Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Over 500 people gathered on October 21st at Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro for the 31st annual Ruthies Community Choice Awards, where 170 winners from local businesses & professional services were honored.

Miss Tennessee winner Zoe Scheiderich served as emcee while longtime community figure Jason Taylor noted the event's meaningful return to Rutherford County traditions.

Starting November 7, the UT-TSU Agricultural Extension will open the Rutherford County Farmers Market for a Winter/Spring season every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Lane Agri-Park, 315 John R.

Rice Boulevard—except on November 28 and December 26 when it will remain closed. It will continue until the regular market season returns in May.

Due to a parts shortage from a supplier fire, Nissan suspended production at its Smyrna plant on Oct 24 and plans a further stoppage on Oct 27 — normal operations will resume Tuesday, Oct 28.

The plant is set to produce 460,000 vehicles this year and makes the Rogue, Pathfinder, Murano and Infiniti QX60.

MTSU Campus Life announced that Cults will headline the fall Signature Event concert at the Student Union Ballroom on November 17th with Auburn opening the show — doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 7 p.m. — The free concert is offered to students with one non-student guest allowed.

Murfreesboro artist Yakruti Patel from Gujarat, India works in watercolor, sculpture, and mixed media—she moved to the United States in 2017 and was selected earlier this year for the Timeline of Murfreesboro Mural while actively engaging in local art projects.

MTSU’s new club No Labels held a discussion on feminism in the Student Union on October 8 with a low turnout, aiming to bring together students from different political views.

The club, which currently has about 20 members, will host its first debate soon — working to create open dialogue on campus.

The Rutherford County Board of Education approved the academic calendar during its October 16 meeting—setting the first full day of classes on August 10 and the final day on May 28.

The schedule also details teacher workdays, holiday breaks and orientation days—providing key planning dates for families.

Due to the government shutdown that began Oct.

1, SNAP benefits will not be added to cards from Nov. 1—any remaining October funds can still be used. The WIC program will continue to operate as usual to help women, infants and young children.

Gov. Bill Lee warned that Tennessee SNAP customers will see their card benefits lapse starting Nov.

1 because state funds cannot add to the federal money that supplies about $146 million monthly. Nashville officials are reviewing the issue to address the gap for over 690,000 recipients.

MFRD and RCFR are hosting a free fire prevention open house today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Doug Young Public Safety Training Facility at 701 Bridge Avenue—families can meet first responders, see emergency vehicles, and learn fire safety tips.

Modern Calligraphy & Pumpkin Lettering Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — RSRVD Event Studio — Ticket price not specified — Explore the art of modern calligraphy with a festive pumpkin theme for beginners.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders Football

6:30-8 p.m. — Floyd Stadium — Cost varies — Experience college football rivalry live at Floyd Stadium as the Gamecocks take on the Blue Raiders.

Harry Potter Trivia Night

6 p.m. — Shelli's Coffee + Social — Limited spots available — Test your wizarding knowledge and enjoy themed costumes for a discount.

Commercial Motor Vehicle Awareness Course

8 AM to 5 PM on Day 1, 8 AM to Noon on Day 2 — Rutherford County Emergency Management — $445.00 — Enhance law enforcement skills in Commercial Motor Vehicle regulation and enforcement.

Nashville Zoolumination

5-9 p.m. — Nashville Zoo at Grassmere — $21 to $25 — Experience a dazzling wonderland of over 1,000 illuminated sculptures transforming the zoo grounds.

RnB Bingo Night

3-6 p.m. — The Grand Hall — Varies — Enjoy a night of RnB hits and bingo fun with prizes and good vibes.

Kelly Alayna Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Soulshine Pizza — Free entry — Experience the heartfelt sounds of Country singer/songwriter Kelly Alayna in an intimate setting.

Tennessee Lady Vols vs. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders Women's Basketball

6:30 PM – 1:29 AM — Murphy Athletic Center — Check event website for pricing — Witness a thrilling matchup between two competitive women's basketball teams.