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Unity Church of Life hosting Inner-Faith Event With Local Muslims

Unity Church of Life will host an evening of fellowship and spiritual celebration with Sheikh Osama Bahloul the Imam from the Murfreesboro Muslim Community, on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Reverend Felicia Searcy (left photo) said, “This event offers a wonderful opportunity to cultivate a relationship and understanding of our Muslim brothers and sisters, who have chosen to make Murfreesboro their home.”  She pastors the Unity Church of Life at 130 Canon Street, just off Bridge Avenue.

The April 15, 2009 interfaith event is free open to the public. More information may be found by logging on to the Calendar section of www.unitychurchoflife.com, or by calling 615-907-6033 or emailing: info@unitychurchoflife.com. For more information on the Muslim community in Murfreesboro and surrounding areas, please visit the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro website, www.icmtn.org.

Unity Church of Life is a member of the Association of Unity Churches International. Co-founded in 1889, by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, Unity offers Ministerial Programs, Spiritual Education, Music Ministry Programs, Healing Retreats, and a wide variety of inspirational publications – such as The Daily Word – and resources to support individual and group spiritual practice.

Linebaugh Library Seeking DEPRESSION-ERA Items

Murfreesboro’s Linebaugh Public Library is seeking Depression-era items to use within displays at the library this summer. The library is sponsoring a series of programs in conjunction with “Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story,” a new television documentary about the Federal Writers’ Project, to be broadcast on the Smithsonian Channel HD later this year. In order to evoke a sense of what life was like during the Great Depression, the library plans to create several displays in the library during the months of May, June, and July. The library seeks photographs, documents, and household items (such as clothing or glassware) dating from the 1930s, particularly items with a Rutherford County connection. Persons who are willing to loan items to the library for the display should contact Jerianne Thompson at 615-893-4131, ext. 121. The Linebaugh Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro.

La Vergne seeks NATIONAL NIGHT OUT sponsors!

The City of La Vergne is looking for sponsors to help relive the cost of National Night Out, when the city comes together to make a stand against crime. Sponsorship costs run $100 and up. Mentions in all press releases — which go to print, radio and TV –  will be a perk of being a sponsor for the night.

The city is looking to raise $3000 for the night to help defer the costs of the event. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to have an informational table at the event.

Sales are not allowed during the free night of fun.
Anyone who wants to sponsor the event is asked to call Tammy Sullivan at 287-8610 or Angie Mayes at 287-8690.
The city is also looking for vendors for the night — alarm companies, locksmiths, and other safety-related companies are needed for the event. The event will take place Aug. 4 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park in La Vergne. Mayes noted that The Father’s House Church and Ultimate Family Martial Arts have already signed up to be a sponsor.

Economic Stimulus Boosts Alexander Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, GMC

You hear allot about government economic stimulus plans and wonder how it could help Rutherford County?  General Motors is using some of the stimulus money to develop vehicles appear to have the edge over competition as a result of this stimulus. GM announced that if you purchase or lease a new vehicle from any of their dealerships, during the first 24-months–if you loose your job, your payments of up to $500 will be made for nine months. Local GM dealer Don Alexander (left photo) told WGNS News, “We’re excited about how such a plan can help people get out of an undependable vehicle and into a new car, truck or SUV.” This special incentive is not available forever. General Motors Vice President of Sales in North America Mark LaNeve commented, “The ‘GM Total Confidence’ plan addresses today’s most pressing concerns for new car buyers … we asked customers what they wanted, and simply put, this package is it.” This special plan is only good on GM vehicles purchased or leased during the month of April. 

Ex-Gang Member To Speak at MTSU

Terrell “T.J.” Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Wake Up Youth Foundation, will be the keynote speaker at MTSU’s 18th annual Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building.  Johnson, a former gang member and drug dealer, is the first former felon to be hired by the Memphis Police Department.

The MTSU event is co-sponsored by the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs and the African-American Students Association. Its purpose is to recognize students, administrators and educators who have supported diversity initiatives. For more information, check out wgnsradio.com, keyword gang member.

For more information, contact Valerie Avent at 615-898-2718 or vavent@mtsu.edu.

Depositions to be given in Killings case.

A Murfreesboro Police sergeant and another witness will have to give a deposition in a lawsuit filed against the county. Rutherford County chancellor Robert Corlew ruled that the two people must give their depositions regarding the 7.5 million dollar lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed when Detective Ron Killings was driving his patrol car and struck and killed a child. The accident has drawn a lot of attention towards the police department for covering-up information concerning the detective. Sergeant Sam Campbell, former commander of MPD’s Fatal Crash Unit and another witness will have to provide depositions according to Corlew’s  ruling.

Much needed “Help Is Here Express” comes to town.

 

“Help Is Here Express” bus tour will be at the Rutherford County Family YMCA tomorrow.

 

 

Here’s Julie Cobb with more.

 

“Help Is Here Express” will be at the YMCA on North Thompson Lane tomorrow. The bus will be there from 10 until noon. The bus tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) to bring awareness assistance programs to residents who face layoffs or a loss of healthcare benefits due to a struggling economy. PPA has helped over 5 million patients including more than 247 thousand Tennesseans. PPA helps provide prescription drugs at a low cost, sometimes even FREE. To learn more about PPA go to our WGNS website and go to keyword PPA. You can contact PPA at 1-888-4PPA-NOW or visit their website at www.pparx.org.

