Arson Arrest in Murfreesboro, Lebanon Square Renovations & Severe Weather Awareness Week | Feb. 17, 2026

Feb 17, 2026 at 04:45 am by Dalton Barrett



Show Notes – Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The Rutherford Roundup

In Today’s Episode:

• A weekend structure fire on Lofton Road in Murfreesboro is under investigation as arson. Authorities say 42-year-old Jonathan Madison of Las Casas was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to assault fire marshals and a sheriff’s deputy. He faces charges of arson and attempted assault on law enforcement, with a $22,000 bond and a March 17th court date.

• Lebanon’s historic town square prepares for a six-month renovation project that will transform the northwest quadrant into a public green space with seating and concert staging. Plans include removing the Nettie Jacobs cabin, sparking debate as a petition circulates to preserve the early 1800s structure.

• Tennessee marks Severe Weather Awareness Week from February 15–21. Emergency officials urge residents to build preparedness kits, review communication plans, and participate in Wednesday’s “Show Us Your Safe Place” campaign.

• Gas prices offer some relief in Rutherford County, averaging $2.45 per gallon—below the state average of $2.52. Meanwhile, diesel prices tick slightly higher but remain under last year’s levels.

• Tennessee lawmakers push legislation to address the state’s nation-leading maternal mortality rate. Proposed measures would prevent ERs from turning away women in active labor and allocate federal funds to assist families in cases of stillbirth.

• Debate continues over Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher program as lawmakers clash over transparency and reporting requirements, with potential impacts on public education funding across Rutherford County.

🔗 Listen & Learn More:
Website: wgnsradio.com/RutherfordRoundup

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6o5lRIqG99Id4sYA7oobVQ

Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rutherford-roundup/id1783867186

YouTube Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh_IeDgqs1yS14XpZXCXte1IDUWK49Qdw

Tags: Bill Lee school voucher debate Lebanon town square renovation London Lamar legislation Murfreesboro arson arrest Nettie Jacobs cabin Rutherford County gas prices Rutherford County News Tennessee education policy Tennessee gas prices February 2026 Tennessee maternal mortality rate Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week The Rutherford Roundup Podcast WGNS News
Sections: News Rutherford Roundup News Podcast