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Friday, May 25, 2012

Bedford Cheese

Habitat group plans true 'home'coming for veteran (05/24/12)
Bedford Builds Habitat For Humanity has announced plans to build its next home for a veteran. The local chapter of Georgia-based non-profit Habitat For Humanity hopes to hold a groundbreaking on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with a foundation to be laid this fall and most of the construction to take place next year, according to executive director Pam Birtcil...
Schools face budget crunch (05/15/12)
There's a gap of nearly $800,000 between where next year's school budget is and where it needs to be. That's what Bedford County Board of Education learned at a budget study session Monday night. For the past two fiscal years, 2010-11 and 2011-12, the school system has been spending more than it has taken in. The difference came out of the school system's fund balance...
Giant steps...one at a time (05/13/12)
It's an unfortunate, but true realization. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't been affected by cancer in some way. It's the great equalizer that can bring anyone to their knees. But, it also can show how strong a person is, and how great the community around them can rally when called upon...
Vannatta seat stays unfilled (05/09/12)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners failed Tuesday night to fill recently retired commissioner Bobby Vannatta's request that his son-in-law fill his vacant District 2 commission seat. Vannatta, who retired from the commission last month after 19 years of service due to illness, had recommended Ralph Edwards fill his seat until the countywide general election is held in August...
Text of Vannatta proclamation (05/09/12)
A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE EXEMPLARY SERVICE OF COMMISSIONER BOBBY VANNATTA, SECOND DISTRICT OF BEDFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE, TO THE CITIZENS OF BEDFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE 2011-2012 Be it proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners of Bedford County, Tennessee, that:...
Sobriety checkpoints planned (05/03/12)
Sobriety roadside safety checkpoints are planned in three locations over the next two weeks, according to the Bedford County Sheriff's Department. One is planned during the week of May 6 at Huffman Road and Red Hill Road in Normandy (the intersection east of the town toward Normandy Lake). During the week of May 15 checkpoints are planned at the intersections of State Route 437 (the Shelbyville bypass) at Railroad Road and U.S. 41A South at Mullins Mill Road...
County's response to lawsuit requested (05/01/12)
Attorneys representing four deputies suing over unpaid overtime claim that Bedford County has not responded to a number of discovery requests. Sheriff Randall Boyce and the county were sued last August by David Sakich, Kevin Holton, Scott Jones, Todd Hammond "and others similarly situated" under the Fair Labor Standards Act, claiming they were denied overtime and straight time compensation and were worked "off the clock," also alleging they were retaliated against for exposing the issue...
E-911 sues for return of $76,000 (04/26/12)
The Bedford County Emergency Communication District filed a federal lawsuit against BellSouth (now known as AT&T) last week, demanding the recovery of $76,000 in service charges. The suit claims the phone company has billed the ECD "far in excess" of the number of phone lines for which BellSouth reported and remitted 911 charges...
Democrats hear encouragement (04/25/12)
Bedford County Democrats heard a message of encouragement Tuesday night, even in a time when Republicans have dominated statewide and federal races across Tennessee. "I do think there's a lot of positives to the Democratic Party right now, and there's a lot we can be proud of," said local party member Mark Farrar, who emceed the party's annual banquet Tuesday night at the American Legion center on Kingree Road...
Schools decision draws criticism (04/25/12)
Two members of Bedford County Board of Education criticized School Superintendent Ray Butrum and school board chairman Barry Cooper on Thursday night for committing to an educational software package prior to final approval by the board. The board was asked on Thursday night to approve a three-year agreement with Curriculum Advantage Inc. ...
County closer to ISWA membership (04/17/12)
Another step has been taken in getting Bedford County into the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority, but it will be a few more months until the deal is final. Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman told the county's solid waste authority that the ISWA met in Fayetteville Wednesday night and that "loose ends" were beginning to be dealt with in the process of getting Bedford and Moore counties into the organization...
New approach to nepotism (04/04/12)
Bedford County School System's policy on nepotism is getting a complete rewrite, according to discussion at a Board of Education study session on Tuesday night of last week The former policy was two paragraphs long and only addressed the initial hire of the most immediate family members of sitting members of the school board...
