Feature Stories

The Capri Theater in Shelbyville on East Depot recently reopened, following being closed due to the pandemic. A recent showing of “Godzilla vs. Kong” was held. Capri owners recently thanked the community for attending shows in March, which was deemed a wonderful month to kick off summer blockbusters like “Tom and Jerry,” “Raya,” and “Godzilla vs. Kong.”...

The Webb School Theatre will present “Clue – High School Edition” on the Chapel Stage April 22-24 at 7 p.m. The production is open to the public. Reservations are required, and tickets are available at www.thewebbschool.com. General admission is $10. Masks are required, and there will be temperature checks at the door. For more information, call 931-389-5703...

With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy a picnic! April 23 is officially “National Picnic Day”- a great time to dine al fresco in the park. When preparing for a picnic, it’s important to keep a few things in mind like food safety and ease of packing and clean-up. Remember to keep all refrigerated items cool while out on a picnic by packing foods inside an insulated cooler with ice packs and minimizing the amount of time food sits out...

Blankenship United Methodist Church is located at 3602 Midland Road in Shelbyville. See the church’s Facebook page for service and event information.

Anyone willing to buy at least one fine cigar from Daniel Hooberry’s mobile trolley is welcome to sit a spell, smoke a Gurkha or other luxury brand and even have their shoes shined. While inside, feel free to talk about the weather or just enjoy the heady aroma which encompasses the mobile business, amply called, Gentlemen’s Cigars...

I remember an old story that some old preacher tells (that old preacher may be me), (I’m not sure), (But it probably is me), (But I’m not sure). Anyway, it goes like this: One sleepy Sunday afternoon a preacher and his five-year-old son went for a leisurely drive through the country...

Shelby Chapter DAR held its monthly meeting at Riverbend Country Club on Wednesday. Two community members were recognized for their contributions-one for education- the other for veterans’ service. The two honored were Bedford County’s own, Billy Hix and Amy Martin...

Sweet potato pie is economical, easy and delicious enough to be served for all holidays, including Easter. They’re generally easy pies to prepare and can add a contrast to a table decorated with spring colors. Sweet potatoes are also readily available throughout the year in supermarkets and economically priced per pound. The root vegetable is also high in vitamins (a good excuse for indulging in the added sugar.)...

Wartrace Pi Day turned out well with about 50 pies purchased, The town thanks all that participated.

The “Little Women” play at Community High School has been rescheduled to April 8-10. Community schools had to close and go all virtual last week, due COVID-19, so the play was postponed.

Every year, United Way of Bedford County conducts employee giving campaigns. Cooper Steel is one of the top givers each year. For 2021 giving, these four employees received special recognition for their contributions to United Way of Bedford County. From left, Holly Rittenberry (Silver), Drew Turner (Bronze), Duff Zimmerman (Silver) and Gina Hardison (Bronze). For information on employee campaigns, please contact director@unitedwaybedford.org.

Community High School recently recognized senior Lexi Evans for placing 2nd at the 2021 virtual HOSA State Leadership Conference in the prepared speaking event. With this ranking, Lexi has been invited to participate at the 2021 virtual HOSA International Leadership Conference in June. 

Liberty FCE Club met on March 15 with 9 members present. President Lynn Wilhelm called the meeting to order. Bonnye Catron and Judy Smith were co-hostesses.  Debbie Parker read our call to order “March Wind”.  Ann Spencer had the devotion.  Roll call was answered by “Telling about your favorite pet”.  Ardis Rittenberry gave the treasurer’s report...

Raffe Roberts, organizer of the recent Mellie’s Mile 5K walk/race, said the inaugural event was successful. “I learned a lot,” he said of putting together such a community race/walk. The event was held in memory of his mother, Melanie Roberts, who worked part-time at Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library. A donation of $2,200 was made from the proceeds of the event to library staff recently, who said Wednesday that the board will meet soon to decide how the funds are used...

Linda Brown, owner of Heritage Jewelers, said Tuesday during Shelbyville Woman’s Club’s spring fashion show at Riverbend Country Club that the latest and greatest jewel, the hit of recent market, is the salt-and-pepper diamond. Model Lindsay Williams sported pieces of this collection from Heritage Jewelers, one of the hosts of the recent SWC fashion show...

There was a real buzz about Riverbend Country Club’s dining room on Wednesday as Shelbyville Woman’s Club conducted its annual spring fashion show. This members only meeting was the first time a program has been conducted by SWC since the pandemic. “It’s so timely, for one thing, said member Lila Beasley. “I think we all need something.”...

