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Alleged Burglar Caught Red Handed

An alleged 21-year old burglar was caught red handed. Evidently, a resident at Raiders Ridge Apartments called Murfreesboro Police after looking outside and watching a man go from car to car in an attempt to open the door of each vehicle. Police showed up and found Douglas T. Westby-Gibson who evidently had stolen CD’s in his possession. The Rutherford Blvd. man who told officers he was unemployed, admitted to going from vehicle to vehicle and setting off at least two car alarms.

Westby-Gipson was charged with burglary to an auto and theft under $500. He will appear before the general sessions court on March 23rd at 8-AM.

Toyota Has Another Recall: HYBRID

Toyota announced a recall of all Japanese and U.S. manufactured 2010 Prius models, the top-selling gas-electric hybrid.

Sai and Lexus (model: HS250h) hybrids, which are only sold in Japan, are also affected.

In making the announcement, President AKIO TOYODA said, quote, “We have decided to recall as we regard safety for our customers as our foremost priority.”

Japan’s Kyodo News agency reported 437,000 Priuses worldwide will be recalled. Prius owners have complained that the cars have brake problems, another major headache for Toyota, which has already recalled more than seven million cars since late last year because of issues that cause the vehicles to randomly accelerate.

No Calorie Count on Menus in Tennessee

Menu’s in restaurants in Tennessee will not have to be labeled with the calorie count as the measure was shot down by the state House. Governor Bredesen was pushing for the measure to pass, but it did not. The veto of the measure means that if the government wants to see the calorie content on restaurant menus, it will have to be enforced by local government and not state.

TODAY: Former Deputy Ron Killings in Court Over Reckless Homicide Charge

The jury from Chattanooga will hear the arguments in the Ron Killings trial later today.

The jury is expected to hear opening arguments in the reckless homicide trial of the former Rutherford County Sheriff’s Sergeant beginning at 9 o’clock this (Tuesday) morning. Killings is accused of running over 11-year old Lakeisha White on Bradyville Road back in July of 2008.

TruTV, formally Court TV, will be broadcasting the trial proceedings on national television. The broadcast is expected to start around 9-am.

Shane Reeves Fills Treasurer Post for Congressional Candidate Jim Tracy

RELEASE FROM JIM TRACY CAMPAIGN…

Senator Jim Tracy today announced that fellow local small businessman and community leader, Shane Reeves, will serve as Treasurer for his Congressional Campaign.  “Shane Reeves is one of the most respected businessmen in our community, and it is an honor to have him stand by me throughout this campaign for Congress” said Tracy.

Shane Reeves is a graduate of MTSU and holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee. Shane Reeves is co-owner of Reeves-Sain Family of Medical Services, which provides pharmacy products and medical supplies to patients throughout the state of Tennessee.

In addition to being a successful small businessman, Shane has been highly active in his community. Shane is the past Chairman of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, past-president for Leadership Rutherford and TN State Chairman for the NFIB Leadership Council. In addition to his business and civic accomplishments, Shane has served as County Chairman for Bill Frist, County Chairman for Van Hilleary for Governor, Membership Chair of the Rutherford County Republican Party and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2004. Shane is also a deacon at the North Blvd Church of Christ.

Tracy Campaign Manager Mike McCrady went on to say, “Shane is a very well respected business and civic leader. His addition to our team speaks volumes about the growing momentum of this campaign”.

MTSU’s 15th Orpheus Competition…$17K In Prizes!

If you think the greatest singers in the world only appear on stage in Hollywood, think again. The Middle Tennessee Choral Society presents the Orpheus Competition
Finals Concert! Celebrating its 15th year, The Orpheus Competition is the premier classical vocal competition in the U.S. After reviewing more than 140 applicants, contest judges narrowed the weekend-long competition to just over 70 contestants representing 22 states. These contestants will perform selections that accentuate their vocal talents before a panel of three internationally-respected judges. The brightest and most impressive singers will be invited back to the stage on Sunday, March 7 for the grand finale performance and the opportunity to compete for more than $17,000 in awards. The J. Howard Young Family Young Artist Grand Prize is $5,000. Past winners have gone on to perform in Europe and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Two contestants from Murfreesboro will be among the contestants at this year’s competition, so come out and support your neighbors! Tickets for the Finals are just $10 for the all-day event and are available at the door.

Wintery Mix of Weather Expected

A mixed bag of wintery weather is expected through Tuesday afternoon. Here in Rutherford County, the snow chances aren’t that big. However, just to the north and west, two-to-four inches won’t be uncommon in places like Springfield, Clarksville, Ashland City. Temperatures are expected to keep most of the precip here as rain, but light snow will mix in at times before cold air changes it all back over Tuesday. We could see some minor accumulations here. A check of the WGNS Weather Eye forecast is coming up.

Duo Accused of Buying Large Amount of Sudafed, Arrested on Meth Charges

Two McMinnville men were arrested after leaving the Publix Pharmacy on Rutherford Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Authorities arrested 30-year old Chad E. Haley and 30-year old Carl Blankenship after the duo allegedly bought a large quantity of Sudafed, a known ingredient in methamphetamine. When an officer approached Haley about the purchase, according to the police report, told the officer that he bought the drugs because he takes them before working out.

Both Blankenship and Haley were charged with the promotion of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The men were taken to jail where they were placed under an $11-thousand dollar bond (each). They will appear in court on April 15th.

