Hometown Double-Header: Lady Raiders 91 - ULM 75
January 31, 2009
Saturday night (1/31/09) brought an exciting double-header to Murphy Center. Junior Alysha Clark (left photo) put the Middle Tennessee women’s basketball team on her back Saturday afternoon and carried it to a 91-75 victory over the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Clark finished with a career-high 40 points, becoming only the fourth Lady Raider in program history to crack the 40-point barrier in a single game.
Clark tallied her career best on 16-of-21 field goals and 8-of-10 free throws, while also swiping a career-high seven steals on the defensive end in her first game after being named a Midseason Top 20 Candidate for the Wooden Award, college basketball’s most prestigious individual honor.
The 40 points place her sixth in school history for a single game and are one shy of the Murphy Center record for a Lady Raider. Two players, Tawanya Mucker and Amber Holt, hold the facility mark at 41 points with Holt’s effort coming last season against LSU on Dec. 28, 2007.
Holt also set the standard for a single game, netting 44 at ULM Jan. 24, 2008. Clark also joins the 40-plus club with Kim Webb, who posted 42 at Eastern Kentucky during the 1986-87 campaign.
Middle Tennessee will hit the road for its next game, tip off is Wednesday night at 8:00 from Denver. WGNS is your BLUE RAIDER connection (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11).
Jack Rains’ Murder Trial Resumes Monday
January 31, 2009
The Jack Rains’ murder trial continues Monday (2/2/09), and the state is expected to talk with a few witnesses and wrap-up the proof. Defendant Tina Williamson plead not guilty to the first-degree murder charges last Tuesday (1/27/09) when Judge Don Ash began the trial. The 40-year old Woodbury woman maintains that she and the 83-year old retired State Trooper were very good friends. During the past 4-days of the trial, Williamson told jurors that she and the murder victim bought and sold cars. A close friend of the defendant agreed to be a police informant and record conversations with her friend. In one recording, Williamson told her friend Betty Olson that Rains would give her $900 to a thousand-dollars weekly. In one of the undercover police recordings, Williamson told her friend that she never said anything to the cops about the money Rains gave her. She thought it made their friendship look like a sugar daddy affair. In that same recording, the suspect said that her husband was never concerned, because all three (Tina Williamson, her husband and Jack Rains) of them were friends.
As you recall, Jack Rains was shot three times in the head while sitting at the kitchen table in his McFarlin Road home, just off the Woodbury Pike. The murder took place August 31, 2007.
FL man arrested for sleeping on couch in nude
January 31, 2009
A Florida man was arrested early Sunday morning for sleeping naked on a couch. Problem: the couch wasn’t his own, nor was the house in which the couch resided. First Coast News.com reports Jacksonville Beach police got a call around 3 a.m. from a 77-year-old woman who said she heard glass breaking at her home. Officers arrived and found 27-year-old Nickolas Rust naked and sound asleep on a couch in the woman’s living room. Rust was charged with trespassing and disorderly intoxication. When asked by reporters later if he had been sleeping in someone else’s living room, Rust replied, “That’s what they tell me
WGNS Action Line
January 31, 2009
Bart Walker host the WGNS Action Line each weekday morning from 8:10-9:00. Local issues that mean the most to you! Call-in at 893-1450. Plus, join Bart “LIVE” from City Cafe every Wednesday and Kelton’s Home and Garden Thursday’s for the conversation!
Chamber’s Business At Its Best…Tremendous!!!
January 31, 2009
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce was a brightly shining star Friday night (1/30/09). BUSINESS AT ITS BEST 2009 CELEBRATION attracted 600-plus enthusiastic supporters to the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. New Chamber President Mike Malone gave a very upbeat and positive introduction. As he concluded, Malone talked about how extremely bright is Rutherford County’s future. The next thing you saw was the new leader wearing giant sunglasses.
The entire evening offered creative communication designed to share how fortunate all of us are to live, work and raise our families in Rutherford County. Outgoing Chairman Shane Reeves said 81-years ago Mickey Mouse debuted, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to successfully pilot an aircraft across the Atlantic, and several community leaders formed the local chamber of commerce…all of that in 1928.
(L-R) 2008 Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Shane Reeves receives an award from 2009 Chair Blake Smith. The honor was returned when Reeves gave Smith the chamber’s gavel.
Special 2008 Honorees
Jeff Carlton was named the Diplomat of the Year
Stephanie Brackman received the Leadership Rutherford Pinnacle Award
Bill Shacklett was the Business Person of the Year
Local photographer and heir to a longtime family business, Bill Shacklett talked about our community’s strength being history and strong roots to a vibrant downtown area. He stressed that uptown business owners, employees, shoppers, those who use the library, go to church or do anything in the historic area–you are all keys to the continued success and growth of this blessed community.
