Stories from Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Mrs. Peggy Johnson Rice, 80, of Columbus, Ohio, died May 28 at her home. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tennessee Walking Horse owners, trainers and their corporations continue to resist litigation brought by the U.S. Department of Agriculture stemming from allegations during the 30th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show five years ago. The 35th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show concluded Saturday night in Calsonic Arena where, ironically, a horse named in one of the cases -- John F.K.'s Pusher -- won a Friday night class to the delight of its owner, Robin and Bruce MacDonald of Bridlewood Farm here and of Atlanta, Ga.. ...

Several Bedford County commissioners were flown by private jet from Shelbyville Municipal Airport last week to see a hospital built by Community Health Systems, the Brentwood-based business that's the apparent best bidder for Bedford County Medical Center...

Brothers competed for the $2,000 High-Point Jackpot Saturday night at the 35th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show at Calsonic Arena as the professional Tennessee Walking Horse trainers accumulated points with every ribbon won. Jimmy and Jackie McConnell had each picked up 57 points, with trainer Link Webb in a close third place with 56. ...

A huge weekend of racing delighted large crowds at Duck River Speedway on Saturday and Sunday. The premiere event, Sunday night's 50-lap Late Model Cup Series Race 5, turned into a Tennessee-Alabama clash. Eight Alabama drivers were scattered through the 24-car field and when the dust had cleared, it was total 'Bama domination...

Greeneville High girls basketball coach Lynn Burkey has been named the new head basketball coach of the Shelbyville Golden Eaglettes, sources indicated today. Shelbyville principal Don Embry will inform the team today and Burkey is scheduled to meet with the team later this week...