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Lady Raiders Softball falls at Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Kelsey Dortch (left photo) smashed her second homerun of the season in the as the Middle Tennessee softball team fell 9-1 to instate foe Tennessee in five innings, moving to 11-13 on the year. The Lady Vols are ranked 19th in the country.

In the loss, Middle Tennessee scored one run off four hits, giving up one error and leaving two on base. The Lady Vols scored nine runs off 12 hits with no errors and three left of base.

Lindsey Vander Lugt pitched 2.0 innings and allowed six runs off on seven hits to fall to 10-8 on the season. She struck out one batter. Caty Jutson threw 2.0 innings of relief, giving up three runs on five hits. Jutson’s one strikeout came against USA National Fast-pitch Coaches Association player of the week Kat Dotson.

The Lady Vols struck first in the second, scoring on a deep centerfield double over the head of Kelsey Dortch to break the early stalemate. They would add four more later in the inning to take a 5-0 lead. They tacked on three more runs in the third and a towering solo homerun in the fourth.

Dortch’s homer was the second of the season and fifth of her career.

Caitlin McLure stole second in the third giving her 16 for the season and 61 for her career. She moves into sole possession of second place trailing only Jamie Polsteen, who sits with 69.

Corrie Abel and Kaycee Popham each singled to extend their hitting streaks to four games.

The Blue Raiders will return to action Friday as they play host to Louisiana-Monroe at 3/5 p.m. at Blue Raider Field.

Davis contract extended through 2013-14

Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro announced today that he is extending Head Coach Kermit Davis’ contract through the 2013-14 men’s basketball season.

Davis, the third all-time winningest coach in school history, recently completed his eighth season at Middle Tennessee where he guided the Blue Raiders to a Sun Belt Conference championship. The Leakesville, Miss., native owns a career overall record of 274-184 and is 137-109 at Middle Tennessee.

"There are a lot of positives surrounding our men’s basketball program, including our improved APR, a regular season championship, an upgraded home schedule, and a group of talented newcomers," said Massaro. "We had a tough evaluation period last year but a lot has been met since then with a good recruiting class and another one on the way. Kermit has also done an excellent job academically and his community outreach is always strong.

"It is important this program gets to the NCAA Tournament and in my view the best way for us to accomplish that is with Kermit Davis. Continuity with what he has recently put in place is the best and quickest way for us to accomplish our goals. There are still areas for improvement as a league and an institution and together we will be active in addressing those needs."

Davis, named the CollegeInsider.com Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year this season, will enter the 2010-11 campaign as the fifth winningest coach in Sun Belt Conference history in terms of league games.

"We are very appreciative of the support and confidence Dr. McPhee and Chris Massaro has shown in our basketball program," said Kermit Davis. "We took another big step this year by sharing the East Division and Regular Season Sun Belt Championship and the first postseason appearance in 21 years.

"Betty and I absolutely love the community of Murfreesboro and have thoroughly enjoyed watching Ally and Claire grow-up in one of the finest places in America!

"We are very excited about the future of Middle Tennessee basketball and look forward to next year’s team with a strong nucleus coming back to go with an outstanding recruiting class!"

TN Dyslexia Center Speaks Out in Regards to Local Election

Press Release from the TN Dyslexia Association:

On behalf of the Tennessee Dyslexia Association, (also more formally known as TN-IDA or the Tennessee Branch of the International Dyslexia Association), Dr. Helen Dainty President of the TN-IDA, and Chester Goad, Public Policy Chair of TN-IDA, respond to the recent events in the race for Rutherford County Sheriff involving a candidate who says he has been discriminated against by his opponent due to his dyslexia:

“As an organization, we are committed to educating the public about dyslexia and the abilities of individuals who live with it. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin which affects word recognition, decoding, and reading. Dyslexia is also an equal opportunity disorder that affects individuals of all ages and as much as 20% of the population regardless of socioeconomic status and political affiliation.  Our world has been enriched by the accomplishments of many individuals with disabilities such as Walt Disney, Pablo Picasso, Thomas Edison, Patrick Dempsey, Kiera Knightly, and countless others. In fact, the most recent Nobel Prize for Science was awarded to Dr. Carol W. Greider of Johns Hopkins University who is also dyslexic.  While our organization does not endorse candidates at this time, the Tennessee Branch of the International Dyslexia Association encourages all individuals with dyslexia and other disabilities to follow their dreams and life pursuits without fear of discrimination. If individuals would like to learn more about the realities of dyslexia, we will be holding our annual RISE Conference in Brentwood on April 17th at Currey Ingram Academy.”

Students Living Outside City Limits Sign-Up for Murfreesboro Schools April 12th…”Schools of Excellences” Dates Assigned Too!

Starting Monday, April 12th Murfreesboro City Schools will accept applications for potential kindergarten through sixth grade students who live outside the city limits. On that date, parents can begin the process at the City School Administration Office (2552 South Church Street). That facility is open from 7:30 weekday mornings until 4:00 in the afternoon. Students requesting enrollment in a city school for the first time and who do not have an older sibling currently enrolled in a city school must make the request.

Enrollment For Bradley Academy and Hobgood Elementary

In addition, BRADLEY ACADEMY AND HOBGOOD ELEMENTARY are also accepting applications for admission to those schools of excellence on Monday, April 12th. This is starting at 7:30 that morning at each of those schools.  Students currently enrolled are not required to re-apply.

Saturday Farmers Market on Local Murfreesboro Square

Something new is happening in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess explains…

The Mayor said the market set up on Saturdays is aimed at complimenting the Farmers Market at the Agriculture Center that is held on John Rice Blvd. and not competing with it.

