Good morning, Murfreesboro.

United Way of South Central Tennessee completed its 15th annual Stuff the Bus campaign today, collecting 65,000 school supplies and distributing 3,500 backpacks to students in Rutherford and nearby counties.

The drive eased costs for families as local schools prepared for fall classes.

A Murfreesboro family evacuated safely after a fire severely damaged their home (including the attached garage) Wednesday afternoon as firefighters controlled the blaze and the American Red Cross now assists the displaced residents.

Spirit Halloween opened several new pop-up stores selling seasonal costumes, decorations and themed animatronics, starting early August.

The pop-up at 2615 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 2300 in Murfreesboro is among the Tennessee locations, with more openings scheduled later this month.

Nearly 60 Civil Air Patrol cadets completed a week-long engineering technology academy at Middle Tennessee State University, experiencing classroom instruction, lab projects and leadership sessions in several STEM fields (the event will return next year).

Middle Tennessee State University has expanded the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center in the Keithly University Center room 124, offering veterans + military family students more space for academic help, counseling, and mentoring.

University officials celebrated the upgrade recently to support the growing veteran population.

Today, writer Susan Steen advises parents and teachers to help kids learn how to think for themselves this school year.

She stresses that walking on the left side of the street lets children see oncoming cars and stay safe.

State Rep. Mike Sparks and a TDOC official detailed plans for Overdose Awareness Day at the Murfreesboro Day Reporting Center on Aug.

27. The event will offer addiction recovery resources and free community services such as mobile mammograms + DMV license renewals.

Tennessee's Lone Star ticks (found in 32 counties) could spread Bourbon virus, which has been reported in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and New York.

Health officials stress that while no local cases have been confirmed, residents should remain alert as tick bites have reached record levels this season.

Murfreesboro’s Miracle Field at McKnight Park got new playground-type turf for special needs athletes that lets teams play even in wet weather.

The Surfacing Group installed the turf in time for the Aug. 21 league opening and Parks and Recreation plans to add picnic tables and a wheelchair swing later.