Rutherford/Murfreesboro: DeRosia is New City Finance Director

 

City of Murfreesboro Chief Financial Officer/City Recorder/Treasurer Erin Tucker has named Amanda DeRosia as City Finance Director in the Finance & Tax Department, effective Feb. 23, 2025. 

 

“I am very pleased that Amanda DeRosia, who has served in the Finance Department for the past nine years, has accepted the promotion to Finance Director,” said Chief Financial Officer Erin Tucker. “Amanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that the City’s financial records, including annual audit reporting, budgeting, and grant processing are accurately and timely reported. I know she will continue to be a vital asset to our City.”  

 

DeRosia, who is a Certified Public Account (CPA), has served as Interim Finance Director/City Recorder since May 2024. DeRosia had served as Accounting Manager since May 15, 2017. The City originally hired DeRosia as an Accountant in March 2016. 

 

During her tenure, DeRosia has helped spearhead audit preparations, accounting software upgrades, and implemented more efficient processes. DeRosia holds an accounting degree from Middle Tennessee State University along with a master’s degree in city and regional Planning from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree in history from Liberty University. 

 

The City Finance Department has demonstrated a history of upholding the highest standards in financial accounting. For 26 consecutive years the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the City of Murfreesboro with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The City also participates in the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards program which is the only national program in governmental budgeting. The City has received the budget presentation award for 14 conservative years. 

The City Council appointed Erin Tucker as Chief Financial Officer/City Recorder/Treasurer Aug. 25, 2024, when she was promoted from Budget Director, a role she held with the City since Oct. 15, 2018. The City hired Tucker in December 2008 as Assistant City Recorder/Chief Accountant. 

 

Prior to DeRosia serving as Interim Finance Director/City Recorder, Jennifer Brown and Melissa Wright had served as the City’s Recorder/Treasurer/Finance Director. Wright retired in 2021, after 30 years with the City. 

 

Melanie Joy Peterson took over the role of City Clerk within the Finance Department in June 2024 after serving as Paralegal and Legal Assistant for the City.

Rutherford/Murfreesboro: BFI Stops Expansion Hopes

 

Last week, after nearly four years of litigation, BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee decided to stop fighting for a 99-acre expansion of Middle Point Landfill. The City of Murfreesboro was confident that the Tennessee Court of Appeals would have upheld the decision of the trial court, which had affirmed the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board’s decision to deny BFI’s application to expand its landfilling operations northward toward Jefferson Pike. The City is pleased that BFI’s move to dismiss its appeal, even at this late stage, solidifies the City and Board’s victory in the trial court.

 

This battle began on April 11, 2021, when BFI filed an application with the Board to expand Middle Point Landfill. Three months later, the Board voted unanimously to deny BFI’s application. BFI immediately challenged the Boards decision by suing the Board in Davidson County Chancery Court, and the City successfully moved to intervene in the lawsuit in November 2021 to ensure that the concerns of thousands of Murfreesboro residents were represented. In September 2023, the court affirmed the Board’s decision, ruling that there was “substantial and material evidence” to support “the Board’s determination that BFI’s application is inconsistent with the Central Region’s current Regional Plan.” BFI appealed that decision to the Tennessee Court of Appeals where a decision was pending after extensive briefing and oral arguments in December 2024. BFI’s motion to dismiss its appeal puts an end to this expansion request. 

 

The City of Murfreesboro considers this a victory for the residents of Murfreesboro, especially those residing near the formerly planned expansion. Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland stated: “The City has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Board in opposing BFI’s expansion efforts, and while our concerns about BFI and the effect of the landfill on our community are far from over, we are thankful for this latest development. The City has been and remains steadfastly opposed to any expansion of the landfilling operations at Middle Point, be it an expansion to the north as was at issue in this lawsuit or an expansion to the south onto the old Rutherford County Landfill that BFI and its parent corporation, Republic Services, are currently lobbying the County Commission to approve.”  

