(RUTHERFORD COUNTY) On Sunday (11/19/2023) there were reports of a cylindrical object hovering quietly above area neighborhoods. It triggered earlier memories of UFO sightings, gray lizard men and other paranormal activity. 

Imagine the excitement when NewsRadio WGNS contacted the Murfreesboro Airport and the operator on duty said, "I'm following it on radar right now, it's over Walter Hill." 

I asked if there was anything unique about the craft--any designs, shapes, or words on it? 

The local flight official cleared his throat, "I can't actually see it, I'm tracking it on radar." 

For a brief time, there was the feeling that the world's top story was about to be uncovered—until he killed it with 3 words--"It's a blimp"!

It was then explained that the Smyrna Airport, which is the third largest airport in Tennessee, does maintenance and repairs on the giant commercial jets as well as blimps. 

He noted, "Just like a mechanic takes cars on test drives after working on them, so it is with blimps and jets." 

So now you know "the rest of the story". 

And if you've seen a few of those giant commercial jets flying low and slowly circling the county, you also know what that's all about. 

WGNS is here to keep you informed!

MORE ON SEWART AFB

The airbase in Smyrna was called SEWART AIR FORCE BASE. It operated from 1941 to 1971. In the early World War II days, it was known as the Smyrna Army Airfield. 

In the late 40's and early 50's WGNS would do broadcasts from the base featuring the most popular bands of those days.  Former State Representative John Hood would emcee those broadcasts over WGNS and the Liberty Broadcast System.