Eve Wells enjoyed this spring bouquet, courtesy of Shelbyville Woman’s Club, and given to her by a member on Wednesday. She and her Skills Development residents were said to have really enjoyed the pink and purple hyacinths.

"Amy" (Emma Grace Triguros), "Beth" (Grace Neil) and "Marmee" (Jewel Hewitt) talk it out in a scene from The Smokestack Theatre Group's production of “Little Women,” which is planned at Community High School 7 p.m. March 19 and 20.

Shelbyville Woman’s Club held its spring meeting on Wednesday with a fashion show getting rave reviews. One important piece of business was how the SWC’s scholarship fund was receiving generous donations this year. As they do a lot of generous work within the community, SWC members must have great shoes for spring. Models stepped into the dining room with several J Jordan Boutique spring styles...

The old Tennessee National Guard Armory on Depot Street was graced with a brilliant sunset Tuesday afternoon. Prayers are requested for soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 181st Field Artillery Regiment, deployed on Sunday for a tour of the Middle East. A farewell ceremony took place at Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site, and those in attendance included Gov. Bill and first lady Maria Lee.

The steeple and spire of First Christian Church on Madison Street shine bright above Shelbyville businesses. Many Protestant churches are already making plans for Holy Week, which will be observed Monday, March 29, through Saturday, April 3. Easter or Resurrection Sunday is April 4.

“Little Women,” author Louisa May Alcott's classic coming of age drama set in the 1800s, runs Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community High School theatre. Tickets are $5 at the door. Director Anthony Davis said the show will be limited to 1/3 capacity because of pandemic restrictions. ...

Tennessee Department of Health has completed a process review of state COVID-19 vaccine administration to minimize possible waste and support providers receiving greater supplies of vaccine ahead of opening eligibility to Phase 1c. The TDH Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program leads the state’s vaccination activities for COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases. ...

First Baptist Church, 304 Depot St., has two new Sunday service times: 9 and 11 a.m. Services can also be watched live stream at: https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistshelbyville/ or on YouTube.

Jayden Jackson, 18, of Wartrace, will compete for the title of MISS TEEN TENNESSEE USA 2021 on March 12-13 at the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino in Tunica, Miss. Jayden is the daughter of Chad and Jacquelyn Way and the granddaughter of Jack Heffington and the late Nancy Elliott...

Most people in Bedford County likely know Gene Williams is one of the most decorated volunteers around. Williams says ministering especially to the lonely and in-need members of Bedford County, well, that’s just a blessing, as far as he’s concerned...

Shelbyville Central High School National Honor Society wanted to brighten everyone's Wednesday with this positive chalk art, said teacher Claudia House.

The Shelby Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held its annual Good Citizens Tea at First Christian Church. The awards are given to seniors at Central High School, Community High School and Cascade High School. Recipients of the Good Citizens Award must demonstrate qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism...

While Shelbyville-Bedford County Senior Citizens Center remains closed, a lot of interesting projects have continued to cultivate there since the pandemic. In addition to offering some yard sale items, the center recently pulled out its famous cookbook, “Home Cookin.’”...

Shelbyville Central High School's Advanced Placement Psychology class recently completed a stress reduction activity using Bobo dolls. Teacher Claudia House said she could tell by all of the smiling faces that this activity was a success.

Bishop Mark Spalding and Father Gervan Menezes visited St. William of Montevergine Catholic Church in Shelbyville on Feb.14, during morning Spanish mass. Father Louis Rojas S.A.C. and the Knights of Columbus from Council 12469 gathered for this historic event. Bishop Spalding blessed the New Council 12469 of the Knights of Columbus, which has been dormant for 14 years.

The Webb School's orchestra classes will be joining forces with well-known electric violinist and original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra–Mark Wood-during a free event slated for 7 p.m. Feb. 27, in the Barton Athletic Center. Registration is required at http://events.webbschool.com/strings. ...

Local jewelers Billy and Sharon Lowery said recently that before most of their customers shop, they generally ask about their mascot and adopted dog child, “Sir Winston.” With the dark-eyed, royal breed spaniel about to turn 10, the Lowerys plan to sweeten this decennial celebration in a couple of ways which should benefit their community...