MONEY SAVER or ENVIROMENT KILLER?

There is a lot of talk both locally and nationally about the need to save money and the fact that gas prices remain high. One answer to high gas prices has led the president to allow for off shore oil drilling in America. With more, here’s Ann Compton with ABC NEWS…

WGNS is the official ABC Radio News Affiliate in Rutherford County.

Swap and Shop for Wednesday

For Sale: 3-Bicycles and a set of wheel hubcaps for a 1974 Corvette and a skill saw - 867-1010YARD SALE: 539 Savannah Ridge Drive - Thur. and Friday!
890-6846

For Sale: Cub Cadet zero turn radius mower - 893-1114

For Sale: 1991 Ford Ranger and a 500g propane tank - 563-
9844

YARD SALE: Thur., Fri., Sat. 8am each day - GUNS AND TOYS -
451 Byrd St. in Shelbyville 931-575-9861

For Sale: Storage Building 6 by 8 and Tiffany style lights
485-7305

For Sale: German Rifle, Portable DVD Player and 2-Acres on
Baxter Rd. that perks - 663-3077

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM holding a large yard sale on the
4447 Shelbyville Highway 7am - 896-7377

For Sale: 2-Kittens age 5-months (boys) that are house
broke! 410-0811

For Sale: 2-antique end tables and a Play Station II Game
and hamster cages 896-7657

For Sale: TIRES (4) 255-55-16’s - 512-3412

For Sale: 16′ Box Truck - 2000 Ford for $3500 and selling
an AB Lounge Exercise Chair and also a saw 397-4938

For Sale: BABY CHICKENS and DUCKS - 895-2037

For Sale: Left Handed Golf Clubs $25 - Stop by my apartment to look at them at 1710 E. Northfield Apt. Kings Crossing - Apartment 010 - Roger

For Sale: Cemetary Lots 274-6101

 

COFFEE COUNTY: Teen Ingest Too Much Medication

A Coffee County teenager was hospitalized Tuesday after reportedly ingesting medication. The unnamed 15-year-old reportedly told the Coffee County Middle School Nurse that he had taken the medication.  According to reports the student passed-out and was taken to the Medical Center of Manchester. From there he was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. At last report, he was listed in critical condition. No word on what type of medication the teen took. - WMSR

CAMERAS: Who is Watching You?

We’ve all heard the song Somebody’s Watching ME… Well, that song couldn’t be closer to the truth today. In Murfreesboro, there are 19 cameras monitoring different intersections throughout the city. Some intersections are also equipped with cameras that take a photo of your license plate if you run a red light. Of course, we are not telling any of you anything that you don’t already know.

Here is some information that may actually be news to you. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is monitoring you too. No, we are not talking about closed circuit video feeds that can be viewed on line, we are talking about monitoring your speed. A $44-million federal grant funds the SmartWay System that not only monitors you by video, but also monitors your miles per hour when traveling down the interstate.

Black boxes along the interstate are actually radars that monitor the speed of commuters. The information is then sent to a computer in Nashville and eventually to electronic signs throughout Davidson County and even beyond. In fact, TDOT says you can get online and find out exactly how long it will take you to make your daily commute to or from Nashville based on the current speed of travelers.

From what we understand, there are no plans in store to send commuters speeding tickets if they are traveling over 70-miles per hour on the interstate. 

MORE FROM T-DOT:

The Tennessee Department of Transportation unveiled a new enhanced 511 travel information system earlier this week.  Motorists who dial 5-1-1 can now access information about rest areas, public transportation, airports, and tourism as well as the standard features such as incidents, construction projects and weather forecasts from the National Weather Service.

TN511 debuted in August 2006 and has provided information to more than 2.5 million callers.  "TN511 has always provided information on travel delays in the state. With these enhancements people traveling in Tennessee now have even more information at their finger tips, such as information on public transit, tourism and local airports," said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. Travelers can also access Amber Alerts, TDOT’s Record-A-Comment phone line and 511 systems in neighboring states, such as Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. "This is a much improved 511 system that is more user-friendly and more efficient at delivering information," said TDOT Community Relations Director Judy Steele. "Callers are now able to get traffic conditions for all interstates and state routes within a specific city without having to request each route individually. We look forward to adding even more enhancements to the system in the coming months."

People may dial 511 from any land line phone or visit the Tennessee 511 website at http://www.tn511.com/ to access this information before leaving home. TDOT is also on Twitter. For statewide information you can follow www.twitter.com/TN511. For regional information follow one of the following: www.twitter.com/Knoxville511, www.twitter.com/Chattanooga511, www.twitter.com/Nashville511, www.twitter.com/Memphis511.

As always, motorists are encouraged to Know Before You Go! and check traffic conditions before you leave the house. When travelers encounter traffic delays on the roadway they should always practice common sense safety precautions when using any of these services and avoid texting, tweeting or operating a cell phone when driving.

Nissan Leaf Now Has a PRICE $$

Nissan has set a price on the new 4-door Leaf electric car that will eventually be produced in Smyrna. Nissan says the Leaf will sell for $32,780. Of course, there is a government rebate to add into that price. The Federal Tax Credit of $7,500 for an electric vehicle will bring the cars price down to $25,280. That price is cheaper then the rival electric car made by Chevrolet called the Volt that will sell for $35,000 before the tax credit is added in.

If you want to pre-order a Nissan Leaf then you need to be in line on April 20th. Nissan aims to have 25,000 orders in place by December of this year. 

