Opposition to the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro's plans to build a larger place in which to worship has thrust Rutherford County into the midst of a debate being followed around the world, raising questions about its impact on the community's image.

Note to readers: Beginning this month, Remembering Rutherford moves to a biweekly schedule so that author Greg Tucker and work on a second collection of columns and other projects.

After 38 years with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, 27 as sheriff, Truman Jones relinquished his badge last week after losing the Aug. 5 election to former jailer and SRO Robert Arnold.

Rutherford County resident Tracy Trott was selected as the new colonel of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell announced Friday.