President: Emma Rose Vice President: Will Melson Treasurer: Lexi Bailey Secretary: Jessica Rhodes Captain: Max Hinojosa Lieutenants: Jacob Betzelberger & Sophie Miller Sergeants: Chris Ocasio, Jordan Cooper, Sean O’Gorman, Cole Banks, Noelia Torres, Sabina Rico, Lindsey Parker, Bayleigh Stovall & Makia Woodard...

Shelbyville Central High School's National Honors Society recently held a supplies drive for the Community Soup Kitchen. The soup kitchen serves meals in drive-by and pick up fashion from 4 to 5 p.m. each Tuesday at the old Save-A-Lot building on South Cannon Boulevard. From left, Dillen Haynes, Savannah Catron and Rebekah Marshall from NHS and Kay Bartley, volunteer with from the Community Soup Kitchen.

Valentine’s Day guests will certainly be wowed with this showstopper dessert, courtesy of the Dairy Alliance. Using hot chocolate whipped cream adds a special touch to the classic dessert. Make it easy by using a red velvet cake box mix. Serve in a traditional trifle bowl or make into individual servings using decorative glasses...

Local residents are urged to take heart and observe through Valentine’s Day, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham signed the official proclamation Wednesday at this office, with Haven and Mandy Shaw of Bell Buckle, and their 10-year-old son, Will, who was born with a congenital heart defect, in attendance...

Heart of the Home FCE Club members recently held their January and February meetings at the UT/TSU Extension office. All club members were present. The January meeting included updates on the County Council and Leadership Retreat Camp. UT/TSU Extension Agent Whitney Danhof presented a program, “Load Up Your Digital Grocery Chart.” ...

Shelby Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a joint meeting and lunch on Jan. 27, at Riverbend Country Club. Special invited guests were members from Tullahoma and Lewisburg DAR chapters. State First Vice Regent Emily Robinson delivered a greeting from Tennessee DAR Regent Cecile Wimberley, who was unable to attend...

Gavin Upchurch and Riley Meeks are on the hunt for the Valentine’s Day Cupid. The Cupid Quest is a scavenger hunt sponsored by Shelbyville Parks and Recreation.

Few things can elicit “oohs and aahs” on Valentine’s Day as much as decadent desserts. Sweets and romance seem tailor made for each other. That’s why heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and other sweets are snatched up in droves and handed out like, well, candies, come Feb. 14...

Bill Rich, right, president of Vanderbilt-Bedford Hospital, formerly Tennova Healthcare-Shelbyville, was guest speaker at the Wednesday morning meeting of Shelbyville Rotary Club. Rich stated he’s very thrilled with the changeover. He also said he was pleased with capital infusion up front from Vanderbilt. Angi Huffman was program facilitator.

Bedford County Sheriff Austin Swing, right, provided Rotary Club members with an overview of the new jail, law enforcement activities in the county and effects on the department/community from COVID-19. Finney Edwards was program facilitator.

Few foods can make people feel as if they’re being indulgent as well as chocolate. Perhaps that’s what makes chocolate such a great fit for Valentine’s Day. When giving that special someone some chocolate on February 14, you’re not just giving them something delicious, but also a chance to indulge in a forbidden fruit. But chocolate desserts can be more than merely decadent...

One Valentine’s Day tradition many couples embrace is the exchange of gifts. Shoppers might not need much advice when purchasing heart-shaped boxes of chocolates or flowers for their sweethearts. However, when shopping for jewelry, Valentine’s Day celebrants may feel as though they’re in over their heads...

New Bethel Baptist Church on Highway 64 West continues to provide worship services within the Wheel community. The pristine white building is eye-catching to passers-by.

Few events generate as much enthusiasm among sports fans and non-sports fans as the annual Super Bowl. For sports fans who can’t wait to see the National Football League crown a new champion, the game is a must-watch event. For those who aren’t football enthusiasts, Super Bowl Sunday is still a chance for them to chow down and socialize with friends and family...

St. William of Montevergine Catholic Church members said recently they believe 2020 was certainly “a time to love and a time to share.” So despite year-long cancellations from the pandemic, members set out recently to continue their seasonal “giving tree.”...

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama awarded some 2,257 degrees during its fall commencement Dec. 12. Kristopher Frazier of Shelbyville received a bachelor of science in human environmental sciences and Amy Huff of Beech Grove received a doctorate in education...

The Jan. 25 meeting of Four Corners FCE was called to order by President Linda Bailey, with 8 members present. Devotion was given by Louise Armstrong. The call to order, "I Am January" was read by Charlene Judd. An educational program, "Load up Your Digital Grocery Cart,” was given...