The Way They Play The Game

An interactive program on sportsmanship for both players and coaches that has already been shown to help reduce ejections in high school football by more than 60 percent over three years was adopted for use this past fall by the Sun Belt Conference with high expectations that it will have the same positive impact at the college level. Sun Belt players and coaches must complete the “RealSportsmanship” platform as part of its requirements for competing within a conference. MTSU’s Dr. Colby Jubenville created the platform. He says after many years of teaching, it has become clear to me that athletes have a better understanding of core values when they are placed in the decision-making process, so he connected values to behavior. Jubenville says it’s important for coaches to tie concepts to behaviors in a way that athletes understand.

JazzFest 2010 Art Design Contest

Main Street Murfreesboro/ Rutherford County, Inc. would like to invite the community to participate in the 14th annual JazzFest Art Design Contest. The grand prize winner will have their design printed on t-shirts and posters as well as receiving $300. They will also receive two t-shirts, two patron tent tickets, one poster and a media photo op during the stage presentation on Saturday May 7, 2010 during JazzFest.

All school aged children in grades 1 through 7 may submit an entry to the “JazzFest Kids Art Contest”. Judges will select a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The 1st place winner will receive a $50 savings bond as well as be entered into the regular competition. All rules in the contest application will still apply.

Contestants will need to submit a fun design that encompasses the diversity of Jazz music and Murfreesboro. The design must also include the festival name - Main Street JazzFest 2010 and location - Murfreesboro, TN.

Avoiding designs with intricate detailing that will be difficult to print on a t-shirt as well as clip art and other copyrighted art will be immediately rejected. All entries must be quality color copy, printout or original, keeping in mind that presentation is important. Do not write any names on the front of the submission, as the winner’s name will be added separately after the winning contestant is announced.

All participants must complete an entry form which can be obtained at www.mainstreetjazzfest.com or from the Main Street office located at 225 W. College Street.

For more details on the contest and other information call the Main Street office at 615-895-1887 or visit us online at www.downtownmurfreesboro.com

Diane Turnham to Receive an Award for Being Athletic Equity Advocate

MTSU Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Diane Turnham will receive the 2010 King-Hampton Award from the Association of Faculty and Administrative Women (AFAW) and the June Anderson Women’s Center at a high tea at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in the Hazlewood Dining Room of the James Union Building.

The King-Hampton Award was established in 1990. It is named for Miss Jeanette Moore King, a member of the first Middle Tennessee Normal School faculty, and Miss Martha Hampton, the first woman administrator at MTSU. This honor is presented to an individual from the MTSU community who has made an outstanding contribution to improve the status and equality of women on the campus.

Turnham arrived at MTSU in 1982 as head coach of the women’s volleyball team and assistant coach of the women’s basketball team. The women’s teams had no athletic trainers, sports information directors or bus drivers at that time. In addition to coaching, Turnham did yeoman’s work as statistician, academic advisor, uniform launderer and chauffeur.

Over the years, Turnham labored for greater scholarship opportunities for women athletes, acquisition of up-to-date uniforms and equipment, and access to funding support necessary to cover women’s team transportation, lodging and meals. Due in no small measure to her efforts, the university hired additional coaches and support staff and increased operating budgets for women’s sports.

Gloria Christy Update

Here’s an update on Gloria Shacklett Christy who was seriously injured in a Saturday night T-bone car crash on East Main at Academy Streets. The Trauma Center at Vanderbilt Medical Center has upgraded her condition to stable. Family members report that the local historian is in a stabilizing device that keeps her spine, neck, and head from moving so that the fracture at the second vertebra can heal. Gloria is struggling with the thought of being in that fixed position for approximately 6-weeks. Around 10:00 o’clock Saturday night (2/6/2010), she was alone in her Ford Aerostar traveling toward town on East Main when a vehicle crossed Academy Street and crashed into the passenger side of the mini-van. Christy was trapped inside, and first responders from the Murfreesboro Fire Department extricated her. Paramedics then rushed her to the ER at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. She was stabilized and taken by ambulance to the Trauma Center at Vanderbilt. Persons in the other vehicle did not receive serious injuries. 

Message From Her Husband

· Thank each of you for your friendship, concern, and prayers, and

Timeline: Gloria was on her way back to the shop (Shacklett’s Photography) on Saturday evening, after a day of basketball team shoots and an event that evening, traveling on E. Main toward the Courthouse… when a motorist traveling south on Academy Street failed to notice a flashing red stop-light at the corner of Academy and E. Main.

Apparently when Gloria glimpsed the vehicle on her right approaching the intersection at a high rate of speed, she immediately responded by braking and swerving to her left to try to avoid hitting it broadside, but in turn was struck on the passenger side front door; her car (Ford Aerostar Van) then plowed over the grassy berm at the corner and came to rest in the parking area of the street directly in front of the Church of Christ on E. Main. Gloria may not have had her seat belt on, or -if she did- it became detached, for she was thrown from the driver’s seat into the windshield on the passenger side.

We are so grateful to the EMT’s and whoever responded to the scene to help – as they knew just what to do to get Gloria safely out of the wrecked van, strapped onto a back support board. She was taken to MTMC, where a CAT scan revealed a broken (#2) cervical vertebra, and the decision was made at that time to transport her immediately by ambulance to Vanderbilt.

Gloria’s brother Bill and I spent the night with her through Sunday afternoon at Vanderbilt, until she was moved from the Emergency Room to the Trauma Unit. Our sincere thanks to everyone at MTMC and Vanderbilt University Hospital for their prompt, knowledgeable care and ‘way beyond call-of-duty level of personal attention and kindness at every turn.

