Stories from Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Realignment -- in the horse industry, and in Shelbyville elementary schools -- is the theme of today's entries in the Times-Gazette's annual countdown of the 10 most newsworthy stories of the year. We will reveal two stories a day through Sunday. The two stories already revealed:...

The Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic will open Tuesday, Jan. 5. The clinic will offer low-cost, affordable spay/neuter prices to qualifying pet owners. The clinic is able to keep prices low for clients because it conducts fundraisers and has received private donations and grants...

Future state road projects in Bedford County might be delayed after federal highway funds were rescinded, but work on the Shelbyville bypass will continue, a spokesperson with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) said. A report published this past weekend by The Tennessean and The Associated Press claimed that about $250 million earmarked for road work from the federal stimulus act passed earlier this year, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, had been rescinded.. ...

They came in all sizes, shapes, sexes and races. Grandfathers and new fathers, recent high school graduates nervously awaiting their first tour in Iraq and toughened veterans going back for the second or third time. What they had in common were their National Guard uniforms, their families' support, and their desire to serve their country and make a difference...

The Christmas break left the Webb roster depleted for the time being with just seven players but those Lady Feet dug in and downed Culleoka 51-20 Monday in the Mt. Pleasant Tiger Classic. Webb didn't allow its foes to score in double figures in any quarter thanks in part to a smothering full-court press...

CENTERVILLE -- Shelbyville Central built an early lead and held on late to claim a 55-53 win over talented Christ Presbyterian Academy in opening round action of the Hickman County Above the Rim Christmas Invitational on Monday evening. The Eaglettes (7-3) jumped out to a 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to a very aggressive half-court defense and a pair of 3-pointers by senior Katlin Buchanan...

EAGLEVILLE -- The Community Viqueens opened post-Christmas play with an impressive come-from-behind 47-41 win over Page in the Eagleville Invitational Classic on Monday night. "I thought that we played well defensively and that helped our offense relax a little bit," Community coach Allison Layne said. "We didn't get down when we were behind and we worked hard to get back in the game."...

EAGLEVILLE -- Jace Bryant's Community Vikings face a tough stretch of district games in the coming weeks, so what better way to prepare than face top-notch competition in the Eagleville Invitational? Community fell 59-48 to Class AA foe Page in opening round play Monday night...

LEBANON -- Hoping to get some wind back in the sails of his troops, Cascade coach Charlie Pope gave much of his Champions the Christmas break away from practice on the hardwood. Other than some voluntary shoot-arounds, the team only assembled once for a full-fledged practice since the Community game on Dec. 18...

LEBANON -- A tenacious defensive performance overcame a rusty offense for Cascade's girls in a 49-33 win over Westmoreland in the first day of action in the Mid-State Christmas Tournament at Friendship Christian School on Monday. The Lady Champions (9-2) held their Class AA foes to just eight points, all from the free-throw line, in the middle two quarters to take control and never look back...

Michael Lynn Pope, 44, of Shelbyville died Tuesday at Heritage Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Willis Pope officiating. Burial will follow at Cothran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Shelbyville Central's offense is starting to click but the same can't be said for the other end of the court as the Golden Eagles fell 73-70 to Centennial in opening round action of the Father Ryan Christmas Tournament on Monday night. Three players scored in double figures for the Eagles to lead a balanced scoring attack...