In teens room, officers find 38-grams of marijuana, 13-pipes, switchblade knife
October 15, 2008
A 19-year old restaurant worker was arrested at his home when police arrived to investigate a complaint. Apparently, Bryce Rivers Sharp was playing Beer Bong, a drinking game, in his garage with several friends. In plain view, the responding officer saw a pipe used for smoking marijuana. After retrieving a citations notebook from the patrol car, the marijuana pipe miraculously disappeared. As a result of the disappearing pipe, the teenager was charged with tampering with evidence.
When officers searched the bedroom that belonged to the teen, they recovered 38-grams of marijuana, 13-pipes containing marijuana residue, 3-rolling papers and a switchblade knife. Needless to say, Sharp now faces a number of charges that he will have to answer to on November 20th in the General Sessions Court Room.
WGNS gives up $5-million dollars worth of air time in 5-years
October 15, 2008
A few highlights of programs that have benefited our community at no cost to local, state or federal government over the past 9-months, all non-profit locations:
- “LIVE” from an airplane flying at 3,000 feet over Rutherford County discussing the benefits of living in Middle Tennessee and also discussing the upcoming Wings of Freedom Fish Fry in September. The “IN-air” program also discussed the importance of the Smyrna, Rutherford County Airport. This was the first local in-air program in the country for a local radio station.
- “LIVE” from a moving Rover Bus in Murfreesboro. The hour long program interviewed new bus riders and transportation director Bob Nugent and reconfirmed the need for public transportation. This was the first documented live program from a moving bus that we could find in the United States.
- “LIVE” from the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on September 11th during the annual fair for the community.This has been a traditional broadcast since the attacks of 9/11.
- “LIVE” from the Rutherford County Courthouse, covering the Bible Theme Park commission meeting (6-hour program, uninterrupted, no commercials).
- “LIVE” from National Night Out
- “LIVE” interviews once weekly with the City Mayor, Vice Mayor, Chief of Police, Sheriff or County Mayor.
- “LIVE” once monthly with the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department.
- “LIVE” once monthly discussing important issues with state representatives, senators and congressmen.
- “LIVE” coverage of local high school football, basketball and soon select baseball and softball games.
- “LIVE” weekly with representatives from the Rutherford County UT-Agriculture Extension Service to answer lawn and garden questions.
- “LIVE” once monthly with the Rutherford County Bar Association. This allows callers to ask important questions to local attorneys for free on a call by call basis.
- “LIVE” once monthly with representatives from the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
- “LIVE” 3-times per year with officials from the Stones River National Battlefield.
- “LIVE” Coverage of the Vice Presidential Debate and the Presidential Debates – (this preempts commercials that would normally air.) - Commercial free broadcast.
Total cost of air time if the city, county and federal government were to pay for the publicity that was received: 
$820,000 (est.) during the first 9-month period of 2008 alone.
Estimated amounts of Air Time WGNS has used as a public service:
January – December 2007: $1,093,333
January – December 2006: $1,003,000
January – December 2005: $1,001,000
January – December 2004: $1,000,000
WGNS cares about our community.
Pictured: Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg at National Night Out 2008
When Hooper Says It’s So…It’s So!
October 15, 2008
Rutherford County Administrator of Elections Hooper Penuel predicted a heavy, heavy voter turnout long before the additional 14-thousand residents registered to vote after the August 7th State Primary and County General election. The increased interest in the November 4th elections is being seen right now with early voting that continues through Thursday, October 30th.
A Word To The Wise…Take Advantage Of Early Voting
Mon.-Sat. (Oct. 15-30, 2008) EARLY VOTING for the November 4th PRESIDENTIAL, FEDERAL and STATE GENERAL ELECTIONS, along with the SMYRNA, LaVERGNE and EAGLEVILLE municipal elections. If you have questions, call the Election Commission (615-898-7743) or visit website www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/election/
Rutherford County Election Commission (#1 Public Square South) M-F 7AM-7PM; Sat. 8AM-Noon
Other locations do not open until 10AM…10AM-7PM M-F; and open Sat. 8AM-Noon
Murfreesboro: Election Annex (426 East Vine Street)
Murfreesboro: SportsCom (2310 Memorial Boulevard)
Murfreesboro: Old Agriculture Center (in Old Fort Park, across from Kid’s Castle)
Smyrna: Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (460 9th Avenue; on Smyrna Airport campus)
LaVergne: LaVergne Civic Auditorium (283 Old Nashville Highway)
Hear the results election night, Tuesday, November 4, 2008, on WGNS (FM 100.5 MHz. FM 101.9 MHz. AM 1450 KHz. over-the-air TV 11)
NATIONAL: Record number of McCain and Obama videos being posted to YouTube
October 15, 2008
More and more video’s are being downloaded to YouTube.com. Most of the videos are either FOR or AGAINST one of the two main presidential candadites. Here’s one video clip that shows Obama shedding light on some of his future plans. He says he wants to "spread the wealth."
MORE Cuts proposed in City of Murfreesboro
October 15, 2008
You’ve heard a lot about budget cuts in the city of Murfreesboro but, will the cuts really have that big of an impact on the city? The City Manager asked the City Council to review a proposal that includes over $700-thousand dollars worth of cuts in the budget plan. One of the cuts being looked into includes the hiring of only 18-new police officers. The original proposal included the hiring of over 30-new officers. Other cuts include the planning and engineering department holding off on the hiring of several new employees, a savings of over $60-thousand dollars. The building and codes department says they can get by with a $11-thousand dollar cut. The city court has announced that they can save $60-thousand dollars, just to name a few.
Apparently, the cuts are needed due to the rising cost of things like fuel. WGNS’ Lauren Love has more.
Spending cuts and freezes will be further examined on October 23rd. For more on the proposed cuts, visit WGNSradio.com - keyword “BUDGET.”
