Feature Stories

Local Quilts of Valor representative Amy Martin has certainly been busy, recently awarding the prestigious handmade quilts to dozens of local service veterans. She said while the pandemic certainly delayed some of the award events, it couldn’t put a damper on the spirit of each event...

Live music, featuring the band St. Paul and The Broken Bones, returns April 23 and 24 to The Caverns Above Ground Amphitheater in Grundy County. In an effort to social distance, the venue plans to station its concert-goers outside in hillside pods overlooking scenic Payne Cove. ...

Liberty FCE met Jan. 18 at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, as reported by Dorris Turrentine.  Lynn Wilhelm called the meeting to order. Ten members were in attendance. Dorris Turrentine served was hostess. Judy Smith and Ardis Rittenberry gave the devotion...

Bailey Hayne of Bell Buckle was named to the Anderson University, Anderson, S.C., dean’s list for the fall semester. In order to receive this honor, a student must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher for the semester.

Bedford County School System recently honored retired school superintendent Don Embry with a photo montage on its official website. We are sharing a few of those past memories here from his coaching days to the most recent days when he read Dr. Seuss stories to elementary students...

Most Bedford County farm families have learned over the years that potentially, most every cut of beef can be, and sustainably should be, used in recipes. The simple, but seemingly pretentious, flank steak is no exception. Flank steak, which is cut from the diaphragm muscles of the animal, is multi purpose, and relatively inexpensive to consumers, compared to other cuts of beef. It can be in high demand as it is traditionally used in Mexican restaurants...

Most people are familiar with the conventional grilling wisdom that, when cooking meats, it’s best to “only flip once.” This has led backyard grillers to resist the urge to flip their foods in the name of flavor. That conventional wisdom may not actually be that wise. Those who flip their grilled foods often can rest assured that they are probably doing little damage to the taste of the meat and may actually be improving cooking times and doneness...

A thick cut of meat grilled over an open flame can make for a mouth-watering-meal. While such an endeavor likely won’t lead to any complaints around the dinner table, many people still shy away from grilling, especially thick cuts of meat. A thick cut of uncooked meat can intimidate even the most devoted grilling enthusiast. Such cuts tend to take a long time to cook, and many a grilling devotee has put in that time only to end up with a dried out piece of meat...

Several years ago there was a TV commercial that I really enjoyed. I would sit in my recliner in front of my TV with a smile on my face every time it came on. There was a little boy sitting all by himself at the dinner table, his arms crossing his chest, a look of defiance, anger and disgust on his face...

Wait . . . Thanksgiving and Christmas are history, right? So then what’s all this ongoing turkey talk about? A low fat source of protein, the bird isn’t just showing up on the Thanksgiving table anymore. Anyone concerned about healthy eating is wise to learn more about the health benefits of turkey and find ways to include it in their diets all through the year...

Who put sugar in the cornbread? That’s a phrase which during my childhood which would generally conjure up something kind of scandalous in both my grandmothers’ kitchens. So do you put sugar in your cornbread? Some good Southern cooks do. Not to be too objective, I’m just going to say I like my cornbread both ways. It all depends on what I’m serving with it. If it is tomatoes, certainly no sugar in the mix...

Taylor Overcast of Shelbyville was one of 412 students named to the fall semester dean’s list at Union University in Jackson. The Dean's List includes full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average on a four-point scale. About 3,000 students are currently enrolled at Union...

A free six week program, offered on-line through Zoom, is aimed at helping people with diabetes learn to manage their disease and improve their health. Some of the topics covered include nutrition, controlling blood sugar, exercise, stress management, foot care, etc...

Hopefully, most everyone is well aware that their dinner plate should be well proportioned with green vegetables, especially during cold and flu season. We still admit there are evenings when we wreck our brains as to what to serve with those winter vitamins...

Gyms have begun to reopen after being closed due to potential spread of COVID-19. For most in Bedford County, it’s likely been several months since members have stepped foot into their favorite facility, so fitness enthusiasts are advised to exercise smart...

East Park Church in Shelbyville had the warmth of the early morning sun shining around it on Wednesday morning.

This bright cardinal stands out on the fresh, white snow which fell earlier this week.

Bedford County Sheriff Austin Swing congratulates Lt. Josh Tolar and Lt. Kevin Roddy for 15 years of service to the community.