Gloria’s injury – had it not been for the care she received at the scene of the accident – would surely have been life-threatening. Until her neck injury heals, it still is life-threatening, as the area effected is the part of the spinal cord where many “automatic” functions are connected – specifically breathing – we’re told. So – in short – while Gloria will not likely need surgery, she does require the use of a full (movement restrictive) back-brace & neck support for several weeks, and likely some physical therapy along the way as well. While whole-body scans showed she avoided any other internal injury, she did sustain a deep cut across the top of her head where she hit the windshield.

We don’t know at this time when Gloria will be released from Vanderbilt, but we’re also looking at the possibility of some length of time in an assisted living environment when she returns to Murfreesboro, until she is stable and strong enough to manage.

Many have asked where she is with the intent of going to visit her at the hospital. That’s wonderful, and we really appreciate the desire to do that – but honestly it’s just not very practical right now. The hospital environment where she is presently staying is like an “intensive care” ward – with several patients in a large room with lots of equipment and personnel closely monitoring each patient. While I’m sure she would like to see each of you, she also needs her rest, and the staff tasked with caring for her (and those around her) would prefer that “just family” come to see her at this point.

We will do our best to keep you apprised of Gloria’s progress in the days to come. Basically we are simply thanking God for the many instances of GRACE we’ve seen through this entire episode – so many variables that had a fraction of an inch or a few moments of timing been different in any way, we might not still have our dear one with us today.

As it is, Gloria is already showing signs of improvement every day, and asking after matters and people she’s been involved with in some or other regard – but the reality is there will be limits on what she is able to take on for quite some time.

So – in all – the very BEST thing any of us can do at this point is simply to keep PRAYING for Gloria’s speedy and complete recovery. We believe it is nothing short of a miracle that the affected vertebra can be so broken as it is – yet without a single piece of it having been dislodged or impacting her spinal column in any way. The doctors say this type of injury typically takes 6-8 weeks to heal… so Gloria (and all of us) will really appreciate your ongoing prayers, and perhaps the occasional call or email to her when she gets back to the ‘boro.

Best regards always,

Tom

Pay as You Go Rules in Congress – Gordon an Original Cosponsor of Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday to restore fiscal responsibility to government spending by enforcing pay-as-you-go, or PAYGO, rules in Congress. Congressman Bart Gordon, an original cosponsor of the bill and leader in fiscal reform, voted for the bill.

“The House took a huge step toward restraining runaway government spending and getting our economy back on track,” Gordon said. “PAYGO carries the strong enforcement necessary to get our spending in check and reduce our deficit.”

The pay-as-you-go rule, or PAYGO, is a procedural check that requires Congress to account for all spending programs dollar-for-dollar. When the PAYGO rule is active, every new spending program must demonstrate how it will pay for itself through budget cuts or other revenue sources, rather than deficit spending and increased foreign debt. Strict adherence to PAYGO is widely credited with bringing about the federal budget surpluses of the 1990s. The vote would restore the principle and codify it into a law with enforceable consequences.

“PAYGO has a proven record of keeping Congress on budget,” Gordon said. “When we introduced it in 1990, PAYGO brought about record surpluses. When it expired in 2002, we returned to record deficits.”
Gordon has served as a leader on fiscal discipline in Congress since first championing the original PAYGO initiative in 1990. He pressed for re-establishment of the rule last summer in the House of Representatives, and has endorsed the recent 15-point Blueprint for Fiscal Responsibility as a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition. In 2007, Gordon was honored by the Blue Dog Coaltion for his leadership and “ongoing commitment to restoring responsibility and accountability to government.”

After the bill’s passage, Gordon said, “Congress must continue to work together in a bipartisan way to put our financial house in order and create the jobs American families so desperately need. Deficits are a tax that our children are going to have to pay, and it is time for the federal government to get serious about living within our means.”

The measure passed the house by a margin of 233 to 187. The President has confirmed his support and is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks.

UPDATE: M’Boro Police Release Statement on Recent Auto Accident Involving Motorist Driving in Wrong Direction on 231 South Near County Farm Road

From M’boro Police:

On February 6, 2010 at 3:26 a.m. Murfreesboro police officers responded to South Church Street
near County Farm Road to investigate a serious injury vehicle crash involving two vehicles.

After a preliminary investigation, F.A.C.T. investigators believe a 2008 Kia Spectra, operated by
Mr. Scott Jasper (DOB 8-7-79, Address: 5286 Dollar Lane, Smyrna, TN) was traveling North in the
Southbound lanes of South Church Street, near County Farm Road. The second vehicle, a 2007
Dodge Ram truck, operated by Mr. James E. Satterwhite, Jr. (DOB 2-26-64, Address: 651
Crescent Road, Murfreesboro, TN) was traveling South in the Southbound lanes of South Church
Street. An off-set head-on collision occurred between the two vehicles.

Mr. Jasper was transported to Middle Tennessee Medical Center by Rutherford County EMS and
then driven to Vanderbilt Hospital, with life threatening injuries. Mr. Satterwhite was transported to
Middle Tennessee Medical Center by Rutherford County EMS. He was treated and released with
minor injuries.

The Fatal Accident Crash Team (F.A.C.T.) is currently investigating the crash.

Suspect in Domestic Violence Case Arrested in Rutherford County After Report of Coffee County Crime

Coffee County Sheriff’s Deputies and EMS were called to Rutledge Falls Saturday afternoon, after a woman reportedly fell from the trail onto the rocks below. The Rescue Squad was also called to the scene, but was not needed, as the woman was able to walk to the top of the trail. She was transported to Harton Regional Medical Center for cuts, bruises, and observation.

The woman reportedly told authorities that her boyfriend had thrown her from the bluff. The boyfriend reportedly fled the scene and was later apprehended in Rutherford County.

