Stories from Saturday, October 27, 2007

Just a few random observations: •During the warm months I frequently saw trucks full of people, often small children, riding in the beds. If a speeding drunk rams one of those trucks tragedy will likely result. If you're 12 or over on any road; 6-11 on non-federal highways (meaning city or county roads); or involved in agricultural activities (which could be loosely interpreted in this rural area), you can legally ride in the back of a truck...

Last year, those of us in the news media welcomed the "Sunshine in Government Improvement Act of 2006." Sponsored by State Rep. Joe Fowlkes, D-Cornersville, and State Sen. Randy McAnally, R-Oak Ridge, the bill was drafted by a team of attorneys representing the Tennessee Press Association and the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government...

Halloween costumes aren't just for children. Some parents like wearing a costume while taking their children trick-or-treating; others want a costume for a Halloween party, or perhaps in some cases for church functions which allow some types of costumes but bill themselves as alternatives to Halloween...

Developers and the public will soon be getting their first look at Shelbyville's proposed subdivision regulations so that the city's planning commission can make final adjustments before sending the document to the city council for approval. The commission plans to hold a public hearing on the new regulations after Christmas. ...

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania - On a rural, grassy, wind-blown hilltop near the Black Sea, a group of American soldiers stand on soil that over the ages armies and empires fought for. The Greeks, Romans, Turks and Soviets have all paid the price of blood to stand on this land...

CHAPEL HILL -- Steps are already being taken to be ready if another request is deemed necessary for further restrictions in the release of water through Normandy Dam because of continued drought. "This reduction may not get it," Duck River Agency Executive Director Doug Murphy told nearly 50 state and local officials from five counties on Thursday, shortly after a second phase of water conservation started at Normandy Lake...

Community Junior High came out of the gates about as good as a team can, dominating Eagleville Middle 49-5 on the road Thursday night. The Viqueens jumped out to a 23-5 first-quarter lead and carried a 37-5 advantage into the half in their season opener...

Community's performance against Forrest on Friday night may not have been a victory, but it was definitely a morale booster. Forrest's Rockets won 35-22 despite being dominated in almost every statistical category, including total offense, time of possession, first downs, passing yardage, total plays and third down efficiency by the Vikings...

Cascade came out of the locker room on fire, scoring on their first possession of both halves. Unfortunately for the third-ranked Champions, the drives only resulted in a pair of field goals and they would be the only points they could muster against No. 5 Jo Byrns in a 36-6 loss at The Stable on a cool Friday night...

Shelbyville Central's playoff hopes will have to wait another week. After a scoreless first quarter Friday night, powerful Maplewood tacked on 20 points in the second on the way to a 40-0 win on Shelbyville's homecoming and Senior Night. The Golden Eagles (3-6, 3-2 Region 5-4A) entered the game tied with Maplewood (7-2, 4-1) for second place along with Tullahoma (5-4, 3-2), which lost to Hillsboro (7-1, 5-0)...