Stories from Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Don Orr, 83, a former Shelbyville-area resident, died in Arkansas on Dec. 22, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 28 at First Baptist Church, Maumelle, Ark. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Roller-Chenal Funeral Home of Little Rock is in charge of arrangements.

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Bedford County, as a minister and his family who lost their home to fire Saturday night can testify. "We've had people from all over the community helping us," Brian Lindsey, minister of Whitaker Church of God, said Sunday. "We've heard from people who have never been to our church. It's really a testament to our community."...

POINTS NORTH -- Santa was just about to finish a mug of hot cocoa when I asked him about the list. "Ah, yes, the list," he said. "Well, I can't let you see any of the names on the list -- that's between me and the kids -- but I understand people are curious."...

Has holiday shopping left your wallet feeling a little light? The "Big Event," included in print editions of Thursday's Times-Gazette, offers double the prize money of last year's contest, giving one lucky reader the chance to win $500 in cash. There's a $300 second prize and a $200 third prize...

For most people, the time around Christmas is a time to spend with family, a time to exchange gifts, or a time to mark the birth of Christ. But for some people, it's their own birthday, and it can easily get overlooked in all the holiday busyness. The Times-Gazette recently asked readers to share their Christmas birthday experiences on Facebook...

As cleanup work continues at the site of last month's explosion, fire and spill at Southern Energy, West Jackson Street has been reopened to traffic. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager Bobby Kenner of First Response informed Shelbyville officials late Friday that the primary site work within the area of the road is complete...

Florine "Flo" Qualls has been going all out for Christmas for at least the past 35 years, providing a holly, jolly environment not only for her extended family but for strangers as well. "I looked up one Christmas and there was a man putting toys together. I did not know him," Qualls said. "I always told my kids if they knew somebody who didn't have anywhere to go to invite them. I've had as many as 35 here on Thanksgiving and Christmas."...

Ascend Federal Credit Union recently hosted credit union professionals from the Deep South. South America, to be exact. A delegation from the Republic of Ecuador visited Ascend as part of a tour of U.S. credit unions. The group of 18 included CEOs, Accounting, and Information Technology professionals representing nine Ecuadorian credit unions and a regional association...

Middle Tennessee State University received two top awards at this year's Association of Continuing Higher Education conference in Lexington, Ky. The university's Experiential Learning Scholars Program received one of two ACHE Distinguished Program Awards for Credit Programs while associate professor Dianna Rust received the ACHE Meritorious Service Award...

Heritage Medical Center has welcomed Shelby Lynn Cunningham M.D. to the hospital's medical staff and community. As a board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Cunningham brings her skill and experience to Heritage Medical Center and Bedford County residents...

Tony Anderson, a 17-year-old senior at Shelbyville Central High School, received a special Christmas gift from his fitness family last week as an acknowledgement of his personal character and dedication. "I decided I wanted to do something special for one of my members this year," said Matt Griffy, owner of MG Sports & Fitness. "Those that know Tony know he's an awesome guy with a huge heart. I've never seen Tony without a smile on his face and something positive to say."...

Whether or not you get what you asked for tomorrow, you can always shop for yourself later on. If you get a tech toy, there's always the chance to pick up accessories -- cases and add-ons to improve your experience. Here are a few tech add-ons that I got to try out over the past week, courtesy of AT&T...

Officers had their hands full arresting two people during a traffic stop early Sunday. The driver, Jorge Cinto, 31, of Quarry Street, allegedly drove southbound in the northbound lanes of North Main Street. Cinto was blue-lighted by officer Chris Vest at Northside Park Drive and, even with reserve deputy John Edens driving beside him motioning him to pull over, allegedly refused to stop until reaching a business on Quarry Street...

Arraignment for a former Bedford County detective has been deferred until January so that a new judge can be appointed in the case. Rebecca Hord, 58, of Shelbyville was arrested Monday by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) after she was indicted on charges of theft over $10,000, official misconduct and four counts of forgery by the Bedford County grand jury...

We've reached the finish line. The final month of college football is upon us--the otherwise glorious month of bowl games. With shocks, upsets, blowouts, and surprises all throughout the season, there's no doubt this bowl season promises to be one of the best in recent memory...

Members of the Community Viking football team who earned all-district honors were (back row, from left) Steven Hobgood, Quinn Frost, Austin Taylor, A.J. Harris; (Front row, from left) Chris Joslyn, Tanner Simmons, Darian Pride, Alex Arroyo and Hannah Warrick (All-District Manager). (Submitted photo)

Dennis Young, center, greets Nakai Waynick of Celebration Travel during the Microtel open house, held Friday. At the right is Linda Lee, who also visited the motel on North Main Street during the open house. (T-G Photo by Jim Davis)

Leadership Bedford Class of 2014 enjoyed Public Safety class day on Dec. 11. The group visited the Shelbyville Police Department and received presentations from Chief Austin Swing, Officer Carol Jean with Domestic Violence & Child Abuse and Officer Jody Shelton with the K-9 Drug Unit. They later visited the Shelbyville Fire Department and were given a tour by Assistant Chief Brian Nicholson, who spoke to the class about fire safety. They also visited the Bedford County Communications / E911 center. The TN Fire & Codes Academy was the next destination with a presentation and tour of the grounds. The class wrapped the day up with a tour of the Sheriff's Department / Bedford County Jail and a visit to the Bedford County EMA. (Submitted photo)