Men’s Basketball: Blue Raiders defeat Privateers 63-58
December 31, 2009
NEW ORLEANS – Junior James Washington’s heads up defensive play late in the second half handed Middle Tennessee the ball and sealed a 63-58 win over New Orleans Friday night in its Sun Belt Conference opener. And yes, you heard the game on WGNS…your BLUE RAIDER CONNECTION (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV 11; worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com).
New Orleans (5-9, 0-3) cut the Blue Raider lead to two points, 59-57 with 2:41 remaining and then a free throw by Ejike Hart cut it to one-point, 59-58 with 56 seconds left.
Senior Desmond Yates hit a jumper with 30 seconds putting the Blue Raiders (6-6, 1-0) up by three, 61-58, then Washington forced a turnover and called a timeout to give the ball back to the Blue Raiders with 17.9 seconds.
Middle Tennessee was fouled on the inbound after the timeout and two free throws by freshman James Gallman clinched the win.
Yates ended the game with 18 points after scoring just two in the first half. The Somerville, Tennessee native ended the game 6 for 17 from the field with four free throws, two assists, a block and a steal.
“I thought the team showed a great deal of character tonight. I thought for a period of time in the first half we played really quality basketball. Offensively and defensively in the second half was just toughness and gut check James Washington made a great loose ball save and we got good play from Desmond Yates in the second half,” head coach Kermit Davis said.
Middle Tennessee shot 44 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line. The Blue Raider bench outscored New Orleans 33-4 with Washington and Gallman scoring 10 and 11 points respectively and freshman J. T. Sulton adding 12.
I thought our true freshman were outstanding. Our bench outscored them 33-4 and we went with Demario over Washington but James was just so ready to play. Then we brought J.T. off the bench so that was good. It is a good feeling when your bench helps your team out that much,” Davis said.
Middle Tennessee began the game slowly scoring just one field goal in the first five minutes of play but quickly turned things around. The team ended the first half on an 18-2 run for a nine-point lead, 37-28 at the break.
Middle Tennessee took its first lead after a jumper by Sulton, 19-18 with 8:27 remaining. New Orleans then went on an 8-0 run to take a 26-19 lead but the Blue Raiders turned it around from there allowing the Privateers just one more basket.
Washington and Sulton led all scorers with 10 points while Gallman was a perfect 3 for 3 from behind the arc for nine points at the half.
Middle Tennessee maintained its lead in the second half after a basket by Yates kept it at 10, 45-35, with13:37 remaining. UNO cut the Blue Raider lead to three, 55-52, but a layup by Sulton put them back up by five, 57-52 with 5:13 left in the game.
The Blue Raiders will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 2 when they play host to UL-Lafayette at 7 p.m. in Murphy Center.
Armed Robbery At “Popular Fashions” On Memorial
December 31, 2009
Was it an armed robbery that went horribly wrong? Detectives with the Murfreesboro Police Department are investigating a Thursday (12/31/09) afternoon armed robbery at strip center on Memorial Boulevard. A woman was hit on the head with a hammer in this violent crime. She was rushed to the ER at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Her condition is not known at this time.The New Year’s eve crime occured at the newly opened Popular Fashion, next to Subway Sandwich Shop.
Public’s Help Needed
A witness told WGNS News that he saw a white female running from the location around 4:00 o’clock. She was covered with blood and headed on foot toward the Kingwood Apartments. The witness indicated she had a tribal type tattoo on her right wrist. A white male with military style haircut and reddish colored beard reportedly left in what might have been a GMC pickup truck with gray colored bed rails. The male was approximately 5-feet 10-inches tall and 18 to 25 years old. He weighed around 185 pounds. Police indicate the clerk from Popular Fashion was rushed to the ER at Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Her condition is not known at this time.
A police K-9 was able to track the suspect’s scent to a nearby parking lot, but lost it there. Due to a language barrier, it took police longer than usual to obtain needed crime information.
Dark and Cold
It was a cold 43-degrees, sprinkling rain and getting dark at 4:06 Thursday (12/31/09) afternoon when the 911 call was received. The first patrol car was on-the-scene in less than 3-minutes. If you heard or saw anything suspicious, call the Murfreesboro Police Department at 893-1311. If you wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 cash, call CrimeStoppers at 893-STOP (7867). When you call CrimeStoppers, no one—not even the police—know your identity.
Notable Deaths in the Entertainment World in 2009
December 31, 2009
JETT TRAVOLTA — January 2nd — pronounced dead in Freeport, Bahamas hospital, the teenage son of JOHN TRAVOLTA and KELLY PRESTON. According to the death certificate, he died of a seizure. He was 16.
STEVEN GILBORN — January 2nd — actor probably best known for playing ELLEN DEGENERES’s dad on the TV series Ellen. He was 72.
PAT HINGLE — January 3rd — played Commissioner Gordon in the Batman movies of the late ’80s and ’90s. He was 84.
DON GALLOWAY — January 8th — played Sergeant Ed Brown in the 1967-1975 TV series Ironside and later played JOBETH WILLIAMS’ husband in the 1983 movie The Big Chill. Galloway died at the age of 71 after suffering a stroke.
CHERYL HOLDRIDGE — January 6th– an actress who gained fame as a Mouseketeer on TV’s Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950s. She died of lung cancer at the age of 64. Holdridge also starred as Wally’s girlfriend for two seasons on Leave It To Beaver before retiring from show business in 1964.
HARRY ENDO — January 9th — the actor who played forensic scientist Che Fong on the popular TV series Hawaii Five-O, died in New York after suffering a stroke. He was 87. Endo was an original cast member on the police drama, which starred the late JACK LORD. The series aired on CBS from 1968 to 1980.
PATRICK MCGOOHAN — January 13th — actor whose decades-long career included lead roles in TV shows such as The Prisoner and Secret Agent and Emmy-award winning appearances on Columbo. McGoohan also appeared in the movie Braveheart. He died in Los Angeles after a brief illness at the age of 80.
RICARDO MONTALBAN — January 14th — actor best known for roles in Fantasy Island and Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. He died at his Los Angeles home of natural causes at the age of 88.
BOB MAY — January 18th — actor who played The Robot in the 1960s TV series Lost in Space. He died of congestive heart failure at the age of 69.
JAMES WHITMORE — February 6th — played the elderly prison librarian Brooks in The Shawshank Redemption and won an Emmy award as outstanding guest actor on TV’s The Practice. He died of lung cancer at his home in Malibu, California at the age of 87.
CLINT RITCHIE — February 7th — played Clint Buchanan on One Life to Live.
PHIL CAREY — February 6th — played Asa Buchanan on the soap One Life to Live.
HOWARD ZIEFF — February 22nd — directed 1979’s The Main Event, 1980’s Private Benjamin, 1991’s My Girl and its 1994 sequel. He died of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 81.
HORTON FOOTE — March 4th — won an Oscar for writing the film adaptation of HARPER LEE’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He was 92 years old.
JIMMY BOYD — March 7th — The former child singer had a novelty hit in the 1950s with I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. He was 70.
ALAN W. LIVINGSTON — March 13th — Bozo the Clown creator and former Capitol Records president. He was 91.
RON SILVER — March 15th — actor and political activist who was nominated for an Emmy for his performance as a strategist for the president in The West Wing. He also appeared in the TV series Chicago Hope, Veronica’s Closet and Law & Order and in the films Reversal of Fortune, Enemies: A Love Story and Ali. He died at age 62 after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer.
MILLARD KAUFMAN — March 14th — co-creator of the nearsighted animated character Mr. Magoo. He also earned Oscar nominations for the screenplays for the 1953 film Take the High Ground! and the 1955 classic Bad Day at Black Rock. Kaufman died of heart failure at the age of 92.
NATASHA RICHARDSON — March 18th — actress, wife of actor LIAM NEESON, died two days after suffering a head injury during a fall while skiing at a Canadian resort. She was transported from Canada to New York, where she died. The cause of death was an epidural hematoma caused by a blunt impact to the head — bleeding between the skull and the brain’s covering, which then exerted deadly pressure on her brain. She was 45.
JADE GOODY — March 22th — British reality TV star who first entered the spotlight as a contestant on the UK edition of Big Brother in 2002. She died of cervical cancer at the age of 27.
MAURICE JARRE — March 29th — French composer who won three Academy Awards in his career, including for the 1962 movie Lawrence of Arabia and the 1965 film Doctor Zhivago, which featured the hit song "Lara’s Theme." He died of cancer at the age of 84.
