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Financial Servicess and Solutions’ Beverly O. Davis Now AWMA

Beverly O. Davis with Financial Services and Solutions, Inc. is now an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA). This professional designation was developed in response to the need for advanced training within investment firms.

AWMA designees possess a broad knowledge on wealth management including investments, insurance, retirement planning, tax planning and estate planning. They can effectively identify, analyze and recommend strategies that are appropriate for diverse needs. The AWMA designation adds to her credentials as a Wealth Advisor. Davis holds licenses for life and health insurance as well as being registered to buy and sell individual stocks, bonds and real estate investment trusts. Davis is active in this community and serves on the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball Auction committee.

Financial Services and Solutions is an investment and insurance firm with offices in Murfreesboro and Lebanon.

Road tuns into beer-cicle

There’s nothing like an ice-cold beer, but a road in the German city of Kassel recently turned into a frozen sheet of beer after a truck carrying nearly 12 tons of it overturned, spilling 16 hundred bottles on the road. The driver made a sharp turn, dumping the load and causing most of the bottles to break when they hit the ground. Since it was cold outside, the beer immediately froze. It took about an hour to clean up the road. The driver was ticketed for failing to properly secure his load.

Fifth Annual Polar Bear Golf Tournament

It’s once again time to wrap up in your favorite heavy coat and shine up those golf clubs for the Fifth Annual Polar Bear Golf Tournament. It’s sponsored by the Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club. Proceeds benefit the Exchange Club Family Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and other charitable causes of the Exchange Club. Below are the details.

January 24, 2009, 10 A.M., at Indian Hills Golf Course

Help by being a sponsor or getting a team together to play.

Event Sponsor - $2000 (Advertising & 2 teams)

Gold Sponsor - $1500 (Advertising & 1 teams) < One SOLD >

Silver Sponsor - $1000 (Advertising & 1/2 team) < One SOLD >

Bronze Sponsor – $500 (Advertising & 1 player) < Two SOLD >

$350 – Breakfast or Lunch Sponsor ( Banner, 1 Player )

$250 Putting Green Sponsor ( 2 Signs, 1 Player ) < SOLD >

$250 Driving Sponsor ( 2 Signs, 1 Player ) < SOLD >

$ 250 Drink Cart Sponsor ( 2 Signs, 1 Player ) < SOLD >

$100 Hole Sponsor – Sign at Tee Box

 

$300 Entry Fee for Team of 4 or $75 per Individual

Your Entry Fee includes……..breakfast, lunch and hot chocolate. 

Free Range Balls, Prizes in two flights, door prizes and goodie bags.

PRIZES

1^st, 2^nd , 3^rd in Each Flight

#18 Longest Drive ( Men, Women, Senior s 60+ Designated )

Closest to the Hole on all Par 3’s

Hole In One Contest

For a Registration form please e-mail WrightDon@comcast.net

Or call Don Wright at 896-9460 or cell 904-4807

Or Call 615-641-0121 and leave a message

www.murfreesboronoonexchangeclub.org

UPDATE: Murfreesboro Police nab culprit who took off on foot

Murfreesboro Police were in a hot pursuit on Tuesday afternoon after responding to a disturbance call. Authorities chased a man on foot accused of assault and who was wanted for violating his probation. The chase took place in the Brentmeade subdivision near the VA Hospital and Compton Road. The man alluded officers for about 45-minutes before he was finally caught hiding under a home in a crawl space.

Arrested was 23-year old Alfreado Gutierrez from Mexico. He was placed under a $5,000 bond and will appear in court on January 27th.

Food stops womans heart

An unidentified 25-year-old British woman recently found her diagnosis hard to swallow. After complaining that she fainted and felt light-headed and nauseous after eating sandwiches, doctors told the woman she suffers from swallow syncope, a rare ailment in which swallowing sets off nerve reflexes that result in the heart stopping for a short period of time. Doctors tested their diagnosis by giving the woman sandwiches, only to find her heart would indeed stop for up to two seconds whenever she ate one. As a result, they fitted her with a pacemaker to help deal with the condition. She’s been fine since she last sought medical attention back in June.

