NEW HOSPITAL: Nearly on the Bedford / Rutherford Co. Line

A new hospital is about to open. On the Bedford County line about 15 to 20-minutes from Murfreesboro on 231-South, the Heritage Medical Center is a matter of weeks away from opening. The new technologically advanced hospital will officially open on July 12th.

Reports indicate the hospital will not only be serving Bedford County residents but also those who live in the near by Christiana and Fosterville communities. In fact, the new hospital will actually be more convenient for many Rutherford County residents, even though it technically in Bedford County.

Man accused of spitting on local officer

A 45-year old Courtland Street man threatened to shoot a Murfreesboro Police Officer if he ever saw the officer off duty. The threats were reportedly made after Kenneth Anthony Sanders was arrested for assaulting his sister and his father. Sanders was also accused of spitting on the officer who made the arrest. Sanders now faces numerous charges including “assault on a police officer.”

WGNS News has moved…

We had tremendous success with the “blog” format on our news page, so we’ve made the entire website a “blog.”  Our news is now being posted at…

www.wgnsradio.com

Log-on and see what people are talking about.

Vile New Dean of University Honors College

MTSU has named Dr. John Vile dean of the University Honors College.  Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Kaylene Gebert noted that Vile has served as Department of Political Science chair for 19 years.  Dr. Vile said, “I’ve always had an open door policy in political science that I plan to take with me to the Honors College. I believe that my experience as a department chair will help me in interacting with the departments that supply the faculty for the Honors College.”  Vile is the third dean and fifth director of the program.  Prior to this appointment, he served as political science chair for 19-years.  MTSU’s Honors Program began in 1975 and became a college in 1998.  The Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building opened in 2004, and the honors program receives significant financial support from the Martin family.

About Dr. Vile:  In addition to his life at the university, he serves as minister of the Beechgrove Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  His wife Linda teaches kindergarten at Stewartsboro Elementary School in Smyrna.  The couple live in Murfreesboro.

Chamber’s Red Book Honored

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce is a recipient of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives 24^th Annual Award for Communications Excellence. The Chamber’s entry, the Rutherford Red Book Volume 5, received an award of honorable mention. Entries receiving the ACE Honorable Mention Award meet the fundamental standards and criteria for communications excellence. In 2006, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce partnered with local printing company, Wax Family Printing, to combine the Rutherford Red Book with the Chamber membership directory. The Rutherford Red Book is a county-wide resource book, more accurate and user-friendly than the phonebook containing information vital to residents, such as maps, population figures, taxes, government, tourist attractions and much more.

Construction Work…Gas Leak…Evacuation

Around 1:30 Thursday afternoon construction crews were putting in a water tap for a new business at 118 West Vine Street across from the city hall.  A two-inch ATMOS Energy gas line was accidentally cut.  The strong odor of natural gas was noticeable more than a block away.  Fire Marshall Ken Honeycutt told WGNS News, “As a safety precaution, occupants in the Murfreesboro Barber College were evacuated.”  Specially trained firefighters equipped with detectors checked the city hall, the library, the city’s underground parking and other businesses  to make certain that gas levels were safe throughout the area.  Honeycutt explained, “A new special events facility on Vine Street between Big B Cleaners and the Barber College is required a sprinkler system.”  That is what the construction crews were installing for Sharon Petty’s new business that is called The Vine.  This is a 2,400 square foot area that will accommodate groups of up to 250 persons.  Reports indicate the focus of The Vine will be a social club for singles who are 30-something and older. 

The Hinkle family arrives in mid July

It took almost two-years for the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) to select a new minister for Murfreesboro’s First Presbyterian Church.  Steve Mitchell, who chaired the group representing this city’s oldest church, conducted a survey revealing the faith desires of this historic district’s congregation.   Likewise all candidates for the position took similar evaluations to help the PNC with the selection process.  John Austin Hinkle, Jr. received a unanimous vote from this diverse committee of eight.  A week ago there was standing room only in the sanctuary as another unanimous vote was given.  That one by the congregation.  The new senior pastor’s first sermon will be on July 20th.  Hinkle notes, “In today’s fast-paced and problem-filled world, the church can and should be a vital and important voice in reclaiming the need for families to grow in a healthy environment.”  He received his Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Science in Religion from South Carolina’s Presbyterian College.  He served for six-years as pastor of a North Carolina congregation.  For the past eight-years he has been the founding minister of Providence Presbyterian Church in Hiram, Georgia. 