Ambulance closes I-24 down for hours due to collision

I-24 East in Coffee County was shut down, due to accident involving ambulance and Tennessee Department of Transportation..

 

 

 

An ambulance traveling near mile marker 113, hit a Tennessee Department of Transportation truck and the arrow board that directs traffic yesterday. The driver of the ambulance went around two TDOT trucks, but for some unknown reason got back into the right side lane where the work was being done. The ambulance was not running its lights or sirens at the time.

The ambulance was transporting a patient.. The patient was air lifted to a Nashville hospital for precaution. The ambulance driver and TDOT worker were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. Eastbound lanes were backed up to Rutherford County. All lanes were up and running after being shut down for three hours. The wreck is under investigation.

1.7 Million Tennesseans Were Uninsured At Some Point in 2007-08

Approximately 1.7 million Tennesseans — or 32.4 percent of residents under age 65—were uninsured at some point of time during 2007-2008, according to a report released by the health consumer organization Families USA. In fact, almost 1.3 million of those uninsured Tennesseans, 72.9 percent of the total, were uninsured for six months or more during that time. The report also showed three-quarters of Tennessee’s uninsured, or 74.7 percent, were in working families, working full- or part-time and more than half of those individuals and families in Tennessee with incomes below twice the poverty line went without health insurance at some point in 2007-2008. Go to wgnsradio.com, keyword uninsured for a copy of the full report.

 

A copy of the report is available at: http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/americans-at-risk/tennessee.pdf

La Vernge Parks, PAL to hold summer camps

The La Vergne Parks and Recreation Department will have summer camp sign-ups, beginning at 9 a.m. on May 9 at their building located at 294 Sand Hill Road in La Vergne. They will take the first 40 children per week. There will be a waiting list.Weeks of the camp are June 8 - 12; June 15-19; June 22-26; July 6 - 10; July 13-17; July 20-24.

Cost is $60 for each week of the camp, which will run from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Before Care — from 7 - 8 a.m. — will be an extra $10 and After Care — from 4:30-5:30 p.m. — will also be an extra $10.

The registration fee for the camp is $25. The camp will be held in the gym at Roy Waldron School, off Floyd Mayfield Drive.

Call 793-3224 for more information.

The Police Athletic League will hold its summer camp July 27 - 31. The camp will take place at the Multi-Purpose Building, behind City Hall, by the ball fields.

For more information, call PAL Executive Director Gerry Howse at 287-8730 (leave message) or 793-7744 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week.

Murfreesboro City Accepting Students At Hobgood and Bradley Academy

The Murfreesboro City Schools are accepting application for students who wish to attend one of the two special academic facilities for the next school year. Hobgood Elementary School is a “NASA Explorer School” and Bradley Academy is an “Arts Integrated School”. The schools will begin accepting applications on April 13th. Enrollment is limited and students who are already attending either Hobgood or Bradley Academy do not have to re-apply. If you live outside the Murfreesboro city limits, you are also eligible. However, a special application form is used. It was pointed out that all of the students who are accepted will be notified no later than May 1, 2009.

Murfreesboro City Schools Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for children 5 year of age or older (on or before September 30th) will register on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the school to which your child is zoned. Sign-up times are based on your child’s last name:

     A, B, C sign-ups at 7:30AM
     D, E, F will sign-up at 8:15AM
     G, H, I sign-up at 9:00AM
     J, K, L be at your school at 9:45AM
     M, N, O sign-up at 10:30AM
Kindergarten registration is closed from 11:45AM to 12:45PM for lunch
     P, Q, R sign-up at 12:45PM
     S, T, U sign-up at 1:30PM
     V, W, X, Y, Z at 2:15PM

If you have questions, contact Amie Walker (615-895-2123).

Mark Sims New StoneCrest Hospital CEO

April first brings a new person to head StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna. Long-time HCA leader Mark Sims takes over as CEO of the hospital. He comes to Rutherford County after serving as CEO of HCA’s Parkview Valley Hospital in Chattanooga. He succeeds Neil Heatherly, who resigned last month after serving in that capacity since the hospital started over 7-years ago. Sims has been with Hospital Corporation of America for 16-years. StoneCrest Medical Center is a 101-bed hospital that is a member of the TriStar Health System. It is situated on 49-acres adjacent to I-24 and the Sam Ridley Parkway in Smyrna.

City Motorcycle Officer Hatfield Decommissioned

A Murfreesboro City police officer has been decommissioned as a result of an on-going investigation. Police spokesperson Kyle Evans noted that the motorcycle officer Wade Hatfield was placed on administrative leave with pay, but noted that he could not divulge more until the investigation is complete. Under the decommission order, Hatfield can not wear a badge, uniform, carry a weapon or do any off-duty security work. The state law enforcement authorities have been notified by the city of Hatfield’s decommissioning.

Women’s Golf: #9 after 2 Rounds of UALR

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Middle Tennessee shot 637 and is ninth after two rounds of the UALR Women’s Golf Classic at the par-72 Diamante Country Club Monday.

Florida International leads the field with a 617 heading into Tuesday’s final round. Central Arkansas (620) is second, followed by host UALR (623) in third.

Murfreesboro native Leigh Wilkins (left photo) continued her good spring and is tied for 20th with a 12-over 156 through two rounds. She opened with a 5-over 77 and fashioned a 79 in the second round. Stephanie Gough (160) is tied for 36th, followed Morgan Hale (T42nd, 160), Clara Leathers (T58th, 164), and Karisa Akin (T71, 166).