Suspect, sheriff debate legality of home search (04/03/12)
A man recently arrested on drug charges has filed a federal lawsuit against the county mayor, sheriff and officers claiming his home was searched without a warrant and that he was assaulted. But an arrest report by a detective involved in the litigation tells a much different story than the plaintiff does once several details are added to the tale...
Community Outreach reaches out from new home (04/01/12)
Community Outreach Partnership of Bedford County has moved and is now occupying space on Depot Street in the former Clifford's Furniture building. They had been on Madison Street since opening two years ago. The two-year-old faith-based non-profit represents a group of local churches of varying denominations who work together to assist families in need. ...
TWHNC gets $1.5K county donation (03/14/12)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to give $1,500 to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration for promoting an upcoming quarter horse show, even though a letter from the Celebration to the City of Shelbyville indicates that the money is no longer needed...
Synthetic drugs' impact discussed (02/26/12)
Drug investigators and Shelbyville citizens expressed frustration -- and hope -- while discussing the wave of synthetic drugs which has struck Middle Tennessee within the past two years at a Thursday meeting. "It's amazing to me that they can track one cow with mad cow disease but can't track down the source of these drugs," Shelbyville mayor Wallace Cartwright said in a question-and-answer session following Deputy Steven Daugherty's presentation to the Bedford Against Drugs Community Coalition...
School board chair says it's time to go (02/17/12)
Bedford County Board of Education Chairman Barry Cooper announced at the end of Thursday night's meeting that he will not seek re-election to his 5th District seat during this year's election cycle. Cooper will continue to serve until a new school board member is elected to his seat in August, and then in September the board will need to elect a new chairman. Five of the nine school board seats are up for election this year...
Trial date set in OT lawsuit (02/16/12)
A trial date in a lawsuit against the sheriff and county over unpaid overtime has been set for November. On Tuesday, members of the Bedford County Commission revised the minutes of their January meeting to reflect that a suit filed by four detectives against Sheriff Randall Boyce and the county had not been settled...
Groovin' and givin' at Habitat Ball (02/14/12)
More than 230 people gathered Saturday night for a celebratory evening in support of a good cause. The 14th annual Habitat for Humanity Ball was held Feb. 11 at the Blue Ribbon Circle. Each year, proceeds from the benefit are used to build one local Habitat home...
Leadership group redoes Chamber (01/19/12)
It's amazing what a difference a paint job and a new floor can make with a room. But the public seemed pleased with the results of the hard work done by the 2012 class of Leadership Bedford in the remodeling of the Chamber of Commerce meeting room and lobby...
Hord case set; sheriff files denial to claims (01/12/12)
While one lawsuit against the sheriff and county has been settled, a trial date has been set for next year in the litigation filed by the department's former child abuse investigator. Meanwhile, the county filed documents Wednesday denying many of the allegations made against the sheriff...
Judge to hear 2 suits vs.county (12/16/11)
A federal magistrate has determined that two suits filed against the sheriff and county are related and will not need to be assigned to a different judge. U.S. Magistrate William B. Mitchell Carter issued an order this week stating that litigation filed in August by four detectives and the lawsuit by the county's former child abuse investigator, Rebecca Hord, "is related" and that there is no need for reassignment since both cases are currently assigned to the same district judge, Harry S. ...
Sheriff's staff will receive holiday pay (12/14/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to approve a proposal to give holiday pay to sheriff's department and juvenile detention center employees for the remainder of this fiscal year, but hopes in the next fiscal year to review and develop a standardized county-wide policy...
Detective sues over dismissal (12/09/11)
The county's former child abuse investigator has filed a federal lawsuit against Sheriff Randall Boyce and Bedford County, claiming she was fired for supporting other officers suing over unpaid overtime, and also for her race and gender. Rebecca Hord filed a complaint Wednesday in U.S. District Court under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) for failure to pay overtime, racial and gender discrimination, as well as retaliatory discharge...
Microchips: A pet's best friend (12/02/11)
Bedford County Animal Control and the Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic are teaming up in hopes to give your pet the ultimate Christmas present -- a sure way back hope in the event they stray too far. "Identification Station," as they're calling it, will be held Saturday, Dec. 17. From noon until 2 p.m. MTSNC will offer microchips for $25 and from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. BCAC will have identification tags for your pets for $3...
