Monday, April 30, 2012

Computer class tommorow

The Smyrna Public Library is offering a computer class for a limited number of people tomorrow.
The Internet
Tues., May 1, 6:00 p.m.

Ballet event tomorrow


Performers of the Coppelia Ballet performance will be in Smyrna for your enjoyment.
Smyrna Public Library and Dance Theatre of Tennessee invite you to a family friendly event where adults and kids can preview the "Coppelia" ballet, which will be performed May 5th and 6th at MTSU's Tucker Theater. Coppelia is a charming and sentimental tale of mistaken identity and a beautiful life size doll. Kids and adults will learn and hear the story of Coppelia, learn ballet steps, and get their pictures taken with the characters from the ballet. You are welcome to bring your favorite doll as well!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Cuts that hurt

Mayor Tony Dover speaks to the DNJ about the need for a balanced budget. The revenue the town pulls in has been hit hard by a stagnant economy so the belt tightening that has been going on for the last few years needs to get even more tight...and this is a must, not a need.
 "As the economy began to slow and we started seeing a reduction in sales tax collections and development revenues, we did what any prudent business does and started implementing cost saving measures to cut back on expenses until things improved. After 3 years of doing this, it is clear that we will not see a return to the growth we were living on in years past. 
 Some of the areas that cuts could come from are talked about in this article.
 It’s likely that will mean fewer employees in the police and fire departments, as those departments make up the bulk of the budget. For the last three years, Smyrna has implemented cost-saving measures such as freezes to merit raises, cutting off travel and training, and even putting an end to free coffee. But those aren’t sustainable changes, according to Mayor Tony Dover, who wants the next budget to be a model for a “leaner, more efficient” vision of the town.
I wish the mayor well on what likely will be a painful exercise.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Help locate this suspect

From the Smyrna Police Department:

WE NEED YOUR HELP TRYING TO IDENTIFY THIS BURGLARY SUSPECT






On Saturday, March 24, 2012 at approximately 2 pm, a white male illegally entered the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic West (formerly known as Bell Family Medical) in Smyrna. It appears that the suspect was looking for prescription narcotics and it also appears that he may have personal knowledge of the business floor plan. The suspect was driving a late model, white Chevy S-10 or Sonoma truck with a regular cab and stepside bed. Our suspect is described as a white male, heavy set with glasses and appears to be in his late 40's or early 50's. He is also a suspect in another burglary that occurred another Smyrna business on this date. Photos of the suspect/vehicle are attached to this email.

Anyone with information about this suspect or this burglary is requested to contact Detective Jason Anderson at (615) 459-9742, ext. 7433.

Computer class tommorow

The Smyrna Public Library is offering a computer class for a limited number of people tomorrow.
The Windows Environment
Tues., April 24, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Early Riser

Early Riser by crovean
Early Riser, a photo by crovean on Flickr.

This photo was taken on March 3, 2012 in Smyrna, Tennessee, US, using a Canon EOS 30D.

Good News

I'll go ahead and say it...getting to the Tennessee Vehicle Inspection program center and getting tested was and is a pain in the rear. Their times really were not conductive to making us happy.

Well they've extended their hours and now fewer people will cuss when they get the reminder to get tested in the mail.
Envirotest Systems Products’ emission testing service center at 271 Weakley Lane in Smyrna has extended its hours of operation, making the service even more convenient.

The testing center is now open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
I hope this good news makes some of you happier.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Request from Police


The Smyrna Police Department is looking for a suspect and would like you to keep an eye out for them.
WE NEED YOUR HELP LOCATING A RAPE SUSPECT

On March 29th, 2012 Smyrna Police investigated a rape. Several warrants were issued for the suspect, TAVARIUS KENDELL MCCULLOUGH, but we have not been able to locate him. Around 9 pm last night (April 19, 2012), McCullough returned to the victim's home. The victim was able to call police and McCullough fled on foot prior to police arrival. Patrol officers, assisted by K9 units, attempted to locate McCullough but were unsuccessful. He was last seen wearing a green and purple striped shirt and jeans. Additional warrants for McCullough have been issued and we need your help locating him.

McCullough is a black male, 5' 9" tall, 170 lbs, 24 years old with a mustache and beard.