MORE CUTS:
Legal Department: Plan to cut $14,500
Murfreesboro Fire Dept: Will cut $8,631.04
Street Department: Will aim to save over $30,000
Urban Environmental Department: Could cut some $50,490.34
Solid Waste Department: Could cut over $14,000
Parks and Recreation Dept: Save $105,950.57
Murfreesboro Airport: Save $5,200
Old Fort Park and VA Golf Courses: Cut over $35,000
Nissan to hold emergancy drill
October 15, 2008
Nissan’s Smyrna Plant will be conducting an emergency evacuation “drill” on Monday, October 20th . The drill will take place just before 10-AM. A second drill will be executed at the Nissan Plant on Thursday, November 4 at 7:37 AM. The local authorities have been notified. Steve Parrett with the Nissan Manufacturing Communications Department told WGNS, “the drill is an exercise carried out for the safety of their employees.”
City Manager Roger Haley, Official Evaluation Report
October 14, 2008
The Murfreesboro City Council released information on their overall review of City Manager Roger Haley Tuesday. Although the marks were high in nearly every category, Haley told us he doesn’t talk to local media.
While Haley may be shy of the mic and talking to local residents through local media, Mayor Tommy Bragg was quick to voice his opinion. Mayor Bragg says the he appreciates the hard work of the Murfreesboro City Manager over the years.
On the official evaluation, Council member Ron Washington and Vice Mayor Chris Bratcher noted that Haley failed to meet their expectations of community involvement.
And to kill anything that has been generated from the rumor mill about Haley’s retirement… Mr. Haley did not suggest a future date. The council did however ask that he give them at least a 12-months notice of retirement.
Police Chief to read to Smyrna students - group says fight crime
October 14, 2008
A group that aims to reduce crime in schools is participating in a special program at Stewartsboro Elementary in Smyrna on Wednesday. Mark Rogers with “Fight Crime, Invest in Kids,” told us that Smyrna Police Chief Kevin Arnold will meet with children on Wednesday morning at 9.
Chief Arnold will read a book to students entitled “Officer Buckle and Gloria” by Peggy Rathmann. Rogers is the state director of Fight Crime Invest in Kids. He told us that his group helps to ensure that children have a better start in life.
The Wednesday morning event at Stewartsboro Elementary is open to parents of children at the Smyrna school. The program will start at 9-AM.
Opinion to WGNS in regards to today’s living expenses
October 14, 2008
Everyday, WGNS hears from listeners who have ideas. The only problem is that only a few of our listeners want to voice their opinion on the air waves. Here’s one of the many listeners we recently heard from in regards to the current financial status of our economy and the rising cost of living.
RECORD NUMBER of VOTERS locally - VOTE EARLY
October 14, 2008
Early voting begins Wednesday and reports indicate that local residents fired up about the presidential race…
That was Rutherford County Election Administrator Hooper Penual. He told us that voters need to anticipate long lines and should come prepared.
As far as the number of those registered to vote, it is defiantly increasing.
Penual told us that it’s too late to register at this point to vote in the November Presidential Election.
Again, early voting will take place Wednesday through October 30th. For more information visit WGNSradio.com - Keyword “Election.”
Complete List of candidates:
PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT
BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN (DEMOCRATIC)
JOHN MCCAIN AND SARAH PALIN (REPUBLICAN)
CHUCK BALDWIN AND DARRELL CASTLE (INDEPENDENT)
BOB BARR AND WAYNE ROOT (INDEPENDENT)
CHARLES JAY AND THOMAS L KNAPP (INDEPENDENT)
CYNTHIA MCKINNEY AND ROSA CLEMENTE (INDEPENDENT)
BRIAN MOORE AND STEWART ALEXANDER (INDEPENDENT)
RALPH NADER AND MATT GONZALEZ (INDEPENDENT)
US SENATE
ROBERT D TUKE (DEMOCRATIC)
LAMAR ALEXANDER (REPUBLICAN)
EDWARD L BUCK (INDEPENDENT)
CHRISTOPHER G FENNER (INDEPENDENT)
DAVID GATCHELL (INDEPENDENT)
ED LAWHORN (INDEPENDENT)
DANIEL TOWERS LEWIS (INDEPENDENT)
CHRIS LUGO (INDEPENDENT)
US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST.
BART GORDON (DEMOCRATIC)
CHRIS BAKER (INDEPENDENT)
STATE OF TENNESSEE, SENATE - 16TH DISTRICT
JEAN ANNE ROGERS (DEMOCRATIC)
JIM TRACY (REPUBLICAN)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - 34TH DISTRICT
RISHI K SAXENA (DEMOCRATIC)
DONNA ROWLAND (REPUBLICAN)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - 48TH DISTRICT
TIM TIPPS (DEMOCRATIC)
JOE CARR (REPUBLICAN)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - 49TH DISTRICT
KENT COLEMAN (DEMOCRATIC)
RICK WOMICK (REPUBLICAN)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - 62ND DISTRICT
CURT COBB (DEMOCRATIC)
BARBARA BLANTON (REPUBLICAN)
SMYRNA COUNCIL MEMBER
Vote for (3)
PAUL HITE JOHNS
TIM MORRELL
MARY ESTHER REED
JAMES YATES
CITY OF LAVERGNE, ALDERMAN
Vote for (2)
SENNA MOSLEY
MIKE SLINKER
DENNIS R WALDRON
CITY OF EAGLEVILLE, COUNCILMAN
4 year term
Vote for (3)
ALAN BALL
DONNA JESEN
RONNIE HILL
SAM TUNE
CITY OF EAGLEVILLE, COUNCILMAN
2 year unexpired term
vote for (1)
WILLIAM (WES) FITZGERALD
Early voting procedures:
Early Voting begins twenty (20) days and ends five (5) days before each election. Early Voting is conducted at the Election Commission Office, and at satellite locations to be announced.
No reason is needed to vote early.
If needed, the voter may change his/her address or name while voting early. Inactive voters can also be reactivated. We strongly encourage candidates and their workers, who may encounter a voter who needs to change his/her name or address, to do so prior to the deadline to register or at the latest, during early voting.
Voters need to bring some form of identification with them. The voter’s registration card is our first choice because it has the voter’s number on it and speeds up the process.
Hours for early voting will be decided by the Election Commission and announced for each election.
