Stories from Friday, July 22, 2011

A Murfreesboro man who allegedly talked of blowing up the Rutherford County courthouse was jailed on a disorderly conduct charge after a confrontation at Heritage Medical Center Wednesday afternoon. Paul Joshua Reed, 32, was a patient in the critical care unit pending evaluation by the crisis team, officer Jon Cooke said. The crisis team evaluates individuals when mental health issues are involved...

Motorists convicted of traffic offenses in Shelbyville -- or who just want to improve their skills behind the wheel -- now have a new choice for court-ordered traffic school. Shelbyville police have begun offering a traffic school, Chief Austin Swing said...

The residents of a Depot Street home were surprised when a large tree fell through the roof during a severe thunderstorm Thursday afternoon. "My husband (Charles Evans) saw a big ball of fire and heard a 'boom'", his wife, Gladys Evans, said. "He went out on the porch, saw nothing out of the ordinary then saw a tree on the house."...

Commissioner Denise Graham said Tuesday night that the county commission's law enforcement and workhouse committee needs to take a more active role in reviewing sheriff's department policies on an ongoing basis. Sheriff Randall Boyce said the department's thick policy manual is updated every two years but that he would welcome committee involvement in the process...

Chocolate lovers have an opportunity for a special treat this Saturday, when local resident Daniel Hooberry demonstrates his craft on the square. A master chocolatier with classical culinary training, Hooberry will educate visitors about the history of chocolate and how to evaluate its taste...

Although there's such a thing as "Cincinnati chili" -- often with hints of cinnamon or clove, and served over spaghetti -- retired firefighter Bill Donovan of Cincinnati, Ohio, won't be entering it in the chili cookoff Saturday on the Shelbyville square...

Could Calsonic Arena soon be home to a professional football team? The arena is known for hosting horse shows and concerts along with many other events, including high school football practice from time to time, but I've come across some information that indicates it could possibly host a new indoor football franchise...

Barry Floyd Patton, 56, of Deason died Thursday at his home after an extended illness. A celebration of life gathering of family and friends will be held from 1-8 p.m. Monday at Doak-Howell Funeral Home.

Sammy H. Chunn, 86, of New Albany, Ind., formerly of Shelbyville, died Tuesday, July 19. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Jones Memorial Church in New Albany. Burial will follow at Westhaven Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday. Mason Brothers Memorial Chapel of Evansville, Ind. is in charge of arrangements.