Yappy Hour Fund Raiser For Proposed Animal Sanctuary
February 28, 2009
The Second Annual Yappy Hour is calling you two-by-two to enjoy door prizes, food and fun Friday, March 27th. ,This fundraiser to benefit On The Fifth Day Animal Sanctuary will be from 5:30 to 8:00 that evening at B McNeel’s Restaurant (215 N Church Street).
This event will further the group’s quest to build the A.R.K. (Animal Rescue Keystone). That will be a no-kill, nonprofit animal sanctuary. The initial goal is to raise $30,000 to purchase the land and administrative building necessary to begin the project. On The Fifth Day Director’s Assistant Rebecca George said, “With the dire economic state, it is more important now than ever that we stay positive and help all the animals that are feeling the effects of so many jobs and homes lost.”
The evening will include a jungle of animal print balloons filled with door prizes from area groups such as The Murfreesboro Symphony, Leslie’s Shoppe, The Nashville Sounds, Penny’s Closet, and many more at $5 a pop! Tickets are $10 at the door, and $5 for students and OTFD members. Guests may purchase drinks and dinner as well.
On The Fifth Day is active with efforts to raise $100,000 for fencing, the first dog-run, weather protection for animals, food, and medicine. George said, “The flood is here and Middle Tennessee animals are in desperate need of our help.”
Founder and Director Jen Flatt Hilsher adds, “This sanctuary will happen and is way overdue. It’s not only a matter of animals suffering as we speak, but also the seeds of indifference being planted that are dangerous. Yes, people are in crisis as are our animals. Our focus is on helping animals, but people will be just as affected through the many positive interactions and opportunities, employment of minorities and overlooked groups, and educational programs.”
In 2009, On The Fifth Day’s fundraising projects will include: “Spare Me” Change Donation Drive, “Give a Dog a Bone, Give a Dog a Home” $1 Campaign, “Cat-Tails and Cocktails” and “The Hair-Ball” Salon Donation Drive.
For more information on Yappy Hour, these fundraising efforts and other opportunities, visit: www.onthefifthday.org
Embassy Suites and The Avenue Welcome Princess Beth Stewart!
February 28, 2009
What does every 11-year old girl dream about? How about being a princess? This weekend Beth Stewart, her friends, family, and classmates shared something they will always remember. They learned first-hand the importance of kindness, consideration and helping. In other words, the Golden Rule.
A long white limousine pulled-up to the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center around 2:00 o’clock Saturday (2/28/09)afternoon. Beth’s best friend, her mom and brother were escorted through the front door where Kim Honeycutt presented the Christiana Middle School student with a scroll, just like one that a real princess would have. It listed a fun array of activities. Such things as a scavenger hunt in The Avenue, a shopping spree and a night fit for a princess at the Embassy Suites. The dream event for this special sixth grader also included dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse. As each event was read, Beth would jump up and down screaming. Then her teacher gave the princess a bouquet of roses.
This is a true story of love and children working together. Beth’s classmates wondered why their friend was missing from school so much. They learned that Elizabeth Stewart had been going to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis for treatment of a brain tumor. Physicians now say it is inoperable.
The child in the center of the photograph has dedicated her spare time to collecting donations for the Bluff City hospital that has the slogan finding cures, saving children. And statistics from St. Jude are giving hope to Beth’s mother. Data shows that in 1962 a child with Medulloblastoma had only a 10 per cent five-year survival rate. Thanks to research, a child with a malignant brain tumor now has an 85 per cent chance. Visit the hospital’s website: http://www.stjude.org
Above L-R photo ID: Her best friend, Beth, her mom and brother are all smiles in the lobby of the Embassy Suites. The hotel made this dream come true possible. When classmates learned that Beth was collecting money for the hospital, they all chipped-in and helped by selling hearts. The excitement spread throughout Christiana Middle School and around the neighborhood. The look in their faces shows that this will forever be a magic moment for Beth, her family, friends, classmates and our community. Oh–one more surprise. Her classmates were hiding in the suite at the Embassy Hotel. When Beth entered, they all jumped out and cheered.
Above L-R photo ID: Kim Honeycutt reads the scroll of activities while her sixth grade literature teacher Jeni Dawson gets ready to present Beth with a dozen roses. Then Beth looks at the plaque as WGNS’ Bart Walker reads the inscription. And for her work with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, WGNS honored Elizabeth “Beth” Stewart with the Superior Outstanding 
Volunteer Award. It was inscribed: You are an inspirational role model for all ages. No mountain is too tall for you to climb. When others might give-up, you are motivated to victory. The money you are raising to help St. Jude Children’s Hospital serves as a testimony of your strength, dedication and courage.
A special thank you to L & K Trophy House for creating the beautiful plaque, and to Toots Good Food and Fun for furnishing the gift certificate for this Outstanding Volunteer.
