Stories from Friday, March 29, 2013

A practical joke turned serious for a Bedford County Sheriff's Department dispatcher charged with a child pornography-related charge. Michael Spray, a night shift employee for the past four years, was charged with one count of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor after a fellow worker found obscene images of young girls on his cell phone...

Gavin holding his First Colored Easter Eggs

Bedford County officials are considering adding technology to elementary schools to improve security as an alternative to hiring more school resource officers (SROs). During a Board of Education budget committee meeting Thursday, interim Superintendent Mike Bone recommended the technology option. Securing elementary schools would cost approximately $125,000, he said...

A paperwork issue involving property taxes owed by a local firm has been clarified after city officials looked into the issue. Earlier this week, Gold River Feed was taken off the city's delinquent property tax list after confusion about the company's status due to a industrial development board bond payment in lieu of property taxes...

Bradynn Elizabeth Jones, 7 weeks, enjoyed a visit with her great-grandfather J.S. Nowlin. He was tickled to get to hold her. Bradynn was named after her late great grandmother Elizabeth Nowlin.

Bedford County has been re-certified by the National Weather Service as a StormReady Community for a new three-year term. "We deal with 39 counties in Middle Tennessee, and Bedford County is one of the best," said Tom Johnstone of NWS, who made the formal presentation to Mayor Eugene Ray and Bedford County Emergency Management Agency officials on Thursday...

National Pen Co. is hiring new workers for a call center. According to Nashville television reports, the company is hiring 100 workers for positions in customer service, sales and ordering. To apply, email tnjobs@pens.com or call National Pen at 684-6677. Application forms are available outside the company's office as well...

A Bedford County man serving 12 years on a drug conviction lost his third appeal this week. Appellate Judge Jerry L. Smith ruled that issues dealing with the appeal made by Derrick Lemon Goode "are without merit." Goode was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler following a jury trial to the 12-year sentence for one count each of selling and delivering 0.5 grams or more of crack cocaine...

As reported in January, Middle Tennessee Business Network (MTBN) of Bedford County will be awarding a $500 scholarship at the end of the 2012-13 academic year to one Bedford County high school senior who meets certain requirements. Members of the MTBN board met with Janice Womble and Cheryl Harris with the Bedford County Board of Education last October to work out scholarship details...

For the second night in a row, the Cascade Champions got on the board early and picked up a huge win, with the latest coming with an 11-1 win over the visiting Culleoka Warriors on Thursday night. "This was easily our best performance of the year. I challenged them the last few days to pitch, hit, and play good 'D'. And I thought we did that today," said Champion coach Brandon Bassham...

It was a disappointing loss as Shelbyville Central fell 10-9 to visiting Centennial in the Warrior Classic on Thursday night. The Eagles banged out eight hits but it was six costly errors in the field that proved to be the difference in the final outcome...

NASHVILLE -- Having struggled to cut down on the errors against Moore County on Tuesday, the Community Viqueens got a solid day of practice in on Wednesday afternoon with the hopes of making a few adjustments in Thursday's doubleheader against Ensworth...

A night after suffering a tough, 17-6 loss, the Cascade Middle Lady Champions bounced back with an impressive 12-2 win over visiting Moore County on Thursday afternoon. The Lady Champs saw a steady amount of offense through the first few innings, but it was the Lady Champs' answer to Moore County's two runs in the top of the fourth inning that proved to be the difference in the game...

After battling to a 1-1 draw earlier this week against Cannon County, the Cascade Champions traveled to Fayetteville City on Thursday afternoon where the Champs battled the home-standing Tigers to a 2-2 stalemate after regulation. The Tigers pounced on the Champs early, netting both of their scores within the first 20 minutes...

As temperatures reached near 60 degrees Thursday afternoon after several chilly days, it was a good time to be out with your bicycle. (T-G Photo by Jim Davis)

While you take a look at the Easter resurrection story, you can also get a look at yourself and your family this Sunday. The People's Church will give a free portrait to all attendees at the 10:45 a.m. service. "There are no strings attached to this free offer," said Pastor Drew Hayes. "Everyone will get a free 5x7 portrait and then they can also buy any extra pictures they want. But the free one is theirs' whether they buy anything or not."...

Rondal Thomas Wilson, 80, of Shelbyville died Thursday, March 28. 2013. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel with Bobby McGee officiating. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m.