Feature Stories

With tears in her eyes recently, Joyce Adams accepted tokens of appreciation for her 16 years of services with the Caregiver Relief program of Bedford County. She says smiling how she will miss the families, but really is looking forward to such hobbies as sewing and making crafts. Most of all, she’s looking forward to rocking her new grand baby...

Caregiver Relief Program of Bedford County has been working to assist and comfort families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease for over 20 years. Services include free home visits by a registered nurse/program director who can assess the health and needs of clients and caregivers. Most importantly, they help families develop of plan of living...

Speaking of First Choice Pregnancy Center’s newest community program, director Angela Rasnick said recently, “COVID has caused us to think outside of the box on so many of our services and programs at First Choice and this is one of those ideas that evolved from a conversation I had with a young mother while we were walking at the park.”...

Shelbyville Fire Department recently gathered its team together in preparation for “Fire Prevention Week,” which is observed nationally Oct. 4-10. “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!" is this year’s theme.

Sonia Miller, director of the local Senior Citizens Center, says she always appreciates volunteers. Earlier this year, a new program started, MyRide Bedford County, which she says despite COVID-19, continues to move right along, especially due to volunteers like Ronnie and Edith Greenhagen...

The weather is getting cooler and even despite COVID-19, Float-A-Boat owners say everything is moving right along with Normandy’s newest attraction on the Duck River. Owners Karen and Jimmy Steele purchased Float-A-Boat in June 2019, at which time Karen decided it would become her full-time job. Prior to her family’s purchase, the canoe and kayak rental group was located in Wartrace, but in April, 2019, the life and leisure company made its Normandy debut.   ...

Mahala Faith Douglas, formerly of Bell Buckle and daughter of Annette Gentry and Clinton Douglas, graduated magna cum laude in August from Carson Newman University in Jefferson City with a bachelor’s in applied psychology and a minor in criminology...

The McAdams-Bedford County Training-Harris High School Historical Marker dedication ceremony was held outside last Saturday morning under sunny skies. Those honored posthumously on the new alumni roster for their life achievements were: Jim Mitchell, athletics; former Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray, Jr., government; Lonnie D. Reynolds, military; Dr. Earl Rippie, Jr., professional...

If he wants to make several sweet potato pies this fall, William McChristian is all set. In fact, he is retrieving hundreds of the orange starchy vegetable from his garden right now — some which are averaging around 2 to 5 pounds each. “They are delicious,” he says. “They’re not stringy. I’ve been growing sweet potatoes since I was a child and I’ve never picked any this big.”...

Lynne Burley who lives in the Fairground Heights area and previously on Deery Street, has a lot of health issues, so she doesn’t get to participate in a lot of community activity. But she certainly has some issues on which she wants to speak her mind...

Murfreesboro couple, Dr. Roy and Margrey Thompson, recently published their new book, "Progress Not Perfection,” which is dedicated to how to build a powerful marriage while simultaneously raising “challenging children.” Married over 40 years, the Thompsons are parents to Heather, 32; Dylan, 28; and Molly, 26. Roy’s a well-known, award-winning dentist while Margrey is a successful physical therapist and multi-faceted businesswoman...

Out of a concern for the safety of its dedicated team members, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, originally scheduled for Sept. 19 at Lynchburg town square, will not be a large in-person gathering this year, according to Sarah McCarthy, communications director for the Tennessee chapter...

Local residents and centenarians Donald Popham and JB Stubblefield were recently honored by Family Staffing Solutions for their valued membership in Bedford County’s Century Club. That honor means these two men have lived well over 100 years to witness everything from World War II to COVID-19. The Family Staffing representatives said they look forward to honoring the centenarians each September...

In its 151st year, The Webb School of Bell Buckle set a record in welcoming 330 students for on-campus and online classes in August. The school’s student population represents 15 different countries, 12 states and 23 Tennessee cities, with 119 boarding and 211 day students. Webb’s admissions team is continuing to enroll students, according to school officials...

Just as Jim Lee Tedder planted Victory Baptist and Victory Baptist Academy over 50 years ago on Highway 231 North, friends, members and students are now “planting” their heart-felt sentiments online about their long-time pastor and mentor, who passed away Aug 30...

If variety is the spice of life, the recipes below are sure to put some kick into your Labor Day. Instead of settling for the ordinary, during this one-day holiday, let’s put some spice into our lives and kick it up by adding hot peppers and sauces. Add a few special entertaining ideas and you’re all set to celebrate...

George Dennis, executive director of the Flagship Detroit Foundation, recently made his first public flight of the year from Shelbyville Municipal Airport in the refurbished 1937 American Airlines DC3. Due to COVID-19, Dennis and crew are running short of their typical 25 yearly cross-country events, where he tells about the history of early aviation...