Swap and SHop for Wednesday

For Sale: Collection of CASE knives and a 66-ElCamino 893-1114For Sale: 28′ Camper Trailer 893-3382

For Sale: 92-F-150 - 274-3166

For Sale: 3-Ladies Jackets size 12 for $8 each and a
Large George Foreman Rotisserie 890-0707

For Sale: Champion spark plugs and a 9mm and shotguns
692-4324

For Sale: Wii Play Games - both new 962-8956

For Sale: Black dining room table 890-7914

For Sale: Will deliver firewood and a tool box 785-0385

For Sale: HUSKY Mower and 2-heaters, antique rocking

chair - 361-3129

For Sale: Chihuahua 494-0039

For Sale: Weight bench with 200lbs of weight 896-8070

For Sale: Mountain Bike for $25 995-2374

For Sale: Large Trampoline for $20 and men’s hunting boots size 13, 896-4213

For Sale: 4-wheeler (300 Honda) for $700, 1994 Ford Ext. Truck for $800 - 563-8510

For Sale: 11-hens and one rooster 785-8789

Bringing in the NEW YEAR TONIGHT?

Well, the new year is all but hours away and millions of people nationwide are making big plans for tonight. This person say’s he will search out the bars in Murfreesboro for a draft Guinness Beer to drink at midnight…

Some people will be glued to their television though, watching the ball drop in New York. There, millions of people are expected. WGNS’ Jamie Roth has more.

WGNS’ Aaron Kirtersky is in New York awaiting tonight’s big bash.

Dave Schriber says that party’s are not confined to New York…

In Murfreesboro, everyone is invited to attend the Night Watch program created by Gloria Christy at Shacklett’s Photography. NIGHT WATCH is a free event that begins at 10:30 in the evening on the East Side of the Courthouse. The event will bring in the new year with a praise team and local families will be the focus of a prosperous new year this evening.

Dr. Larry Burris comments on the New Year

Dr. Larry Burris at MTSU says the new year is a time to think big…

Country Music Hall of Fame Pays $750K To McLean Estate

As you recall, accused Ponzi scheme suspect Robert W. McLean (left photo in happier days) allegedly used ill-gotten monies to purchase rare musical instruments that were donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Bankruptcy trustee Robert Waldschmidt announced that a $750,000 settlement was agreed upon Tuesday (12/30/08) with the Hall of Fame. The late McLean purchased Bill Monroe’s Gibson F-5 mandolin and Mother Maybelle Carter’s Gibson L-5 guitar, and donated them to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Waldschmidt attempted to recover $1.54-million from the historical group, but the year of negotiations ended with the estate getting slightly less than half the missing money. Bankruptcy courts are attempting to recover as much of the scammed funds as possible. McLean also made significant contributions to Middle Tennessee State University’s music and athletic departments. Gift of those types improved his image, especially when the university named the music department in his honor. Close friends of his along with astute business leaders reportedly gave McLean money as unsecured loans for which he agreed to pay significantly higher than usual rates of interest.  The bankruptcy courts are attempting to recoup millions of dollars allegedly paid to earlier investors. Yes, the victims are essentially on-the-hook to repay what earnings they received. That’s what happened with the Country Music Hall of Fame. Robert W. McLean’s body was found September 25, 2007, behind First Christian Church in Shelbyville with a self-inflicted .38 caliber pistol wound to his head.

Wikipedia defines a Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors out of the money paid by subsequent investors rather than from profit. The term “Ponzi scheme” is used primarily in the United States, while other English-speaking countries do not distinguish colloquially between this scheme and other pyramid schemes.   

Beware: Phishing E-Mailers Ask For Confidential Bank Info

No matter how real it looks, be careful not to give personal information to e-mail requests. Internet savvy groups refer to this practice as phishing. Illegal questionnaires are being e-mailed bearing the name F&M Bank, a Clarksville based financial group with a branch here in Murfreesboro. Local F&M spokesperson Bruce Plummer indicated this scam has been going on almost a month.

So what is Phishing?

On the F&M website, they give a good explanation. . .

Phishing is a form of online fraud which occurs when someone poses as a legitimate company to obtain sensitive personal data and illegally conduct transactions on your existing accounts. Usually it occurs in the form of fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear to come from legitimate sources. These communications ask customers to verify personal information or link to counterfeit web sites that appear real or ask you to call to a phone number to reactivate your account.  Check the bank’s website: http://www.myfmbank.com/phishing.aspx

And it looks real. Below are copies of the actual e-mails (note: WGNS has deactivated all of the hyper-links).

Dear Customer ,

F&M Bank temporarily suspended your account.
Reason: Billing failure.
We require you to complete an account update so we can unlock your account.

To start the update process click here.    

Once you have completed the process, we will send you an email notifying
that your account is available again. After that you can access your account at
any time.
The information provided will be treated in confidence and stored in our secure database.
If you fail to provide required information your account will be automatically
deleted from F&M Bank database.

