Resident Brings ACLU Into Bible Theme Park Issue

WGNS News has learned that a Blackman resident has contacted the ACLU about Bible Park, USA.  Joseph N. Dassaro reportedly asked the American Civil Liberties Union if separation of church and state issues are being violated if Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is used to build the Bible focused complex?  The Rutherford County Industrial Development Board meets Wednesday (4/2/08) morning at 9:00 o’clock in the courthouse to discuss the TIF bond for developers of Bible Park, USA.     

Campus Crime Drops!

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Statistics Unit released its annual “Crime on Campus” report which shows a 12.6% decrease in the number of crimes on college campuses reported in 2007 compared with 2006. Middle Tennessee State University showed even better. This is the third year in a row crime on campuses has dropped statistically. There were a total of 7,371 offenses reported in 2007, compared with 8,425 in 2006. In ratio to the large number of students at MTSU, the fact that only 820 crimes were reported shows the local campus to be safe. Larceny/Theft offenses continue to be the largest percentage of crimes reported with 34.4% in 2007. 186 larcenies were recorded last year at MTSU. This category has maintained a consistent trend since 2004. Drug/Narcotic offenses decreased 10.8% with Drug/Narcotic violations decreasing 8.9% and Drug Equipment violations decreasing 14%. The reported number of rapes increased from 21 in 2006 to 25 in 2007. Of that total, 4 were at MTSU last year. Robberies decreased by 42.2% with 26 offenses reported in 2007 compared with 45 robberies reported in 2006. During 2007, one Murder/Non-negligent Manslaughter and one Negligent Manslaughter were reported. Reported crimes occurring off campus continued to increase. This change may be attributed to law enforcement identifying college students who are victims of crime off campus. To view a full copy of the “Crime on Campus” report including statistics from individual institutions, go to www.tbi.state.tn.us and click on Crime Statistics from TBI’s homepage.

No Hazardous Waste Collection Here This Spring

In a cost-cutting measure Recycle Rutherford’s household hazardous waste collection that usually occurs in the spring, will not happen this year.  The cost cutting was on the state’s side.  However, Rutherford Countians can take hazardous waste to scheduled collections in four neighboring counties.

Saturday, April 12th (8am-noon) Big Springs parking lot in Shelbyville

Saturday, April 12th (8am-1pm) Solid Waste Department at 2180 Murfreesboro Road in Manchester

Saturday, April 26th (9am-2pm) convenience center on Alexander Drive in Woodbury

Saturday, May 3rd (8:30am-2pm) Williams County Administration Complex in Franklin. 

Chuck Clark noted that a fall collection date for Rutherford County is likely.  However, that date has not been confirmed.  WGNS News will keep you informed. 

Discovery Receives $15,000 Donation From Bank

The Bank of America Foundation has donated $15,000 to the Discovery Center’s Project Reach Out. Project Reach Out is a key element of Discovery Center’s commitment to the community by allowing free access to the museum for low-income families in the community. In 2007 Project Reach Out allowed over 17,000 visitors to have free access to the museum, including nearly 2,500 school children.  Project Reach Out budgets more than $80,000 annually to reach this program.

Photo ID L-R:  Rutherford County Market President for Bank of America Butler Touchton, Discovery Center Director of Education and Visitor Services Rachel Anderson, Market Development Specialist at Bank of America Trudy Mishey, Vice President, Market Development Manager for Bank of America Heather Vincent (in the flower) and Discovery Center Executive Director Billie Little.

Cameras to catch RED LIGHT runners not ready

This is no April Fool’s joke, Murfreesboro’s much talked about cameras to catch those who run red lights are not ready.  The first three cameras were to have been up and running April 1st, however officials are taking extra time to make certain the units are properly positioned to clearly identify all violators from each approach.  City officials won’t know until later this week when the traffic cameras will be ready.   Murfreesboro Police Chief Glenn Chrisman will join WGNS “live from the City Cafe” this Wednesday (4/2/08) morning at 8:10am-9:00am.

