Stories from Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Tiffany Deluccia, a PR spokeswoman who for Verizon Wireless, noted my coverage of Severe Weather Awareness Week, and passed along some technology-related severe weather tips. In severe weather emergencies, you should: l Limit non-emergency calls to conserve battery power and free up wireless networks for emergency agencies and operations...

SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods, Inc. recently announced the company has made capital investments of more than $40 million in four of its plants that could create as many as 490 jobs. Expansion projects are under way at plants in Sherman, Texas, and Goodlettsville; an expansion in Glen Allen, Va., was recently completed; and The Bruss Company, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, recently opened for business in Jacksonville, Fla...

The following were arrested since Friday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

This spring, the Shelter Insurance Foundation will award a $2,000 scholarship to a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School. Shelter agent Maleah Qualls sponsors and partially funds this scholarship. A committee of local high school officials and community leaders will select the local recipient. The committee will consider each applicant's scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character and participation and leadership in school and community activities...

Harton Regional Medical Center was pleased to sponsor the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon on Feb. 5. The spotlight speaker was Wilburn George, M.D., Cardiology, who gave a presentation on the importance of heart health...

A woman who pled to raping a fellow Bedford County inmate in 2008 has lost another appeal -- this time over the definition of "guilty." Evetta Mai McGee had been sentenced to 11 years for the sexual assault, which in addition to a previous drug conviction, amounts a 20-year stint in prison...

Investigation continues into the 2011 death of a young Shelbyville child, police say. A recently-released state autopsy report confirms 9-month-old Kylynn Sturgeon died of "blunt force trauma" to the head on Nov. 10, 2011. The report states "manner of death" as "homicide" due to injuries inflicted by "others."...

On Valentine's Day last week, a group of local members from Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM) performed "The Vagina Monologues" as part of a global day of action to raise awareness of violence against women. Millions of people across the world took part in V-Day by staging plays, organizing flash mobs, performing street theater, holding concerts, and more. Proceeds from event in Shelbyville benefited both V-Day and SOCM...

Hispanic immigrants who are just arriving in Middle Tennessee and are experiencing family turmoil may not know where to turn for help in a strange new community, and could end up on the radar scope of the state's child welfare system...

The 40-day agreement to place law enforcement officers in county schools will expire March 1, prior to the next county commission meeting, so it's not clear if the officers will be able to remain after that time, until and unless county commissioners re-authorize the program...

The school board is looking at ways to keep the adult education program's administration in Bedford County. It was recently revealed that the state is cutting by about half the number of local supervisors of adult education programs. One person will administer Bedford County's program along with the programs in Warren and Coffee counties...

The Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce's annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon convened Tuesday at the Blue Ribbon Circle. Four citizens were honored for their commitment to the county while lunch was enjoyed by a full house. Rick Insell served as a special guest speaker, and the audience also heard from outgoing president Ed Gray and incoming president Jeff Anderson...

As the winter season fades into the blossom of spring with the turn of a calendar, sports enthusiasts know one thing--baseball is right around the corner. Already, pitchers and catchers have reported for spring training to loosen up and reacquaint themselves with their respective positions...

The Community Middle Vikings notched their second win of the season on Tuesday night, besting Cornersville 13-3 on the road. The Vikings piled up eight hits to go along with nine walks during the 10-run victory. Starting pitcher Kirk Taylor went four innings and only gave up a pair of hits, a walk, and one earned run. Brayden Stephenson closed things down for the Purple and Gold on the hill. During his one inning of work on the hill, Cornersville only managed a pair of hits and a run...

Paul Arthur Ferguson, 76, of Manchester died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 at Life Care Center in Tullahoma. Per his wishes he will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gowen-Smith Chapel.