Friday, February 27, 2026

The Rutherford Roundup

In Today’s Episode:

• State Representative Mike Sparks of Smyrna and State Senator Janiece Bowling introduce legislation to lower Tennessee’s minimum age for school bus drivers from 25 to 23, aiming to expand the applicant pool as Rutherford County works through ongoing transportation disruptions.

• The Rutherford County School Board terminates contracts tied to 41 buses after an insurance lapse sidelines vehicles. New contractors are being secured, while existing providers cover routes—causing delays and temporary suspension of three shuttle routes serving Central Magnet, Oakland’s IB program, and Holloway High.

• Murfreesboro advances construction on the $16.5 million Veterans Park along Veterans Parkway near Interstate 840. The project will feature nearly five miles of trails, multi-use amenities, and restored native landscapes, with an opening targeted for early 2027.

• Murfreesboro City Council approves a major amendment to the city’s sign ordinance, allowing qualifying industrial-zoned properties of 20 acres or more to install permanent ground-mounted flags up to 4,000 square feet on poles as tall as 150 feet.

• Lane, Strains and Automobiles (LTA Depot) announces it will close this spring after 15 years in Murfreesboro. The final day of operations is set for April 4th following the sale of the property.

• The FAA reports 10,994 laser strikes nationwide in 2025, with Tennessee ranking 7th in the country at 431 incidents. Officials warn that laser strikes are a federal crime and urge residents to report any incidents immediately.

🔗 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