Special Kid’s “Team Ask” Offering Triathlon Training

Local fitness group Team A.S.K. is offering a coaching and training program for the Mach Tenn Triathlon on June 5th in Tullahoma. This group is a part of the Christian based Special Kids organization that offers hope to medically fragile youth and their families.

Team A.S.K. provides coaching to improve biking, running, and swimming techniques for first-time and experienced athletes. Joining the team includes a personalized training schedule and a profile page on www.teamask.org, where athletes can post pictures and blog about their experience. Photo ID: Team A.S.K. member Kyle Daniel.

“I love to race in triathlons or any endurance event,” said Sean Jackson, a Team A.S.K. member since 2006. “Being a part of Team A.S.K. gives me the opportunity to race for something far more important than any time or prize I can achieve.”

Team A.S.K. provides athletes the motivation needed to cross the finish line in honor of a child partner at Special Kids, a local nonprofit that serves children with special needs. Athletes in turn raise funds to support the rehabilitation and nursing services provided at Special Kids.

The team meets for group swims on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Riverdale High School. Group runs and bike riding sessions are also held on Saturday mornings at the General Bragg Trailhead on the Greenway.

“Running, biking, or swimming for the children are great ways to get in shape and stay healthy,” said Sharon Perry, Director of Team A.S.K.

Team A.S.K. is a Christian endurance training program developed to help adults and children achieve their athletic goals while changing lives of children receiving services at Special Kids. Team A.S.K. provides the coaching and motivation needed to cross the finish line and make a difference in the lives and abilities of children with special needs. For more information, visit teamask.org or contact Sharon Perry at 615.893.4892 or sperry@specialkidstn.com

Special Kids is a Christian-based therapeutic rehabilitation and skilled nursing care facility in Middle Tennessee, providing medical and rehabilitative care for children with special needs. Since 1998, Special Kids has served more than 1,800 families in 11 counties. For more information on Special Kids, please go to www.specialkidstn.com or call 615.893.4892.

Lady Raiders Basketball…Clark tabbed All-America Second Team by Associated Press

Middle Tennessee’s Alysha Clark was named as one of five players on the Associated Press All-America Second Team it was announced Tuesday. Clark becomes the first Blue Raider in school history to receive more than one postseason All-American honor in her career.

The Mt. Juliet native was selected as a 2009 Associated Press All-America Third Team honoree. She will finish as the nation’s top scorer for the second-straight season with a school and Sun Belt-record 28.3 ppg. She helped lead Middle Tennessee to a 25-6 record and 13th overall NCAA Tournament appearance.

She was one of four Blue Raiders to top the 1,000-point mark in their Middle Tennessee career this season and set an NCAA record for most points by any player in any conference tournament with her 132 in leading the squad to the league championship.

Clark finished her distinguished career with 75 double-doubles, tying for fifth all-time, and her 2,852 points rank 12th in NCAA history. She was one of just six players nationally this season to lead her respective conference in points per game and rebounds per game.

Joining Clark on the Second Team were Oklahoma State’s Andrea Riley, Stanford’s Jayne Appel and Nnemka Ogwumike and Baylor’s Brittney Griner.

Sheriff Jones Speaks To Rotary…Made Honorary Member

Sheriff Truman Jones spoke to the Murfreesboro Rotary Club on Tuesday (3/30/10) and shared his passion for helping this community. He said that law enforcement has changed dramatically since the days when he was a deputy. “Today, when an arrest is made—the officer must make certain everything is done exactly right. When a slight mistake is made, it can bring about the end of their career, enable a guilty person to go free, or even worse—a mistake could cost their life.”

The sheriff spoke proudly of the School Resource Program and how this county’s work in that area has been nationally recognized as one of the finest in the nation. Jones then told how another goal was taking shape. He explained that a boot camp for challenged youth and their parents has proven successful in changing lives in a positive way. “Rutherford County now has the beginnings of such a boot camp, and parents are required to be a part of the program. We are seeing young lives changed and having hope when there once was despair.” In his presentation, Sheriff Jones stressed the strong team relationship between all law enforcement agencies in Rutherford County.

At the end of the meeting, Sheriff Jones was made an honorary member of Rotary. Past Rotary President Becci Bookner told WGNS News, “He was so humble, and his dedication to the people of this community is impressive.” The sheriff then said, “I am touched by being named an honorary member of this Rotary Club. I accept it on behalf of all of the women and men of the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office…they make this honor possible.”

Governor Says Tennessee Places TOP in Federal Race to the Top

Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that Tennessee is one of just two states selected to receive millions of dollars for education in the federal government’s Race to the Top competition. The U.S. Department of Education announced Tennessee and Delaware as the competition’s first round winners earlier today.

Tennessee will receive approximately $500 million to implement its comprehensive school reform plans over the next four years.

“This is a landmark opportunity for Tennessee,” said Bredesen. “Our success in Race to the Top speaks to the commitment we’ve made to meaningful and significant improvement in public education, and the funds provided by the grant will carry us forward in a dramatic and positive direction.”

Tennessee requested $501 million in its application. As one of the next steps in the process, the U.S. Department of Education will complete negotiations with successful states on their Race to the Top contracts to finalize award amounts.

The $4.35 billion Race to the Top Fund is an unprecedented federal investment in reform. The program includes $4 billion for statewide reform grants and $350 million to support states working together to improve the quality of their assessments. The Race to the Top state competition is designed to reward states that are leading the way in comprehensive, coherent, statewide education reform across four key areas:

• Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace;
• Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals how to improve instruction;
• Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals, especially where they are needed most; and
• Turning around their lowest-performing schools.

Forty states and the District of Columbia submitted applications for the first phase of grants. Delaware and Tennessee were selected from among 16 finalists who presented their proposals to panels of peer reviewers earlier this month.