County Hired Analyst Shows Park Good $$$ Idea

The Rutherford County Industrial Development Board hired an out of county, impartial firm to do a financial analysis of the proposed Bible Park, USA.  Jackson, Tennessee’s YOUNGER ASSOCIATES showed that for every tax dollar invested, Rutherford County would see a tax return of more than 4-times.  This is based on data showing that $27.9 million in incremental property taxes would be used to help pay for the $150-$200 million venture.  Those taxes would be generated from the estimated 1.3-million persons who are estimated to visit the park each year.  The study showed that the investment would yield approximately $122-million in taxes over the 22-year agreement.  Some of those funds would be generated by new hotels and restaurants that are constructed to serve visitors to Bible Park, USA.  The county funded study indicates the project could have a dramatic positive financial impact on the Rutherford County economy.  The County Industrial Development Board study shows approximately $3.8-million in sales and property taxes will be generated each year by the park.  In addition, approximately 1,350 new tourism jobs would be created.  This would produce $55-million in new income for local residents over a 5-year period.  It is estimated that six new 250-room hotels would be built along with 20 additional restaurants.  The proposed facility would be located on approximately 200-acres of land adjacent to both I-24 and State Route 840.  On a WGNS radio broadcast, Developer Armon Bar-Tur said they want to give visitors the feel of a trip to the Holy Lands with historically correct buildings, theatres with plays depicting those times, as well as an I-Max type theatre that gives the experience of flying over the area.  Bar-Tur has consistently stressed that Bible Park, USA will be non-denominational so that the religious background of each person who visits the complex will determine their interpretation of what they experience.         

More than 200 show-up against Bible Park, USA

More than 200 persons against the proposed Bible Park, USA rallied Saturday morning in the parking lot of Blackman United Methodist Church.  Blackman farmer and community leader John L. Batey hopes residents against the park will show visual strength at upcoming events dealing with the park. 

Rutherford County Future Development Committee meets on this issue at 1:00 o’clock Thursday afternoon (4/3).

Rutherford County Planning Commission meets at 5:00 o’clock Monday evening, April 14th. 

Full Commission expected to make its final vote on Bible Park, USA at their May session.  All three of these meetings will be in the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse, so there should be plenty of room for public observation.

WGNS News will give you updates throughout this period. 

Lost Black Bear Roams Middle Tennessee

Over the years this area has had many bear sightings.  This week a black bear was first spotted in nearby Bradyville in neighboring Cannon County.  Then the 150-pound animal roamed to Hickman County and then over to Fairview in Williamson County.  As you remember, several years ago the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office got calls of a bear in the Christiana area.  It was never found.  Nor was the black panther seen a few months ago near Barfield Park.

Officials trying to keep tuition spike down

Head officials of Tennessee’s public colleges and universities announced earlier this month, they will try and keep tuition hikes in the single digits. Spokeswoman for the Tennessee Board of Regents says the hike will be under 10 percent, but where under 10 she’s not sure. Rich Rhoda, executive director the the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, says the plan had been to keep increases below 7 percent, for most four year schools, and no increases for community colleges and technology schools. Rhoda says the tuition spike is due to Governor Phil Bredesen not adopting a request for an additional $85 million to help cover operating expenses in his budget plan.

Shots fired at bowling alley

There were shots fired around 12:24 a.m. Friday 3/28 at a local bowling alley. Police say two people were reported fighting outside the Strike and Spare Bowling Alley on NW Broad Street. There were three shots fired but no one saw the gunman. The incident occurred after two fraternities were said to have attended a party at the bowling alley. No one was injured in the shooting; detectives are currently investigating the incident.

Chamber SPEAKS UP For Bible Park, USA

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Tourism and Development Mona Herring is concerned with some of the negative comments about Bible Park, USA.  Below is a community letter sent by the local Chamber.

A lot of attention in the past weeks and months in Rutherford County has been focused on the proposed Bible Park USA. There are valid questions from many perspectives about the project, as there are with any large-scale development. From a tourism standpoint, the Bible Park would mean a huge boost to our economy.

The goal of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to bring more visitors into the county. Tourism is one of the largest industries in Tennessee. Employing 381,400 individuals and generating $13.4 billion in revenues in 2006, tourism indeed has become one of Tennessee’s most important “cash crops.”