Copyright © F&M Bank, All Rights Reserved

Warning: NEVER OPEN e-mails of this type

They sometimes have a virus that wreaks havoc on your computer. And if you respond, the cons who sent it potentially have information that will enable them to drain your bank accounts or do other forms of “identify theft” that can create major financial problems for you.

Another phishing e-mail fraudulently claims to be from America’s Credit Unions. Here is what that illegal phishing request looks like . . .

Your card has been deactivated

For your security, we have disabled your card and PIN .

To activate your card and PIN please call our “Card Activation Line” at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

If you have any questions, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

Please do not reply to this email.

Sincerely,

Customer Service

TRAFFIC OUTRAGEOUS on South Church St.

These pictures were taken by the City of Murfreesboro Traffic Camera’s on Tuesday afternoon. The locations include S. Church at Warrior Drive and S. Church in front of the Indian Hills Golf Course.

8-Families Displaced In Apartment Fire

A total of 8-families have been displaced as the result of a Tuesday (12/30/08) fire at Indian Park Apartments. Five-year old Alan McMahan smelled smoke and told his grandmother. The child’s grandfather was alerted and he ran to the burning unit and got Louis Truesdale to safety. Around 1:30 the first unit from the Murfreesboro Fire Department arrived at 220 Indian Park Drive. Apartment 607 was fully engulfed and flames were spreading to other units. Firefighters quickly took control, but not before Truesdale’s apartment was totally destroyed and seven others were heavily damaged (Photo by Terry Spence, MPD). Read more

Man robs pharmacy of OxyContin

A local pharmacy was robbed of OxyCotin on Monday. Reports indicate a white male in his 40’s or 50’s entered the store claiming he was armed with a gun. The male evidently asked the pharmacist at Kroger on Memorial Blvd. to hand over all of the drug. She apparently told him that she was unsure if there was any OxyCotin in stock. The bluff failed and the culprit told the victim that he would shoot her if he did not get the drug. She handed over the pills and the man fled the scene in a green 2-door Mercury. The man got away and so far, no arrests have been made.  

Drug description:

OxyContin is a prescription painkiller used for moderate to high pain relief associated with injuries.

MORE Sex Offender Laws in Tennessee begin 1/1/2009

The Tennessee Sex Offender Registry will offer even more information about each individual offender beginning January 1, 2009 to be in compliance with the state’s legislation that was passed during this year’s legislative session.

Overview of Sex Offender Registry law additions that will start on Thursday…

The TBI’s Sex Offender Registry will now include each offender’s full criminal history. Arrests that result in convictions will be listed with the date of the disposition as well as any outstanding warrants. There will also be text of the law defining the criminal offense.

An offender physical description will now be included on the registry. It will encompass height, weight, hair and eye color, tattoos, scars and marks.

Registered sex offenders whose crimes are against a minor are now prohibited from dressing up in a costume or pretending to be a character with the intent to attract minors. They are also prohibited from driving any type vehicle that would attract minors or work in a profession that would require unsupervised direct contact with minors.

An email notification system is set up on TBI’s website where the public can enter an email address and be directly notified when an offender makes a change in his/her public registry information. The public can search by specific offender or zip codes.

View the registry now: http://www.ticic.state.tn.us/SEX_ofndr/search_short.asp

The population is GROWING, nationwide and at home!

It is me, or is it getting crowded in here?

The country’s population grew by approximately 2.7-million people in 2008, according to Census Bureau figures.

Birth and immigration were responsible for the growth. Every eight seconds, somebody is born in the U.S., while someone dies every 12 seconds.

New visitors who come to stay also show up on our doorstep every 36 seconds or so.

Currently, the are 305-million people living in the U.S. But wait another eight seconds and that figure will change.
The population count in Murfreesboro rings in at over 100-thousand and growing. The population of Rutherford County is over 241-thousand.

The complete rundown of Rutherford County:

Rutherford County
2008 Population Estimate: 241,355
2008 Average HHLD Income: $69,038
2008 Median HHLD Income: $61,035

Murfreesboro
2008 Population Estimate: 100,575*
2008 Average HHLD Income: $68,044
2008 Median HHLD Income: $58,739

Smyrna
2008 Population Estimate: 38,073*
2008 Average HHLD Income: $65,049
2008 Median HHLD Income: $57,580

La Vergne
2008 Population Estimate: 26,472*
2008 Average HHLD Income: $70,231
2008 Median HHLD Income: $63,864

Eagleville
2008 Population Estimate: 491
2008 Average HHLD Income: $75,898
2008 Median HHLD Income: $68,581

*Source: 2008 Special Census
Source: 2008 Claritas Estimate

MURFREESBORO: New subdivision rules coming

The Murfreesboro Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing at 7:00, next Wednesday night. Members of the planning commission will consider the adoption of new Subdivision Regulations for the City of Murfreesboro.