ANDY HALLETT — March 29th — played the green-skinned, musical-loving, nightclub-owning psychic demon Lorne on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off Angel from 2000 to 2004. He died of heart failure at the age of 33.
DAVE ARNESON — April 7th — co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons role-playing fantasy game. He was 61 years old.
MARILYN CHAMBERS — found dead on April 12th — famed adult film star. She died of complications of heart disease at the age 56.
KEN ANNAKIN — April 22nd — directed Swiss Family Robinson, The Longest Day and Battle of the Bulge. He was 94 years old.
BEA ARTHUR — April 25th — star of Maude and The Golden Girls. She was 86.
DOM DELUISE — May 4th — comic actor who starred in The Cannonball Run and Blazing Saddles, died in Santa Monica, California. His family did not reveal the cause of death. He was 75.
MICKEY CARROLL — May 7th — one of the last surviving Munchkins from the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz died in his sleep in St. Louis at the age of 89. Carroll played the role of a Munchkinland town crier, a Munchkin soldier and a fiddler who helped escort Dorothy, played by JUDY GARLAND, down the yellow brick road.
LINDA DANGCIL — May 7th — starred as Sister Ana with SALLY FIELD in the ABC series The Flying Nun. She died at the age of 67 after an eight-year battle with throat cancer.
JOHN FURIA JR. — exact date not disclosed — penned many classic TV shows, including Bonanza, The Waltons and Hawaii Five-O. He was 79.
DOLLA — May 18th — rapper, born RODERICK ANTHONY BURTON II, who was fatally shot outside a mall in Los Angeles. He was 21.
LUCY GORDON — May 20th — British actress who played reporter Jennifer Dugan in Spider-Man 3. Police believe she committed suicide, just shy of her 29th birthday.
KOKO TAYLOR — June 3rd — blues singing legend best known for her 1965 hit "Wang Dang Doodle." She was 80.
DAVID CARRADINE — found dead June 4th — star of 1970s TV series Kung Fu and QUENTIN TARANTINO’s Kill Bill films. The 72-year-old actor was found naked and hanging dead in a closet in his Bangkok, Thailand hotel room.
KENNY RANKIN — June 7th — singer-songwriter whose recordings include the 1967 song "Peaceful" and a cover of THE BEATLES’ "Blackbird." He died of complications related to lung cancer at the age of 69.
ED MCMAHON — June 23rd — former Tonight Show sidekick and Star Search host. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but McMahon’s publicist said McMahon had a, quote, "multitude of health problems the last few months" of his life. He was 86.
FARRAH FAWCETT — June 25th — former Charlie’s Angels star and sex symbol of the 1970s. She passed away in Santa Monica, California after a long struggle with anal cancer. She was 62.
MICHAEL JACKSON — June 25th — the self-professed "King of Pop." In late August, it was ruled that he died of acute propofol intoxication in combination with the sedative Lorazepam [loh-RAH-zuh-pam], sold under the brand name Ativan. Other drugs detected in Michael’s system included Lidocaine, Ephedrine [eh-FED-rihn], Midazolam [meh-DAH-zuh-lam] and Diazepam [die-AH-zuh-pam]. The death was ruled a homicide. He was 50.
GALE STORM — June 27th — star of 1950s TV series My Little Margie and The Gale Storm Show. She was 87.
BILLY MAYS — June 28th — TV pitchman who hawked OxiClean, Orange Glo and other products. He died at the age of 50. The Hillsborough County, Florida medical examiner’s office announced that Mays died of heart disease brought on at least in part by cocaine use, though the family says an independent examiner they hired found that cocaine was not a factor.
FRED TRAVALENA — June 28th — impressionist-comedian who imitated countless celebrities and made frequent appearances on JOHNNY CARSON’S Tonight Show. He was 66.
KARL MALDEN — July 1st — won a supporting actor Oscar for A Streetcar Named Desire and starred in On the Waterfront and TV’s The Streets of San Francisco. He was 97.
HARVE PRESNELL — June 30th — Broadway and Fargo actor. He died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 75.
WALTER CRONKITE — July 17th — longtime CBS Evening News anchor and "the most trusted man in America." He passed away from cerebral vascular disease. Cronkite was 92.
FRANK MCCOURT — July 19th — author of the best-selling memoir Angela’s Ashes. He died of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, at the age of 78.
GIDGET THE CHIHUAHUA — July 21st — the dog that became famous for uttering "Yo quiero Taco Bell" in Taco Bell commercials that ran from 1997 to 2000. She died at the age of 15 after suffering a stroke.
BUDD SCHULBERG — August 5th — wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for On the Waterfront. He was 95.
JOHN HUGHES — August 6th — directed 1980s hit films Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Planes, Trains & Automobiles. Hughes’ writing credits included Home Alone and Pretty In Pink. He died of a heart attack while taking a walk in New York City at the age of 59.
LES PAUL — August 13th — guitar legend and inventor. He was 94.
JOHN QUADE — August 9th — character actor perhaps best known for his role as the head of the motorcycle gang The Black Widows in the 1978 CLINT EASTWOOD film Every Which Way But Loose, and the 1980 sequel Any Which Way You Can. He also played Sheriff Biggs in episodes of Roots. He was 71.
DON HEWITT — August 19th — creator of long-running CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes. He died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 86.
RYAN JENKINS — August 23rd — contestant on VH1’s reality show Megan Wants a Millionaire. He was found hanged in a Canadian hotel room after being charged with killing his ex-wife. He was 32.
DOMINICK DUNNE — August 26th — reported on a number of high-profile trials for Vanity Fair magazine and penned best-selling crime novels including The Two Mrs. Grenvilles. He was 83.
DJ AM — found dead August 28th — club deejay, born ADAM MICHAEL GOLDSTEIN, who famously survived a plane crash along with rock drummer TRAVIS BARKER in 2008. He dated NICOLE RICHIE and MANDY MOORE. He died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 36.
LARRY GELBART — September 11th — award-winning comedy writer best known for developing the TV series M*A*S*H and co-writing the comedy classic Tootsie. He was 81.
PATRICK SWAYZE — September 14th — Golden Globe-nominated star of Dirty Dancing and Ghost. He passed away following a 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.
HENRY GIBSON — September 14th — Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In star who also appeared on Boston Legal. He was 73 years old.
MARY TRAVERS — September 16th — member of legendary folk group PETER, PAUL AND MARY. She was 72.
ART FERRANTE — September 19th — formed a piano duo with the late LOU TEICHER who recorded easy-listening versions of 1960s movie themes, including themes from Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra and Midnight Cowboy. Ferrante was 88 years old.
AL MARTINO — October 13th — actor-singer who played Johnny Fontane in The Godfather and performed "The Love Theme From The Godfather." He was 82.
CAPTAIN LOU ALBANO — October 14th — pro wrestler/manager who appeared in CYNDI LAUPER’s "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" music video. He was 76.
VIC MIZZY — October 17th — composed the themes to the classic TV shows The Addams Family and Green Acres has passed away. He was 93.
JOSEPH WISEMAN — October 19th — actor best known for the playing the title role in the 1962 JAMES BOND film Dr. No. He was 91.
COLLIN WILCOX-PAXTON — October 14th — played Mayella Ewell in the classic 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird. Her character falsely accused a black man of raping her. Wilcox-Paxton was 74 years old.
SOUPY SALES — October 22nd — comedian best known for The Soupy Sales Show, where he’d routinely take pies in the face. He was 83.
RAY BROWNE — October 22nd — professor widely credited with creating the phrase "popular culture." He was 87.
CARL BALLANTINE — November 3rd — actor/comedian/magician who played crewman Lester Gruber on 1960s TV series McHale’s Navy. He was 92.
DAVID LLOYD — November 10th — veteran TV writer best known for writing the famous "Chuckles Bites the Dust" episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He was 75. Lloyd also wrote for Frasier, Taxi, Cheers, Wings, Lou Grant and The Tonight Show.
PAUL WENDKOS — November 12th — directed over 100 films and TV series, including the 1959 movie Gidget.
KEN OBER — death was reported on November 16th — host of ’80s MTV game show Remote Control. He was 52.
EDWARD WOODWARD — November 16th — starred on TV’s The Equalizer and the film Breaker Morant. He was 79.