On the last day of early voting, machines will be sealed and taken to a secure location. Early voting results will be tallied after closing of the polls at 7:00 p.m. on election night.
Where to VOTE?
Visit: http://www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/election/#
AWESOME: Market comeback, hopes high today
October 14, 2008
The Dow Jones industrial average made a huge comeback Monday, rising 936 points, easily a single-day record, after last week’s record losses. Alan Shrainka is chief investment officer at Edward Jones:
Hugh Johnson is chief economist of Johnson Illington Advisers. He says while it’s not the end of our problems, stocks appear to have seen the worst of it:
Another analyst explained the Wall Street bounce-back this way: quote, “We have exceptional companies at fire sale prices.”
UPDATE: MTSU Freshman still behind bars - court 11/25
October 14, 2008
It was just last week when MTSU freshman Justin Jay Davis was arrested and charged with one count of terrorism and three counts of arson in connection with a series of incidents at MTSU. You may recall, university officials cancelled classes Thursday afternoon and Friday last week after several individuals on campus received threatening e-mails. Reports of small fires on campus also heightened university officials’ concerns. MTSU Public Safety Director Buddy Peaster says classes were cancelled for Thursday afternoon and Friday, but the campus was not evacuated.
Peaster says the e-mail promised “large-scale devastation or destruction” if classes were not cancelled. Local and state law enforcement agencies were brought in to help with the investigation. MTSU authorities told WSMV in Nashville that they had received a call from the students mother about 3-weeks ago. The conversation was evidently in regards to the mothers concern about her son. She told police that she had not heard from her son in a number of days.
Davis had been brought to the police department initially as a possible witness. He was later developed as the main suspect. Today, the 19-year old is being held in the Rutherford County jail on 500-thousand-dollars bail. We have learned that Davis will make his first court appearance during a hearing on November the 25th.
2-NEW homes in 2-WEEKS
October 14, 2008
2-new homes in two weeks. That is the goal as the Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity and Rutherford County Home Builders Association team up to build two new homes on Reid Avenue. The project is being executed thanks to the generosity of about 60-local businesses.
Murfreesboro’s Largest Fireworks Store Up In Flames!
October 13, 2008
(above photo: Tuesday morning firefighters were still on the scene. The flat surface seen in this picture is the huge Fireworks Supermarket sign that spanned the entire length of the building. It is collapsed on top of the business. Also shown are three vehicles destroyed by the fire. Smoke was still coming from the debris Tuesday morning.) The Murfreesboro Fire Department received the call around 5:15 Monday night (10/13/08) that a fire was spreading at the 
Fireworks Supermarket. When the first unit arrived at the scene, explosions had already begun inside the structure at 2030 South Church Street. Everyone was able to exit the building without injuries. Several vehicles parked near the inferno caught on fire and were a loss. Huge clouds of black smoke could be seen in most parts of the county. A WGNS News Crew happened to be in the area and was on-the-scene before firefighters arrived. (photo left: As you can see from this news photo made Tuesday morning, the flames were only about 200-feet from a gas station. You can see the smoke still coming from the Fireworks Supermarket).
Shortly after 5:00 o’clock (10/13/08) Scott Walker was in the WGNS New Cruiser, traveling toward the Murfreesboro square on South Church Street and about to cross the bridge over I-24. He said, “Suddenly there was a huge fireball. Almost instantly you could see fireworks shooting up into the air and going across Church Street.” He was on-the-air from the scene before the first fire truck arrived. The Murfreesboro Police Dept. closed the roadway for almost three-hours. The Murfreesboro Fire Department had the blaze under control within about an hour, but the hot spots kept igniting fireworks and rockets inside the landmark business. Listeners stuck in the One grid-lock traffic phoned WGNS and were put on the air “live” to describe what they saw. One said, “It was like the 4th of July with lots of exploding color, but this time it wasn’t always up in the air–some of the rockets went horizontally.” Around 8:00 o’clock Monday night, police re-opened South Church Street to traffic. Firefighters will remain on the scene to watch for re-ignites and hot-spots.
It was eerie how the giant flag (left of photo) in front of the Fireworks Supermarket continued to furl from the wind caused by the blaze. The heat from the flames could be felt by passing motorists until the five-lane thoroughfare was closed in peak afternoon drive-time traffic. There was concern that exploding rockets would ignite the gas station (see tall Exxon sign on the right of this picture) that shared a neighboring parking lot and was less than 200-feet away from the inferno.
As Tuesday’s first light arrives, so will fire inspectors. They will sift through the remains of the structure for clues that will help to determine what caused the fire. At this time, that answer is not known. In live broadcasts from the fire, Scott Walker said about 50 people near the burning business RAN when the fireworks started rocketing away from the structure. WGNS listeners gave live reports from the fire as they drove along the interstate or were in the grid-lock traffic of South Church Street.
As you can see, South Church Street became a parking lot. Motorists turned off their engines, talked with each other and discussed the local history that was going up in smoke. The business with the huge Fireworks Supermarket sign and super bright lights held fond memories for many of the people milling around their cars and sharing memories of past Independence Day celebrations when they purchased merchandise from the long time business. It is not known whether or not owners will rebuild at this location. However, one thing is for certain… The business in its past state would not conform with the current sign ordinance, it was grandfathered-in. Since it was more than seventy-five per cent destroyed, it is believed that the business would have to get a waiver to rebuild an identical structure. More than likely, this will be a memory! Ironically, the billboard to the RIGHT of the structure that reads, “FIREWORKS SUPERMARKET” still stands.
Love Triangle Assault; Pregnant Woman Hurt
October 13, 2008
A pregnant woman was allegedly attacked by another woman. The alleged attacker, an illegal immigrant, was arrested Sunday morning at the Holiday Inn Express after accusing Miriam Madina-Moreno of having an affair with her husband. Patricia Cortez – according to Murfreesboro Police reports – cut the 21-year old woman with scissors and kicked her in the stomach several times after being told she was two-months pregnant with her husband’s child. Madina-Moreno was taken to Middle Tennessee Medical Center for treatment while Cortez was taken to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. It was during the booking process authorities discovered she was an illegal immigrant. (pictured left Patricia Cortez booking photo)
Flu Shots at MTSU
October 13, 2008
With the cold and flu season fast approaching, MTSU Health Services will offer flu shots to the campus community at multiple locations on campus. Health Services Director Richard Chapman says last year, they treated about 600 students for flu and flu-like symptoms. They gave more than 750 shots last year, mostly to faculty and staff. For more information, contact MTSU Health Services at 898-2988.
