Stories from Wednesday, October 16, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate leaders reached last-minute agreement Wednesday to avert a threatened Treasury default and reopen the government after a partial, 16-day shutdown, according to a Republican senator who also said congressional leaders would push for passage as soon as possible...

I really, really wanted to write this week's column, a review of the Samsung Galaxy Gear, without mentioning Dick Tracy -- it seems like such a cliché, and Samsung itself is using it in TV ads for the product. But I'm a prisoner of my generation; every time I look at my wrist, that's what comes to mind...

Securing perimeters of school grounds should be officials' top priority, an architect re-emphasized to Bedford County's school board Tuesday night. The board followed architect John Davis' advice by voting to purchase toughened glass for areas near entrances of five schools...

David Thomas, a Shelbyville native who has co-written six books on parenting, stressed the importance of relationships Tuesday as the guest speaker for Argie Cooper Public Library's annual Tennessee Box Luncheon. Thomas also put in a good word for libraries, saying the love of reading he developed at the library in Shelbyville led to his success as a writer...

Bedford County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement committee said Tuesday night that the current county vehicle policy prohibits any county employee -- including law enforcement officers -- from taking a county-owned vehicle outside county limits for personal use...

It's October in Bell Buckle, which means it's time for the the Webb School Arts and Crafts Fair. The 37th annual show, sponsored by Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce and The Webb School, will take place 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday. The official juried show and vendors will be located on a portion of the Webb School campus which touches Maple Street, but there will be other vendors and activities throughout the town...

The Belfast walking horse show was reported to have gone smoothly as it showcased its champions in its inaugural fall show. Traditionally, the horse show is held just prior to the Celebration, but was rescheduled to October this year. Top honors in the walking horse stake class went to The Golden Sovereign, owned by Virginia Stewart of Shelbyville...

Top-seed Shelbyville Central advances to the District 8-AAA Tournament championship after cruising to a 5-0 victory over visiting Columbia in the semifinals on Tuesday night. With the win, the Eaglettes host Franklin County, who advanced with a shootout win over second seed Tullahoma after playing to a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation, on Thursday night at 7...

WHITE HOUSE -- It just wasn't in the cards. The Community Viqueens traveled to White House to face the Lady Blue Devils in the semifinal round of the District 9-A/AA tournament on Tuesday night. Though Community threw everything it had and then some at the Lady Blue Devils, White House was able to bank a pair of second-half goals to claim the 3-1 win and end the Viqueens' season...

Liberty put three players in double figures and cruised to a 56-30 season opener win over Cascade Middle on Tuesday night. Dawson Wilson, Cam Price, and Bradley Houston combined for 36 points--most of which came in the first half. The Patriots stymied the Champion game plan and held a commanding 18-3 lead after one quarter of play...

What started as a slow trickle of offense ended with a strong fourth quarter for the Liberty Lady Patriots on Tuesday night against the Cascade Middle Lady Champions. Trailing Cascade through the first three quarters, Liberty was able to push the attack in the lane and get to the line, which allowed the Lady Pats to pull away with a 13-point fourth quarter and claim the 24-19 win...

Four video games, an iPod charger and medicine were taken during the day Tuesday from a Warners Bridge Road home, Shelbyville police were told. The following were charged 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...

Wayne Finchum, vice president of Titan Transfer, Inc. has been named Maintenance Professional of the Year by the Tennessee Trucking Association. The award was presented at the TTA annual convention in Sandestin, Fla. Wayne is responsible for overseeing Titan's six maintenance locations. He is responsible for the purchase and pricing of all parts and services related to the safe operation of Titan's 475 tractors along with 1,300 trailers...