Stories from Sunday, January 8, 2012

When I was a child, one of the most exciting things to me was getting something in the mail. Normally that meant that I was getting some type of present for my birthday or Christmas. Now that I have my own apartment, I am not necessarily looking forward to the mail that will be coming to me since it will probably be mostly electricity, television, and Internet bills...

For a while, I was the only one in my family who actually enjoyed cooking. My sister used to make jokes about how I would have to do the cooking for her future family or they would be getting fast food or macaroni and cheese every night of the week...

Not much of a baker? No worries. Dessert does not have to be daunting. But a little creativity will go a long way. Mary Pitner of Shelbyville recently served a fun yet very simple dessert for her friends and coworkers to enjoy during a holiday get together, and it's likely a dish her friends won't soon forget....

A wise woman once said, "It's not the big things in life; it's those little things that hardly matter at all." It's absolutely impossible to be in a bad mood around Polly Frazier. Not only does she have bright blue eyes, a huge smile, and "silver" hair (as she calls it), she displays all the characteristics of a sweet, and charming, Southern woman...

A new year, new opportunities, new challenges, rocking on in our life journey, running our race, as the clock ticks on. Time is precious. Every day is a blessing. Have you taken a look at 2011? Did the year take you closer to where you want to be? And where is your journey taking you?...

MOTLOW COLLEGE -- Representatives of the state's community college system told legislators and other VIPs at Motlow State Community College's annual legislative breakfast that the Complete College Act passed in 2010 has given community colleges a new focus on student success...

A federal judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction filed by four detectives who are suing Sheriff Randall Boyce and Bedford County. Following an evidentiary hearing and testimony on Thursday in Chattanooga, U.S. District Judge Harry S. Mattice denied the motion that would have halted alleged retaliation against Bedford County Sheriff's Department employees who may wish to join a lawsuit over unpaid overtime...

FIFTH IN A SERIES New federal guidelines related to stormwater issues will be part of the focus of Shelbyville's public works department this year. Public Works director Mark Clanton has submitted his goals for 2012 to city manager Jay Johnson, who recently asked department heads to give him their ideas for what they hope to accomplish...

Applications are now being accepted for students wishing to attend Thomas Magnet School during the 2012-13 school year. For those students entering kindergarten, 60 slots are available, with additional -- but limited -- space for students in grades one through five...

District games are always important and district home games are even more so. After Shelbyville Central's 37-33 setback to visiting Columbia on Friday night in a District 8-AAA matchup, one can understand the disappointment of Coach Kevin Thomas. "I just hope this loss doesn't come back to haunt us later. More than any other year, I think winning district home games this year is going to be more important than ever," Thomas said...

It was a tough night for the Webb Feet on Friday night in their district match up against the Mt. Juliet Christian School. Although Mt. Juliet eventually heated up in the second half, Webb struggled through the entire game to find it's offensive rhythm...

HUNTLAND--Slow starts have plagued the Community Viqueens in the early season and Friday night was no exception in a 40-34 road loss to district foe Huntland on Friday night. The Lady Hornets opened with 11 unanswered points before Katie Leverette notched a goal at with four minutes gone from the clock. ...

HUNTLAND--It could very well have been a negative situation that the Community Vikings, seeking to maintain their standing atop the District 9-A standings, would have to do so in a hostile environment on the road, and without the double-double figures that senior Jake Leverette routinely posts, but they turned it into nothing but positives in an impressive 66-59 win over the Hornets on Friday night...

The Cascade Lady Champions have struggled offensively at times this year. On Friday night, the Lady Champs came out firing on all cylinders against the MTCS Cougars. Although the Lady Champs started hot, MTCS rallied and recaptured the lead by the end of the first half. Despite a mid-game slump, Cascade showed a great deal of mental toughness to fend off the Lady Cougars down the stretch for the much-needed district win...

It was a tale of two games in Friday night's district showdown between MTCS and Cascade. The first half was chalked full of solid defense and little offense from either squad. The second half, however, consisted of a high-octane offense. Cascade alone hit 51, second-half points to hold off MTCS 68-61 for the big district win...

What looked to be the makings of a blowout early in the game ended up being a close battle till the end. Shelbyville Central scored 11 unanswered points to start the game and held on to claim a 68-65 victory over visiting Columbia in a District 8-AAA matchup on Friday night...

My family and I had a wonderful holiday season. My oldest son, Gabe, came home from California in time for Thanksgiving, and has been with us through the New Year. I have really enjoyed having the whole family together. During the holidays, we have certainly enjoyed some good entertainment...

Graysie, a rescue kitty from BCAC is enjoying herself. She hasn't hit a lick all day and that's OK!