LOCATIONS:
This year, flu shots will be available from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at the June Anderson Women’s Center in the James Union Building; from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the conference room on the second floor of the Cope Administration Building; and from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Room 318 of the Keathley University Center. Only cash and checks will be accepted as payment at these locations.
From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, Wednesday, Oct. 22, and Thursday, Oct. 23, shots will be available in the atrium of the Health, Wellness and Recreation Center. In the atrium, patients may pay by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, RaiderFunds, or students may charge shots to their MTSU accounts.
MTSU vs Mississippi State Game Nationally Televised
October 13, 2008
Middle Tennessee’s October 25th football game at Mississippi State has been selected as part of the Southeastern Conference television package and will be shown on ESPNU. Kickoff for the game has been moved to 6 p.m. (CT) to accommodate the telecast. The game will mark the sixth national broadcast in the Rick Stockstill era and the second this season. Middle Tennessee defeated Florida Atlantic on ESPN2 on Sept. 30th. The game will mark the third time Middle Tennessee has appeared on ESPNU. Launched in March of 2005, the ESPN network is distributed to more than 20 million households. The WGNS Good Neighbor Network will begin "live" coverage from Starkville begins at 5:00 o’clock Saturday night, October 25th. (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11; worldwide on the internet at www.WGNSradio.com).
UPDATE: Argument leads to man being HIT by vehicle
October 13, 2008
An argument between two men on Saturday night left one seriously injured. One listener told WGNS NEWS that after a fight between two men, one of the culprits, Keith Whittmore, drove over Jeffery Morrison on Bridget Drive. The victim who was run over was dragged while penned to the undercarriage of the vehicle over 1,000-feet. Morrison suffered extensive injuries and is now at Vanderbilt Medical Center. No word on why Whittmore decided to get into his vehicle and run over Morrison. As a result, Whittmore has been arrested and charged with vehicular assault and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
MORE (The Official Press Release):
On Saturday October 11, 2008 at 11:31pm, officers responded to Wallace Court and Bridgett Drive to investigate an injury crash.
During the initial on-scene investigation officers discovered that Keith Whittemore (3-21-68 1903 Olin Taylor Street, Murfreesboro) and Jeffery Morison (3-22-78 1656 Old HWY 95, Lenoir City) had been engaged in an argument somewhere on Wallace Drive.
During the argument, Morrison exited the 1990 white Dodge truck the two were riding in. After Morrison exited the vehicle, he was struck by the truck driven by Whittemore and drug approximately 1,000 feet along Bridgett Drive.
Whittemore then fled the scene and was later apprehended at his residence. He was charged with Vehicular Assault and Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident.
Morison was transported to MTMC and later sent to Vanderbilt.
The incident currently remains under investigation.
Released by:
Kyle Evans
Public Information Officer
Murfreesboro Police Department
Vehicle flips on John Bragg Highway
October 13, 2008
There was a wreck on the John Bragg Highway at Murfreesboro Street this morning. The accident caused several delays and reports indicate a vehicle flipped after running off the road shortly before 8-AM. Only one car was involved and the injuries sustained were not life threatening.
The accident has since been cleared according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Chief of Police to discuss importance of education in Smyrna
October 13, 2008
On Tuesday, October 15th Smyrna Chief of Police Kevin Arnold and FIGHT CRIME: INVEST IN KIDS TENNESSEE State Director Mark Rogers will visit Stewartsboro Elementary School to discuss the benefits of Tennessee’s Pre-K program, focusing on the crime-prevention aspects. The event will explain how the program helps children improve academically, graduate from high school and reduce crime in our communities.
While at the school, Chief Arnold will be reading “Office Buckle and Gloria” by Peggy Rathmann.
The event will begin at 9-AM.
Weekend ATV accident leaves Murfreesboro man dead
October 13, 2008
A 22-year old Murfreesboro man lost his life white riding an ATV at an off road park in Marshall County. Martin Adam Thomas wrecked the ATV on Saturday and died at the Marshall County Hospital. Thomas, who had just gotten engaged to Nicole Moser, worked at Southeastern Technology on Industrial Drive in Murfreesboro. Thomas is survived by his parents, Martin Ray and Barbra Ann Fabery Thomas. Jennings and Ayers are in charge of arraignments.
Vote on Wednesday - UPDATED
October 13, 2008
Early voting gets underway this Wednesday. Registered voters will be able to voice their opinion by casting a vote for the next U-S President. Some of the other seats that candidates are running for include the 48th and 49th district House of Representative seats. The 48th district is the seat that Representative John Hood is stepping down from, after serving for a number of years. The 49th district is overseen by Representative Kent Coleman. The 34th district is also up for grabs that is currently held by Representative Donna Rowland.
Voters will also be able to cast their ballot for the 16th district State Senate seat held by incumbent Representative Jim Tracy. Curt Cobb of the 62dn district is also campaigning again.
As far as congress goes, Representative Bart Gordon is running to secure his 13th term.
Complete List:
PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT
BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN (DEMOCRATIC)
JOHN MCCAIN AND SARAH PALIN (REPUBLICAN)
CHUCK BALDWIN AND DARRELL CASTLE (INDEPENDENT)
BOB BARR AND WAYNE ROOT (INDEPENDENT)
CHARLES JAY AND THOMAS L KNAPP (INDEPENDENT)
CYNTHIA MCKINNEY AND ROSA CLEMENTE (INDEPENDENT)
BRIAN MOORE AND STEWART ALEXANDER (INDEPENDENT)
RALPH NADER AND MATT GONZALEZ (INDEPENDENT)
US SENATE
ROBERT D TUKE (DEMOCRATIC)
LAMAR ALEXANDER (REPUBLICAN)
EDWARD L BUCK (INDEPENDENT)
CHRISTOPHER G FENNER (INDEPENDENT)
DAVID GATCHELL (INDEPENDENT)
ED LAWHORN (INDEPENDENT)
DANIEL TOWERS LEWIS (INDEPENDENT)
CHRIS LUGO (INDEPENDENT)
US HOUSE OF REP. - 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DIST.