Footnote: Elizabeth (Beth) Stewart is a sixth grader in Mrs. Jeni Dawson’s class at Christina Middle School, Murfreesboro. She is 11 years old and has a brain turmor that is no longer treatable. In light of this, Beth is volunteering her time and energy to help of her teachers to raise money for St. Judes in her name. Students purchased paper Valentine Hearts displayed in the school to raise funds also a scrapbook day raised funds. As of Friday (2/27/09). $1,400 has been collected with hopes for more contributions. Beth also hopes to place her paintings on E-bay to raise money for St. Jude Research Hospital.
Radio legend Paul Harvey has died
February 28, 2009
The great broadcast legend Paul Harvey has died. He was 90-years of age when he passed away today (Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009). Harvey, who always claimed that he was raised in radio newsrooms, has broadcast the news to millions. Not only on WGNS, but on radio stations around the world.
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mr. Harvey began his radio career in 1933 at Tulsa’s KVOO-AM. He was still in high school. Later, while attending the University of Tulsa, he continued working at KVOO as an announcer and later as program director.
After graduation, Mr. Harvey spent three-years as the station manager in Salina, Kansas. From there, he took a news casting job at KOMA-AM in Oklahoma City, then to KXOK-AM in St. Louis where he was Director of Special Events as well as working as a roving reporter.
Mr. Harvey moved to Hawaii in 1940 to cover the U.S. Navy as it began to concentrate its fleet in the Pacific. He was returning to the United States from that assignment when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Paul Harvey enlisted into the Army Air Corps where he served until 1944.
After leaving the corps, Mr. Harvey moved to Chicago. In June, 1944 he began broadcasting from the ABC affiliate WENR-AM. He quickly became the most listened-to newscaster in Chicago.
Paul Harvey reached audiences way beyond the Windy City in 1951, when he began his coast-to-coast “News and Comment” on the ABC Radio Networks. On May 10, 1976, Mr. Harvey began “The Rest of the Story” on the ABC Radio Networks. That popular broadcast delved into the forgotten or little known facts behind stories of famous people and events.
Paul Harvey News has served as the largest one-man network in the world, consisting of over 1,200 radio stations, 400 Armed Forces Network stations that broadcast around the world, and 300 newspapers. For the time being, his only child, Paul Harvey Jr., will take the reigns.
Mr. Harvey was married to Angel Harvey of St. Louis. You may recall, she died last year.
Federal Indictments Against Smotherman, Krabousanos and Rowland
February 28, 2009
A federal grand jury indicted two Murfreesboro businessmen on Wednesday (2/25/09). Jeremy Chad Smotherman, the owner of an auto and home supply store on South Church Street, along with Michael Bryan Krabousanos were accused of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and engaging in monetary transactions using property that was derived from specified unlawful activity, along with conspiracy to launder proceeds from money derived from drug trafficking.
Smotherman and Krabousanos are also partners in K & S Group, LLC. In addition to these charges, Smotherman also faces charges of willful failure to file a return.
The U.S. Government, using the money laundering law, seeks forfeiture of $394,191 from Smotherman and $345,034 from Krabousanos. It also seeks $89,640 from both men for any property that was involved in money laundering.
On Friday afternoon (2/27/09), Smotherman’s brother-in-law, James Christopher “Chris” Rowland was arrested on two federal indictments. One was for possessing a .223 caliber machine gun, and the other was for the weapon not being registered. Rowland’s federal grand jury indictment does not mention any link to the Smotherman-Krabousanos charge of money laundering. If found guilty, he could face a maximum of 10-years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Prior to the arrest of Chris Rowland, his brother Mark issued a statement: “While Chris is my brother, and I love him very much, he has no affiliation with Prudential Rowland Real Estate. He is not an employee of this company, and he has no leadership role at all with this company.”
As you recall, in September, 2007, federal officers raided Smotherman’s home on Warrior Drive along with Rowland’s home on the New Salem Highway. Later that day federal authorities held a press conference in Nashville’s U.S. Courthouse and announced that raids in several counties dealt with a $6-million drug operation. During that press conference, which was aired LIVE on WGNS, federal authorities indicated the investigation was into a Mexico to Middle Tennessee drug business that brought huge amounts of cocaine and marijuana to this area. Officials then kept quiet for almost a year and a half while the investigation continued. Evidence secured in those raids will more than likely be released to the public through the court cases that will develop.
Fighting crime is fun and games
February 28, 2009
Think the police are here to help? Don’t bet on it. A 69-year-old British man who went to the police station to report someone had broken into a home he owns says he was told officers couldn’t help him because they were playing poker. When Graham Hall showed up, an officer gave him a refrigerator magnet with a non-emergency number on it. He has since dialed it and was told someone would call him back, but he has yet to get a return phone call about the crime. A police spokeswoman confirmed officers did not go out to investigate the break-in, adding they elected not to because it took place in a vacant home.