Percy E. “Bubba” Dempsey, III was named the 26th Business Legend
Founder of a well-respected major CPA firm that has branched into other areas of service to businesses, Bubba Dempsey noted that we are in a delicate economic situation. He stressed that it is vital to stick together. He said we must depend on each other and always shop Rutherford County. (L-R photo ID: Bill Shacklett, Bubba Dempsey)
Blake Smith receives gavel as 2009 chairman
As Shane Reeves handed Smith Design/Build President Blake Smith the gavel, the new chairman quipped, “Oh a new hammer,I need that!” His mix of humor and seriousness let you know that the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce is set for another consecutive year of growth through dynamic leadership. Smith commented, “Our goal is to enhance the value of chamber membership by increasing participation.”
Smith also noted that 2009 would be the year the chamber would break-ground for a beautiful facility in Murfreesboro’s Gateway Project. The new complex would be near the new hotel and conference center as well as The Avenue. It will serve as a stimulus to business improvements as well as a hub where visitors can get tourism maps and information about the attractions here. (photo: architectural rendering of the new Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce complex)
Dr. Dale Henry kept the crowd laughing
Harriman, Tennessee resident Dr. Dale Henry started the laughter with a long string of truisms to which any red-blooded Southerner could relate. Through audience interaction, he quickly learned that everyone wanted to be happy, optimistic and become true problem solvers.
Dr. Henry noted, “You can’t be the opener to create positive change unless you think differently from the majority.” The former Tusculum College educator and administrator said you must communicate one on one, not using cellphones, e-mail and other non-personal methods.
The founder of a Tennessee based training company that each year works with a hundred-thousand professionals, brought silence when he told of two ways to achieve success. One way is to learn through failure until a goal is reached. The other is to watch successful leaders and copy them. In essence, Dr. Henry told us to always have time for others…and basically do unto others as you would like them to do for you. He concluded, “If you want to be the opener to positive change, you must first become what you want others to be!”
Prentice Alsup Heating & Air Coaches Corner
January 30, 2009
Join Bryan Barrett and Jeff Jordan as they talk with area high school basketball coaches on the Prentice Alsup Heating & Air Coaches Corner. They’ll be LIVE from the Church St. Shoney’s beginning at 9am Saturday morning.
Two Principals Named To 2 New County Schools
January 30, 2009
Principal Named To New Brown’s Chapel Elementary
Kellye Goostree has been named the principal of Brown’s Chapel Elementary School. That school is scheduled to open in August, 2009. It is the county system’s newest elementary school and served the northwest section of Murfreesboro.
Rutherford County School Directory Harry Gill, Jr. said, “Kellye has the experience, energy and wisdom to open the new school. She has proven herself at Cedar Grove, and I have every confidence she will lead Brown’s Chapel to greatness.”
Ms. Goostree currently serves as principal of Cedar Grove Elementary School, a position she has held for the past six years. A veteran educator of 12 years, she previously served as a middle school geography teacher at both Cedar Grove and Blackman Middle, and spent a partial year as an assistant principal at Cedar Grove. She was part of the faculty start-up teams for both of those schools when they opened (Cedar Grove originally served grades K-8).
She will begin her new duties March 2 and will work from the district’s central office to prepare for the new school’s opening. Her time will be spent interviewing and hiring a faculty and staff and overseeing the completion of the school’s final setup.
Interim Head Principal Named At Cedar Grove
Dr. Chontel Bridgeman, the current assistant principal at Cedar Grove, has been named the interim head principal for the school. Bridgeman has served as the assistant principal at Cedar Grove since the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, and previously served as an assistant principal at Christiana Middle School for three years. She has been an educator for 16 years including six years as an administrator.
“Chontel has a solid record as an assistant principal and she’ll do a great job at Cedar Grove during the interim,” Gill said, adding a permanent head principal will be named some time before the beginning of next school year.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the students, faculty and families of Cedar Grove Elementary in the capacity of principal. Both Mr. Gill and Mrs. Goostree have laid a solid foundation of academic excellence and a strong sense of community here at the school. I plan to continue this tradition and build upon their successes.”
SNOW?? Maybe By Beginning of Week
January 30, 2009
We could be in for a dose of winter weather to start February. Forecast models (like the one to the right) show the possibility of snow on Monday. While forecasters say it’ll be closer to the event when they’ll be better able to pin-point an amount, several inches is not out of the question. Wet weather will roll in Sunday night, then change over to snow early Monday morning into Tuesday.
The National Weather Service has also picked up on the snow possibilities for Monday into Tuesday. Stay with the WGNS Weather Eye team of meteorologists, who will continually update conditions on-air and on-line!
