The Daily News-Journal from Murfreesboro, Tennessee • Page A2

A2 THE DAILY NEWS JOURNAL TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014 FROM THE COVER UPCOMING FORUMS The Rutherford County Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will hold a candidate forum for the Murfrees-boro mayor and council candidates at 6 tonight in the second-floor courtroom of the the Rutherford County Courthouse on the city's Public Square. The Murfreesboro chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will hold a forum for mayor candidates at 6 p.m. Monday at Allen Chapel AME Church, 224 S. Maney Ave.

Murfreesboro. The mayoral candidates are Vice Mayor Ron Washington and Councilman Shane McFarland. The daughter of two former members of the council, Robert and Mary Scales, Harris said the top issue is for the city to keep up with growth with the needed infrastructure and services. "We are putting out 40 new garbage cans a month," she said. When asked about public transportation, Harris suggested that the city poll residents about improving the service and then working within the budget to fund it.

Joyce touted her experience in leadership with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors. She also talked about the need to keep up with growth through water and sewer, police and other services, as well as providing local schools with computers to provide a great learning environment. In response to a question, Joyce suggested the city should be welcoming when recruiting jobs that pay a liveable wage. Vote Continued from Page A1 City Council candidate forum David told the audience that if elected to the council his top issue would be getting the city's debt under control as a fiscal conservative. "I don't believe its sustainable," said David, noting he's been an advocate in opposition to the city's red-light cameras.

David questioned why the city spends so much on parks and recreation and not enough on repairing crumbling sidewalks in the downtown area. When it came to a question about public transportation, David said he supports Rover as it is but noted that it's difficult to expand because it requires a subsidy from taxpayers to operate. Harris said the voters should keep her in office because of her promise to listen, speak up and follow through. transportation route for many. Young touted his experience as a life-long resident and 40-year owner of City Tile.

Young said he wants the city to continue to provide opportunities through good education, safe neighborhoods and good jobs. He boasted how the city has balanced 12 budgets during his time on the council without having to raise property taxes while maintaining top-notch schools and fire and police protection. Young also agreed that the city must manage its growth and keep up with the required services. He also noted that Schann Cosmetics choose to build its headquarters and factory here because of the quality of education. When asked about public transportation, the candidates all suggested that the city work with the private sector such as church groups to help get people around.

Young also touted how the city has increased the size of the buses and installed the covered "What makes Murfreesboro great is people," Patterson said. Rainwater told the audience that his top issue is for the council to establish district representation, "so everyone has a voice" and "much easier for you to have a champion" on the city council. When asked about public transportation, Rainwater suggested the city work with the private sector through selling advertising on Rover buses and shelter stops to bring in more revenue. He suggested the city should examine if there is a way to privatize some of the routes. Shirley said he'd like to maintain the existing quality of life offered through schools, parks and opportunities.

"I am running because I am passionate about this city," said Shirley, noting the city's educational opportunities, Patterson Park Community Center, the Stones River Green-way and other quality of life opportunities. He also touted the city's Rover buses as providing a great service to his Brady ville Pike neighborhood and noted his son uses Rover to reach Central Magnet School. Shirley also touted the green-way as another public vices. Patterson said he'd like the city to have fewer restrictions on business and better protection of property rights. Patterson suggested the city has much work to do to catch up to Brentwood and Franklin in making Murfreesboro a friendlier location that promotes free enterprise for businesses.

"Get out of their way," Patterson said. When asked about public transporation, Patterson suggested that volun-teerism was the key to help people get around the city. When it comes to public transportation, Joyce noted that senior citizens face a challenge in getting to the Rover bus stops and suggested that more volunteers are needed to help drive people around. LaLance told the audience that one of his top goals if elected to the council is for the city to do a better job to encourage a better mix of jobs that pay better. When it comes to public transportation, La-Lance suggested the city work harder to find grants to help pay for more of the Rover ser- JENNINGS AYERS jenningsandayers.com Death State Age Death Day, Time Place of Service Funeral Home 64 0311 0322 3p.m.

FirstUnited Methodist Church, Lebanon 93 0315 0319 11a.m. Woodfin Memorial Chapel Woodfin Memorial Chapel 60 0316 0319 11 a.m. MillerCemetery Jennings and Ayers 56 0316 0319 1p.m. Woodfin, Smyrna Woodfin, Smyrna 73 0316 0319 2 p.m. Woodfin Memorial Chapel Woodfin Memorial Chapel 70 0317 0319 2 p.m.