Arsenic...for laughs (11/30/11)
The comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace," by Joseph Kesselring, will be presented by the Bedford Players as a dinner theater Friday, Saturday, and Dec. 9 and 10 at the Fly Arts Center on South Main Street. Dinner is at 6 p.m. with the play beginning at 7. Many people are familiar with the play from the movie adaptation, which starred Cary Grant...
County to sell nursing home (11/09/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to sell the county-owned nursing home on Union Street, along with the vacant adjoining building that once housed Bedford County Medical Center, to Care Centers Management Consulting, the Johnson City-based firm that currently leases and operates the nursing home...
Child Safety Fun Fair set for Saturday (10/27/11)
United Way of Bedford County will hold its annual Child Safety Fun Fair Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at H.V. Griffin Park. The free event offers fun and educational activities for the kids, but also offers the chance for parents to have their children fingerprinted by a trained law enforcement officer...
Only 1 bidder for nursing home (10/26/11)
Bedford County received only one bid for its nursing home and former hospital facility on Union Street -- from the company which is currently leasing the nursing home, Johnson City-based Care Centers Management Consultants. CCMC has bid $3,040,520, less $240,520 it claims the county owes it for improvements which had to be made to bring the building in compliance with state law, for a net cash bid of $2.8 million...
Lawsuit vs. county to stay active (10/25/11)
A federal judge has denied Bedford County's request for summary judgement in a wrongful death suit, suggesting that the credibility of the jail's nurse may be in question. Attorneys for the county had been asking for dismissal of the remaining claims involving county jail inmate Larry Dale Byford, 54, who died at Vanderbilt Medical Center in 2009 after suffering an apparent heart attack while incarcerated...
Runners beat chill for Spooktacular (10/25/11)
Nearly 150 runners and walkers turned out for the annual Spooktacular 5k and 10k races on a frigid Saturday morning. Despite the cold temps, runners heated up the course and posted blistering times. The races, which were sponsored by the United Way of Bedford County, sought to raise funds for 20 different benefit partner programs. In addition to the races, participants also competed in a costume contest, with prizes awarded to those judged as the three best....
Rescue Waggin' saves dogs' lives (10/06/11)
This month, PetSmart Charities will celebrate the transport of the 50,000th dog saved through its Rescue Waggin' program, including 698 dogs and puppies saved in the past two years through Bedford County Animal Control and Shelbyville & Bedford County Humane Association...
City adds nearly $70K of rail work (10/06/11)
The city got "very good news" in regards to an ongoing rail spur project, resulting in nearly $70,000 worth of additional needed work at no cost to Shelbyville. Last February, the council applied for a grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for funding a part of the costs of the construction of a rail spur line to the former DESA Industries building on Eagle Boulevard, which is now occupied by Gold River Feed...
Excitement at full speed for Spooktacular race (10/05/11)
Early registration ends Friday for the annual Spooktacular Run-Walk to benefit United Way of Bedford County, which this year is expanding to include a 10-kilometer race in addition to the 5-kilometer race offered in the past. The race will be Oct. 22...
Supreme Court refuses to hear Whitaker appeal (09/29/11)
Tennessee's Supreme Court has denied hearing an appeal from a woman who admitted guilt in a 2008 jail rape. Brooke Lee Whitaker's application for an appeal was denied, it was announced Tuesday by the court. She will be allowed to waive legal costs, but was also denied a motion for the appointment of counsel...
Class action status sought in bail bond lawsuit (09/28/11)
A man suing the county over its bail bonding system is asking a federal judge for class action status, entering a number of exhibits in his case. Ricky Robertson has been suing since last December, claiming that Bedford County operates a system of setting bail for those arrested and presented to a judicial commissioner "that is not based on the individualized assessment of that particular person's likelihood to flee."...
Supreme Court won't hear Whitaker appeal (09/28/11)
Tennessee's Superme Court has denied hearing an appeal from a woman who admitted guilt in a 2008 jail rape. Brooke Lee Whitaker's application for an appeal was denied, it was announced Tuesday by the court. She will be allowed to waive legal costs, but was also denied a motion for the appointment of counsel...