Jeff Bissenger Joins Alexander Chevy, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac
January 30, 2009
Don Alexander announces the addition of Jeff Bissenger as a Service Consultant at Alexander Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac.
Jeff comes to the dealership with 20 years automotive service experience. He has been a General Motors certified service consultant for the past 7 years; the past five as a GM Mark of Excellence top performer.
Alexander Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac service is open Monday – Friday 7am to 5:30pm and Saturday 7am to Noon. The dealership is located at 1422 N.W. Broad St., Phone 615/893-6600.
MTSU Spring Enrollment Numbers UP
January 30, 2009
MTSU’s preliminary spring enrollment total of 22,516 students registered and taking classes is a 4 percent increase from January 2008 when 21,648 students were attending, Sherian Huddleston, associate vice provost for Enrollment Services, said Thursday.
Preliminary numbers supplied from the Office of Records show an overall increase of 868 students. After the 14-day census period that ended Jan. 28 and final edits, MTSU’s headcount totals will be submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents within the next week, Huddleston said.
“We’re very pleased with these figures,” said Dr. Debra Sells, vice provost
for enrollment services and vice president for student affairs. “We believe they reflect our continuing efforts to both successfully retain our current students as well as recruit the very best new students in the state. In these difficult economic times, I think our students and their families recognize that an MTSU education is a sound investment that will pay big dividends over time.”
In specific areas such as total graduate population, MTSU’s College of Graduate Studies has a 16.8 percent increase from spring 2008 when 2,223 grad students were taking classes. This spring’s total is 2,597, which is an increase of 374 students.
Huddleston reports an 8.5 percent increase in new students (1,461 new undergraduate and grad students this semester compared to 1,347 in January 2008).
“They’re making great strides in graduate enrollment,” Huddleston said of the College of Graduate Studies.
Huddleston said the spring enrollment “traditionally is going to be less than the fall enrollment because of December graduation and attrition.” Records reported 1,517 undergraduates and grad students graduated Dec. 13.
A record 23, 872 students attended last fall. This spring’s head count is 94 percent of the final fall enrollment submitted to TBR, Huddleston said.
Charting MTSU’s spring enrollment*
Category Spring 2009 Spring 2008
Total enrollment 22,516 21,648
First-time freshmen 203 200
New transfers 894 837
New undergraduates 1,124 1,057
New grad students 337 290
Re-enrollees 1,275 1,225
Total undergraduate population 19,919 19,425
Total graduate population 2,597 2,223
* — Preliminary totals. After final edits, the Office of Records will submit this and additional enrollment data to the Tennessee Board of Regents.
MTSU Has A New VP for Student Affairs & Vice Provost for Enrollment
January 30, 2009
Dr. Sidney A. McPhee announced Monday the appointment of Dr. Debra Sells as vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services at Middle Tennessee State University.
Appointing Sells to the position removes the interim tag from her title. Sells, former associate vice provost for Academic Support Services, replaced Dr. Bob Glenn on an interim basis in August. Glenn left MTSU to become president at Athens (Ala.) State University.
“I am pleased that (Tennessee Board of Regents) Chancellor Charles Manning approved my recommendation to appoint Dr. Sells as our new vice president for Student Affairs,” McPhee said. “She is a highly capable individual who has done a phenomenal job in helping us to transition after the departure of former Vice President Bob Glenn. “I have been impressed not only by her efficient and positive approach to her role as a university executive, but also by her keen knowledge of enrollment issues and the Student Affairs area. We look forward to Dr. Sells’ continued leadership here at MTSU.”
This continues the progression up the administrative academic ladder for Sells, a native of Benton Harbor, Mich., who has been at MTSU since 1996, just after earning her doctorate in education from Arizona State University.
“I’m grateful for Dr. McPhee’s confidence in me,” Sells said. “We’ve had six months to really get to know one another. It has been a really good working relationship, and that’s important to me – that we both have trust and confidence in each other.”
Colleagues and faculty alike are excited about Sells being selected the permanent choice.
“Deb brings over 20 years of student affairs experience to this position, and I, along with our students, should be excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the Division of Student Affairs under Dr. Sells’ leadership,” said Dr. Gene Fitch, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of Student Life.
“Working with Deb during her tenure as interim has been a pleasant experience, and I expect she will continue doing a great job of guiding our division as we steer through MTSU’s efforts to continue providing quality service to our students and faculty in the upcoming budget reductions,” said Dr. Sherian Huddleston, associate vice provost for Enrollment Services.
In regard to the current economic and budget situation for MTSU, Sells said the university “will be facing interesting times in the next few months. … Obviously, we have many challenges.”
