Stories from Monday, October 1, 2007

MURFREESBORO -- In the midst of Middle Tennessee's 47-6 blowout win over Florida International, true freshman quarterback Dwight Dasher laid the groundwork for what looks to be a very promising future for Blue Raider fans. Dasher (5-10, 196), from Folkston, Ga., in his second career start due to the injury of junior quarterback Joe Craddock, made the most of his opportunity by leading the Blue Raiders to 47 first-half points, the second-most points ever scored in the first half at MTSU...

Charles Lowell Potts, 77, of Wartrace died Saturday at his home. Graveside services are 2 p.m. today at Hollywood Cemetery in Wartrace with the Rev. Jim Sorrells officiating. Hillcrest Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Link Webb earned the title of International Grand Champion Walking Horse for the second year in a row on Saturday night as the property of Michael and Ann Jones' entry, Santana's El Niņo topped a star-studded class of five to wear the roses at the 2007 International Grand Championship Walking Horse Show in Murfreesboro...

Bedford County's unemployment rate dropped 0.3 percent to 4.6 percent for the month of August, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported. The county had a labor force of 22,410, with 21,380 employed and 1,030 out of work. Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August decreased from the July rate of 4.1 percent to 4.0 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percent. The United States rate was 4.6 percent for August, and remained unchanged from July...

MONTEAGLE -- Tennessee's Backroads Heritage Inc., which promotes tourism in Bedford and six other southern Middle Tennessee counties, celebrated another year of achievement with its annual barbecue, held at the Bear Hollow Dinner Theatre. Ken Beck, who covers travel and entertainment for The Tennessean, was the keynote speaker, while the band Midnight Special performed. ...

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has begun a feasibility study to see if turn lanes can be constructed at Cascade Elementary. Parents and area residents expressed concern last week to the Times-Gazette about the traffic situation in front of the school, which they say becomes dangerous with vehicles parked on both sides of State Highway 269, also known as Wartrace / Bell Buckle Road...

Emma Gay Wallace, 59, died Sept. 22. Visitation was held Sept. 25 at Schoen Funeral in Covington, La. Private services will be held at a later date.

Cascade Middle displayed courage, grit, determination and the ability to overcome adversity in the Small School District tournament championship game on Saturday against St. Andrew's-Sewanee. Their trophy doesn't say "first place," but they went home winners despite the 2-1 overtime loss that ended their season...

McMINNVILLE -- To say Harris Middle's soccer program is a dynasty might be an understatement. The Eaglettes have dominated opponents over the years. That continued over the weekend as Harris rolled past Warren County Middle 3-0 Saturday afternoon to claim its sixth straight Central Tennessee Conference championship...