His wife Leila is a special education teacher.  The couple have one son, Tripp, who is twelve.  They are in the process of adopting a daughter from China.  Juliette and Dooley (shown relaxing in their laps) are also very much a part of the family.  

Police pull over man accused of break-in’s

Authorities in Murfreesboro recently nabbed a suspect involved in auto break-in’s. Police say they found multiple car stereo’s, a wallet, a checkbook and credit cards in a car being driven by a 23-year old man. Steven Brown and 19-year old Christopher Case were booked on burglary to auto charges and will appear in court on July 30th.

FolkFest Nears…Indonesian Visit Looks Better!

The great Lee Greenwood song “Proud To Be An American” takes on new meaning as we watch the Annual International FolkFest come together.  As you heard on earlier WGNS Newscasts, the Indonesia folk troupe was denied their visas.  Sometimes we take the freedoms we enjoy daily for granted.  FolkFest Coordinator and Founder Steve Cates reports, “The Indonesians have a second appointment this coming Monday (6/2/080 with the consular section of our embassy in Jakarta.  As they reapply for visas, they feel that  documentation now proves that economically and socially they are tied to Indonesia and are good risks to allow to come here for a cultural visit.”  Plans call for folk troupes from Indonesia, Germany and India to be in Murfreesboro from June fifteenth through the twenty-second to share their culture, customs and music.  They will meet with students, civic and social groups, churches as well as public appearances.  One of those will be a show at 7:00 o’clock Friday night, June 20th at the Leanna Community Center on Sulphur Springs Road.  Admission is $5.00.  The festival concludes in Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village with a free  public performance on Saturday, June 21st, from 4:00 in the afternoon until 8:00 that night.  For newcomers, WGNS reminds you that this is one of those “must see events”.

LaVergne water in violation

LaVergne’s water company is having to issue customers notification that their water supply is in violation of an allowable amount of bacteria. The bacteria, trihalomethanes (TTHMs), occurs naturally as part of the water disinfection process. The maximum allowable amount is 80 milligrams per liter; LaVergnes running average has been approximately .087 milligrams per liter; this past years reading in September showed .127 milligrams. One factor that influences these readings is temperature; officials believe that the sudden increase may be due to the 32 consecutive days last summer above 90 degrees.

Where are all the boys? LESS OF THEM BEING BORN

Between 1970 and 2002, there were 135,000 fewer males born in the U.S. than during the previous 32-year period, and scientists don’t have a clue why.
Overall, there are more boys than girls being born throughout the world but the group Environmental Health Perspectives says the ratio has been noticeably shrinking.

DEVRA DAVIS, lead author of last year’s report, says, quote, “it’s important to look at the really big picture here, which is that there are global indications that something unusual is going on.”

Besides the U.S., changing sex ratios have been noted in several Latin and Scandinavian countries and even in Arctic communities. Davis suggests, quote, “there is something happening after conception that is making it harder for boys to exist in the maternal fetal environment.

Some theories include pollutants that either affect men’s sperm counts and testosterone levels or could be damaging male fetuses. Still, it’s a theory that hasn’t been proven says Dr. REBECCA SOKOL, former head of the Society of Male Reproduction and Urology.

WILLIAM H. JAMES, considered the leading expert on sex ratios, says that higher levels of testosterone and estrogen, as well as frequent sex, usually result in higher rates of male births while conversely, couples who have sex less often and under more stressful conditions that produce fewer hormones tend to conceive females.

Going out of town this summer?