RICHARD TODD — December 3rd — actor who was nominated for an Academy Award for the 1949 film A Hasty Heart and later starred in the 1962 film The Longest Day. He died of cancer at the age of 90.
GENE BARRY — December 9th — star of TV series Bat Masterson, Burke’s Law and The Name of the Game. He was 90.
JENNIFER JONES — December 17th — five-time Oscar nominee, she won the Best Actress Academy Award in 1944 for The Song of Bernadette. She was 90.
BRITTANY MURPHY — December 20th — The 32-year-old actress best known for her roles in Clueless and 8 Mile, died in Los Angeles of apparent natural causes, according to the county coroner’s office. There were reports Murphy suffered cardiac arrest at her home.
United Way at 64.7% in week #17
December 31, 2009
United Way’s thermometer for week 17 of the campaign is $1,812,636.70, which is 64.7% of the $2.8 million goal! For information on how you can be a part of this year’s campaign, please call 615-893-7303.
MAJOR National News Items for 2009
December 31, 2009
Here is a chronology of the major news events of January 2009:
January 4: New Mexico Governor BILL RICHARDSON removes his name from consideration as President-elect BARACK OBAMA’s pick for Secretary of Commerce due to an investigation of a company that did business with his state government.
January 6: The 111TH Congress is sworn in, with Democrats now the majority in both the House and Senate.
January 9: The Illinois House of Representatives votes to impeach Governor ROD BLAGOJEVICH, who was indicted a month earlier for trying to sell President-elect BARACK OBAMA’s vacated Senate seat for cash or political favors.
January 12: Senate Majority Leader HARRY REID announces that ROLAND BURRIS, who was appointed as President-elect BARACK OBAMA’s successor to the Senate by embattled Illinois Governor ROD BLAGOJEVICH, would be seated after Burris was initially not allowed to be sworn in with other lawmakers.
January 15: "The Miracle on the Hudson." USAirways pilot CHESLEY "SULLY" SULLENBERGER manages to safely land a jet with 155 passengers and crew on board on the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey when his plane became disabled after striking a flock of birds. Sullenberger instantly becomes an international sensation.
January 17: Israel calls for a cease fire after several weeks of fighting with the militant group Hamas in Gaza. Hamas agrees to end hostilities the next day. The death toll from the brief war: at least 1,200 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.
January 20: History is made when BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA becomes the first African-American in history to be sworn in as U.S. president. He pledges to rescue the nation from its worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
January 21: HILLARY CLINTON, wife of former President BILL CLINTON and ex-New York Senator, is sworn in as secretary of state.
January 21: CAROLINE KENNEDY, daughter of the late President JOHN F. KENNEDY, decides to drop out of contention for HILLARY CLINTON’s New York Senate seat.
January 22: In one of his first acts as president, BARACK OBAMA orders that the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba be shut down by January 2010.
January 27: TIMOTHY GEITHNER was approved by the Senate as the new Treasury secretary even after it was disclosed that he failed to pay taxes from 2001 to 2004 while he was chairman of the International Monetary Fund.
January 27: NADYA SULEMAN gives birth in California to eight children conceived by in vitro fertilization. Suleman, who already has six children and is unmarried, unemployed and living with her parents, is dubbed the "octomom."
January 31: Former Maryland Lt. Governor MICHAEL STEELE is picked as the first African-American to head the Republican National Committee.
January 31: Iraq holds provincial elections around the country marked by relatively little violence. More significantly, the U.S. plays a small role in providing security, unlike previous votes.
12-Year Old Girl Calls Police – Meth Lab Found Near a 231 South Daycare Center
December 31, 2009
A fight between a man and a woman visiting a friends home on Dixon Court led to multiple arrests. Reports indicate a 12-year old girl called Murfreesboro Police when Naomi Cole and Jason Greer began yelling at each other in her father’s living room. The child’s father, David Brown, evidently tried to intervene when Greer allegedly pulled out a knife threatening everyone in the home. The little girl told officers, “Mr. Greer Snapped.”
After officers arrived and forced Greer to the ground, they placed him in handcuffs and charged him with 5-counts of aggravated assault. The domestic violence call quickly turned into a child neglect case when Greer told police there was a meth lab on the property. Not only does Brown’s 12-year old daughter live with him, but also her older brother. To make matters worse, they live less then 1,000 feet away from a daycare center that is located on South Church Street, across from Indian Hills Golf Course.
39-Year old David Brown who claims to be unemployed was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and simple possession of drug paraphernalia. The police report shows that hypodermic needles were found in the home.
Swap and Shop for Thursday (New Years Eve)
December 31, 2009
INDOOR MOVING SALE 1754 Halls Middle Rd. in Unionville 931-619-3097 - Saturday 8amFor Sale: DVD’s and Xbox Games and an aluminum tool box
663-3077
For Sale: dog pen and 2-weedeaters 217-4938
For Sale: Home Medics foot soaker for $10 and a VCR for
$10 and a 4X8 tilt trailer for $225 - 319-8508
For Sale: Gas Cook Stove 563-9160
NEEDED: DVD Player 890-6642
For Sale: Bed Frame for $25 410-7935
For Sale: Nice Wheelbarrel 893-3964 and a leaf blower
For Sale: 1982 Dodge Truck and a elec. Ghuitar 890-4233
WANTED: A car hauler 893-2468
Rockvale First Independent Baptist Church 7pm TONIGHT
ELECTRICIAN - Will do work - call 853-4883
WANTED: Mobile Home 971-1869
For Sale: Sears Refrigerator for $60 OBO and want OLD
GOSPEL RECORDS, will burn records to CD 506-0748
For Sale: Two Rifles, Bursa 380 with shells 931-575-9861
For Sale: 1985 Ford 1-Ton Truck with 83k miles on it -
$1350 - 815-8337
For Sale: V-8 Chevy Motor 713-7789
For Sale: 20,000 BTU Propane Heater 563-2982
For Sale: Husqvarna Chainsaw and a handgun 931-205-1040
Thinking About New Years Resolutions? Think About This…
December 31, 2009
When you look at a restaurant menu, do you also look at the calorie information if it happens to be provided?
A new study in the American Journal of Public Health suggests that some people are paying attention to the caloric content of foods, which may be causing them to use a bit of restraint while ordering.
In fact, menus that also feature data such as the number of recommended calories an adult should consume each day seem to impel people to watch what they eat.
For the study, Yale researchers provided 300 people with menus, 100 of which featured no calorie information, 100 of which included calorie information for each entrée, and 100 of which featured calorie information plus the number of calories adults should consume daily, which is 2000.
What happened was that people who ate from the menu with the most calorie information downed 14 percent fewer calories than those who ordered from menus that just featured entrees.
Although the experiment wasn’t done in an actual restaurant setting, the researchers contend that menu labeling definitely has an effect on people’s eating habits.
In 2008, New York City became the first city to mandate calorie information in fast food and coffee chain menus, with California and other states and cities following suit.
Go Blue!
December 31, 2009
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. –Middle Tennessee men’s basketball team will open Sun Belt Conference play on Thursday, Dec. 31 when it travels to New Orleans.
The Blue Raiders will face the Privateers at 4 p.m. in UNO Lakefront Arena on the University of New Orleans campus.
Middle Tennessee has spent the last week, with a couple of days off for Christmas, preparing for the beginning of conference play.
Senior Desmond Yates, who needs just 145 points to become the school’s all-time leading scorer, along with seniors Montarrio Haddock and Calvin O’Neil will help guide the Blue Raiders.
Juniors James Washington and Rod Emanuel will provide assistance while the Blue Raider bench will be a large part of the team’s success as well. Middle Tennessee’s bench which includes junior Trevor Ottley and freshmen James Gallman and J.T. Sulton have posted a number of double-figure scoring games between them.
The game with New Orleans begins a busy week for the team who will play three games in five days.
Middle Tennessee will then open the home conference slate on Saturday, Jan. 2 when it plays host to UL-Lafayette at 7 p.m. in Murphy Center. On Monday, Jan. 4 the Blue Raiders travel a short distance to Nashville to play Vanderbilt. The game with the Commodores is set for 8 p.m. Voice of the Blue Raiders, Chip Walters, will call the play-by-play of all three upcoming games which can be heard on WGNS, your Blue Raider connection (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over the air TV 11; worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com).