What does this mean to us? The dollars that travelers spend are re-circulated back into the local, state and national economies and directly benefit other related industries, which rely on tourism for their survival and growth. This multiplier benefits virtually everyone in the U.S., by generating tax revenues, which help to pave our roads, educate our children and provide health care for our citizens. Travel spending also helps support shopping and historical areas, art galleries, museums and many cultural and community events. Visitors come to our community and eat in our restaurants, stay in our hotels and shop in our stores and then they go back home and we don’t have to worry about educating their children or building new roads or sewers for them.

Our 2006 impact figures show that travelers to Rutherford County spent $215,820,000. That is a 10.52% increase over the previous year. The local tourism industry supports 2,030 jobs and generates a payroll of $37,670,000. These travelers also generated $13,020,000 in state taxes and $4,570,000 in local taxes.

Dollars spent by travelers produce a ripple effect, which is felt through every aspect of our community and beyond. By increasing our sales tax base, tourism dollars allow the city and county governments more revenue, and thus help keep property taxes from rising. We have estimated that the tax burden for each Rutherford County household is reduced by $196 per year due to the revenues generated by tourism. Although the county commission has not yet voted on the Bible Park, I strongly believe the Park will provide a huge boost to our economy and therefore it merits a close look by all city and county officials.

Obviously, the Bible Park would bring tourists in substantial numbers to see this one-of-a-kind historical and educational attraction, and would certainly entice them from all over the country. According to Terri Sterling, owner of Sterling Communications and a spokesperson for the Bible Park USA, the estimated visitation for the park is 1.5 million visitors annually.

The 275-acre park would feature visualizations of famous Bible stories as well as depictions of life in ancient Bible times. Proposed attractions include a Bible Land Fly-Through indoor ride, the Exodus Experience with standing tall waves, a recreation of Noah’s Ark for small children to play inside, and a Teen area with a key attraction, The Bible-The Greatest Adventure Ever, and a coffee house, sports arcade and retail shops.

The park would also feature a state-of-the-art recording studio, a theater for plays and indoor concerts, a reproduction of an authentic Galilean Village, a covered amphitheater for outdoor plays and acoustical musical events, a museum with traveling exhibits and gathering places for youth groups and Bible study groups next to a stone wall inscribed with the entire text of the New Testament.

Having such a unique attraction would certainly help to draw visitors to Rutherford County, keeping hotels full and cash registers ringing at our many restaurants and retail stores. It would also provide both seasonal and full time jobs for our residents.

The Bible Park’s presence in Rutherford County would greatly aid our marketing efforts for the new Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, because we would have another family-friendly attraction, which would encourage conventioneers to bring their families and extend their stay in Rutherford County.

Bomb Threat at MTSU

MTSU’s Business and Aerospace Building was evacuated just before lunch Friday after a bomb threat was phoned in to the local university.  University spokesman Tom Tozer (TOE-zhur) tells WGNS News…

(((Click for Audio Soundbyte))) Tom Tozer

Tozer says classes were canceled for the rest of the day Friday in the Business and Aerospace building.

Upgrades for the police and fire departments

The Murfreesboro City Council approved a recommendation Thursday March 27 to upgrade Murfreesboro Police and fire fighter software. The upgraded software will allow a more productive and organized system for the department; as well as putting them on a closer and more direct link with the FBI and TBI databases. It is estimated the system will also help to reduce traffic stops up to 4 minutes. This will be the first software upgrade for the department since the installment of the current system in 1994.

Bridge named after fallen soldier

The overpass on the Southwest Loop Road/Veteran’s Parkway has been named in honor of fallen marine, Staff Sergeant Marcus Andrew Golczynski. Murfreesboro City Council dedicated the bridge  at their Thursday 3/27 meeting; Michael Goodloe was present on behalf of the family to accept this honor. Golczynski was killed while protecting his fellow soldiers in combat, 1 year ago.

Unemployment

Tennessee’s unemployment rate for February was 5.3 percent.  Surprisingly, that’s a half per cent higher than the U.S. average.  Williamson County had the most persons working.  Their rate was 3.2 per cent.  That was up nine-tenths of a per cent when compared to January.  The Volunteer State’s area with the greatest number of people without jobs is Perry County.  Wow–11.6 per cent of those folk are unable to find work!  OK–I know what you’re really wondering…what is the unemployment rate here in Rutherford County?  You guessed it, just barely below Williamson County.  3.8 per cent of Rutherford County workers are unemployed.  That’s only nine-tenths of a percent more than in January.  Statisticians say that’s well within the margin of error.  So the Heart of Tennessee remains strong!

