Join us at Lebanon City Hall front lawn 200 North Castle Heights Ave on Tuesday, July 1st at 11:00 a.m. to Pray for our great State of Tennessee!
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Warren County: Federal Indictments Issued for Undercover Drug Operation
On March 11, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the McMinnville City Police Department, and agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began a very well planned and calculated undercover operation which has resulted in the dismantling of a significant drug trafficking ring. This operation has resulted in 12 federal indictments being issued against multiple local individuals accused of distributing over 100 pounds of methamphetamine throughout Warren and surrounding counties.
Sheriff Matheny made the following statement: “An operation of this magnitude is a direct result of your local law enforcement agencies working together and being committed to providing our citizens with a community that is safe, secure, and built on trust. As officers, we are committed to bringing those who deal in illegal narcotics, which threatens the lives, and the peace and safety of our community, to justice. We want them held accountable for the crimes they commit. So, to those of you who continue to deal in the trafficking of illegal drugs, remember this - this operation is not the end of our work. Our war on drugs is strong, and is continuing.”
Sheriff Matheny also issued the following statement to all officers involved: “Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the many long hours that you contributed to this operation and your relentless pursuit to ensure a successful outcome to your mission. Thank you all for a job well done.”
The names of 10 of the 12 defendants in custody at this time are as follows:
Anthony Steven Alley
Dakota Ryan Bennett
Quastaia Renay Braswell
Rhonda Lee Brown
Robert Grover Cook, III
Warren Glenn King - No photo available at this time
Ridge Worth Price
Shane Edward Snider
Margaret Ann Taylor
David Franklin Turner
This investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Overdose Unit Seizes More Than 60 Pounds of Meth, Fentanyl, Firearms, and Money
Authorities seized more than 60 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, firearms, and money following a joint investigation by the Murfreesboro Police Department Overdose Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Group One, and the Tennessee National Guard Counter Drug Task Force Analyst.
The six-month investigation, which began after an overdose death in Murfreesboro in December 2024, expanded to Nashville and California. Officials confiscated around 62-pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of fentanyl, seven firearms, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Fun Day Friday Features Murfreesboro Schools SROs June 27
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Hummingbird Festival Announced August 30th
Make sure to mark your calendar for the 2025 Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, August 30th at the Wilderness Station. This is fast becoming one of our most popular festivals - and this year is going to be better than ever!
Live bird-banding will start at 8 am and the community is encouraged to come early and watch first-hand this incredible process. Starting at 10 am, we will have lots of vendors with handmade crafts, pottery, jewelry and more. We will also have children's activities, music, food trucks and of course - our garden tours.
Coffee/Tullahoma: Tullahoma High School Football Stadium To Be Closed On School Days
In an effort to continue to prioritize student and staff safety, beginning July 31, the Tullahoma High School football stadium and track will be closed on school days from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“Tullahoma City Schools is prioritizing safety by securing the campus while students are present. We value the partnership and support we receive from Homeland Security, local law enforcement, emergency responders, and safety consultants who ensure our campuses are safe,” said TCS
Deputy Director Dr. April Norris. “To comply with the recommended school safety and security standards, the Tullahoma High School stadium and track will be closed during the school day from 7-4 p.m.”
After school hours, Tullahoma City School teams and school organizations will have first access to the football stadium and track. The stadium and track will be open for public use daily after 4 p.m. The stadium and track will be open when school is not in session.
Monday, June 23, 2025
Bedford:Shelbyville K9 And Warriors Benefit Concert July 19
The K9s & Warriors Benefit Concert event, presented by Dave Rogers of Cooking With a Veteran, The Fly Arts Center and Better Days Dog Rescue, will be an evening of music, fun and advocacy to help support our local area veterans and rescue dogs.
SATURDAY, JULY 19TH
7 PM TO 10 PM
Doors Open at 6:30 pm.
LOCATION:
The Fly Arts Center
204 S. Main St, Shelbyville, TN 37160
LIVE MUSIC PROVIDED BY:
Southern Klass
Lisa Law & The Fab 3
ADMISSION:
$10 per person
A limited number of reserved tables will be available for businesses/organizations for $100 per table for up to 8 people.