In case you (expletives deleted) missed the marketing campaign, on January 5 the noble public servants at Netflix will launch a six-episode series, “History of Swear Words,” hosted by actor Nicholas Cage. The “proudly profane” program will be supplemented with historians, cognitive scientists, lexicographers and etymology experts. (The latter should feel right at home, after years of hearing, “When are you going to quit &^%$ and get a &^%$ REAL job?”)...

Shelbyville Group of Embroiderers’ Guild of America recently decorated a First Community Bank Christmas tree with all handmade ornaments. Decorating the tree within this year’s theme, “Beaded Balls and Beaded Snowflakes, left to right, were Barbara Troxler, Louise Armstrong, Catherine Talley, and Connie Smith. Anyone interested in joining the Shelbyville Embroiderers’ Guild should email louisearmstrong@bellsouth.net. 

FCM Cares, First Community Mortgage’s nonprofit, has awarded the annual J.C. Gordon Scholarship to five Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) students at a scholarship ceremony recently held on the TCAT-Shelbyville campus. The awarded funds will be used in part to purchase tools for each student recipient. ...

The Shops at Main and McGrew recently collected this abundance of canned food and monetary donations from customers and friends during the shop local Saturday event. The items were distributed at Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen, which distributes meals from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the old Save-A-Lot building on South Cannon Boulevard. Christmas boxes for those in need will be distributed by SCSK volunteers next Tuesday.

Dear Santa, How are you doing this Christmas? I have been good in my personal opinion, but sometimes I have been mean to my sister at the house. I promise to do better next year! I would like a papasan chair, an American Girl doll, a baby carrier, and a Nintendo Switch. I will leave you some milk and cookies, and some macaroni and cheese on Christmas Eve. I love you, Santa, and Mrs. Claus and the reindeer...

Christmas morning is an exciting and joyous time, when Children anxiously rush to the tree to see what Santa delivered. Having a fast and easy-to-manage breakfast allows families to jump right into the festivities rather than spending most of the morning in the kitchen...

The Shelbyville Group of Embroiders Guild of America keeps busy during the Christmas season. We just learned that when they’re not making those beautiful ornaments for Christmas trees, members are also quite the cookie-bakers. We suggest putting out a plate of Barbara Morgan’s “Molasses Crinkles” or Louise Armstrong’s “Christmas Toffee” or “Town House Cookies.” Recipes are below...

Coping with the loss of a loved one can be challenging in the best of times, but many people have had to confront such challenges at a time that is unlike any other in modern history. Now, it’s Christmas and we’re still being warned to social distance, which can be distressing, especially for those needing tender love and care during their time of grief...

Simons Co. Elderberry came about officially in November 2020, but had been in the works for many months prior between local sisters-in-law and best friends Amber Simons and Nicole Simons. “We have been making this natural remedy for years for our families and each year, people are interested in purchasing for their households. We decided to finally take the leap to be able to share outside of our families, within our communities,” says Amber. ...

Shelbyville Municipal Airport staff Lacy Cartwright and Richard Slattery welcome guests to visit the terminal and learn about how the airport serves this community.

It’s no secret that Tennessee, like much of the nation, has experienced a shortage of skilled workers in recent years, with high demands for more nurses, computer technicians, welders and other technical fields. In an effort to encourage more children to consider one of these many careers, TBR – The College System of Tennessee has premiered an original children’s book, “Let’s Explore Technical Careers.”...

Despite the snares of COVID-19, Cascade Band has continued to perform in, and win, competitions across the state this fall-even in those events held virtually. The Champion Band will culminate its success with a winter concert on January 8th in the Cascade High School theater...

Despite COVID-19, Shelby Chapter of DAR members have continued to have a proactive season, according to Regent Ardis Rittenberry Caffey. One of the mosts memorable events likely this season, she says, has been the DAR’s monetary presentation to Tim Estes for the Wreaths Across America program-one which benefits families wanting to place Christmas wreaths on the graves of their loved ones...

Circle of Friends Christian Preschool Ms. Johnson’s and Ms. Emily’s 4-year-olds Dear Santa, My name is Sophia Sacilla and I want a Pepa Pig house, a Barbie Dream House, Hatchimals, a purple Elf On The Shelf, some snow, a unicorn toy and Peace on Earth...

People have visited forests to select their Christmas trees for centuries. While tree sellers conveniently stationed in store parking lots and artificial trees displayed in various retailers have led fewer people to venture into the wilderness, the Christmas tree is still an important component of holiday celebrations...