La Vergne High’s Alex Wagner An ROTC Sharp Shooter
February 27, 2009
La Vergne High School ROTC sharp shooter Alex Wagner finished in tenth place for the Army Junior ROTC national service championship. This event was held at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio. She was competing against the very best Army Junior ROTC shooters in the nation. La Vergne High School’s Trap Team Coach, Lieutenant Cecil Calloway, said, “I am very proud of her. She is an amazing kid who can focus her mental concentration and shoot Olympic-style air rifle.” It has not been released as to whether or not Alex Wagner qualified to compete in the all services shot in late March (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) which will be held in late March.
Chamber of Commerce OPPOSES "Employee Free Choice Act"
February 27, 2009
On Wednesday (2/25/09) the Governmental Council of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce requested that the local business group stand in opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). This proposed legislation is commonly referred to as the Card Check Bill. If approved, it would amend the National Labor Relations Act. It would make it easier for workers to form, join or assist labor unions. If approved, a union could demand that an employee begin bargaining within ten days of certification. It passed the U.S. House in 2007, but failed in the Senate. Some feel that EFCA would have the required number of votes to be passed this year. WGNS News will keep you informed.
Baseball: Jacksonville State 10 - MTSU 6
February 27, 2009
Middle Tennessee lost its first game of the season as Jacksonville State took a 10-6 win on Friday afternoon.
The Blue Raiders had 14 hits on the night, but two errors hurt them as Jacksonville State had 10 hits with just one error. JSU scored six runs in the seventh inning which proved to be the deciding factor.
JSU cut the lead to one, 5-4, after a single by Cunningham in the top of the seventh scored a runner from second. Then a double to right field by Jake Welch scored three runs to give the Gamecocks a 7-5 lead. One pitch later Daniel Adamson hit a two-run home run to left field extending the lead to four. JSU ended the inning scoring six runs on four hits after one Blue Raider error.
The Blue Raiders scored two runs in the sixth, the first on a balk and then on a fielding error by JSU’s first baseman. The two runs broke a 3-3 tie as the Gamecocks tied the game by scoring two runs in the fifth.
Junior Blake McDade led the Blue Raiders at the plate as he went 3 for 5 scoring one run. Senior Rawley Bishop, junior Stuart Meinhart, and sophomore Justin Miller and Bryce Brentz each posted two hits on the night.
Senior Brett Smalley took the loss as he allowed four runs on three hits with none of the runs earned due to an error earlier in the inning.
Brentz started the game on the mound before he moved to the designated hitter position. Brentz allowed three runs on four hits in six innings of work.
Daniel Watts picked up the win as he allowed one run on three hits in one inning of work. At the plate, the Gamecocks were led by Blake Seguin who went 3 for 5 with one RBI and scored one run.
The Blue Raiders will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. for game two of the three-game series with Jacksonville State. In the event of inclement weather on Saturday or Sunday information about any game changes will be posted on www.goblueraiders.com.
Coleman Only Rutherford County Legislator Not To Comply As Of Now
February 27, 2009
Seventy-three, or more than 55 per cent of Tennessee’s 132 state lawmakers, have now complied with an open records request submitted by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. In fact, Democratic Representative Kent Coleman (left photo; has not complied) is the only member of the Rutherford County delegation not to comply as of February 26th.
Drew Johnson, President of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. “This is a clear indication that a growing number of elected officials in Nashville are committed to providing Tennesseans with an open, accountable government.”
Records show that State Senators Bill Ketron and Jim Tracy, both Republicans, have complied. Local representatives who have filed their forms are Donna Rowland and Joe Carr, both Republicans, and Democrat Curt Cobb.
On the Tennessee Senate side, 17 of 19 Republican and 8 of 14 Democratic members of the State Senate have responded to the request for public records. With the Tennessee House, 20 of 49 Democrats and 28 of 49 Republicans have complied.
Photo below: Those who HAVE COMPLIED (L-R) Senators Bill Ketron and Jim Tracy; Representatives Donna Rowland, Joe Carr and Curt Cobb.
You can check to see who did and who did not comply: http://www.tennesseepolicy.org/files/pdf/UpdatedOpenRecordsList.pdf
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization committed to achieving a freer, more prosperous Tennessee through the ideas of liberty.
WGNS Traffic & News MP3 Updates
February 27, 2009
 Ron Jordan Local News(click ABOVE for smartphone audio) This veteran mid-state news man updates local news on WGNS. |
 Brad Reed Local Traffic(click ABOVE for smartphone audio) Dependable drive-time traffic reports mornings & afternoons. |
RESULTS? City Council met on 2/26/09
February 27, 2009
The Murfreesboro City Council met on Thursday night in Murfreesboro. The WGNS Microphones were there…
Swap and Shop for Friday
February 27, 2009
For Sale: 1988 Chevy Truck and a boat and want junk 563-9844For Sale: DRYER for $50, and a broken washer - 491-5372
For Sale: 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass 895-2899
For Sale: ‘88 Mustang, ‘86 F-150, ‘92 F-150 call 809-5359
For Sale: yard Aerator and an entertainment center and
more 615-653-0769
WANTED: MsCobe Ducks, SELLING 3-male donkeys and a
trailer 848-3590
For Sale: Childs swingset for $50 977-2990
For Sale: PARTS 890-4809
For Sale: 2-dollhouses and 5-kitchen stuff for kids 568-1296
The importance of keeping quiet
February 27, 2009
Raymond Gramby’s big mouth was his downfall. The 37-year-old New York City man was arrested Tuesday for robbing a convenience store after he told cops who were arresting another suspect that he was the one responsible for the crime. Gramby was sitting in his seventh floor apartment when he saw some officers hauling a different fella to jail and shouted, quote, “It was me you idiots, you have the wrong guy!” Police then quickly slapped a pair of handcuffs on Gramby.Gramby stole two bottles of liquor early Monday morning and ran away after the store’s owner confronted him. Cops tailed him to his apartment, but arrested the other man after he opened the door.