In saying this, her concern shifts toward the students.
“Number one on our priority list will be, how do we serve our students?” she said. “How do we not only protect but enhance their campus experience even as we deal with the serious budget issues we’re facing? The president always emphasizes ‘positioning ourselves for the future.’ We want to make decisions that will, in the long run, make both in- and out-of classroom experiences at MTSU even better for our students.”
Sells credits a “very good and skillful staff” on one hand and an “exceptionally supportive vice president’s group” on the other, for helping her manage the transition of the past six months. She said her immediate priorities include “top billing for managing enrollment and retention, moving forward with planning and construction on the new student union and support for our sorority and fraternity organizations.”
Sells served as director of Housing and Residential Life at MTSU from 1996 to 2002 before moving into the leadership position for Academic Support Services. She also held several residential life positions at Arizona State.
She earned her bachelor’s in sociology and communications at Hope College in Holland, Mich., in 1981 and her master’s in social work from the University of Michigan in 1983.
Sells lives in Murfreesboro, just a couple miles from campus. In her spare time, she said that she studies meditation, loves to read and recently started running, though she laughs that she “became a runner awfully late in life.”
Gambling UPDATE in Murfreesboro
January 30, 2009
An investigation into illegal gambling continues in Murfreesboro. You may recall earlier this week Murfreesboro Police stopped further gambling from taking place at three businesses. Murfreesboro Police Officer Kyle Evans tells us which businesses are being investigated.
Again, the investigation will continue as to who actually ran the gambling in each business in question.
Signs in the City of Murfreesboro - Speak your mind.
January 30, 2009
Signs in Murfreesboro continue to be a major problem for City Officials. Although the signs may not be a problem or even affect your average Joe, the city has a heavy fist when it comes to signage. Over the years the city has seen problems with electronic billboards, electronic gas station signs and oversized lettering on the fronts of businesses. In the past, city leaders deemed electronic signs to be a dangerous distraction for drivers and that was one of the reasons electronic messages are not allowed.
The good news for some businesses, changes may be coming. Concerned citizens and business owners will have the opportunity to speak their mind on March the 4th. The Murfreesboro Planning Commission will be holding a “PUBLIC HEARING” at 7-pm.
And as far as what signs will be allowed in the future? Who knows?
A camera on every school bus
January 30, 2009
Rutherford County will have to spend over $230-thousand dollars over the next year if they want ALL of their school buses to be equipped with a fully operational camera system. The measure was approved by the county board of education on Thursday night. Installing camera’s became a priority after two reported sexual assaults on buses, fights between students and the assault of a school bus driver. A company called Angeltrax will install the camera’s on the school buses at a cost of about $1,800 per bus.
Murfreesboro City Council met Thursday night
January 30, 2009
The Murfreesboro City Council met on Thursday night and one of the many items discussed, the Murfreesboro City Code - WGNS was there.
STUDY: Household chemicals can lessen chance to get pregnant
January 30, 2009
Fears of how everyday household chemicals may effect health appear to be well-founded, according to UCLA researchers.
A new study suggests that per-fluorinated chemicals adversely affect the fertility of couples trying to have a baby.
Dr. JORN OLSEN said that in his research, Danish women exposed to higher levels of these chemicals, which are found in food packaging, pesticides, clothing, carpets and personal care products, took longer to get pregnant than women with lower trace amounts of the same chemicals.
In the U.S., perfluorinated chemicals are expected to be completely phased out by the end of 2010 because of their toxic effects.
Yet, the problems won’t end there necessarily because the substance sticks around in the body, as well as the environment, for decades.
Previous studies have shown it linked to developmental deformities in fetuses and infants.
No more smoking at MTSU or smoking products
January 30, 2009
No more cigarettes or other tobacco products can be sold on the MTSU campus starting in February. The new rule is a new school policy to keep the campus smoke free. Some students are not happy with the decision and have even set up an online Face book site to show their disgust. Apparently, the students are upset that a privately operated business on the campus will be forced to quit selling tobacco products that make for 40% of the businesses sales. Dwight’s Mini Mart operates in the Keathley University Center on the local campus. The mini-mart is located in the area of the game room and student movie theater.