Assuming you can afford the gas, where are you heading for the family vacation this summer? Ask.com has just released its lists of the most searched travel destinations on its website. Here’s where your neighbors may be heading:
Ask.com’s Top Family-Friendly Vacation Spots:

1. Disneyland (CA)
2. Universal Studios (CA)
3. Six Flags Great Adventure
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
5. Sea World
6. Walt Disney World in Florida
7. Hershey Park in Pennsylvania
8. Pocono Resorts in Pennsylvania
9. Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia
10 Legoland in California

Trimming the budget for Rutherford County

The Rutherford County School System is looking at cutting next years budget by about $1.9-million dollars. Even though the $1.9-million is being shaved off their proposed budget, next years operating costs still requires $8-million dollars more when compared to last year. Although not approved yet, the county system is not the only affected government body having to trim any fat that may be present. MTSU is in the process of downsizing there overall budget by around 5%.

Home sales mediocre

Home sales are increasing in parts of the country but not in Tennessee. In Murfreesboro there are over 1600 single family homes for sale. In February of this year, there were approximately 1500 single family homes on the market – about a 100-homes difference. Vic Ratner reports that some parts of the country are seeing huge home sale increases while other areas are stagnant.

HOMES SALES

In Murfreesboro, the number of multi family home listings is dwindling. There are only 15 duplexes or triplexes for sale. During this same period last year, there were approximately 22 multi family homes for sale.

Price of GAS is HIGH

We may have to change our lifestyle due to the increasing price of fuel… Jim Hickey has more.

GAS “…expensive petro.”

Here in Rutherford County, not only is the price of regular fuel increasing but, the price of diesel is nearly $5 per gallon.

Fugitive says to Coffee Co. cop, “I’m wanted but don’t tell anyone”

A Tullahoma man is being held in the Franklin County jail on $100,000 bond, following his weekend arrest at a Tullahoma night spot. Christopher Charles Shaw, age 34, of Tullahoma was arrested on robbery charges after he allegedly told a Coffee County area investigator that “I’m wanted in Franklin County but don’t tell anybody.” At that point the Coffee County area investigator checked with Franklin County and learned that Shaw was in fact wanted on charges of aggravated robbery and theft of property. He is to appear in Franklin County General Sessions Court June 5th to face the charges.

Results of 2008 Community Read Announced

ONE BOOK A SUCCESS

Rutherford County’s Inaugural participation in One Book – a program designed to bring citizens together to read a book that highlights an important community issue – was an overwhelming success.

The Linebaugh Library System reported that the book selected by One Book for the county to read, The Great Santini by Pat Conroy, was checked out 94 times during the One Book reading period compared to just 1 time in the prior four months. Copies of The Great Santini DVD also enjoyed more use and were checked out 22 times compared to just 4 times in the prior four months. Local bookstores enjoyed brisk sales of the novel with Hastings, Barnes & Noble and the Boro Warehouse reporting combined sales of 85 copies.

“The numbers are extremely encouraging for the first year of this effort,” said Laurel Best, director of the Linebaugh Library System and a One Book committee member. “Reading a great way to bring our community together in a day and age when so many things strive to tear us apart.

“It was also especially rewarding to see the county step up and tackle a challenging book that touches upon the difficult issue of domestic violence.”

During the One Book push to read The Great Santini from December 2007 to April 2008, private and public book discussions took place. In addition, members of local organizations and businesses, such as the Rutherford County Commission; the city councils of Murfreesboro, Smyrna and LaVergne; the United Way; local school boards; and Mid-South Bank, participated in the One Book effort.

“I could truly sympathize and relate to the family and their feelings toward their father,” said reader Kim White of Mid-South Bank. “This book wasn’t something I would normally read, but I did enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to now reading Beach Music by Pat Conroy.”

“The Great Santini is an amazing story of family and family traditions that speaks to the impact of a military upbringing on the main character,” said reader and Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman. “Since Pat Conroy was a student at the Citadel and his father was a marine colonel, it added to the story and made for a great read.”