Doris Demos Passes Away
December 30, 2009
Doris Demos has passed away. She died on Wednesday at the age of 74. In 1989, Jim and Doris Demos started their extremely popular Demos Restaurant here in Murfreesboro. Doris created many of the delicious recipes that are enjoyed by throngs of people who regularly patronize this family business. Demos Restaurant began here in Murfreesboro and expanded to Nashville, Lebanon, Hendersonville and has now branched out to Florence, Alabama. The family says Doris had been a picture of health her entire 74-years until she suffered a massive stroke Tuesday night…which led to her passing Wednesday afternoon. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Demos have been announced. They will take place Saturday morning at 10am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Woodfin Memorial Chapel is in charge of the local arrangements. Visitation will be at Woodfin Friday from 3:30 until 7:30pm.
Message on Demos’ Restaurant Marquee
Basketball: Lady Raiders 102 - New Orleans 57
December 30, 2009
NEW ORLEANS - Brandi Brown continued to find comfort inside Lakefront Arena as the Preseason First Team All-Sun Belt selection tied for game-high honors with 25 points in guiding the Middle Tennessee women’s basketball team to a 102-57 victory at New Orleans Wednesday night. It marked the final game of the 2009 calendar year for the Blue Raiders, as they topped the century for the fifth time under head coach Rick Insell, winning all five.
Brown, who had set a career high with 28 points against the Lady Privateers during the regular-season meeting in the same building a year ago, began her final game in the gym by hitting her opening seven shots, including five 3-pointers, in the first half on her way to a 9-of-10 effort in the first 20 minutes to match UNO’s first half total of 23.
Brown’s 28 points in last year’s game were keyed by nailing her first six 3-pointers, a start similar to this year’s outing. She finished this contest by connecting on 10-of-13 field goals, including 5-of-6 triples for her season best.
Both teams combined to knock down the first nine 3-pointers taken, including seven by the Blue Raiders. Although nine of the team’s first half buckets were from long range, Middle Tennessee (7-4, 2-0 Sun Belt) was particularly effective by handing out 17 assists on the 21 field goals as it shot a season-high 65.6 percent from the floor. The nine triples are tied for third in school history for the most in the opening period.
The defense also was vital in lifting the Blue Raiders to the win, as it forced 14 turnovers in the first half on the way to 29 overall New Orleans (6-8, 0-3 Sun Belt) miscues. MT also topped the 70-point mark for the third-straight time against the Lady Privateers, a squad which has allowed opponents to only reach the mark seven times in the last two seasons.
New Orleans came out of the intermission by netting six of its first seven attempts. However, the quick start did not carry over much longer as the Lady Privateers were held without a point for nearly six minutes and a field goal for nearly seven as the Blue Raiders were able to extend their lead.
All-American Alysha Clark also finished with 25 points, her 37th-straight game scoring in double figures. She moves into sole possession of second place in school history on the list, eclipsing the 36 by Kim Webb (1984-87) and Sherry Tucker (1992-95). The school record is held by Tawanya Mucker (1986-89), who registered 60 consecutive as a Blue Raider.
Senior Jackie Pickel hauled in a career-high 10 rebounds, tying for game-best honors with the Lady Privateers Juanita Cochran. Chelsia Lymon and Anne Marie Lanning also reached double figures with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Middle Tennessee also received points from three of the four freshmen who played, including the first points of Jamila Ajanaku’s career and a career-best six from Icelyn Elie.
New Orleans was led by a dozen by Amanda McCarthy, while Talisha Bridges chipped in 11 and Tiffina’ Bennett added 10.
The Blue Raiders will resume their season at 2 p.m. Sunday when they plays host to Louisiana inside the Murphy Center for the first game of the 2010 calendar year. Hear the game on your BLUE RAIDER CONNECTION…WGNS (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11 and worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com).
BULLETIN: Sheriff Arrests 3 Suspects In Connection With Beating Elderly Couple
December 30, 2009
Less than 72 hours after a horrific home invasion in which an elderly veteran and his wife were beaten, brutalized and robbed in their rural Eagleville home, the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office has arrested three suspects.
Three Suspects Held Without Bond
36-year old Ronald W. Damon of 901 W. Main Street in Murfreesboro; 19-year old Ashton Garza of 5636 Constantine Drive in Rockvale; and 20-year old James Charles Pittard of 2198 West Green Hill Road in McMinnville. General Sessions Judge Ben Hall McFarlin ordered the three to be held at without bond at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. They return to General Sessions judge on Tuesday (1/5/2010).
Each is charged with two counts of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, two counts of Aggravated Robbery and one count of Aggravated Burglary. More charges may accrue.
Cecil Story, an 86-year-old veteran of both World War II and Korea, and his 93-year-old wife, Edna, were both beaten about the face and head by the men, who knocked on their door at 661 Floyd Road late Sunday night.
Story, who was a navigator on B-29 bombers and C-46 cargo aircraft during both wars, received broken facial bones in the attack and was transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for advanced treatment.
Mrs. Story, who weighs just 60 pounds, was beaten around the head, and received a deep laceration to the bridge of her nose from being hit in the face with her glasses on. She also had deep lacerations to her wrists from the nylon rope used to bind the couple to chairs in their own kitchen.
The couple were both released from medical care later Monday.
Detective Captain Acton’s Observations
Detective Captain Preble Acton told WGNS News, “After an assiduous and comprehensive three day investigation, Detective Steve Kohler and Detective Bryant Gregory formally charged Ronnie Damon, Charles James Pittard and Ashton Garza with Aggravated Burglary( 1 count), Especially Aggravated Kidnapping(2 counts) and Aggravated Robbery(2 counts). This unit personalizes all criminal acts against innocent victims however; the heartless and callous nature of this incident created an urgency to arrest those responsible and restore a sense of security to the Eagleville community as well as to the citizens of Rutherford County.”
“The detectives and responding deputies were emotionally affected by the victims and what they were subjected to Sunday night. Emotions aside, the detective unit came together as professionals do; investigating leads, following those leads and ensuring that a solid case is presented before the Criminal Justice system. We are happy that the first phase of this case is completed. We assure the community that the detectives will be as diligent and tireless in the prosecutorial stages of this investigation.”
George Erdel (D) to Run for Congress
December 30, 2009
While several Republicans have thrown their hat into the ring to run for the U-S Congressional seat being vacated by Bart Gordon, Democrats have been scrambling to find candidates to seek the position. George Erdel has done that. Positioning himself as a conservative, Erdel says it’s time the people of the 6th Congressional district have a choice…
Erdel calls himself a grassroots activist. He attended Gordon’s town hall meeting on health care last summer. During that meeting, he stated he felt the country is headed toward socialism…
Erdel says this country – today – is standing on the edge of a cliff…
The names of several other Democrats have been mentioned as possible candidates. They include Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg, State Representative Mike McDonald of Portland and State Representative Henry Fincher of Cookeville.
Two 17-Year Olds Accused of Breaking Into Home and Stealing TV’s
December 30, 2009
Two 17-year old high school students have been apprehended for taking part in a home break in. During the crime a 40-inch flat screen television, a 46-inch flat screen TV and several video games were stolen from a home. The burglary happened on East Bell Street.
The two teenagers have been charged with aggravated burglary and theft.
City Cafe Approaches 110th Anniversary With Expanded Service
December 30, 2009
City Cafe owner Scott Perkins used the WGNS Action Line radio show, that broadcasts “live” from his restaurant on Wednesdays, to announce expanded services there in the New Year. He said, “We are converting the upstairs dining area into a wi-fi restaurant with plasma TVs on the walls. It will offer a family friendly atmosphere for hi-tech patrons to enjoy themselves and have home-cooked meals”.
Bible Trivia 6PM Thursday Nights
In addition to those changes, Perkins noted that starting at 6:00 o’clock Thursday night, January 14th, the well known eatery in the historic district will offer Bible Trivia. He said, “We’re encouraging youth groups at area churches and MTSU to join us every Thursday night for a period of learning that should benefit all ages.”
2010 Political Year
With 2010 being a major election year, Perkins said the City Cafe Straw Poll will again be used with the results being broadcast during the WGNS Wednesday radio shows (8:10-9:00AM). In addition, results will be posted on the radio station’s electronic newspaper: www.WGNSradio.com. The City Cafe is at 113 East Main Street, and one February 10th…it celebrates 110-years of service to the Heart of Tennessee.
