Stories from Sunday, February 27, 2005

As Bedford County commissioners await responses from businesses that might buy the county-owned medical center, it only seems prudent to share an old story from a nearby county on the topic of hospital sales. It's a way to broaden the public debate about such a major decision that, according to some, could redistribute public assets from health care to schools and other purposes. That's a good purpose and the what is not questioned...

Now we've all heard of the hit situation comedy "Eight Simple Rules for Dating my Daughters" and we grieved with the nation when John Ritter passed. And yes, being the mother of three girls, my husband and I have very distinct rules about dating -- like, not 'til they're 30, or the one my father used, "If he can whoop me, he can have you."...

On his 31st birthday William Joel Haithcote II, one of four defendants charged in Bedford County's quadruple homicide in 2002, had a new judge appointed to preside over his trial. Judge James Weatherford, who's had senior status for more than eight years, was appointed to the case, according to Bedford County Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell who sought a successor through the Administrative Office of the Courts...

Investigators say the wave of gun thefts from rural Bedford County homes may not be over despite the arrests of three suspects in one case. Roger Lee Mallard, 20, and Gary Mooningham Jr., 25, both of Circle O Trailer Park, and Gary Lee Mallard, 20, Substation Road, have been charged in connection with the theft of six guns from an Anderton Road home Feb. 14...

As a state investigation into allegations regarding one day care center in Shelbyville continues, a similar state action has been revealed at another local day care center. Roger Wagoner, pastor at Tree of Life Fellowship with Tree House Day Care Center, says charges against former day care director Dawn Marie Pasqual were dropped in connection with a child wandering from adult supervision...

Funeral services for Mary Toleta N. Pressgrove King, 87, of Shelbyville, who died Friday at her home in Shelbyville, will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Gowen-Smith Chapel. Jeff Smith will officiate and burial will follow in Pressgrove Cemetery.

The trailer for the movie "Our Very Own," which was filmed in -- and about -- Shelbyville last summer, is now online. It can be seen at ourveryownmovie.com.