Though the new owner of a vintage sports store on the Shelbyville Public Square, Jon English says he doesn’t hunt - that is, in the sense of birds or deer. His sports passion comes from finding such collectables as a 1917 Spalding American YMCA Red and Blue Seam National League Baseball in the official box...

A new book, “Dislike” by John I. Carney of Shelbyville includes a lot of dialogue and faith-based discussion which will likely guide the reader into making a heart-felt decision whether a break from social media outlets might be justified. “I want to explore some of those ways in which we as people of faith, or simply as human beings, use social media and see what those practices say about us and where they might lead.”...

Virgil and Pat Johnson celebrated two equally important aspects of their 65 years together this week; their wedding anniversary on Thursday and achieving a 50-year milestone of attendance at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. The couple married at St. ...

For months, Tina Slover has shared the people of Shelbyville’s concerns over the pandemic through social media, community events and at church. So deeply burdened, she decided last month to seek a higher power, God, for what she could do to bring comfort to her fellow citizens...

Whether celebrating opening weekend of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration with a sit down meal at home or inviting a few friends by your barn for sandwiches and drinks, delicious and easy to prepare foods should be on the program. While good conversation with old friends is great, time is of the essence generally for those involved in or attending the show...

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As classes kickoff at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro this week, returning students to residence halls and high traffic locations are receiving some extra COVID-19 protection. The graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. sorority partnered with university administration to make and distribute 5,000 COVID-19 care packages which contained hand sanitizer, wipes, “MT strong” face masks, FAQ booklets and other COVID-19 information...

A Michigan native, Dawn Rhodes moved to Tennessee, when she was 15 years old. She grew up in Centerville in Hickman County, where she graduated from high school. She worked as a corporate flight attendant for several years. She enjoyed that, but says she yearned for a more traditional kind of family life. Soon came her second career, she says, which was raising her three children (now 18, 14 an 5); she and her husband have been married 20 years...

Dawn Rhodes, who serves as the local ACS community development manager, is concerned with the state of things involving American Cancer Society (ACS) amidst COVID-19. Still, she continues to work with the non profit as its new manager to instill hope in the lives of those who need help and suffer from the disease. Sadly, there is still no cure...


The cooking of this fast-paced dish goes quickly, so prep everything (open cans, chop and measure ingredients) first and have them ready to go. Serves 4 •1 (15 oz.) can navy beans, rinsed and drained •4 (4- to 6-oz.) snapper fillets or other lean white fish, such as tilapia or flounder, rinsed and patted dry...

What once was a hub for learning on the southern end of Bedford County now lies in ruins after years of neglect and abandonment. The old Pleasant Grove Schoolhouse was recently purchased by residents of the community. Rooted in local history, Pleasant Grove High School was formed in 1921, after consolidating the smaller schoolhouses in the community: Cottage Grove, Stony Point, and Ashland schoolhouses. The school board used the three schoolhouses in the building of Pleasant Grove School...

Kim Collard and family celebrated her grandma Inez Collins’ 98th birthday at Glen Oaks Nursing Home last Saturday. This year, due to COVID-19 and the center being closed to visitors, family had to wish her happy birthday through her window. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the family can only look through the glass and visit over the phone. While it is hard for all who love “Grandma Nez,” they know it is for the best...

BELL BUCKLE, Tenn. - Jonathan Chicken, with seven years as a history teacher and currently history department chair at The Webb School, was recognized by The Webb School Parents' Association with the 2020 WSPA Faculty Enrichment Award. Denise Ledbetter, WSPA president, recently presented the award...

Community High School librarian, Jane Martin, and family, recently visited Orange Beach, Ala.; they’re already planning another trip for next year. Martin says despite COVID-19, they enjoyed the vacation of their lives. They were conscious of maintaining proper social distance within their fun...

About a thousand Bedford County families have opted for virtual learning cohorts and the rest have chosen to send their kids back to the classroom. Local parent Brittani Reynolds withdrew her two children from Bedford County Public School System this fall, choosing to home school...

When I was a young girl growing up on a Bedford County farm, it was the women in the family who worked the chicken house. My grandmother was no different, so she was too busy to concern herself with politics. Still, I would like to think she was proud of how her mother’s generation set a few ‘Tennessee roosters’ straight in 1920...

This is the first in a series of features highlighting the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Please see next week’s Life and Leisure section for a feature on the late Clyde Rees. While many World War II soldiers made it back home to Bedford County to later tell their children and grandchildren of their experiences in places like Germany and New Guinea, two local men, James Marshall Smith and P.M. Willis, were not so fortunate, giving the ultimate sacrifice for their country...

Ed Rogers, left, general manager of Walmart Distribution Center, was recent speaker at Shelbyville Rotary Club. Program facilitator was Jeff Haynes.

