Stories from Sunday, March 2, 2014

Before America had the CIA and Predator Drones, before America was even a recognized nation, it had the Culper Spy Ring. This spy ring provided vital information about the British occupation of New York City to Gen. George Washington to help him win the American Revolution. ...

The play "The Boys Next Door" walks a fine line between comedy and pathos, but that's part of what makes it so rewarding, say participants in a Bedford Players production of it that opens later this month at The Fly Arts Center on South Main Street...

Somewhere around Thanksgiving time last year, I began thinking about some different side dishes to incorporate into our traditional holiday dinner. I remember seeing a recipe for green beans that, to me, seemed as if it would knock the socks off your normal green bean casserole...

Who says learning can't be only fun and games? Thomas Magnet Elementary School students are not only getting to play games after school but are actually making up the games themselves. Thirteen students will compete on March 6 in the Invention Convention at Middle Tennessee State University, said principal Janice Womble. The annual competition is open to public and private school students in grades 4 to 6. The purpose is to provide a fun way for children to engage in creative thinking...

I can trace most of my major shifts in thinking as an individual to movies about outer space and aliens. In fact, the more I have thought about it, the more I believe two specific movies may be partially responsible for how I view the universe. The first film was one of my, as well as tons of other kids who had problems getting girlfriends, favorite movies growing up. ...

"Problems are like washing machines. They twist, they spin and knock us around. But in the end we come out cleaner, brighter and better than before." (Ain't that the truth!) I read that quote this week, and I like it! Life is filled will problems for all of us. Sometimes it seems like it rains down on us, one problem after another...

The life of a college student has become fine-tuning for Allison Thorson, who was an equestrian champion long before she made the latest step in what becomes many young adults' life progression. She's up before the sun -- not just today but virtually every day...

Dear Editor, I wish Bedford County would quit tearing down our old landmarks. We don't have much left as it is. This used to be a pretty place, especially the square. My question is when will they tear down the old court house? They have moved half of it out already and now they are talking about moving the rest of it out...

'No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!" -- Ronald Reagan I have three bills going through the Legislature this week and so I have been very busy working the committee system to make sure I have the necessary votes to pass them out and on to the next committee...

The pews of a Shelbyville church will soon be featured with the stars of "Nashville." The ABC show's producers bought 18 pews from Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church on Feb. 10 to use in an upcoming episode. ABC Entertainment announced Friday that the pews will be featured at 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 in an episode titled, "We've Got Things to Do."...

More than 100 prescribed pills were taken from a Neeley Avenue apartment during the day Thursday, Shelbyville police said. The victim said she had left her front door unlocked. The following were charged since Wednesday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Punitive damages against the parent company of a Shelbyville assisted living facility have been reduced in a wrongful death suit. In 2010, a jury returned a verdict against various defendants, including Americare Systems, Inc., the management company of Celebration Way in Shelbyville, for $5,015,000 in punitive damages in favor of the daughters of Mable Farrar...

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and two industry groups say they support alternative legislation to the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act, or PAST Act. "The Celebration commends and supports fully Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and her commonsense legislation to eliminate soring from the Tennessee Walking Horse industry," according to a Celebration press release...

A man suspected of breaking into scores of vehicles since last fall is in custody. Xavien Eisom, 19, was arrested Friday night at a Barksdale Lane apartment complex, Shelbyvlle police said. "He admitted to over 50 counts of burglary to an automobile," Det. Sgt. Brian Crews said. "He has also confessed to several home burglaries as well."...

Randall Boyce has announced his candidacy for re-election as Bedford County Sheriff in the May 6 Democratic primary. Boyce was first elected sheriff in 2006 and re-elected in 2010. He is an active member of Tennessee Sheriff's Association. A Bedford County native, he lives in Shelbyville with his wife Janet. ...

Almost $100,000 in safety improvements are slated for roads and neighborhoods connected to North Main Street. The work is connected to the widening of North Main Street set to begin later this year, but has a lot to do with safety, city manager Jay Johnson explained...

Shelbyville's council will discuss buying the Argie Cooper Library property and turning it into a multi-purpose civic center when they meet Tuesday evening. Two weeks ago, the library gained clear title to its current building on South Main Street, with the hope they can sell it to help pay for the construction of a new facility nearby on South Jefferson Street...

More than 50 students from three counties hammered, sawed and welded their way through a competition to test their skills Thursday. The District X FFA Agricultural Mechanics Skill Contest was held at Shelbyville Central High School Annex. Students from Central, Community, Coffee County and Cannon County High Schools participated, said Tommy Green, Bedford County FFA advisor...

These breakdancers were flipping for the Unionville Viqueens at a pep rally Friday morning. (T-G Photo by Chris Siers)

On Friday morning, Community Middle and Elementary schools held a pep rally for the Community Viqueens' sub-state basketball game on Saturday night. During the pep rally, the students pumped up the team by chanting the "We Believe" cheer. Several of the elementary school students also brought signs to boost the spirits of the Viqueens as well. ...