Some of the new rules will help city officials better regulate flooding concerns in neighborhoods before they are actually built. In other words, contractors will have to design better storm drains. In fact, a large portion of the January 7th proposal deals with water related issues.

Here is the proposal (Click)

UPDATE: Jobess numbers for Rutherford and Cannon Counties

More Cannon Countians are out of work, according to the latest figures from the state. The county unemployment rate for November is 8.8 percent…up from 7.7 percent in October. The county workforce totals 6,860 people…and 6,260 of them currently have jobs. That gives Cannon County the highest unemployment rate in the immediate area. Warren County is the next highest, unchanged at 8.6 percent. Dekalb County’s unemployment rate is eight percent, up from 7.3 percent.

Rutherford County’s jobless rate is 6.7 percent, up from six percent the previous month. Last year at this time, Rutherford County’s unemployment rate was a low 4%. In Coffee County the rate is unchanged at 6.5 percent. Wilson County has the second lowest jobless rate of the immediate area, at 5.8 percent, but that rate is up two-tenths of percent from October. Williamson County is the lowest at 4%.

Marshall County woman accused of spreading HIV released from prison

A Marshall County woman who was sent to prison for intentionally spreading the HIV virus has been released on parole. Pamela Wiser was freed from a state prison in Memphis just three days before Christmas. She was arrested 10 years ago and later convicted of trying to spread the virus to dozens of men to get back at the man who gave it to her. Wiser is living in Tullahoma, where she’ll be under state supervision for the next 12 years.

-WMSR

Some school buses to see retrofit of exhaust for enviromental reasons

Some school districts will be receiving additional funding in 2009 to reduce emissions on their school busses. The districts to receive these grants include the Metro - Nashville School System, the Williamson County Schools and the Franklin special school district. Reports indicate the schools will take in over $200-thousand dollars to retrofit up to 70-buses with a new diesel filter.

The filter will trap diesel soot that exits the school bus engine by way of the exhaust pipe.

Swap and Shop for Tuesday

For Sale: boat and trailer and want junk cars, call 563-9844For Sale: Whirlpool Washer and a cabinet - call 424-7240

For Sale: 4 X 6 American Flag and a 9mm pistol - call 692-
4324

For Sale: Elect Razor Scooter with a seat for $50, Doll
House, 225-8633

For Sale: Bike 21-speed for $25, 995-2374

For Sale: FIREWOOD 785-0385

For Sale: HOGS 300lbs to 600lbs 890-7834

FREE Boarder Collie Mixed Dog - call 713-7789

For Sale: 1997 Honda Passport for $1500 - 631-9841

For Sale: Telephone 893-5458

WANT: Laying Hens 971-1869

For Sale: a dog - Chiwawha - 494-0039

For RENT- 2br Duplex for $600 per month - 569-4274

WANT: 18-Volt Battery Charger 896-9179

For Sale: GE DRYER like New AND a washer 653-9545

FOR SALE - Home in Woodbury and a Plymouth Coupe 243-7736

Push For Improved Ways To Teach Math and Science

Three of Rutherford County’s state delegation have joined Governor Phil Bredesen with grants to help institutes of higher education develop improved ways to teach math and science in kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Republican State Senators Bill Ketron and Jim Tracy along with Murfreesboro Democratic State Representative Kent Coleman announced six new grants that would create three-year partnerships between universities and high-need school districts. (L-R photo ID: Governor Phil Bredesen, State Senator Bill Ketron, State Senator Jim Tracy, and State Representative Kent Coleman)

Governor Bredesen said, “A solid foundation in math and science teaches students the problem-solving and analytical skills that are so valuable to success in any career.”

Middle Tennessee State University received a $757,359 grant to work with Bedford, DeKalb, Hamilton, Houston, Meigs, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Steward, Warren and Wilson county school systems. The grant will fund a program known as UMAT (Understanding Math). It targets third through fifth grade teachers.

Senator Ketron commented, “This grant program unites the K-12 and higher education community in the common goal of providing a quality education for Tennessee students.” Senator Tracy said, “Ensuring students graduate with a solid understanding of fundamental math and science skills is a top priority.” Representative Coleman concluded, “We are fortunate that MTSU can reach the educators who need this training, regardless of geographic location.”