The peer reviewers awarded the highest scores to Delaware and Tennessee. According to the U.S. Department of Education, they awarded Delaware and Tennessee high marks for the commitment to reform from key stakeholders, including elected officials, teacher’s union leaders, and business leaders. In both states, all school districts committed to implementing Race to the Top reforms.

Delaware and Tennessee also have aggressive plans to improve teacher and principal evaluation, use data to inform instructional decisions, and turn around their lowest-performing schools. In addition, both states have put in place strong laws and policies to support their reform efforts.

Bredesen expressed appreciation for widespread support for the state’s application by the Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee Education Association, educators and education advocates, business leaders, and the parents and families across the state that want to continue to provide better opportunities in the classroom and in life for Tennessee’s children.

METH LAB Could be to Blame for Morning FIRE (SEE PICTURES and VIDEO)

Flames were shooting through the windows of a hotel room early Tuesday morning. WGNS’ Andy Hutchins describes what he saw.

The fire was at the Regal Inn on S. Church St. near I-24 in Murfreesboro. Assistant Chief / Fire Marshall Ken Honeycutt told us that a meth lab could be the cause of the fire, however the case is still being investigated. One person had to be hospitalized as a result of the blaze, that person was said to be in the hotel room. Kyle Evans with the Murfreesboro Police Department confirmed that an arrest has not been made.

Photos by Andy Hutchins

 

 

Tuesday Swap’n Shop

Wants: junk autos; For Sale: 1995 Mercury Villager; 500 gallon propane tank 563-9844

Service: sit with sick or elderly for room and board  439-8154

Wants: computer desk (no deeper than 24-inches, and around 33-34-inches wide) with one-drawer and hopefully 2-levels  848-0463

For Sale: 26-foot travel trailer/camper, top of the line  895-0455

For Sale: Craftsman mulching push mower with 5.5HP Honda engine $40  896-7170

For Sale: refrigerator, clean and in shop with ice maker  566-3095

For Sale: Adco camper cover fits 28-foot camper (used 1-season) $130; full-size mattress for camper (never used)  525-1968

For Sale: 1996 Saturn 4-door, white, $2,400  615-713-0575

Wants: good used economy work van  586-8669

Wants: washer  896-8883

For Sale: 1970 GMC pickup (UT orange color) $2,200 or trade for small pickup  405-6624

For Sale: 4 tires (2.15 x 55 x R-16) $50  512-3412

For Sale: cherry dining room set; outside patio bar  907-1215

Yard Sale: Friday and Saturday (6am-?) with tools, power tools, and more  2027 Horncastle Dr. (near Dill Ln.)  713-9900

Blue Raiders in lead at UALR Women’s Golf Classic

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Middle Tennessee sits in first place after two rounds of play at the fourth annual UALR Women’s Golf Classic at Diamante Country Club (5,999 yards). Ashley Haggard, Morgan Hale and Clara Leathers each sit in the top 10.

Photo ID: Freshman Ashley Haggard shot a career-best 68 in the first round of the UALR Women’s Golf Classic.

"It was a long day for us out there," said Head Coach Chris Adams. "We spent 11 hours on the course, which makes the focus of our team even more impressive. The conditions were absolutely perfect, and we started off strong and put together two solid rounds."

Middle Tennessee took an eight stroke lead in the first round, but a big second round by Oral Roberts cut the deficit to three strokes, and UALR shot a tournament-best 288 in the second to sit five strokes off the pace.

The Blue Raiders opened play today with a first round 291, the second lowest first round in school history and tied for the third lowest round ever. Haggard led all participants with a four-under 68, which tied Taryn Durham for the fourth-best individual round in the school record books. Hale tied her career low round with a two-under 70.

Middle Tennessee followed up with a 297 in the second round, which is the third-best round this season. Leather led the way with an even par 72, her best round since 2007. Karisa Akin rebounded from a first round 81 with a two-over 74, and Haggard dropped from first place to second with a three-over 75.

Haggard sits one stroke behind the leader with a one-under 143. Hale is seventh with a two-over 146, and Leathers is tied for 10th with a four-over 148. Olivia Love shot a 77 in each round to place tied for 34th with a 10-over 154, and Akin is one stroke behind and tied for 37th at 155.

Middle Tennessee will look to hold on for their first team championship since 2007.

"We get to sleep on the lead," said Adams. "But there are teams right on our heels, and we definitely have our work cut out. We need to go out and battle tomorrow."

UPDATE: Man and Woman Accused of Breaking Infants Legs and Arms in Manchester Fail to Complete Mental Evaluation

Mental evaluations ordered for the Manchester parents who allegedly broke both arms and both legs of their infant child have not been completed. Patricia Wilhoite and James Colvin, both 26, were ordered last month to undergo a mental evaluation by General Sessions Judge Jere Ledsinger. Colvin appeared in a Coffee County Courtroom on Monday and it was determined that the evaluations have yet to be completed.

Wilhoite and Colvin were arrested February 4th after taking their then 7-week-old daughter to United Regional Medical Center with what they said was a spider bite. Doctors at the hospital quickly determined that each of the childs arms and legs were broken. The child was then flown by helicopter to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.

The child, who is still recovering,  remains in the custody of the Department of Childrens Services.  – WMSR NEWS

NASA to Look Into Toyota and Claims of Accelerator Problems

NASA, which normally keeps its eyes on the heavens, is going to bat for the government to help solve a perplexing earthbound problem.

