FIREWORKS SHOW is “ON” for July 4th
May 28, 2009
The show will go on… The Murfreesboro Firework Show on the 4th of July that is. The company in charge of this years program is Pyro Shows, Incorporated out of LaFollette, Tennessee. The cost of the July 4th program is $20-grand. $10-thousand of that will be covered by the city and the other $10-thousand will be paid by Rutherford County.
The best seats in town for the program? The MTSU campus.
Riverdale Baseball vs. T-Ball Team in Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fundraiser
May 25, 2009
In an effort to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer, the Riverdale High School Baseball Team will host the second annual Alex’s Lemonade Grand Stand on Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Reservation-Jones Field. A local 4-year-old T-ball team and a 7-year-old Coach Pitch baseball team, within the Murfreesboro Baseball Association, will come together to play the Warriors. The teams will meet in a special T-ball game to raise money on behalf of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for childhood cancer. Admission is free and open to the public.
Along with ice cold lemonade, the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Grand Stand event is slated to include various family fun activities for children of all ages including coloring butterfly mobiles for the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, a raffle drawing for Sounds tickets, ALSF merchandise and much more. Enjoy your favorite ball park food at the Riverdale concessions and returning for the second consecutive year, a visit by Ozzie, the mascot of the Nashville Sounds who will toss the first pitch and play with the kids on both teams. The Riverdale High School JROTC Color Guard will present the colors. All donations and proceeds will benefit childhood cancer research.
One Tribe, One T, One Hope is a community baseball event held each May in Murfreesboro to bring together T-ball age children and high school age players for a fun game while also helping raise critical funds for pediatric cancer research. With the exception of the coaches and food volunteers, most activities are run by the kids from the respective clubs to satisfy the goal of kids helping kids. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $25 million towards fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure for all childhood cancer, funding over 100 research projects nationally.
WHAT: RIVERDALE WARRIORS HOST 2ND ANNUAL CHARITY T-BALL GAME TO BENEFIT ALEX’S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION
WHEN: TUESDAY, MAY 26TH, 2009
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
WHERE: RESERVATION-JONES FIELD
RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL
802 WARRIOR DRIVE
MURFREESBORO, TN 37127
For more information or to donate online, visit:
http://www.AlexsLemonade.org/stands/2900
Do Your Children Have Talent?
May 21, 2009
Do your children tell you they want to be in a band? Maybe an actor or actress? There is a local non-profit group in Murfreesboro that has been helping children reach their arts related dreams since 2001.
Monica Sharee Johnson, the founder and director of Generation for Creation, tells us they will be holding a talent search this Friday night and Saturday afternoon in the Murfreesboro Little Theater.
For more information call 904-4511.
Man Offers Cop a Joint
May 20, 2009
Cops in New Zealand say they expected to find marijuana when they raided a drug suspect’s home last December, but they didn’t expect the homeowner to offer them a joint while being handcuffed.Prosecutors say a number of marijuana plants were found in the home of 39-year-old Carl Grant and packages of weed were also found in his pockets during a search. Police say when an officer pulled the marijuana out of Grant’s pocket, the suspect allegedly said, “You can have that as well. Why don’t you have a joint with us?” The officer declined and arrested Grant and two other men on numerous drug charges.
High Speed Cchase Ends with Tacos
May 18, 2009
Authorities say a high-speed police chase of a suspected drug dealer came to an end Tuesday in Fort Wayne, Indiana when the suspect pulled into a Taco Bell parking lot to get a burrito before going to jail.The Journal Gazette reports the suspect, 36-year-old Jermaine Cooper, told officers after the chase ended that he knew he would be “going to go to jail for a while” and wanted to get one last burrito. Police say Cooper didn’t get the burrito, but he was charged with four counts of dealing cocaine and one count of resisting arrest by fleeing.
Monday Swap’n Shop
May 18, 2009
Service: mow yards in Murfreesboro; For Sale: cell phone 995-2374
For Sale: table saw; nail gun; freezer 542-3003
For Sale: 1966 El Camino; Murray riding mower; Wants: junk vehicles 893-1114
Event: Yard Sale Thursday, Friday and Saturday (8AM-?) at Fosterville-Midland Volunteer Fire Department (Highway 231 @ Brothers Road) 692-9781
For Sale: full-size cherry bedroom set 893-7630
Wants: small Nisan car; For Sale: 18-foot lawnmower trailer 890-6603
For Sale: John Deere STX riding mower (needs some repair) 361-3129
For Sale: blue guineas (3-weeks old) $2.50 each; 2-wheel trailer (4 x 8-feet) $250; donkeys 848-3590
For Sale: 1970 Mercury boat motor (70 HP) 785-9307
For Sale: Swisher weed-eater on wheels $372 new (used twice) $250 895-7954
For Sale: 3 large child platters (False Craft; Ivory Fantasy; Metlox Poppy Trail) 896-3314
For Sale: 5HP generator; 5HP air compressor; International 444 tractor with grader blade 848-6840
For Sale: metal rack for full-size pickup (hauls ladder, etc.) $150 895-1258
For Sale: 2 male Chihuahua puppies 522-9336
For Sale: window 110 volt AC $25; box springs and mattress (queen pillow-top) $75; Nintendo $250 217-4938
Wants: Momma cat to nurse 5 abandoned kittens 275-7711
9-Men Arrested in Nashville in CraigsList STING
May 18, 2009
A total of 9-men were arrested in Nashville after responding to a CraigsList.org ad that offered sex for cash. The ad was placed online by the Metro Police Department. The respondents agreed to meet with a female prostitute in a Davidson County hotel. After the suspects agreed to pay for sex, they were arrested on site. Out of the nine who were caught, 2 were from Murfreesboro. 30-year old Michael Bridges and 49-year old James Hammill were each cited for patronizing prostitution.