6 Vehicle Crash Clark at Memorial (Monday PM Drive time)

A six vehicle crash on Clark Blvd. at Memorial Blvd. Monday afternoon snarled traffic on both roadways for several hours. You can see traffic only on one-lane in both directions on Clark at 5:45pm.

 

2009 Heart Ball Set For February 7th At Embassy Suites

Before you know it, the 2009 Heart Ball will be here. And this year, Kay and Bubba Woodfin are the honorees. This major fundraiser for the American Heart Association will be held at 6:00 o’clock Saturday night, February 7, 2009, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Heart Ball chairs Debbie and Jim Cope noted that cardiovascular disease is America’s top killer with strokes coming in third. The Heart Association hopes public support will enable them to reduce this 25 per cent by 2010.

Photo ID L-R: (seated)  Beth Cope, co-chair Debbie Cope, Dr. Liz Rhea and Lisa Trail  (standing)  Kirby McNabb, Rita Ash, Betty Anne Dempsey, Stephanie Brackman, Dawn White, Becky Vealey and Tambry Brechon

Tickets start at $175 per person. For more information regarding the Heart Ball, contact Tambry Brechon at 615-340-4102.

Chamber of Commerce Honors Bubba Dempsey and Bill Shacklett

Percy (Bubba) E. Dempsey, III Named 2008 Business Legend

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce has named Percy (Bubba) E. Dempsey, III, as the 2008 Business Legend of the Year. Dempsey, will be honored at the Chamber’s “Business at Its Best - 2009 Celebration” Friday, January 30. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel and Conference Center.

Dempsey is the senior managing partner for Dempsey Vantrease & Follis PLLC in Murfreesboro. He has practiced public accounting in the Middle Tennessee area for the past 25 years. His primary areas of expertise include negotiating the sale and acquisition of businesses, business contracts, and financial applications to financial institutions and third parties. Dempsey has strong involvement in the areas of estate and financial planning. Clientele have traditionally reflected a wide range of small, medium, and large-sized businesses, including wholesale distributors, manufacturing, professional services, retail trade, healthcare, and specialty contractors.

Bill Shacklett named 2008 Business Person of the Year

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce has named Bill Shacklett as the 2008 Business Person of the Year. Shacklett will be honored at the Chamber’s “Business at Its Best – 2009 Celebration” Friday, January 30. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel and Conference Center.

Shacklett is owner of Shacklett’s Photography located in Downtown Murfreesboro. He has spent more than 40 years in his family’s photography business. In 1989, Shacklett and his sister Gloria Christy moved to its present location and took over leadership of business. Shacklett received his bachelors in B.S, Urban Planning, from Middle Tennessee State University.

Shacklett is involved in several community organizations. He serves as president of the only Downtown Business Alliance. He is the executive board chairman for Read To Succeed. Shacklett sits on the board of directors for the American Red Cross, Main Street Revitalization Project and Uncle Dave Macon. He also served on the Murfreesboro City Council from 2001 until 2006.

Monday Swap’n Shop

For Sale: 32-inch tall miniature pony; 1966 El Camino; case XX knife collection  893-1114

For Sale: Delta 6-inch joiner; seasoned firewood $35 (you pick-up)  893-7357

For Sale: 1998 GMC Sanoma pickup truck; 5HP go-cart $125; fireplace artificial rock fireplace $20  217-4938

For Sale: Mountain bike  995-2374

Service: will do odd jobs  896-8346

For Sale: new spark plugs; guns and rifles  692-4324

For Sale: 1948 Plymouth coupe; 2 BR and 2 bath home in Woodbury; kitchen table with glass top and 4 chairs  243-7736

For Sale: Fluffo box springs and mattress $75  893-8457

For Sale: coffee table with 2 end tables $250; maple 5 piece queen size bedroom set; 20-inch TV 522-2907

For Sale: firewood $40/rick (delivered); Ruger pistol 785-0385

Wants: baby crib or basinet  506-4638

For Sale: 1979 ¾ ton Ford super-cab $800; firewood  785-1627

For Sale: full-size black plastic tool box for pickup; flat-bed 2 axel 14-foot trailer; South African nanny goats  895-5746

NEW: 104-Room hotel possible in Smyrna, Tn

A new hotel, gas station and insurance company could all add to the booming Smyrna, Tennessee economy. Smyrna has been the site of a major growth spurt over the past 3-years. Everything from a Super Target Store to a movie theater have been built on Sam Ridley Parkway. Now, an area along Old Shores Road that backs to Almaville Road and State Route 840 could soon be home to 104-room hotel and the previously mentioned insurance company and gas station. As far as company names, none have been mentioned at this point. A proposal will however be outlined during a Rutherford County regional planning commission meeting on January 12th.