The incident is under investigation. - WMSR

UPDATE: Child With Broken Arms and Legs in Critical but Stable Condition

The father of the infant whose legs and arms were broken last week, has been arrested.

Michael James Colvin, 26, was charged with aggravated child abuse a day after the mother of his child was charged with the same offense. The childs mother, Patricia Wilhoite, 26, was arrested late Thursday night. Their 7-week-old daughter was taken to United Regional Medical Center for what they called a spider bite. In actuality, both of the childs arms and legs were broken, and she had sustained head injuries. She was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she was listed in critical but stable condition at last report.

The case is still under investigation.

Colvin and Wilhoite are both being held in the Coffee County Jail on $500,000 bond each and will appear in Coffee County General Sessions Court today. – WMSR

 

Man Accused of Slapping 7-Year Old So Hard that it Caused Bruising and Swelling

A 19-year old Rutherford Blvd. man has been arrested for reportedly slapping a 7-year old girl across the face. Darius Settles reportedly slapped the small child so hard that it caused swelling and bruising. As a result of the allegations, Settles was charged with aggravated domestic assault. Settles will appear before a judge to face the charge in the near future.

Possible Terrorist Training Camp in Middle Tennessee?

2-Hours from Murfreesboro in a small community next to Dover, TN is the site of a possible terrorist training ground called Islamville, that according to some locals in the rural area near the Islam compound. Nick Beres with News Channel 5 is even conducting a special investigation into the allegations. The Christian Action Network produced a video about the Islam camp and called it Homegrown Jihad.  In the video, it shows men of Middle Eastern origin training with hand to hand combat, although the location of where the video was shot can not be confirmed.

WGNS, along with other media outlets, will continue to follow this developing story.

Gas $2.45/Gallon In ‘Boro…Beats Other Places

Global oil demand is forecast to take a dive in certain European countries such as Greece, Portugal, and Spain, on speculation that efforts to reduce deficits will curb economic recovery.

The euro dropped to an eight-month low and pushed the value of the U.S. dollar even higher causing crude oil prices to drop to a seven-week low.

Crude oil closed on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) at $71.19 a barrel.

“As long as the U.S. dollar continues its momentum in strength, crude oil prices should continue to drop as commodities, like crude, lose investor appeal,” said Jessica Brady, public relations specialist, AAA Auto Club South.

The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $2.65 per gallon and Georgia’s average price is $2.53 per gallon, both reflecting a two-cent decrease from last week. Florida’s average price is $2.69 and Tennessee’s is $2.54, a decrease of three cents, respectively. And Murfreesboro gas prices are again lower than everyone around us. This week you don’t have to look too hard to find regular gas at $2.45 a gallon.

UPDATE: Riverdale High Senior Critical From Underwater Auto Crash

A Riverdale High School senior remains in critical condition at Vanderbilt Medical Center. At 4:39 Friday (2/5/2010)afternoon, the Tennessee Highway Patrol was called to an accident scene where a car was reported upside down and underwater.  Trooper Rick Jones is conducting the investigation where 17-year old Alisha Nance was in the extremely cold water for a period of time. Barfield Road twists alongside the Stones River, and the incident occurred just south of River Downs Boulevard.

Linebaugh Library Needs Financial Help

Rutherford County’s public library system is strapped for financial support. Because of inadequate funding, Linebaugh Public Library System (LPLS) does not meet state minimum standards in several categories—some of them are basic, like facilities and personnel.

In America, libraries receive about $32 in funding per person; Tennessee libraries receive about half that amount. LPLS’s per capita funding is meager by comparison: the library system received less than $9 per person in its 2008-09 budget year. Neighboring library systems in Nashville received about $50 per person, and Brentwood was allocated $65.

“The population of Rutherford County is growing by leaps and bounds. Last year, the Census Bureau ranked us as the fastest growing county in Tennessee,” said LPLS Director Rita Shacklett. “Library funding is not keeping pace. We had more than half a million visits to a library in our system last year—clearly demonstrating our community’s need for a high quality library.”

“We feel a lot of gratitude from our patrons,” said Heather Lanier, Circulation Supervisor at Linebaugh Library. “Many patrons want to know what they can do to help the library. So we developed a list of Seven Ways to Love Your Library.”

During the week of Valentine’s Day (February 14-20), the library system encourages Rutherford County to show how much they love their library, and to keep the love flowing throughout the rest of the year:

1. Contact your city/county officials and tell them how important the library is to you! LPLS is jointly funded by the governments of Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Eagleville, and Rutherford County and operated by a Library Board. The library system is not a department of the city or county and does not have their funding or benefits. (See contact information below.) 

2. Round up your fine! “If you owe $2.50 for overdue fees, pay $3. It all comes right back to you, as those revenues help pay for our expenses,” Lanier said.

3. Bring a friend who doesn’t have a library card to the library with you! “Currently, more than half of the population in the LPLS service area has a library card,” Shacklett said. “We’d like for all of Rutherford County to be members.”  To get a library card, adults (over 18 years old) need to bring a photo ID & proof of current address. Children (under 18) must bring a parent who has the above requirements.

4. Attend a free program! LPLS offers a variety of educational and cultural programming each month. A complete listing of events is available at www.linebaugh.org or at any of our branches. Below are just a few highlights for February.

· Winter Reading Program – through February 26^th at Linebaugh, Smyrna, and Eagleville Libraries – Teens and adults win prizes for reading books.

· Unplug & Read – Valentine’s Day at Linebaugh – 5:30pm - Come and play board games, select books, and find entertainment that doesn’t require electricity.

