Feature Stories

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...

Whether Bedford County schools start back on Aug. 3, greatly depends on the potential rise in COVID-19 cases between now and then, school officials have stated. Now, more than perhaps ever in the history of back-to-school time, will more families likely need help with those purchases...

International House of Prayer Ministries senior pastor, Bryan Nerren, recently spoke to the Rotary Club, telling members of his 7 months of captivity in India. While he’s always known the dangers associated with his global missionary work, Nerren said recently how he never fathomed he'd get so close to martyrdom after 17 years with Asian Children’s Education Fellowship (ACEF)-a non profit which he founded...

Dried beans and other garden produce are the mainstays of a good soup stock this summer. Beans are especially valuable to those trying to incorporate more vegetables and less meat into their diets. Beans and legumes high in protein include soybeans, lentils, white beans, cranberry beans, split peas, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, navy beans and limas. Beans are high in amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein...

William and Andrea Bolden of Unonville continue on the path to witnessing marvelous beauty in their summer garden. Andrea says this sunflower contains 40 glorious flower heads.

This pandemic year has brought about many changes and great impacts to the world of higher education as it is known, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville officials recently stated. “The school year ended abruptly, but the hard work of educators didn’t stop,” said TCAT recruiter Bree Lemmons. ...

Red, vine-ripened, flavorful, juicy tomatoes are the epitome of a Bedford County summer. But getting to all of this gloriousness is an exercise in patience while the sun and soil do their thing and produce tomatoes that don’t just look good but actually have flavor. July is the time for tomatoes in their full glory. ...

Peak season for cucumbers runs from May through September.

Selection: Pick solid green cucumbers with no signs of yellow streaks at the base, which is a sign of over maturity. Cucumbers should feel firm and have no water-soaked spots or pitting. ...

2 C. shredded zucchini 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 white onion, peeled and chopped 3/4 C. all-purpose baking mix 3/4 C. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 1/4 C. vegetable oil 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. dried sage 1/4 tsp. paprika Preheat the oven to 350°F. ...

A special 2020 prom, sponsored by friends of the Community High graduates, was held at Bell Buckle Banquet Hall last week, with several Community High seniors attending in their formal attire. Though the school-sponsored spring prom was cancelled, due to COVID-19, some residents in the community opted to host a candlelight banquet and dance...

Shelbyville, Wartrace and Bell Buckle will not sponsor public fireworks displays this weekend. Fireworks are still being sold and all city and town ordinances apply to the use of those Independence Day fireworks. Fireworks will begin over Tims Ford Lake 9 p.m. Saturday. For many years, boaters have enjoyed watching the sunset and the culmination of the red, white and blue fireworks...

The arrival of warm weather provides more opportunities to gather and celebrate. From national holidays to impromptu backyard barbecues, the opportunity to kick back and relax is a hallmark of summer. Fireworks also figure prominently in summer. When in the hands of professionals, fireworks are a wonder to behold from a safe distance. But far too often people set off their own pyrotechnics and meet with grave results...

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Randall Burt Fisher of Ringgold, GA., officially retired after 32 years of military service on June 30. The most important thing, he told the Times-Gazette this week, is to note in his retirement announcement that he’s the grandson of 92-year-old Mabel Sue Burton of Shelbyville...

With most public July 4 fireworks events cancelled this year, due to the pandemic, it’s time to head to the backyard for a picnic under the stars with family or a few close friends. The first thing to keep in mind when packing a backyard picnic, if you’re traveling to a friend’s house, is to make sure you create recipes that are easily packable. Worst thing you want to happen on the 4th is for your red, white and blue salad to thaw before you make it to the party...

Professional photographer Annie Leibovitz once said, “The camera makes you forget you’re there. It’s not like you are hiding but you forget, you are just looking so much.” Since the age of 15, Chloe Thomas has shared many such an experience, many times, behind the camera lens...

The smiles are still there within the classes of 2020 in Bedford County, despite their last high school year abruptly ending. From left, Mason Landers, Madison Madden, Gracie McCullough and Alex Mitchell.

Community High School graduate Noah Charles “TJ” Bowling leaves for basic training at Fort Benning, GA with the U.S. Army, infantry division, July 6. “I've wanted to join the Army since I was a little boy, like my uncle Luke," he said. TJ's step-grandfather was in the military (JP Yates), his uncle ( Luke Bowling), great grandfather (George Charles), cousin (Paul Compton) and great-uncle (David Compton). An Eagle Scout with Troop 223, he hopes to obtain a degree in criminal justice; his long-term goal is to work for the ATF or FBI. When asked by his recruiter as to why he wanted to enlist, his answer was as follows: “ I want to serve my country and protect my loved ones and everyone’s freedom that my family has fought to protect before me.”

I wanted to let you all know that this will be my last article as library director of the Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library. On June 9, 2020, it will have been 50 years since I started working in public libraries. I had never even been inside one until I got the job. I was a bookmobile kid from the get go...

ACT scores mean a lot these days for graduating seniors; they can gain nice scholarship packages as a result. The ACT scores also help Bedford County School System meet its expected state standards. Local high school seniors of 2020 can receive a lot of credit for helping scores rise. Cascade, Community and Shelbyville Central High seniors ended their high school years with some pretty exciting scores...

For over 65 years, Raus Community Club has conducted its annual ice cream supper. COVID-19 recently swept that event right off the community calendar, but organizers are confident as soon as social distancing allows, the event will be held at its usual spot...

A veterans’ program started here in Bedford County just a few short years ago-the Quilts of Valor-is still going strong, according to local representative and presenter, Amy Martin. One of Martin’s goals is to make sure all veterans, but particularly the remaining World War II veterans, receive their rightful recognition. She’s been embraced, she said, following her presentations and even wiped the tears from many veterans’ eyes...