TRAGIC: Coffee County Accident claims the life of three, 5-children un-restrained

A Franklin County mother and two of her children are dead following an early Sunday morning crash. Just after 6:00 Sunday morning, the mother, Natasha Marin, age 24, of Winchester was driving Westbound on Interstate 24 with five children in the vehicle. According to a spokesperson for the Tennessee Highway Patrol, near the 103-mile marker, for an unknown reason, the driver left the right side of the roadway, overcorrected and went back into the roadway.

(The driver) continued to lose control of the vehicle, yawing sideways to the right shoulder. The Chevrolet Mini-van hit a tree. Marin and two of the children, 3-year-old Julianna Marin and 11-month-old Felix Marin were killed in the crash. Two-year-old Isiah Marin and 7-year-old Adrianna Ferrisque were flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and were listed in stable condition at last report.

Five-year-old Nadia Blair was taken to Medical Center of Manchester and has been released. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, none of the children were wearing restraints. Troopers Sergeant Larry Fraley, Carl Seagroves and Rodney Whiles investigated. Crash reconstruction experts will return to the scene today to attempt to reconstruct the crash and determine its cause.

-WMSR

Dissolvable Tobacco Products?

Dissolvable tobacco. What took the cigarette companies so long to come up with that?

Made by R.J. Reynolds, the Camel Orb will debut in a few select markets next month before wider distribution. ROB DUNHAM with R.J. Reynolds says that the aspirin-sized tobacco product meets the needs of smokers because there’s no smoke, spit or litter to contend with.

Meanwhile, the Altria Group, the owner of tobacco giant Philip Morris USA, is as pleased as punch with Marlboro Snus, which are smokeless pouches that take the place of chewing tobacco.

While cigarette sales are dropping between two to three percent annually, Altria spokesman DAVID SUTTON says that smokeless products are booming sales-wise at a rate of six to eight percent each year.

All of this news is disturbing to GREG CONNOLLY of the Harvard School of Public Health.

Connolly claims smokeless products are designed to enhance the social acceptability of tobacco and it’s apparently working, judging by the healthy sales. And while the Camel Orb and Marlboro Snus present fewer health risks, Connolly says they’re insidious because they keep people hooked and are appealing to youngsters.

Lady Raiders 101 - Tennessee Tech 66

A 16-5 Middle Tennessee run to begin the second half broke open a close halftime score and the Blue Raiders used an over 50 percent field goal shooting effort in both halves to garner a 101-66 victory at Tennessee Tech inside the Eblen Center in Cookeville Sunday afternoon (12/28/08).

Middle Tennessee surpassed the 100-point barrier for the 34th time in its history and increased its record to 27-7 in such games. The last time the Lady Raiders went into triple digits was a 104-69 triumph over Western Carolina in the opening round of the 2008 Postseason WNIT.

The Blue Raiders will return to action at 2:00 o’clock Wednesday afternoon when they travel to Denton, Texas, for a Sun Belt Conference contest against North Texas. You’ll hear that game on the WGNS Good Neighbor network (FM 100.5;  FM 101.9;  AM 1450;  over-the-air TV channel 11). 

You Drove Great In O-Eight!

Preliminary figures from the Tennessee Department of Safety shows a dramatic reduction in traffic fatalities in 2008. In fact, the low numbers take us back to 1963, and we certainly have exploded the population in the 45-year period. Right now, 971 deaths have been recorded this year. Efforts have been made across the Volunteer state to reduce deadly traffic crashes. For a decade Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman has worked to develop ways to lower T-bone accidents. Those are caused by a vehicle running traffic signals and crashing into the side of moving vehicles. Although surrounded by controversy, six-months into it, traffic cameras are reducing these deadly crashes.

HOV Laws Changing, Some Hybrids Can Use Without Passenger Stipulations

Tennessee is joining seven other states with new laws determining who can drive in the HOV lanes. The change allows qualifying hybrid vehicles to use the HOV lanes anytime regardless of the number of passengers. On Monday, January 5th applications for this free sticker will be accepted. But don’t get too excited. Estimates indicate that only thirteen-hundred of Tennessee’s thirty-thousand hybrid vehicles will qualify. Apply at the State Department of Revenue for the free sticker that goes on the lower left rear window. Without that decal, violators will still be fined $50. And according to the Tennessee Department of Safety, approximately 15-hundred motorists were cited in 2008. 