County Mayor Sees Improved Sales Tax Collections
December 30, 2009
County Mayor Ernest Burgess told WGNS’ Action Line listeners Wednesday morning (12/30/09) that November sales tax collections for Rutherford County showed an increase when compared to the same period in 2008. In looking ahead at 2010, Burgess said expansions at Nissan to produce electric cars as well as the Veterans Administration call center being located in Smyrna are other signs of economic improvement locally. In addition, the unemployment picture for this county has decreased one-tenth of a per cent for November when compared to October. New data shows 9 per cent of Rutherford County’s workforce is unemployed.
Cigarettes and $5 Stolen in Strong Arm Robbery
December 30, 2009
A pack of menthol cigarettes and $5-dollars in cash were the only two items taken in a strong armed robbery committed on Monday in Murfreesboro. 19-Year old Charles Anthony Fish allegedly robbed a 21-year old man after sucker punching him in the face, all for cigarettes and $5. The robbery occurred on Wedgewood Street in Murfreesboro. The victim was transported to Middle Tennessee Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries where he received stitches for his facial wound. The 19-year old suspect will appear in court on February 9th.
Swap and Shop for Wednesday
December 30, 2009
For Sale: Refrigerator for $60 or best offer - runs good 506-0748For Sale: Spa Jet that attaches to a tub and a heater to
place on the couch for $15 and a Royal typewriter for $15 -
752-2816
For Sale: ammunition and XBOX Games and some DVD’s 663-3077
For Sale: 7-week old Great Piranesi Puppies, hay and
chickens 895-9053
For Sale: Window AC for $50 - typewriter for $15 and want
costume jewelry please call 556-7089
For Sale: 1997 GMC Dually 3500 truck and a mobile home for
sale 865-789-4406
For Sale: Bed Frame - like new - call 410-7935
For Sale: 2-black rocking chairs and a TV Cabinet - 867-
9142
For Rent: 2007 Rogers Street for $700 a month 525-8967
NOTICE: Harvest Church is having a FEED THE BORO on
Friday, Jan. 8th 9am until noon!!! (1267 Middle TN Blvd.)
217-9822
For Sale: Agna Purses and children clothing - boys and
girls $1 each and a paintball gun set 895-4235
For Sale: Husqvarna Chainsaw and a 9mm handgun - call 931-
205-1040
For Sale: 1982 Dodge Truck and an electric guitar 890-4233
Check Card or Debit Fraud Reported by 7-Customers of 3-Local Banks
December 30, 2009
A total of 5-people filed fraud reports with Murfreesboro Police over the past 5-days. All the reports deal with the illegal use of a First Bank Debit card. Evidently, all of the fraudulent transactions took place in Florida. According to police reports, no suspects have been named and an investigation is underway.
First Bank customers are not the only ones hit with fraud. A US Bank customer called the authorities when his account was debited over $80 for a transaction he did not make. A similar situation occured with a Pinnacle Banking customer as well.
To date, the illegal spending has rung up a bill of over $2,700. Most of the purchases made in each transaction are under $200.
Vehicles Booted – Vehicle and Boot Disappear, TWICE
December 30, 2009
Booting vehicles in Murfreesboro has been a common practice since about 2004. Most booting takes place at private apartment complexes where managers say they need to make sure that residential parking areas are open for residents. Managers tell us that visitors should be parking in the visitor area to avoid being towed or booted.
Despite booting being a well known procedure, people still refuse to park in the proper parking area at apartments.
Most recently, Camo Towing and Recovery have been the victim of boot thefts. In other words, at least two police reports have been filed this week regarding vehicle owners stealing the boot that locks an illegally parked vehicle in place. In both situations, the boot and the illegally parked vehicle have miraculously disappeared.
Despite the humor that some may see in this story, police say that stealing a boot is illegal. Evidently, stealing is stealing.
Rockvale Man Accused of Slashing Tires in Cason Ln. / Riverrock Blvd. Area
December 30, 2009
A 29-year old Rockvale man was caught slashing tires on vehicles in the Riverrock Blvd. area of Murfreesboro late Monday night. No word on how many cars were vandalized by the culprit. Eric Nathan Robinson was caught after he was spotted by a resident in the area. As a result of the accusations, Robinson was charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest, assault and bringing some type of contraband into the jail with him during the booking process. The police report shows Robinson was not charged for the slashing of tires. He will appear before a judge on February the 25th.
TBI Arrests Nashville Woman for TennCare Fraud
December 29, 2009
Domestic Violence Reports 2009 Increase
December 29, 2009
The local Domestic Violence Center saw a big jump in the number of clients they helped with orders of protection, shelter services and the like. India Rogers with the local shelter says they believe a down economy and the recession translated into an increase for them…
Rogers says the first step to getting out of a harmful situation is to call their 24-hour crisis number at 896-2012.
DEKALB COUNTY: Men Steal Steamroller
December 29, 2009
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department charged two men last week with theft of property over $500 for allegedly stealing a steamroller.
Sheriff Patrick Ray says 30 year old Johnny Wayne Wilson of Thurston Young Road, Bradyville TN was charged Tuesday, December 22nd and 31 year old David Allen Bedwell of Hurricane Creek Road, Woodbury was arrested the next day, Wednesday, December 23rd.
Sheriff’s Department Detective’s allege that the two men went to a farm on Oakley Hollow Road and took a steamroller valued at over $500. The steam roller was then taken to the Ivy Bluff Scrap Yard in Cannon County to be sold. The owners of the scrap yard had been advised of the stolen steamroller and refused to take it. The steamroller was then dumped beside of a road in Cannon County. Bond for both men was set at $5,000 each. Wilson will appear in court on January 28th and Bedwell’s court date is January 7th.
Also on Wednesday, December 23rd, 27 year old Matthew Allen Baker was charged with vandalism after he allegedly tampered with the water sprinkler system in the holding cell where he was incarcerated at the jail annex. The sprinkler system activated causing water damage. Bond for Baker was set ta $2,500 and he will appear in court on January 14th.
In another case on Wednesday, December 23rd, Sheriff Ray says a call was made to deputies about a possible drug deal going down in the Dollar Tree parking lot in Smithville. After officers located the vehicle in question, they asked the driver, 33 year old Peter D. Tramel of Cill Street Smithville for consent to search his vehicle but Tramel refused. A K-9 dog was taken around the vehicle and indicated the presence of drugs. A search was then performed. Under the driver’s side seat, deputies found a wooden box that contained nine long white pills believed to be Xanax. Also found in a sunglasses case was an orange pill believed to be Suboxone, a hollowed out ink pen barrel, a gift card, and a pill crusher. Tramel was charged with simple possession of a schedule IV drug Xanax, simple possession of a schedule III drug Suboxone, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for Tramel was set at $4,000 and he will appear in court on January 14th.
-WJLE News (Smithville, TN)
Time for State to Consider Cutting the Budget Again
December 29, 2009
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has been impacted by over $556 million in rescinded federal funds since 2002. The most recent rescissions, announced over the weekend, removed over $190 million in future transportation spending from Tennessee’s balances. These funds are part of the regular federal appropriations granted to TDOT and other Department of Transportation offices across the country each year through the federal transportation-funding bill.
TDOT has managed to reduce the impact of the latest federal rescissions on core programs that fund bridge and major highway construction projects. However, the loss of funds did have a significant impact on our Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality, Enhancement, and Safety programs. The rescissions also severely reduced the fund balances available to cities and Metropolitan Planning Organizations across the state. The losses will reduce the department’s and MPO’s flexibility in delivering transportation projects and programs.
The $190 million in federal rescissions are completely separate from the $572 million in stimulus funding received for highways and bridges in Tennessee in 2009. Over 95% of the stimulus funded projects are underway and those remaining will be committed well before the March 2, 2010 deadline. The projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will NOT be impacted by the loss of future federal transportation spending dollars. -WMSR
Author Michael Lee West at Smyrna Public Library January 23rd
December 29, 2009
Critically acclaimed author Michael Lee West will be speaking about her heartfelt Southern novels at Smyrna Public Library at 1:00 o’clock Saturday afternoon, January 23rd. The event is free and open to the public.
Since she broke out in 1990 with her modern Southern classic Crazy Ladies, Michael Lee West has written numerous novels about Southern families that convey universal truths about relationships and romances. West’s latest book Mermaids in the Basement, finds Renata DeChavannes returning to her home in Alabama after losing her job as a screenwriter. When her life appears to be falling apart, Renata finds herself being drawn closer to a once-distant father and an extended family.
