Let’s all give our police officers a break
Ever since a cop shot a man’s dog in Cookeville, the police have been under some pretty harsh scrutiny. But I think everyone should take a step back and lay off our law enforcement officers for a while. It’s not easy being a cop.
While we’re tucked into our beds at night — covers pulled up to our chin – there are policemen roaming the streets, protecting our safety. While we’re celebrating Christmas, there are officers on patrol because law enforcement must always remain on guard.
For some people, those negative aspects don’t steer them away from the police force. There are people who were born to be cops and they’ll do whatever it takes to enter that line of work.
I just love the story of two men from Boynton, Fla., who were arrested and charged with armed robbery – and murder – in their attempt to raise money to attend a local police academy. It’s probably best these guys didn’t make the force.
To be perfectly honest, being a cop isn’t for everyone. It takes a special person who doesn’t mind putting his or her life on the line.
TOP SIGNS YOU DON’T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A COP
1) You can’t drive really fast, check a license plate on your in-car computer, talk on the radio, and drink coffee, all at the same time.
2) When you see trouble brewing, your first reaction is to call 911.
3 You’re being called for back-up, but you don’t go because it’s too dangerous.
4) At the scene of a riot, you refuse to get out of the car until the crowd thins out.
Fortunately, today’s police officers are armed with top-of-the-line equipment and receive the best training possible. But their best tool for solving crime has to be the dumb criminal. Oh, how we all love those dumb criminals.
How about the Ann Arbor, Mich., man who failed to rob a Burger King because the clerk told him he couldn’t open the cash register without a food order. So the man ordered onion rings, but the clerk informed him they weren’t available for breakfast. The frustrated robber then darted out of the restaurant. You think, at that point, he would have just ordered a biscuit.
And here’s another great botched robbery story coming from St. Peters, Missouri where a gunman robbed a 7-11 store, but returned the money minutes later because his car wouldn’t start. Amazingly, the store clerks came out to the parking lot and gave the robber’s car a jump start. Officer David Kuppler said afterwards, “We have a very friendly town.”
As for other pressing matters, there’s nothing more important than this week’s Business Pulse. So let the show begin.
Jack in the Box ready to open
The waiting is over and the suspense is about to be broken. Jack in the Box will open this Monday at 8 a.m.
Some of you may have noticed the fast-food restaurant was packed Thursday night, thus giving the impression it was open. That, however, was not the case.
Restaurant employees were just doing what they call “simulations.” That means they were cooking up everything on the menu to give them practice for when it’s time to do the real thing. And since they’re cooking up a bunch of food, it makes no sense to throw it all away.
It’s with that in mind, a group of “special” people were invited to get a free sample of the food so it wouldn’t be tossed in a dumpster. And, in case anyone was wondering, I was not one of those people “special” enough to get an invitation.
Did that hurt my feelings? Well, just a little bit. But I made enough noise to get invited to the final simulation this evening. It will be the last practice before Jack in the Box opens tomorrow.
Hastings is that big building below Ryan’s
I’ve mentioned this several times before, but I’m still getting more questions on this than just about anything else. Hastings is the store which will move into the almost-finished building below Ryan’s and across from Fred’s.
Hastings sells everything from music, to video games, to movies, to books. It’s scheduled opening date is mid-March or early April.
The Warehouse to change the way you do shopping
The Warehouse has arrived in downtown McMinnville, and according to the flyers that are circulating, this is “the store you’ve been waiting for.” Truth be told, it is a pretty neat store, with some darn good prices.
“We buy overstocked and discontinued items at discount prices,” said store owner Tamara Hughes. “And we pass the savings on to the customer.”
All the merchandise is new. It’s just heavily discounted.
Most folks probably know Tamara and Roy Hughes as the owners of Hughes Chair Company. As you’re driving to Woodbury, it’s the place on the left with the big sign that says “Rocking chairs $40.”
I’ve always seen the sign but never stopped in to ask about business. Turns out, Hughes Chair Company sells rocking chairs all over the country. It’s a third-generation business started by Roy’s granddad.
“We’ve always been known for selling our rockers at a great price,” said Tamara. “So we decided to expand that idea on to this.”
Another great thing about being downtown is The Warehouse also serves as a distribution point for anyone who would like one of the Hughes’ rocking chairs or porch swings but who doesn’t want to drive to Centertown.
As for other items, The Warehouse has bed linens, clothes, picture frames, tennis shoes, boots, Valentine gift ideas and automotive tools.
On the looks scale, The Warehouse isn’t much. In fact the name pretty well fits because it’s a spacious store with plenty of merchandise.
“It’s not a lot of pomp and circumstance,” said Tamara. “But it serves its purpose.”
To find the store, drive to the downtown water tower and then turn around. The Warehouse is located across from the water tower and has to be accessed by the back door. Store hours are Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tamara said since The Warehouse is right next to the Farmers Market, the store will open earlier when the Farmers Market gets cranking on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Westwood Amoco under new ownership
Sheila Griffith is the new owner of Westwood Amoco after buying the convenience store from Junior and Penny Medley. Sheila took over Jan. 1 and has been busy increasing the selection.
“There just wasn’t a lot here when I took over,” said Sheila. “We’re going to serve hot meals every day and keep the store stocked up.”
Sheila said hamburgers and chicken strips are always popular. But she’s also going to be offering variety. Friday for lunch, she had Polish sausage with sauerkraut, fish, chili and beans. She says she’s going to serve chicken-n-dumplings after church to see how that goes over. She will also have vegetable plates and homemade pies.
Security Federal earns outstanding rating
Officials at Security Federal have announced their institution has earned an outstanding CRA rating. To achieve this rating, financial institutions must present an outstanding record of ascertaining and helping meet the credit needs of its entire local community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
“We couldn’t be more pleased,” said Joe Pugh, Security Federal’s president and CEO. “This award demonstrates our commitment to our community and the professionalism we attempt to bring to our customers.”
Organized in 1960, Security Federal has become a real leader in the local financial community and is a nice bank to have around.
That’s all folks
I wouldn’t be doing my duty to the community if I didn’t say, “Go Titans!” Here’s hoping you win today and I get tickets to the Super Bowl next week.
Call 473-2191 to report any business news or send me an e-mail at [email protected].