You may also sponsor a veteran's admission to the event.
Individual tickets and table reservations are available for purchase at https://www.flyartscenter.com.
THIS EVENT BENEFITS:
Cooking with a Veteran Inc
Better Days Dog Rescue
The Fly Arts Cente
Wilson/Middle Tennessee: Stay Safe In Heat
We’re getting our first big heat wave of the summer, and Wilson County EMA wants to make sure everyone stays safe and prepared. Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and those who work outdoors.
Stay hydrated
Keep cool
Dress smart
Never leave kids or pets in vehicles
Check on neighborsKnow the signs of heat illness and act fast if symptoms appear! Let's work together to keep our community safe this summer.
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: 15 County Deputies Earn Badges
Photo:
Deputies who earned badges after nine weeks of initial training are,
from left, front row, are SRO Emily Leonard, Deputy Tracy Sheppard,
Deputy Natalie Woodward, SRO Glen Smith, SRO Jason Thomas and Deputy
Alfredo Garcia; second row, Deputy William Rodriquez and Deputy Dylan
Ayala; back row, Deputy Greg Rubo, Deputy Raymond Maurier, SRO Caleb
Shadwick, Deputy Anton Jett, Deputy James MacDavid, Deputy Stephen DeMeo
and Deputy Sam Slaughter.
Sheriff’s deputies who completed the first nine weeks of 35 weeks of training were welcomed into the family by Administrative Capt. Angela Istvanditsch and Training Sgt. Sean Vinson.
Istvanditsch and Vinson presented badges to SRO Emily Leonard, SRO Glen Smith, SRO Jason Thomas and SRO Caleb Shadwick, and Deputy Tracy Sheppard, Deputy Natalie Woodward, Deputy Alfredo Garcia, Deputy William Rodriquez, Deputy Dylan Ayala, Deputy Greg Rubo, Deputy Raymond Maurier, Deputy Anton Jett, Deputy James MacDavid, Deputy Stephen DeMeo and Deputy Sam Slaughter.
Families and friends attended the ceremony.
“Our overreaching goal is to make sure our deputies go home the way they came to work,” Vinson said, explaining the extensive training. “We have a grueling training process.”
During the initial training, deputies learned:
• Handling the duty pistol and rifle.
• Suffering exposure to chemical spray.
• Making arrests and testifying in court.
• Identifying impaired drivers.
• Practicing defensive tactics.
• Working as a team to clear buildings.
• Participating in scenarios of domestic assaults, unwanted guests and behavioral problems.
• Writing reports and being grilled by defense attorneys.
They now begin 14 weeks of field training to handle calls with a Field Training Officer.
The deputies will spend 12 weeks at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy where they will become state-certified officers. They will complete two more weeks of training before operating on their own.
SROs, who are already state-certified, will transfer to their division for additional training.
Istvanditsch addressed the families.
“They’re going to need your support,” Istvanditsch said.
They will need time to talk, be along and decompress because of work they experience.
She spoke to the deputies.
“It takes a lot of guts to get into this field,” Istvanditsch said. “As officers, always do the right thing, even when somebody is not watching.”
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Splash Out Event June 26
Get ready for another INCREDIBLE Splash Out event!
This one is scheduled for Thursday, June 26th at Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park at 1:30 pm.
Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation partners with Murfreesboro Fire Rescue to bring you an afternoon of laughing, dancing and splashing around as the fire truck sprays water from the hose and creates a whole lot of wet and wild FUN! (And it's FREE!)
Check the website at www.MurfreesboroParks.com for more information.
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Community Sidewalk Mural Event July 12th
Registration required
Chelsea
Moulder, Sculpture Studio Tech at MTSU Department of Art and Design
will be joining us as we work as a group to complete one mural together
with pastels/sidewalk chalk. Each participant will be given an
image/square to work on!
