Stories from Friday, July 17, 2009

A fifth defendant accused of a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme has turned himself in to federal authorities, while two of those indicted plan to plead guilty to some of the allegations. In the meantime, the defense attorney for one of the four already accused in the alleged scheme said that action in his client's case would not move forward until sometime in the fall...

Wartrace Park and Recreation Committee's annual hamburger supper and auction was held Saturday night at Wartrace Community Center. The event was a fundraising hit, according to committee chair Jean Gallagher. "So many people have come and donated things.... We have well over 70 items to auction off," Gallagher said...

If you feel the need to admire the beauty of Bedford County Saturday night, you don't have to go far to do it. Head down to Shelbyville Central High School for the 2009 Bedford County Fairest of the Fair pageant. "There's about 30 more girls in it this year than last year," said Jerri Lynn Smith, who chairs the event for the Bedford County Fair. "It's really increased. I'm glad to see more getting in it."...

Thursday was the deadline for candidates to file qualifying papers for the special called Aug. 27 primary and Oct. 13 general election to fill a vacancy in the 62nd District state House of Representatives seat representing all of Bedford, parts of Lincoln and Rutherford counties...

The owners of spotted saddle horses like to brag about the versatility of their chosen breed. "They can be your weekday trail riding horse and your weekend show horse," they'll tell you. And they're right. A quick glance at any group of trail riders is going to reveal at least one, if not more, spotted saddle horses in the herd. ...

MANCHESTER -- It didn't carry the end result they were looking for, but Shelbyville Post 23 showed signs of improvement in their 4-3 loss to Columbia Post 19 and put themselves in position to win in their first game of the Junior American Legion state tournament...

An alleged marijuana growing operation in Shelbyville was nipped in the bud by members of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department earlier this week, and two men were taken into custody as a result. Donald E. Rodgers, 42, and Raymond Pagan Escobosa, 30, of South Cannon Boulevard, were charged. Both have a court date set for Aug. 26 in Bedford County General Sessions Court...

Arnold Otto, 90, of Shelbyville, died Thursday at Heritage Medical Center. His remains will be cremated. No funeral services will be held. Tullahoma Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows announced that the judging panel for the 71st annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been selected. The group includes Rollie Beard of Lewisburg, Jamie Bradshaw of Union Grove, Ala., Mike Carpenter of Franklin, Jennifer Bingham of Shelbyville, and Sam Sorrell of Flemingsburg, Ky...