· Sherrilyn Kenyon – February 20^th at Linebaugh – 1pm – Meet the author and have her sign a copy of your book.

· Spring Planting – February 20^th at Smyrna Library – 10am – Join us for a gardening session led by a local Master Gardener and learn how to prepare for winter’s thaw.

· J. T. Ellison – February 23^rd at Linebaugh – 7pm – Meet the author and have her sign a copy of your book.

5. Honor your loved ones! Your contributions help the library system to expand its collection, which benefits our community. Memorial and tribute books may be purchased with contributions of $35 and above. A tribute book is a wonderful way to honor loved ones on a birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation, promotion—or any other special occasion.

6. Name Linebaugh Library Foundation as a beneficiary in your will! “Please don’t leave us yet, but consider the future,” Shacklett said. “We are desperate for additional branches in ever-expanding Rutherford County. Donations, endowments, bequests, property and stocks may be donated to the Foundation as a means to fund long-term projects that will help us better serve our patrons.”

7. Join Friends of the Library! Our Friends of the Library offers financial support beyond the regular resources of the library. The Friends sponsors the annual Pen Pals program, which brings authors into area elementary schools, as well other special programming. Individual membership is no more than $20 per year; corporations and businesses can join the Friends for $1000. Inquire at your nearest branch and find out how to join!

“The whole community will be grateful for your love of libraries and your support! Imagine our community without a library—Rutherford County would lose a place for people to connect and enrich their lives, as well as economic development opportunities,” Shacklett said. 

Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro with additional branches in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Eagleville. 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.

UPDATED: Gloria Christy Injured In Crash

More on the Saturday (2/6/2010) night auto crash on East Main at Academy Streets in which a local historian was seriously injured. Gloria Shacklett Christy was trapped shortly after 10:00 o’clock after another vehicle slammed into the passenger side of her mini van. Family members credit the quick and professional treated at the scene from first responders with the fire department who freed her from the wreckage. And then paramedics rushed Christy to the ER at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Physicians stabilized her and decided to send her by ambulance to the Trauma Center at Vanderbilt. Reports indicate that Christy is awake and able to talk, but has no memory of the crash. Family members ask that you keep Gloria Shacklett Christy in your prayers. She was alone in the mini van which was destroyed. Passengers in the other vehicle are reported not to have sustained serious injuries.

Serious Crashes

A Friday night crash on the Barfield Road has left one high school student in critical condition. Her vehicle went off the roadway and sank in the Stones River. The student was in the cold water for a long period of time and was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to the trauma center at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Friends say that 24-hours later, physicians have found brain wave activity and are very encouragement.

Saturday Night East Main Crash

A well know local historian was injured in a Saturday night auto crash on East Main Street. It occurred around the 10:00 o’clock hour, and the condition of the woman in her late 50’s is not known at this time.

WGNS News is not releasing the names of either of these persons, until we are certain all family members are aware of the accidents.

Chamber’s “Business At It Best” Honored Dedication

Approximately 650 persons shared in the excitement of our growing Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce on Friday night (2/5/2010) at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. The Annual Business At Its Best Celebration seemed to incorporate a repeating theme: to be successful you must help others first. Outgoing Chairman Blake Smith (left photo) looked at 2009 in retrospect. There was pride in his voice as he remembered the ground for a new headquarters at the entrance to the Gateway Project…

He told of challenges that faced the Economic Development Committee, and how they continued to attract new business. Strong examples being the V.A. Call Center that will employ 300 persons, along with Nissan’s venture into electric autos that will create 1,000 new positions. The evening was filled with tributes. The Chamber’s Diplomat of the Year was Comcast’s Kim Kersey.

Norman Brown To Lead The Chamber Into A New Decade

Norman Brown (left photo), who has been exposed to leadership from his childhood days by being the third generation to head Roscoe Brown, Inc., moved to the podium with confidence. He said that focusing on the outreach of the chamber is important…

This will be enhanced in approximately 11-months with the completion of its new 3-story, 32-thousand square foot home on the Medical Center Parkway. Brown stressed the need to increase efforts in developing new business by saying, “Focus on our successes and not on our near misses.”  The 2010 chairman stressed that from its beginning in 1928, this chamber has been blessed with talented and involved leaders. He told of the repoire that he and Smith had built over the past few years, and laughingly told how Blake taught him how to speed into the parking lot on two-wheels just minutes before a meeting was to begin.

Leadership Rutherford’s Pinnacle Award

Leadership Rutherford President Paul Lamb relived how the lunch hour this past April 10th changed our lives forever, and how one man stood strong and guided citizens through the wreckage of a deadly tornado with a 30-mile path of destruction. Rob Lyons (left photo) was Murfreesboro’s assistant city manager at that time, and was in command since his boss was out of town…

With calmness and certainty, Lyons united the public to begin an almost instant cleanup and rebuilding of splintered dreams. It made sense that when the city council voted on a new city manager, it was Lyons who received unanimous approval. Those attending the chamber’s celebration stood in cheering agreement that Lyons was the natural recipient of the 2010 Leadership Rutherford honor. He humbly accepted, “This is for the city employees and residents who worked so hard to return us to wholeness.” Ginny Lyons, his proud mother, was in attendance and was all smiles as her son stepped forward…

Business Person of the Year

Allen Jackson received the prestigious Business Person of the Year Award. He is the senior pastor who grew World Outreach Church from 150 persons to a congregation of 6,000…

Jackson told how he dreamed of someday seeing the Stones River in his rearview mirror, but how God kept returning him to his roots. The charismatic speaker then shared how he grew-up receiving advice from those saints who shaped this place we love and identify as home. That repeating thread appeared again as Jackson reiterated it is the people and not the bricks and mortar that make this city great. He noted how he would love to be able to get advice from those mentors again and hear of their devotion to helping others.