Mother Accused of Using Kid for Taser Blocker
May 18, 2009
This week’s “Mother of the Year” candidate is a 20-year-old Missouri mom who authorities say used her one-year-old child to shield a man who was about to be tasered by police.Published reports say officers went to the woman’s apartment in Hannibal Tuesday night in response to her call of being assaulted. Authorities say when the officers arrived, a man confronted them and began making threats. Police say the officers were preparing to Taser the man when the woman stuck her child in front of him as a shield. The Taser was not used and the child was not hurt. The man is charged with two counts of resisting arrest and the mom is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Rutherford County One of Fastest Growing
May 18, 2009
Rutherford County is once again, one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Figures from the US Census Bureau show that Rutherford County ranks 57th in the nation for its growth rate. Between 2007 and ‘08, the population has grown by 7800 residents.
The US Censuses Bureau said the fastest growing county in the United States was Kendall County, Ill., just outside of Chicago. Kendall County saw an 89.6 percent population increase.
America Changes - Pro-Life Vs. Pro-Choice
May 18, 2009
Americans’ attitudes on abortion have shifted in just the past year.
A new Gallup poll released late last week suggests that MOST Americans are against the practice of abortion.
According to Gallup, 51 percent of respondents now declare themselves as pro-life, compared to 41 percent who see themselves as pro-choice.
In 2008, during the heat of the campaign for White House, 50 percent identified themselves as pro-choice while 44 percent said they opposed abortions.
Gallup says the shift of attitude was almost entirely among voters who are registered Republicans or Independents with the pro-life camp moving from 60 to 70 percent.
Another survey by the Pew Research Center finds that 44 percent of respondents say that abortions should be illegal in most or all cases while 18 percent said they support legal abortions in all cases and 28 percent in most cases.
ARSON: Lakewood Park area
May 18, 2009
In Coffee County, authorities are searching for the person or persons responsible for a string of fires in the Lakewood Park area. Lakewood Park is located off of I-24 and is accessible from the Beachgrove Exit.
Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves is calling it arson, and the Coffee County Sheriffs Department is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved.
Graves said that during the past four months, four dwellings have been burned, all of which were unoccupied.
UPDATE: Auto Manufacturers Ax Two Local Dealerships
May 17, 2009
Two Rutherford County auto dealers are among hundreds across the nation to receive a “pink slip” from their manufacturer. Chrysler Corporation filed for bankruptcy protection a few weeks ago, and as part of their restructuring plan elected to eliminate 789 of their 3,200 dealerships. Southeast Signature was one of the dealerships that was on the chopping block. Their Murfreesboro facility also sells Volkswagen and Hyundai.
Automotive analyst ERICH MERKLE Comments.
In a similar move, General Motors is dropping 2,600 auto dealerships by 2010. Team Chevrolet in Smyrna was notified that their franchise will not be renewed when it expires in October of next year. As you recall from earlier WGNS newscasts, Team Chevrolet is now operating in bankruptcy.
New StoneCrest CEO Mark E. Sims On The Job A Few Weeks
May 17, 2009
In March, WGNS was the first to tell you that
Mark E. Sims had been named CEO of StoneCrest Medical Center. The 16-year TriStar Health System veteran is now at the Smyrna hospital. has been named the new chief executive officer (CEO) for StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna.
TriStar President Larry Kloess said, “Mark has served as the CEO of TriStar’s Parkridge East Hospital in Chattanooga since 2005 and took on the added responsibilities as the CEO of Parkridge Valley Hospital in 2007.”
Prior to his move to Chattanooga, Sims served as CEO of Grandview Medical Center in Jasper, Tennessee from 2004-2005, and as the chief operating officer for Skyline Medical Center in Nashville from 2001-2004.
Sims obtained his B.S. degree from the University of Alabama and his MBA degree from Belmont University, and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Mark and his wife, Jodi, have two young sons, Campbell and Elliott.
Murfreesboro Man Died In Saturday Night Crash
May 17, 2009
A Murfreesboro man died in a Saturday night crash where Barfield Crescent Road dead-ends onto Midland Road. 45-year old Ronald Wheeler’s Toyota Camry kept traveling into a yard and crashed into a tree. Trooper Michael Morgan said that alcohol was involved. Reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol showed that the Casper Court resident’s drivers license was revoked as the result of a previous DUI. The one-vehicle crash was called into 911 around 10:15 Saturday night (5/16/09). Ronald Wheeler was Rutherford County’s 14th traffic fatality this year.
Linebaugh Library Summer Reading Program
May 17, 2009
We’re just a few weeks away from the beginning of the local 2009 Summer Reading Program. Linebaugh Head Librarian Rita Shacklett told WGNS News, “Children and adults are encouraged to take part in this year’s program. The only requirement is that you have a library card.” She noted that the program begins June 2nd and continues through July 24th at the downtown Murfreesboro location, Patterson Community Center, Smyrna, and Eagleville.
