisoner of War flags every day. In addition, they are responsible for properly folding the flags. State Representative John Hood had the American and Tennessee flag flown over the State Capitol prior to being raised in Murfreesboro.
Rutherford County Schools Free or Reduced Meal Program
November 20, 2008
The Rutherford County School Board reminds eligible families that the USDA’s free or reduced fee lunch program is available. Community Relations Coordinator James Evans indicated that increases in unemployment is raising questions about how to sign-up for the service.
School Director Harry Gill, Jr. (left photo) said, “Research indicates that eating habits affect student performance and health. Children who are hungry have difficulty learning.”
Gill noted that you only fill out one application per family. Also, if you received food stamps or assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), then those organizations will notify you and no application is needed.
- Applications can be picked up at any Rutherford County Schools or at the Rutherford County Board Of Education
- Please fill out 1 application per family (even if your children attend different Rutherford County Schools)
- However, if you have children in the Murfreesboro City Schools and Rutherford County Schools, you will need to fill out an application for the students in City Schools and an application for the students in County Schools. (Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County Schools are 2 separate districts and each has their own applications)
- If you did not qualify at the beginning of the school year or you not qualify now, you may apply later. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start getting Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or other benefits. If you lose your job, your children may be able to get free or reduced price meals.
- You may be asked to send proof of your income.
- If you have any questions regarding the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, you may contact Nicole Schaaf at (615) 893-5815 ext 22014 or email her at schaafn@rcs.k12.tn.us.
Pre-Season Basketball: Oklahoma 85 - MTSU 65
November 20, 2008
No. 2 Oklahoma kept its distance with four players in double-figure scoring but the Sooners could not stop Middle Tennessee’s Alysha Clark and her double-double, as Oklahoma tallied an 85-65 victory Wednesday evening in second round action of the Preseason WNIT inside the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
Middle Tennessee will return home to play host to Indiana at 7 p.m. Saturday inside the Murphy Center, also in the Preseason WNIT. The game is not part of the regular-season ticket package; therefore, MT fans will need to call 1-888-YES-MTSU to reserve tickets. Oklahoma also continues play in the Preseason WNIT, and will welcome Arizona State to Norman in a winner’s bracket matchup at 7 p.m. Friday.
Photo ID: Junior Alysha Clark scored a game-high 31 points and added a game-best 16 rebounds for her first MT double-double.
UPDATE: Nashville high school, arrests made after riot
November 20, 2008
North Precinct Flex officers arrested a 17-year-old and a 20-year-old for bringing a pistol onto the Hunters Lane High School campus Wednesday.
In addition, the 20-year-old, Dominic Holbrook (pictured), is being charged with possession of marijuana.
Flex officers were at the school to ensure things remained calm after a student disturbance this morning. At dismissal, a gold Dodge Avenger, driven by the 17-year-old, pulled into the parking lot. The 17-year-old got out, apparently saw the enhanced police presence, got back in the car and drove off. Officer Byron Carter stopped the vehicle just as it pulled onto the street. As he approached, he could smell an odor of marijuana. A small quantity of marijuana was then discovered on Holbrook’s side of the car. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with five rounds in the center console.
The 17-year-old was recently suspended from Hunters Lane and assigned to an alternative school.
Holbrook has been convicted of unlawful gun possession and drug offenses in the past. Another unlawful gun possession charge against him from April of this year is scheduled to be heard tomorrow in General Sessions Court.
The 17-year-old and Holbrook both disavowed knowledge of the gun. The 17-year-old said he had driven to Hunters Lane to pick up another student, although the terms of his suspension prohibit him from being on the Hunters Lane campus.
Bad accident investigated on Wednesday night
November 20, 2008
A truck wrecked and overturned in the 800 block of North Thompson Lane around 10:00 o’clock Wednesday night. Murfreesboro Police say the accident occurred near Medical Center Parkway. The driver of the red Chevrolet pick up, Edward H. Howell, was treated by paramedics while being taken to the ER at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. The 56-year old East Northfield Boulevard resident was later taken to Vanderbilt Hospital. The crash is being investigated by the Fatal Accident Crash Team. Howell remains in critical condition.
