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.

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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.

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.  

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.

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

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%.

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

Alcohol was said the be detected on the motorcycle operator.

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

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

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.

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?

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).

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.

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.