On The Road Basketball Win: MTSU 71 - FIU 66
February 27, 2009
Kevin Kanaskie and Desmond “Boogie” Yates combined for 46 points to lead Middle Tennessee to a vital 71-66 road win at FIU here Thursday (2/27/09), enabling the Blue Raiders to move into a tie for the No. 4 seed for the upcoming Sun Belt Conference Championships. Photo: Kevin Kanaskie scored 23 points and had no turnovers in 37 minutes to key Middle Tennessee’s win at FIU.
Kanaskie and Yates provided 65 percent of Middle Tennessee’s offense, but the road win was manufactured by a complete team effort that stymied the Golden Panthers early and allowed the Blue Raiders to lead wire-to-wire as they improved to 17-12 overall and picked up their second consecutive road win.
The win enabled Middle Tennessee to notch its 30th SBC road win under Davis, which is the second-most of any league member since 2002-03. The Blue Raiders picked this one up when they needed it and continued late-season momentum heading into Saturday’s regular-season finale against WKU.
Middle Tennessee will face rival WKU in the regular-season finale at Murphy Center Saturday night at 7:00. WGNS is your Blue Raider Connection (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11; www.WGNSradio.com).
Convicted Blackman English Teacher Resigns
February 27, 2009
Former Blackman High School English teacher Jason Lancaster submitted his letter of resignation at the end of Wednesday’s (2/25/09) school day. A few days earlier, the 35-year old man pled guilty to inappropriate behavior with students. Spokesperson James Evans noted that the Rutherford County School system wanted to make certain that Lancaster never teaches kids again. That’s why they turned information over to the state to get his license to teach terminated. Evans said, “It’s up to the State Department of Education to remove or revoke his teaching permit.” If the license is not revoked, Lancaster could apply to teach in another state.
As you recall, in December Lancaster was indicted on 3-counts of solicitation of a minor to commit aggravated statutory rape, 3-counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and 4-counts of solicitation of a minor to commit statutory rape by an authority figure. Jason Lancaster pled guilty to solicitation of a minor by electronic means, solicitation of a minor to commit statutory rape, and 2-counts of official misconduct. As a part of the teacher’s plea, he was placed on four-years of probation. WGNS News will keep you informed on the actions of the State Department of Education.
RCSO ICE team confiscates cocaine; arrests illegal alien!
February 27, 2009
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Interstate Crime Enforcement team (ICE) confiscated $600,000 in illegal drugs as a result of a routine traffic stop. On Wednesday (2/25/09) a Honda Ridgeline pickup truck was stopped at the 86-mile marker. That’s between the Joe B. Jackson Parkway exit and Buchanan Road. ICE Lieutenant Chris Haynes indicated that the Hispanic driver was acting nervous, so a police drug dog was brought to the scene. Floriberto Perez-Orosco gave the officers consent to search the vehicle. K-9 Dawi gave a positive alert while sniffing the truck. Haynes and Sergeant Shawn Applegate found a secret compartment that contained six kilograms of cocaine. It was learned that the drugs were being taken to Nashville. An on-line police investigation showed that the 25-year old Atlanta resident was an illegal immigrant. Perez-Orosco is being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on charges of felony possession of cocaine. The suspect’s bond was set at $600,000 with his hearing in General Sessions Court scheduled for April 30th. That may be a moot point, since the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has placed a hold on Perez-Orosco for possible deportation. WGNS News will keep you informed.
Woman accused of stealing over $60-GRAND from local employer
February 26, 2009
An Ole South properties employee has been arrested and charged with theft. A police arrest report dated February the 24th shows that Rhonda K. Warren created a fictitious vendor and paid the fake company over $60-thousand dollars. The scheme allegedly started in 2007 and ended with her arrest this month. Warren, who lives in a home in the Blackman Community (pictured), wrote 71-checks to the account. That news according to Officer Snider at the Murfreesboro Police Department. The 43-year old female will be in court on April the 14th.
There is a slight twist to the case… According to the Daily News Journal, a lawyer for Ole South claims the theft did not cost the company $60-grand as the police report suggest. The paper says the attorney for the company says the theft exceeds $400-THOUSAND DOLLARS. We will continue to follow this story.