Michael Lee West’s books have garnered favorable praise from publications such as Romantic Times, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal. Library Journal called West’s latest book a “charming tale” and said that West “has a knack for realistic and engaging characters.”
West, a resident of Lebanon, Tennessee, grew up in Cookeville and graduated from E.T.S.U., where she earned a degree in nursing.
Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Road W. in Smyrna. The Library is the cornerstone of our community, enriching lives through free resources for learning, fun, and opportunity. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit www.linebaugh.org.
Women’s Basketball: Middle Tennessee heads to New Orleans before New Year
December 29, 2009
The Middle Tennessee women’s basketball team will tip one last time before the 2010 calendar arrives, as it travels to New Orleans, La., Wednesday for a 7 p.m. contest against New Orleans in Sun Belt action.
The Blue Raiders closed the non-conference portion of their schedule with a thrilling, 57-51 victory over SEC foe Kentucky Monday night inside the Murphy Center. Middle Tennessee, which improved its record to 6-4 with the triumph, led for the majority of the game and outscored the previously unbeaten Wildcats 6-0 over the final 32.3 seconds. Senior Jackie Pickel launched a long-range 3-pointer with 32.3 ticks remaining and three free throws iced the win.
Senior Brandi Brown led the Blue Raiders with 16 points, while two-time reigning Sun Belt Player of the Week and All-American Alysha Clark added 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Senior Chelsia Lymon matched her career high with eight boards, as the whole team contributed to the victory.
New Orleans has lost four straight to drop its record to 6-7. Head coach Amy Champion’s squad has played two Sun Belt games, falling in both, compared to a 1-0 league start for Middle Tennessee.
The two teams met in last year’s Sun Belt Tournament quarterfinals with the Blue Raiders prevailing with an 82-47 win. It completed the season sweep over the Lady Privateers.
Middle Tennessee tips off the remainder of its schedule with the game, all against Sun Belt foes. Yes, you’ll hear the games on WGNS…your BLUE RAIDER CONNECTION (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV 11; and worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com).
WGNS…63-Years Old…And Feeling GREAT!
December 29, 2009
At 10:00pm on the night of December 31, 1946, WGNS came on the air for the first time. The Good Neighbor Station rang in the New Year of 1947. From that first day, WGNS has had as its goal to keep Murfreesboro and Rutherford County informed. CLICK the old photo on the left for more memories. Now, WGNS is here 24/7 to let you know about the events here at home as well as at distant places. In recent years, WGNS has twice received the Tennessee Emergency Management’s Station of the Year Award. The TEMA award was for special emergency service during ice storms and tornados. All of us at your radio station were honored when the Better Business Bureau’s prestigious 2004 Torch Award. This BBB honor annually recognizes ethics in the business world. WGNS has also been one of the top 50 finalists in the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award, recognizing community service and involvement. WGNS takes seriously our job of local service to our community. Everything from letting you know about activities of area churches, civic groups, schools, etc. (Good Neighbor Events are posted below as well as broadcast over WGNS). WGNS continues to offer the popular Swap’n Shop (M-F 7:50-8:10am…phone this live call-in show at 893-1450); obituaries; local sports play-by-play; break-in with news live from the scene 24-hours daily; talk shows that give you an opportunity to ask questions of our county mayor, Murfreesboro mayor, police chief, sheriff, and more–everyday on WGNS. Yes, we still work hard to earn the honor of being your Good Neighbor Station. If you have any suggestions, e-mail to OPINIONS@WGNSradio.com (click e-mail address). (above photo ID: Bill Barry in the main control room of WGNS that was located on the mezzanine of Elrod’s French Shoppe on the Murfreesboro Square, circa 1947)
Stephanie Patton United Way’s New Directory of Agency and Volunteer Relations
December 29, 2009
The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties welcomes Stephanie Patton as its new Director of Agency and Volunteer Relations. Patton came to United Way from Regions Bank where she has served in various roles, including Branch Manager and Business Banker, since 1998. The Director of Agency and Volunteer Relations is responsible for managing the allocation process, including the panel of volunteers who determine the amount of funds to be received by each partnering agency and program. Patton will also serve as the liaison between United Way and its partner agencies and volunteers.
Patton, who received a B.S. in Business Management from Harding University in Arkansas, said “I am compassionate about what United Way stands for and the difference this organization can make to Rutherford and Cannon counties. By uniting with our partnering agencies we have become multiple voices speaking for one joint cause-to do all we can to create positive changes in the lives of neighbors.”
“We are excited to have Stephanie join us in this role,” said Brian Hercules, President and CEO of the local United Way. “Her innovative perspective, relationship-building and organizational skills will serve to strengthen our partnerships with our agencies and volunteers, and her extensive history in banking will be valuable during the allocation process.”
United Way is currently underway with its annual fundraising campaign, and last week the total amount raised reached $1.78 million. This year’s goal is $2.8 million and the campaign deadline is January 31st. Funds raised during the campaign are allocated to the United Way’s partner agencies and programs by a panel of volunteers and funds are distributed according to need.
The United Way and its 45 partner agencies and programs work to advance the common good in Rutherford and Cannon counties by focusing on the essentials for building a strong community: education, income and health. The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties is located at 615 Memorial Boulevard, Suite 200 in Murfreesboro. For more information, please call (615) 893-7303 or visit www.uwrutherford.org
Women’s Basketball: Pickel’s 3-pointer lifts Blue Raiders over Wildcats
December 29, 2009
Senior Jackie Pickel hit her biggest shot of the season-to-date, a 3-pointer with 32.3 seconds remaining, to break the game’s third tie and give Middle Tennessee a thrilling 57-51 victory over previously unbeaten Kentucky Monday night in non-conference women’s basketball action inside the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro. The Cleveland, Tennessee native’s long-range bomb was part of a 6-0 Blue Raider run to close the game and put a cap on the team’s non-conference slate.
The Wildcats, who were one of seven unbeatens across the country entering the contest, trailed for the majority of the game after two-time reigning Sun Belt Player of the Week and All-American Alysha Clark gave Middle Tennessee (6-4) a slim 5-4 advantage with 16:37 to play in the first half. It was the first time UK had trailed in nearly three-and-a-half games.
Clark’s bucket was part of a 9-3 spurt and she capped the streak with an old-fashioned three-point play at 12:41. Carly Morrow answered right back with a 3-pointer to pull the Wildcats within two, but a pair of shots from Brandi Brown kept the distance at a half-dozen. The lead grew to 10, 22-12, on a Pickel steal and jumper by Brown at 8:01 just before the teams entered the under-eight media timeout.
Chelsia Lymon drove through the paint for a layup at 5:45, finishing a 5-0 run, and giving the Blue Raiders their largest advantage, 27-14, and forcing a Kentucky (11-1) timeout. The ‘Cats clawed back into the game by netting seven of the next eight points, including six from Victoria Dunlap, to trim the deficit to seven with 3:47 remaining in the half.
Neither team scored over the next two minutes before Brown drained a triple with 1:33 to go. Dunlap and Clark traded a free throw apiece and Middle Tennessee entered the locker room with a 10-point, 32-22, cushion.
The Wildcats rushed out of the intermission with seven-straight points, featuring five by Amani Franklin, to cut into the lead at 32-29. Emily Queen halted the run with a layup at 17:27 and again the teams went cold for over two minutes. Brown then connected on her last 3-pointer with 15:05 remaining to push the lead back to eight.
Over the course of the next two minutes, Pickel swiped a pair of backcourt steals and converted layups to keep the double-digit lead, 43-33, for the Blue Raiders with 13:04 to go.
Dunlap and A’dia Mathies each hit old-fashioned three-point plays and Lydia Watkins registered a pair of charity tosses in just over three minutes to pull Kentucky back within two, 43-41. Watkins’ two free throws came after Brown fouled out and she recorded an additional pair three minutes later after Queen fouled out for the game’s first tie, 43-43, with 6:31 on the clock.
After two of its post players were disqualified, Middle Tennessee went on a 5-0 run, including another steal by Pickel. But the Wildcats did not quit and answered with their own 6-1 surge to tie the game once again, at 49-49, including three points each from Dunlap and Crystal Riley.
Clark put the Blue Raiders ahead with a steal and layup at 1:25 before Mathies countered with two free throws 23 seconds later. Neither team would score for the next 30 seconds before Pickel’s dramatic 3-pointer, which sent the Middle Tennessee crowd into a frenzy.