TONIGHT: New police precinct and $11,400,000 in road projects
November 20, 2008
The City of Murfreesboro will likely formalize a relationship with architect firm Johnson - Bailey Architect’s this evening as they move forward with plans for a new police precinct. The contract will be discussed during tonight’s city council meeting at 7. The newly proposed police precinct will be built in the Blackman Community. Although the city and Johnson and Bailey have already been working together, the official contract was never formalized. Tonight, that contract will be official.
Murfreesboro Councilmen will also discuss several new road alignments in the Blackman and Medical Center Parkway areas. The proposed changes will include a 5-lane road project of Manson Pike and Overall Creek to Gresham Lane, a 5-lane road conversion of Manson Pike to Fortress Blvd, the rebuilding of Fortress Blvd., to North of the Villas at Indian Creek, a 3-lane project and last but not least, the rebuilding of Manson Pike to Florence Road to Overall Creek. That section of the project will consist of a 3-lane to 5-lane road. The total cost of the proposed changes… 11.4-Million Dollars.
Red light traffic camera’s, over 6,600 fined
November 20, 2008
On WEDNESDAY, WGNS told you about the possibility of Shelbyville installing red light traffic cameras just like Murfreesboro. While the revenue has not been fully discussed by the Shelbyville council, it will be in the near future. Here in Murfreesboro, that revenue is adding up. Between the dates of July 5th and September 30th, 6,626 citations or fines have been issued. While the total amount has yet to be collected, it represents over $331-thousand dollars. At the same time, it will hopefully equal a decrease in t-bone collisions. That is one reason why Shelbyville is looking to install the same camera system.
WGNS is continuing to follow the story of the spreading red light cameras throughout Middle Tennessee.
DECREASE: Prices across the board GOING DOWN for consumers
November 20, 2008
Consumer prices on food and energy are falling almost as fast as the Dow Jones.According to Labor Department statistics released yesterday, prices fell one percent last month, which may not seem like a lot, but that’s the biggest monthly percentage drop since WGNS first came on the air in 1947.
The decreases, led by plunging prices at the gas pump, were double the 0.5 percent analysts predicted for October.
Keep in mind it has been over 60-years since such a drop has been calculated and this huge drop in inflation is great news for consumers, many of whom are bruised and battered by devalued stocks, rising unemployment, the depressed housing market and shrinking retirement plans.
Of course, economists are now concerned that if people stop buying things as they wait for prices to fall further, this could lead to deflation, which would hurt businesses across the economic spectrum, particularly retailers, and prolong the recession further.
It seems nowadays that even good news is bad news.
Mind2Marketplace Sees Grassoline In Our Future
November 20, 2008
As you recall, on August 29, 2007, community leaders unveiled the Mind2Marketplace logo and announced plans to combine the 40-county Middle Tennessee area with research groups at the Oak Ridge National Laboratories and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. The Murfreesboro based group’s Executive Director Sandy Ponder told WGNS News that they heard a presentation on switch grass as an alternative fuel. University of Tennessee’s Bioenergy Program Director Kelly Tiller addressed the local group at its quarterly meeting held at the Farm Bureau Federation headquarters in Columbia. Dr. Tiller said, “Switch grass produces a lot of biomass, 6-8 tons per acre, with the potential of producing 12 tons per acre. It does well on marginal soils, not competing with row crops and is a native perennial .” Ponder explained that this is an effort to decrease our dependency on foreign oil, while helping to economically develop rural Tennessee. Mind2Marketplace Chair Andrea Loughry said, “The excitement for the entrepreneurial spirits in Middle Tennessee will be the resulting innovations in growing, harvesting and distributing the switch grass into grassoline. Thousands of acres of Middle Tennessee land are available for this product.” The BioFuels Initiative began two years ago as a UT proposal to assume a leadership role in biofuels. Tiller told the gathering that a pilot refinery is being constructed in Vonore, Tennessee. That’s approximately 16-miles southwest of Maryville. DuPont Danisco and Genera Energy are partners in the project that is slated to be operational by 2012. Mind2Marketplace is headquartered in the FirstBank building on Memorial. Its web address is www.mind2marketplace.com.