Native American and Shelbyville Central High School graduate, Allison LeMaster, moved to Shelbyville 15 years ago with her family. The upcoming graduate and her Cherokee family are now highly anticipating her senior walk, especially as she’ll be wearing, along with her traditional gown regalia, a stole gifted by her tribal elders...

Great is the love of a father and his daughter. Ryan Sherron and daughter, Noelanie Sherron, prepare to celebrate Father’s Day, which is observed Sunday.

Pairing these make-a-head recipes (provided by some old school cooks) with your favorite fruit beverage is a great way to lessen the stress during a Father’s Day social. These dishes freeze well, so if you make extra, you will have them for next week’s graduation parties as well...

Crystal Bentley doesn’t even have a 2020 graduate, but she decided to start a very special Facebook page dedicated to social media followers adopting Bedford County seniors during COVID-19. It has been a success, judging from all the posts, and senior smiles...

William and Andrea Bolden of Unionville spend a lot of their retirement hours now in their vegetable garden. The produce assists Andrea, a long-time “Taste of Home” magazine editor, in creating her highly sought-after recipes. Below, Andrea shares some of her spring choices for everyday lunch or a special barbecue. From hamburgers to chicken, the recipes below make great barbecue sides...

It’s $2 movie ticket time at The Capri Theatre on the public square. Showtimes are 2, 4 and 7 p.m. daily. Social distancing rules still apply. Contact the theatre on Facebook with questions. Showing June 5-11, downstairs, is the 1970s Spielberg thriller, “Jaws. Showing upstairs will be “Dora and the Lost City of Gold.”...

Barbed Wire Entertainment flagship recording artist and owner of Maverick Management, Kolt Barber, has announced his 2020 American Cowboy Showdown tour, with the Southeastern launch planned for 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Calsonic Arena. In conjunction with Tony Keeton and Rockin’ K Rodeo in Lawrenceburg, the American country music traditionalist is teaming with the professional stock contractor Keeton to provide rodeo action and LIVE country music entertainment. ...

During her daughter Rita Brooks’ recent wedding, 94-year-old Wilma Bedwell of Wartrace caught the bridal bouquet. “I got it! I got it!” she shouted. “I’m next! I’m next!” The senior was very happy to be with family, despite COVID-19 changing the amount of family and friends who could attend the May 15 outdoor ceremony...

Local freelance photographer Zoey Grissom admits COVID-19 social distancing has certainly put a freeze on a lot of her photography this spring. Still, she considers herself fortunate for the opportunity to be behind the lens capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments for 2020 graduates...

When it comes to planning the annual Memorial Day lunch, especially during a pandemic, the best thing to do from the kitchen is likely seal the lunch with a K.I.S.S., that is, keep it simple sweeties. There are so many inexpensive places to purchase simple red, white and blue table decorations, it’s a cinch to do your own tablescape with ease. ...

Shelbyville Central High School student Trinity Vickers is a part of the Shelbyville Rainbow Hunt Group on Facebook. Here’s a poem the student has written to “spread the happiness” during COVID-19. By the way, the local Rainbow group has about 3,000 members at this time...

Sculpting from clay she found in her backyard as a child was a small beginning and eventually a pathway leading to great things for internationally exhibited sculptor Tracy H. Sugg of Wartrace. Sugg reflected recently how she visited a bronze foundry in her native state of New Mexico; she was inspired. Watching every step of the lost-wax bronze casting process, she had pretty much already discovered her life’s calling by age 8...

Bedford County Arts Council proudly announces a newly established annual $1,000 scholarship in memory of Jonathan Price, a life long participant and supporter of the arts in Bedford County, announced Christine Carlton, arts council member. The Jonathan Price Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving high school senior planning to continue his/her education in the area of fine arts including visual arts, performing arts, literary arts or music...

W e are slowly getting back to our new normal. The 3 three-hour no contact drive through service days seem to be growing in popularity. We are glad to see patrons again even from a social distance and with half their faces covered. Please listen to our answering machine recording at 931-684-7323 for days and times. ...

Kim Mantooth is fairly used to wearing a mask; she’s even used to the drill by now of avoiding germs. You see, while everyone else is greatly worried about the pandemic, Kim and her husband, Jay, are also living life with cancer to boot. In 2019, an oh-so-familiar enemy, breast cancer, rekindled in Kim’s body with a vengeance. First diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2015, she was cleared of cancer the following year. Life was good...

Micah Rasnick has had a little time to spare lately, so rather than have idle hands, he turned to his kitchen. Since, his Facebook page has been filled with requests lately for his warm, cinnamon rolls right out of the oven. “I have always enjoyed being in the kitchen, but have been getting more seriously into cooking over just the past three or four years,” Rasnick said. “The cinnamon rolls . . . new to me.”...

2 lbs. fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and halved 1 C. orange juice 1 C. plain yogurt 2 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. lime juice  1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt Place the peaches in blender and process until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl and add the orange juice, yogurt, honey, lime juice, and cinnamon. Adjust the thickness with more lime juice if necessary. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving or up to 8 hours...

Motorcycle enthusiasts with Big G Express say they’re anxious to get their “knees in the breeze” after many have been quarantined due to COVID-19. Their upcoming event May 30 will help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continue to lead the way in how the world understands, treats,and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases...

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Jack Daniel's visitor center temporarily suspended tours on March 16. Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant and the Lynchburg Hardware & General Store also closed temporarily. Distillery operations have continued as normal. Moore County has been greatly spared with to date only 3 COVID-19 cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges cancer patients to take extra steps to lower their risks of getting sick with COVID-19. There are videos on the CDC website which may assist patients. The CDC urges patients to call their doctor right away if they have a fever or feel sick during chemo treatments...