Donna Barrett, the Regional Board’s secretary and legal liaison, echoed Mayor McFarland’s comments, stating: “The Regional Board is pleased with this recent motion. Valuable time and resources have been spent on court actions that should’ve been spent diligently working towards more comprehensive solutions for diversion and recycling versus relying solely on landfilling. I would like to thank Mayor McFarland and the City Council for their unwavering support of our mutual interests for a better region and Tennessee both now and for our children’s future.”

 

Upon learning of BFI’s decision, Representative Bryan Terry of Murfreesboro, stated: “With Republic’s withdrawal of their appeal for a northern development for Middle Point Landfill, our citizens can soon close the chapter on that attempted infringement on our community. Our focus must turn to protecting our community from further abuses as a long-term proposal to continue bringing in outside solid waste has been presented to our county commission.” In 2022, Rep. Terry sponsored House Bill 1842, which was signed into law and prevents the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation from issuing a landfill permit in contravention of a judicial ruling like that made by the Davidson County Chancery Court in this case.

 

Murfreesboro City Attorney Adam Tucker added: “It is telling that BFI filed to dismiss its appeal only after oral argument but before the Court rendered its decision. It would seem that BFI had serious concerns that an adverse ruling by the Court of Appeals—one upholding the Board’s decision—could have had on any future application to expand its operations to the south.”  Mr. Tucker also noted that BFI’s request to dismiss its appeal has no bearing on the City’s lawsuit against BFI and Republic Services under the federal Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, through which the City hopes to remedy multiple environmental issues at Middle Point Landfill.

 

A press release regarding the September 2023 order from the Davidson County trial court may be found here:  [former press release about that here]

 

For City News online, visit www.Murfreesborotn.gov.

Rutherford/Murfreesboro: United Way South Central Tennessee Hosts 6th Annual Storybook Breakfast Saturday March 1st

 

Bluey will be at Storybook Breakfast on March 1st - for real life! 

Meet Bluey and seven popular storybook characters, including Pete the Cat, Peter Rabbit, Maisy, Ladybug Girl, Curious George, and the Berenstain Bears. Join us for a fun day filled with breakfast, reading, and crafts!

Find More information about the event and purchase tickets here: yourlocaluw.org/storybook
Overall Creek Elementary is located at 429 Otter Trail in Murfreesboro 

Coffee/Tullahoma: Tullahoma City Schools Hosting Job Fair March 29

 

Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Campfire At The Wilderness Station Friday February 28th

 

The cracklin' sound of a campfire and the sweet goodness of some delicious s'mores awaits you this Friday, February 28th from 4 to 5:30 pm at the Wilderness Station.

Make plans  for an early evening full of family fun that starts with a walk from the Wilderness Station to the campsite - then enjoy a roaring fire, snacks and some really good campfire stories.

Visit www.MurfreesboroParks.com and register for this event at https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=40257

Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Suspect Wanted For Charges Related In Boy's Shooting

 

A man is wanted in connection with a shooting of a 4-year-old boy in Rutherford County, a Rutherford County Sheriff’s detective said Saturday.

Taliek Gallishaw King is wanted on charges of tampering with evidence and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon related to the boy’s shooting, said Detective Jesse Gammel.

Deputies and deputies responded to the scene where they found the boy suffered a gunshot wound early Saturday at a home on Tessa Grace Road. He was taken to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville where he underwent surgery. He is expected to survive.

“Investigators on-scene determined Taliek Gallishaw King fled the scene in an unknown vehicle shortly before law enforcement’s arrival and took the handgun used in the shooting with him,” Gammel said. “Investigators have yet to locate Taliek Gallishaw King and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.”

In an unrelated case, King is out on bond for attempted first-degree murder in Smyrna.

“He is presumed armed and dangerous,” Gammel said.

If you have information on the whereabouts of Taliek Gallishaw King, please contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 615-898-7770 or Detective Jesse Gammel at 615-904-3051. Anonymous tips may be left at: 615-893-STOP (7867) or https://www.rcsotn.com/.

