Feature Stories

I am a member of the 4-H Line & Design project group. The 4-H Line & Design project group is a group that meets monthly to do a different craft which includes painting, sewing, etc. I have been a member for two years going on my third year and have really enjoyed it...

I love 4-H. I have been in 4-H for about seven years. The 4-H project I'm in is the Line and Design project. Line and Design includes anything that has to do with art. I chose this project because of my love for drawing, painting, and crafting. 4-H has given me many opportunities to thrive in this project group. ...

My 4-H project is Personal Development. In this project group, I participate in several different activities. There is Livestock Judging, Dairy Judging, Public Speaking, Shooting Sports, Life Skills, Family and Consumer Science, Honor Club and All-Stars...

Joshua Wade of Bell Buckle was recently recognized at Tennessee 4-H Roundup in Knoxville with the Vol State award, the highest level of recognition a Tennessee 4-H member may achieve. Vol State is presented to high school juniors and seniors in recognition of excellence in all phases of 4-H work, as well as service and leadership rendered in their communities.

Shelbyville Central High School Class of 1960 held its 59-year reunion on Saturday. Those attending were (front row) Mary Grace Landers Phillips, Laura Mai Crews, Louise Russell Gilliland, Gale Webb Stephens, Sandra Bowman Daniel, Wanda Rainwater Graf, Vivian Cook Thorpe, Carolyn Benson McKinney. Second row: Glynda Simmons Payne, Patricia Tarpley Fahey, Laura Long Hix, Nancy Brantley Rice, Sylvia Napper Bryan, Beverly Montgomery Ligon, Lamarr Neese Sanders, Rhonda Russell Reed, Diana Gowen Cushing, Faye Parsons Hane. Third row: Eddie Wright, Burt English, David Renegar, Betty Burch Richards, Mary Lou Finney Stone, Linda Moulder Kraus, Dolores Odeneal Cranch, Bonnie Clark Philpott, Marguerite Crigler Morrison, Wayne Williams (partially hidden). Fourth row: Eddie Murray, Jim McKinney, Paul Neese, Jerry Darnell, William Woods, Marvin Neill, Rodney Kirk, Wess Brown, Ott Renegar, Ray Noblitt. Back row: Mike Bone, Brent Smith, Lanny Alcorn, Joe McBee, Ray Gilliland, Jerry Robertson. Not pictured: Geneva Pruitt Melson.

Fall has finally arrived with its cooler temperatures and crisp, dry air. For me, that means its apple season. While we can get apples year round now at the stores, fall is when they are at their peak here in Tennessee. Crisp, juicy, sometimes sweet, sometimes tart, apples make great warming dishes for the cooler days...

Mamie Boyce's yard is simply for enjoyment -- a place where visitors like Sara Wood of Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce's beautification committee find themselves taking a break. Upon her recent visit to the Boyce home, Sara presented Mamie her Yard of the Month award on behalf of the Chamber's beautification committee....

The mission of Child Development Center is to provide supports and services to children, families and individuals with disabilities. At the same time, the center strives, according to director Anita Teague, to address the health and well-being of all persons in the communities in which the non profit serves...

Although local residents like Katy Ishee have been involved with the Highway 41 Toy Convoy & Show for years, and Bedford County families have benefitted from some of the toys collected, the event hasn't actually passed through Bedford County. That will change this year, with a new, more-scenic route that will end in Wartrace...

Christmas plans are already underway in the Town of Wartrace, as volunteers and leaders have set their hearts to help deserving local families. In a giving program hosted by the Wartrace Volunteer Fire Department, the Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Police Department, applications are now being accepted for food and gift baskets...

Sterling Smith works in a tidy office at 605 Delray Street as a First Community Mortgage loan originator. He recently branched out, so to speak, helping fit hundreds of local school children with new shoes. "I remember that being such a special part of going back to school -- getting your new school shoes," recalled Smith...

If the recent focus on country music's roots has you hankering to hear more, a young pair of old-time Tennessee fiddling wizards, captured on 21st-century digital CD for the MTSU Center for Popular Music's Spring Fed Records, may have the answer. A new grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, funded in part by specialty license plates, helped the center bring new MTSU graduate Austin Derryberry of Unionville and young Trenton "Tater" Caruthers of Cookeville into the university's Studio A this summer to capture their takes on the state's unique musical styles.. ...

Shelby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held its first meeting of the 2019-2020 year at River Bend Country Club on Sept. 25. Three guests were present along with one prospective member. Regent Muriel Robinson called the meeting to order and led in the DAR Rituals...

The September meeting of Shelbyville Woman's Club had the theme "Southern Strength and Southern Charm," and featured best-selling author of inspirational historical romance Tamera Alexander. A USA Today top author, she describes her career with words by theologian Martin Luther:...