Free-Reduced School Lunch Program Sees 30% Increase

Statistics from the Rutherford County School system shows more families are qualifying for the federal food assistance program. 12,286 students now participate in this free or reduced price of lunch program. That translates to a 30 per cent increase when compared to the same period last year. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, over half of the students in the Volunteer state qualify for the program. In fact, neighboring Metro Nashville schools have the highest number of students participating in Tennessee. A shocking 73 per cent of Nashville students are signed-up for free or reduced price school lunches. In January, the WGNS Action Line radio broadcast will focus on local education. With over 80 per cent of the county’s total budget funding education, could this federal lunch program become a source of revenue? Using ballpark estimates, figure the number of participating student increased from the current 12,286 to become 15,000 students. And allow the meal preparation to be so well managed locally that only $2.00 per meal is needed instead of the top federal reimbursement of $2.57. Using the Tennessee Department of Education’s 80 days of minimum classroom instruction requirement [Tennessee Code Annotated § 4963004], this very conservative scenario would add $5.4-million each year to the local school system. You’ll have a chance to interact with local education leaders on all areas of concern.

TVA: twice the amount of flood debris, huge executive bonuses, and more!

TVA’s problems are worsening after the earthen dam at its Harriman, Tennessee plant broke on December 23rd. New information shows the amount of ash-sludge released from the 40-acre pond is twice the amount that was originally estimated. Data now shows that 5.4-million cubic feet of coal fly ash was released on downstream neighborhoods two days before Christmas.

How Big Is This Problem?

To give you a better idea, that’s enough coal fly ash to fill 450,000 standard size dump trucks. By the way, coal fly ash is the by-product of burned coal that is used to run this TVA electricity generating plant that’s known for its giant smokestacks. This complex is seen by millions of motorists who pass it on I-40 each year. It’s just outside Knoxville. Although checks of the downstream water shows toxins are still within the safe standards, there are still concerns about health. This is especially true now with news that twice the amount of ash-sludge was released. The Roane County Emergency Management Agency’s “boil mandate” has been lifted and the water in the area has been tested safe for drinking and food preparation.

This is but one of many public relations nightmares facing TVA.

This new PR nightmare occurred while the nation’s largest energy provider was still under the shadow of increasing its power rates a shocking 20 per cent last October 1st. By the way, that was the largest rate increase by the utility provider in 35-years. TVA claims it was a result of earlier exploding oil prices. Decreasing oil prices enabled TVA to make a slight adjustment in that earlier increase. But before that had a positive effect on its customers, the breakage of the earthen dam in East Tennessee followed almost immediately with news of huge bonuses to TVA executives has the caldron swirling for this energy giant. At a time of economic concern, news of a $1-million bonus to TVA CEO Tom Kilgore got the public rumbling louder. That brings Kilgore’s 2008 income to $2.4-million. It doesn’t stop there. TVA’s Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Green did pretty well too. She was given a bonus of $493-thousand. When combined with her salary, federal files show her total earnings were $1.3-million. And TVA’s Chief Operating Officer Bill McCollum received total pay of $1.8-million after being given a $751-thousand bonus. Now let’s cue the violins to start playing.  Reports from TVA indicate that its officers earn less than executives at other power companies. 

Water Levels Improving

Last year’s draught conditions are improving dramatically. Locally, the past three-months has brought over a foot of rain. You can see it as you walk the Stones River Greenway, especially around the rock dam beside the Sportsman’s Club on the Medical Center Parkway. A few month’s ago there was a 6-foot drop in the level from the top pool of water to the one below. With the recent rainfall, that difference has changed to a drop of about a foot with lots of white water. And in neighboring Coffee County where wide dirt banks of Normandy Lake showed a year of drought was forcing TVA to consider restrictions. That has changed with a 6-foot rise in the lake level. WGNS Weather Eye meteorologists now say that continued precipitation in the form of rain and snow is in the long-term forecast for Rutherford County. The WGNS Weather Eye meteorologists update the local weather information 24/7 both on the radio and on this website.

Woman Reports Being Raped

A Bell Buckle woman went to the ER at Middle Te nnessee Medical Center on Christmas Day. The 25-year old woman told police that a few days earlier she went to the Blue Rooster on the Murfreesboro square. The victim told officers that a man known only to her as Austin, accompanied her to a friend’s home on North Maple Street. She awoke the next morning without any memory of what happened. Results of medical tests have not been announced and an extensive interrogation to gather more information is underway. WGNS News will keep you informed.