UALR Women’s Golf Classic
Diamante Country Club, Par-72
Second Round Team Scores
1 FIU 301-314 615 +39
2 Central Arkansas 316-304 620 +44
3 UALR 303-320 623 +47
4 Oral Roberts 311-313 624 +48
5 Eastern Michigan 318-309 627 +51
6 Missouri State 320-310 630 +54
7 Texas A&M Corpus Christi 311-322 633 +57
7 UMKC 311-322 633 +57
9 Middle Tennessee 322-315 637 +61
10 McNeese State 324-315 639 +63
11 Troy 323-317 640 +64
12 UTEP 325-318 643 +67
13 Toledo 328-316 644 +68
13 Arkansas State 315-329 644 +68
15 Wichita State 329-321 650 +74
16 Texas Pan-American 333-326 659 +83
17 ULM 333-327 660 +84
18 Western Michigan 335-333 668 +92
18 Northern Iowa 336-332 668 +92
20 Sam Houston 325-345 670 +94

9 MT Scores (637)
T20 Leigh Wilkins 77-79 156 +12
T36 Stephanie Gough 81-79 160 +16
T42 Morgan Hale 83-78 161 +17
T58 Clara Leathers 85-79 164 +20
T71 Karisa Akin 81-85 166 +22

Tuesday Swap’n Shop

For Sale: 2 wooden stairs (good for trailer or construction site; 5 steps on each); cedar chest (antique); antique table with marble wheels  907-9935

For Sale: 1989 Jeep Cherokee for parts 893-4036

Service: will mow yards in Murfreesboro; For Sale: cell phone with charger  995-2374

For Sale: desk with hutch $125  893-1543

For Rent: 1 bedroom mobile home south of town  895-5746

Wants: 2 used Verizon cell phones  765-3309

Service: handyman work (inside or out)  653-5393

Wants: rear tine tiller; transmission for 1993 E-40D F-150 transmission; top soil dirt  578-7991

For Sale: riding mowers and parts   812-3595

For Sale: Singer sewing machine; organ-piano (small)  895-7396

For Sale: red and white mare, 15-hands tall, $900; 1982 Lincoln Town Car $700  542-6427

For Sale: dinette set (cherry) $40  995-0142

For Sale: Fiat auto parts (call after 5pm)  849-5182

For Sale: motor home (needs tune-up)  738-8441

Service: carpentry and plumbing as well as pressure washing and cleaning  896-8346

For Sale: Hurst Mustang shifter;  RCA 52-inch TV; 10-foot camper awning  809-5359

Wants: electric stove  504-1917

For Sale: water fountain $50  893-4393

Free: cane (it spreads quickly)  542-4378

Tornado Assessment Continues

The National Weather Service has reassessed the tornado damage in Murfreesboro and have determined it was an EF1 tornado that touched down Saturday night. There was never a tornado warning issued for the storm, but N-W-S Meteorologist-in-Charge Larry Vannozzi (van-OH-zee) tells WGNS News we were under a tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning when the storm hit…

Vannozzi says that’s why it’s important to always heed watches and warnings, because storms can quickly spin up and turn violent in an instant…

To view pictures of the tornado damage, log-on to wgnsradio.com and keep your radio tuned to WGNS Talk Radio. We break in to regular programming during severe weather to give you the very latest on the current conditions.

NWS Confirmed: EF1 Tornado Hits Murfreesboro

A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSESSMENT TEAM SURVEYED DAMAGE HERE IN RUTHERFORD COUNTIES. 

THE EF1 TORNADO IN MURFREESBORO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR SCOTT STREET AROUND
7PM AND CAUSED SOME DAMAGE TO BUSINESSES THERE…AND CONTINUED
ACROSS BROAD STREET WHERE IT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO SHOPS IN
THE JACKSON HEIGHTS MALL. THE TORNADO ALSO CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO
THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB LOCATED ON JONES BOULEVARD. NUMEROUS TREES
AND MINOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE WAS OBSERVED TO HOMES NORTH OF LOKEY
AVENUE…AND THERE WAS SOME STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO BUSINESSES ON
MEMORIAL BOULEVARD NEAR CLARK BOULEVARD. THE TOTAL PATH LENGTH OF
THE TORNADO WAS JUST OVER A MILE…AND THE WIDTH WAS ABOUT 50 YARDS.

 

Local State Farm worker helping children overcome public speaking fears

Christina Elam with State Farm Insurance told WGNS that children at schools like Mitchell Neilson Elementary are learning how to speak in public. Elam is helping school students through Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program. Elam told us she routinely searches for new opportunities to help children.

Within one week of participating in the program, Elam told us she could see a significant improvement in Mrs. Georgia Moore’s class at Mitchell Neilson.

Toastmasters started in the classroom of a YMCA building in California in 1924. Since that time the program that helps to build confidence in public speaking has spread world wide.