Business Legend of the Year

Retired Smyrna Mayor and entrepreneur Bob Spivey was names the Chamber’s Business Legend. A well-produced video featuring leaders from the Town of Smyrna shared their admiration for this man who has devoted his life to helping others. They told how his previous businesses gave jobs and homes to hundreds. Spivey’s determination and desire to continue helping others was evident as he excitedly told about expansions into the Smyrna and Murfreesboro automobile markets. You could almost see the sparkle in his eye as he compared a dwindling Smyrna with 3,000 persons when the Sewart Air Force Base closed in 1970; to a thriving and diverse community of over 40,000 residents today. He stressed, “We focused on the people, and you always come out on top.”

Keynote Speaker Comfortable As An Old Shoe

Bryan Townsend was the keynote speaker. He was casually dressed in a sweater and sports coat and moved naturally around the stage creating for him an audience acceptance that was similar in fit to a comfortable old shoe. The Eureka, Alabama resident shared a humorous account of Reverend Billy Graham telling a limo driver that he always wanted to drive one of those extended vehicles. The driver jumped in the back and the world renown minister took the wheel. The car’s speed increased as it rolled down the straight highway. Suddenly the sound of a siren rose above the roar of the speeding engine. The new motorcycle officer walked up as the driver’s window was going down. The cop immediately recognized the driver and told Graham that his messages always inspire his mother. The policeman blushed and excused himself to radio headquarters to ask for the protocol of what to do when a celebrity is stopped. The dispatcher asked who was in the limousine? The lawman responded, “They must be higher than the mayor, governor or event president.” Headquarters responded, “Who is it?” The rookie said, “I can’t see, because the windows are so tinted. It might be God though, because Billy Graham is driving the limo.” And then that repeating theme appeared as Townsend noted, “If you want to do well in business, care about what you do for others.”

Battered Death Row Inmate’s Attorney Requests Commutation

Citing unique facts that require a rare legal remedy,attorneys representing death row inmate Gaile Owens filed a formal request with the Tennessee Supreme Court on Friday (2/5/2010) to deny the attorney general’s motion to set an execution date and instead commute Owens’ death sentence to life in prison. The 57-year old woman is reportedly a victim of severe domestic violence who was arrested in 1985 and later convicted for hiring a man to kill her allegedly abusive husband, Ronald Owens. Her case has exhausted its appeals, and unless the governor or the Court commutes her sentence, she would be the first woman executed by the state since Eve Martin was hanged in 1820.

The Court has the authority to commute death sentences but has not exercised that power since 1901. Owens’ attorneys, public defenders Gretchen Swift and Kelley Henry, urged the Court to take this rare step due to the unusual circumstances of Owens’ case:

      ·        She is the only inmate in Tennessee prison history to receive a death sentence after accepting a prosecutor’s offer to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence. She was forced to trial based on the decision of her co-defendant, Sidney Porterfield, who is likely mentally retarded.
      ·        Among the many women incarcerated, paroled or given probation for the murders of their husbands in Tennessee, Owens is the only one to receive a death sentence, despite the fact that she was abused by her husband.
      ·        No court or jury ever heard that Owens was a battered woman and suffered from battered women’s syndrome. She never testified in her own defense because she wanted to protect her young sons from the details of the sexual and emotional abuse she suffered.

Owens’ attorneys submitted their argument on Friday (2/5/2010) in response to the state’s request to set a date for her execution by lethal injection. Owens is an inmate at the Tennessee Prison for Women, where she has been a model prisoner and currently works as a clerk. “I have, pending with the governor, a petition for commutation which I believe he will address after the Tennessee Supreme Court has acted on the attorney general’s motion for an execution date. The courts have one more chance to get this right,” said George Barrett, Owens’ clemency attorney. “Otherwise, we will be executing a battered woman. That would be a first for Tennessee.” If the Court does not commute Owens’ death sentence, her final legal recourse will be Governor Phil Bredesen, who may also commute her sentence. Owens would be the seventh person executed by the state since 2000, and the fourth woman in state history.

New Federal Blind Organization Has Fund Raiser At Maple St. Grill

The Stones River Chapter of the National Federation for the Blind is planning a fund raiser at the Maple Street Grill in uptown Murfreesboro. Chapter spokesperson Scott Young told WGNS News, “Those who attend will be able to experience what blindness is like along with viewing technology that the blind use to hearing what our chapter is all about and what our mission is in our community.” He said that a choice of dinners will be offered, and the cost of the event is $30.00 per person.  Donations will be accepted but we would like to invite anyone who would be interested to attend.  For more information or to reserve a ticket, contact Scott Young at 615-631-5238.

Smyrna Public Library Helps Spring!

The 2010 Gardening Series is making its way to Smyrna Public Library this month! Each month a Master Gardener from the area will discuss a different topic and entertain questions from those in attendance at different Linebaugh Library System branches. The sessions will be held at a different location on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 am – 11 am. This month, the class will be held at the Smyrna Public Library in the conference room.

On Saturday, February 20^th at 10 am, a Rutherford County Master Gardener will present “Get Ready for Spring Planning.” The Master Gardener asks that all those interested bring spring planting questions, a pencil, notepaper and a desire to learn how to get that new garden growing. The class is free and open to the public.

