Good morning, Murfreesboro.

Monday, Dec. 15, downtown held the Christmas Parade with floats and music, featuring Grand Marshal Bill Allen (Navy veteran and D-Day survivor).

Police searched for 15-year-old Jaden Richards, who left home during a dispute and may be heading to Louisiana, while officials warned of holiday scams.

Cook Out is opening three new locations in Middle Tennessee soon at Antioch (5321 Hickory Hollow Lane), Hermitage (5002 Old Hickory Blvd) and Nashville (10 Harding Mall Drive); the chain has not given an opening date.

In-N-Out Burger is expanding in Middle Tennessee with three new locations in Antioch, Lebanon, and Murfreesboro.

A fourth in Franklin will open soon after the new year, and additional stores are planned for Rivergate Mall in Madison and Hendersonville.

Families join OFLOW’s cookie decorating event each Saturday in December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 115 N Maple St, where cookies cost $5 or 3 for $10 and buying 3 gives a raffle entry for a Grinch metal tumbler; supplies, cleanup and a potential Grinch photo are included.

The UT-TSU Agricultural Extension Service at Lane Agri-Park offers winter and spring programs, including Garden Basics starting Feb.

19 at the Community Center, a 4-H Horse Club meeting on Jan. 12, and a sewing workshop on Jan. 29, with sessions for 4-H Yoga and Chick Chain aimed at all ages.

Rockvale’s Lakin and Leila Hailey led their team and Central Middle School’s boys finished strong at the 2025 All-Rutherford County Cross Country race.

Nearly 300 runners competed in the 3.1 mile race held at Shelby Farms Parks in Memphis.

Middle Tennessee State University freshman Macie Phifer earned Conference USA Freshman of the Week honors after posting her best career performance + the award spotlights her promise in collegiate athletics.

MTSU women’s basketball coach Rick Insell has placed freshman guard Kirston Verhulst at point guard as the Lady Raiders work to reduce turnovers and climb in Conference USA.

The team will play Auburn Tigers at Murphy Center on Dec. 20.

POWER HOUR Networking - Murfreesboro

9-10 a.m. — Steak 'n Shake — Free entry — Connect with fellow Christian professionals to build valuable relationships and exchange referrals.

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders vs. Cumberland University Phoenix

1-2:30 p.m. — Murphy Athletic Center, 2650 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN — Tickets available — Witness an exciting matchup between the Blue Raiders and the Phoenix in a thrilling basketball showdown.

Coco Fest Fundraiser

5-11 p.m. — Hop Springs — Tickets starting at $0.00 — Enjoy live music from local bands while supporting a cause to provide instruments and lessons to underprivileged children.