2009 Ford F-150 Unveiled In ‘Boro This Friday
November 19, 2008
Remember when it was a big deal when the new model vehicles came out? Those days will return to Alexander Ford this Friday (11/21/08). The totally new Ford F-150 pickup will be unveiled. Murfreesboro is one of the few places for this special 5:00 to 7:00PM evening preview. Don Alexander told WGNS News, “Factory reps will be at the local dealership to answer questions.” Food and door prizes will also be given. Alexander Ford is located on the corner of NW Broad at Northfield.
Read To Succeed Spelling Bee…Everyone Wins!
November 19, 2008
All of the participants in Tuesday night’s (11/18/08) READ TO SUCCEED SPELLING BEE at the Patterson Community Center were true winners. The non-profit’s Executive Director Ronni Shaw said, “The idea of the Bee is to show the community how essential it is to be literate. Folks have to believe that if these high profile leaders are willing to humiliate themselves in public, literacy must be important.” A portion of the group’s mission statement says: … promote reading, with an emphasis on family literacy. Before the competition began, a skit of community mayors stole the show. In fact, Sheriff Truman Jones said, “A new career for County Mayor Ernest Burgess is now possible. Hopefully, there were talent scouts in the audience to hear his unique styling of a Willie Nelson’ hit”. Shaw noted that the first-round of words were associated with each participant’s profession. For example, attorney Kent Coleman’s word was adjudication and banker Jim Bryant spelled depreciation. She quipped, “That round gave them the confidence to smile and relax and be funny”. DNJ food columnist and local business owner Barb Ford was the last standing. She and local physician and city school board member Susan Andrews were fighting syllable to syllable with the word arduous. To learn more about Read To Succeed, visit their website www.ReadToSucceed.org.
In addition to the mayors, other participants included: Emcees include State Representative John Hood and Queen Bee Shelia Bratton. Judges re: Keta Barnes, Ben Hall McFarlin, Jr. and Elizabeth Church. Celebrity spellers include: Barb Ford, Beth O’Brien, Bob Parks, Bob Priddy, Glenn Chrisman, Gloria Christy, Gordon Ferguson, Jim Bryant, John Green, Kaylene Gebert, Kent Coleman, Kristen Demos, Lynn Lien, Mark Byrnes, Mary Ester Reed, Rachel Holder, Rami Shapiro, Randall Rickard, Rhea Seddon, Rick Sain, Rita Shacklett, Ronnie Erwin, Sam Stockard, Shane Reeves, Sue Andrews, Tom Tozer and Truman Jones.
GIANT "HOG" runs through yards of Thompson Lane and Riverbend Homes
November 19, 2008
The man whose home the 800-pound porker last visited will tell what happened at 8:10 Monday morning (11/24/08) on the WGNS Action Line. Resident Paul Bookner helped Murfreesboro Police Officers for several hours. He said, “They tried every approach to avoid putting this animal down.” It was Bookner’s home where the huge pig was stopped. He noted it was then dark and officers had tried everything. Officer Michelle Ratliff said, “Something that large on a heavily traveled road at night would be extremely dangerous to citizens.”
(Photo: Should the Murfreesboro Street Department consider placing PIG CROSSING signs on certain streets? Imagine the surprise when this motorist was on Londonderry Drive in Riverbend and had to stop to allow this porker to cross the road.)
An 800-pound hog was running through the Riverbend Subdivision for about three and a half hours on Tuesday afternoon and evening (11/18/08). Murfreesboro Police Officer Michelle Ratliff followed the porker for the entire time. The pig pursuit came to an end around 6:00 o’clock that evening at the home of Paul and Becci Bookner at 2811 North Thompson Lane. Murfreesboro Police Lieutenant Tom Sissom describes the not so typical incident.
After the 800-pound hog was put down by officers, the owner was issued a citation. Yep, leash laws apply to 800 pound porkers as well.
Pig Vs. Hog - What is the difference? Pigs and Hogs are the same only classed differently by their weight. They are called pigs when they are small and when the reach 120 pounds or more then are classified as a hog.