The One Book committee is already reviewing books for year two of the program. If you have a recommendation for a well-written issues-oriented book that you’d like to see Rutherford County read together, post your book suggestions on the One Book blog at http://onebookcommunityread.blogspot.com

The inaugural year of the One Book program was sponsored by the Linebaugh Library System, Read To Succeed, Middle Tennessee State University, Hastings Bookstore and the Rutherford County Domestic Violence Program. More information may be found at www.readtosucceed.org

Nashville: boy attacked in Centennial Park

In Nashville, a 62-year old man has been arrested on charges of rape. Scobey Sowell allegedly attacked and raped an 11-year old boy in a Centennial Park restroom shortly before 3:30 in the afternoon. After the attack, the young boy ran to a female guardian who he told about the incident. By that time, Sowell was riding away from the scene of the crime on a bicycle. Metro Officers saturated the park, found and arrested Sowell.

New Laptop Computers for students

Around 130 school students attending Kitrell School will soon have new laptop computers. The computers will be used by the students all the way through 12^th grade. The computers are a gift from Halls Hill Pike couple Ira and Sara Brody. They say they would eventually like to see that all school children in 7^th grade be armed with a laptop. Currently, the pilot program is being adopted at Kitrell and other schools may be in line for the gift within the next couple of years. The Brody’s moved to Murfreesboro in 2004 and are originally from New York.

Gov. Bredesen said thank you to troops on Memorial Day

Governor Phil Bredesen honored Tennessee’s fallen soldiers in a Memorial Day ceremony at the State Capitol in Nashville. Officials from the Departments of Military and Veterans Affairs, members of the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard and members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve joined Bredesen to honor the men and women of the U.S. armed forces and to pay special tribute to the 12 Tennesseans who have died in combat since May 2007. 

Governor Bredesen noted that Memorial Day is a time to give thanks to the men and women who make our country safe…

BREDESEN (Click to Listen)

Murder - Suicide, updated

A sad story continues to unfold in the area of Jones Boulevard and Northfield.  Around 1:00 o’clock Friday afternoon Murfreesboro Police received a call about a possible double-shooting at a Trinity Drive home in an older-quiet community.  Since police received word of two potential victims, they had Life Flight and Air Evac helicopters on standby.  Once inside they found a deceased elderly couple with no record of domestic violence. 

Neighbors told police that the 80 year old man and his 79-year old wife had not been seen since the day before.  Police are describing this as a murder-suicide. Dead is 80-year old Robert “Bob” Givens and his 78-year-old wife, “Dot.” He was retired from Bell South and served our country in the U-S Air Force. The two will be laid to rest on Wednesday.

Motorcycle wreck proves to be fatal

The operator of a motorcycle who crashed into a limousine on Saturday night has succumbed to his injuries. 22-Year old Kenny Doyle Bane from the Barfield Community, wrecked after loosing control on a curve on Warrior Drive. Apparently, the limo being operated by 61-year old Henry Coker from Nashville, was stopped at a stop sign when the bike slammed into the side of his vehicle.

Alcohol was said the be detected on the motorcycle operator.

Traffic Light System on "GO" UPDATED

The City of Murfreesboro held a press conference on Tuesday where the announcement regarding the operation of the  new red light camera system was made. The first set of cameras will be operational on Monday. Murfreesboro Police Officer Kyle Evans comments on potential civil tickets that will be issued to those who run a red light…

EVANS (Click to listen)

The cameras are costing the City of Murfreesboro, through contract, $30-thousand dollars per month. Broken down, that amounts to 600-tickets monthly.

First intersections:   to CATCH motorist: Memorial and Northfield boulevards, Rutherford and Mercury boulevards and South Church Street at Middle Tennessee Boulevard

Ticket charge:    $50

Main Street’s Friday Concerts Return June 6th

The popular Main Street Friday Summer Concert Series returns for five free concerts on the Historic Murfreesboro square. The free three-hour events are all at 6:30 and the first is in two-weeks. On June 6^th the two Martin Boyz backed-up by the Future Band play a mix of oldies, bluegrass, country, Motown and more. Main Street’s Executive Director Richard Gabel said, “The efforts of our organization and many other leaders in the community is making downtown Murfreesboro a great place to visit, shop, dine, and enjoy a summer evening.” Main Street Murfreesboro/Rutherford County was established in 1985 to preserve the historic beauty of the city’s historic business district. In the past two-decades, most of the old store fronts have been restored to their original styling. The other Friday concert dates are: July 11^th, August 1^st, September 5^th and October 3^rd.  For more information, visit www.downtownmurfreesboro.com

Special Census: ‘Boro Tops 100,000

Although it has not been certified by the state, the results of Murfreesboro’s special census place our population at 100,575 residents.  That translates into a population increase of almost 24 percent when compared with the 2005 special census.  More important, since state tax collections are distributed partially on population, it means the Heart of Tennessee just received a $2.1-million increase for the coming budget year. 