Monday Swap’n Shop

For Sale: 1966 El Camino; 1972 Ford rollback; riding mowers  893-1114

For Sale: solid cherry bedroom set; Singer treddle sewing machine   893-7630

Service:  mow yards in Murfreesboro  995-2374

Free: treadmill (it works)  268-5031

Service: will mow yards anywhere  962-7709

For Sale: 350 Chevy motor; boat and trolling motor; Wants: junk  563-9844

For Sale: couch with recliner on each end $175; Queen Anne chair; metal detectors (2 for $500)  896-2255

For Sale: 2 boxes and a bag of yard sale items $25  848-3270

Service: needs to do cleaning or any job  593-2254

For Rent: mobile home with new carpet and vinyl, 3 AC units, stove and more off the Old Nashville Highway near Stewartsboro School  459-5364

For Rent: 1 bedroom mobile home 5-miles from 427-9488

For Sale: recliner $0; queen size bed $35; full-size bed $35  568-4820

For Sale: 2006 28-foot fifth wheel trailer, sleeps 8, $16,000 893-9972

Yard Sale: Saturday, April 4, 7AM-3PM at 1514 Fowler (off Minerva Drive)  896-0939

For Sale: 2 fans; bike  568-2477

Service: mow yards near town  904-1955

Wants: dog house  596-8795

Service:  mow yards anywhere  785-1627

For Sale: 1988 Mustang (needs repair); 1993 Ford F-150 $2,750; 10-foot camper awning $60  809-5359

Event: Fosterville-Midland Fire Department yard sale 7AM-? this coming Saturday (Highway 231 at Lynch’s storage)  692-9781

Beer thefts and more in Murfreesboro

A heavy set white male was seen stealing a 12-pack of Budweiser Beer at the Kroger Store on Memorial Blvd. Evidently, the man tried to conceal the beer under his shirt. Amazingly, the man was not caught. No charges will be filed. In other beer news, a heavy set black male was seen stealing a 12-pack of Miller High Life from the Circle K gas station near MTSU. The man was not caught. Are you seeing a trend here… heavy set males, stealing beer?

In other stories, a woman accused of asking for too many refunds has been told not to ask for any more. That news in after a police report was filed at Taco Bell on Memorial. Over the past several weeks the customer has ordered food and then minutes later claimed the order was WRONG, demanding a refund. The manager said: no more. The next day, the manager received a phone call and the voice on the other end of line threatened her life. There’s no way to tell if the threatening phone call came from the disgruntled customer.

Cost of smokes to RISE MORE on Wednesday

If you smoke then you will soon notice a major hike in the costs of cigarettes. In fact, some of you may have already found that your favorite brand has jumped in price by 62-cents per pack. President Obama signed legislation that called for the increase to begin April the first. The measure was signed back in February. The $1.01 federal tax on each pack of smokes will go towards expanding insurance programs for needy children.

T-Shirt Design Contest!

Here’s a challenge for you… design the t-shirts that will represent the annual Old Timers’ Day in LaVergne. The deadline to enter is June first. Those wanting to submit their entry must submit their 4-color design utilizing the current logo that is brown, crème and gold. This years theme, “Celebrate LaVergne.”

For more information, call Angie Mayes at 287-8690 or 207-4678.

Baseball: MTSU 4 - Arkansas Little Rock 2

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Sophomore Bryce Brentz hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth to help give the Blue Raiders a 4-2 win over Arkansas-Little Rock on Sunday afternoon.

In the first game of the doubleheader, Brentz went 2 for 4 while junior Drew Robertson led the team in hits as he was 3 for 5.

Seniors Nathan Hines and Grant Box also added two hits on the day as Middle Tennessee (19-4, 9-1) ended the game with 13 total hits but left 11 runners on base.

Junior Kenneth Roberts received the start working 6.2 innings allowing two runs on two hits with four strikeouts.

Junior Nick Montgomery (left photo) picked up the win as he worked 1.1 innings allowing no runs or hits with two strikeouts.

Junior Coty Woods picked up his second save in as many games, his sixth of the season, as he allowed no runs or hits in one-third of an inning.

The Trojans (7-17, 3-8) had just two hits on the day leaving five runners on base.

UALR scored the first run of the game as a Guffey, who received a base on balls to reach, scored from third after Rowles hit into a double play in the bottom of the third.

The Trojans added another run in the fifth after a single to right brought in Larner from second.

Middle Tennessee put its first run on the board in the sixth as a sacrifice fly by Darlington with the bases loaded scored Robertson from third.

A sacrifice fly by Dean tied the game at two as Caldwell scored from third on the play in the top of the seventh.

Lady’s Softball: Louisiana-Monroe 4 - MTSU 1

Middle Tennessee could not get the offense going until the last inning as they fell 4-1 to Louisiana-Monroe in the final contest of a three-game series at ULM Softball Complex on Sunday afternoon.

Middle Tennessee (9-21, 1-8 Sun Belt) was looking to salvage the series after dropping the opening two games to the Warhawks (13-19, 5-3) on Saturday.

Caty Jutson (left photo) (1-7) allowed two earned runs on four hits over 3.1 innings in the defeat.

Lindsey Vander Lugt made her third appearance of the series in relief, throwing a shutout and giving up just three hits over the final 2.2 innings of the contest.

Kandace Causey (8-9) picked up her second win in three games for ULM. The righty allowed one run on four hits in the complete game. The Blue Raiders held strong to deny the Warhawks in the first inning, Caitlin McLure’s fielding error on a deep fly ball to left field allowed ULM’s Brianna Love to reach third base, but three straight outs allowed the Blue Raiders to head into the second inning unscathed.

The Warhawks took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third frame. Robin Biddle singled to the left side and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt before crossing the plate off a Love RBI single to centerfield.