And how far did this big porker travel? The huge pig escaped from its fenced home in the Wilkinson Pike-Stones River Battlefield area and hoofed it several miles along the heavily traveled Thompson Lane, checking out the upscale Riverbend subdivision, and journey’s end was on Thompson Lane near Sulphur Springs Road.
What’s Going On In My Yard?
It’s one thing to hear a news story on the radio or read it on this website. But it’s quite different when the event occurs in your yard. Paul and Becci Bookner followed the story outside their window. Paul Bookner was kind enough to share his personal account of what happened…
It was early afternoon when I realized there was a car at the gate to our driveway. I went to front door to see who it was. My first thought was…there is a police car in my driveway. Then my eye caught what was to the left of the squad car…it was the biggest hog I’ve ever seen. I mean really big!
I went out and met Officer Michelle Ratliff. She explained to me that she had been tracking this animal for an hour and a half already. I let her know that the hog was now inside a fenced-in piece of property. With her permission, I went in the house and got a rifle for protection. We followed the hog as it moved around my property. I let Officer Ratliff know the weak spots in the fencing.
The hog made its way back to our orchard and began munching pears and apples that had fallen from our trees. It squeezed out of the fencing and began making its way north along Thompson Lane. The officer kept her vehicle between the hog and the traffic. The hog then turned west on Sulphur Springs Road. I was following the hog on foot when it turned and came back toward me. It made its way back towards my property and turned into my neighbors front yard, which was also enclosed by another fence. We closed the gate to contain the animal.
Officer Ratliff called for assistance from fellow officers and animal control personnel. Three officers, an animal control officer and I spent the next few hours trying to figure out what to do with this huge hog. The officer called her superiors. We tried to restrain the hog and were unsuccessful. Traffic was beginning to build with people coming home from work, and it was getting dark. Drivers were stopping and getting out of their cars to take pictures.
Several attempts were made to corral the hog into a van or “rope it”. Local veterinarians were contacted. None knew how to deal with such a situation and large farm animal. The owner was finally located and arrived, but with no solution to the problem. (The owner was in a small compact car and told police that her pickup truck did not have current license plates.) After several hours of exhausting of all ideas of what to do, night began to fall.
When my wife was coming home from work around 6:30 she reported that the scene looked like a hostage stand off! Squad car lights, the lights from the tow truck and animal control. It was surreal. As dark settled in, the officers found no alternative but to put the hog down with a priority aimed at public safety. The tiltable flatbed wrecker, that had been called, winched the carcass onto it and drove away. (The dead hog was delivered to its owner.)
It was dark. It was cold, but public safety was intact. A driver or drivers who might have hit this animal would have been at great risk of serious injury on one of the busiest roads in our community Thompson Lane. We all know the danger of deer on roads and streets to drivers and vehicles. This would have been so much more serious because of the weight of the hog…some at the scene estimated that it weighed between 600 to 800 pounds.
I believe all of the officers did everything they could to preserve and protect public safety and the animal. They were professional and did an exemplary job with a most unusual challenge.
Program Note: Paul Bookner will tell his first-hand story on the WGNS Action Line this coming Monday morning (11/24/08) at 8:10AM. You can call and talk with Paul at that time.
Man accused of trying to hurt girlfriend, armed with assault rifle
November 19, 2008
A man armed with a semi-automatic rifle was arrested on domestic and other charges on Wednesday morning (11/19/08). The incident occurred in his apartment on Bradyville Pike. Police broke-in and found Jerry Lee Gardner attempting to get to his girlfriend who had locked herself in the bathroom. Spokesperson for the Murfreesboro Police Department Kyle Evans stated…
After 35-year old Gardner was placed in handcuffs, a vast number of other weapons were located.
Gardner faces aggravated domestic assault charges and unlawful possession of weapons charges (above photo is mug shot made when booked 11/19/08 at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center). The unlawful weapon was a stun gun. He will appear in court on November the 25th.
Above photo: police photo of the semi-automatic weapon that was taken as evidence Wednesday morning (11/19/08) at the Bradyville Pike apartment complex. The illegal stun-gun is shown below the rifle.
