FedEx's plans to build a gigantic distribution center on Rutherford Boulevard have been scuttled, mostly because of problems with the farmland, The Murfreesboro Post reported.
Industrial Development Board Chairman Bill Jones told The Post that "FedEx decided not to move forward with the ground hub plan 'at this time.'"
The Memphis-based company reportedly ran into issues with wetlands, sinkholes and archaeological problems with the Hoover property on Rutherford Boulevard. The deal to buy the land never closed.
In August 2016, the company was granted $3.2 million in tax breaks over seven years to build a 1 million-square-foot FedEx Ground facility.
The $189.5 million investment was projected to create about 40 full-time jobs with an average wage of $53,500 and 160 full-time equivalent, part-time (i.e., seasonal) jobs at $24,000 annually.
Because the facility was never built, the company does not receive the incentives.
Reeves appointed to 2 committees
In his first week on the job, newly minted Tennessee state Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, was appointed to two committees, according to The Post.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally appointed Reeves to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Government Operations Committee.
Reeves replaces Jim Tracy who served as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and as a member of the Senate Education Committee and the Senate State and Local Government Committee.
Rutherford DA behind Operation 'Candy Crush' has a history
The Post also reported that John Zimmerman, the mastermind behind Operation Candy Crush, was censured in 2002 by the Board of Professional Responsibility.
He was accused of withholding evidence that could have impacted the results of a trial. He was sanctioned two times previously.
Read about his censure here.
Zimmerman was the assistant district attorney who prosecuted the now dropped cases against the owners of 23 stores in Rutherford County. The stores were raided and forced to close for nearly a week because they were selling products containing CBD oil.
Rutherford County District attorney Jennings Jones dropped all charges after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it could not test for the source of the CBD.
Saint Thomas buys lot on New Salem
Saint Thomas Health recently purchased a lot on New Salem Highway for nearly $1.5 million.
Saint Thomas Rutherford CEO Gordon Ferguson told the DNJ that the 3-acre lot near the existing Saint Thomas Medical Partners New Salem building will be the home of a $16-million surgical treatment center.
The sugri-center is planned to be a 13,000-square-foot multi-specialty facility with two operating rooms and one procedure room.
Community leader Dr. George Smith dies
On Friday, March 23, Dr. George Smith died after an illness. He was 69.
In addition to his medical practice, Smith is known for securing scholarship funds for high-achieving black students in Rutherford County and being active in Murfreesboro's community.
He served as chairman of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund, as well as with Murfreesboro Breakfast Rotary Club, the MidSouth Bank board of directors, the Middle Tennessee Civil War Round Table and the U.S. Colored Troops Living History Association.
Read The DNJ's obituary here.
Other stuff
Three former students accused Rep. David Byrd of Waynesboro of sexual misconduct and House Speaker (and governor candidate) Beth Harwell has asked him to resign, according to WSMV. But then he denied the accusations.
Haslam pushes security assessment of all schools, anonymous threat reporting system (Humphrey on the Hill)
Lamar Alexander (who was spotted earlier this week having lunch at The City Cafe) said he said angry and exasperated over collapse of latest attempted Obamacare fix (Humphrey on the Hill)
Rutherford County banker appointed to Tennessee Board of Regents (WGNS)
The 7th annual Special Kids Race raised $192,216 (WGNS)
Tennessee Medical Cannabis Bill Passes Next Step (WGNS)
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.