Historic Square Sight Of New Year’s Eve Nightwatch

Local historian Gloria Shacklett-Christy told WGNS listeners about a new way to ring-in the New Year. She encouraged everyone to be on the Murfreesboro square at 10:30 this coming Wednesday night (12/31//08). The community leader encouraged everyone to bring their own personal bell, so that 2009 could be chimed-in appropriately Christy explained this was going to be a family event centered around a praise concert. For more information, about this New Year’s eve activity on the Historic Murfreesboro Square to call Shacklett’s Photography at 893-2369.

146th Anniversary of Battle

It was 146-years ago…the small Murfreesboro township swelled from 3,000 persons to over 80,000. Ranger Jim Lewis told WGNS Action Line listeners, “The Battle of Stones River was one of the most significant Civil War turning points.” He noted that the battle lines in Virginia as well as Signal Mountain got much publicity, but historians now feel that Murfreesboro was one of the primary turning points. Now through January 4th there will be demonstrations of cannon firings, historical talks and dramatic presentations featuring dialogue between local residents of the time as well as from the soldiers. Lewis said, “There is no charge to attend any of these functions that are presented each day through the period.” He described the cannon fire as being so loud that it could be heard 90-miles away. Downtown residents reported that fighting around where The Avenue is now located, was shaking downtown homes. WGNS encourages everyone to learn more about the history of our community. Visit the Stones River Battlefield on the Old Nashville Highway between now and January 4th. (Upper Photo L-R: Union soldier tells his perspective, while the seated woman is a Murfreesboro resident who viewed events totally differently. Ranger Jim Lewis sets the scene)

Demonstrations of cannon firing, walk through a Civil War encampment and walk the land where bullets flew 146-years ago. The special presentations and talks continue daily through January 4, 2009 at the Stones River National Battlefield.

Man Runs Red Light, Drives Over Officer’s Foot, Speeds Away

While most people were readying to be with family, a 40-year old Murfreesboro man was setting the stage for a long stay at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. According to police reports, on Wednesday night (12/24/08) Murfreesboro Detective Ed Gorham witnessed a vehicle speed through the red light at Memorial and Lokey. A high-speed pursuit began. Robert Wayne Fathera eventually stopped, but as Gorham approached–the suspect allegedly sped away. In doing so he ran over Detective Gorham’s foot. The chase continued to Compton Road, but the city detective lost the vehicle. Later a sheriff’s deputy located Fathera after he crashed into the side of his home at 110 Percy Street. A field sobriety test was attempted, but officers say the man was too combative. Attempts to take him to the hospital for a test were not successful either, as he reportedly kicked-out the window of the sheriff’s vehicle. Police reports show there was a strong smell of alcohol at the scene. A driver’s license check revealed that Fathera was driving on a revoked license. He was also charged with vandalism over $500, theft of a motor vehicle, assaulting an officer, simple possession of a scheduled II drug, and possession of a weapon. It has been learned that Robert Wayne Fathera is also a suspect in an assault and attempted robbery of a pizza delivery person earlier Wednesday evening. Fathera is being held without bond, and the date of his first court hearing is set for January 12th.  

Friday Swap’n Shop

For Sale: Delta 6-inch like-new joiner $300; custom framed Civil War Battle of Stones River print  893-7357

For Sale: seasoned firewood  573-4592

Free: deer (field dressed); For Sale: guns  692-4324

Wants To Know: where in Nashville that has used security and heavy storm doors  893-6515

For Sale:  4 antique oak chairs with press backs $175  oak washstand with paint on it (large )  893-2650

For Sale: firewood (hickory, oak and cedar) 50-inch flat screen TV; Ruger 22 Mark II pistol  785-0385

For Sale: 14-inch tires trailer (4 x 8-feet with ramps) $225; 2 pet donkeys   848-3590

For Sale: 6.5HP Cub Cadet push mower $100; 12 guage shotgun lamp $30; brush guard for Ford pickup  217-4938

Needs Information: lost in pawn an old Aria guitar at Quick Cash Pawn on Broad Street several years ago, if you bought it (even if you don’t want to sell it, please call this listener would love to see this old flat-top guitar)  895-3410

 

Blowtorch + Ice = House Fire

A New Bedford, Massachusetts man blow-torched his home to bits Monday. An unidentified man caused 30 thousand dollars worth of damage to his house when he used a blowtorch to melt ice along his back porch. No one was injured in the blaze. The inferno started when the man put the torch too close to the home’s wood frame, which caused the vinyl siding to go up in flames. It took two dozen firemen to put out the fire. The man isn’t expected to face any charges.

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