Jennings and Ayers Jennings and Ayers Common Core data bill passes 31-2 in Senate IS Gentian, Mary Met Hunt, Olene Jones Irish, Earl Payne, Bobby Sewell, Mary Ann Underhill. Billy th Sikes Olene Jones Hunt Olene Jones Hunt, age 93, of Murfreesboro, died March 15, 2014. Mrs. Hunt was a native of Dryfork, KY and daughter of the late Johnie and Ova Morrison Johnson. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday at Wood-fin Memorial Chapel with Rev.

Mike Norris and Rev. Mark Gregory officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Hunt is survived by sons, Larry Houk and wife Mary of German-town, TN, Gary Houk and wife Amy of Murfreesboro, Mike Jones and wife Shari of Murfreesboro; daughter, Susan Baxter and husband Jimmy of Murfreesboro; brother, Earl Johnson of Bowling Green, KY; 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Hunt was a member of Franklin Road Baptist Church and was one of the first licensed female realtors in Rutherford County. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be made to www.wood-finchapel.com iearch City, Lebanon Murfreesboro Murfreesboro Murfreesboro Murfreesboro Murfreesboro Contact Scott Broden at 615-278-5158 or sbrodendnj.com.

Follow him on Twitter ScottBroden. in Tennessee," she said. "This bill is in response to the people of Tennessee as they have made their wishes known." The Senate vote was the latest action by lawmakers to place restrictions on the standards. Tennessee adopted them in 2010 and began a three-year phase-in the next year. Last Thursday, the House passed a proposal to delay further implementation of the standards, even though Republican Gov.

Bill Haslam and other supporters say they are key to Tennessee students' academic improvement. Under the measure, implementation of the standards would be delayed for two years, and the testing component for the standards would also be delayed for two years. Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey said Monday evening that he doesn't agree with the House version, which could be taken up by the Senate as early as next week. "I do think the horse is out of the barn, so to speak," the Blountville Republican said. "There are lots of things that have already happened in the state to just say we're going to put this off for two years." is fantastic.

This never gets old. I've done this every year I've been here, and every year it gets better and better." MTSU freshmen Olivia Jones, a former Riv-erdale standout, said moments like Monday are why she came to MTSU. "I went to high school (in Murfreesboro) and I remember watching and following MTSU to the NCAA tournament every year," the C-USA freshman of the year said. "These fans and this support is just amazing, especially on Selection Monday." Contact Will Borthick at 615-278-5167 or wborthickdnj.com. Follow him on Twitter FUNERAL HOME Phone 615-893-5151 615-893-2422 615-459-3254 615-893-5151 615-893-2422 Billy Morris Underhill Billy Morris Underhill, age 70, passed away March 17, 2014 at his residence.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Rutherford County, a painter and of the Baptist faith. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Gladys Mai Underhill and sister, Wanda Underhill Maynard. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Batey Underhill; daughters, Michelle Underhill (Randy) Barrett of Murfreesboro and Carrie Boone of Murfreesboro; brother, Jimmy (Wilma) Underhill of Murfreesboro; sister, Kathy (William) Underhill Warlick and five grandchildren. Visitation with the family will be 11:00 AM PM, Wednesday, March 19, 2014. Chapel service will follow at 2:00 PM with burial in Gunter Grizzle Cemetery, Woodbury.

Steve Goforth will officiate. Family will serve as active pallbearers. Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home; 820 South Church Murfreesboro, TN 37130; 615-893-2422. Please leave condolences at www.jenningsandayers. com.

Bobby Gene Payne Bobby Gene Payne age 56 of Murfreesboro, passed away Sunday March 16, 2014. A native of Flint, Michigan he was the son of the late Clayton and Lela White Payne. He is also preceded in death by a sister; Teresa Spencer, and a brother; James Michael Boone. Mr. Payne is survived by his wife of 39 years; Donna Kay Bly Payne, sons; Nathan Payne, Phillip Payne, Tyler Hunter Payne (Hunter T), daughter-in-law; Amy Wade Payne all of Murfreesboro, three grandchildren; Gage, Ad-dyson, Alyssa.his sister; Debbie Nunley of Missouri, sister-in law; Patsy (Jim) Briley of Murfreesboro, and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Payne was of the Baptist faith. Visitation will be Wednesday from until time of service at at Woodfin Chapel Smyrna with Pastor Bobby Waynick officiating. Burial will follow at Mapleview Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. On line condolences may be sent to www.woodfinchapel.com 459-3254.