We will
meet in front of the Linebaugh entrance at 10AM and head towards the
location for the mural. Call 615-893-4131 or visit Linebaugh Library to
register. All materials provided
Warren/McMinnville: Fall Youth Baseball/Softball Signups Announced
Fall Baseball/Softball/T-ball registrations open! Registrations will be available online and in-person at the Milner Recreation Center from the 23rd to July 31st. The first week of August will be late registrations and will include a $10 late fee. Age divisions will be determined by child's age as of May 1st, 2025. For questions or more info, give us a call at 931-473-1212
Warren County/McMinnville: McMinnville Plans Fourth of July Events
Make plans to join us in Downtown McMinnville the morning of 4th of July for a day of celebration and patriotism! The morning kicks off with the 44th Annual Stars and Stripes Fun Run hosted by Noon Rotary Club of McMinnville, TN (sign ups are available at https://runsignup.com/.../4thofJulyFunRunMcMinnvilleTN ) and delicious pancakes from McMinnville First United Methodist Church. A patriotic program follows featuring Mayor Chastain, County Executive Bell, and the American Legion. The Silver and Gold band continues the morning with a patriotic number and leads us into the Yankee Doodle parade hosted by Junior Auxiliary of McMinnville. We end the morning with the traditional Watermelon Drop from McMinnville Fire Department and the Mr. and Miss Stars and Stripes Pageant at the Park Theater
Rutherford County: County Mayor Approves Budget No Tax increase
Chairman Jeff Phillips and Mayor Joe Carr
Rutherford County approved Mayor Joe Carr’s proposed budget, which effectively balances the budget and does not include a property tax increase, by a vote of 21 - 0 today. The Rutherford County property tax assessment remains unchanged at $1.8762 per $100 of assessed value, still one of the lowest rates in Middle Tennessee.
Consistent with his conservative principles, Carr proposed a budget prioritizing targeted pay increases for public safety personnel at the Fire Department, Emergency Medical Service, and Sheriff’s Office. For the first time, the starting salary for certified officers at the Sheriff’s Office will be over $60,000.
“Raising the starting salary for certified and booking officers within the Sheriff’s Office was a priority of mine when putting together this year’s budget,” Carr said. “Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh and I, acknowledging the importance of this decision, began working to increase the starting compensation at the Sheriff’s Office in the fall of 2024.”
The budget also provides a pay increase for all county employees. Specifically, the Rutherford County pay table was lifted by 2% for all employees. In addition, employees with a year of service with the County will also receive an additional pay increase of 1.75%. This increase is in addition to the 4.25% increase County employees received in January 2025.
“With this budget we continue toward the goal of getting the County pay table in line with other counties and cities in Tennessee while at the same time avoiding property tax increases. I am very proud of the fact that this is the first time a Rutherford County Mayor has given pay raises to county employees three years in a row, with a balanced budget.” Carr said.
The budget included an increase in the Maintenance of Effort for the Rutherford County Schools of approximately $2.9 million from local revenue. The Rutherford County School operating budget represents approximately 67% of the total budget appropriations. The total budget as passed is $948,496,123.
“I want to thank the department heads for their willingness to create a budget void of excessive spending and increases,” Carr said. “As the county population continues to grow, the departments within the County continue to do more with less. This year’s budget took a stand firm approach with our conservative principles intact, as in previous years. These principles have led to Rutherford County being one of only two counties in Tennessee to receive a AAA bond rating from two major rating agencies.”
The full budget may be found at https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/budget_committee
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Missing Teen Shaniya Rutledge Reed
Have you seen her? 17-year-old Shaniya Rutledge Reed is currently listed as a missing runaway. A family member says she may be in the Nashville area, attempting to make her way to Jackson, Tennessee. She was last seen in the Warrior Drive - S. Church Street area of Murfreesboro on June 17. If you see her, please contact Det. Sagrera at 629-201-5633.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Rutherford: Camera Video Catches Smyrna Woman Dumping Trash On Road
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Camera video posted by the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center reflected a woman dumping trash Monday on Asbury Road and being arrested Tuesday.
