A Word To The Wise

Monday, December 24, 2012

So now Jack Brown is accused of stealing $12 million through a Ponzi scheme that involved a lot of his fellow church members. As a financial advisor I would advise everyone to be careful of any investment schemes offered by a member of one's church. Many Ponzi schemes are centered in a religious organization by crooks and shysters who prey on their fellow church members.

Two of the biggest frauds in recent memory were perpetrated by Bernie Madoff in New York and Robert McLean in Murfreesboro . Both offered unrealistic returns to members of their religion who because of their trust in a fellow church member did not perform their due diligence. Remember when any one offers you an investment opportunity:

1. If it is too good to be true it is probably a fraud

2. No matter how good an opportunity sounds never put all of your eggs in one basket.

Also demand that you get a financial statement from a well-known financial institution, not an individual.

Douglas Jones


Leave Lincoln Park Alone

I am saddened and disappointed that city officials are planning on placing a road through the former site of Lincoln Park.   Lincoln Park was a rare source of enjoyment and entertainment for African Americans, where families came together for relaxation and celebration.   The park was a preferred destination for African Americans throughout the local region and residents ... (click for more)

Thanks, Sheriff

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department is very responsive and professional out in Apison, and I appreciate that.  We have some fine deputies serving Hamilton County.    I took a minute to call and tell them thank you, I hope my neighbors will also. Brian Wood Apison (click for more)

Lee, 5 Juveniles Charged In Multiple Robberies

Police have arrested an 18-year-old, four 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old in connection with several back-to-back robberies. At approximately 1:40 p.m. on Thursday, four suspects were interrupted by the homeowner during a burglary at 1069 Hurricane Creek Dr. The suspects then carjacked the victim’s 2001 Chevy truck. At 11 p.m., the suspects utilized the stolen Chevy and went ... (click for more)

Head Of BB&T's Chattanooga Commercial Banking Operations To Plead Guilty To Making Fraudulent Loans

The head of BB&T's Chattanooga commercial banking operations has been charged by federal authorities with making fraudulent loans. Tracy Brown is set to plead guilty to bank fraud on June 4. Authorities said Brown "appropriated the identities of three customers and took out fraudulent loans in their names. In October 2012, a customer of BB&T, D.M., went to the Ooltewah ... (click for more)

Ooltewah Hires Massey To Take Over Softball Program

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – While the prep athletic spotlight is on Spring Fling, Ooltewah High School managed to make news Thursday afternoon. Jon Massey, who formerly played and coached baseball at Ooltewah High School, has been hired as the Lady Owls’ new softball coach. Massey, who turns 49 next month, replaces veteran Norma Nelson, who was fired on May 14 after 20 years ... (click for more)

Silverdale Strikes Back To Bounce Decatur County, 6-2, For Shot At Title

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Silverdale Baptist Academy suffered the agony of an 18-1 drubbing at the hands of Decatur County Riverside on Thursday. The Seahawks, however, enjoyed the thrill of victory with a 6-2 bounce-back victory over the three-time defending champion Panthers and earned a berth in Friday’s Class A state championship baseball game against Friendship at Middle Tennessee ... (click for more)