Elderly Couple Found Dead

A sad story is unfolding in the area of Jones Boulevard and Northfield.  Around 1:00 o’clock Friday (5/23/08)  afternoon Murfreesboro Police received a call about a possible double-shooting at a home in an older-quiet community.  With situations like this, it is normal for emergency responders to stand clear of the site until police determine the area is safe.  While officers cautiously entered the home, paramedics from the Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services and first-responders from the Murfreesboro Fire Department waited nearby.  Since police received word of two potential victims, they had Life Flight and Air Evac helicopters on standby.  Once inside they found a deceased elderly couple with no record of domestic violence.  Neighbors told police that the the 80 year old man and his 79-year old wife had not been seen since the day before.  Officially, police are describing this as a murder-suicide.  WGNS News has decided not to release names or closer identification of the couple’s address out of respect for this family’s privacy.

Red Cross Summer Safety Tips

Summer is a wonderful time of year. Middle Tennessee children and parents look forward to outdoor activities at the pool, lake and beach. Heart of Tennessee Red Cross Development Director Beth Ferguson encourages everyone to stay safe when you play. 

The local Red Cross offers these safety tips:

Learn to swim and swim well.  

Outfit everyone with the proper gear. 

Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it.  A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon line attached are recommended.

Pack a “safety” bag for a day at the beach or lake. 

Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. 

For information about the Heart of Tennessee’s swimming, CPR, life saving and other safety classes, phone 893-4272 or check their website www.midtnredcross.org

Are You Ready For A $30 Wheel Tax Increase?

Like the state, Rutherford County is experiencing a shortfall of sales tax along with the burden of skyrocketing gas prices.  County officials have looked at several ways to get additional money to run government, but those failed.  County Mayor Ernest Burgess is backed to the wall, and reports indicate he told the Steering Legislative and Governmental Committee that a $30 wheel tax increase was needed.  That fee is currently $52.50 for personal vehicles.  If the increase is approved, Robertson County would still have the highest wheel tax at $85.50.  However, Rutherford County would jump to second place and be just $3.00 shy of the most expensive county for wheel tax.  This would generate approximately $5.1-million for the Rutherford County government.  Half of that would cover the costs of keeping our community safe.  The remainder would go toward debt services as well as capital projects at the sheriffs office and justice center.  WGNS News will keep you informed on this possible wheel tax increase.

Deborah Boles Joins Beckman Family Medical

Family Nurse Practitioner Deborah L. Boles has joined Murfreesboro’s Beckman Family Medical and Urgent Care Center. She has over twenty of experience as a family nurse practitioner in primary and urgent care settings in Middle Tennessee. As a family nurse practitioner, Boles will work in conjunction with Dr. Chris Beckman to diagnose, treat and manage the health care needs of patients. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee in 1984. Boles was certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and holds a Certificate of Fitness from the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Beckman Family Medical and Urgent Care Center is located in the Arnhart Medical Building on North University Street adjacent to Middle Tennessee Medical Center.

Special Kids has Knights in shining armor

Every year the Knights of Columbus work hard to raise funds through their Tootsie Roll drive. One of their best Tootsie Roll “salesmen” is Cody Noyes. Cody is in 10^th grade and part of the Smyrna football team. He is a graduate of Special Kids and good friends with the men in the Knights of Columbus Smyrna Council #9168. Through all of their hard work and generous hearts for individuals with special needs in Rutherford Country, the group obtained over $1,500 for Special Kids.