Work center Officer John Johnson sorted through the garbage and located several items showing a possible address of the people who dumped the trash, said Work Center Lt. Jason Peralta.
Johnson found the vehicle parked on Hord Road and notified the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Jimmy Coleman and Deputy Tyler Purvis located suspect Heather Nichole Morales and asked her to clean up the trash dumped on Asbury Road.
Afterwards, Purvis charged Morales with littering and driving on a revoked license.
Morales, 31, of Maple Street in Smyrna was released on $2,000 bond at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. A hearing is set Oct. 22 in General Sessions Court.
Peralta said the actions of the work center staff to keep Rutherford County clean shows due diligence when their cameras identify people who dump trash.
“It shows we are doing our part as county officials to show illegal dumping will not be tolerated,” Peralta said. “It’s going to show the public we are doing everything in our power to keep Rutherford County clean.”
Rutherford/LaVergne: Wilkerson Named Principal At Rock Springs Elementary
A former assistant principal at Rock Springs Elementary School has been tapped to lead the school.
Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan announced today that Monica Wilkerson has been named the next principal of the elementary school in LaVergne.
“Mrs. Wilkerson currently serves as the principal at David Youree Elementary but previously was the assistant principal at Rock Springs from 2013 to 2019,” Director Sullivan said. “While leaving a school is hard, leading one of the largest elementary schools in the state is a unique opportunity that presents amazing possibilities. I look forward to working alongside Mrs. Wilkerson in ensuring the success of the students, staff, and community of RSE.”
Wilkerson is a veteran educator of nearly 25 years.
After six years serving as an assistant principal at Rock Springs, she was named the principal of David Youree Elementary in Smyrna, where she has served since 2019.
“I’m excited to return to where I got my leadership start,” Wilkerson said. “We've built something pretty great here at David Youree from our start in 2019. I’ve developed this collaborative leadership style that I want to take to Rock Springs to see it from beginning to end again. I want to take that to Rock Springs because it is an amazing school with a great community.”
Rock Springs Elementary serves grades prekindergarten through fifth grade with more than 1,200 students.
Wilkerson succeeds former Rock Springs Elementary Principal Denielle Fuller.
The David Youree Elementary principal position will be posted immediately by the school district.
Rutherford:Murfreesboro: Murfreesboro Man Faces Carrying Weapon Charges
Murfreesboro Police Department Criminal Investigations Division detectives have arrested Elijah Millar on weapon charges. Millar is the man who was arrested by Metro Nashville Police Department at the “No Kings” Rally in Nashville last weekend.
The 19-year-old is facing three-counts of carrying or possession of a weapon for an incident in Murfreesboro on Monday, June 16 and in April 2025. Millar is under a court-ordered conservatorship and was charged after violating the terms.
MPD officers responded to a home in West Murfreesboro after online reports of Millar allegedly making suicidal statements. After contacting Millar, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun in his waist band. Millar was taken to the hospital to be evaluated. He was served with warrants Tuesday afternoon after being discharged.
MPD detectives served a warrant on the home with assistance from the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Millar is being held without bond at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. A hearing is set for July 21 in General Sessions Court.
Wilson/Watertown: Watertown Music Festival July 19
Downtown Watertown is turning up the volume with a little bit of country and a little bit of rock and roll!
Join us for a summer Saturday filled with great music, good vibes, and small-town charm. While you're here, take time to visit our local restaurants, explore unique shops, browse vendor booths, and enjoy everything Watertown has to offer.Here’s the live music lineup:
• 12:00 PM – Lonesome Gold
• 1:00 PM – Austin Brothers
• 2:00 PM – Kenny and the Roosters
Bring a lawn chair, bring your friends, and make a day of it!
For more info, visit www.WatertownTN.com
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes fun.
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Lunch on the Plaza June 20th
Lunch on the Plaza is this Friday - June 20th - from 11 am to 1 pm at Civic Plaza.
Food Truck Lineup:
-Annies Sno Biz
-The Firey Pig
-Haole Boys
-Krazee Dogg & Moree
and
Music by Roland Justice!