Many programs will be held in conjunction with the Summer Reading Program, including a kickoff event by balloon artist, Scott Tripp on June 2, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Smyrna and at 1:00 p.m. in Murfreesboro. Other scheduled programs include The Urban Safari, Skip Cain the Magic Guy, Kids Unplugged with Ross & Ahree Lester, Super Science Tennessee, The Nashville Zoo, Wildlife On Wheels, magician, Bruce Amato, and craft workshops are just a few of the many events scheduled this summer.
A complete calendar of events is available at www.linebaugh.org. For additional information, please contact Joan Hemphill at 615-893-4131 or Sandy Kaiser at 614-459-4884.
Four regional performances highlight Blue Raider track at Last Chance Meet
May 17, 2009
ATLANTA - The Middle Tennessee track and field teams completed their regular-season by securing four NCAA Regional efforts Friday and Saturday at the Georgia Tech Invitational, a Last Chance Meet in Atlanta.
The Blue Raider women earned three of the regional performances, including one in the field events. Brittany Cox (Left Photo) placed second in the shot put with a toss of 49-5.75 (15.08m), falling just short of winning the event by two inches (.05m) to Florida State’s Kamorean Hayes.
The other two NCAA Regional qualifiers came on the track with Zamzam Sangau leading the way. She turned in a time of 2:07.38 to finish ninth in the 800 meters. The 4×400m relay team, consisting of TraMayne Gillyard, Sarah Nambawa, Nyeisha Wright and Kiara Henry, also qualified after tallying a second-place result of 3:40.73, just four seconds off the pace set by winner Miami (Fla.).
Other women’s highlights of the event in the top 10 of the respective events included a fifth-place time by the 4×100m relay (46.58), sixth-place mark by Jackie Serem in the 5000m (18:09.15), Cox garnering a sixth-place mark in the hammer (176-10/53.91m) and Nambawa registering a seventh-place distance in the long jump (19-4.75/5.91m).
On the men’s side, Roscoe Payne was the only MT athlete to earn an NCAA Regional performance with his showing in the 110m hurdles. Payne clocked in at 14.07 during the preliminary round before advancing to the finals. In the finals, he posted an eighth-place time of 14.65.
Festus Chemaoi nearly made it two Blue Raider men, but missed a regional time by .06 in the 800m. He recorded a time of 1:50.46 to collect a 14th-place result.
Other top-10 showings included a runner-up time by William Songock in the 5000m (14:34.66), a fifth-place leap by Carl Morgan in the long jump (23-11.5/7.30m), Morgan again in the 200m (21.49) with a 10th-place time and Greg Franklin finishing 10th in the 100m (10.61).
The Middle Tennessee athletes who earned regional qualifying times or marks this weekend or had already achieved the efforts throughout the campaign advance to the NCAA Mideast Regional May 29-30 at Cardinal Park in Louisville, Ky.
Blue Raiders to face FAU in first round of tourney
May 17, 2009
Top seeded Middle Tennessee will play Florida Atlantic, who is seeded eighth, in the opening round of the 2009 Sun Belt Conference Championship hosted by Troy in Troy, Alabama.
The Blue Raiders will face the Owls at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20 in game two of the tournament.
The team hotel in Troy, Ala. is the Holiday Inn on Hwy 231 at US 29 Troy Exit.
In lieu of a formal tournament banquet the host school, Troy and the Sun Belt Conference will host Family Night for the second straight year. There will be a Student-Athlete Home Run Derby with one representative from each of the eight schools competing in the tournament.
Sophomore Bryce Brentz will represent the Blue Raiders as he leads the ball club in home runs with 27. Brentz has set the single-season home run record for Middle Tennessee in 2009.
Family Night is set to begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at Riddle-Pace Field with an awards ceremony before the Home Run.
The tournament will begin on Wednesday, May 20 at 9 a.m. when Florida International faces UL-Lafayette in the opening game. FIU and the Ragin’ Cajuns are on the same side of the double-elimination bracket as the Blue Raiders.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, May 19 - Sun Belt Family Night 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20
9 a.m. - Game 1 - No. 4 Florida International vs. No. 5 UL-Lafayette
12:30 p.m. - Game 2 - No. 1 Middle Tennessee vs. No. 8 Florida Atlantic
4 p.m. - Game 3 - No. 2 Western Kentucky vs. No. 7 ULM
7:30 p.m. - Game 4 - No. 3 Troy vs. No. 6 South Alabama
Thursday, May 21
9 a.m. - Game 5 – G1 Loser vs. G2 Loser
12:30 p.m. - Game 6 – G3 Loser vs. G4 Loser
4 p.m. - Game 7 - G1 Winner vs. G2 Winner
7:30 p.m. - Game 8 - G3 Winner vs. G4 Winner
Friday, May 22
9 a.m. - Game 9 - G7 Loser vs. G5 Winner
12:30 p.m. - Game 10 - G8 Loser vs. G6 Winner
4 p.m. - Game 11 - G7 Winner vs. G9 Winner
7:30 p.m. - Game 12 - G8 Winner vs. G10 Winner
Saturday, May 23
* Game 13 will be necessary if the winner of Game 9 also wins Game 11.
* Game 14 will be necessary if the winner of Game 10 also wins Game 12.
Championship Game - TBA
What’s Happening To Gas Prices?
May 17, 2009
The national average price of gasoline has climbed 25 cents a gallon since May 1, and in Auto Club South territory (Florida, Georgia and Tennessee) the average price has increased in each state by 25 cents, 29 cents and 28 cents respectively.
While consumers are puzzled by the consistent climb, Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), says retail gasoline prices are reflecting sizeable wholesale price increases during the same period. Wholesale prices on most consumer goods have increased since early April.
