Stories from Thursday, January 29, 2009

Many people from Shelbyville and surrounding areas who attended the Mixed Martial Arts competition in November may have had interest stirred up in participating in future events. Certified MMA -- or mixed martial arts and karate training -- is now available in the immediate area for individuals ages 3 and up...

David Glenn Rogers, 46, of Shelbyville, died Wednesday at Heritage Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hillcrest Funeral Home with John Stephens and Carl Crawford officiating. Burial will follow at Crossroads Cemetery...

About a year ago, Danny and Natalie Odeneal daydreamed about what they would do if they ever won the lottery. Both agreed they'd want to continue working, but they would also want to help people in the community -- some way, somehow. They never won the lottery, but the content of that dreamy conversation came to fruition last December when they decided to pass up Christmas presents and a vacation in exchange for doing some renovations on the home of a local family in need...

Bedford County's sales tax revenues this year are running below last year's, according to figures presented Tuesday night to the Financial Management Committee. Property tax revenues this year are above last year's, but Finance Director Robert Daniel said the true picture of property tax revenue won't be apparent until January and February figures are in. February is the deadline for paying property tax bills...

The C.R.O.S.S. (Community Religious Outreach Social Service) shelter is already nearly at full capacity since opening one month ago. And now, the facility's chief organizer says that twice that number can be given a temporary roof over their heads with the addition of bunk beds...

The Rev. Peter Whalen of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer has stepped up to help the county's new homeless shelter, and he has put his money where his mouth is by donating $1,200. Whalen is challenging other churches to match that donation each month...

February often has people seeing red -- from the color of cold noses to the endless displays of valentine cards. But on Friday, Feb. 6, people will be seeing red for a different reason, especially around First Baptist Church. Heritage Medical Center is sponsoring its first "Go Red for Women" luncheon at noon, featuring guest speaker Dr. Jeffery Webber, a cardiologist with the Frist group, now associated with Heritage...

I really start going stir crazy this time of year, itching to get out, go on vacation and try new things. For example, last week I committed to running a half marathon in May -- and I joined a new club. I had really wanted to spend my birthday in Napa Valley this February, but February is not a good time to enjoy the fruits of California's wine country. But after Friday, I am confident that my new club membership is indeed the next best thing...