Stories from Sunday, August 28, 2011

The hummingbirds are active this year. This lady is one of many feeding around here.

Two years ago, local cartoon artist Kevin Rains stumbled across an old chain saw while helping clean out his family's cabin in the Smokey Mountains. That find sparked a curiosity in Kevin that's become his new passion. After finding the chain saw, Kevin began studying the craft of wood carving. He's been practicing and fine tuning his skills ever since, growing a collection of art that ranges from walking sticks to pumpkins to black bears...

Sen. Lamar Alexander is scheduled to visit the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration on Monday night. Alexander will visit center ring and make a presentation to a class winner, according to a TWHNC press release Saturday. The Republican senator and former Tennessee governor will attend as a guest of Steve Smith, a Tennessee walking horse breeder from Brentwood and member of the breed's Hall of Fame...

A lawsuit against the family that sent an adopted Russian boy back to his home country last year is back in Bedford County Circuit Court, with a new attorney representing them. Motion were filed Thursday before Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell so that the lawyer for Torry and Nancy Hansen can have access to the case file that had been sealed after it was moved into juvenile court jurisdiction...

The East Coast is the last place you would expect an earthquake, yet the nation's capital was rocked by a 5.8-magnitude quake last week that sent thousands fleeing into the streets. Fortunately, no major damage, deaths or injuries were reported after the unexpected shake. ...

Shelbyville's organization for the homeless has reorganized. The CROSS Project -- Community Religious Outreach Social Services -- has grown from the temporary shelter which first opened in December 2008 and now plans a new residential facility, growth of its food distribution ministry, and a new services division...

McMINNVILLE -- Shelbyville Central excelled in all three phases of the game Friday. The Golden Eagle offense was clicking on all cylinders, the defense was dominant and the kicking game and special teams shined as well in a 44-0 win at Warren County...

The Community Vikings had the tables turned on them in their home opener when Silverdale Academy returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown to fuel a 35-0 win over the hosts. The Seahawks led 14-0 after one quarter and took a 28-0 advantage into the intermission...

Despite an intense offensive effort from the Cascade Champions, it still wasn't enough Friday night as they suffered their first loss of the season 35-27 to the Jo Byrns Red Devils in non-region play. "We just couldn't stop them (Jo Byrns) defensively," said Champions coach Kenny Parker. "We had some opportunities, but they took them away from us."...

The Community Viqueens continue to roll in the early season with a 3-0 volleyball win over Columbia Academy on Thursday. Community outscored the Lady Bulldogs 25-20, 25-18 and 25-10 to run their season record to 3-0 in defense of their district championship last campaign...

Webb finished on top and Community a close second in a quad-match Thursday at Champions Run in Eagleville. The Feet (6-3) totalled 174 for a strong lead over Community's 181, Eagleville's 193 and Middle Tennessee Christian's 216. John Wang of Webb and Zack West of Community shared co-medalist honors with a 38. Madison Roberts of Webb totaled 43 for second place among all girls, whose scores were otherwise not listed...

Liberty bounced back from a tough loss with a dominating 32-0 victory in Eagleville on Thursday night. Running back Jay Wilkerson led the Patriots with four touchdowns and four two-point conversions. Quarterback Will Warner completed three passes to Wilkerson for three of those extra points...

I drove to West Virginia this week and sat by the bedside of a dying friend. He has terminal cancer and his vital organs are shutting down. I sat with him in his hospital room and prayed while he slept, held his hand and prayed when he was awake, and just was there with my friend...

When Dr. John Bennett heads out to work, it's still dark outside. Many days, by the time he gets home it's dark again. In the meantime, he will have traveled hundreds of miles, seen dozens of patients, and swapped jokes and friendly insults with grooms. trainers and owners...

In his song, "The Good Stuff," Kenny Chesney makes reference to a husband who eats burnt suppers and asks for seconds, to keep from hurting his new wife's feelings, during the couple's first year of marriage. Remember your wife's or husband's burnt corn bread and lumpy mashed potatoes? I bet you do...

I have completely enjoyed my garden this year. I planted everything from corn to sunflowers and everything in between. My husband didn't realize how serious I was when I told him to till me up a BIG area. I have enjoyed caring for my plants and watching them grow and even the weeding...

What a great time of year it is for Shelbyville and Bedford County! With horse show fans filling up our town and school in session, August is always undoubtedly a busy time of year for us at the paper. For me, this August has been particularly busy, yet fun and rewarding too...