Tennessee Master Gardeners are trained volunteers that help the Extension Service share the latest and greatest gardening information. All volunteers are trained with 40 hours of horticultural classes and return 40 hours of volunteer community service through their Extension office. The Master Gardener Program is offered by The University of Tennessee Extension. Its main goal is to increase the availability of horticultural information to improve quality of life with community garden/landscape programs. This could only be possible through the training and utilization of local volunteers.

Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Road West in Smyrna. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit www.linebaugh.org.

Chamber Welcomes RESULTS SKIN & BODY

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce continues to welcome new businesses to our community. Pictured below is the ribbon cutting at RESULTS SKIN & BODY. That is in the strip center at 452 E. Thompson Lane, between Jason’s Deli and Marble Slab Ice Cream store.

TSSAA Bowling Tournament Rescheduled

The 2010 T-Double-S-Double-A State Bowling Tournament will continue, and be completed on Saturday, February 13 at the Smyrna Bowling Center. The roof of the center collapsed under the weight of heavy ice and snow during the recent storm. Workers have spent the better part of a week working to get the facility ready to re-open with 36-lanes. The first 15-lanes were damaged when the roof fell in.

The schedule for the tournament is as follows:
Division I Semifinals (Boys and Girls) – 10:30 a.m.
Division II Semifinals (Boys and Girls) – 1:00 p.m.
Championship Finals (All Divisions) – 3:30 p.m.

IRS Debunks Frivolous Tax Arguments

The Internal Revenue Service today released the 2010 version of its discussion and rebuttal of many of the more common frivolous arguments made by individuals and groups that oppose compliance with federal tax laws.

Anyone who contemplates arguing on legal grounds against paying their fair share of taxes should first read the 80-page document, The Truth about Frivolous Tax Arguments.

The document explains many of the common frivolous arguments made in recent years and it describes the legal responses that refute these claims. It will help taxpayers avoid wasting their time and money with frivolous arguments and incurring penalties.

Congress in 2006 increased the amount of the penalty for frivolous tax returns from $500 to $5,000. The increased penalty amount applies when a person submits a tax return or other specified submission, and any portion of the submission is based on a position the IRS identifies as frivolous.

IRS highlighted in the document about 40 new cases adjudicated in 2009. Highlights include cases involving injunctions against preparers and promoters of Form 1099-Original Issue Discount schemes and injunctions against preparers and promoters of false fuel tax credit schemes.

MTSU Students, Alumni Await Career Fairs

Four fairs, two days: MTSU students and alumni should not bypass the chance to find seasonal and permanent employment and internship opportunities. The Career Development Center Internship Fair and Summer Jobs Fair will be held Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the Murphy Center track level, event organizers said.

Two weeks later, on Feb. 23, the 10th annual Nashville Area Teacher Recruitment Fair and Nashville Area College to Career Fair will be held in adjacent buildings at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. An admission ticket is required for this event, but free tickets are available for students and alumni at the Career Center in Keathley University Center Room 328. At least 55 companies and organizations had registered by Feb. 5 and more are expected for the Internships and Summer Jobs Fair. Students should have their IDs while alumni should bring their resumes.

For more information, log-on to wgnsradio.com, keyword jobs fair.

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Matthew C. Whitehair of Murfreesboro Faces Multiple Rape of a Child Charges

8-Charges of incest, 3-charges for the rape of a child, 2-charges of rape and 3-charges of rape by an authority figure are the indictments that one Murfreesboro man faces. 36-year old Matthew C. Whitehair who lives in the St. Andrews Apartments, building H on St. Andrews Drive, was arrested by Murfreesboro Police this week and will appear before a judge on February the 16th.

Reports from 2009 when an investigation into Whitehair got underway indicate that he was acting as a caregiver for the child when the crime was allegedly committed. 

According to a police arrest report, Whitehair started abusing the victim when she was only 11-years of age. Whitehair is currently being held under a $500-thousand dollar bond.

United Way Campaign Making A Push in Last Week

The United Way’s annual pledge drive for charities in Rutherford and Cannon Counties is making a push toward Valentine’s Day. The United Way’s most recent weekly pledge thermometer shows that just over $2.1 million has been pledged, which is about 77 percent of the $2.8 million goal.

UW President & CEO Brian Hercules and Campaign Chairman Andrew Oppmann on WGNS

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Tennessee Exports Down

It should surprise neither lay persons nor experts to learn that Tennessee exports were down in the third quarter. Foreign shipments fell by a billion dollars to $5.16 billion. Dr. Steven Livingston, editor of Global Commerce, a publication of MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center, says the good news, if you wish to call it that, is that the state at least suffered smaller percentage losses than did the nation overall. And a relatively small loss in October, the first month of the last quarter, suggests that the worst might indeed be over. He adds exports sank in 45 of Tennessee’s top 50 markets. The only three overseas markets that produced positive numbers were Luxembourg, Singapore and France.

Gordon: Pay-As-You-Go Rules Will Keep Government Spending In Check

RELEASE FROM CONGRESSMAN GORDON’S OFFICE…

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to restore fiscal responsibility to government spending by enforcing pay-as-you-go, or PAYGO, rules in Congress.  Congressman Bart Gordon, an original cosponsor of the bill and leader in fiscal reform, voted for the bill.

“Today, the House took a huge step toward restraining runaway government spending and getting our economy back on track,” Gordon said. “PAYGO carries the strong enforcement necessary to get our spending in check and reduce our deficit.”

The pay-as-you-go rule, or PAYGO, is a procedural check that requires Congress to account for all spending programs dollar-for-dollar. When the PAYGO rule is active, every new spending program must demonstrate how it will pay for itself through budget cuts or other revenue sources, rather than deficit spending and increased foreign debt. Strict adherence to PAYGO is widely credited with bringing about the federal budget surpluses of the 1990s. Today’s vote would restore the principle and codify it into a law with enforceable consequences.