DTF actively fighting drugs (09/27/11)
Drug enforcement continues to be a priority in Bedford County, the head of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force said. County detectives who are suing Sheriff Randall Boyce and the county over alleged unpaid overtime stated last week that the investigation of drug activity here has been "all but completely eliminated" following the disbanding of the sheriff's department's Criminal Suppression Unit...
Day of Caring...and appreciation (09/23/11)
United Way of Bedford County kicked off its fall fund-raising campaign with a "Day of Caring" on Thursday, in which employees of various United Way-participating companies or organizations volunteered at United Way-funded agencies, followed by the annual kickoff and appreciation luncheon, including the presentation of awards for last year's campaign...
Inmate dies in county jail (09/22/11)
An autopsy has been ordered and the TBI has been called to assist in investigating the death of a 29-year-old inmate at the Bedford County jail. James Carmelo Azzopardi of Cedar Grove Road in Shelbyville suddenly died around 11 a.m. Wednesday while in custody at the jail, according to Chief Deputy David Williams Jr...
County animal facility remains fully populated (09/22/11)
Bedford County Animal Control director Brenda Goodrich reported to the county commission's law enforcement committee on Tuesday that the facility is staying full -- even after the Rescue Waggin' program took some animals away, the facility quickly filled back up again...
State's best sees success (09/16/11)
Nora Sanders has been named Tennessee Adult Learner of the Year by the Tennessee Association for Adult and Community Education, and a coffee was held in her honor Thursday at Bedford County Adult Learning Center. Sanders, a native of Mexico, took English classes, basic skills classes and GED classes. ...
County awaits entry into ISWA (09/13/11)
Progress is moving forward on getting Bedford County into the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority, with other counties looking to join the organization, the county's waste authority was told. Highway superintendant Stanley Smotherman and county mayor Eugene Ray recently traveled to Columbia to meet with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation officials, as well as commissioners from several regional counties...
Horseback in the moonlight... a perfect ride (09/07/11)
Is there anything better than a moonlight ride, listening to the steady clop of hooves and jingle-jangle of bits and bridles, all accompanied by the night song of crickets, cicadas and owls, and washed soft silver by the light of a full moon? How about a moonlight ride that not only gives you all of that, but also gives you the satisfaction of helping others? The Bedford County Cancer Foundation is holding its second annual Moonlight Trail Ride on Garrett Winnette's property at 161 West Rd. ...
New leader joins Christian Care Center (09/02/11)
Christian Care Center welcomed new administrator Mike Rabuka this week. A registered nursing home administrator, he recently transferred to the area from Clarksville. Rabuka will be responsible for the overall operations of the building, management of staff, the center's budget and day-to-day operations...
Slithering surprise: Snake shocks showerer (08/25/11)
Louise Johnson just wanted a refreshing shower. The last thing she expected Tuesday afternoon was a snake falling from the ceiling into her bathtub. "I was taking a shower and this big, long thing started coming down out of the ceiling," Johnson, of Bugscuffle Road near Haley, said...
County wants end to jail death claims (08/21/11)
Submitting over 300 pages of depositions and documents, attorneys for Bedford County are asking a federal judge to dismiss the remaining claims of a wrongful death suit involving a county jail inmate. In Oct. 2009, 54-year-old Larry Dale Byford died at Vanderbilt Medical Center after suffering an apparent heart attack while incarcerated at the county jail...
Blackberry Ridge rezoning backed (08/18/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee added its recommendation Tuesday night to a zoning change for the Blackberry Ridge golf course and development to R-1 PUD (residential, planned unit development). The rezoning will be considered Sept. 13 by the full commission; a public hearing will be held prior to the meeting...
Plaintiff joins suit against Boyce (08/17/11)
A maintenance worker with the sheriff's department has joined a lawsuit filed by four detectives alleging unpaid overtime, while the officers are asking for a court injunction to prevent retaliation against others who want to participate in the litigation...
Commissioner fired up about insurance costs (08/17/11)
Commissioner Jimmy Patterson asked his fellow commissioner and Bedford County Fire Department chief Mark Thomas last night what can be done to improve the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating for the area served by Unionville Volunteer Fire Department. Thomas said he's already working on it, and is 12 months into what he said is an 18-month process...