Stories from Tuesday, February 3, 2004

U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper delivered an upbeat message Monday night at the Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet, held at the Blue Ribbon Circle building on the Celebration grounds. "We all have a lot to celebrate here," he said. He mentioned the names of various people who influenced him during his childhood and early career...

State Sen. Larry Trail has introduced a bill that would restrict the sale of "junk food" in school vending machines. The bill would require vending machines, if used, to offer healthier products instead. Trail, a Democrat from Murfreesboro, represents the 16th Senate District, composed of Bedford, Moore and portions of Rutherford counties...

The "Thunderstruck Tour" promises to be something the entire family can enjoy as Preston C. Fowlkes brings the Lone Star World Championship Rodeo to Calsonic Arena Saturday. Sanctioned by the Professional Cowboys Association, events will include bareback bronc riding, calf roping, braqkaway ropng, steer wretling, saddle bronc riding, cowgirls barrel racing, team roping and Brahma bull riding...

"A credit to the family and the community" was the descriptive introduction of last night's Chamber of Commerce award winners, with four local residents honored for their outstanding contributions in the four designated categories. Deery Eakin Volunteer of the Year -- Gail Binion, director and member of the board of directors of the Community Clinic of Shelbyville and its medical advisory committee...