Stories from Thursday, July 12, 2012

So many intelligent, talented people. Yet so few willing to offer their intelligence and talents to help others. Bedford County's general election is less than a month away. And, once again, the ballot is filled with unopposed candidates, many incumbents...

A suspect who told police he had just been released from 16 months in jail was charged with possessing 11.66 grams of marijuana following a traffic stop on Horse Mountain Road early Tuesday. Jemeel Rodriguez Scruggs, 24, of Madison Street was being placed under arrest for driving on a suspended license when officer Jody Shelton spotted a bag containing the marijuana on the ground next to his patrol car. ...

Jeremy and Christina Pugh are pleased to announce the birth of a boy, Ezra Everrett Pugh. Ezra was born at Harton Regional Medical Center on Friday, June 22. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and measured 20 inches long. Grandparents are Michael and Linda Andrus, and Sammy Joe and Barbara Milligan, all of Shelbyville. ...

The 74th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is just a little over a month away. I am proud to be associated with an event that literally identifies our community. The Walking Horse Industry and The Celebration set us apart from communities with similar size and population...

The Shelbyville and Vicinity Club sponsored its 21st annual Founder's Day Celebration last month. This year's theme was "Embracing Change: Paving the Road to Success." Ira Booker served as guest speaker. Booker indicated that change is inevitable; however, the manner in which we embrace change makes all the difference in the world. The club was also graced with a dramatization of the life of Sojourner Truth and her famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman."...

In what he once was thought was not achievable, Shelbyville Central left-handed pitcher Kalen Thompson signed a letter of intent to attend Snead State Community College in Boaz, Ala. An outstanding second half of his senior season, along with a lot of dedication and hard work, helped make this opportunity possible...

Fresh Start Ministries will host an open house and cookout Saturday, July 14. The celebration, open to the public, serves to thank local sponsors and supporters of the men's home who've helped Fresh Start grow and reach men who with a desire to change their lives, said Jay Pope, who oversees the ministry...

A simple pair of children's shoes may not look powerful, but they can make a big difference in the lives of orphans around the world. The annual nationwide Shoes for Orphan Souls shoe drive is seeking to collect more than 250,000 pairs of new shoes and socks, with a nationwide campaign...

A Bedford County Workhouse inmate who walked away from a trash crew south of Shelbyville on Monday was arrested at a friend's home Wednesday morning. Andrew Phillip Marshall, 19, is back in Bedford County Jail, Sheriff Randall Boyce said. "We got to checking around and found out who his friends are and who he runs with," Boyce said. "We found out who he was with and where his friend lived and what kind of car he drives."...

A trial over the constitutionality of a USDA rule change ordering the walking horse industry to oversee enforcement of anti-abuse penalties will go on as scheduled, a federal judge ruled Monday. U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means denied a motion for a temporary restraining order requested last month by the Shelbyville-based SHOW Horse Industry Organization...

Lucille Blackburn Brandon was born on July 11, 1912 in Bell Buckle, and has spent all 100 of her years as a Bedford County resident. Centenarians are rare, but for someone to spend their entire 100 years in one county is even more unique. Brandon worked as a clerk for Circuit Court for many years, and later in the office of the old Bedford County General Hospital. After retiring, she later worked at the Golden Corral and at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel...

Thessa White Smith, 90, of Murfreesboro, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro with W.D. Thomason officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Murfreesboro. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m.

Tom Hastings, 88, of Orlando, Fla., a Shelbyville native, died Thursday, July 12, 2012 after a short illness. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 19 at Willow Mount Cemetery.

Shelbyville's Very Own, The Ghost Ballerinas, Hold A Special Practice And One Very Talented Young Man With Autism, Mark, Joins In!!! NEVER doubt ANYONES Ability!!!

What An Amazing Young Man!!!!

The Ghost Ballerina's Special Band Practice, Featuring Mark, One Very Talented Young Man With Autism.

View of midnight sunset from our airplane window over the Arctic Circle (6/8/12 11:55 PM). During the summer in the Arctic Circle, it is only dark from around midnight until 4 AM.

"Deadliest Catch" Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour in Ketchikan, AK. Two of our tour guides and our boat have been on the "Deadliest Catch".

Eagles swarmed our boat to eat the fish that were being thrown to them during our "Deadliest Catch" tour. There were around 30 eagles sitting in the trees when our boat pulled up to Annette Island (an Indian Reservation near Ketchikan, AK). Awesome!...