ULM made it 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning. The home team put two runners on after Roxane Cassel walked and Melissa Rivera reached on a fielding error by Blue Raider shortstop Brittney Banania. Taylor Renshaw and Love hit RBI singles before Renshaw scored on Banania’s second error of the inning.

Middle Tennessee came close to scoring in the top of the fifth. Pinch hitter Kaycee Popham was hit by a pitch before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kelsey Dortch, but McLure flied out to left field to end the inning.

McLure was 1-for-3 for the Blue Raiders.

The Blue Raiders got on the board in the final inning. Davis started things off with a single through the left side before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt by Shelby Barrett.

Jessica Ives drove a RBI double into the gap in right field to make it 1-0. Kandra Singleton nailed a shot to short center field to continue the rally, but Ives was thrown out at third on the play. Singleton was caught stealing for the final out of the game.

Middle Tennessee returns to action in a doubleheader against #21 Louisiana-Lafayette on Tuesday. Opening pitch at Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Park is set for 4 p.m.

MTSU Baseball: Blue Raiders 8 - Arkansas Little Rock 5 (Saturday)

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth junior Coty Woods (left photo) picked up his fifth save to help the Blue Raiders take an 8-5 win over Arkansas-Little Rock on Saturday night.

Sophomore Bryce Brentz took the win for the Blue Raiders (18-4, 9-1), improving to 3-0 on the season, as he allowed five runs on eight hits in 7.2 innings of work.

Freshman Brett Wilson entered the game in relief giving up just one hit in two-thirds of an inning while Woods allowed no hits or runs in his two-thirds of an inning as his one batter hit into a double play.

Senior Taylor Dennis along with juniors Drew Robertson and Ben Darlington each went 2 for four in the game with Robertson scoring three runs.

Middle Tennessee had a total of nine hits on the night while UALR (7-16, 3-7) also had nine hits but left 10 on base including three in the bottom of the ninth. The Blue Raiders had five extra base hits as Robertson and Darlington each had two doubles and Dennis hit a home run.

UALR started the game off strong taking advantage of mistakes made by Brentz. The Trojans scored two runs after Brentz hit two batters and walked a runner to begin the inning.

UALR added another run in the bottom of the third to go up by three after a solo home run by Tim Emmons.

Back to back doubles to begin the top of the fourth gave Middle Tennessee one run. The Blue Raiders scored another run on a double play as a runner scored from third cutting the UALR lead to one, 3-2.

The Trojans extended their lead to two in the bottom of the fourth on a groundball to the Burnett which allowed the runner at third to score.

Dennis hit a solo shot to left in the fourth to put Middle Tennessee back within one.

The Blue Raiders tied the game at four in the top of the sixth with back-to-back doubles again by Robertson and Darlington. Then Darlington scored on a sacrifice fly to left by Hines handing Middle Tennessee its first lead of the game, 5-4.

Meinhart singled up the middle in the eighth to score Robertson from second and put the Blue Raiders up by two over the Trojans. Then pinch-hitter Zach Dean hit a sacrifice fly to right field allowing Bishop, who walked, to score from third. Meinhart scored from third on a passed ball to add another run for Middle Tennessee who scored three runs on one hit to go up 8-4.

UALR scored a run in the bottom of the eighth after a single by Welch scored a runner from third.

The Blue Raiders will play a doubleheader on Sunday, March 29 at 12 p.m. to round out its three-game series with UALR.

Homes In Tornadoe’s Path Heavily Damaged

It only took seconds for Saturday night’s storms to rip from Jackson Heights, the Boys and Girls Club and then wind through nearby neighborhood streets. Trees toppled onto homes, vehicles were crushed and debris flew through the air. Miraculously, only three persons at Jackson Heights Shopping Center were injured. And those were minor. Scott and Wedgewood Streets along with Allen Avenue and East Chatham Court were the residential areas hit the hardest.The National Weather Service has determined that tornadoes did the damage. Winds were estimated to be in the 70 to 80 mile per hour range.

(left above) Homes were pelted with flying debris and trees fell on the structures. (right photo) Winds were so strong that large old trees were totally uprooted and fell over.

One home would have heavy damage and the neighbor did not get harmed at all. Sunday brought neighbors out of their homes to help each other. Chain saws were roaring and teams of friends helped others recover from the winds that swept the area around 7:00 o’clock Saturday night (3/28/09).

Tornado Damage: Boys And Girls Club and Goo Goo Carwash

The Boys and Girls Club will immediately move it entire operations from their Jones Boulevard complex to the McFadden Community Center. It’s interesting to note that the Bridge Avenue facility was the second home of the local Boys and Girls Club. The Murfreesboro Rotary Club did renovations on the McFadden Center to make it better for the after-school program. Now, once again the service steps back in time to go to where some of the early roots were planted. As you walk into the large complex that is behind Jackson Heights Shopping Center, you immediately notice huge openings in the ceiling. The National Weather Service now reports that it appears that the storms were actually tornadoes.

(Above Photo) On Sunday (3/29/09) the damage to the roof is even more visible. In fact, approximately half of the roof is missing. Farrer Construction Company, that specializes in storm repairs, will begin work on the Boys and Girls Club on Monday. Approximately 300 youth use this after-school program. (left photo) This picture shows the ceiling from inside the front lobby. Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Dan Jernigan reports that the gym, multi-purpose room, lobby, rear pavilions, playground and baseball field received heavy damage.