The national average price of $2.30 per gallon has already exceeded the peak price ($2.25 per gallon) that the U.S. Dept. of Energy projected in February. Consumer travel is expected to be up this summer beginning with a projected 1.5% increase in Memorial Weekend travel and if leisure travel is up, gasoline prices tend to follow the direction of consumer demand. According to a Reuters/University of Michigan survey of consumers, consumer confidence rose in early May as a majority of consumers expressed a belief that the economy is in its final stages of contraction.
“Despite the 4% drop in crude oil this past week, the perception that economic recovery is pending is also helping to keep both oil and gasoline prices moving higher for the short term,” said Gregg Laskoski, managing director of public relations, AAA Auto Club South. “Additionally, OPEC is scheduled to meet in Vienna on May 28 and its members may announce yet another reduction in a move to tighten supply and place additional pressure on crude oil pricing.”
Crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) closed Friday at $56.34 per barrel.
CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Current Week Ago Month Ago Year Ago
National: $2.308 $2.213 $2.052 $3.792
Florida: $2.333 $2.228 $2.103 $3.813
Georgia: $2.181 $2.104 $1.912 $3.766
Tennessee: $2.186 $2.091 $1.934 $3.667
AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report (fuelgaugereport.com) is updated each day and is the most comprehensive; reflecting actual prices from credit card transactions within the past 24 hours at two-thirds (100,000 stations) of the gasoline stations in the U.S. Its accuracy is unparalleled.
How much are you paying for gasoline taxes in Florida/Georgia/Tennessee? Use this link: http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_news/gas_taxes.asp to find out.
Smyrna Show Sewart Air Force Base Reunion Video
May 16, 2009
How To Inspect a Car before a purchase & Save $$$
May 16, 2009
Rich dad flies son to TENNIS LESSONS in JET
May 16, 2009
Parents are always rushing their kids to karate lessons or soccer practice, but one affluent Illinois dad is in hot water for the method he used to get his son to tennis lessons.The Daily Herald reports Robert Kadera pleaded guilty to criminal trespass Wednesday for deliberately landing his private plane on the seventh fairway of an exclusive resort because his son was in danger of being late for a tennis lesson at a nearby club. Authorities say Kadera’s plane was outfitted with skis when he landed on the snow-covered golf course in March 2008 so his son could get to a private lesson at the Lincolnshire Bath and Tennis Club across the street.
Kadera was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months probation, fined 500 dollars and ordered to perform 60 hours of community service.
Have a picnic with us abd BRING YOUR GUNS
May 16, 2009
A Wisconsin gun rights advocate is so eager to demonstrate his right to bear arms, he’s announced plans for a free public picnic this Sunday with an invitation for people to bring their own weapons.The La Crosse Tribune reports Hubert Hoffman is holding the picnic, which will include free burgers and brats, to celebrate a recent opinion from Wisconsin’s attorney general that citizens who openly carry firearms should not be charged with disorderly conduct. Hoffman says the picnic is a way to let the public know that openly carrying weapons isn’t dangerous or risky. The La Crosse Sheriff’s office says Hoffman is “legally entitled” to host the open carry event.
COMPUTER PROBLEMS
May 16, 2009
PLEASE MAINTAIN YOUR COOL WE ARE PROGRESSING
Catch Braves Baseball Right Here!
May 16, 2009
The Atlanta Braves play here! Listen to FM 100.5, FM 101.9 and AM 1450 for the play-by-play story with Jim Powell and Don Sutton.
Rutherford County Gets Federal Disaster Assistance
May 15, 2009
Governor Phil Bredesen has announced the federal government has approved his request for disaster assistance for Rutherford County, along with three other Tennessee counties. This following the severe weather, high winds and tornadoes that struck on April 10th. Bredesen requested the federal disaster aid following damage assessments by federal, state and local emergency management officials.
Local governments and public utilities in the four approved counties are now eligible for Public Assistance Program funds from the federal government. The public assistance designation also covers emergency response and recovery costs incurred by state government.
“Federal disaster assistance will help lessen the burden on local governments in these four counties,” said Bredesen. “I appreciate President Obama’s approval of these disaster declarations to help speed the recovery from the April 10 storms that struck Tennessee.”
As in previous disasters, the state will provide half of the local share of matching funds required by the federal reimbursement program. The total amount will be 12.5 percent of the total cost incurred by local governments. Utility companies are required to provide the full 25 percent match for federal funds.
Public Assistance
The federal Public Assistance Program authorizes a number of benefits for state and local governments and public utilities to reclaim expenses relating to debris removal, overtime and property damages for civic buildings.
In response to an earlier request by Bredesen, the Small Business Administration activated its SBA Disaster Loan program to provide help to households and private businesses in Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Davidson, Marshall, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson Counties.
In cases where government assistance programs are not an option, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency continues to assist county emergency management where possible to match individual needs with non-governmental programs, such as those offered by members of the Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters.
Additional information about state and federal assistance for affected counties will be released as details become available.
Admissions Suspended at Community Care of Rutherford County
May 15, 2009
A press release from Rutherford County reports admissions to Community Care nursing home have been suspended by state and federal agencies. This after a survey done by the Tennessee Department of Health. No further details are available at this time.