Brown finished with a team-high 16 points, while Pickel and Clark chipped in 13 apiece. Clark added a team-high nine rebounds and three blocked shots, while Lymon equaled her career-best with eight boards.
Dunlap led all players with a double-double effort of 20 points and 16 rebounds, including 10 on the defensive glass. She was the only Kentucky player to reach double figures, as Mathies was next with eight points.
The Blue Raiders forced 29 turnovers, six fewer than they committed, against a Wildcat squad which ranked No. 1 nationally in turnover margin entering the contest.
The win is Middle Tennessee’s fifth against an SEC opponent in the last four years.
The Blue Raiders will return to action at 7 p.m. Wednesday when they travel to New Orleans, La., to face the New Orleans Lady Privateers. UNO brings a 6-7 overall and 0-2 Sun Belt record into the matchup.
Middle Tennessee Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Rick Insell
On Jackie Pickel’s field goal
When they know they have to shoot the basketball and that they will not be taken out for it, then you are shooting the ball for free. Jackie has done that for us many times. I can go back to South Alabama and Little Rock because she had made those shots her entire life. When they went out to her, she never hesitated. She just knocked down a great three and that was a big three for us and the layup Chelsia made was a big layup. We missed entirely too many free throws. You have got to give Kentucky credit. They are a great, athletic defensive basketball team that took us out of a lot of things that we wanted to do. Without making any excuses, Alysha Clark had an upset stomach with some type of stomach virus when she rolled in tonight. What a valiant effort from her and Chelsia Lymon. Chelsia is one of the top point guards in the country.
On Chelsia’s injuries
She just had cramps. But the kid just keeps coming out there and gutting it up and what can you say about the effort she gave us. Emily and Brandi did well too. There was no anyone who did not do a good job. We missed some box outs with Dymon (Raynor) and Dana (Garrett) that we usually get. But again, you have got to give Kentucky credit and you have got to give Victoria Dunlap credit because she put her team on her shoulders. Jackie got some big steals out there from deflections. Not only was her shot big, but she got some big steals on Carly Morrow once or twice. She had four steals and two or three of them were big. I mean big.
On overcoming the adversity of losing Brandi and Emily in the second half
I asked if we were ready to quit in the huddle and they all looked at me and said no. Then they went back out after my huddle and huddled in the middle of the floor. You very seldom see them do that. But that was your senior leadership from Jackie, Alysha, Chelsia and then Anne Marie (Lanning) with all the experience she has. There was a lot of big plays in the game.
On forcing Kentucky 29 turnovers
The rule of thumb many times is a team that pressures does not like to be pressured. So coming in we felt like putting a little pressure on them. That helped us get a 10-point lead on at least two occasions. Twenty-nine turnovers is probably a high for them this year.
On the challenges of defending Victoria Dunlap
She is a great athlete. We knew that. She is not as big and strong as other kids we have had to defend, but she is more athletic. We knew coming in that she was the most athletic kid we have guarded this year on the floor. She is the state decathlon champion here in Tennessee and that has to tell you a little bit about her. She is just a tremendous athlete. We went up top too much. We played into their strength with Watkins and Dunlap, but I thought we went to the boards hard. Another big play was when Amber Smith fouled out because that took away their point guard they have been relying on this year. I do not think the kid that transferred in is ready at the point. She will be because she is a great player.
On pre-game conversation with Matt Insell
We did not talk. It was all business for Matt and it should have been. If they would have come in here and not played hard, I would not have respected them. But I knew they were going to come in and play hard and that they have a good team. They are going to be a contender in the SEC — you watch them. Them being 11-0 coming into tonight was not fool’s gold. Some people question their schedule, but let me tell you something. I have seen them on film and they absolutely manhandled Louisville. And Louisville is probably more athletic than them, but they manhandled them. They are maybe not as old and experienced as Louisville, but they just flat beat a team that is going to make a splash in the Big East, you wait and see. They will not win it because of Connecticut, but they will finish third or fourth because Kentucky totally took them out of what they wanted to do.
On keeping composure when Kentucky tied it up
We have been playing this type of competition since these seniors walked in here. The first game they had of their varsity career was against defending National Champion Maryland. With five minutes to go we were up seven. So from day one, they have been in these types of games. They love playing here and they do not lose many times playing here at Middle Tennessee. They love their crowd.
On playing time for Kortni Jones and Dymon Raynor being beneficial
Kortni grew up a little bit. At half-court she wanted to do some Marcus Haynes stuff and found out real quick that she could not. We talked about it in the huddle and she did not make that mistake again. That is big when you take a freshman who does that and comes back out and does not do it again. Dymon is going to be a force. She has just got to have a little bit more playing time and playing in big games like this. I am not disappointed in anybody I put in. We made plays we needed to make.
On the importance of winning a big, last game before starting conference play
We did not really talk about that. We talked about conference play which we play Wednesday. We play at New Orleans and fly out tomorrow so we are not going to get to rest much.
Jackie Pickel
On mindset after watching the field goal sink
Coach Insell is the greatest I have known on encouraging to keep shooting. At halftime, I knew I had not been putting the ball in the hole, and if I kept shooting like that, we were going to lose. Chelsia came up to me and told me if I had an open look at all that I better put it up. So when the shot clock was coming down I saw Chelsia’s eyes and knew she was going to pass it to me, so I just got my feet set and did it routine.
On the timing of being poked in the eye before the big three
I guess that happened at 10 minutes left to go and I could not see. It was blurry for a while, but after a few minutes, I could see and I was not about to sit the bench the rest of the half.
On extra motivation with Kentucky coming in undefeated
Every year we have a huge win at home and our fans are the best. I have never heard Murphy Center as loud as it was tonight and that means a lot to us. We wanted to do something for our fans and we knew this was a big game to get our confidence going into conference play.
On quick turn around into conference play
We leave early. We cannot celebrate or anything because we have got to get our minds focused. Our team is really good at doing that and New Orleans has a very athletic team so we are going to have to play just as aggressive as we did tonight.
Brandi Brown
On the feeling from the bench when Jackie took the field goal shot
I am not going to lie, I was nervous for a little while. But I trust my teammates and I would rather Jackie have the ball than anyone else on the team. So I was confident in what she could do.
On the frustration of fouling out early
I cannot even tell you how frustrating it was. To be that far from the basket was just frustrating. I would have felt much better about it had it been an aggressive foul, but I still do not think I even touched her.
On the offense in the first half
Coach Insell says Utah is always our best offense and we have never really shown that it is. But I think that was the best we have ran Utah since we have had it in our offense.
Kentucky Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Matthew Mitchell
Opening Statement
I want to compliment Middle Tennessee. I think they played extremely hard all night. They played with tremendous energy and effort. The game really meant a lot to them. Certainly in the first half, their effort and energy was a lot better than ours. Our team picked it up in the second half and played with some more tenacity and to get back into the game was good for us. It is just so disappointing to turn over the ball that much, which resulted in a loss for us. We are not happy about that and will have to get back to Lexington and figure out how to learn from this loss.
I do not think because we are a good press team that we are a bad press-breaking team. I think that tonight we just made very bad decisions. They had a great game plan and basically it was a game plan of making us get into making good decisions. You have to credit them they were well prepared. Coach (Rick) Insell did a great job getting them prepared. I feel badly that I did not have our team any better equipped to succeed in this game.
Victoria Dunlap
What caused so many bad decisions?
I think we were rushing a lot of things. In the first half, we settled for a lot of open shots, a lot of jump shots instead of taking it to the basket. It was just more of us making bad decisions.
On if the loss will refocus the team
I think it will show the team that we can either win or lose. We lost this game and it is something we will take into practice and just work even harder for the next game.
ALCOHOL was Root of Arrests Made During Christmas in Murfreesboro
December 29, 2009
Arrest reports made on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day have been released by the Murfreesboro Police Department and the reports indicate that alcohol was the number one tool used in most cases resulting in holiday arrests. Multiple DUI and public intoxication charges were filed and the ages of those arrested ranged from 18 to 50.
As far as the details of those arrested, one intoxicated subject was found passed out in front of the Middle Tennessee Medical Center Emergency Room. Another was found driving down Mercury Blvd. and one man was caught driving while drunk down Thompson Lane at 3-am on Christmas Eve morning, just to name a few of the cases.
Want more details?