Study Shows End Of Life Cancer Care Lacking For Medicare Patients

 

Many Medicare patients with advanced cancer receive potentially aggressive treatment at the expense of supportive care, according to a study that analyzed Medicare records. 

The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, examined the quality of end-of-life care among 33,744 Medicare decedents. The study involved patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds age 66 or older who died from breast, prostate, pancreatic or lung cancers.  

Overall, claims records showed that 45% of the patients experienced potentially aggressive care (such as multiple acute care visits within days of death), while there was a low receipt of supportive care, such as palliative, hospice and advanced care planning in the last six months of life. While hospice care spiked to more than 70% during the month that death occurred, over 16% of patients spent less than 3 days in hospices. Moreover, receipt of advanced care planning and palliative care remained below 25%. 

“Care at end-of-life continues to favor over-treatment despite considerable efforts to raise awareness about the harms of aggressive treatment in the last decade,” said Youngmin Kwon, PhD, a research fellow with the Department of Health Policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  

Access to supportive care varied among demographic groups. Patients who were older, non-Hispanic white, had longer survival durations, or lived in rural areas, as well as areas with lower socioeconomic levels, were less likely to receive supportive care. 

“For dying patients and their caregivers, hospice is often considered the gold standard of end-of-life that can holistically manage care needs,” the authors noted. “The fact that a considerable portion did not use hospice care at all or entered into hospice care within 3 days of death suggests the potential benefits of hospice care were not realized for many patients.” 

The findings underscore the need for multi-faceted efforts to optimize the quality of end-of-life care for cancer patients.

“Having clear and honest communication between patients, their caregivers, and providers regarding disease prognosis and advanced planning is crucial,” said Kwon. “At the same time, policies to increase access to supportive care and ensure an adequate workforce of palliative care providers are necessary to address structural barriers to high-quality care.” 

Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Seussical The Musical Starts Friday

 

Seussical the Musical! Feb 28 - Mar 16  Rated G 

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Showtimes Friday 7:30p 2-28, 3-7 and 3-14

Saturday 3-1, 3-8, 3-15 2:00p & 7:30p

Sunday 3-2, 3-9, 3-16 2:00p

Tickets for this show can be purchased via the box office online, over the phone, or by dropping by!

Boroarts.org

(615)904-2787

110 W College St., Murfreesboro, TN

Warren/McMinnville: Jungle Jym Closed Starting Tuesday February 25th

 Beginning next Tuesday, the Jungle Jym will be closed until further notice. The Urban Forestry department will be removing the silver maple tree located in the center of the Jungle Jym playground. The tree is dead and is dropping limbs. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of patrons it will be removed. The project is will take 2-3 days to complete weather permitting. Thank you for your understanding!

Warren/McMinnville: Mary Poppins Jr. This Weekend At Park Theater

 

Make plans this weekend to come see Mary Poppins Jr. at the Park Theater! This musical is presented by Warren Arts and features a cast of 31 kids between the ages of 6 and 18. 

Tickets are available now online and will also be available at the door before each show while supplies last: https://mcminnvilleparktheater.com/tickets/

REMINDER: Tickets to this Park Theater show can ONLY be purchased at the ticket link in the post above, at www.McMinnvilleParkTheater.com or by visiting or calling the box office. Do not fall for a scam by a fraudulent ticket seller and, if you are in doubt about a link, please contact the office before making your purchase. 

Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Friday Garbage Collection Moves To Wednesday

 To increase efficiency, the City of Murfreesboro Solid Waste Department is changing its Friday collection service to Wednesday beginning Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The change impacts approximately 11,500 households. A map of the Murfreesboro neighborhoods affected is available at www.murfreesborotn.gov/solidwaste and also attached.

 

Previously, Solid Waste collected garbage on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Friday schedule with no collection on Wednesday’s. The revised Monday-Thursday schedule will allow Solid Waste to focus better on maintenance every Friday.

 

Signs have been placed in neighborhoods notifying residents of the change and effective date. City trash containers are also being tagged with the notification.