(Below L-R photo) The left picture shows the tornado damage to the rear of the Boys and Girls Club on Jones Boulevard. The right photo shows how a roof from another pavilion slammed into one of the pavilions and sheets of metal roofing wrapped around basketball goals and destroyed other areas of the Murfreesboro facility.

Goo Goo Carwash

When the Goo Goo Carwash opened a few years ago on Memorial near Lokey, the city’s sign ordinance slammed them forcing them to take down a huge American flag. Saturday night Mother Nature slammed the local business. Owners were able to better assess the damage in the light of day on Sunday (3/29/09).

Daylight Reveals Shocking Tornado Damage

Around 7:00 o’clock Saturday night (3/28/09) tornadoes made an approximate 500 foot swatch across the Jackson Heights, running across the Boys and Girls Club behind the shopping center and then wreaking havoc in a neighborhood, going across Goo Goo Carwash and U-Haul. The National Weather Service estimates that winds were in the 70 to 80 mile per hour range. Jackson Heights spokesperson Bill Boner told WGNS News that the front windows were blown out of the eastern half of the complex and the winds even took out portions of the back wall. Blocks crashed on cars parked in the front and rear lots. A huge air conditioning unit flew through the air and landed in the middle of Jones Boulevard. Emergency crews got the unit off the road overnight, and Boner said thieves were trying to strip the air conditioner of its copper Sunday morning in front of a parade of on-lookers.

(Above L-R) Premiere 6 Cinema and Wilson Bank & Trust both had storm damage. Huge strips of roofing hung from power lines in the area. (Below) Most stores on the east side of Jackson Heights lost windows and had severe roof damage. Crews worked all day Sunday (3/29/09) to secure the businesses and keep rain pouring in through the damaged roofs.

(above) Bill Boner told WGNS News that the rear walls of many stores had blocks blown out of the rear wall. He noted that in other cases, the wall itself appears to be weakened and has pulled away from the structure.  As the rear wall came apart, it fell on vehicles parked below. The sheets of plywood cover the huge sections of the rear wall of the shopping center that were blown out by the tornado.

Easter Egg Hunt in La Vergne Saturday

The annual Easter Egg hunt will take place this Saturday, April 4 from 9 - 11 a.m.

There will be games for the kids — aged 0 - 11 beginning at 9 a.m. The hunt begins promptly at 10.Age groups are 0-3; 4-7 and 8 - 11. The event will take place at Bicentennial Park, next to City Hall on Murfreesboro Road.

 

For more information, contact Parks and Rec at 793-3224

Tornado Leaves Behind Damage in Murfreesboro

Saturday night’s tornado not only did significant damage in much of the area between Jackson Heights Shopping Center and Goo Goo Car Wash, but it left many persons without electricity for several hours. The skies were eerie layers of color. Murfreesboro Police kept the traffic flowing through major intersections where signals were suddenly inoperative.  And without intention, Murfreesboro and a good bit of Rutherford County celebrated EARTH HOUR Saturday night (3/28/09). This is documented with this photograph of the long night without electricity.

As traffic continued its heavy flow on Broad at Thompson Lane, two-miles toward town people were standing stunned and trying to figure what just hit them.

The tornadoes left behind significant damage in portions of Murfreesboro Saturday evening (3/28/09). The storm system moved through downtown just before 7 o’clock. The Jackson Heights Plaza on Broad and the Boys and Girls Club behind that facility received the largest damage. Heavy damage was done to the Boys and Girls Club on Jones Boulevard (left photo shows half of the metal roof gone). Large sections of the Boys and Girls Club’s metal roofing were ripped away.  Huge sections of metal roofing landed on power lines several blocks away.

However, Jackson Heights Shopping Center received the worst damage.The Premiere 6 theater manager Larry Ralston told WGNS News…

Theater owner Bill Brooks said that he had prior warning that the storm was headed his way, and his staff worked to keep those inside calm until the danger passed…

It appeared that Jackson Heights Shopping Center received the brunt of the tornado. Some of the smaller businesses next to the theatre suffered the heaviest damage. Many glass picture windows were blown out and a portion of the rear wall collapsed as a result of the high winds. There were reports of three-quarter-inch or penny-sized hail across Rutherford County and wind damage reports were widespread. Trees were downed and power was out for much of the night after the storm. The turbulent weather system also dumped much rain, causing some streets to flood. (left photo) One of the large air conditioner units was missiled from the roof of the Jackson Heights Shopping Center. It flew through the air and landed several hundred feet away in the middle of Jones Boulevard. Fortunately, there were no passing vehicles traveling on the roadway when the giant unit crashed into the pavement. Reports indicate that the unit was similar in weight to a small compact automobile.

Every emergency vehicle available was used to control traffic by blocking roadways and with officers controlling traffic in a large swath on Broad Street between Memorial and Thompson Lane where the power was out. Heaviest damage was done in a line going across half of Jackson Heights Shopping Center nearest to town, then over to the Boys and Girls Club and within seconds damaging homes between there and the Donut Country on Memorial. Some persons were transported to the ER at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.

The tornado downed trees and caused damage to homes in the East Cheatham Court area. Also, hit were houses on Allen Avenue, Scott and Wedgewood Streets. A portion of the Goo Goo Carwash on Memorial along with U-Haul across the street were also damaged. St. Elizabeth Orthodox Christian Church at 321 West McKnight Drive was another victim of the Saturday night storm.