Bible Park Developer Files $2-Million Federal Lawsuit Against County
May 15, 2009
The developers of a proposed Bible theme park here in Rutherford County have filed a $2-million federal lawsuit against Rutherford County. The action is in regards to the county commission’s zoning vote. The process in which the county made the decision is the focus of contention. New York developer Armon Bar-Tur (left photo) reportedly arranged several partnerships to bring Bible Park USA to a section of the Blackman Community near state route 840 and I-24. The lawsuit claims that Rutherford Property Owners LLC and BPU Holdings LLC were improperly denied their zoning request. The Shelton family, who owns the property on which Bar-Tur held an option to buy, have also filed their own lawsuits claiming that their property rights were violated. As you recall, the zoning request received the property number of votes to be approved by a simple majority. On the commission voted 12 to 9 in favor of approving the zoning request. However, County Attorney Jim Cope ruled to accept a petition filed by adjacent property owners. Cope noted that enough signatures were gained to require a two-thirds majority, which was not accomplished. In the federal lawsuit, Bar-Tur claims that nearly $2-million was invested in the planning and initial work at Bible Park USA.
Area High Schools Vandalized
May 15, 2009
First it was Smyrna High School and now both Siegel and Oakland are dealing with vandalism. At least three Oakland students will likely face charges after spray painting vulgar messages on buildings and sidewalks at Siegel and Oakland. Also, shaving cream and chalk were used in the vandalisms. This was reported on Wednesday night and everything was cleaned up by Thursday before school. Vandals also damaged property at Smyrna High’s football and softball fields last week.
Rutherford Co. Schools Director Names 5 New Principals
May 15, 2009
Following the retirement of three veteran principals, a transfer to a new school and the planned opening of Central Academic Magnet School, Rutherford County Director of Schools Harry Gill Jr. has chosen five new principals who will begin their new duties during the summer months. The new principals are…
- Dr. John Ash, Central Academic Magnet School
- Dr. Chontel Bridgman, Homer Pittard Campus School
- Mark Gullion, Cedar Grove Elementary School
- Michael Hickman, Buchanan Elementary School
- Kay Martin, Walter Hill Elementary School
Gills says Mark Gullion, Michael Hickman and Kay Martin have all come through the ranks at a time when academic accountability is the highest it’s ever been and they’ve learned so much as young assistants. Dr. John Ash has been with the district for many years and has been successful on the high school and middle school levels, including his leadership at Christiana Middle School. Dr. Chontel Bridgman has several years of administration experience and already has a working relationship with MTSU, according to Gill. A search will begin immediately to fill the vacancies left by the new principals. To find out more about the new principals and read their bios, go to wgnsradio.com, keyword new principals.
MORE INFORMATION…
Dr. John Ash
Dr. John Ash will lead the district’s first magnet school for middle and high school grades. The school’s focus will be math and science for high achieving students and is scheduled to open in August 2010. Dr. Ash will begin as principal of the school during the 2009-2010 school to manage the transition and implementation of the new school and its curriculum.
“I’m very excited and believe there is an enormous opportunity and capability to make this one of the best schools in Tennessee,” Dr. Ash said. “I look forward to the challenge of putting together a quality team of educators and working with the community to develop a school that allows each child to reach their full potential.”
Dr. Ash has been with Rutherford County Schools for 12 years. He currently serves as the principal of Christiana Middle School, a position he has held for the past six years. He previously served as an assistant principal at LaVergne High School for four years, as the summer school site director for one year, and as a science teacher and coach at LaVergne High.
Dr. Chontel Bridgman
Dr. Bridgman will begin her new duties as the principal of Homer Pittard Campus School in July, following the retirement of Principal Stan Baskin. Campus School, as it is more commonly known, is a teaching school owned by Middle Tennessee State University and operated by Rutherford County Schools. During the year, education majors at the university work alongside RCS teachers to gain hands-on classroom experience. Campus is a choice school and parents can put their children on a waiting list for admission beginning at age 4.
Since March, Dr. Bridgman has served as the interim principal of Cedar Grove Elementary School, following the transfer of Kelly Goostree as principal of Brown’s Chapel Elementary School, a new elementary school opening in August 2009. Previously, Dr. Bridgman served as the assistant principal at Cedar Grove since the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year and served as an assistant principal at Christiana Middle School for three years. She has been an educator for 16 years including six years as an administrator.
Mark Gullion
Mark Gullion is the current assistant principal at Smyrna Elementary School and also worked as the interim principal at LaVergne Primary School for three months in 2009. He has served as the full-time assistant principal at Smyrna Elementary School for the past year, but previously served as the assistant principal at both Smyrna Elementary and Smyrna Primary School for 2½ years. He started with Rutherford County Schools as a classroom teacher at Smyrna Elementary in 2002.
Michael Hickman
Michael Hickman has been with Rutherford County Schools since 1996 and worked as a classroom teacher at Rock Springs Elementary School and Thurman Francis Arts Academy until 2004. He also worked as the School-based Technology Specialist (STS) at McFadden School of Excellence before being named assistant principal at Rock Springs Elementary, where he currently serves.
Hickman succeeds longtime Principal Mike Swanson, who is retiring at the end of the 2008-2009 school year.
Kay Martin
Kay Martin has been an educator since 1999 when she started as an eighth-grade Language Arts teacher at Walter J. Baird School in Lebanon. She joined Rutherford County Schools in 2002 as a Language Arts teacher at Siegel Middle School and later taught at LaVergne Middle School, where she became an assistant principal in 2006.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity Mr. Gill has given me to serve Walter Hill Elementary. I look forward to working with the faculty, students, and community to continue the tradition of excellence Mr. Campbell has established.”