 

Watch CityTV PSA https://youtu.be/cWXayDnY6VU

 

City residents can receive text notifications letting them know about changes in Solid Waste garbage collection in their neighborhood. Sign up for Garbage Collection text notifications by simply texting BoroGarbage to 38276. If residents prefer to receive an email notification instead of text messages, visit Alerts and Notifications on the City’s website at https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/2176/Alerts-Notifications to receive details on how to sign up.

 

For the change in the 2025 Garbage Collection Holiday Schedule, visit

https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/2025-Garbage-Collection-Holiday-Schedule

 

Residents should place garbage carts on the street before 6 a.m. on the day of the scheduled collection. Trash should be placed in garbage bags before being placed in the cart.

 

Garbage Collection Procedures are available on the Solid Waste webpage. For more information on City of Murfreesboro Solid Waste, visit https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/solidwaste.

 

Rutherford/Smyrna Collection Sites Announced For Archie's Promise

 

Smyrna Town Hall, the Smyrna Justice Center, and the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center will serve as collection sites for items for Archie’s Promise. For several years, Archie’s Promise has partnered with Rutherford County Schools to provide personal hygiene vending machines and supplies for students.

Most of the vending machines contain travel-size toiletries that are offered free to Rutherford County students. Currently, there are eight vending machines located throughout Rutherford County, including one at Smyrna Middle School.

Schools are selected for this program based on requests from principals, and the machines are placed in discreet areas within the administrative offices to ensure student privacy. 

Coffee County/Manchester/Tullahoma: Libraries Introduce New App.

 

Have you heard the news? Coffee County Libraries have  recently launched a brand-new mobile application called Coffee County Lib Mobile App. Available for both iOS and Android, this dynamic app provides you with effortless access to the library’s materials—anytime, anywhere.

With intuitive search capabilities and robust account management tools, Coffee County Lib Mobile App ensures every search begins—and ends—with Coffee County Libraries.

Below are just a few of the app’s key features and benefits:

- Seamless search experience, including the ability to browse Coffee County Libraries’ full catalog, perform keyword searches, and filter and limit results.
- Patron account management, which helps you manage holds, view and renew checked out materials, and view fines and fees.
- Easy logins, thanks to biometric authentication (either fingerprint or facial recognition, depending on your device).
- Digital library cards that can be displayed in Coffee County Lib Mobile App and scanned the second you reach the circulation desk.
- Location services, which allow you to quickly find the library location nearest you.

Head over to the App Store or Google Play Store to download the app and get started!

Rutherford: Information Sought On Oak Knoll Court Auto Burglaries

 

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office seeks assistance with several auto burglaries occurring Feb. 15 on Oak Knoll Court in Rutherford County.

Two unidentified people entered several unlocked vehicles in the early morning hours in the Carter’s Retreat subdivision off Bradyville Pike, said Sheriff’s Detective Jesse Gammel.

Items were taken from at least one vehicle and the items were used in other crimes currently under investigation.

That connected investigation is of public safety concerns to investigators who need to identify these individuals for law enforcement intervention.

The Sheriff’s Office asks homeowners in the neighborhood to review any video footage showing anyone on foot wearing backpacks on the morning of Feb.15 between midnight and 6 a.m.

Investigators determined video exists from at least one home off Alberto Drive at about 5 a.m. showing individuals in backpacks walking in the neighborhood.

If any homeowner has video footage of this incident, please contact Detective Gammel at 615-904-3051 or jgammel@rcsotn.org.

The Sheriff's Office appreciates any information from our residents to help solve these crimes.

Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Center For The Arts Holds Auditions For Local "Cinderella" Production 2-23 &2-24

 

Auditions for RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA are just around the corner! Join us and director Cat Glidwell this Sunday and Monday, February 23rd & 24th. Callbacks will take place Wednesday, February 26th.

Sign up for your slot and review the audition info under the Main Stage tab of our website or click the link below!

https://boroarts.org/main-stage/#auditions