Left photo: A crossbow and darts also retained as evidence from the crime scene.
Fewer credit card offers in the mail
November 19, 2008
Finding upsides to this economic mess is about as plausible as finding a million bucks stuffed in your mattress.But here goes. For one thing, the price of gas is half of what it was in mid-July. In Rutherford County, the price of gas is the lowest that it has been since March of 2005.
And secondly…
This is when it starts to get difficult. If you’re thanking your lucky stars for any small favors, you may have noticed that there are fewer credit card offerings in the mail.
According to LISA HRONEK at the media intelligence company Mintel Comperemedia, the volume of credit card solicitations dropped by 13 percent in the third quarter compared to the previous three months and is down by as much 28 percent from a year earlier.
Still, companies shipped 1.34 billion card offerings to Americans between July and September of 2008.
Hronek says businesses actually began scaling back direct mail marketing long before the current economic meltdown because they haven’t increased the percentage of sign-ups or usage.
Today, it’s more out of necessity that credit card firms have to cut way back on direct mail because so many are facing monumental losses.
As for the future, Hronek predicts they’ll focus, quote, “on a narrower target audience, using refined marketing and more precise mailings to tap into people’s true needs and desires.”
Man wanted in Tennessee arrested in South Carolina after strange incident
November 19, 2008
They say criminals often return to the scene of the crime, and nowhere is that truer than in Bishopville, South Carolina. Police arrested 48-year-old Johnny Lindner for robbing a supermarket after the driver of his getaway taxi went back to the store to ask for directions.After Lindner stole money and cigarettes from Young’s Food Store last Friday, his getaway truck broke down, so he hailed a taxi and asked the driver to take him to a town called Lydia, South Carolina. The cabbie had no clue where that was, so he drove to the grocery store Lindner had just robbed to ask for directions. Once he pulled up, they were greeted by cops who, having watched surveillance video of the robbery, realized Lindner was sitting in the backseat. They arrested him on the spot. It also turns out he’s wanted on other charges HERE in Tennessee.
Oakland High Named Star School For Financial Education
November 19, 2008
Oakland High School’s Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Barbara Turner attended the Sixth Annual MoneyPOWER Conference conducted by Working in Support of Education (WISE) in New York City. The conference includes workshops as well as the opportunity to learn about products, programs, services, and to network with others. Schools with 75 per cent of their finance students passing an in-depth test are distinguished as Blue Star Schools. Murfreesboro’s Oakland High School is one of only 52 schools across the nation to earn this prestigious ranking. The test evaluates a students’ knowledge of money, savings, credit, banking, investing, insurance and money management. It gauges their ability to manage their own finances. Barbara Turner was also named a Gold Star Teacher. This ultimate honor means that 90 per cent or more of a teacher’s students passed the financial certification test this year. WGNS congratulates Barbara Turner and her students at Oakland High School.
NASHVILLE: Riot at High School
November 19, 2008
Metro Police in Nashville responded to a possible RIOT at Hunters Lane High School. Evidently, a large number of officer’s had to respond to the call in order to help control unruly students. Up to ten high schoolers were detained for questioning. Metro Police are not saying what started the riot at this time.
Tis The Season For A "Tuna Christmas"
November 19, 2008
The hilarious holiday favorite “Tuna Christmas” returns to the Arts Center of Cannon County for several dinner theatre performances.
This local production is directed by William Keathley. The roles of the 22 citizens living in Tuna, Texas are all played by Dale Peterson and Donald Fann. Tuna is the third smallest town in the Lone Star State, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.
Theatre spokesperson Carol Reed told WGNS News that performances begin December 5th and continue through December 20th. Tickets are $25 per person and include dinner, drink, dessert and the show. The Arts Center of Cannon County is on the Murfreesboro side of Woodbury at 1424 John Bragg Highway. The office and galleries are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. For more information, phone 615-563-ARTS (2797) or visit their website www.artscenterofcc.com.
Murfreesboro red-light cameras catching on in other nearby cities
November 19, 2008
The new red light traffic cameras in Murfreesboro are not only preventing accidents, they are also creating a new revenue stream. With that in mind, other cities are looking to Murfreesboro as an example in starting their own red light enforcement system. The latest city thinking about adding similar cameras is near by Shelbyville, Tennessee.