Martin succeeds Butch Campbell, who has served as principal at Walter Hill for the past 30 years but is retiring at the end of the 2008-2009 school year.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Until 12:30pm
May 15, 2009
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1230 PM CDT FOR WEST CENTRAL RUTHERFORD AND EAST CENTRAL WILLIAMSON COUNTIES... AT 1212 PM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO INDICATE A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR NOLENSVILLE...OR 10 MILES EAST OF FRANKLIN...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 15 MPH. THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR... NOLENSVILLE BY 1220 PM CDT... PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... IN ADDITION TO LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS...CONTINUOUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM. MOVE INDOORS IMMEDIATELY! LIGHTNING IS ONE OF NATURES NUMBER ONE KILLERS. REMEMBER...IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER...YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.
TBI Releases Crime in Schools Study
May 15, 2009
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released its first ever study dedicated to crime in Tennessee’s schools. Produced by TBI’s Crime Statistics Unit, the study spans a three-year period between 2006 and 2008 and is based on numbers submitted by Tennessee law enforcement agencies to the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS).
Excluded in the study are statistics from Tennessee’s college and university law enforcement agencies. Those statistics are complied in TBI’s “Crime on Campus” report that was released earlier this year. However, there is still approximately four percent of offenses submitted by local law enforcement agencies that indicated the crime occurred on a college campus. Those statistics have not been excluded in this study. So for the five homicides reported, three occurred on a college campus and the other was incorrectly reported with two victims when it was actually one. Therefore, only one homicide occurred at a school as defined within the parameters of this study.
To view more facts about the study, log-on to wgnsradio.com, keyword schools study.
“School Crimes Study” Fact List
Two percent of total crime committed across the state, or approximately 12,000 incidents, occurred at a schools. April 2008 recorded the highest number of offenses at 1,500.
The most frequently reported offense was simple assault at about 30 percent.
Eighty-four percent of the weapons used to commit simple assaults were “Personal Weapons” such as hands, feet, teeth, etc…Only 0.4% of crimes involved a firearm.
More than 1,800 Theft from Buildings were recorded each year. Drug violations reached more than 1,300 and vandalism at well over 1,200 each year.
The total number of rapes reported were ten, however, eight occurred on a college campus.
Males were the majority of offenders at 56 percent while females were at 22 percent.
The majority of the crimes were committed during months when school was in session and through the school week, with 20 percent of incidents occurring on Fridays.
The average age of offenders and arrestees over the three-year period was 16 years old. The average age of victims was 23.
Crime in schools is a concern for Tennesseans. It is important to understand the characteristics surrounding school crime and its offenders and victims. This understanding will help schools, policy makers, law enforcement and the public learn how to better combat crime in schools. To view the “School Crimes Study” in its entirety, go to the TBI website at www.tbi.state.tn.us. Click on “Crime Statistics” from the homepage. The study is listed under “Specialized Reports.”
Local Ride of Silence Will Not Be Quiet
May 15, 2009
Local bikers will take to the road in protest at 6:00 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, May 20th. The Murfreesboro Bike Club and cyclists around the world are making a silent protest to the carnage taking place on the streets. The club’s past president and current Vice President of Touring Cary Way tells WGNS News…
“This will be a ride in which everyone can participate. It’s free to participants and riders will not go faster than 12 miles per hour along this short 6-mile route.” Riders need to meet at the inner circle of the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse. Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence six-years ago in Dallas, after endurance cyclists Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus mirror on an empty road. Way noted, “This is a local problem as well. Last year a bicyclist was killed in the Leanna Community when a car crossed in front of him.” According to local accident reports, there have been numerous bicycle versus vehicle crashes in Rutherford County over the past 12-months. If you would like more information on the Ride of Silence, call Way at 893-0721.
Local website: www.mborobike.com
Ride of Silence site: www.rideofsilence.org
Church Child Molestation Case Going To Grand Jury
May 15, 2009
It’s hard to imagine what damage has been done to two twelve-year old boys who allegedly had a sexual encounter with a 24-year old male volunteer at Heartland Baptist Church. As you recall from earlier WGNS Newscasts, after an investigation by the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office…Matthew Maurice Jernigan (left photo) was charged on April 3rd with two counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of aggravated sexual battery by an authority figure. After hearing the evidence, on Thursday (5/14/09) Judge David Loughry dismissed the charge of two counts of aggravated sexual battery by an authority figure. He then advanced the charge of two counts of aggravated sexual battery to the grand jury for their decision on whether or not to indict the Trailside Drive resident. The judge also lowered Jernigan’s bond from $500,000 to $200,000. Upon returning to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, Matt Jernigan made bond and was released.
