Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released the names of 18 facilities designated VA Whole Health Flagship Sites and the Alvin C. York campus was on the list.

VA Whole Health Flagship Sites are focused on empowering and equipping Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being, according to a press release about the list.

The York campus, located on Memorial Boulevard, was included because of the "Whole Health" programs offered there, like Adaptive Wheelchair Tai Chi, which is held at 10 a.m. Thursdays.

VA Whole Health Flagship Sites recognizes facilities that exemplify the VA's shift from a health-care system focused primarily on treating disease to one guided by a personalized health plan that considers the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental needs of Veterans, the Whole Health System acknowledges that health care involves more than the physical human body.

Just a few years ago, the Murfreesboro VA was caught up in a national scandal about wait times and veterans choosing private care over VA treatment.

Park in Blackman set to be completed by 2020

WGNS reported the new park in the Blackman community will be completed by 2020.

"We are hoping we will have the park open in 2020," Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland told the radio station.

The West Park is on a 123-acre parcel of land bordered by Blackman Road, Burnt Knob Road, Veterans Parkway, and I-840 in the Blackman area known as the McDonald Farm property.

Jared Barrett resigns from MCS board

Full-time archaeologist and part-time Murfreesboro City School Board member Jared Barrett has resigned his elected position to take a new job digging up the past.

Barrett announced earlier this week that he has taken a new job as an archaeologist for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers that requires him to relocate to Kentucky.

The Daily News Journal reported a special election will be added to the Aug. 2 City General Election (and County General and Federal Primary). Along with voting on three at-large seats to the MCS board, voters will choose a new member to fill Barrett's unexpired term.

The deadline to qualify is June 8. Contact the Election Commission for details.

Other stuff

20 Year old Smyrna Man Killed in Nashville Accident (WGNS) 

TBR to decide new president of TCAT in Murfreesboro (WGNS) 

Local Teen Drowns A Week before Graduation (Mboro Post)

Neighbors concerned over Conhocken Court townhouse plans (Mboro Post) 

Michelle Willard is a freelance journalist who fills her days with social media marketing, politics, true crime, and taking complaints. You can complain to her on Twitter @MichWillard or by email michelle(at)murfreesborovoice.com.