The Shelbyville City Council is investigating weather or not the red light system would work in their city. Shelbyville finds the program in Murfreesboro attractive to them because of the price. The company behind the cameras, Redflex, covers all installation costs. Shelbyville officials say the cameras would be a positive addition to the city because they would help to save lives and prevent t-bone collisions. Red light violation fines in Shelbyville would be the same as those in Murfreesboro, $50.
Here in Murfreesboro, the city pays just over $31-thousand dollars per month to Redflex plus a commission of $11-for every $50-ticket paid. Murfreesboro Police Chief Glen Chrisman stated on the WGNS Action Line that the city took in approximately $25,000 this past August.
Read to Succeed Spelling Bee - AWESOME EVENT
November 19, 2008
The annual Read to Succeed “Celebrity” Spelling Bee was held Tuesday night. The Bee was in the auditorium at Patterson Park Community Center. Ronni Shaw, director if Read to Succeed told us the event is always humorous and that is one reason why it is so successful.
All kidding aside, the winner of this years Spelling Bee was Barb Ford. Ford writes a food column in the Daily News Journal. City School Board Member Dr. Susan Andrews placed second in the contest.
Assault in MTSU parking lot headed to grand jury
November 19, 2008
The case of an assault in the MTSU Bell Street parking lot will go before a grand jury today. 19-year old suspect Starlet Custer allegedly cut the female victim during an argument over a parking space this past August. Ashley Ramsey had severe cuts on her arm and face as a result of the argument. Again, the case will be in the hands of the courts today.
Former Murfreesboro madam talking, to help others
November 19, 2008
The woman who has been dubbed the Murfreesboro Madam, who ran an escort service out of her Northwood’s Subdivision home, is now talking about her past life. Lisa Burris has been meeting with church groups, the news media and even past friends. Burris told News Channel 5 that she was a house wife and mother during the day and a call girl at night. She further suggested that she was not the only mom out there who worked as a prostitute. As far as who was in her black book, she’s talking about that as well. She says that some of her customers were well known in the community. The book is currently in the hands of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department and at this point is not being released. Burris, who is 43-years old, says that she is putting that past life behind her and now moving on in an effort to help others.
President Elect Obama choosing head for Sec. of Homeland Security
November 19, 2008
GEORGE W. BUSH didn’t have this problem when he was president-elect.Back in December 2000, after the election was finally decided, Bush didn’t have to make a selection for Secretary of Homeland Security because the post didn’t exist. Of course, the 9/11 attacks changed all that.
BARACK OBAMA is busy poring over resumes to determine who he wants to lead the nation’s largest federal agency. One of the candidates he’s considering is former Indiana Congressman TIM ROEMER, who served on the 9/11 Commission, which examined reasons why the nation was unprepared for the terrorist strikes that killed 3,000 people.
Roemer also campaigned for Obama and has been given credit for helping the Democrat win Indiana, which traditionally votes Republican in general elections.
Another name that has surfaced for the job of Homeland Security chief is former Federal Emergency Management Agency director JAMES LEE WITT, who served two terms during the CLINTON administration.
Witt’s competence as FEMA director is apparently without peer. He was repeatedly lauded for the agency’s response during his tenure to natural disasters and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
Former New Jersey Governor TOM KEAN, New York City Police Commissioner RAYMOND KELLY and Los Angeles Police Commissioner WILLIAM BRATTON have also been mentioned as possibilities.
Deep Cuts Could Mean Layoffs at MTSU
November 19, 2008
The state budget deficit is forcing MTSU administrators to make some tough decisions…
Murfreesboro Rotary Honors Humanitarian Liz Rhea
November 18, 2008
The Murfreesboro Rotary Club presented its Annual Humanity In Motion Award Tuesday (11/18/08) at the Stones River Country Club. Last year’s recipient Don Alexander presented the award to Dr. Liz Rhea (left photo). This retired local physician has dedicated her entire life to helping others. This became more evident as her close friends shared memories about Liz.