Friday Swap’n Shop
May 15, 2009
For Sale: full-size antique cherry rice bed with mattress and box springs, quilt with shams-everything $325 884-9007
For Sale: table and chairs $25; dishwasher (portable) $100; rocks 563-9844
Service: will mow yards in Murfreesboro; For Sale: cell phone 995-2374
For Sale: 1948 Plymouth coupe 243-7736
For Sale: John Deere 60HP diesel tractor 931-580-1717
Garage Sale: Discovery School 1807 Greenland Drive (Saturday 8AM-Noon) in the cafeteria to benefit the tornado victims
For Sale: Chihuahua puppy $35 877-MORTON
Event: Salem United Method Church Saturday 7:30AM-12:30PM Yard Sale…call 478-4118 to reserve table
For Sale: cable ready TV’s (18-inch and a 13-inch) 867-7523
For Sale: ;upright piano; treadmill 563-9923
Wants: someone to haul dirt with dump truck; transmission for Ford F-150 with overdrive (1993-1996) 578-7991
Wants: utility trailer to haul mowers; For Sale: 5-speed Imprezza Subaru with 75K miles; lot near Woodbury (8 acres) 895-1258
For Sale: 2 bedroom duplex in Scotland acres area 893-8457
For Sale: washer and dryer ($50 each) 907-1167
Wants: good workable AT&T or Verizon cell phones 584-7127
Wants: enclosed trailer (6 x 12-foot); used rear-tine tiller 713-0572
Event: Parking lot sale 7AM-11AM parking lot sale at First United Methodist Church
For Sale: Honda 300 four-track; 12-gage shotgun 804-1639
Wants: working refrigerator 243-2824
Yard Sale: 310 Palm Court on Saturday 569-0933
Elgene Porter Guilty!
May 15, 2009
On Thursday (5/14/09) it only took 55-minutes for a jury of five men and seven women to find 37-year old Elgene Porter guilty of aggravated rape of a mother in her mid 20s, two counts of aggravated kidnapping of a mother and two and a half-year old daughter, along with conspiracy, aggravated burglary and attempted aggravated robbery charges. The only charge in which Elgene Porter was found not guilty was that of animal cruelty. The victim told the jury that on November 22, 2006, three armed men entered her Smyrna home. The woman’s two and a half year old daughter watched in horror as her mother was raped. Circuit Court Judge Don Ash will hand down the sentencing on July 20th. Porter faces between 15 and 66-years behind bars. The rapist’s twin brother, Eugene Porter, faces identical charges. Another suspect, only known as Von–has not yet been apprehended. The victim and her husband accepted an apology from the mother of the rapist.
Baseball: Blue Raiders rout rival Hilltoppers 10 - 4
May 15, 2009
Junior Kenneth Roberts (left photo) and the Middle Tennessee defense worked together to pick up a 10-4 win over Sun Belt leading Western Kentucky Thursday night.
Roberts (8-1) worked eight innings allowing one run on seven hits with five strikeouts while the Middle Tennessee (37-15, 20-8) defense was perfect with no errors in addition to posting five double plays.
“Good defense is a pitcher’s best friend. It was great for Kenny and he had an outstanding game. We had to match-up at the beginning of the game and we matched up great blowing through the first five innings,” head coach Steve Peterson said.
The Blue Raiders also performed well at the plate as sophomores Bryce Brentz and Tyler Burnett and seniors Rawley Bishop and Nathan Hines all had multiple hit nights.
Brentz hit his 27th home run of the season on his way to a 3 for 4 night with one RBI and scored three runs.
“We swung the bat well and got hits in key situations. Brentz is having a great year and continues to do it day in and day out,” Peterson said.
Bishop went 2 for 5 with a double, home run, drove in two runs and scored two runs while Hines doubled, drove in a run and scored.
Matt Hightower (6-2), who led the Sun Belt in pitching, took the loss as he allowed seven runs on 10 hits in six innings of work. The Hilltoppers used five pitchers in relief with Aaron Mayfield having the longest relief outing working one inning allowing one run on three hits.
The Hilltoppers (37-15, 21-7) had 12 hits on the night with five of those coming in the ninth inning when they also scored their only runs in the game.
Jeremy Coleman, Matt Rice and Hightower all had two hits in the game with Rice hitting a home run and Hightower hitting a double to account for two of WKU’s five extra base hits.
Roberts allowed just one run in the game which came against the only batter he faced in the ninth as WKU’s Wade Gaynor hit a solo home run to left.
Bishop hit an inside the park home run in the fourth to put Middle Tennessee up by two as Brentz scored from second. The ball was hit to deep centerfield and Bishop turned it into a home run after the centerfielder ran into the wall and the ball rolled away from him, 2-0 MT.
Brentz hit a solo shot to left in the fifth to increase the Blue Raider lead to three.
Middle Tennessee hit back to back doubles in the bottom of the seventh to score two runs and take a 5-0 lead. The Blue Raiders added four more runs on a single to left and a double to right taking nine run lead. Middle Tennessee scored six runs on five hits to take a 9-0 lead.
Western Kentucky hit two home runs in the ninth to get on the board and close the gap to seven, 10-3 MT. The Hilltoppers ended the inning scoring four runs on six hits.
Middle Tennessee will play game two of the series with the Hilltoppers on Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m.
“It is a good start for us in the series and I told the team headed in that the second game of the series is the most important. Tomorrow is the important game of the series because then it really puts emphasis on the series. The fans are seeing the top two teams in the conference battle for the regular season title,” Peterson said.
Rob Lyons to Replace Roger Haley as ‘Boro City Manager
May 14, 2009
After a nationwide search, the Murfreesboro City Council has voted to appoint Rob Lyons the next city manager. He’s served as the long-time second-in-command under Roger Haley, who announced his retirement in March. The council vote was unanimous. Lyons will take over August 3rd, the official last day on the job for Haley. The 63-year old served as city manager for 20-years.
The council considered at their April 9th meeting criteria for the search. That included requirements of a bachelors degree, with a preferred masters in government, business or related fields. Also, they asked for candidates with at least 10-years experience and at least five in senior level management, in a city of at least 75-thousand residents. (photo ID: Lyons with Bryan Barrett after the Good Friday tornadoes)
Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Ceremony At City Hall
May 14, 2009
The annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Day ceremony honoring fallen law enforcement officers here in Rutherford County was held Thursday morning (5/14/09) at 11:00 o’clock in the rotunda of the Murfreesboro City Hall. Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman (left photo) served as the host of the event that was broadcast live over WGNS.