BART GORDON (DEMOCRATIC)
CHRIS BAKER (INDEPENDENT)
STATE OF TENNESSEE, SENATE - 16TH DISTRICT
JEAN ANNE ROGERS (DEMOCRATIC)
JIM TRACY (REPUBLICAN)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - 34TH DISTRICT
RISHI K SAXENA (DEMOCRATIC)
DONNA ROWLAND (REPUBLICAN)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - 48TH DISTRICT
TIM TIPPS (DEMOCRATIC)
JOE CARR (REPUBLICAN)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - 49TH DISTRICT
KENT COLEMAN (DEMOCRATIC)
RICK WOMICK (REPUBLICAN)
STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – 62ND DISTRICT
CURT COBB (DEMOCRATIC)
BARBARA BLANTON (REPUBLICAN)
SMYRNA COUNCIL MEMBER
Vote for (3)
PAUL HITE JOHNS
TIM MORRELL
MARY ESTHER REED
JAMES YATES
CITY OF LAVERGNE, ALDERMAN
Vote for (2)
SENNA MOSLEY
MIKE SLINKER
DENNIS R WALDRON
CITY OF EAGLEVILLE, COUNCILMAN
4 year term
Vote for (3)
ALAN BALL
DONNA JESEN
RONNIE HILL
SAM TUNE
CITY OF EAGLEVILLE, COUNCILMAN
2 year unexpired term
vote for (1)
WILLIAM (WES) FITZGERALD
FIU 31 - MTSU 21
October 12, 2008
Middle Tennessee’s hopes of a push toward the Sun Belt Conference championship in the second half of the season took a decisive blow in Miami, Florida on Saturday (10/11/08) night when Florida International University (FIU) dealt the Blue Raiders a 31-21 setback.
The Blue Raiders dropped to 2-4 overall and 1-3 in the Sun Belt. Florida International remained unbeaten in the Sun Belt Conference play at 2-0 and evened its overall record at 3-3. (PHOTO: Junior tailback Phillip Tanner rushed for two touchdowns in Middle Tennessee’s 31-21 loss at FIU in Miami)
Middle Tennessee never got untracked offensively in the opening half and things worsened in the second half when the Golden Panthers finally started gaining yards in chunks against a Blue Raider defense that had been on the field a majority of the first half.
Middle Tennessee’s defense, came up strong once again when it stopped FIU inside the 5 with time running out in the half. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the 3 kicker Dustin Rivest came on to boot a 17-yard field goal to send FIU into the half with a 10-3 lead.
Things did not improve too much at the start of the second half. Craddock was intercepted by Gaitor on the opening drive of the quarter. Gaitor returned the interception 27 yards for a touchdown and Rivest’s extra point was good to give the Golden Panthers a 17-3 lead with 14:10 remaining. The Golden Panthers marched 76 yards on nine plays and A’Mon Ned finished the drive off with a 1-yard run to give his team a commanding 24-6 lead with 3:29 remaining in the third quarter.
Next Saturday (10/18/08), the Blue Raiders head to Kentucky to battle the University of Louisville in Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Pre-game broadcast on WGNS begins at 1:30 next Saturday afternoon and the kick-off is at 2:30 (Murfreesboro time, CDT). The WGNS Good Neighbor Network is TRUE BLUE! Hear all of the games and the coaches show on WGNS (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-their air TV channel 11; worldwide on the internet at www.WGNSradio.com)
Shelbyville Woman Guilty…TennCare Fraud
October 11, 2008
A 24-year old Bedford County woman plead guilty to 2 counts of TennCare felony fraud and 3 counts of sale of a controlled substance. Amanda S. Reid of neighboring Shelbyville was charged with using her TennCare benefits to obtain prescriptions for Morphine and Lortab, along with the anti-anxiety medication Xanax. She reportedly sold a portion of the pills. Reid plead guilty to five charges. The courts sentenced her to five-years Community Corrections Probation, a $2,000 fine, and ordered Reid to serve 90-days in jail. District Attorney General Charles Crawford prosecuted this case. TennCare Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said, "We are working hard to seek charges against anyone we find misusing TennCare.”
Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud.
2nd Annual Middle Half Huge Success
October 11, 2008
The weather was perfect as over 1,800 runners started the 2nd Annual Middle Half-Marathon on Greenland Drive in front of MTSU’s track stadium. It was just after 7:00 o’clock Saturday morning (10/11/08) when internationally known MTSU Head Track Coach Dean Hayes raised his pistol and fired the shot to started the race (left photo). The throng of runners from 26-states went 13.1-miles through historic Murfreesboro, back to the campus and onto the track where they crossed the finish line. Murfreesboro police officers on motorcycles and in cars traveled alongside the runners to make certain that they were not injured by traffic.
There was one wheelchair entry. However, since every athlete has a computerized chip that records when they cross both the start and finish lines–each person’s precise time enables them to compete against their own earlier times or to challenge someone else’s record. Matt Davis rolled across the start line about five-minutes before the runners left. Matt was cheered across the finish line considerably before any runners were in sight.
(L-R above) Wheelchair athlete Matt Davis, there was no on one the track as Kenyan native Jacob Korir who lives in Kentucky crossed the finish line, then Josh McAdams came in second, and as forecast Susan Graham-Grey was the first female to cross the finish line. She is legally blind and started losing her eyesight 10-years ago as a result of Stargardt’s disease.