Notices Mary McCulloch Sikes German Mary McCulloch Sikes German, age 64, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014. She was born in Rutherford County, TN in 1949, and was the daughter of the late McCulloch Hord Sikes and Judith Browning Sikes. She resided in Lebanon, TN and was a member of the First United Methodist Church at the time of her death. Mary McCulloch is survived by her two sons, Shawn Wesley German and Neal Andrew German; three grandchildren, Dylan, Bryce and Maya German; and sisters, Judith Ferrell, Lucy Karnes, Martha Felker and Jane Renner. She was preceded in death by her brother, the late Lewright Browning Sikes.

Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church, at 415 W. Main Street in Lebanon, TN on March 22nd from 1-3 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service immediately following, Rev. Dr. Michael Ripski officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary S.

German to: Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Nashville, TN 37203. Earl Allison Irish, Sr. Earl Allison Irish, age 60, passed away at Community Care Rutherford County on Sunday, March 16, 2014. He was a native of Greenville, TN, but has lived most of his life in Rutherford County. Earl was the owner of Earl's Garage in Murfreesboro.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents: Al and Ruth Irish; sister: Dorothy Boyce and brothers: George Allison Irish and Jay Allison Irish. He is survived by his sons: Earl (Nancy) Allison Irish, Jr. and Charles Kenneth Irish; sister: Ruth Ann Irish; four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Miller Cemetery.

Derrick Hartley will be officiating. Visitation with the family will be 9 p.m.. until 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home, 820 South Church Murfreesboro, TN 37130; (615) 893-2422. Please leave condolences at www.jenningsandayers.

com. Mary Ann Morton Brooks Sewell Mary Ann Morton Brooks Sewell age 73 passed away Sunday March 16, 2014 at her daughter's home after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by husbands, Fred Brooks and Isaac Ralph Sewell. She was also preceded in death by her parents Edgar and Beatrice Moody Morton, brothers, Eddie, Nelson, Spain, Gene "Bud" Morton, sisters Virginia Morton Hill and Sara Morton. She is survived by her son Kenneth Brooks and wife Harriett, daughter Jane Robinson and husband Jim, son-in-law Don Gray, daughter Cathy Hill and granddaughter Carrie Creek, brother Butch Morton and wife Judy, sister Lillie Wall and husband John, sister-in-laws Kathleen and Diane Morton.

She leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great nieces. We would like to extend a special thanks to her sister-in-law, Diane Morton for her love, care, compassion and support at this difficult time. Pallbears will be Jerry Hill, Butchie, Jason and Justin Morton, Clinton McClendon and Jeffery Hedgepath. Funeral service Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Bob Bush will officiate.

Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation to Tuesday at Woodfin Memoiral Chapel, www.woodfinchapel. com er Associated Press NASHVILLE Legislation that would require any data collected under Tennessee's Common Core standards only be used to track the academic progress and needs of students was approved by the Senate on Monday. The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Dolores Gresham of Som-erville was approved 31-2.

The House version was overwhelmingly approved 81-9 earlier this month. The standards are intended to provide students with the critical thinking, problem solving and writing skills needed for college and the workforce. They have been voluntarily adopted by 45 states. One of the main criticisms of the standards developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers is that they could lead to the sharing of personal student data with the federal government. Gresham said the proposal is a result of concerns from parents and administrators about that possibility.

"Nobody wanted federal intrusion into our education system MTSU Continued from Page A1 simply to avoid having matchups of those (same) conference teams prior to the regional final." Despite the distance between their home court and where they will play their opening round game, MTSU players and coaches were still excited to get to experience the rush of seeing their school's name called on national television on ESPN. "This is what it's all about," MTSU senior La-ken Leonard said. "To I see this many people come out in support of us Find the most up-to-date and complete obituary information in the US, including funeral home info and directions connect Sign Guest Books, 'Light a Candle' and receive grief support emb rem Send flowers, gifts and charitable donations, or create a memorial website with photos, music and video.