MTSU Football Clinic This Friday and Saturday

The Middle Tennessee football program will host its annual Coaches Clinic on campus this Friday and Saturday (3/28-29/08). Coach Rick Stockstill kicks the clinic off with his welcoming remarks at 10:00 o’clock Friday morning. Tennessee Titan’s Assistant Special Teams Coach Marty Galbraith will speak at 1:30 Friday afternoon. Members of the MTSU football staff will be featured speakers on both days of the clinic. It all wraps-up Saturday with the Blue Raider football team’s spring practice scrimmage.

Motorcycle Officer…20-days without pay…more.

Murfreesboro Police Motorcycle Officer Anthony Whitehead has been suspended without pay for 20-days, along with being placed on probation for one-year.  As you recall from earlier newscasts, on February 29th Officer Whitehead was responding to a traffic accident with injuries.  A semi-truck pulled onto South Church Street approximately a quarter of a mile ahead of the oncoming police car.  Since the patrol car’s blue lights were “on”, so was the unit’s camera.  Officer Whitehead pulled the trucker over and approached the big rig.  Police video shows the truck driver throwing his hands-up and saying that he didn’t see the blue lights.  Then Officer Whitehead pulled his service revolver on the truck driver and had him get out of the big rig and lie face-down on wet and cold street, while he filled out the traffic citation.  Murfreesboro Police spokesperson Kyle Evans told WGNS News that in addition to the other actions, Anthony Whitehead has been removed from the motorcycle unit and will be placed on regular patrol in a car when he returns.  He must also complete anger as well as stress management classes before returning to duty.

Police video shows that as the police cruiser got close to the truck, it was well onto South Church Street and almost straight in the lane.  This indicates that the slow moving trailer truck began it merge onto South Church Street long before the squad car was near.

Question:  Is it a demotion to be taken from a motorcycle and placed in a police car?  Officer Evans explained that there are many freedoms associated with being a motorcycle officer.  There are allegedly fewer reports for this type of officer to complete.  Plus, many simply enjoy riding a motorcycle.  It’s like loving to ride a motorcycle, and getting paid to ride one all day.  So for a motorcycle officer, being taken off the bike and place in a car is a major reduction in freedom.

If Officer Whitehead was a motorcycle officer, why was he in a police car?  It was cold and raining.  Motorcycle officers change to cars during inclement weather.

MPD Terminates Officer Phillip Hatcher

The Murfreesboro City Police have terminated Officer Phillip Hatcher.  As you recall, he was placed on administrative duty on March 21st pending the outcome of a federal investigation into the use of steroids.   Five days later,  the results of an internal investigation found that Hatcher had violated state codes along with several city and department policies.  This was in addition to the ongoing federal study.  Officer Hatcher was fired on Wednesday (3/26/08), however he has the option to request a hearing before City Manager Roger Haley to review. 

(Note:  That request for a hearing must be made by 4:30pm Friday, March 28, 2008)

‘Boro NOW National Center for Traditional American Music

It’s official…Murfreesboro is now officially known as THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL AMERICAN MUSIC.  Local historian Gloria Christy told WGNS News this is now confirmed in the Congressional Record.  When asked if that means the long sought-after museum is coming next, her response was, “We’re working on it!”

Schmeltzer’s Charges Dismissed…Job Continues

The misdemeanor assault charges against an Oakland High School teacher were dismissed and expunged on Wednesday (3/26/08) in Rutherford County General Sessions Court.  The charges that Andrew Schmeltzer grabbed a 12-year old student at a football game on October 19th, and held him against a locker were dismissed in court.  The mother of the student said that she was shocked at the courts ruling, and that testimony from witnesses was not given.  As you recall, Rutherford County Schools Director Harry Gill earlier announced that Schmeltzer was not tenured and would not return next year.  However, an independent hearing officer appointed by the county school board also found the evidence was inconclusive against Andrew Schmeltzer, and he won his appeal to get his job back. 