Murfreesboro Police Major graduates from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety
February 26, 2009
The Murfreesboro Police Department is pleased to announce the recent graduation of Major David Hudgens from the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University. Major Hudgens successfully completed the ten (10) week Staff and Command program held in Nashville, Tennessee, from October 6 through December 19, 2008. This program, which was implemented by the Tennessee Department of Public Safety in 1983, has graduated over 7,500 students both nationally and internationally. Major Hudgens graduated in Class #274 with 40 other students.
The School of Police Staff and Command provides upper-level college instruction in a total of twenty-two core blocks of instruction and nine elective blocks. The major topics of study include: Management and Management Theory, Organizational Behavior, Human Resources for Law Enforcement, Budgeting, Staffing Allocation and Personnel Deployment.
First National Bank of Murfreesboro Has Ribbon Cutting
February 26, 2009
A locally owned bank officially opened it’s first Murfreesboro office Thursday (2/26/09). First National Bank of Murfreesboro is located at 2230 Mercury Boulevard. That’s a few hundred feet from the intersection of South Rutherford Boulevard. Vice President and Branch Manager Freda Morgan rolled-out the red carpet to a large gathering of local community leaders. The financial institution has a long established history. It opened approximately 109 years ago in neighboring Coffee County. In fact, Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess reminisced, “I remember back in the early days at NHC, we needed a loan and you were there when we needed you.” L-R photo ID: Chamber of Commerce Kelli Beam emcees the ribbon cutting and talks with Freda Morgan.
CEO and President Claus Thormaehlen noted that this expansion will not only help its customers in Coffee and Cannon Counties, but it does more . . .
After the ribbon cutting (photo below), the visitors came inside the bank to enjoy conversation and delicious food.
Photo below L-R: Murfreesboro Vice Mayor Chris Bratcher and First Bank CEO and President Claus Thormaehlen; Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, Murfreesboro City Councilman Shane McFarland; and John Matheny.
Photo below L-R: Community leader and restaurant legend Doris Demos; Woodbury First Methodist Minister John Hembree gave the invocation; First National Loan Officer Steve Smith; FNB Board Member Edith Hickerson helps Freda Morgan cut the ribbon.
Rutherford Mom Sues Olive Garden
February 26, 2009
A Rutherford County mom has filed a lawsuit against her former employer - stating they violated her privacy. WGNS’ Julie Cobb has more…
No NICU at StoneCrest Hospital
February 26, 2009
Smyrna residents came together at a meeting between HCA’s StoneCrest Hospital and the state’s Health Services and Development Agency to express their concerns about having no intensive care for newborns. WGNS’ Julie Cobb has more…
Could MTSU Cheerleaders be part of budget Cut?
February 26, 2009
MTSU will not be holding tryouts next month for their All Girl Cheerleading Squad. It is feared this may be a sign that the program may be part of the budget cut.
If MTSU decides to cut the program, it will cut the spirit team in half.
The tryouts are on temporary hold right now, pending the outcome.
This proposed cut is not set in stone just yet. Tennessee could receive up to $500 million in federal stimulus money for higher education, so a lot of the cuts may not even happen.
Tom Tozer says, when people see their name on the list they begin to worry, but they really don’t know what will be cut or if they will even have to cut any programs.
Text Messages Hoax….
February 26, 2009
A text message that is being forwarded to many residents in the Coffee County area, is turning out to be false. A source with the Arnold Airforce Base in Tullahoma says the text are not true.
A Nashville woman’s body was found Monday morning floating in Wood’s Reservoir. The cause of death has yet to be determined.
Another woman claimed she was abducted from the bowling alley in Tullahoma, and driven to the Arnold Airforce Base where she was robbed and raped. She got away and reported the incident to local police.
The forwarded text message is warning all women not to go to the mall or Wal-Mart alone.. That the two women received flyers on their cars, and when they went to take them off, two males abducted them and took them to the base.
According to the Arnold Airforce source, if this were the case, the media would have all ready been informed and women would properly be notified. These two cases were not related and were two complete different incidents.
The source also tells WGNS that they have received thousands of phone calls regarding this forwarded text message. But there is no truth to it!
Soldier Killed - Also Was A TBI Agent
February 26, 2009
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is mourning the loss of a TBI Special Agent after he was killed serving his country in Mosul, Iraq earlier this week. Special Agent William Eric Emmert of Fayetteville was assigned to TBI’s Criminal Investigation Division and was a field agent in Lincoln and Moore Counties. Emmert was deployed at the end of January this year to serve as a platoon leader assigned to the 269th Military Police Company, 117th Military Police Battalion based here in Murfreesboro.
TBI Director Mark Gwyn says Emmert was a consummate professional and embodied every quality necessary for an outstanding TBI Special Agent. Not only was he an excellent investigator, but more importantly, a tremendous person full of integrity, character and patriotism. He is a true American hero and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
TONIGHT: MTSU Bahá’í Association holds interfaith gathering
February 26, 2009
Announcement Details:
I N T E R F A I TH Devotional Gathering
An Offering of Prayers and Readings
for the safety of the Iranian Bahá’í leaders
and religious freedom in Iran
Presentations from Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian,
Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Native American Faiths
Thursday, February 26, 2009
7:00-9:00 pm
Business and Aerospace Building
MTSU Campus, room S 118
Refreshments will be served.