Photo ID L-R: Rick Canada, Team ASK coach; Kerry Slicker, Director of Major Investments; Frank Spear, Knight; Walter Koth, Knight; Barrett Jones, Knight; Chris Truelove, Executive Director of Special Kids; Cody Noyes, friend of Knights & Special Kids, with Victoria & Britton from Special Kids.

Local Job Picture A Little Better Last Month

Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April 2008 was released last week at 5.4 percent, 0.1 percent lower than the March revised rate of 5.5 percent. The United States unemployment rate for the month of April was 5.0 percent. Here in Rutherford County 4.5 percent of the workforce did not have a job in April. Things are improving though. The folks without jobs here was 4.9 percent in March. As you look at counties around us, some fared better while others worse. It’s like a “stuck record”…Williamson County again had the lowest unemployment. Only 3.4 percent of our neighbors in Franklin and Brentwood didn’t have a job last month. The figure was 4.1 percent in Metro Nashville. 5.1 per cent of the workforce were unemployed in Bedford, Coffee and Wilson Counties last month. Cannon County had 5.3 percent without jobs. Of the Volunteer State’s 95 counties, Perry County has the most persons without jobs.  That’s over in West Tennessee, and Linden is the county seat.  12.3 percent of those folks are not receiving paychecks.  

Business Leader Says Healing Must Begin

This is a commentary from Bill Shacklett:

Isn’t it time? Like many of you, I am proud of our community for many reasons chief among them being the people. Our people are a talented, perceptive, committed, deeply caring folk with a record of coming together for the greater good. Throughout our history when our community determines what we want to accomplish, we have found the resources and rallied to make a difference. We are a gifted and giving people. Despite all our varied opinions and perspectives when we determine our collective will, the quality of life of our community is made better by our efforts. Miraculous things continue to happen today. I think we have an opportunity to transform a challenging, troubling, divisive situation and allow the democratic process to affirm who we are and where we want to go as a community.

All that said we need to encourage our County Commissioners to make a bold, proactive statement and affirm their desire to do the public’s will by requesting a referendum concerning the Bible Park USA project. I believe this is the only way to finally put the issue behind us and move forward with or without a Bible Park. Some might say that that has been decided, but I continue to hear many people frustrated that the process was not our county government’s finest hour (or six hours). Everyone (the Mayor, County Commissioners and all those involved did the best they could with a unprecedented, difficult situation. As someone once said, “Sometimes democracy isn’t pretty.” Despite the lengthy public hearing, the process left a voice unheard. In spite of the legal requirement for a super majority, would either side have been satisfied if they had lost? Both sides feel that the system and process was manipulated and misinformation was claimed by everyone. We left our Commissioners to sort out the facts and the rhetoric and make a decision. Regardless of how the Commission decided, there would probably be legal or other challenges from either losing side that might be extremely expensive for the County. I believe both sides should be allowed the opportunity to make their case to the entire County. Let’s hear from the people who are ultimately affected positively or negatively by this project. The collective voice of the entire County needs to be heard. They should at least be given the opportunity to be heard. Elected officials are charged to make many difficult decisions. I’m aware that putting every issue to the public is irrational and just not practical; but this project has some unique issues that can dramatically affect our community. The people should be able to evaluate the information and express their will with a vote (YES or NO). If we are really going to be able to move forward without a residue of sour grapes and doubt concerning this project, then we MUST hear from the PEOPLE. Both sides have conjectured that they have a majority. Let’s see. Elections are not cheap, but I believe this one would be money well spent. You could say that we’ve spent enough time and energy on this project, but I feel for us to clear the air and settle the debate this is a necessary step in the healing process for our county. The County Commission can call for a referendum as a body. Whatever the outcome, our elected officials will be assured that they are defending the majority will of the people of Rutherford County-at least those that value their right to vote.

Isn’t it time to hear the definitive voice of the people and move on?