Last year’s Rotary President Becci Bookner gave the background of this prestigious award. Then some of Liz Rhea’s closest friends told their favorite Liz story. Heartwarming memories were given by Betty Childress, Ross Spielman and Shirley LaRoche.
Liz was the oldest of Alice and James Hay’s six children. She grew-up in Eagleville where her mom was a teacher and her father owned Hay General Merchandise. The family lived above the store. Her sister, Carolyn Dobbins, wrote a beautiful poem about Liz. It told how her older sister had always encouraged, motivated and helped finance the other sibling’s education. She said, “I always wanted to be like you.”
Blue Raider Basketball Coach Kermit Davis talked about Liz’ involvement with the university. The Athletic Director Chris Massaro presented Liz with an MTSU sweatshirt and cheerleading shirt. After all, she was a cheerleader as a student, and is still a cheerleader for Middle Tennessee State University.
Above Photos: Liz’ sister Carolyn Dobbins reads a poem she wrote about her big sister. The second photo (L-R) is MTSU Athletic Director Chris Massaro making his presentation as Liz sits in the chair of honor. Her friends in the background are Betty Childress, her sister Carolyn, and Shirley LaRoche. This woman, who is known for unlimited enthusiasm and energy, graciously thanked the Rotary Club, not only for the honor, but for what being a Rotarian has meant to her. The program ended with everyone standing and singing For She’s A Jolly Good Lady. Again–Dr. Liz Rhea received the Murfreesboro Rotary Club’s Annual Humanity In Motion Award.
Photo ID: MTSU Athletic Director Chris Massaro presents Liz Rhea with a Blue Raider jersey. In the background (left) her longtime friend Ross Spielman enjoys the celebration. Their friendship goes back to when they were classmates together.
Riverdale Student Took Loaded Gun To School!
November 18, 2008
A Riverdale High School student was arrested Monday night (11/17/08) at his home after admitting he possessed a handgun on campus. School Resource Officers began an aggressive investigation after they received a tip about the gun.
The 15-year old tenth grade Riverdale student admitted to authorities that he had a loaded 9 millimeter pistol with him at school Monday (11/17/08). The teen was charged with carrying a weapon on school property as well as burglary. He was expelled from the Rutherford County School system under the zero tolerance policy and will not be permitted to attend an alternative school. Since the offender is a juvenile, his name is not being released to the public.
Rutherford County School’s automated message system, sent a message of the offense Tuesday morning (11/18/08) to all Riverdale parents.
The ONE BOOK for Rutherford County
November 18, 2008
Ronni Shaw, the director of Read to Succeed, told us that reading is important! Shaw told us not only is it important to read to your children, it is also important for your children to see you read. Most kids follow by example. The annual One Book Community Read starts November 24th.
For more information, visit www.ReadtoSucceed.org. Don’t forget, the Read to Succeed SPELLING BEE is tonight. The fundraising event, featuring celebrity spellers, will take place this evening in the Patterson Park Community Center.
History made with Rockvale Ravens on Monday night
November 18, 2008
Rockvale Middle School made history on Monday night. WGNS’ Jeff Jordon was there…
In the meantime, there is still controversy brewing over the schools mascot. Many parents and children say they want to be the Rockets and not the Ravens. Across the street from the new middle school is the old Rockvale Elementary School. The elementary school has always been known as the Rockets. The same name that many middle schoolers want to go by.
Increase your brain power - free workshop
November 18, 2008
Ever thought about increasing your brain power? Ever thought about keeping your brain healthy. Well, there is a need to do both. A special brain workshop of sorts will take place this Saturday. Melinda Vance with NHC highlights a few topics at the meeting.
The free workshop will be in the Kingwood Heights Church of Christ next to the Middle Tennessee Christian School in Murfreesboro.
The 7-WORDS never to be said on the air…
November 18, 2008
The seven words you can never say on the radio or TV… Remember the old George Carlin bit… With a look at how the FCC views those words today, here’s Dr. Larry Burris, a Journalism Professor at MTSU
The original 7-WORD act can be seen and heard below. BE ADVISED: These words are very offensive to most listeners. Only click the below video if you absolutely want to hear the 7-OFFENSIVE words that are very explicit.