For More Details Call 828-3352
Sponsored by the MTSU Bahá’í Association
Murfreesboro man gunned down in Iraq near Tigris River
February 26, 2009
A Tennessee National Guard soldier from Murfreesboro was shot and killed during a special police function in the Middle East. 36-year old 1st. Lt. William E. Emmert died on Tuesday in Iraq. Emmert was part of the 269th Military Police Company , 117th Military Police Battalion in Murfreesboro.
The city where the Murfreesboro man was gunned down is called Mosul (mōso̵̅o̅l′), it is located next to the Tigris River. The city has a population of just over 660-thousand residents.
Doing laundry is a crime
February 26, 2009
Forget ring around the collar — Mary Angela Southwick should be worried about cuffs around the wrist. Police in Bradenton, Florida arrested the 49-year-old woman last week for breaking into a vacant house several times to do her laundry. Police responded to a call about a break-in to find clothes in the washer and dryer, and Southwick hiding in a closet. The woman who owns the house told police she wants to press charges. It’s unclear how many times Southwick broke into the home.
Spend, spend, spend is the key to good government reform?
February 26, 2009
In President Onbama’s first speech to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, the president said that as much money as the government has provided banks, more help would be on the way to bolster financial institutions.That boost came yesterday as the nation’s biggest banks were given immediate access to more funds from the $700 bailout plan passed by Congress last fall.
In this case, the Treasury Department said the government would buy preferred shares of banks that can be converted into common shares at a ten percent discount off their pre-February 9th price.
In one sense, it’s not such a great deal for taxpayers who are footing the bill, since the banks will likely use these common shares to write down billions of dollars of bad assets.
However, taxpayers can also profit if and when the banks turn things around because common stock is far cheaper than preferred shares and can generate profits more quickly.
Meanwhile, the cost of the total budget that Obama has proposed would be the equivalent of spending $10,000 on every American.
The President is now discussing the option of a newly proposed healthcare system. The cost: $634 billion.
That’s how much PRESIDENT OBAMA wants to begin his mission to overhaul the nation’s health care system.
Taxpayers are likely wondering where all the money will come from, although the answer’s pretty obvious: us.
Actually, a senior administration official familiar with the White House plan says it would be $648 billion spread out over ten years. To start.
Obama hopes to raise much of the funding through higher taxes on the wealthy and by slicing some Medicare spending.
It’s estimated that 48 million Americans are currently uninsured and that the number is certain to move upwards as more people lose their jobs this year, and their medical coverage with it.
While Obama wants to start reforming health care now, he might face stiff opposition from both parties who are more concerned first with digging the country out the deep recession.
Swap and Shop for Thursday
February 26, 2009
For Sale: Bedside table and a Roper Microwave Oven and a table -867-9494For Sale: Cracker Barrel Rocker 569-0933 ($40)
For Sale: Dining Room buffet and a gas heater w/ wooden
mantle and an A/C (remote control) 110v - 556-7089
For Sale: DVD’s (Dukes of Hazard and MORE) 9mm pistol and
a holster and a model car, 663-3077
For Sale: roll top desk for $125 - 217-3867
For Sale: 2001 Springer Harley 573-0043
WANTED: Rear rotor tiller - selling a tread mill, 578-7991
For Sale: 1972 Rollback and a 1975 Corvette and want JUNK
893-1114
For Sale: SATURN ‘00 and a HONDA, ‘89 - 890-6603
For Sale: COUCH and a LOVESEAT - Plaid in design, selling
for $150 569-6705
WANTED: Mattress (Queen Size) 893-6515 (Selling storm
doors)
For Sale: Firewood $40 a rick 330-0855
For Sale: Antique hutch, play station and an
entertainment center 653-0769
For Sale: Frigid Aire DEEP FREEZE for $200 and a wagon,
890-6296
NEEDED: Bedroom Suite for a boy and want a TV 653-3397
WANTED: Peacock HEN 895-2899
For Sale: 9mm Caltech Handgun - 931-205-1040
For Sale: 2-Little Tyke toddler beds for $150 (both) 308-
1082
For Sale: Blood hound pups (AKC registered) and cedar
post, firewood for $50 - 785-1627
Man Gets On Sheriff’s Radio, And Says Officer Down!
February 26, 2009
An unemployed 30-year-old man was arrested for unauthorized broadcasts on the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office two-way radio frequencies. Shortly after noon on Wednesday (2/25/09) a voice who identified himself as an actual Murfreesboro police officer said an officer was down and that an armed robbery had just occurred at a MAPCO Market on Murfreesboro Road near the railroad tracks. Dispatchers immediately knew the call was false, and ignored it. At that point racial profanity was spewed over the radio. Thomas Trevor Gilbert was later arrested at his Smyrna home at 118 Stokes Avenue.