Winners of the T-G $1,000 Grocery Give-a-way recently were: Sharon Carlton, Wayne Osborne, Heather Scott, Brenda Walker and Peggy Jo Warren. These five big grocery winners found our 11 hidden logos and were recipients of the $200 Kroger gift cards ($1,000 total awarded.)...

The McAdams-Bedford County Training-Harris High School Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at 610 Elm St. The following alumni will be posthumously honored: Jim Mitchell, athletics; former Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray, Jr., government; Lonnie D. Reynolds, military; Dr. Earl Rippie, Jr., professional...

The Beta Iota Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon met Aug. 6, for a planning meeting and initiation of 2020-2021 officers. From left, Shelli Burk and Shirley McGee, education directors; Dena Landers, treasurer; Barbara Smith, secretary; Andrea Sublett, out-going president; Beverly Derryberry, vice president; and Rebecca Jones, president.

Shelbyville Rotary president Ivan Jones welcomed Laura Monks, president of Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville. She discussed the plans for a new training facility and programs offered by the school. Jones is former TCAT president.

ABOVE: Linda and Howard Nichols made a bid on one of the many items available at the silent auction for the "Mardi Gras in July" presented Friday night by United Way of Bedford County. BELOW: Visitors to the United Way of Bedford County's "Mardi Gras in July" Shrimp Boil made their selections at the all-you-can-eat event Friday night at the Blue Ribbon Circle.

At the Vietnam Era Veterans July 7 meeting, members were honored to have as guest speaker Dave Plumley, who recounted his journey through Vietnam. Plumley also talked about the time he was at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington. D.C. and met a soldier’s mother; he learned the soldier was one who sacrificed it all for his country. It was a very emotional meeting, Plumley shared with the group...

School lunch detail next week in Bedford County may necessitate extended meal periods and possibly even students and teachers eating in the classroom or at outside, weather permitting. Regardless of where students eat, COVID-19 has certainly changed the way students will receive their daily nourishment. That concept of “thinking outside the box” will land on the shoulders of each of the 15 principals, who are being tasked with working it all out within the confines of their size facility...

SGT James Marshall Smith and LT JG P.M. Willis left Bedford County during the early 1940s to serve their country during World War II. While sadly neither made it back home, two local bridges have been named in their honor off Highway 130 West over 70 years later...

Many people have a wonderful resource at their disposal-one just minutes from their homes. This continued community resource can transport them to distant lands, teach their children valuable lessons and serve as a great place to meet new friends. So what is this magical place? The local library, which for us locally, that’s Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library on 220 South Jefferson St...

George Flinn, one of several Republicans in the running for Tennessee’s open seat on the U.S. Senate in next week’s primary, contacted the Times-Gazette last Wednesday by phone. No matter where he stands in the polls against his opponents, he’s strongly confident he’ll be the victor in this Thursday’s primary election...

The following comments about volunteer Walter Taylor was submitted by Larry Theis of Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen. “Walter is not only a faithful volunteer servant at First United Methodist Church, but he is equally as faithful to our soup kitchen. ...

Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Executive Officer Mike Inman was recent Rotary Club speaker. Dawn Hobbs was program facilitator. Inman discussed the 82nd TWHNC Show which is on schedule for Aug. 26 – Sept. 5 at the Celebration grounds. The judging panel, which has a collective 20 Celebrations judged between them, will include Rollie Beard, Ross Campbell, Mike Hilley, Sam Sorrell and Leigh Stuart.

“Duck River Electric Membership Corporation cares about the members and communities we serve,” said DREMC President and CEO Scott Spence. “But we do more than care; we help by making flexible, remote payment options and financial resources available to members and by supporting those impacted by COVID-19.”...

Even now, living in the midst of a historic pandemic, 87-year-old Willene Fulton’s vitality still amazes family and friends. She’s certainly a survivor, living to tell her great-grandkids about Bedford County history, which includes her survival of the 1974 tornado-one which totally destroyed her Rover home. She and youngest son, Thomas “Tommy” were home that evening alone when the tornado tossed their car into the house which then caused a piano to fall on Willene’s ankle...

The dawn of a new school year is a time marked by change and fresh opportunities. For many children, school marks the first time they are away from their parents for an extended period of time. It also may be the first time they ride in a vehicle other than their parents’ cars...

“To the right, to the right, to the right, to the right To the left, to the left, to the left, to the left Now kick, now kick, now kick, now kick Now walk it by yourself, now walk it by yourself.” -- Cuban Shuffle There are some “Unsung Heroes” who’ve managed to ditch the COVID-19 blues. That is greatly said about Meadowlark Drive resident, Yvonne McChristian, and her entourage of neighbors working to keep themselves fit during the pandemic...