RCSO Cold Case Unit In Spotlight Again

Evidence collected by the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office Cold Case Unit has a 26-year old murder case in court.  As reported last month, Cold Case Detective Sergeant Dan Goodwin and Lieutenant Bill Sharp took their investigation to Bristol, Virginia where they arrested Randy Ray McFarlin.  He was charged with the 1982 decapitation murder of Errastus Gene Stump.  The defendant’s former wife testified in court that McFarlin told her about the murder 24-years ago.  Donna Burroughs reportedly was married to McFarlin for 14-years.  She told General Sessions Judge David Loughry that the marriage ended in 1992.  Stump’s body was found April 28, 1982 near South Lamar Road in the northern part of this county.  Local Cold Case investigators Sharp and Goodwin said three of McFarlin’s former wives alleged that he murdered Stump, but they were afraid to come forward.  Detective Sergeant Goodwin gave evidence that Stump and McFarlin knew each other and were both involved in a LaVergne robbery.  The judge heard two-hours of testimony before sending the case to the Rutherford County Grand Jury.  The murder and armed robbery charges will be considered by that jury in July.  Randy Ray McFarlin is being held without bond at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.     

Transformer leak

The American Enviro-Services were called in to clean up a leak on Tuesday 5/20 for the Murfreesboro Electric Department. A transformer malfunction caused petroleum oil and another potentially hazardous material to leak out of the structure. Electric department workers were called to a house on Clover Court around 8 a.m. after the residents dog became sick from exposure to the chemicals.  Representatives for Murfreesboro Electric said it was necessary to hire the clean-up crew as precaution, due to the age of the transformers. They were built in the 1960s; meaning they may contain a hazardous chemical known as PCB. Residents of the area were asked to remove their pets and themselves from the area until clean up was complete. Murfreesboro Electric has offered to pay any veterinary bills of those in the area whose pets became sick as a result of the incident.

Rape Charges Dropped In School Bus Case

The school bus rape charges against a Riverdale High School senior were dropped in court on Wednesday (5/21/08).  General Sessions Judge David Loughry explained that Tennessee law defines rape as unlawful sexual penetration by force.   Reports on file at the Murfreesboro Police Department charge 18-year old Brandon Stover with rape and sexual battery.  A 14-year old female student told authorities that Brandon placed his hands in her pants on February 20th while they were riding home on the school bus.  The ruling in Rutherford County’s General Sessions Court is based on a technicality.  Judge Loughry noted there was never penetration and the courts could only dismiss the charges. Stover’s days in court are not over.  New charges of aggravated sexual battery and sexual battery go to the grand jury on July 21st.  WGNS News will keep you informed.    

MTSU’s Dr. Glenn Moving To Alabama

Middle Tennessee State University’s Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Robert Glenn has accepted a position as president of Athens State University in Athens, Alabama. Dr. Glenn has been at MTSU for eight-years. Initially, he served as vice president for student affairs. Two-years later his duties increased to include the provost responsibilities as well. MTSU President Sidney McPhee said, “Dr. Glenn is returning to a state that is close to his heart and to a school that has great historical significance for his family. His contributions to MTSU run long and deep.” McPhee noted that Dr. Glenn helped develop a culture of involvement that not only allows students to excel in the classroom, but to also become engaged in the community. Glenn’s family has strong ties to the Alabama school.  His great grandfather served in this same position for two-years starting in 1902. It was a female institution at that time. The co-ed campus now has approximately 3,000 students.

Murfreesboro Rotary Club Honors Fallen Veterans

The Murfreesboro Rotary Club honored military who have made the supreme sacrifice during its Tuesday (5/20/08)  meeting at the Stones River Country Club.  Rotarian and veteran Ralph Fullerton shared how Memorial Day began.  He said, “It started during the Civil War.  A group of Mississippi women were cleaning the fresh Confederate graves in their hometown when they looked across the field and saw Union graves covered with debris.  They felt it important to honor those soldiers too.”  Initially, the event was known as Decoration Day.  It was a time to clean, decorate and pay respect to Civil War soldiers.  After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. 

Henry and Fay Golczynski shared the importance of remembering soldiers who have given their lives for freedom.  They know firsthand, because their son, Sergeant Marc Golczynski made that sacrifice on March 27, 2007, just three-weeks before he was scheduled to return home from Iraq.  He was shot and killed by enemy fire while on patrol in Al-Aanbar Province.  She shared how over the past year, thousands of letters and e-mails have been received from around the world.  Fay noted, “One was from a father in Australia.  He said that his son was fighting alongside our troops, and the Yanks are so professional and caring.”  The down-under dad noted how much our troops are respected.  She also noted that President Bush condolences and the family was his guest at a White House memorial. 