FEMALE OVERALL ===================
1 Susan Graham-Grey age 40 time 1:24:24 Greencastle PA 1635 won $400
2 Andee Cranford age 31 time 1:26:52 Morristown TN 1632 won $200
3 Amy Barrow age 23 time 1:27:11 Nashville TN 1039 won $100
MALE OVERALL =================== ==== ==== === ====== ===== =====================
1 Jacob Korir age 28 time 1:07:57 Richmond KY 1740 won $400
2 Josh McAdams age 28 time 1:08:31 Cordova TN 1641 won $200
3 Sammy Nyamongo age 32 time 1:12:16 Augusta GA 1631 won $100
Race Results: see below
(L-R above) Doron Claiborne, Ashley Allen of Chattanooga and Steve McKinney of Murfreesboro carries his granddaughter while his daughter sprints ahead, here Nashville’s Amy Barrow gets 3rd place overall female.
(L-R above) look at David Sevier’s feet and shadows–he really is “totally off the ground”, Mary Catherine Sevier, and Murfreesboro’s Bill Lowe and daughters run together…The Middle Half was a great family event. There was a special 1-mile run for the kids along with inflatables and other activities for youngsters.
(L-R above) 7-year old Reed Walker runs across the finish line in the youth 1-mile run, and Murfreesboro Police Officer Terry Spence was cruising in his patrol car to protect the runners. In the 3-hour time frame, he got to know these twins–Jamie Ray and Georgia Asbury. He stopped to congratulate them on their half-marathon accomplishment. After all, that’s 13.1-miles. Again–congratulations to Melinda Tate and The Middle Half board, sponsors, volunteers, runners, spectators–all of you made this an outstanding event!
For all of the results from The Middle Half-Marathon at MTSU on Saturday morning, October 11, 2008, click this website: http://www.besttimescct.com/results/Middle_Half08.txt
Riverdale student indicted for bus incident
October 10, 2008
The Riverdale High School Student accused of having unwanted sexual contact with a 14-year old female on a school bus has been indicted. 18-year old Brandon Stover of Odessa Drive in Murfreesboro allegedly fondled the younger student. Stover was indicted on three counts of sexual battery, one count of attempted sexual battery and one count of assault.
The female victim accused Stover of not only touching her but also forcing her head into his lap. she also claims that Stover said that he wanted to “knock her up.”
Stover remains free on bond and has not even received copies of the indictment at this time. He will likely receive the files on October 20 in Circuit Court.
Murfreesboro City Council Delays Vote On Freeze
October 10, 2008
At its regular Thursday (10/9/08) evening session, the Murfreesboro City Council decided to delay any vote that would freeze spending. WGNS’ Lauren Love has the story.
MORE: City Manager Roger Haley earlier proposed freezing approximately $800,000 to cover exploding gasoline and electricity increases along with other problems related to the economic downturn. Council members voiced concerns about hiring fewer police officers. Councilmen Shane McFarland and Toby Gilley both were concerned for the public’s safety. Haley stressed that the hiring was only a delay, not a permanent decision. Mayor Tommy Bragg supported Haley, noting that the budget freezes would be on a month-by-month basis. A decision to freeze spending in Murfreesboro, was put on “freeze” at Thursday night’s council meeting. WGNS News will keep you informed when a decision is made.
Woodbury Woman Is TennCare’s 800th Arrest
October 10, 2008
TennCare made its 800th fraud arrest, since investigations began in February, 2005. This time a 67-year old Woodbury woman has been charged with receiving prescriptions from doctors for strong prescription pain medication and failing to disclose to her doctors that she had seen other physicians within a 30-day period and received similar prescriptions for the drug Hydrocodone. Plus, TennCare paid all three physicians. District Attorney William Whitesell, Jr. will be handling Christine Burnett’s case. Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said, "Our message is a simple one - if you lie or somehow cheat to get TennCare benefits, you risk going to jail or prison." She stressed that anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free, or log on to www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read Report TennCare Fraud. Tips leading to arrests and convictions are eligible for cash rewards.
ARREST MADE ON MTSU Campus… SUSPECT Justin Davis CAUGHT
October 9, 2008
THE LATEST:
Authorities made an arrest in the case involving threatening e-mails and fires on the MTSU campus. Murfreesboro Police spokesman, Officer Kyle Evans, tells WGNS News…
Classes will remain canceled through the fall break. Students are to report back to class next Wednesday. Davis lives at 3437 Whitesail Court in Antioch. He is at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. Justin Davis is charged with one count of terrorism and three counts of arson.
5:25pm UPDATE:
As you heard earlier on WGNS, MTSU President Sidney McPhee met early Thursday morning with university vice presidents to determine what to do after several threatening e-mails had been received and a fire in a dormitory stairwell was discovered. It was decided to close classes starting at noon Thursday as well as all Friday classes. A Thursday afternoon press conference revealed information about an on-going investigation involving the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and MTSU police. In less than a half-hour after the press conference, 19-year old Justin Jamal Davis was arrested. He is a student at the university, and lives at 3437 Whitesail Court in Antioch. Davis is being held under a $500,000 bond.
4:25pm UPDATE:
MTSU Police Chief Buddy Peaster (left photo) held a press conference Thursday (10/9/08) afternoon in the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame. The entire conference was broadcast live on the WGNS Good Neighbor Network. Peaster thanked 
the Murfreesboro Police, Rutherford County Sheriffs Office and state law enforcement agencies for working with the university. As the event was unfolding, an FBI SWAT Team was on the campus and a helicopter observed from above. Chief Peaster said the MTSU President Sidney McPhee called a special leadership meeting Thursday morning. It was at that time the decision was made to release classes at noon Thursday as well as Friday. Since this coming Monday and Tuesday are fall break, classes will not resume until next
Wednesday (10/15/08). Peaster said that in addition to threatening e-mails, there were suspicious fires Wednesday night in a stairwell at Miss Mary Residence Hall. As university officials looked at all of the evidence, they decided it would be wise to err on the side of safety for students and faculty. He was asked by the campus was not evacuated? Chief Peaster noted, “Some of the international students have no place to go, some faculty members look at their files as part of their life and it would be difficult to calmly get all of the students to leave.” (Photo below: shows the traffic jam on Rutherford Boulevard at the MTSU exit. All lanes were grid-locked after classes were closed)
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12:25pm UPDATE:
MTSU classes have been canceled from noon Thursday (10/9/08) and Friday as the result of a threat of sorts. The threat suggested many people could be injured. MTSU Police Chief Buddy Peaster stated during a live conference.
