Stories from Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Bedford County Nursing Home has received a chair that can double as a stretcher if an emergency requiring evacuation occurs. It will help staffers move residents down stairs which are otherwise difficult to negotiate, but along the required evacuation route, according to BCNH Administrator Wayne Schumann...

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) -- President Bush on Wednesday remembered former President Gerald Ford as a "gentleman who reflected the best in America's character" and helped heal a nation divided by Watergate. "He assumed power in a period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing, and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand. Gerald Ford came along when we need him most," Bush said during a televised statement at his Texas ranch where he is staying for the holidays...

Two Shelbyville police officers bought shoes for a young boy whose only pair was stolen Thursday. Lt. Mike Baker and Sgt. Charles Kimbril chipped in to help the 12-year-old boy after his shoes were taken when he left them on the front porch of his home in eastern Shelbyville and went inside. His mother told officers she couldn't afford to buy more...

Graveside services for May Elizabeth Cook, 87, of Shelbyville, who died Tuesday at Glen Oaks Convalescent Center after an extended illness, will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Freedonia Cemetery in Coffee County. Terry Everett will officiate. Visitation witll be 10 a.m. until noon Thursday at Doak-Howell Funeral Home...

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tennessee football team officially began its local preparations for the Outback Bowl on Tuesday, taking to the practice field at the University of South Florida under cool and overcast conditions. UT players and staff convened here Monday evening and shared a Christmas dinner together...

Memorial services for Sara Reis Odeneal, 56, of Shelbyville, who died Monday at Bedford County Medical Center, will be 7 p.m. Friday at Southside Church of Christ. Jeff Smith will officiate. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

This week, the Times-Gazette is looking back at 2006 by counting down the top ten news stories of the year as voted by a panel of T-G staffers. Here are the stories revealed so far: 10) Eastern European students spend months in Shelbyville as temporary workers; some run into financial trouble...