The Washington Post reports Tuesday that the Department of Transportation has asked the space agency for its assistance to find out why cars made by Toyota are having problems with sudden acceleration. Part of the plan the DOT will make public Tuesday involves utilizing the know-how of nine NASA officials, who are experts in software, hardware and other electronic issues.

Meanwhile, the National Academy of Science will enlist its own panel for a 15-month review covering problems with electronic controls, human error and mechanical failure. Four congressional hearings on the matter of unwanted acceleration in vehicles have produced no definitive answer as to what’s causing the problem.

3-Men and a Woman Allegedly Harass Driver in Possible Road Rage Incident

A man swinging a knife alongside 2-other men and a woman all wanting to fight was the scene that one Murfreesboro woman described to police. The 29-year old victim told authorities that when she drove down Minerva Drive near Cypress St., that a car load of Hispanic men and one woman, drove up behind her flashing their lights. The female told officers that she pulled over to let the vehicle pass and then decided to follow the subject to write down their license plate number. The incident report shows the 4-subjects in the green Chevy Lumina stopped in the middle of the road, got out and began walking towards the victims car. One of the four was armed with a knife. The victim drove away and met up with police on a nearby street to report the crime. The report shows that so far, no arrests have been made. No word on why the 4-subjects decided to harass the victim. The good news, no one was hurt in the crime.

New Vaccines a Must for Children, According to the State of TN

The state says that for the first time in a decade, Tennessee has adopted new childhood immunization requirements to better protect children from serious diseases. The new 2010 requirements apply to those who attend child care, pre-school and school, and changes coming in 2011 affect new Tennessee college students. The state has also introduced a new official Tennessee Certificate of Immunization required for children starting pre-school, Kindergarten and seventh grade this fall.

Children enrolling in child care, pre-school or pre-Kindergarten must now show documentation of Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Pneumococcal vaccine. All children entering the seventh grade this fall must submit proof of a booster dose of the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine; and confirm either chickenpox immunity through the disease or receipt of two doses of the varicella vaccine.

As far as new college students go, Tennessee will now require new full-time enrollees to Tennessee colleges who were born after 1979 to provide proof of chickenpox immunity through either the disease or two doses of the varicella vaccine.

Children and teens younger than age 19 who have TennCare as well as those who do not have health insurance can receive free vaccines through the federal Vaccines for Children Program in participating private medical offices and health departments. Ask your child’s health care provider if they participate in VFC.

Siegel High air rifle team wins 2010 national championship

Siegel High School has been crowned the National Precision Air Rifle Champions for 2010 by scoring a 4633 out of 4800 points during the 2-day national competition held March 25-27.

The competition was held at the Civilian Marksmanship Program Air Rifle Competition Center South in Anniston, Ala.

Each branch of service (Army, Navy, and Marines) sent their 4 best teams to compete who qualified at their individual Service Championship. Siegel’s team achieved a National record by scoring a 2321 on the first day of competition.

Richard Calvin from Siegel was crowned the Overall Individual Precision Champion with a score of 1182 out of 1200 points. Richard broke several national records to include the National Army record of 594/600 points on Day 1. 

Maya Arredondo won 3rd Place overall with a score of 1172 out of 1200 points.

Other team members included John Carter and Teodor Ilkov.

For additional information, please contact retired Master Sgt. Jim Thurston, Army Instructor for the Siegel High School JROTC program, at (615) 893-5815 ext. 29572 or thurstonj@rcschools.net.

Rutherford County Schools Receive $20K Grant For On-Line Education

The Rutherford County school system received Title 2-D Education Technology Funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It is designed to expand on-line learning programs. Rutherford County receives a grant of $10,000 to be used for personnel and equipment, and another $10,000 for expansion of on-line courses.

Tennessee Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said, “It’s important that we expand access to these internet courses for students. These programs can help our children succeed in many different ways – through credit recovery, advanced coursework and schedule flexibility.”

The goal of the e-4000 TN program is to enroll 4,000 students in e-classes who are studying in 60 school districts here in the Volunteer State.

Riverdale Boys Basketball Coach Resigns

Another boys basketball coach will be on the bench for Riverdale next season. Brandon Burks has resigned to take a position at First Bank. He will remain at the school until the end of the year. Burks’ resignation comes after 11 seasons at Riverdale. Blackman is also looking for a new boys basketball coach, with the resignation of Kyle Turnham in February.

Man Who Claims to be Prison Guard Busted

A 26-year old man who told police he works as a prison guard in Oklahoma was arrested in Murfreesboro after allegedly starting a fight in front of a local bar. Brandon Lee McCoy, who claims to work at the Hinton Prison in Oklahoma, was reportedly starting fights with Main Street Bar patrons on West Main Street this past weekend.

The official arrest report shows that McCoy was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication and resisting a stop, halt and frisk command. McCoy will have to stick around the ‘Boro a tad bit longer as he is scheduled to appear in court this May.

Publix’ United Way Gift 2nd Highest In Local Campaign: $239,264

Public here in Rutherford County, presented United Way a check for $102,000 as a corporate match to donations from the grocery store’s employees. The overall campaign total for Publix was $239,264.00. This was the second highest company campaign for the local United Way.

L-R Photo ID: Brian Hercules, Tim Newhouse, Ken Jelonek, Tammy Corbett, Carolyn Tumbleson, Imrich Kusnir, and David Faircloth.