FBI is present on the campus. WGNS’ Bart Walker spoke to MTSU Spokesperson Gina Logue.
MTSU released the following statement on their news and information line…
The letter to students from Dr. McPhee
“A credible threat to our campus has been made. As a result, as of noon today, classes will be canceled for the remainder of the week. Campus Police, in cooperation with local and state law enforcement officials, are actively investigating the situation, which involves a series of threatening emails and suspicious fires.
During this time, campus security will be increased. University offices will maintain normal business hours and other campus events will go on as scheduled. Following our regularly scheduled fall break, classes will resume on Wednesday, October 15. Employees are encouraged to report any unusual or suspicious activity to Campus Police. More information will be provided on the MTSU home page as details become available.”
Sidney A. McPhee
President
Middle Tennessee State University
UPDATE: Man struck riding bike to work (w/audio)
October 9, 2008
local resident Lonnie Christian was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle to work on Tuesday morning. Christian explains what happened on Clark at Allen Avenue near Mitchell Neilson Elementary School.
50-year old Christian told us he did not understand why someone would strike him and then leave the scene without checking to see if he was okay.
Murfreesboro Police report they found the suspect vehicle. It was parked behind holiday Cleaners on Memorial Blvd. The yellow Dodge Dakota had damage to the front left fender, the turn signal as well as a broken parking light.
Christian was transported to the emergency room by ambulance and later released with only minor injuries. By the way, this was apparently the first time Christian ever rode his bike to work.
The official police report states that the vehicle that is believed to have struck Christian on Tuesday, was registered to Oscar Giovanni Castillo. So far, no arrests have been made.
City of Murfreesboro working to SAVE money
October 9, 2008
The City of Murfreesboro will have a new list of priorities during the next fiscal budget. City Manager Roger Haley is compiling a list of items that will be frozen in the next budget year. The freeze on a number of items will not be permanent but rather last for only 3-months. Currently, the city has slowed everyday items like mowing and tree limb collections as the result of high gas and diesel prices. The move is also being made as the result of a recent increase in the cost of electricity and related energy expenses. All city departments are looking at ways that they too can cut spending.
The City Police Department will save nearly a half million dollars but hiring only 18-new officers instead of a proposed 36. The Parks and Recreation Department will hold off on installing a new security camera system at Sports Com that will result in a savings of close to $100-thousand dollars. The Department of Solid Waste will save about $10-thousand dollars by cancelling leaf collection services on Saturdays. Other departments are proposing similar savings as well.
MTSU Cutting budget more
October 9, 2008
Middle Tennessee State University will have to make some tough decisions on future department savings. The state is asking for universities to trim their budget. MTSU will cut some $3.2-million dollars from their spending. The $3.2 million is on top of a $5-million cut the University already agreed to. The total cuts at Middle Tennessee ads up to over $8-million for the next fiscal year.
Real estate sees bigest jump since June of 2007
October 9, 2008
Ah, if it could only be August every month of the year.
Never mind the weather. It was a great month for pending sales of existing homes in the U.S.
The National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index rose an unexpected 7.4 percent in August, the highest jump since June 2007.
What happened was people were taking advantage of lower home prices brought on by months of a housing slump. So does that mean there’s light at the end of the tunnel?
Realtors shouldn’t get their hopes up. The surge of pending home sales took place before the meltdown of financial institutions last month that perpetuated the biggest government rescue plan in history to unfreeze credit markets.
Sales of pending homes are likely to show little or no gain in September when that data becomes available.
911-Call boxes placed in state park for safety
October 9, 2008
Call boxes that dial directly into the Nashville Metro Police Emergency Center have been installed throughout the 19-acre park located behind Capitol Hill. The installation of the emergency phone system is the result of a number of incidents including the rape of a woman that occurred last year.
The call boxes cost the state about $5,000 each and other parks may look into the expenditure in the future.
US Senator Alexander Talks Economy At City Cafe
October 8, 2008
The regulars at the City Cafe were abuzz at lunch on Wednesday (10/8/08). There was much pointing and whispers of is the Lamar Alexander? The US Senator was in the ‘Boro to eat lunch with State Senator Jim Tracy and 48th District State House candidate Joe Carr. When asked his view on the economic bail-out bill, Senator Alexander said, “Despite a stronger economy here in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, people are still feeling the credit crunch. Oh, yes some are feeling a down in the market–but that will improve. What is impacting us is an economic wreck on the highway. It consists of bad home loans, bad business loans and other credit problems. If it was a real wreck, law enforcement agencies would get the debris cleared so the traffic could flow again. That’s what the federal economic bail out was designed to do. It will hopefully clean the junk from the economic highway, so that the credit traffic can quickly flow again.” Photo: Senator Alexander talks with Fayne Haynes (red shirt) and Howard Haynes (white shirt) at the City Cafe. As the senator walked-up to the table, Fayne Haynes said, “You haven’t changed a bit. The last time I saw you was 30-years ago as you were walking across Tennessee in your bid for governor.” Ironically, that encounter too was at a well-known ‘Boro eatery. Remember Don’s Kitchen Corner?
Rent is getting cheaper - commercial space available
October 8, 2008
Just below the WGNS studio’s, you can rent a 2100-square foot office for only $1,500 per month. The office is freshly painted and has front and rear doors, bathroom, 2-closets, conference room and 5-offices. The facility also has a small waiting area.
If you move in during the month of October, the remainder of the month is FREE. All you pay is the deposit of $1,500. Your first rent payment will not be due until Nov. 1st.
Rent Terms: 24-month minimum
Call 615-618-1717 for more information or to view the property located at 306 S. Church St.
McCain Vs. Obama - the latest
October 8, 2008
The two major candidates for president did not come to blows last night at a town hall-style debate in Nashville, at least in the physical sense.