Stores located in the half of Jackson Heights that includes the movie theatre were damaged the most. This shows Badcock Home Furnishings along with Marti and Liz Shoe Store and other merchants toward the theatre.

Murfreesboro Police spokesperson Kyle Evans told WGNS News, “High winds hit quickly and one person walking along the sidewalk at the shopping center along with two persons inside Marti and Liz Shoes were injured.” Assistant Fire Chief Gary Farley told WGNS News that the shoe store received significant damage with both the front and rear of the structure being blown out. The city’s codes department is examining the structure.

Front windows were blown out and merchandise inside the stores received heavy damage. And with some stores near the theatre, the winds took out sections of the rear wall as well. There were a few persons who were hit by flying debris. They were treated at the scene and then transported to the emergency room at Middle Tennessee Medical Center as a safety precaution. No one inside Premiere 6 Theatre was injured. Management announced for everyone to remain calm inside the theatre, and for those around the concession stand to move inside one of the theatres. This occurred seconds before some of the theatre’s front glass was blown out. Patrons and staff were safely inside the theatres when that happened.

As you can see, the high winds did heavy damage from Badcock Home Furnishings and all businesses toward the theatre including the new bookstore. The emergency lights in the theatre came-on as the electricity went out. Theatre goers exited safely. However, many of their cars in the parking lot did not make it without damage.

Parking spaces in front of the impacted section of the shopping center was strewn with glass. Sections of corrugated roofing hung from power lines on Broad, Jones Boulevard and some of the neighborhood roads in the swath of the storm from the shopping center on over to Donut County on Memorial. It appeared that the tornadoes’ path covered about half the width of the Jackson Heights Shopping Center, then winds moved to the Boys and Girls Club, and through the neighborhood that lies in a straight line on over to Donut Country on Memorial Boulevard, and then to the Goo Goo Carwash. ‘Boro Book Warehouse, next to the theatre, was also damaged.

Long before the storm hit, Bryan Barrett interrupted regular programming on WGNS. He was tracking the approaching storm on radar. WGNS continued its “live storm coverage” while the winds were wreaking havoc through the area and on to when a clean-up was in operation.

Wilcox Joins Smyrna’s Precision Pain Care

Family Nurse Practitioner Philisie Wilcox has joined Precision Pain Care in Smyrna. This Rock Springs Road clinic is headed by Dr. Graf Hilgenhurst and focuses on interventional pain management. That is a discipline of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of pain related disorders. Wilcox is a board certified nurse practitioner with ten years of experience.  As a nurse practitioner, she will work with Dr. Hilgenhurst to diagnose, treat and manage the health care needs of patients. Wilcox will also work with patients to provide education regarding prognosis, treatment, procedures and medications.

Precision Pain Care specializes in advanced spinal procedures and offers a wide range of effective, minimally invasive treatments as an alternative to surgery to help eliminate pain including fluoroscopic-guided diagnostic and therapeutic injections. The goal of Precision Pain Care is to relieve and manage pain in patients while minimizing the use of narcotics.

Wilcox received her Master of Science in Nursing from Tennessee State University. She is a member of the American and Tennessee Nurses Association.

Precision Pain Care is located on Rock Springs Road in Smyrna and accepts most forms of insurance. For additional information, call 615-223-6100 or visit www.precisionpaincare.com.

Step-Son Charged As Aggressor In Rockvale Shooting

An argument erupted early Thursday (3/26/09) at a Rockvale home between a step-son and his step-father. Larry Elder allegedly shot his 25-year old step-son in the chest with a small caliber pistol. However, the step-son Joseph Martin was determined to be the aggressor. The Citadel court resident was charged with domestic violence and aggravated assault. The argument reportedly began when the step-father was encouraging Martin to get a job. Martin was treated in the ER at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. He was released and then booked at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. Martin is now free on $100,000 bond. His hearing in General Sessions court is set for April 27th. By the way, this is not Martin’s first domestic assault charge. He told detectives that he was recently placed on probation for assaulting a woman. 

Veteran’s Affairs Problems Raise Eyebrows in DC

VA mistakes in Tennessee get attention from Congress. WGNS’ Andrew Warren reports…

La Vergne looking for National Night Out sponsors

The City of La Vergne is looking for sponsors to help relive the cost of National Night Out, when the city comes together to make a stand against crime.Sponsorship costs run $100 and up.

The city is looking to raise $3000 for the night to help defer the costs of the event. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to have an informational table at the event.

Sales are not allowed during the free night of fun.

Anyone who wants to sponsor the event is asked to call Tammy Sullivan at 287-8610 or Angie Mayes at 287-8690.

The city is also looking for vendors for the night — alarm companies, locksmiths, and other safety-related companies are needed for the event.

Call Sullivan or Mayes if you are interested.

The event will take place from 6 - 9 p.m. on Aug. 4 at Veteran’s Memorial Park in La Vergne.

Former Sheriffs Detective Discussion Date This Monday

The discussion date for former sheriff’s detective Ron Killings and his attorney is scheduled for this Monday (3/30/09). If it actually occurs, it will be an opportunity for Killings and his attorney Terry Fann to discuss the case with special prosecutor Joe Baugh while Judge Don Ash oversees the meeting. There is also the possibility that the former sheriff’s detective may waive his appearance on Monday, or attorneys could also reschedule the discussion date for another time.  As you recall, Killings faces charges of reckless endangerment, filing false information, and tampering with or destroying evidence. The 12-year veteran of the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office reportedly hit Lakeisha White as she crossed a dark section of Bradyville Pike around 9:00 o’clock in the evening on last July 17th. The 11-year old allegedly darted in front of Killing’s unmarked patrol car. After the tragic accident, witnesses say they saw the detective, who was on duty, dump two bottles in a nearby garbage can. That evidence was not collected by police investigators, however one bottle was checked-out and has been accepted as evidence by special prosecutor Baugh.