TOWN HALL MEETING SUBJECT: Underage Drinking in Rutherford County

April is alcohol awareness month and the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of Rutherford County (CADCOR) is kicking this off with an invitation for parents and community members to attend a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Rutherford County Board of Education Offices on 2240 Southpark Blvd. “The purpose of the town hall meeting,” states Karen Claud, CADCOR Coordinator, “is to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse and underage drinking, its consequences and discuss how we, as parents and community members, can be proactive in prevention, education and awareness.” Three panelists, representing law enforcement and the city and county school districts, will present information, resources and tips for parents and community involvement. In addition, a special video presentation by Blake McMeans, Founder of “The Promise Tour” will be shown. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end, as well as discuss solutions and next steps. The meeting will be moderated by Kim Rush, Director of the Guidance Center.

Underage drinking is a leading public health concern in communities all across America. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 51.6 percent of Americans age 12 and older had used alcohol at least once in the 30 days prior to being survey; 23.3 percent had binged (5+ drinks within 2 hours); and 23.3 percent reported drinking heavily (5+ drinks on 5+ occasions). According to data collected by CADCOR, whose primary focus is stemming underage drinking and substance abuse, local conditions are not as statistically as high as national trends, with an indication that 80% of the youth surveyed in Rutherford County choose not to drink alcohol. Claud says “awareness, education, and parental involvement are the keys to maintaining a strong percentage of youth in our community who are making safe, healthy and positive choices.”

What is CADCOR:

CADCOR is a community service organization that works collaboratively with law enforcement, social and health services, educators, parents, faith-based, government and businesses to reduce substance abuse among youth in Rutherford County. CADCOR meets the third Wednesday of every month at 3:00 p.m. at Murfreesboro Housing Authority auditorium, 415 N. Maple St. The meeting is open to the public and anyone can attend. For more information, resources and parent tips visit www.cadcor.org.

Two State Offices Merge to Save Money

The Tennessee Comptroller’s Division of Local Finance will be merging with the Division of Bond Finance to create the Office of State and Local Finance, effective April 1. The office will assume all duties and responsibilities of the former two divisions.

The Division of Bond Finance has been responsible for managing the state’s debt, including issuance of all bonds, notes and payments of the debt. The Division of Local Finance has been responsible for approving budgets and debt obligations and providing technical assistance for local governments throughout Tennessee.

Comptroller Justin P. Wilson said, “This merger allows us to provide efficient services and make government work better in all Tennessee communities and for our investors.”
The Office will be led by Mary-Margaret Collier, former director of the Division of Bond Finance. 

Barrel Prices For Crude Oil Continues To Drop

Investors couldn’t ignore the realities of supply and demand last week which helped lower the price of crude oil to settle Friday at $80 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

U.S. inventories of crude rose last week by 7.25 million barrels increasing stockpiles to more than 350 million barrels at the same time the Labor Department reported increased unemployment in 27 U.S. states; signs demand is not growing as fast as expected.

In addition, the U.S. dollar maintained its strength against the euro and appreciated more than six percent this quarter, helping to keep the price of crude down by curbing the appeal of such commodities.

“We’ve been saying for quite some time that the basic fundamentals of supply and demand do not support crude oil prices above $80 a barrel and now we are starting to see crude oil move closer to a more accurate price,” said Jessica Brady, manager, AAA Public Relations. “U.S. stockpiles of crude were only expected to increase by about 1.6 million barrels last week and instead they more than tripled, showing the lack of demand by consumers.

“On a more positive note, motorists should start to see retail gasoline prices decrease this week,” added Brady.

The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $2.80 per gallon, Florida’s average price is $2.83, Georgia’s average price is $2.70, and Tennessee’s is $2.68, all showing a two-cent decrease from last week, respectively. It doesn’t take too much looking around Murfreesboro to enjoy $2.54 per gallon gasoline. Once again, the Heart of Tennessee offers another advantage.

Local Host Families Needed For June 12-20 FolkFest

Murfreesboro’s Annual FolkFest will be June 12th through the 20th. Folk dance and music groups from the Congo, Italy, Curacao and the USA will be here this year. Cripple Creek Clogger founder Steve Cates told WGNS News, “We are needing some host families for some of our International Folkfest guests.  This will be for one or two nights during the period.”  He explained that hosts will provide meals and a place to sleep as well as transportation from the Nashville Airport.

Get New Friends From Distant Places

Just as our own Cripple Creek Cloggers tour the world and share Middle Tennessee traditions, the visitors from Spain, Italy and Austria will share their culture with you. Cates notes, “The host families will be the real winners. You will have a positive experience that has never before been experienced.” If any persons in Rutherford, Cannon, Davidson or other mid-state counties can help to provide this hospitality, contact Sheryl Evans at 615-364 5722 or Becky Easter at 615-815 4992.  They are the guides for the groups for whom assistance is needed.

Monday Swap’n Shop

For Sale: small refrigerator;  Wants: 2 twin beds  573-1325

For Sale: chest freezer, entertainment center, table and 4 chairs   542-3003

Yard Sale: this coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 451 Bird St. in Shelbyville staring 8AM daily with lots of baby items; 40 cal pistol 931-575-9861

For Sale: German rifle; 2 acres of land on Baxter Rd.; ammo  663-3077

For Sale: 2 Roselawn cemetery lots  274-6101

Service: handyman, mechanic, plumbing, roof, etc  593-4373

For Sale: 0-turn Cub Cadet mower; 1966 Chevy El Camino; Snappy 32-inch mower  893-1114

For Sale: 3 bicycles (26, 20 and 16 inch) 867-1010

Service: home improvement and yard work  890-4233

For Sale: 2006 Sunnybrook self-contained, sleeps 8, $16,900  578-7991

Wants: laying hens  563-8959

For Sale: 32-inch Magnavox TV; 5 x 12-foot area rug; NASCAR collectibles  578-1400

Service: will do electrical work  For Sale: power 4-wheeler riding toy;  pressure washer  853-4883

Man Received 3rd DUI, Vehicle Ignition Lock Was Supposed to Have Been Installed

Driving while allegedly intoxicated is never a good idea and reports indicate it is also not a wise decision to operate a motor vehicle that is supposed to be equipped with a vehicle locking system as ordered by the courts for DUI offenders.