Police Unveil New "High-Tech Street Cars"

The Murfreesboro Police Department has unveiled new high-tech patrol cars.  Spokesman Kyle Evans says the “Street Appearance Police Package” patrol cars have some unique features…

(((Click for Audio Soundbyte))) MPD Spokesman Kyle Evans

They have three new cars; one is gold, another silver and the other is blue.  This is another way the city is making investments that are designed to reduce accidents.  As you have heard on earlier WGNS broadcasts, Chief Glenn Chrisman has been waging a war against T-bone accidents.  This is one of the deadliest types of crashes.  They have also increased over the past several years with motorists running red lights.  In fact, here in Murfreesboro there were 4,500 injury accidents last year. 

Each new unit is equipped with such technology as both laser and radar devices.  Officers Drew Darnell, Mike Luzadder and Terry Spence are dedicated to traffic enforcement, and have received special training in accident investigations.  In addition to using these special vehicles to curb traffic signal violations, they will also be looking for persons who violate sound ordinances, follow other vehicles too closely, speed or drive recklessly. 

Photo note:  as you can see, these are unmarked vehicles.  The blue lights in the windows and behind the grill are “on”.  In addition, there is a lit window sign that reads POLICE.  Motorists will clearly see this sign in their rear-view mirrors.  

Early Voting Underway

Early voting is underway for the April 15th Murfreesboro City elections.  Three city council and four city school board seats are up for grabs.  City Council incumbants, Vice Mayor Chris Bratcher, Toby Gilley and Ron Washington are being challenged by Dave Beardsley, Eddie Smotherman and Jeffery Weems.  City School Board incumbents Susan Andrews, Patrick McCarthy and Nancy Phillips are being challenged by Butch Campbell, Claudia Hunter, Tim Roediger, Kathy Burris, Nancy Duggin and Andrew Jacks.  The Rutherford County Election Commission has set up four early voting sites at the Sports*Com, Election Commission Office, Election Commission Annex and the old Agricultural Center in Old Fort Park.  For times and more information, go to wgnsradio.com and we’ll link you to the election commission’s website.  Early voting ends April 10th.

Link: Rutherford County Election Commission

Shots Fired on Rutherford Blvd, Man Arrested

19-year old David James West of South Rutherford Boulevard was arrested by Murfreesboro Police early Wednesday morning as they responded to a shots fired call at the Sterling Gables Apartments.  Police reports indicate they found West pointing a handgun out of a window.  It turns out that gun was only a BB gun.  But, once inside, they found marijuana and other drug paraphernalia inside the apartment.  West faces several charges.

Bradley Academy Fundraiser THURSDAY

On Thursday night in Murfreesboro, the Annual Bradley Academy Banquet will be held. The event is a fundraiser. Florence Smith tells WGNS News…

(((Click for Audio Soundbyte))) Florence Smith

That fundraiser is Thursday evening at the Bradley Academy here in Murfreesboro.

Bizzare DUI Incident Reported

A 66-year old man has been accused of driving his vehicle while intoxicated. The accusations came after he allegedly crashed his vehicle into a neighbors car. The suspect, a 6 time DUI offender, reportedly struck a PT Cruiser belonging to 38-year old Estella Tablo Hopper.

When the accident occurred, Hopper was in the vehicle that was parked in her driveway with her daughter, 3 year old Caci Tablo Hopper, along with passenger 70 year old Joe Clair Hopper.

After the intoxicated neighbor the PT Cruiser, he ran into a storage shed. Deputy Edwin Fitzgerald reported the driver was unresponsive and unable to explain what had happened.

The reported victim in the case, 38-year old Hopper is 6 months pregnant. She was treated at Stonecrest Medical Center. The man who was said to be intoxicated suffered serious head injuries and was flown by LifeFlight Helicopter to Vanderbilt Medical Center. Charges are still pending against the driver.

New Citizens Group Formed for Rutherford Co.

Rutherford County Citizens for a Better Government is a political action group here in Murfreesboro that is headed by Raymond Howse. The group wants council seats held by city councilmen to be district seats…

(((Click for Audio Soundbyte))) Raymond Howse

The local group wants to see district zones in the Murfreesboro City Council race. Currently, the city council is not divided into separate zones like the Rutherford County Commission currently consist of.