Swap and Shop for Friday
January 30, 2009
For Sale: Oak Dining Room Suite 995-4959For Sale: 1972 Roll Back Truck and Case Pocket Knives
893-1114
For Sale: Golden Retriever Puppies 210-8544
For Sale: 2-Hydralic Jacks and rifles and a 9mm 663-3077
For Sale: Blood hound pups (AKC) and game chickens 785-
1627
For Sale: Antique China Cabinet and fish aquarium 653-0769
For Sale: $40 rick delivered 785-0385
For Sale: Saturn 2000 model 890-6603
For Sale: 890-3540 Game Hen
For Sale: PW 80 Yamaha dirt Bike and a 50 - 542-4528
Thursday Home Battle: Blue Raiders 83 - Ragin’ Cajuns 76
January 30, 2009
You heard the game on WGNS…on Thursday night (1/19/09) Middle Tennessee began the second half of SunBelt Conference play. In the thick of a hotly-contested league race against Louisiana and used outstanding offensive balance to climb within one-half game of idle Western Kentucky University for first place in the East Division following this 83-76 win against the Ragin’ Cajuns at Murphy Center.
The Blue Raiders (13-8, 7-3) had five players reach double figures led by Kevin Kanaskie’s game-high 18 (see left photo). Budding star Montarrio Haddock contributed 15 points off the bench and Calvin O’Neil and Demetrius Green netted 14 points each. Desmond “Boogie” Yates finished with 11 points and Nigel Johnson just missed double figures with nine as the Blue Raiders remained unbeaten in five conference games at Murphy Center. Johnson did tie O’Neil for game-high rebounding honors with eight.
Kanaskie, who is playing with a back injury suffered last week against Arkansas State, managed to play 28 minutes and dished out three assists to tie Gerald Harris’ all-time mark of 363. He also knocked down two 3-pointers to pass Tommy Gunn (185) and move into second on the career 3-point field goals made list with 186. The win also provided Head Coach Kermit Davis with the 250th victory of his career.
While coaches and teammates were reaching milestones in victory, O’Neil was the chief star in a game that featured several. O’Neil’s 14 points and eight rebounds were season highs and he was just one shy of his career high of nine rebounds. It wasn’t so much when O’Neil scored as it was when he scored.
It was O’Neil’s 3-pointer with 11:58 remaining in the first half that put Middle Tennessee ahead, 18-16, and after the Ragin’ Cajuns tied the game at 16-16 it was O’Neil that knocked down a mid-range jumper to extend the lead back to 18-16.
O’Neil’s jumper with 17:35 remaining provided Middle Tennessee a 38-30 advantage which at that point was its largest lead of the game and was part of a 7-0 run to start the second half and turn the contest in the Blue Raiders’ direction for good. Even when Louisiana (7-13, 4-5) tried to come back, O’Neil was there to provide the dagger. He stopped a Cajun run with a 17-footer midway through the second half to extend Middle Tennessee’s lead to 13, 48-35.
It would ignite a run that enabled the Blue Raiders to surge ahead by as many as 17, 61-44, with 8:06 remaining. He added another long 3-pointer five minutes later after the Cajuns had closed to within 11.
Haddock also was dynamite and scored 11 of his 15 after halftime when Middle Tennessee started to pull away. He has scored double figures in five of the last eight and he tallied nine points in two of the three games that he failed to reach double figures.
Middle Tennessee led 33-30 at the half but used 52 percent shooting (12-of-23) to establish itself in the second half.
The Blue Raiders will return to action Saturday night (1/31/09) when they play host to Louisiana-Monroe. Tipoff at Murphy Center is 7:00 o’clock. Follow the BLUE RAIDERS on the WGNS Good Neighbor Network (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11).
Women love shoping - not for cars though
January 30, 2009
The current economic crisis is taking its toll on car dealerships along with lots of other businesses, but a new survey shows even if the economy was doing well, most women would still hate shopping for a new car.Automall Network, a professional vehicle buying service in South Florida, recently commissioned an independent survey of 100 women regarding their experiences car shopping. Here are some of the survey highlights:
– 55 percent of the women said they had negotiated a lease or purchase themselves, but only 49 percent felt they had gotten the dealer’s best price.
– 53 percent said they had been treated unfairly as a female, and 87 percent of those who felt they had been treated unfairly had taken a male counterpart along to help with the negotiations.
– 79 percent of the women surveyed said they would prefer using a professional service to avoid dealing with a salesperson.
Oakland at Siegel FRIDAY NIGHT
January 29, 2009
Join Bryan Barrett and Jeff Jordan for high school basketball coverage Friday night beginning at 6:05pm. They’ll be at Siegel as the Oakland Patriots travel across Memorial Blvd. for the huge district game!
So, this stabbed man walks into a bar…
January 29, 2009
Did you hear the one about the man who walked into bar and drank a beer after being stabbed?The Sun News of Edmonton, Alberta reports a man was stabbed in the chest at a local hotel Saturday night, but instead of seeking medical attention, he returned to the hotel bar to finish his beer. Police responded to a 911 call about a stabbing victim and found the injured man sitting at a table, drinking another beer. The newspaper reports the man was uncooperative with police and refused medical assistance. The newspaper quoted one police official as saying the man’s “level of concern was not that high.”