The following law enforcement leaders also spoke at Thursday’s tribute: Sheriff Truman Jones gave his personal comments thanking all of the law enforcement agencies, and then he introduced State Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell who is from Murfreesboro. U.S. Marshal Denny King along with Smyrna Chief Kevin Arnold and La Vergne Chief Ted Boyd added to the moving tribute.
Honoring Those Who Made The Supreme Sacrifice
Six law enforcement officers have lost their lives serving others. On December 16, 1946, Officer Herbert McClanahan was shot and killed at the Murfreesboro Police Department when it was located in the old city hall on East Main Street. U.S. Deputy Marshal Sam Vaughn was killed with his own gun when overpowered by two convicts whom he was transporting on August 8, 1953. They were en route through Rutherford County to a federal prison in Atlanta. Tennessee Highway Patrolman Lewis Raymond Hendon died in a traffic crash on June 15, 1957. He was delivering blood to the old Rutherford Hospital. (black and white photo L-R: Officer McClanahan, U.S. 
Deputy Marshal Sam Vaughn, and Trooper Lewis Raymond Hendon) The next two officers both died in fatal crashes. Officer Joseph “Butch” Tomlinson, Jr. died in his patrol car on October 28, 1999. Officer Kay Rogers was killed on her police motorcycle on November 9, 2005. Captain Byron Motley lost his life while saving a drowning child on July 22, 2006. (color photos L-R: Officer “Butch” Tomlinson, Officer Kay Rogers, and Captain Byron Motley–all with the Murfreesboro City Police)
Tributes Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
A moving presentation of Colors was made by Smyrna Officer Michael Potts and Murfreesboro Officers Justin Lemanski and Chrystal Price. Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg saluted our local officers, especially for their outstanding service to our community after the Good Friday tornado. Later a wreath was brought forward by Rutherford County Sheriffs Deputy David Foote and Smyrna Sergeant Bobby Gibson.
Keynote Speaker: County Mayor Ernest Burgess
Blackman community native Ernest Burgess gave the keynote address honoring those who keep the peace in the Heart of Tennessee. The lifelong resident who retired in 1995 as the senior vice president of operations at National Healthcare Corporation now serves as the Rutherford County mayor. He shared his personal experiences and was grateful for all that these officers do for the area.
The first National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Service was held in Washington, DC on May 15, 1892. A memorial at our nation’s capitol was dedicated at that time. The first recorded death of a police officer was in 1792. Since that time, more than 18,600 officers have died in the line of duty. Over the past decade, an average of one officer has died every 53-hours.
(Above Photo L-R) Wreath brought forward by Smyrna Sergeant Bobby Gibson and Sheriffs Deputy David Foote. After the wreath was placed, THP Colonel Mike Walker played TAPS on the bugle.
Presentations
Family members of the late Murfreesboro Police Officer “Butch” Tomlinson presented the city with a remembrance plaque. Chief Chrisman noted that it would be placed in a prominent position at the Murfreesboro Police Department.
Officer Joseph “Butch” Tomlinson’s family made a special presentation to Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman. (Above photo L-R) The officer’s wife, Dee Tomlinson; his sister’s Cathy Taylor and Pat McKnight; as Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman listens to their moving comments.
NOT SO GOOD: Crime Log for TN Schools Released
May 14, 2009
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation today released its first ever study dedicated to crime in Tennessee’s schools. Produced by TBI’s Crime Statistics Unit, the study spans a three-year period between 2006 and 2008 and is based on numbers submitted by Tennessee law enforcement agencies to the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS).
Excluded in the study are statistics from Tennessee’s college and university law enforcement agencies. Those statistics are complied in TBI’s “Crime on Campus” report that was released earlier this year. However, there is still approximately four percent of offenses submitted by local law enforcement agencies that indicated the crime occurred on a college campus. Those statistics have not been excluded in this study. So for the five homicides reported, three occurred on a college campus and the other was incorrectly reported with two victims when it was actually one. Therefore, only one homicide occurred at a school as defined within the parameters of this study.
Study FACT LIST:
* Two percent of total crime committed across the state, or approximately 12,000 incidents, occurred at a schools. April 2008 recorded the highest number of offenses at 1,500.
* The most frequently reported offense was simple assault at about 30 percent.
* Eighty-four percent of the weapons used to commit simple assaults were “Personal Weapons” such as hands, feet, teeth, etc…Only 0.4% of crimes involved a firearm.
* More than 1,800 Theft from Buildings were recorded each year. Drug violations reached more than 1,300 and vandalism at well over 1,200 each year.
* The total number of rapes reported were ten, however, eight occurred on a college campus.
* Males were the majority of offenders at 56 percent while females were at 22 percent.
* The majority of the crimes were committed during months when school was in session and through the school week, with 20 percent of incidents occurring on Fridays.
* The average age of offenders and arrestees over the three-year period was 16 years old. The average age of victims was 23.
MCMINNVILLE: Carnival Worker Allegedly Fondled Teens
May 14, 2009
Police in McMinnville, TN have charged a carnival worker with sexual battery, criminal impersonation and evading arrest. The charges against Tommy Ray were brought after two 15-year-old girls said they were on the Music Fest ride Saturday night, when Ray came over and fondled them both. Ray said he was just making sure they were buckled in correctly.
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