Meet the Candidates Forum

On Tuesday night, the NAACP and the Rutherford County Citizens for a Better Government sponsored a political forum in Patterson Park. The forum allowed for residents get to know local political candidates. Local NAACP President Goldie Wade commented…

(L-R photo ID): Dave Beardsley, Chris Bratcher, Toby Gilley, Eddie Smotherman, Ron Washington, and Jeff Weems) 

(((Click for Audio Soundbyte))) Goldie Wade 

(Left photo:  NAACP President Goldie Wade welcomes everyone to the City Council forum at the Patterson Community Center)

Election day for the race of Murfreesboro City Council is on Tuesday April the 15^th.  Early voting is March 26 through April 10, 2008. 

Early voting sites:  Election Annex on Vine Street, just past Maney Avenue…the old Ag Building across from Kid’s Castle in the Old Fort Park…SportsCom on Memorial Boulevard at DeJarnette Lane…and the Election Commission Office on the south side of the historic Murfreesboro square.

‘Boro Robberies

One robbery and one attempted robbery occurred on Monday and police are still investigating the crimes. One of the hold-ups was on Rutherford Boulevard and the second, Riviera Drive. Victim Jacoby Johnson told officers he was walking to his Campus Crossings South apartment around 4 p.m. when a man approached him and held a gun to his face. Johnson said a second man ran into his apartment after being forced inside by the culprit armed with the gun. Johnson’s losses were estimated at $3,300.

During the second ATTEMPTED robbery, the victim on Riviera Drive reported five men all appearing to be in their 20s or younger, broke into the back door of his home around 8:45 in the evening. Lucino Zav-aleta says one suspect demanded money from him and when he said he had none the man punched him in the head. The thugs then fled the area taking nothing.

Rutherford County: Tennessee’s Rabies Capitol

There are more cases of rabid animals in Rutherford County then any other county across the state. Dr. Kyle Daniel with the Animal Care and Veterinary Hospital confirmed…

(((Click for Audio Soundbyte))) Dr. Kyle Daniel

Rutherford County PAWS and the Rutherford County Veterinary Society are holding their annual Rabies Vaccination Clinics throughout the county between the dates of March 31^st and Saturday April the 5^th. Dr. Daniel told us his clinic on Highway 99, is one of 17-local clinics vaccinating animals for only $10-each. For more information on this needed service, contact your local veterinarian today.

2 Seperate Robberies reported Monday 3/24

Two separate robberies occurred Monday 3/24 on Rutherford Boulevard and Riviera Drive. Jacoby Johnson was walking to his Campus Crossings South apartment around 4 p.m. when a man approached him, held a gun to his face. The victim said another man ran into his apartment behind them; Johnson’s losses were estimated at $3,300. The victim on Riviera Drive reported five men appearing to be in their 20s and younger, broke into the back door of his home around 8:45 p.m. Lucino Zavaleta, says one suspect demanded money from him and when he said he had none, the man punched Zavaleta in the head and ran off; taking nothing.

Man hits family in their driveway

A 66-year old man has been accused of driving while intoxicated when he crashed his vehicle into a neighbors car. The man, a 6 time DUI offender, hit his neighbor 38-year old Estella Tablo Hopper’s PT Cruiser; in the driveway of her Meadowlark home. Hopper was in the vehicle with 3 year old Caci Tablo Hopper, and 70 year old Joe Clair Hopper. The intoxicated neighbor hit both of the cars in Hopper’s driveway and then ran into the storage shed. Deputy Edwin Fitzgerald reported the driver was unresponsive and unable to explain what had happened.

Hopper who is 6 months pregnant was treated at Stonecrest Medical Center. The driver suffered head injuries and was flown by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Medical Center. Charges are still pending against the driver.

Grocery store workers nab BEER and BEEF thief

Thanks to the fast work of two Murfreesboro Food Lion employees on Lascassas Pike, BEER and BEEF were recovered. The store employees say they chased a heavy set man on foot who was running from the grocery store with a shopping cart FULL of stolen beer and meat. Although the man got-a-way, the stolen beer and meat was recovered. The total value of the attempted heist… $530.34.

THE STORY DOES NOT END AT FOOD LION:

A similar theft occurred at the Kroger Store on Northfield Blvd. There, the same man fled the grocery store with a shopping cart that contained:

$96 worth of chicken
$95 worth of beef
and $30 worth of Bud Light

The suspect was caught, out of breath, when Kroger workers chased the man all the way to Mike’s Catfish. If you are not familiar with the area, Mike’s Catfish is about 100-yards from the front door of Kroger.

