Stories from Saturday, November 24, 2007

Plans are being finalized for Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee's "Celebration of Christmas Past," Dec. 1 on and around the Shelbyville square. The event is scheulded to run from 3-5 p.m. Activities will include: In addition, later that night the dinner theatre productin of "Exit the Body" will be presented at The Fly. Call 703-7613 for reservations...

Junior forward Ceny Phelps led the way as Shelbyville Central defended their home court Friday night with a 59-50 win over Tennessee High of Bristol in the third annual Eaglette Tip Off Classic. Phelps scored a game-high 31 points, including 10-of-10 free throws, grabbed seven rebounds, had four assists and collected a pair of steals...

In a close game, turnovers usually play a major role in the final outcome. Such was the case in Cascade's 43-27 loss to Moore County on Friday night in the third annual Eaglette Tip Off Classic at Shelbyville Central Friday evening. It was the schools' second meeting in less than a week. Moore County claimed a 55-41 victory earlier...

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration recently hosted representatives from several key equine and animal protection agencies in an effort to "open doors, initate dialogue, and forge positive partnerships," according to a news release. Participating agencies included United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Horse Protection Association (AHPA), and American Humane Association (AHA)...

Jennifer Damron knew she wanted a new vehicle, but she wasn't exactly sure what kind until an episode of "Deal Or No Deal" gave her some direction. Her new black car would be fun, sleek, and powerful -- with a touch of pink. "Deal Or No Deal," in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, teamed up with Ford's "Warriors in Pink" campaign and gave away a limited edition Ford Mustang during an October episode. ...

As the holidays are upon us and planning for Christmas arrives, it's also time to think about doing something special for children in need. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is again underway in Shelbyville, giving thoughtful, generous shoppers an opportunity to purchase a toy for a boy and girl outside their family...

Rather than adopt a new regulation on yard sales, Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee recommended Tuesday night using existing business license requirements to catch those who have crossed the line from occasional yard sale to full-time flea market...

Wade O. "Buddy" Taylor, 73, of Eagleville died Saturday at his home after an extended illness. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Hillcrest Funeral Home with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday.

The public has a right to know, not only what its elected officials are doing, but why. That's the key point to the arguments betwen open government advocates (including many of us here in the media) and public officials about what should be covered by the Tennessee Open Meetings Act, also called the Sunshine Law...

Last year, this space related the story of a gang rape victim in Saudi Arabia who was sentenced to 90 lashes of the whip because she was alone in a car with a man to whom she was not married. At the time, this writer was stunned, but not surprised, that the Saudis would pull something like this, since their laws have remained the same since the mid-seventh century...