Stories from Wednesday, August 20, 2008

I kissed my husband goodbye this morning and hugged my two youngest sons. "I'll see you in 10 days," I said. "If you need me -- whinny." They're used to it. Last year was the first time in ages they haven't lost me to the Celebration. (Remember the metrosexual editor of my former paper? He didn't think the biggest horse show in the world was newsworthy.)...

There are no crystal balls in the horse world -- but the Futurity comes pretty close. Year after year, horses are nominated and shown at the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association's show, from the time they are weanlings until they are 3-year-olds...

The 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration began with morning classes today; evening Celebration classes will begin Thursday night in the main outdoor arena. The show has a strong 4,222 pre-entries this year; total entries are expected to rise to over 4,500 once qualifying horses have entered their respective championship classes. ...

Until last week, the tiny cabin tucked away at 803 Lipscomb St. stood empty, but with the recent help of a Shelbyville man, the historic replica of master craftsman Jim Gilliland's cabin is beginning to come alive. "Mr. Powell has really been a supporter of the Gilliland House and we're just so very grateful," said Mai D. Hendricks, committee president of the Gilliland House Historical Museum...

A Shelbyville man accused of a first degree murder in Williamson County has been captured, according to police. Timothy William Sparrow, 24, was taken into custody at a home on West Grundy Street in Tullahoma early Tuesday afternoon after Bedford County authorities were notified of his whereabouts by a telephoned tip, Sheriff Randall Boyce said...

More details have emerged about the investigation leading to a raid last week on an alleged gaming house in Shelbyville. Authorities conducted a raid at 101 Tillett Court on the evening of Aug. 12 where high dollar poker games were allegedly held. A total of 33 people were caught up in the raid -- with seven facing felony charges and 26 others charged with gambling, a misdemeanor...

In the county's current tight budget situation, every expenditure is a potential topic for scrutiny and discussion, and Bedford County Emergency Medical Services board members spent much of Monday night's meeting talking about the use of a vehicle for hauling supplies...

Bell Buckle will host its inaugural "Best of the Butts" barbecue cookoff on Saturday, Aug. 30, on the stage behind the stores in downtown Bell Buckle. The first-time event will feature butts and ribs from a field of 24 entries. All proceeds will benefit the Bell Buckle Park...

A Moore County man has been charged with stealing lawn equipment from a wide area, including Bedford County, over the past year. Officers recovered some of the property last week at a Franklin County home and arrested Norman Litchford of Raysville Road, Moore County Sheriff Mark Logan said...

José Acosta Arias, 44, of College Grove, died Monday. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Simpson Cemetery in Rover with the Rev. Mike Giles officiating. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at Lawrence Funeral Home, Chapel Hill.

It is a fairly quiet afternoon and, off in the distance, gunshots pop off one after the other. Tucked away in a field in Wheel, head coach Connie Bean and assistant coach Ray Smith are helping possible new members of the Hoodlum Alley Claybusters' rookie team prepare for the next season...

Shelbyville Central came up just a few strokes short Tuesday in a District 8-AAA golf match with visiting Columbia. Columbia won with a net score of 169 while the Golden Eagles carded a 175. Chase Bledsoe led Shelbyville with a 40, while Brandt Stephens followed with a 41...