Initial warrants issued for McCullough were: Aggravated Burglary, Domestic Assault, Kidnapping and Rape.
Additional warrants issued for McCullough are: Aggravated Burglary and False Imprisonment

I have attached a photo of McCullough. He currently does not have a permanent address but he does have connections in Smyrna, Murfreesboro and Antioch. Anyone with information regarding the location of McCullough is urged to contact the Smyrna Police Department (615) 459-6644 or Det. Kevin Krieb at (615) 267-5148

Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Thank you,

Sergeant Bobby Gibson

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

“Surviving the Storm”

On the LaVergne facebook page I noticed this announcement.
DON'T FORGET! “Surviving the Storm” conducted by the WSMV 4Warn weather team will be in LaVergne TOMORROW (Thursday, April 19). Sponsored by the City of LaVergne, doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for the free event that is open to the public.

Grace Church is hosting the family-friendly “Surviving the Storm” at 108 Stones River Rd. According to Channel 4 News, “Surviving the Storm” is an entertaining live event where viewers can meet their favorite meteorologists and learn about severe weather and how to prepare for it. Lisa Spencer, Dan Thomas, Paul Heggen, Nancy Van Camp and Snowbird will take the stage at 7:00 p.m. with an all new multimedia show that will help residents of the community get ready for the next time the weather gets bad.

Chief Meteorologist Lisa Spencer said, “There will be dramatic video, awesome pictures, experiments, a few laughs and great door prizes.” Spencer promises a snowbird prize to the first 50 people who enter.
This sounds like a great educational event for parents and kids alike. If you're not busy drop by and learn some basic knowledge that could protect your family.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The dirt starts flying

Although we are currently in 6th district in the US house of Representatives. We will be moving into the 4th district and will have to vote as such in the August and November elections this year. In this new district already the dirt is flying.

Currently the 4th is represented by U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais. He is a republican and is being challenged by State Sen. Eric Stewart. I'll admit that I really don't know much about either so their actions during this election cycle will determine a lot on how I will view them and also my final vote.

Sadly the dirt is flying already and the first blow seems a rather cheap blow.
State Sen. Eric Stewart said Monday he paid a $100 fine in 2010 for inaccurate campaign finance reporting following a Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finances audit.
......
“With regards to our campaign disclosures from over three years ago, our campaign made some mistakes. I took responsibility for them, worked with the Registry (of Election Finance) and made the appropriate corrections,” said Stewart.
Now this could be a case of bad bookkeeping or a sign of incompetence, but a simple $100 fine rather implies how big this really was...it wasn't.

Now the timing of this early charge by DesJarlais is being called into question by Stewart because of the following.
“At a time when folks are still struggling to get back on their feet and small businesses are worried about how they are going to make payroll, DesJarlais is trying to distract voters from recent news that he spent over $250,000 of taxpayer money to help his re-election campaign, that he took political contributions in return for letters of support for federal funding...
I hope this is not a sign of a long and dirty campaign. I am hoping to learn positions, causes, job experience, and things about their character.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Local Ballet event tomorrow


The Smyrna Library is offering you a chance to meet some of the members of the Coppelia Ballet performance from 4pm to 5pm.
Smyrna Public Library and Dance Theatre of Tennessee invite you to a family friendly event where adults and kids can preview the "Coppelia" ballet, which will be performed May 5th and 6th at MTSU's Tucker Theater. Coppelia is a charming and sentimental tale of mistaken identity and a beautiful life size doll. Kids and adults will learn and hear the story of Coppelia, learn ballet steps, and get their pictures taken with the characters from the ballet. You are welcome to bring your favorite doll as well!
The young dancer in your life will love this event.

Computer classes at SPL

The Smyrna Public Library has a limited number of opening for those who wish to gain skills by taking a computer class.
Class Schedule
Computer Basics
Tues., April 17, 6:00 p.m.

The Windows Environment
Tues., April 24, 6:00 p.m.

The Internet
Tues., May 1, 6:00 p.m.

All classes are free and offered on a first come, first served basis.
A sign-up sheet will be posted 15 minutes before class.
There are 6 computers located in the lab.
Now if you are someone who feels they not only know enough about computers, but could also teach it, they could use your help.
Linebaugh Public Library System is seeking volunteers to teach computer classes in Murfreesboro and Smyrna. For more information, please contact Pete Wood at 615-893-4131 or pwood@linebaugh.org or Jerome Azbell at 615-459-4884 or jazbell@linebaugh.org (Smyrna Library volunteers only).

Town meetings this week


The following meetings for the town of Smyrna meet this week.
Parks Advisory Board: April 17, 2012 - 6:00 PM @ Town Centre
Board of Zoning Appeals: April 19, 2012 - 5:00 PM
If interested in viewing at home most town meetings are broadcast live on Channel 3 and on the town website here.