No it was not the technicians who were tracing the illegal radio signals that apprehended the suspect. Instead Gilbert’s undoing came when he phoned and apologized to the Murfreesboro officer for using his name. That policeman then called the sheriff’s dispatch and identified the suspect and told where he might be found.
Ironically, Gilbert was booked Tuesday (2/24/09) on violation of probation charges.Less than 24-hours later, he was at the Adult Detention Center again. However, this time he was book for impersonating a police officer and filing a false report. An old hand-held two-way radio was in Gilbert’s possession. It was seized as evidence.
Sheriff’s Detective Todd Sparks is trying to determine where Gilbert obtained the ‘90s era radio, which has main and tactical frequencies from several local agencies on it. Thomas Trevor Gilbert is well-known at the local jail. Since June, 1997 up until now, he has faced 25 felony and misdemeanor charges.
Local Man Arrested for Soliciting a 14-year old Girl
February 25, 2009
A 58-year-old fruit company delivery man was charged on February 18th by detectives with the Rutherford County Sheriffs Department with soliciting a 14-year-old girl for sexual purposes. Gerald Wayne Bowen, of 2712 Dilton Mankin Road in Murfreesboro, is charged with solicitation of a minor to observe sexual conduct, sexual exploitation of a minor, attempt to provide obscene materials to a minor and carrying a weapon for the purpose of going armed.
The Wholesale Fruits LLC driver’s first appearance in court is set for March 4th, and he is free on $50,000 bond.
When Bowen arrived for a meeting with the teen girl, he was met by detectives who confiscated several pieces of evidence including a computer, which is being analyzed by TBI specialists, and a .38-caliber handgun.
Blackman High School teacher to be on sex registry for 4-years
February 25, 2009
Jason Lancaster, a suspended educator who teaches at Blackman high School, has entered a best-interest guilty plea to sexual related charges. The 37-year old teacher who works for the Rutherford county School System has been accused of having an inappropriate communication through text messaging and the internet with two female students. As a result of the plea, he will be placed on the states sex offender registry for up to four years.
The Daily News Journal reported that Lancaster will have to undergo a psychosexual evaluation. Their report indicated that the results of the test may require him to seek some type of treatment. If the treatment is refused, the DNJ reported he may face jail time.
You must have county tags for your children to attend local schools
February 25, 2009
A number of days ago the Rutherford County Commission voted in favor of the local county schools checking the license plate of parents for the proper wheel tax registration. If the parents of children do not have their vehicle properly registered in Rutherford County then they may be ineligible to enroll their child in a local school. The Board of Education is now being asked to move forward with the new proof of registration clause according to the county Health and Education Committee. Once a full plan is approved, proof of Rutherford County vehicle registration will have to be submitted when parents enroll their child in school each year.
The plan will hopefully lead to the collection of more tax dollars in the county by way of the wheel tax. The move to pass the new school registration rule came after years of complaints from parents. The complaint most often heard from parents waiting in line to pick up their children, “I see out of county tags all the time even though I am in line to pick up my child who is attending a Rutherford County School in Rutherford County.”
The economy according to President Obama…
February 25, 2009
In his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Barack Obama last night promised the nation will recover from the economic crisis with the help of bold, new public initiatives, responsible leadership and the resilience of the American people. Addressing the audience watching at home, Obama acknowledged the dire challenges many face making ends meet:
The president blamed regulators, mortgage lenders and American consumers for relying too heavily on speculation and credit in recent years, saying a day of reckoning was postponed:
Yesterday, investors scrambled to put their pants back on.
All it took were some reassuring words from Federal Reserve Chairman BEN BERNANKE that shortened the contraction to six months, and a prediction that the recession might end before the end of 2009.
Actually, Bernanke said there was a, quote, “reasonable prospect” that a bounce-back could happen this year.
Based on that, there was a bit of jubilation on Wall Street as investors mostly recouped Monday’s losses, when the Dow Jones industrial average sank to its lowest point in nearly 12 years.
The Dow rose 236 points yesterday to close the regular trading day at 7350.94.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY: Now is the time to BUY A HOME
February 25, 2009
Those who could afford to buy got a great deal on a house last December.
According to a Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index released yesterday, single-family home prices were down 18.5 percent that month, compared to December 2007.
Of course, one person’s bargain might be another’s personal Waterloo as the housing crisis has shown no signs of improving.
The light at the end of the tunnel remains distant; home prices have fallen 26.7 percent from their peak in October 2006.
Today in Murfreesboro, there are now 1,398 single family homes listed “for sale” with a licensed real estate agent. That number has held fairly steady over the past 3-months. As far as commercial properties go - there are nearly 140-listings. In Smyrna and LaVergne, there are over 700 - single family homes on the market. Commercial properties, 67.
The good news: When prices start to rise, the fortunes of the banking industry should also brighten.
DUI arrests UP in Nashville
February 25, 2009
If you are planning a night out on the town in the big city, think twice before drinking and driving in Nashville. There, Metro Officers have arrested 678-DUI offenders this year alone. 41-were arrested just last week. 60-more were arrested over this past weekend. Ironically, most of the arrests occurred in areas where DUI related fatalities have occurred in the past.