On Sept. 21, the Bedford County FFA Chapter of Shelbyville Central High School traveled to Stewart’s Creek High School in Murfreesboro to attend the 2019 Middle Tennessee FFA New Member Conference. Members attended sessions on various aspects of FFA and were able to bring that information back to their chapter to help others. Back row, from left: Savannah Martineau, Emma Ashworth, Zoe Spence, Alex Ochoa, Allison Davis, Abigail Betancourt, Jacob Stallings, and David Carben. Front row: Shelby Fortel, Betsabe Lopez, Mercedes Quinonez, Joanna Hernandez, Cayla Lynch, and Alissa Cobble.

On Sept. 19, the Bedford County FFA Chapter of Shelbyville Central High School and Bedford County 4-H traveled to Lewisburg to compete in the Middle Tennessee Land Judging Contest. The FFA team placed third in the Middle Tennessee FFA Region and will move on to the Tennessee FFA State Land Judging Event to be held in Oak Ridge on Oct. 21. The 4-H A Team placed fifth in the region and Abigail Betancourt competed as an individual for 4-H. The teams are as follows:...

Two members of Cascade FFA competed at the Tennessee State Fair on Sept. 9. Emily Yates and Macy Legate wrote, memorized and practiced their 3-4 minute speech as they prepared for the FFA public speaking contest in their respective age divisions. On Sept. ...

When Tony Townsend started shooting flintlock rifles he made a common mistake, forgetting to put the black powder in before loading the lead ball. (The powder needs to be behind the bullet.) This earned him the nickname “Dry Ball.” Townsend has since learned how to load the flintlock and he captured the undivided attention of Cub Scouts with Nashville Pack 240 at the 17th Annual Step Back in Time event at Henry Horton State Park in Marshall County...

At age 5, Austin Derryberry played with his father Brian's band; he usually earned more tips. Fast forward 15 years: Austin earns the Grand Master Fiddler Traditional Champion at the Country Music Hall of Fame fiddling contest in Nashville. The Grand Master Traditional Fiddler Championship contest is a showcase event. The annual competition is designed to recognize fiddlers with a style outside the recognized U.S. contest or popular Texas styles...

Rita McDonald, right, presents a floral arrangement in memory of her father, Bill Payne, to the staff and residents of Carriage House Inn. Social Services Director Mary Ellen Butler accepts the gift.

This year alone, Amy Martin has presented 50 Quilts of Valor to local service veterans, and most of those presentations were pictured in the Times-Gazette. Martin vows the "notion" for each quilt's design results from time spent between friends with patriotic hearts...

Since I sell gaited trail horses, I'm always looking for prospects. In July 2017, while scanning Craigslist for potential trail horses, an ad in Murfreesboro caught my eye. After talking with the owner, Amber Parkhurst, I purchased Romeo sight unseen from one picture....

Birdie Ruth Moore of Haley is celebrating her 99th birthday.

On Sept. 5, the Bedford County FFA Chapter of Shelbyville Central High School competed in the 6th Annual Bedford County Land Judging Invitational Contest held in Shelbyville. The team placed first out of the nine teams competing. By winning the event, the team also won the District X championship for the Middle Tennessee FFA Region. Team member Allison McCarty was the 1st high scoring individual and Khloe Davis was the 2nd high scoring individual. Bedford County Soil Conservation District sponsored the meal for the event; Sam Davis provided the property for the event, and Bedford County FFA Alumni sponsored plaques. From left are Cali Mason, Khloe Davis, Dorothy Brandon and Allison McCarty.

The youth and young adult years often represent the prime of life--a time filled with fun and new experiences. But they can also be marked by challenges or stress in school, with friends and at home. Tragically, many young people are taking drastic action in response to what are likely short-term struggles. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among ages 15 to 24...

In July of this year, a beautiful butterfly spread its wings and landed right in the middle of our own town square. Painted by local artist Crystal O'Neal, the large wall on the side of Talk of the Town Boutique has certainly brought some buzz and many interested folks to take a picture with the gorgeous outdoor mural...

Tracy Vannatta is the 7th generation of his family to run their farm in the unincorporated community that bears his family name -- the Vannatta Community. The Vannatta family established the farm here in 1850. The line of succession was James, George, William, Pete, Tracy's dad, Bobby, and now Tracy...

Can you hear it? The whistles blowing, the band playing, the cheering? That's right its football season once again! And that means game day snacks, tailgates and buffets to keep you fueled up to urge on your favorite team. Cheeseballs, wings, burgers, hotdogs and nachos are perennial favorites on the tailgate menu. ...

The second annual Butterfly Arts & Crafts Festival will be held Sept. 27-28 at The Fly Arts Center on South Main Street. The event will feature a juried arts and crafts show plus two live butterfly releases. A preview party will be held from 4-7 p.m., with admission $10 at the door, including wine, hors d'oeuvre, and door prizes, as well as a first chance to shop from the art, jewelry and craft vendors...