Leaving Iowa

Our local theatre company's production of "Leaving Iowa" is starting this weekend. If you have time I highly recommend their productions.
Anyone who has ever been on a family vacation can relate to the trials and tribulations, the fun and the foibles of hitting the road for a couple of weeks. Sibling battles over territory in the back seat; dad trying to rouse enthusiam in the kids by pointing out historical markers; mom doing her best to serve as referee, peacemaker and cheerleader. If it seems like its more fun to poke fun at other people’s family vacation experiences than hitting the road for your own, you are not alone. That’s what makes Leaving Iowa such an enjoyable outing.

Leaving Iowa closes out Lamplighter’s Theatre Company’s 2011-2012 “A Place to Belong Season” with just the right mix of nostalgia, poignancy, and belly laughs. A homegrown comedy that is filled with folksy sentiment, genuine charm and humility,

Leaving Iowa is a postcard to anyone who has ever found themselves driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of their youth.

Lamplighter’s Theatre Company’s production of Leaving Iowa runs April 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm; Sunday performances are at 4:30 pm.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

What they do in the house.

You can view politicians in many ways to judge them. I'm going to use the old "actions speaks louder than words" to let you get a feel of what our politicians are doing as our representatives.

One of the main actions politicians can perform is to sponsor or co-sponsor bills. In Tennessee they list these for you to view. In the month of March the two representatives Sponsored the following bills.
Mike Sparks

3/6/2012
HB2926 Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates new grade for offense of theft making theft over $500,000 a Class A felony. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in: Judiciary Committee

 3/7/2012
HB3624 Zoning - As introduced, defines agricultural uses to mean any land, machinery, buildings, recreational and educational activities for the commercial production of farm products and nursery stock for purposes of certain zoning provisions. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c S&LG Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee

 3/14/2012
HB2919 Taxes, Ad Valorem - As introduced, requires increases in property tax rates higher than $1.00 per $100 of the assessed value of property by a county or municipality to be approved through a referendum; authorizes the referendum process. Outcome: Failed for Lack of Motion in: S&LG Subcommittee

 HB2920 Taxes, Ad Valorem - As introduced, requires increases in property tax rates higher than 25 percent by a county or municipality to be approved through a referendum; authorizes the referendum process. Outcome: Action Def. in s/c S&LG Subcommittee to summer study

 3/20/2012
HB3320 Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, permits a county or municipal correctional officer to carry a firearm if the officer has completed POST firearms training and is authorized to carry by the sheriff. Outcome: Action Def. in Judiciary Committee to Summer Study

 3/21/2012
HB2921 Local Government, General - As introduced, prohibits impact fees or adequate facilities taxes from being imposed on age-exclusive developments for persons 55 and older if children as permanent residents are also excluded; clarifies present acts imposing impact fees and adequate facilities taxes may be revised to reduce the fee or tax or remove types of property from being subject to such fees or taxes. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c S&LG Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee

 HB2927 Short Term Loans and Lenders - As introduced, limits the ability of a title pledge lender to assess and collect, as reimbursement, a charge for repossession of a vehicle that is the subject of a title pledge agreement. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c Commerce Subcommittee of Commerce Committee

 3/27/2012
HB2925 Controlled Substances - As introduced, adds new controlled substances to Schedule I hallucinogenic substances and stimulants and to Schedule II stimulants. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c HHR Subcommittee of Health & Human Resources Committee

 HB3625 Hospitals and Health Care Facilities - As introduced, prohibits certain health care facilities from requiring an uninsured or underinsured patient from paying more than 110 percent of the Medicare reimbursement for health care services. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c HHR Subcommittee of Health & Human Resources Committee One of the first things

 I noticed was the term "taken off notice" on many of the outcomes. I had to go and find out the definition of this phrase.
 “taken off notice”: This means that the bill will not be scheduled to be heard in the committee unless the sponsor re-calendars it.