The Auto Industry - What will become of the future?
November 18, 2008
The White House says it’s all for some sort of bailout for the auto industry, but it’s not in favor of spending any of the 700-billion dollar rescue plan money on one. White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says no new laws are needed:
President Bush and congressional Republicans would rather rewrite the terms of a 25 billion dollar loan program, already approved by Congress, for automakers to retool their factories for fuel-efficient vehicles. Miami University of Ohio auto industry analyst James Rubenstein has what he views as the likely scenario:
Arlington, Texas, GM plant worker Arvella Warren said it would be un-American to let the company shut down:
It is not just GM and FORD feeling the pinch. Locally, Nissan is being hit hard. Sales are down and buy-out programs continue. Nissan has a lot at stake, in the 1980’s, the Japanese auto manufacture invested over $2-billion dollars in the construction of a 5.4-million square foot facility that is still being used today.
Supreme Court appointments after Jan. 20th, 2009
November 18, 2008
One of the duties of the president is to make appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court and BARACK OBAMA will get to do that at least once during his first term and possibly, three times.
Justice JOHN PAUL STEVENS, who was appointed by former President GERALD FORD 30 years ago, is expected to resign soon. Stevens is 88.
Stevens is one of the high court’s four liberal leaning justices. Meanwhile, Justice RUTH BADER GINSBURG, who began serving during the Clinton administration, is also considering leaving the court now that a Democrat was elected president.
Ginsburg, 75, also votes with the court’s liberal wing. There’s even talk that Justice STEPEHN BREYER, 69, is contemplating leaving the bench. He too sits with left side of the court.
Obama will be under pressure to appoint a minority candidate or a woman. Bader is only the second woman to serve on the high court while only two African-Americans have been appointed to the bench, including current Justice CLARENCE THOMAS, a staunch conservative.
Ideally, some liberals say Obama should nominate a qualified Hispanic woman once either Stevens or Bader announce their intentions to resign from the court, which is a lifetime appointment.
MTSU student shot in back - UPDATE
November 17, 2008
WGNS has more information on the MTSU student who was shot. Evidently, the 23-year old victim was shot in the back. The shooting took place as Sha-shanka Pull-uru walked to his College Point apartment on Brown Drive between Old Lascassas Road and Greenland Drive. Pulluru is a master’s degree student at MTSU who is from India and at this point, there is no rhyme or reason as to why he was shot. All police have to go by was that a group of men may have been involved in the shooting. Pulluru’s parents flew from India to be with their son who is recovering at Vanderbilt Medical Center. For now, the case is still under investigation.
Murder in Cannon County - UPDATE
November 17, 2008
A Cannon County man faces 2nd degree murder charges following the death of Ronnie Baxter. Reports indicate Baxter was allegedly shot twice by Randy Durham during an argument over money. The shooting occurred Friday afternoon on Hollow Springs Road in the Woodland community.
According to reports from Cannon County Sheriff Billy Nichols, Randy Durham was charged with 2nd degree murder and was held with a $250,000.00 bond. Bond was posted over the weekend and he was released late Saturday night.
Homosexual issue - can’t we all just get along?
November 17, 2008
That rainbow hanging over America last Saturday showed an angry shade of red.
Gay rights supporters came out in full force throughout the country to register their dismay with California’s Proposition 8, a vote-approved referendum that prevents same-sex marriage in the state.
Groups protested from Boston to San Francisco and hundreds of points in between to insist that marriage is a basic civil right that all Americans should be entitled to in spite of race, creed or sexual orientation.
It’s unknown how gay activists will try to turn over Proposition 8 although there are numerous lawsuits in the works. The referendum defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman.
Meanwhile, about 18 thousand same-sex couples who married after the California Supreme Court declared that an old law restricting nuptials to heterosexuals was unconstitutional remain in legal limbo.
As vocal and passionate as protesters were during Saturday’s demonstrations, they were told to show respect for groups that oppose gay and lesbian weddings. One organizer said that persuasion without civility would be counterproductive to the cause.
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