Leamon Flatt was dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit and he gave a moving recitation about the importance of patriotism.  Then the retired minister pulled out a harmonica and played a medley of three songs that relate to freedom and that it is never free.  There was not a dry eye as Flatt shared another reading about a small community whose courthouse flag was tattered and torn.  It flew in battles and had been soaked in blood, and sadly today it is stomped, burned and treated by some without honor. 

Another Murfreesboro Rotarian, Colonel Mike Walsh, who heads the ROTC program at Middle Tennessee State University, made the moving TABLE SET FOR ONE presentation.  This honored those veterans who have made supreme sacrifice to assure that America remains The Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave!

The tribute to veterans ended with the playing of TAPS.

Note:  this moving program will be broadcast over WGNS on this coming Memorial Day, Monday (5/26/08).  It will be during the Action Line (8:10-9:00 o’clock Monday morning).  Tune to FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; and over-the-air TV channel 11).

MURFREESBORO: Drugs, Drugs and BUSTED

A 23-year old Murfreesboro resident has been arrested on felony crack possession charges. Michael Robert Dodson was allegedly selling crack cocaine and marijuana out of a home that he rents at 1706 Eagle Street. Dodson, who claims to be legally unemployed, will appear before the judge on June 18^th.

In an unrelated story involving illegal drug possession, a 24-year old dishwasher from a local restaurant has been arrested… Derrick LaMont Boney was walking away from his car when he spotted Murfreesboro Police Sgt. C. Gensemer. The official police report suggests that Boney threw a bag to the ground after spotting the cop. Inside the plastic baggie, small white rocks believed to be crack rocks. The East State Street resident will appear before the judge in July.

A 48-year old woman by the name of Ida Joyce McCormick was apprehended on previously filed warrants. McCormick was accused of selling methadone in Murfreesboro. Her court date has also been set for July.

Chamber’s Baes now on Governor’s Advisory Board

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Director of Community Development Laurel Baes has been named to the Governor’s Three-Star Advisory Board. She joins two representatives from Middle Tennessee.  Baes spearheaded Rutherford County’s efforts in achieving Three-Star certification last year. After the county was certified, it saved through an interest-free energy loan for the Rutherford County Schools along with grants from the State of Tennessee. Both grants totaled more than $2-million. Tennessee’s Three-Star program helps rural and urban communities to achieve excellence in community development by emphasizing foundational steps and targeting community strengths to improve quality of life and grow jobs. The Three-Star Advisory Board reviews the accomplishments and opportunities of the program each year. The Board works with the State to weigh the program’s effectiveness in local communities and statewide; review the program’s components; and strategically plan effective partnerships and programs that will continue to reward Tennessee communities for progressive community economic development efforts.

Morning Fire At Battleground Drive Home

At 11:05 Wednesday (5/21/08)  the Murfreesboro 911 received a call about a structure fire at 2330 Battleground Drive.  The hysterical person on the phone said, “Her home was fully engulfed in flames”.  Fire Marshall Ken Honeycutt told WGNS News that smoke was pouring from the eves of the roof on every side of the house when units arrived.  Quick work by the Murfreesboro Fire Department contained the blaze to the garage area, however there was extensive smoke throughout the twenty-one hundred square foot one-story home.  The Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services was called to check out a man who was working in the garage.  He suffered smoke inhalation.  In addition, a firefighter received minor hand burns.  Both were treated at the scene.  This was the home of William and Bonnie Freeman.  Firefighters were on-the-scene for approximately two and a half-hours.    

In an unrelated event, 8-minutes after the Battleground Drive fire was called-in, an off-duty officer reported heavy-smoke near the Murfreesboro Airport.  First responders saw the smoke, but had difficulty getting to it.  That situation turned-out to be a controlled burn in a field between the airport and Providence Christian Academy.