A 19-year old was charged with DUI on Christmas Eve after police spotted his vehicle stopping for a stop light in the middle of an intersection on Cason Lane at Old Fort Parkway, a 25-year old woman was spotted walking around the Food Lion parking lot on South Church St. at Barfield Crescent cursing. Apparently she was intoxicated too. That woman was arrested around 5-pm on Christmas Eve. Her friend was also arrested. Officers report the two women were together drinking tequila in the grocery store parking lot just after sunset and in addition to shouting obscenities, they were also yelling, “Happy New Years.”
DUI and public intoxication charges were also issued on Hardwood Drive, South Rutherford Blvd., and again, on South Church Street.
Man Faces Statutory Rape and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Charges
December 29, 2009
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor and statutory rape are the two charges that one Murfreesboro man faces. Jerry Richard Lokey, who lives in an apartment on Warrior Drive, was arrested at the Murfreesboro Police Headquarters on South Church Street after a police interview. Lokey will face the two charges dealing with a juvenile in the near future in a General Sessions Courtroom.
Tuesday Swap’n Shop
December 29, 2009
For Sale: refrigerator $60 506-0748
For Sale: X-Box, DVD’s; trade-day Monday’s on Baxter Highway 663-3077
For Sale: 2 tickets to Peach Bowl Thursday in Atlanta 867-3328
For Rent: 3 BR, 1 ½ bath home with carport on 2007 Rogers St. $700/month 525-8967
For Sale: new toaster over $20; 2 drawer file cabinet $15; 21-inch Magnavox color TV $60 890-0707
Service: cleans houses and businesses 896-2867
Wants: washing machine 593-1694
For Sale: 27-inch cable ready TV $35; 1985 Ford 1-ton 6-cylinder with 12-foot steel bed $1,350 280-1810
Wants: used silage and gravity wagon for running gear 896-9729
For Sale: 1995 Nissan pickup truck 867-1010
Service: will do electrical work 853-4883
For Sale: 15-guage bolt action rifle; 931-575-9861
For Sale: chain saw; 38 revolver 931-205-1040
Wants: 2 ricks of hickory wood 556-5607
For Sale: 30-inch GE range $75 217-8335
Local Convict Who Was on Medical Furlough is Back Behind Bars
December 29, 2009
A local convict who was wanted for failing to return to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center after being on a special medical furlough was caught. 46-Year old Priscilla A. Blakemore was caught after being accused of a theft on Bell Street. Evidently, Blakemore locked her self in a bedroom at a home on Jackson Street after the theft when she heard police coming.
Blakemore is now back behind bars in Rutherford County where she will continue to serve her original sentence.
BANK in MURFREESBORO ROBBED
December 29, 2009
On Monday (December 28, 2009) at 5:39 p.m. the First Tennessee Bank at 123 West Thompson Lane was robbed. Murfreesboro Police Officer Kyle Evans told us the suspect is described as a male (unknown race) 5’7” to 5’8” wearing a blue shirt and blue jean pants. The man also had what appeared to be a large, bulky gold watch on his left wrist. The subject, who jumped on top of the teller counter, wore a mask and displayed a revolver during the robbery. The culprit fled the area with what appeared to be a black leather purse holding the loot that was obtained in the holdup.
No one was injured during the robbery.
Anyone with information should call Criminal Investigations at 893-2717, Dispatch at 893-1311 or Crime Stoppers at 893-STOP (7867).
New U.S. Census Count: 308,400,408
December 29, 2009
The Census Bureau says that when 2010 rolls around at midnight Thursday, there’ll be 308,400,408 folks living in the U.S.A.
That represents a population increase of 0.9 percent from 2009 or just over 2,600,000 more people than at the beginning of this year.
The way the Census Bureau figures it, the U.S. will add one person every 14 seconds in 2010.
It breaks down like this:
One person is born every eight seconds.
One person dies every 12 seconds.
One person from a foreign country emigrates to the U.S. every 37 seconds.
The Murfreesboro Census Bureau Office Needs You:
In Murfreesboro, the Census Bureau is busy hiring workers. Reports indicate that those who are hired who are currently receiving unemployment benefits will be able to keep their unemployment status after the census completes their new count. Their unemployment checks will basically be frozen during their employment with the census office. The Murfreesboro office is located at 833 Memorial Blvd., Suite E.
For hiring information, call 1-866-861-2010 or visit www.2010censusjobs.gov
Post Christmas Shopping – The Shelf is Empty
December 29, 2009
If you’re looking for a lot of after-Christmas bargains, better look extra hard.
That’s because inventories are low everywhere, partly because retailers had a pretty decent holiday season and partly because they didn’t stock their shelves as much this year in anticipation of shoppers being gun-shy about spending oodles of cash.
One analyst explained, quote, "Retailers are much more nimble this year. Their ‘Plan B’ is to have new receipts at the ready."
Due to expected weak demand, retailers got away this year with selling merchandise at higher prices than in 2008. When shoppers were dazed and confused by economic hard times a year ago, retailers held plenty of fire sales to draw in customers. However, though merchandise was moved, it also kept profits low. This time, spending rose 3.6 percent from November 1st through December 24th, compared to the same period in 2008. As one economist put it, quote, "The latest holiday shopping season wasn’t a rip-roaring success, but at least it met or slightly exceeded expectations." He added that the economic recovery appears moving forward, which should make things brighter for retailers in 2010.
Elderly Couple Savagely Beat on Sunday Night
December 28, 2009
Rutherford County Sheriff Detectives are looking for tips in the Sunday night home invasion of a Floyd Road couple’s house. During the invasion, an elderly veteran and his wife were viciously beaten and left bound by a pair of robbers.
Cecil Story, an 86-year-old veteran of both World War II and the Korean conflict, and his 93-year-old wife, Edna, were both beaten about the face and head by two men who knocked on their door late Sunday night in Eagleville.
Story, who was a navigator on B-29 bombers and C-46 cargo aircraft during both wars, received broken facial bones in the attack and was transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for advanced treatment.
Mrs. Story, who weighs less then 90-pounds, was beaten around the head, and received a deep laceration to the bridge of her nose from being hit in the face with her glasses on. She also had deep lacerations to her wrists from the nylon rope used to bind the couple to chairs in their own kitchen.
It took Mrs. Story about 15 minutes to free herself from her bindings and call for help after the robbers left the scene.
Because of blood covering their faces and the damage to her eyeglasses no good description of the violent felons is available.
The robbers made off with no more than about $100 which was in Story’s wallet.
Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Detective Steve Kohler at 615-904-3046 or email him at skohler@rutherfordcounty.org or contact dispatch at 615-898-7770.
Gas Still More Economical In ‘Boro
December 28, 2009
Although crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange closed the holiday-shortened trading week on a high note Christmas Eve at $78.05 per barrel, retail gasoline prices remained relatively unchanged.
Analysts attribute the increase in crude (along with heating oil and natural gas) to a forecast that the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. will have colder weather than normal from Dec. 29 through Jan. 2. Severe cold places additional pressure on U.S. refineries to meet growing demand for both heating oil and gasoline at the same time, but this has little effect on gasoline prices.
The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $2.60 per gallon and that reflects a 1-cent per gallon increase in the past week. Florida’s average price today, $2.62 per gallon, decreased by 1-cent per gallon in the past week; Georgia’s average price of $2.45 increased by 1-cent in the past week; and Tennessee’s average price today of $2.45 remained the same during the same period. Despite those average prices, you can find gas in Murfreesboro for $2.35 per gallon—and you don’t have to look too hard!
“Last week we reported on the substantial inventory of both crude and gasoline stocks, and the retail fuel prices we see now continue to reflect those fundamentals, even with the increased fuel consumption associated with an increase in travel during this holiday season,” said Jessica Brady, public relations specialist, AAA Auto Club South.
(Overall, AAA projects a 3.8 percent increase in Christmas /New Year’s travel—Dec. 23 to Jan. 3—this year versus last year.)
Spending is UP – Before and After Christmas
December 28, 2009
Retailers got the attention of holiday shoppers this year.
According to MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, which monitors sales via all forms of payment, retail sales from November 1st through December 24th increased 3.6 percent from the same time period last year.
It’s encouraging news, considering that in 2008, sales fell by 3.2 percent during the holiday season compared to the year before. In addition, online sales jumped 15.5 percent this November and December, although it still only makes up about ten percent of total holiday purchases.
An official with MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse attributes the improved numbers on the economy being upgraded from what he calls "critical condition" in 2008 to "stable condition" now.
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