Women enter Murfreesboro store to steal clothes

Four women entered the Old Navy Store on Old Fort Parkway and were caught filling up bags with clothing and trying to leave the retailer with the stolen clothes. A store manager approached the females and recovered at least one bag. A police report states the females became argumentative when they were stopped by the store employee.

The good news: the manager was able to copy down the license plate on the vehicle the females left the area in.

As far as the kinds of clothes the women were stealing… children’s clothing.

PRETTY WOMEN want more from you

Rumor has it that SIGMUND FREUD’s last words were, quote, “What do women want?’

Finally, it seems, there’s an answer, but it comes a tad too late for old Sig.

Actually, researchers DAVID BUSS and TODD SHACKELFORD have figured out one part of the equation: what women want in men and how they adjust their standards accordingly.

Buss and Shackelford contend that the four categories of characteristics women seek in a life partner are: good genes, reflected in desirable physical traits; resources; the desire to have children; and good parenting skills, loyalty and devotion.

Not too much pressure, huh guys? But being the realists that they are, women are also smart enough to base their standards on how they perceive their own attractiveness.
In other words, the better-looking the woman, the more you’d better shape up if you want to be her ideal mate.

According to Buss and Shackelford, women do a pretty good job of finding the best combination of qualities they’re seeking from the same guy, but there are a few who’ll weight some of the categories more than others just so they’re not alone on Saturday night.

And as far as guys are concerned, it doesn’t matter what they look like. They’re pretty confident they can land a CHARLIZE THERON even if they resemble a DANNY DEVITO.

Part time job postings at WGNS

Job Posting’s:

There are currently “2″ part time job opening’s at WGNS TALK RADIO. If you have a nose for NEWS, WE WANT YOU!

We are hiring 2-people for the following position:

 POSITION 1 (Covering up to 4-meetings weekly M – F)
GOVERNMENT REPORTING (NIGHT MEETINGS)

Cover City Council meetings once weekly (after 6PM)
Cover County Commission meetings once monthly (after 6PM)
Cover County School Board meetings twice monthly (after 5PM)
Cover City School Board meetings twice monthly (after 6PM)
Cover some alternative city / county related meetings (after 5PM)

POSITION 2 (Covering up to 3-meetings weekly M – F)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ISSUES (day time news)

Cover special Chamber of Commerce related events (noon)
Cover school related functions (during the day)
Cover some government meetings (9AM and before 4PM)
Cover specially called functions once weekly (after 6PM)

NOTE: Each part time position includes approximately 18 to 30 hours of work monthly. Schedules may change weekly.

Opportunity: priceless – WGNS is the only radio station in Rutherford County (Since 1947) that actually covers local meetings and local issues on a daily and nightly basis. You can be a part of that limited team. In fact, you will be one of only 4-persons who cover local news related issues on a daily or nightly basis. Your stories and your voice will then be heard on the air. News stories will air on FM 100.5, FM 101.9 and AM 1450. Furthermore, news items will be posted on www.WGNSradio.com. Our news website receives 1-million hits monthly. You will instantly be recognized.

CONTACT: SCOTT WALKER 615/893-5373
FAX: 615/867-6397
EMAIL: wgns.fm@gmail.com

OTHER JOB POSTING:

WGNS is looking for a team member who can GET INVOLVED in the community on a daily and nightly basis. We are looking for someone who wants to EXCELL in sales (radio advertising sales).

We would prefer someone who has some radio sales experiance. Other sales fields that help: insurance sales and television advertising sales.

Pay: Commission based “only” 30%

CONTACT: SCOTT WALKER 615/893-5373
FAX: 615/867-6397
EMAIL: wgns.fm@gmail.com

- UPDATE – Home sales up somewhat

There was finally some good economic news yesterday. The National Association of Realtors said that sales of existing homes rose last month, the first increase since last July.

According to figures, sales rose nation wide by 2.9 percent in February.

Compared to the same time last year, February sales of existing homes were 23.8 percent lower.

Overall in February, sales of existing homes picked up most in the northeast, with the only regional decline in the west.

