Stories from Friday, January 28, 2005

Shelbyville and Bedford County could benefit from a streamlined sales tax that is set to take effect on July 1; however, the Tennessee Municipal League is planning to ask state lawmakers to delay implementing it, claiming some cities might lose revenue under the change...

Bedford County's unemployment rate dropped 0.6 percent in December to 4.4 precent, according to figures released by the state on Thursday. Bedford County's workforce was listed at 19,490, with 18,640 employed and 850 claiming they were out of work. The county's unemployment rate for November of 2005 was at 5 percent...

An essay contest, a banquet, a gospel singing extravaganza and a play are all scheduled during February as part of a Black History Month celebration sponsored by The Black Awareness Community Coalition. According to Coalition president Coleman C. March Sr. of Lynchburg, all proceeds from these events will go toward financial awards to deserving college students from the coalition's membership area...

Liberty's M.K. Potts accounted for 18 of her team's 36 points in Unionville Thursday night to give the Lady Patriots a 36-20 win over Cascade Middle in the opening round of the Bedford County Junior High Tournament. Jesse Calvert added eight points as Liberty improved to 9-8...

Community's Vikings and Viqueens dominated county rival Webb's Feet and Lady Feet in opening round action of the Bedford County Junior High Tournament at Unionville Thursday night. Community 46, Webb 6 (G): Community (15-2) shot out to a 19-0 lead in the first quarter, led by Marissa Jones' eight points. The defensive pressure was just too much for the young, inexperienced Lady Feet (0-15), who committed several turnovers to give the Viqueens easy baskets in transition...

With the regular season winding down, Harris Middle's Eaglettes and Eagles each turned in one of their most impressive performances of the season, the Eaglettes (15-1, 14-1 Central Tennessee Conference) rolling to a 46-19 blowout over Coffee County's Lady Raiders before the Eagles (10-5, 9-5) cruised to a 48-25 win over the Raiders in CTC action at HMS Gym...

Elizabeth Windham and Ashley Young each contributed nine points, but only four players scored for Webb in their 65-30 defeat at the hands of visiting Middle Tennessee Christian on Thursday night. Jessica Miller added eight points, including two 3-pointers, for the Lady Feet...