34-year old Travis T. Lewis was apprehended in Murfreesboro this past week after a concerned citizen called the police to report a vehicle driving in an erratic manner. Shortly after the call was made, authorities with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department found the Dodge Durango in question parked on Elijah Drive. A Deputy stayed with the suspect vehicle until Murfreesboro Police arrived on the scene. City officers found Lewis, according the the arrest report, passed out in the vehicle while it was still running.

Lewis was arrested and charged with his third DUI offense. The report shows that an interlocking vehicle ignition device was supposed to have been installed on the SUV, but was not. Lewis, who was also cited for marijuana possession, will be in court on April 21st.

Monday Swap’n Shop

For Sale: small refrigerator; Wants: 2 twin beds 573-1325

For Sale: chest freezer, entertainment center, table and 4 chairs 542-3003

Yard Sale: this coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 451 Bird St. in Shelbyville staring 8AM daily with lots of baby items; 40 cal pistol 931-575-9861

For Sale: German rifle; 2 acres of land on Baxter Rd.; ammo 663-3077

For Sale: 2 Roselawn cemetery lots 274-6101

Service: handyman, mechanic, plumbing, roof, etc 593-4373

For Sale: 0-turn Cub Cadet mower; 1966 Chevy El Camino; Snappy 32-inch mower 893-1114

For Sale: 3 bicycles (26, 20 and 16 inch) 867-1010

Service: home improvement and yard work 890-4233

For Sale: 2006 Sunnybrook self-contained, sleeps 8, $16,900 578-7991

Wants: laying hens 563-8959

For Sale: 32-inch Magnavox TV; 5 x 12-foot area rug; NASCAR collectibles 578-1400

Service: will do electrical work For Sale: power 4-wheeler riding toy; pressure washer 853-4883;

Guest on WGNS: Candidates Running for Murfreesboro City Council – Call 893-1450 NOW

CALL IN NOW: Candidates Running for Murfreesboro City Council are on the AIR NOW – Tune to WGNS FM 100.5, FM 101.9 and AM 1450. Dial 893-1450 to ask your question or voice your concern about the future of Murfreesboro.

Junk Food Could be an Addiction

Americans just got a new excuse for why we eat so much junk food — it’s an addiction.  A study published Sunday in the journal Nature Neuroscience indicates binging on high-calorie, low nutrition foods may be just as addictive as nicotine and cocaine, and could be a significant cause of compulsive eating and obesity.

For the study, researchers at the Scrips Research Institute in Florida divided lab rats into three groups.  The first group was fed a balanced healthy diet, while the second was given a healthy diet plus access to high-calorie food one hour a day.  The third group was also fed a healthy diet, but they were also given unlimited access to junk food such as bacon, pound cake and candy bars.  Researchers say the third group soon developed a preference for high-calorie foods and became obese.

Significantly, the third group’s desire to eat junk food remained strong despite receiving a mild shock.  All three groups of rats were trained to receive a minor shock when exposed to a light.  When the rats who had unlimited access to junk food were shown the light, they didn’t respond by trying to avoid the danger, but continued to eat their cheesecake and bacon.

2-Indoor Ice Skating Rinks and an Indoor Soccer Field Being Proposed in Barfield

A privately operated sportsplex is being considered on Barfield Crescent Road across from Barfield Park in Murfreesboro. The Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission will review the proposal for 2-indoor ice skating rinks and an indoor soccer field on April the 12th. The meeting will be in the Rutherford County Courthouse.

According to the construction proposal submitted by Kelly Helton, the complex will be called the Middle Tennessee Sportsplex if approved. The memorandum shows the building will sit on 10-acres and consist of 96-thousand square feet. In addition to the ice skating rinks and the indoor sports field, there will also be a Pro Shop inside where customers can purchase sporting goods equipment.

Tennis: Peers guides Blue Raiders against ETSU

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – John Peers (left photo) guided the Blue Raiders on Sunday afternoon winning both his singles and doubles matches in a 4-1 loss to No. 60 East Tennessee State.

Peers and junior Kyle Wishing paired up to defeat Grega Teraz and Charles Bottoni 8-3. The Buccaneers won the next two doubles matches to take the point and a 1-0 lead in the match.

“ETSU is ranked 60th in the country and is a good solid team. Again we had chances and unfortunately that is probably the most disappointing thing at the moment. One highlight from today is John continues to get better and is playing for a berth into the NCAA Singles Tournament in Athens, Ga., in May,” head coach David McNamara said

ETSU’s Bottoni defeated sophomore Matthew Langley 6-0, 6-1 to begin singles action.

Peers, ranked 43, then defeated No. 97 Teraz 6-3, 6-3 to cut the Buccaneer lead to one, 2-1.

Senior Victor Melo fell 6-3, 6-4 to Sander Gille and Wishing lost his match 6-3, 6-2 to Jesus Bandres.

Middle Tennessee will be back in action next weekend, April 2-4, when it competes in the Sun Belt Shootout hosted by Troy University. The Blue Raiders have played host to the same tournament the previous two seasons.

“Individually our guys are getting better and I am looking forward to next week to see our conference competition. We will have a great understanding of where we are as a team after the Sun Belt Shootout,” McNamara said. 