Looking for a Christmas read/gift? Retired educator Sharon McDonald’s family memoir, “Precious Memories,” is also available through the publisher, The Jesse Stuart Foundation, at jsfbooks.com. McDonald was just informed her book is now on the foundation’s website and listed as a suggested Christmas gift. (Full story on the book was in the Saturday, Nov. 28, edition of the Times-Gazette.)

A famous evangelist said this week that this season, more so probably than ever, we don’t just “need a “little Christmas,” but “a lot” this year. While our homes may not be as active this holiday, due to the ongoing pandemic, smaller groups/families can still enjoy a safe and joyous event...

Christmas has gone to the cats and dogs. That is, there is a greater number of people including their companion animals into their seasonal gift buying. Staff at Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic, 846 Union Street, note that their services make great Christmas gifts for pet owners. As well, monetary donations are greatly needed as the clinic, which offers reduced spay and neuter services to families in need...

This is a letter from Dawn Rhodes, Bedford County Cancer Society Manager. I’d like to provide you with a timely update. Throughout this year, especially in the pandemic, the American Cancer Society has had to make tough decisions in light of a lower than expected, and needed, fundraising year. ...

Community Middle School Basketball Homecoming Court Queen, Bailey Helton, was recently crowed during school festivities. She is shown with her proud dad, Bobby. Wesley Haley Kenzie Sexton Braxton Griffy  Caylee Wilson Rylee Brown Kingston Kibble Kathryn Sego...

Special meetings continue to be held by Bedford County Board of Education and community business leaders to garner input for the school superintendent search criteria. Tammy Grissom, executive director of Tennessee School Board Association, led the most recent gathering and discussion at Blue Ribbon Circle...

Lord I ask for courage Courage to face and Conquer my own fears... Courage to take me Where others will not go... I ask for strength Strength of body to protect others And strength of spirit to lead others... I ask for dedication Dedication to my job, to do it well...

Shelbyville Central High School Criminal Justice Student Organization (C.J.S.O.) recently opened its 4th annual toy drive-one designed to allow students to be a part of making Christmas a little happier for children in need. “The awesome concept of this toy drive is that its supports the needy children of Bedford County,” said Chris Hobbs, SCHS criminal justice instructor. ...

Tennessee Behavior Supports Project (TBSP) at Vanderbilt University, which is funded by Tennessee Department of Education, recently announced that three local schools were selected as a 2020-2021 School of Recognition. Those schools include Community Middle, Harris Middle and Southside Elementary, which will now serve as mentors to other Middle Tennessee school systems...

The idea of a holiday swing dance in the tiny community of Normandy started at a recent ladies coffee one morning, according to resident Jackie Smith. The “Holiday Big Band Dance” will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, at 110 College St. from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and can be obtained by calling 662-417-0393 or by emailing b42jss@gmail.com. Deadline for ticket sales is Nov. 28 and there is a 50 person limit for this event...

Mark McGee, right,  a member of the Shelbyville Rotary Club, was the recent guest speaker for his fellow members. Ivan Jones, club president, is at left. McGee, executive director of United Way of Bedford County, can be reached at 684-6685.

New changes are coming, due to COVID-19, at Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library, which enters into Phase III on Monday. From left are Monica Lewis, Friends of the Library chair, and Margaret Petty, assistant library director, who talked recently about how patrons will soon be able to browse the books again.

Ronnie Segroves says he enjoys attending such events as the Shelbyville Veterans Parade, where he can honor those who served their country. He was honored himself recently with a Quilt of Valor for his service from 1966-1968 in the U.S. Army. The veteran served a year in Vietnam, where he worked in artillery.

Barbara Jackson of Shelbyville recently contacted the Times-Gazette about a poem she was inspired to write - saluting local veterans. We have printed it to honor local veterans. We thank Barbara for her kind words of respect for those who served. God Gave Me These Words...

Like so many areas of life this year, COVID-19 impacted United Way of Bedford County’s “Stuff the Bus” program. Even so, 56 boxes, filled with a record of approximately 13,000 items, were delivered Tuesday to all county schools by employees of the Bedford County School System...

Shelbyville Rotary Club members were given an overview of the Elk River District and the 100th anniversary of the Mldde Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America by Derek Maness, Elk River District Executive. Ivan Jones, club president, left, was the program facilitator. Maness is seeking local residents to promote Scouting in the county. His email is dmaness@mtcbsa.org.

Cascade High School Band participated in the Shelbyville Veterans Parade last Sunday. The weather was fine for music and marching.