Randy King Going To Providence Christian Academy

Former Oakland High School athletic director and boys basketball coach Randy King is moving just down DeJarnette Lane to Providence Christian Academy. Headmaster Butch Vaughn tells WGNS News King will be the school’s athletic director…

Vaughn says King may also teach P-E or possibly math, but his main focus will be building the athletic program at P-C-A. The 57-year old King was head basketball coach at Oakland for 23-years and served a decade before that as an assistant. He’ll teach the remainder of the year at Oakland before taking on his responsibilities at Providence Christian.

Sixth Annual Read To Bee

Local sixth grade students are busy studying in preparation for Read To Succeed’s sixth annual “Read To Bee Spelling Championship.” WGNS’ Bryan Barrett has more…

Ron, the bee will be held Saturday, April 4th at Patterson Park Community Center. Students participating in the Bee must first win on the classroom level. All the classroom winners in a school…now that’s in the city and county systems as well as private schools…will then compete to select a winner and alternate who attend the Bee. Local author, lecturer, and writing coach Rabbi Rami Shapiro will serve as pronouncer for this year’s Bee. Taking up the gavel as Bee judges are David Hopper, Murfreesboro City School Board Member; Diane Stockard, director of the Smyrna/La Vergne Boys & Girls Club; and Diane Mackey, Coordinator for English as a Second Language for Rutherford County. Go to wgnsradio.com, keyword Read to Succeed for more information.

LINK:  www.readtosucceed.org

Friday Swap’n Shop

For Sale: 350 engine; boat and trolling motor; 1988 Chevy  Cheyene pickup  563-9844

For Sale: pay as you go phone with charger $10  995-2374

Moving Sale: 7AM Saturday  1239 Delrose Drive  233-5527

Yard Sale: NW Presbyterian (across from Mitchell-Neilson School) Saturday 7AM-4PM

Service: cleans garages and attics  593-2254

For Sale: riding mower  542-3003

For Sale: 16-foot extension ladder; Service: auto repairs  653-0769

Wants: used steel fence post (6.5 feet)  542-0448

For Sale: 1988 Mustang (restoration car) $500;  1990 F-150 $2,750; 10-foot camper awning $50  809-5359

Service: mow yards  962-7709

Wants: child’s swing set  895-8070

For Sale: hospital bed (electric) $200; wheel chair $50; deep freezer  (6-months old) $150  459-8739

For Sale: like new Puma 17-inch tires (16-inch) $250 for 4; Wants: small pig  584-0823

Free: puppies (6-weeks old) Siberian Huskies  890-3587

Sean Moore Joins Local Red Cross

And this coming Tuesday (3/31/09) Sean Moore  joins the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross. She will be in charge of health and safety sales and a marketing representative at the Murfreesboro headquarters. One of her goals is to dramatically increase the number of persons in this area who know how to administer CPR, first aid and other life saving techniques.  

In addition to working with individuals, the Murfreesboro Red Cross also serves the needs of business and industry. Moore said, “Red Cross health and safety training is the complete emergency preparedness solution that’s smart for your employees and your bottom line. In fact, OSHA studies show a $4 to $6 return for every dollar invested in health and safety training, businesses realize less absenteeism, fewer workers’ compensation claims and improved  productivity.”

Murfreesboro Exchange Club’s Have Dinner To Celebrate 98th Anniversary

The Murfreesboro Noon as well as Evening Exchange Clubs held a joint dinner meeting Thursday night (3/26/09) at the Stones River Country Club. It was a celebration of the national organization’s 98th anniversary. National President Floyd Culver and his wife Ann from Defiance, Ohio were special guests of the local clubs.

President Culver said, “The strength of Exchange is directly proportional to the membership’s involvement in their community.” He phoned fifty different Chamber of Commerce presidents around the nation, and without identifying himself asked if there was an exchange club in their city? “Some said oh yes, that’s the club that works to promote patriotism and reduce child abuse.” Culver noted a positive response was heard 100 per cent of the time where there was a really active and involved Exchange Club. (L-R photo ID: Evening Exchange President Carol Puryear, National President Floyd Culver, and Noon President Rebecca Talley)

He noted, “Both of the Murfreesboro clubs are fortunate because you have the benefit of having a Child Abuse Prevention Center here.”

Further proof of local involvement was evident with news of the progress with The Healing Field Flag Memorial that will be located next to Belk in The Avenue over the entire Memorial Day Weekend. Exchange member Don Wright said individuals, groups and businesses can purchase American flags to be placed in memory or to honor those who have served our nation. Old Glory will be flying fifteen-hundred times across this grassy field, and thousands of proud Americans will walk and reflect on loved ones and how fortunate we are to live in the land of the free and home of the brave. 

Former State Representative John Hood and State Senator Bill Ketron gave President Culver a proclamations from the General Assembly and a document from Governor Phil Bredesen making him an Honorary Tennessee Colonel Aide de Camp. It’s interesting to note that both Hood and Ketron served as National Exchange Club presidents.

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