Here in MURFREESBORO, there are approximately 1,505 single family homes on the market.  In Smyrna, 406 single family homes are for sale.

STEROID USE: Murfreesboro Police Officer, Metro Police Officers DECOMMISSIONED

Murfreesboro Police Officer Phillip Hatcher (RIGHT) was decommissioned  and placed on administrative duty this past Friday (March 21, 2008). Apparently, Officer Hatcher, who worked in dispatch,  has been accused of being involved in some type of steroid use investigation. The investigation is being conducted by federal authorities.

Another investigation involving steroids is currently underway in Nashville. There, the Metro Police Department has placed 34-year old Scott Haines (PICTURED) under arrest. Haines, along with three Metro officers who have since been decommissioned, are allegedly involved in the illegal distribution of steroids throughout Davidson County.

Haines, who lives in Mt. Juliet, was caught with 2,200 dosage units of anabolic steroids. After Haines was apprehended, it was determined that the three officers who were decommissioned in Nashville, were using steroids.

BELOW: Steroids recovered by Metro Police

Marshall Co. Motorcycle Crash Kills Local Woman

A Murfreesboro woman died in a motorcycle crash over the Easter weekend in neighboring Marshall County.  According to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 47-year old Lynn Francis Rybinski was driving her 2007 Harley Davidson westbound on State Highway 99. 

The South Church Street FirstBank branch manager lost control of her motorcycle in a curve and slid into an oncoming dump truck.  The Isis Court resident was wearing a safety helmet.  36-year old J. L. Mooneyham of Rockvale was driving the dump truck.  He did not suffer any injuries.  The fatal crash occurred Saturday (3/22/08) morning.

The Murfreesboro Funeral Home are in charge of funeral arraignments.

MPD Lieutenant Suspended 20-Days

The Murfreesboro Police Department has suspended Lieutenant Alan Smith for 20-days without pay.  That translates into around $4,000 in lost wages.  In addition, Smith will be transferred to another shift and be required to take ethics training.  This comes about after an internal investigation into Deputy Chief Randy Garrett’s son not being charged in a February 21st traffic stop on Northwest Broad Street.  Allegedly, 23-year old Kevin Garrett was stopped around 1:30 in the morning on suspicion of drunk driving.  Instead of being taken-in, he was given a ride home.  Earlier, District Attorney Bill Whitsell ruled that he could not prosecute the DUI charges, because no alcohol test was given.  Officer Kenneth White made the stop.  Sergeant Don Fanning and Lieutenant Smith were called when Kevin identified himself as the son of the deputy chief.  All other officers involved as well as Deputy Chief Garrett were cleared in this case.  Lieutenant Smith was the shift commander on duty the night of February 21st when the traffic stop occurred.

In a written statement to Lieutenant Smith, Chief Glenn Chrisman noted, “When you were asked about circumstances surround this case, you told the truth and accepted responsibility…Nevertheless, your conduct has brought discredit to the department and to the city…”  By the way, there are no negative write-ups in Lieutenant Alan Smith’s file and he joined Murfreesboro Police Department in 1992.  However, over those 16-years there were several positive commendations.

XM – Sirius Merger Approved

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved a merger that gives one company 100 per cent of the satellite radio business.  For over a year the Sirius as well as XM satellite companies had been facing major losses.  Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin notes that his staff has been preparing several briefs in order to be prepared for any ruling by the DOJ.  The FCC’s ruling in the case will probably not come until next month.  National Association of Broadcasters President David Rehr said, “We are astonished that the Justice Department would propose granting a monopoly to two companies that systematically broke FCC rules for more than a decade. To hinge approval of this monopoly on XM and Sirius’s refusal to deliver on a promise of interoperable radios is nothing short of breathtaking.”Although their licenses were originally granted with specifications that prohibited cross-ownership, the federal government has decided now that such a merger would not harm the public.  In a prepared news release, the Department of Justice concludes, “The evidence did not show that the merger would enable the parties to profitably increase prices to satellite radio customers for several reasons, including: a lack of competition between the parties in important segments even without the merger; the competitive alternative services available to consumers; technological change that is expected to make those alternatives increasingly attractive over time; and efficiencies likely to flow from the transaction that could benefit consumers.”