United Way Fundraising Campaign Nearing Goal
January 29, 2009
The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties continues to work toward their fundraising goal of three-million dollars. Brian Hercules with ATMOS Energy is the campaign chair this year. He tells WGNS News a similar sized community to Rutherford and Cannon Counties has a large goal…
Hercules says they’re just 20-percent or so away from their goal and need your help…
More information is on our website, wgnsradio.com, keyword United Way.
Links: United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties
Early Morning Smyrna Apartment Fire…Red Cross Helps 7 Families
January 29, 2009
Around 4:30 Thursday morning (1/29/09) the Smyrna Fire Department was called to Country Place Apartments. First responders reported flames and smoke billowing from the structure. Preliminary reports indicate that a cigarette may have started the blaze that put thirteen individuals out into the twenty-degree pre-sunrise morning hours. Quick thinking by one resident alerted all seven families in the complex, and everyone escaped without injuries. The Heart of Tennessee Red Cross chapter was on the scene. Red Cross Emergency Services Director Kyle Hargrove told WGNS News, “We made sure that anyone without a family, had a place to stay and warm clothes on their backs.” He noted that the Windellwood Circle apartment complex had very few vacancies, and most of the burned-out residents will need to find a new home. (Photo ID: Red Cross volunteers Charlie Clark and James Goodman help fire victims with their necessities)
Help The Local Red Cross
Last year the Murfreesboro based Red Cross chapter helped local disaster victims with over $112,000 in emergency needs. They also sheltered a victim in a hotel and average of one every other night. That was for local persons, and does not include the 10,790 meals served to Hurricane Gustov survivors who stayed at MTSU. Chapter Executive Greg King said, “Despite what the public thinks, the Red Cross is not an arm of the government and does not receive federal funding.” Local families are helped in their times of emergency through your gifts to the local Red Cross. To make a secure on-line gift to the Heart of Tennessee Red Cross, go to www.midtnredcross.org or phone Beth Ferguson at 615-893-4272 (extension #106). By the way, the Murfreesboro chapter is certainly not the new kid on the block. It’s charter was signed by President Woodrow Wilson and dated December 12, 1917.
Growth Continues In LaVergne
January 29, 2009
Rutherford County continues to outpace most other areas. A new 11,200 square foot retail area has just opened in LaVergne. LaVergne Economic Development Chair and Vice Mayor Jerry Gann said, “The redevelopment of this parcel shows that even in this economy developers and businesses are still looking to bring retail and other services to the city.” Developers renovated the large structure on Murfreesboro Road that was formerly a hardware-type store. J. Rusty Rust of the Stephens Group said, “Heroes Grill occupies the largest space in this building.” Heroes’ owner Amy Haines was quick to note that they serve more than sandwiches. Their menu covers heroes to steaks with family friendly prices. The new LaVergne retail area also includes Cricket Phones, Tobacco Smoke and Ale, Tennessee Quick Cash along with Flowers and Flowers. The Stephens Group also completed a 1,820 square foot free-standing retail space next to the restaurant.
MTSU Soccer’s Shan Jones SunBelt Freshman of 2008
January 29, 2009
Blue Raider forward Shan Jones was named to the Central Region All-Freshmen Team by Soccer Buzz after completing one of the most successful first seasons in school history. Jones became just the third Blue Raider ever to be honored as the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in 2008. She was also named to the Sun Belt First Team at the conclusion of the regular season.
The Wales native finished the year ranked 61st in the nation in goals per game and 97th in points per game. She also led Middle Tennessee in goals scored, points, shooting percentage, shots on goal, shots-on-goal percentage and game-winning goals. Despite playing just one season, Jones already finds herself in fifth place in school history for most game-winning goals in a career. The WGNS Good Neighbor Network is your BLUE RAIDER connection (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11).
Murder trial continues in Rutherford County
January 29, 2009
The trial into the death of General “Jack” Rains continues in Murfreesboro. Rains was shot and killed in his home located off the Manchester Highway in 2007. The accused killer, Tina Williamson age 40, allegedly shot Rains who was 83 at the time of his death. Williamson has entered a not guilty plea and Wednesday was the second day of her trial. Reports indicate she may have killed Rains in order to take any money he may have had. After the death of Rains, Williamson allegedly withdrew money from a joint account she shared with Rains. The trial continues today.
Possible fraud attempt fails to pan out
January 29, 2009
At least three people in Rutherford County this year have been called by unknown persons asking for credit card information over the phone. The unknown caller has told the victim in each case that he or she is late on a pay day loan and will face incarceration if they fail to pay the loan off. The victims don’t even have a so called pay day loan. The caller often scares the victim because the caller has the victims’ social security number when they make the call. So far, no arrests have been made and the most recent incident was filed with the Murfreesboro Police Department on January 27th.