Rick Womick sponsored the following

3/7/2012
HB3571 State Government - As introduced, prohibits Tennessee and all political subdivisions from adopting or implementing the United Nations Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and the Statement of principles for Sustainable Development, known as “Agenda 21.” Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c S&LG Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee

 HB3573 Eminent Domain - As introduced, restricts counties, municipalities, and other legally recognized forms of government from exercising eminent domain power beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of each entity. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c Judiciary Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee

 HB3628 Attorneys at Law - As introduced, requires that an attorney provided to an indigent defendant, other than a public defender or post conviction defender, file a disclosure of financial interests with the ethics commission if the attorney is paid more than $500. Outcome Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c Judiciary Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee

 3/9/2012
HB2189 Naming and Designating - As enacted, names Murfreesboro National Guard Armory in honor of the late First Lieutenant William Eric Emmert. Outcome: Comp. became Pub. Ch. 536

 3/21/2012
 HB2835 Newspapers and Publications - As introduced, requires notices of foreclosures, land sales, transactions involving real property and other legal notices required by statute be publicized by publishing notice in certain local newspapers and posting notice on certain web sites. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c S&LG Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee

 HB2963 Tennessee Higher Education Commission - As introduced, requires listing of authorized institutions, which must be posted on the commission's web site, to be updated within 10 business days of a postsecondary institution's acquiring or losing authorization to operate. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c Education Subcommittee of Education Committee

 HB3572 Real Property - As introduced, defines "private property rights" to clarify meaning of unwarranted government interference with such rights. Outcome: Taken Off Notice For Cal. in s/c Judiciary Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee

 3/29/2012
 HB3050 Special License Plates - As enacted, authorizes issuance of Almost Home Animal Rescue new specialty earmarked license plates; allocates 50 percent of funds derived from sale thereof to such organization to rescue and relocate animals scheduled for euthanasia. Outcome: Comp. became Pub. Ch. 587

I'll admit surprise on some of Rick Womicks sponsored bills. He has become a vocal opponent to the Agenda 21, yet the two specific bills (HB3572 and HB3571) addressing this issue were both taken 'off notice'. I'm not sure if that implies a lack of support, or the knowledge that neither would pass even with the support they have.

This is how things stand on the bills on the state website. Fun, fun, fun. The Senate will be addressed this coming week for those interested.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Strike Out for Sight Bowling Event

The Smyrna Lions Club is hosting a fund raiser for Lions Club Charities. This is really a worthy cause that I'm very happy to promote on this website. This event is happening two weeks out so make plans on helping them out by having fun.

Monday, April 9, 2012

The House in a nutshell

A lot of people simply don't know who they're represented by, so I figure a few maps and links will start off a the new political posts I plan on doing in the very near future.

Smyrna is currently split between Tennessee State House district 49 and district 34 as these maps show. The links go to a PDF of the full map and not the cropped images used to show the Smyrna area only.






District 49 is represented by Mike Sparks. He is a long time resident of Smyrna and a local business owner. District 34 is represented by Rick Womick. Rick lives in Rockvale, a small community southwest of Murfreesboro.

You might have heard in the news last year the process in which new districting maps were drawn up for most levels of government due to the last census. These maps have really moved things around for our end of the county. An example is the two current representatives. The next election in November we will be voting for district 49 and district 37...and oddly enough there are a few blocks of southern Smyrna stuck in the newly redefined district 34. Links go to PDF maps of each district.

The new District 49

The new District 37

The new District 34

The Daily News Journal kindly put up the list of people who have filed to run for the house seats.

In district 49 we have Republican Mike Sparks verses the Democrat Mike Williams.

In district 37 we have three contenders. Republicans Richard P. Garvin and Dawn White verses Democrat Robert “Bob” New.

In district 34 we have Republican Rick Womick running against Luke E. Dickerson and Spencer L. Douglas.

In the two districts where two candidates of the same party are running the winner of the primaries will go head-to-head for the final November vote.

Well that's it, and as dry as all this information is I am rather intrigued at the election this year. Politics recently has been volatile and I wonder how the many hot issues will effect the final vote.

Log Cabin at Sam Davis Home

Log Cabin at Sam Davis Home by susanc59
Log Cabin at Sam Davis Home, a photo by susanc59 on Flickr.

Sam Davis Home, Smyrna, TN

Sam Davis Home, Smyrna, TN by susanc59
Sam Davis Home, Smyrna, TN, a photo by susanc59 on Flickr.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Lost dog


from a reader:
Good morning all,

As you know by now there is a greyhound named Cassie missing in Smyrna. She came off the track on Saturday and was lost Sunday after another dog scared her and she bolted from her foster mom. This occured Sunday April 1 at around 10-11AM. Over the past 3 days there have been a few sightings all have been in the Weakly Lane area in a subdivision called Lake Hills. She is wearing a blue collar with tags and is trailing a blue leash.

Here are some photo’s of Cassie and a map of the search area. If you are able to help search please go out that way anytime and if you see her please call All About Hounds @ 888-820-0085