Civic Plaza is located at 111 West Vine Street, right in front of City Hall. Free parking is available in the parking garage. Visit www.MurfreesboroParks.com for more information. See you there!
Bedford/Shelbyville: Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Hosts Blue Raider Blitz June 25
On behalf of Middle Tennessee State University Athletics, the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite you to a special evening celebrating the Shelbyville community’s continued support of MTSU!
Join us for the Shelbyville stop of the 2025 Blue Raider Blitz:
The Celebration Grounds – The Blue Ribbon Club
Wednesday, June 25th
5:30 PM – 7:00 PMThis fun and casual event is your opportunity to connect with Coach Rick Insell, MTSU Athletics staff, and other special guests who are shaping the future of Blue Raider sports. These individuals play a pivotal role in advancing MTSU Athletics and represent the heart of the Blue Raider spirit. This is a rare chance to interact with the people who make MTSU’s athletic excellence possible—offering insights, stories, and genuine connection in a relaxed and engaging setting.
Rick Insell is no stranger to Shelbyville—he proudly called Shelbyville Central High School home from 1977 to 2005. During his nearly three decades as head coach of the SCHS women’s basketball program, he led the team to over 750 victories and shattered records. He built a dynasty that placed Shelbyville on the national basketball map. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and coaches across the state.
In 2005, Coach Insell transitioned to lead the MTSU Women’s Basketball Program, bringing with him his unmatched coaching philosophy and elevating MTSU's presence in the women’s collegiate sports arena.
We want to ensure that all members of the community are personally invited to attend and celebrate this connection. Please help us spread the word!
RSVP here: goblueraiders.co/25BlitzRSVP
Event flyer attached
Learn more about all 2025 Blue Raider Blitz stops: goblueraiders.co/25BlueRaiderBlitzTuesday, June 17, 2025
Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Overdosed Duo Arrested After Traffic Stop
Two passengers riding in a car during a traffic stop ran and apprehended before overdosing about 5 p.m., Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies reported.
When the driver stopped for Deputy Chris Danckwerth, passengers Hunter Van Caffey and Desiree Petty ran.
Caffey was apprehended after a short foot chase by Danckwerth, who is assigned to the Strategies and Tactics for Opioid Prevention/Drug Violence Initiative.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Jonathan McGee reported Murfreesboro Police located Desiree Petty after they received a call about a suspicious person walking on nearby Diana Street.
“While STOP/DVI deputies were conducting their traffic stop investigation, both suspects began to overdose,” McGee reported.
Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services paramedics treated both Caffey and Petty before transporting them to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital where they were treated and released.
Danckwerth charged Caffey, 27, of Ferrell Hollow Road in Readyville with evading arrest, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held on $3,500 bond at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
Petty, 36, of Ferrell Hollow Road, Readyville, was charged with felony destruction of evidence and evading arrest. She is being held $8,000 bond at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
Monday, June 16, 2025
Wilson: Sheriff's Office Helps Apprehend Murder Suspect
On May 29, 2025, deputies with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office (NC) Criminal Investigations Division, apprehended 21-year-old Nicolai Chisala Hubbeling of Old Hickory, Tennessee. Hubbeling was taken into custody without incident during a coordinated vehicle takedown near his residence in Wilson County.
Hubbeling is charged with First Degree Murder in connection to the 2024 disappearance and death of 81-year-old William Scott Lowry of Ammon, North Carolina. Lowry was reported missing in late August 2024 after last being seen walking near his home on FL McDaniel Road in rural Bladen County.
Following an anonymous tip received by Bladen County authorities in April 2025, a joint investigation was launched which ultimately led to Hubbeling’s location in Tennessee. Investigators from both agencies worked collaboratively to bring him into custody safely and efficiently.
Hubbeling is currently being held without bond at the Wilson County Detention Center, where he awaits extradition proceedings to Bladen County, North Carolina.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Any further information will be released by the Bladen County Sheriff's Office as it becomes available.
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