Friends, family and fans of acclaimed folk artist Vannoy Streeter, 1919-1998, gathered on Sunday at The Fly Arts Center to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth. "His life, his work, is truly to be celebrated," said U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, a former Shelbyville resident who now represents the Nashville area in Congress but still has many connections here and made the trip down to attend Sunday's celebration...

Students in need in Bedford County will have the necessary school supplies for the 2019-20 school year thanks to the generosity of area industries, banks, businesses and one civic club participating in United Way of Bedford County's annual "Stuff The School Bus" campaign...

Six members of the Shelby Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, recently attended the TSDAR Fall Workshop which was held in Murfreesboro. DAR members attend sessions on different officers duties and responsibilities, programs and school awards, share information and ideas from their own chapters and review the policies and commitments of the DAR. Front row, from left: Sherry Sorrells, Marilyn Lewis, Marie Parsons. Back row: Ardis Caffey, Maureen Garrett, Gay Mixon.

It's Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration time, so, needless to say, landscaper Loraine Sutton is quite busy. She recently took some time out to share with Shelbyville Woman's Club how to rejuvenate summer planters. Along the way, she shared plants, her life and how she continues to nurture and educate the community on growing a greener community...

Billy Hix, professor emeritus at Motlow State Community College and founder of the Motlow College Foundation STEM Outreach program, was selected as one of seven astronomy professionals from across the nation to travel to Chile as part of the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassador Program, or ACEAP. This program was funded through the National Science Foundation and Associated University Incorporated...

Rebecca Heid of Lynchburg grew up on a Delaware farm, where she learned to preserve fruits and vegetables, care for animals and even bees. She's now sharing those learned skills and valuable lessons around area tables. In honor of National Sandwich Month, the certified Healthy Hands instructor will present her first healthy cooking class, "Savory Sandwiches," 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Shelbyville Recreation Center in H.V. Griffin Park...

Kate Knight, who has Shelbyville connections, is working toward a career in diplomacy after graduating from Rollins College earlier this year, Knight is the daughter of Kelly Powell Knight, formerly of Shelbyville, and the granddaughter of Herby Powell of Shelbyville...

Shelbyville-based Big G Express has donated over $30,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the past four years. The idea of a charity motorcycle ride was pitched to the leadership team by one of Big G's professional truck drivers, Tim Chelette. ...

The dog days of summer are here and in the kitchen that calls for cool, easy dishes that refresh and take advantage of the warm season vegetables. A perfect dish that fits that bill is Balsamic Marinated Tomatoes. Even my Dad, who is not a fan of tomatoes, was eating these with a spoon out of the bowl...

Motlow State Community College is celebrating 50 years of being one of the south's foremost community colleges, one of Tennessee's top higher education institutions, and a leader of educational, economic, and community development in middle Tennessee...

A centennial celebration for Vannoy "Wireman" Streeter, 1919-1998, will be held Sunday, Aug. 25, at The Fly Arts Center on South Main Street. The event will include a fish fry, special tributes, guests and demonstrations. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite Vannoy Streeter pieces to display. Streeter's grandson Rod Cleveland, who now produces pieces in Streeter's style, will give a demonstration during the event. Door prizes will be available...

Duck River Beekeepers Association had a grand presence at last month's Bedford County Fair. The group, made up of many serious beekeepers, took home reds and blues for their pure honey, with or without the comb, informative display and beeswax products...

Three generations of the Allen family on a recent trip to North Carolina. On the left is Ralph Allen, on the right is his son, Jonathan Allen. Ralph is holding baby Rhett, who was five weeks old at the time of the photo.

Community High School's Smokestack Theatre will present Arthur Miller's classic drama, "All My Sons," 7 p.m. Aug. 9-10 and 2 p.m. Aug. 11, in an intimate theatre-in-the-round setting. A theatre-in-the round stage is always in the center of the performance venue with the audience arranged on all sides. The design typically allows actors to enter and exit through the audience from different directions or sometimes from below the stage...

Members of Venture Crew 371 went whitewater rafting July 20 on the Ocoee River. ...

The 2019-2020 Cascade FFA officer team held a retreat July 8-9. On Monday, July 8, the officer team along with advisor Mike Swafford and alumni members Christy Swafford and Barbie Parker travelled to Murfreesboro for some team building activities. The team visited an escape room where they were divided into two groups to compete against each other. ...

Cascade FFA attended Tennessee FFA Leadership Camp at Camp Clements the week of June 24-28. The chapter had 17 current and future members attend, along with advisor Mike Swafford, chaperones Samantha Newman, Tami Lee and Sheila Jo McBryant. In total there were 196 FFA members, advisors and guests during the fifth week of camp. ...