Stories from Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The office of local Allstate insurance agent Amanda McDonald O'Neal has been designated as an Allstate Premier Agency for 2013. Allstate officials say the designation is given to less than 38 percent of the company's nearly 10,000 agency owners across the country. ...

James H. Clark DDS has announced the addition of Tara Amanda Clements DDS to his office. Her first day of practice was Monday at Clark's office, 710 North Brittian St. Clements graduated from Mount Juliet High School in 2002 and Tennessee Technological University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. She worked as a registered dental assistant for five years while finishing college...

Two businesses opened in a shared location. The Gift Gallery and Designs by Paula are in the 700 block of Union Street, in a small shopping plaza between Hopps Express No. 2 and Trinity Baptist Church, near the intersection of Union Street, Lane Parkway and Elm Street. The ribbon cutting was on Tuesday, July 2. Front, from left are: Tonya Davis; Dawn Holley; Frances Beasley; Paula Williams, co-owner; Ginny England, daughter of The Gift Gallery co-owner Betty Bomar (not pictured); Heather Williams; and Carol Driver. Back, from left: Nancy Jensen; Ann Farrar; Diane Cline; Charlie Williams; and Linda Nichols. The combined businesses offer floral arrangements, fruit and gift baskets, balloon bouquets, purses, jewelry and many other gift items. (T-G Photo by Jason Reynolds)....

A Shelbyville welding instructor attended a welding metallurgy professional development workshop held in Chattanooga last month. The Engineering Technology Division of Chattanooga State Community College along with Weld-Ed, a National Science Foundation-funded welding education program, hosted the workshop from June 10-14 at the college's Center for Advanced Technologies. ...

Strike three and you're out in baseball or softball. Shelbyville Central High athletic officials hope that hold true for thieves as well. The school's outdoor athletic facilities were entered twice in two days Monday and Tuesday. They follow a June 20 burglary in which thousands of dollars worth of baseball and softball equipment were taken...

I spent last week at Camp Cumberland Pines just outside Altamont, participating in a short-term missions program called Mountain T.O.P. Adults In Ministry (AIM). I've been a part of this particular program for 20 years; my first such camp was in August 1993...

In an effort to stir patriotism among Bedford County residents, Calvary Baptist Church is beginning its celebration of independence a day early -- July 3 -- with its "God and Country Parade/Rally." The event is designed to rally citizens to a new sense of patriotism while turning their thoughts back to the Christian values that our country was built on...

Here's your chance to feed your hunger to win -- and, literally, feed yourself and your family. It's the $1,000 Grocery Give-Away sponsored by the Shelbyville Times-Gazette and Kroger of Shelbyville. Ten lucky entrants will win $100 gift cards from Kroger, 1010 North Main St. -- perfect for that end-of-summer family cookout...

Before students return to school in August, a coalition of community groups plans to feed 500 of them and provide backpacks and other school supplies. The day camp event, called Summer Blowout, is planned for 9 a.m. on July 26 at the old Walmart building, 1250 Madison St. But before then, organizers need the community's help in raising $5,000...

Shelbyville's city council will examine options next week to fix what is being called a "broken" parking situation on the public square. Downtown merchants have been unhappy with the lack of enforcement on parking fines, and a review found that from 2011 until May of this year, 83 percent of 1,750 tickets issued were not paid, totaling fines of $7,344...

CINCINNATI -- Been there, done that. As Homer Bailey stepped to the mound in the top of the ninth, just three outs away from his second no-hitter, the crowd at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati began roaring with the potential for another Homer Bailey no-hit performance...

Joel Gettis Tinnon, 84, of Shelbyville died Wednesday, July 3, 2013 after an extended illness. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Rosebank Cemetery in Flat Creek with Jim Sorrells officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Doak-Howell Funeral Home.

Richard David Sheppard, 68, of Shelbyville died Tuesday, July 2, 2013. Per his wishes, he will be cremated. No services are planned at this time. Gowen-Smith Chapel is handling arrangements.

The City of Shelbyville has cancelled Thursday night's fireworks show, as well as all other special activities at the park, due to projected severe weather. Shelbyville Recreation Center will remain open. The fireworks display will be held Labor Day, Sept. 2, at the park complex...