“PAYGO has a proven record of keeping Congress on budget,” Gordon said. “When we introduced it in 1990, PAYGO brought about record surpluses. When it expired in 2002, we returned to record deficits.”

Gordon has served as a leader on fiscal discipline in Congress since first championing the original PAYGO initiative in 1990. He pressed for re-establishment of the rule last summer in the House of Representatives, and has endorsed the recent 15-point Blueprint for Fiscal Responsibility as a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition. In 2007, Gordon was honored by the Blue Dog Coalition for his leadership and “ongoing commitment to restoring responsibility and accountability to government.”

After the bill’s passage, Gordon said, “Congress must continue to work together in a bipartisan way to put our financial house in order and create the jobs American families so desperately need.  Deficits are a tax that our children are going to have to pay, and it is time for the federal government to get serious about living within our means.”

The measure passed the house by a margin of 233 to 187. The President has confirmed his support and is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks. 

If You Own Rental Property, You May Be Required to Install Newer Fire Detector

State Representative Mike Turner wants anyone who owns rental properties to be required to install a new photo-electric smoke detector in each unit.  Tests show this type of detector does a much better job detecting smoke than the kind that is most frequently equipped in normal rental units. Turner also said he wants the latest technology, but some say it’s not necessary. State lawmakers will begin debating the smoke detector bill in the next few weeks.

Mother in Manchester Accused of Breaking Arms and Legs of Newborn

A Coffee County mother has been arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse. According to reports, a 7-week-old girl was taken to United Regional Medical Center for what was being called a spider bite.
In actuality, both of the childs arms and both legs were broken and the infant possibly sustained head injuries. The child was taken from the Manchester hospital to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 

The childs mother, 26-year old Patricia Wilhoite of Ragsdale Road, was arrested late Thursday night. The case is still under investigation.

Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves told partner station WMSR News that the investigators have met with a team of doctors from Vanderbilt to determine if additional abuse occurred and what charges should be filed. Graves said that he expects more arrests to be made. Wilhoite is being held in the Coffee County Jail on $500,000 bond.

There is no word on what may have motivated the mother to allegedly break the childs arms and legs.

Saturday Is 100th Boy Scouts Birthday

Saturday, February 6th, marks the 100th Birthday of the Boy Scouts of America.   Troop 197 (Chartered by Fellowship United Methodist Church) in Murfreesboro will conduct a simultaneous ceremony with scouts from all across Tennessee and the country at 3:00 o’clock Saturday afternoon. Boy Scouts along with Cub Scouts from at least 2 Cub Scout Packs (Pack 350 Chartered by Scales Elementary PTO and Pack 95 Chartered by New Vision Baptist Church) will join in a brief ceremony to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law as they reflect on Scouting Values and celebrate 100 years of Scouting in America.  As part of this celebration, each Scout will also bring canned and dried foods to donate to our local Salvation Army here in Murfreesboro.  On the same date as this celebration, the Troop is conducting a Merit Badge University during the day.  Over 50 Scouts from at least 4 different Troops will be participating in the Merit Badge University.   Troop 197 has been an active Boy Scout Troop at Fellowship United Methodist Church for 6 years. 

In addition to the event above, this Sunday is called SCOUT SUNDAY.  Scout Sunday is celebrated by thousands of scouts each year at churches and synagogues across the United States.  On this special day Scouts go to their places of worship in uniform and help with the service.  The Scout Law says that a “Scout is Reverent” and the Scouts of all ages promise to do their “Duty to God.” These values strengthen youth character in their family, community and faith and Scout Sunday is a day for entire congregations to share in the Scouting family.  Troop 197 will participate during this event at Fellowship UMC.  The Scouts will be an active part of the service by volunteering to be Greeters and Ushers during the 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM services.

Former Employees Raise More Issues Against Defunct LaVergne Firm

Earlier reports of employees not getting a paycheck from a La Vergne printing company have now widened. Workers say that Blue Cross insurance premiums had been withheld from their earlier checks, but reportedly MegaColor let the policy lapse last summer. That firm filed for bankruptcy last June, and reportedly owes $7-million to General Electric along with $1.1-million to the IRS.

FYI for those who pay premiums, but have no insurance!

If you discover that insurance premiums have been deducted from your paycheck, but that you do not have insurance…you should contact the Tennessee Division of Consumer Insurance Services (phone 615-741-2218 or e-mail insurance.info@tn.gov.

MidSouth Bank Offers Secondary Preferred Stock

MidSouth Bank’s board of directors announces a secondary offering of preferred stock. The offer is exclusive to existing shareholders until March 1, 2010 and will be made available to the general public after that date. There will be two informational meetings at the main office located at One East College Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for anyone interested in details of this offering. The meetings will take place on Tuesday, February 9^th at 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 18^th at 5:00 p.m.

The stock offering could raise as much as $15 million. The bank will use the additional capital to take advantage of future opportunities in Rutherford County and surrounding areas.

“As the only locally-owned and operated bank in Rutherford County, our talented team of bankers is ready to capitalize on the future economic growth of our area while remaining true to the hometown values and outstanding service that sets us apart,” says Lee Moss, chairman & CEO of MidSouth Bank (left photo). “This stock offering will put us in a better position to grow and prosper.”

MidSouth Bank was established in 2004 and has $250 million in assets, five offices in Rutherford County and employs 69 people. For more information on this offering and MidSouth Bank please visit www.midsouthbanking.com or any banking office.

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