#60 East Tennessee State 4, Middle Tennessee 1

Singles

1. #43 John Peers (MT) def. #97 Grega Teraz (ETSU) 6-3, 6-3

2. Sander Gille (ETSU) def. Victor Melo (MT) 6-3, 6-4

3. Richard Cowden (MT) vs. Daniel Isaza (ETSU) 6-3, 6-7 (5-0), 4-4, unfinished

4. Charles Bottoni (ETSU) def. Matthew Langley (MT) 6-0, 6-1

5. Shaun Waters (MT) vs. Juan Ramirez (ETSU) 1-6, 4-1, unfinished

6. Jesus Bandres (ETSU) def. Kyle Wishing (MT) 6-3, 6-2

Doubles

1. John Peers/Kyle Wishing (MT) def. Grega Teraz/Charles Bottoni (ETSU) 8-3

2. Sander Gille/Jesus Bandres (ETSU) def. Victor Melo/Matthew Langley (MT) 8-6

3. Daniel Isaza/Robin Akser (ETSU) def. Richard Cowden/Shaun Waters (MT) 8-4

Match Notes:

East Tennessee State 9-7; National ranking #60

Middle Tennessee 4-15

Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (4,1,2,6)

Saturday Greg Armstrong Ran 120 Miles For Water

On Saturday (3/27/10) former Murfreesboro resident Greg Armstrong completed a 24-hour run to bring awareness to the global water crisis. The Run 4 Water route took Armstrong through Murfreesboro, and covered a total of 120 miles. The route began at the Alabama-Tennessee border south of Fayetteville and continued to the Kentucky-Tennessee border north of Westmoreland. Reports indicate that Armstrong actually ran the route quicker then expected. He ran 120-miles in just 23-hours.

Armstrong told WGNS News that money raised will be used to provide water filtration systems in third world countries as well as here in the United States. With less than one-percent of the world’s fresh water available to humans, the Middle Tennessee Christian School alumni says, "These systems change lives. The problems aren’t just in third world countries. In the nearby Appalachian Mountain area, some residents must travel four-miles for fresh water." Greg is the adult son of Murfreesboro’s Nelson and Ann Armstrong.

Photos by Andy Hutchins

National Tartan Day April 10th On Murfreesboro Square

Join in the fun at the National Tartan Day Celebration on the historic square in Murfreesboro on Saturday, April 10th, 2010,  from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Whether you are a Scot, Want-to-be Scot or interested in Scottish history and influences in America, you are invited to take part. Everyone is welcome at this heritage event.

Enjoy an afternoon with a Gathering of the Clans, Highland Dance, Pipes and Drums and even visit with a young highland bull named Seamus. Find your clan’s tartan, learn how to pleat a kilt and celebrate the day.  Admission is free to the public.

On April 6, 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was issued, in which Scotland declared its independence. The American Declaration of Independence was modeled on Scotland’s inspirational document. On March 9, 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 41, designating April 6th each year as National Tartan Day.

Americans of Scottish descent have played a vibrant and influential role in the development of the United States. Over eleven million Americans claim Scottish roots, making them the eighth largest ethnic group in the United States. These are the people and accomplishments that are honored on National Tartan Day.

For additional information contact John Mauldin (615) 216-5625 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting   (615) 216-5625 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email hylan2@comcast.net.

Three MTSU track athletes qualify at Yellow Jacket Invitational

ATLANTA, Ga. - Three of Middle Tennessee’s top female track and field athletes earned NCAA Regional qualifiers at the 2010 Yellow Jacket Invitational in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday.

Brittany Cox, currently ranked fourth nationally in the shot put, threw 51-3 (15.62m) to take the event for her second NCAA regional mark in the shot this season. She placed second in the discus with toss of 143-10 (43.85m).

Kortney Thurman leapt 19-8.75 (6.01m) to take first in the long jump and earn her first NCAA regional of the year. This is Thurman’s personal best outdoors and second NCAA regional mark as a Blue Raider. She also placed fifth in the triple jump with a jump of 38-4.25 (11.97m).

Cherice Robertson earned the third NCAA regional mark of the day as she leapt 5-8.75 (1.75m) in the high jump. This jump places her 11th in the NCAA in the event. She finished ninth in the 100 meter hurdles in 14.40. Ann Dudley placed 10th in the high jump with a mark of 5-3 (1.6m) and 15th in the hurdles in 15.47.

Zamzam Sangau won the 5,000 meters in 17:34.28.

Other highlights for the women included Ashley Comstock who set a personal best in the 1,500 meters finishing in a time of 4:37.65. Stephanie Smith finished 10th in 4:47.86. Smith also placed eighth in the 800 meters in 2:19.82.

Amber Jackson placed eighth in the 400 meters in 57.95. All-American Sarah Nambawa competed in her first race since knee surgery last winter in the 400. She placed 11th.

On the men’s side, sprinter Greg Franklin placed fifth in the 200 meters in 21.87 and seventh in the 100 meters in 10.70. Robert Carter came in 11th in both events.

David Emery finished third in the 1,500 meters in 3:55.30 with teammate Isaac Biwott coming in 10th in 4:01.19.

Festus Chemaoi came in ninth in the 800 meters in 1:55.73.

In the hurdles, Roscoe Payne placed third in the 400 meter hurdles in 52.89 and sixth in the 110 meter hurdles in 14.63. DeRay Sloss came in eighth in the 110 hurdles.

The men’s 4×400 meter relay team placed fifth in a competitive field in a time of 3:20.41. The team was composed of Franklin, Payne, Justin Chambers and Curtis King.

The Blue Raiders will return to action next weekend in Auburn, Ala., as the team will compete at the Tiger Track Classic.

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