Swap and Shop for Wednesday
February 25, 2009
For Sale: Cherry Wood - ready to use - 785-0385For Sale: DRYER - works well! $50 - 491-5372
For Sale: dining room suite 907-1215
For Sale: Go carts - 563-9844
For Sale: Lincoln stick welder for $75 893-9418
For Sale: Jeff Gordon car (die cast car) model - and a 9
mm pistol and a 12g. 663-3077
WANTED - a shot gun - 615-563-8510
For Sale: Truck topper for $150 - 809-4591
For Sale: 2003 Subaru WRX Turbo - 895-1258
For Sale: 1975 Corvette and a ‘66 ElCamino and a 12g.
shotgun - 893-1114
For Sale: HOME in WOODBURY - for $39k. 1948 Plymouth
Coupe, furniture 243-7736
For Sale: Walking MULE485-9879
For Sale: HARLEY Davidson- year 2000 - 360-0010
WANT - Fish finder/depth finder 785-6069
For Sale: Mustang LX for $600, F-150 (1986) and a F-150 (
1993) Call 809-5359
For Sale: 6-Calfs - 893-7357
High School Tournaments
February 25, 2009
The district high school tournaments are over and their best teams move on to region play later this week. Eagleville boys and Middle Tennessee Christian School girls will represent Rutherford County in Single-A action. The Smyrna and LaVergne girls will play in the Region 5-Triple-A Tournament. The Riverdale girls, Siegel boys and Oakland boys will all move on to Region 4-Triple-A action. The Riverdale girls lost in the District 7-Triple-A Tournament title game Monday night 55-46…heard “LIVE” on WGNS with Jeff Jordan…
Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins had the play-by-play action in the 7-Triple-A boys title game between cross-street rivals Siegel and Oakland…
You can hear “LIVE” coverage of the Region 4-Triple-A Tournament on WGNS beginning this Friday. The Inside Sports team will broadcast the first-round game between Riverdale and Lincoln County girls Friday night, beginning at 6:30 from the Lady Warrior’s gym. Then, Saturday night, Oakland boys will host Franklin County on WGNS. After that, the rest of the region tournament will be played at Blackman. WGNS will bring you the games! For complete tournament coverage, brackets, audio game highlights and the podcast of the entire 7-Triple-A boys championship game between Siegel and Oakland, go to WGNSRadio.com, keyword tournaments.
LINKS:
Region 4-AAA Tournament Bracket
District Tournament Highlights
District 7-AAA Boys Championship Game Podcast
Download the 1st Half by clicking here or listen below
Download the 2nd Half by clicking here or listen below
Destination Rutherford Holds Reception For ClaimTrust, Inc.
February 24, 2009
On Tuesday evening (2/24/09) Destination Rutherford investors enjoyed a reception to welcome ClaimTrust’s corporate headquarters to Murfreesboro. This high-technology firm works with medical groups to increase the number of paid insurance claims. Last month, ClaimTrust moved into a new 5,900 square foot complex on Brandies Circle between Cason Lane and River Rock Boulevard, about 800-feet from the Verizon Call Center. (L-R Photo ID: Joe and Kathy Ferro meet community leaders at a reception held at Chamber Chairman Blake Smith’s business, Smith/Design Build .)
ClaimTrust President and CEO Joe Ferro tells WGNS News that Murfreesboro is the perfect fit for them…
This is not Ferro’s first exposure to Murfreesboro. ClaimTrust’s founder is an alumni of Middle Tennessee State University.
Ferro told WGNS News, “Let’s say a hospital sends an insurance company a claim to cover shoulder surgery, but another form says foot surgery. Instead of trying to correct the error, many insurance companies simply put the claim on the back burner.” ClaimTrust carefully scans all of the claims from their client hospitals before submitting them to insurance firms. Not only does this dramatically increase the number of insurance claims that are paid, it also reduces the amount of time between when the claim is submitted and the check is received.
Ferro started his company in Florida 10-years ago. He noted that the State of Tennessee and Murfreesboro made it easier for him to do business here and eliminated the roadblocks encountered in the Sunshine State.
Ferro commented that the Murfreesboro data center meets client security needs as well as federal information processing standards. In addition to its new Murfreesboro corporate headquarters, ClaimTrust will maintain satellite facilities in Massachusetts and Florida.
Listen to high school basketball on your phone!
February 24, 2009
Listen to WGNS for complete coverage of high school tournaments. It’s region time and Bryan Barrett, Jeff Jordan and Jon Dinkins take you to the games. Listen for LIVE coverage on WGNS (FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450). Plus, tell your out-of-town family members and fans that we’re streaming “LIVE” audio here on WGNSRadio.com.
Hear the games from any computer, Blackberry, Palm, I-Phone or Smartphone around the world! It’s another exclusive service of WGNS Talk Radio…YOUR Good Neighbor Station!
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