TEACHERS NEEDED in RUTHERFORD COUNTY
January 29, 2009
It is getting harder and harder for states like Tennessee to keep teachers teaching. Jim Hickey with ABC NEWS has more.
The Rutherford County Schools see a strong need to hire more teachers and retain them. That is why they are hosting an educator job fair in 3-months. The April 18th recruitment fair will be at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro on Thompson Lane. Reports indicate that up to 150-new teachers need to be hired.
Odd crimes in Murfreesboro…
January 29, 2009
Over the past week, local authorities have worked a number of small but strange theft reports. In one, an unknown person stole a breast pump from the Baptist Women’s Pavilion in Murfreesboro. The pump is used by nursing mothers. In a second case, a man walked into the Kroger store on Old Fort Parkway at Cason Lane and walked out with two cases of beer. The beer was never paid for and the man left the scene before his license plate could be recorded. That theft occurred at approximately 1-AM on Wednesday. In a third case, a resident reported that his ex girlfriend forged his signature in order to get over $30-thousand dollars in student loans. That case is being investigated.
Interest rates % What will they be?
January 29, 2009
The Federal Reserve, citing the worsening economy, pledged to use all available tools to help cushion the fallout, including keeping a key interest rate at a record low. ABC’s Steven Portnoy has more:
There’s little doubt that rates will stay at, quote, “rock bottom levels” for the duration of 2009.
Digital TV - Date for analog to be cancelled Feb. 17th (AGAIN)
January 29, 2009
And just like that, the digital TV transition originally scheduled for February 17th is back on again.
Earlier this week, the Senate unanimously voted in favor of a “DTV delay” bill, pushed by the OBAMA administration, that would postpone the shutdown of all TV analog signals to June 12th.
Proponents of the delay argued that millions of households just aren’t ready for the switchover because they didn’t pick up converter boxes that will allow their old televisions to receive digital signals.
The government had been providing $40 coupons to consumers that would make it easier to obtain the converter boxes but then, the money ran out.
Still, the House failed to get the two-thirds majority to initiate a four-month delay as Republicans argued that over 94 percent of homes are ready for the all-digital switchover. Further foot-dragging would only make things more confusing, Republicans argued, as there has been plenty of advance notice to let Americans know that things change on February 17th.
That doesn’t mean the legislation is necessarily dead but the White House and the Senate will have to further tweak the DTV delay bill if it has any hopes of winning converts in the House.
Need help with the issue? Call
Other TOLL FREE numbers: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
1 (866) 961-2492
1 (866) 961-2491
1 (888) 643-8809
UPDATE: Postal service could CUT Saturday mail
January 29, 2009
A net loss of $3-billion dollars is forcing the US Postal Service to cut positions in Tennessee and throughout the country. In addition to cutting workers, the Post Office is also looking to cut Saturday delivery of mail.
Only time will tell what the Postal Service plans to do.
Swap and Shop for Thursday
January 29, 2009
Swap and Shop for ThursdayFor Sale: GO CARTS and 1988 Chevy Truck, want junk cars
or mowers 563-9844
For Sale: 1995 Ford F-150 893-3382
For Sale: 1986 Ford Short bed with straight 6 809-5359
WANTED: Tread mill (digital) 893-3192 or stationary bike
For Sale: 2-bird dogs and hay mixed with meat and COWS
867-8503
WANTED: Car or truck tat need repair for $300 506-5622
For Sale: 1997 Dodge Caravan for $950 425-1775
For Sale: TV 52″ for $300 and a 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass
for $1100 - -971-1869
For Sale: Tailgate for Chevy S-10 for $40 - 361-3129
For Sale: Occasional table for behind SOFA and 10″ table
saw (NEW $60) 848-0463
For Sale: 2000 Saturn 890-6603
For Sale: 2-wheel trailer 4×8′ $250 and 2-donkeys (male
and female) and want ducks 848-3590
For Sale: Love Seat made in the 50’s and sliding shower
door $25 and 36″ storm doors $15 - 217-4938
WANTED WASHER and an automobile $500 to $800 - 904-1955
For Sale: FIREWOOD 414-4974
For Sale: 30-rolls of HAY for $30 a roll - 893-1817
Home Game: Lady Raiders 85 - Ragin’ Cajuns 57
January 28, 2009
Middle Tennessee placed four of its five starters in double-figure scoring and all 10 Lady Raiders scored on the evening as MT began the second half of the Sun Belt Conference schedule with an 85-57 home victory over Louisiana-Lafayette Wednesday inside the Murphy Center, and yes you heard it on WGNS.