However, it was clear that Republican JOHN MCCAIN and Democrat BARACK OBAMA have very little patience with each other’s views of how the country should be run in the midst of the most dire economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
As expected, most of the questions from voters at Belmont University were about matters of the pocketbook. With Wall Street in a free fall and credit markets frozen, Americans from all backgrounds are feeling a hurt and panic that they haven’t felt in their lifetimes.
For those struggling to hold on to their homes, McCain proposed that the Treasury buy up bad mortgages in order to renegotiate their values with owners at more affordable payments.
Claiming that it was his idea alone, McCain said his plan the only way to stabilize home values so that the economy could get moving again.
Remarking about the plan, Obama said that the kind of help McCain was talking about is already included in the current $700 billion financial bailout plan Congress passed last week.
The two clashed on virtually all issues, including health care. McCain favors a $5,000 tax credit that Obama argues would leave far less of the onus on businesses to provide health benefits for workers.
Meanwhile, Obama’s plan is to expand on the current system, in which millions receive coverage through their place of work, a proposal McCain suggested was akin to socialized medicine.
As for who was to blame for the current economic mess, McCain accused Obama of being the second-biggest recipient of donations from battered mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are both under investigation for fraud.
Obama was ready for that attack, saying that McCain’s campaign manager’s lobbying firm had been getting thousands of dollars in fees from Freddie Mac until recently.
The Democrat tried to lump McCain with the economic policies of the BUSH administration, adding that the GOP senator was a big supporter of deregulation that enabled the, quote, “markets [to] run wild” at the expense of middle-class and poor Americans.
The verbal jousting extended into foreign policy, with McCain accusing Obama of being wrong about the surge in Iraq, adding, quote, “he does not understand our national security challenges. We don’t have time for on the job training.”
Obama questioned McCain’s judgment, saying, quote, “This is a guy who sang ‘bomb, bomb, bomb Iran’ and called for the annihilation of North Korea.”
There was a little unexpected controversy during the debate when McCain referred to Obama as “that one” when talking about a 2005 energy spending bill. McCain was trying to say that Obama voted for the measure, sponsored by PRESIDENT BUSH and Vice President DICK CHENEY, while he opposed it.
Afterwards, the McCain campaign said that the candidate meant no disrespect to his rival. The Obama team sent two e-mails to reporters immediately after the comment during the debate, with the question, quote, “Did John McCain refer to Obama as ‘that one?’”
Today, the words - “That one” is causing a stink. Some have even stated that the remark was racist. More educated persons say to call the remark racist, just plain silly.
David Laws…New Liver…Doing Great!
October 8, 2008
Back in August, Dr. Robert Ingle told David Laws that if he didn’t have a liver transplant–he would be dead in 12-months. Once it was discovered that the $160,000 operation would take place at a Memphis hospital that did not take Laws’ insurance, friends and local businesses became the Good Samaritans. On September 27th a special blood drive at Riverdale High School collected the 100 units needed to perform a liver transplant operation. His wife reports that the operation was a success and David was brought from the operating room at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis to ICU early Wednesday morning (10/8/08). Elizabeth continued, "We are the pride parents of a 40 year liver. Everything went great. Surgery started about 6:15 Tuesday night (10/7/08). 12:10 Wednesday morning (10/8/08) David got to ICU. He sees great. Kevin, David’s son, is here with me. We’ll get to see David again in the morning. Thanks for all your prayers." You can follow this inspiring story of love at www.SaveDavidLaws.com
Local Talent David DeHoff In TPAC Opera
October 7, 2008
Homegrown talent David DeHoff is performing in this coming weekend’s opera Don Giovanni with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. He is the son of George and Valerie DeHoff of Murfreesboro. The 22-year old is a student at David Lipscomb University and a 2005 graduate of this city’s Middle Tennessee Christian School. By the way, this is the fifth opera in which DeHoff has participated.
Art By City School Students On Display In City Hall Rotunda
October 7, 2008
The City School Art Competition is currently on display in the Murfreesboro City Hall rotunda. There is no charge to see this exhibit and it will be open until November 11th. The annual competition showcases art by students in the Murfreesboro City School system. In addition, this year’s event includes the works of local art educators. An awards ceremony will be held in the rotunda on Tuesday afternoon, October 21st, from 4:30 to 5:30. The winner’s were selected by three jurors from the MTSU Department of Art. First Grader Ronnie Rankins of Hobgood Elementary receives the Best in Show Award (left photo). Hobgood Elementary School gets a monetary prize for receiving the most awards. George Popovich of Cason Lane Academy gets the first place award in the teacher category with honorable mentions going to Mary Cunningham of the Discovery School at Reeves Rogers and Paulette Stover of Bradley Elementary School. Money for all awards was donated by local citizens. Eric Snyder chairs the City Hall Art Committee that is made up of Patricia Tenpenny, Cheryl Harris, Marie Miller, Lee Ann Walker, Linda Anderson and Terry Ann Womack.
Here is a listing of all winners:
KINDERGARTEN
Brock Harvey Erma Siegel 1st
Meaghan Bernitt Discovery 2nd
Keyshawn Roberson Hobgood 3rd
1st GRADE
Ronnie Rankins Hobgood 1st
(Overall Winner)
Alondra Smith-Duenas Hobgood 2nd
Annalee George Discovery 3rd
2nd GRADE
Tommy Apgar John Pittard 1st
Patrick Bassham Black Fox 2nd
Ayanna Ellis Hobgood 3rd
3rd GRADE
Isaiah Harwood Black Fox 1st
Ta Chanthophoyehith Black Fox 2nd
Guerron Marsh Erma Siegel 3rd
4th GRADE
Allyson Briggs Bradley 1st
Julea Bartch Scales 2nd
Thomas Roberts Discovery 3rd
5th GRADE
Zaley Kaelberer John Pittard 1st
Christy Le Bradley 2nd
Chase Douglas Cason Lane 3rd
6th GRADE
Savannah Perkins Cason Lane 1st
David Vang Erma Siegel 2nd
Joey Richardson Discovery 3rd
Teacher Winner
George Popovich – Cason Lane Academy
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