The Blue Raiders captured their 11th home victory in 12 contests this season while giving head coach Rick Insell his 90th triumph on the sidelines. The win also extends MT’s dominance in the series against the Ragin’ Cajuns to 14 straight against zero losses. All 10 eligible Middle Tennessee (18-4, 10-0 Sun Belt) players scored at least three points, pushing the home team’s winning streak to 13 games to remain tied with Oklahoma for the fifth-longest run in the country.
Junior Brandi Brown reached the 20-point plateau for the second-straight game, tallying a team-high 20 on the strength of four triples. She also led all players with a career-best tying eight assists as part of a team effort of 23 on 35 made field goals.
Classmate Jackie Pickel also connected on four treys as part of her 14 points.
Alysha Clark, the nation’s second-leading scorer, was held to 15 points but garnered game-best honors with 15 rebounds. She had her 10th double-double of the season and 48th of her career by halftime. It was the second time this season she posted a double-double in the game’s opening 20 minutes, matching the feat at South Alabama Jan. 4.
Chelsia Lymon was the fourth Lady Raider in double digits with 10 points.
Middle Tennessee continued to pour in the points early in the second half, opening the frame with a 19-3 surge, capped by back-to-back jumpers from Dana Garrett (photo above), to give the hosts a 69-29 advantage with 12:31 remaining. The margin would reach 37, 75-38, on a Brown 3-pointer at 8:25 before Insell emptied his bench to play the reserves.
The five bench players hit on 9-of-13 from the floor, including perfect nights by Tina Stewart, Shytoria Davis and Molly McFadden. Anne Marie Lanning played the most of the group, seeing the floor for 25 minutes.
The Lady Raiders will close out their three-game stretch against schools from the Pelican State at 5:00 o’clock Saturday night against Louisiana-Monroe inside the Murphy Center. The game will be the first of a MT basketball doubleheader with the men’s team to follow 30 minutes later against the Warhawks. Follow the BLUE RAIDERS on the WGNS Good Neighbor Network (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11).
Sen. Corker To Speak At February 18th Power Luncheon
January 28, 2009
U.S. Senator Bob Corker is the speaker at a Chamber of Commerce Power Luncheon at 11:30 Wednesday morning, February 18th. Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce President Mike Malone said, “Our membership and community appreciate the opportunity to learn more about important issues affecting the federal government.” Barrett Firearms CEO Ronnie Barrett noted, “Senator Corker is demonstrating good leadership in the Congress by asking tough questions about legislation and the amount of spending.” That local firearms manufacturer is sponsoring this Power Lunch.
Tickets Available Now:
For more information, contact the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce at (615) 893-6565. Tickets are $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Reservations and payment are due by Friday, February 13th.
LEASE: 2,100 sq.ft. office / retail for $1,300 mo.
January 28, 2009
Below WGNS (306 S. Church St. - M’boro) you can rent the 2,100 sq.ft. office space for a mere $1,300 per month. The space has been freshly painted in beautiful earth tone color’s. There are a total of 5-offices and one conference room. The building also has a roomy restroom and a water fountain. A loading dock is located in the rear of the building. Over 10,500 cars pass by the address daily. Ample (free) parking is available in the covered city parking garage to the North of the building. Parking (free) is also available across the street. This is a 36-month lease and the property is move-in ready.
Call (615) 618-1717 or email: Scott@wgnsradio.com
Flu In Kids Up Slightly
January 28, 2009
Local pediatricians are experiencing a slight increase in the number of young patients with the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report February is often the month with the highest number of flu cases estimating that up to 20-percent of the population will get the flu each year.
Riverdale Girls Basketball Coach Suspended
January 28, 2009
The head coach of one Rutherford County’s high school girl’s basketball teams has been suspended for two games for recruiting violations. Riverdale High School coach Hillary Maxwell missed Tuesday night’s game against Oakland and will miss Friday night’s game against Blackman. Officials with the T-double-S-double-A found the team had violated a rule regarding the recruitment of middle school athletes.
Your Ideas Needed: Future Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan
January 28, 2009
The Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) wants your ideas to help develop a bicycle and pedestrian plan for this area. Residents are asked to share their thoughts and priorities for making their communities more walk and bike friendly. If you have ideas that you wish to share, please be at the Smyrna Town Center Monday evening, February 23rd, from 5:30 to 7:30. In addition to Rutherford County, this will be a wide-area plan that also includes Davidson, Williamson, Wilson, and Sumner counties. In addition, residents in Spring Hill and Springfield are invited to complete an online survey located at http://www.nashvillempo.org. Another website with information is www.nashvillempo.org/bikeped.html
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