Stories from Thursday, April 9, 2015

More than $8,000 damage -- much of it with a drill -- was done to a recently-auctioned home on Sunset Street in Unionville, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday. Approximately 80 holes were drilled into the walls, deputy Tim Fox said. The holes account for more than $5,400 worth of damage, including 25 more in kitchen cabinets, seven in doors and four in a bathtub...

Dear Editor, Thanks to all who contributed in any way to the success of the Caregiver Relief Pancake Supper and Auction. This program helps monitor the welfare of the caregivers of Alzheimer's and dementia patients. A special thanks to Andy Borders and the friends of First United Methodist Church for the continued support in donating and preparing dinner...

It looks like it's going to be an interesting political season in 2016. On Tuesday, GOP Sen. Rand Paul announced he will be running for president, telling supporters he was going to defeat the Washington machine. He's been a tea party favorite and his campaign will likely focus on mainstream libertarianism -- promoting civil liberties, supporting family values and an anti-interventionist foreign policy...

Student winners from the Southside School Easter Candy Count were all smiles after receiving chocolate bunnies. As part of an ongoing tradition, Johnnie Templeton brings a jar of candy each year around Easter and students guess how many pieces of candy are in the jar. This year, there were several lucky winners...

Aubrey Curtis, left, points correctly after being asked by Shauna Phillips where her chin is during kindergarten testing Wednesday at Community Elementary School. (T-G Photo by Jim Davis) Sue McClenney, left, helps Paula Patterson and her daughter Jordyn Griffith register for kindergarten at Liberty School Wednesday morning. Many of the mothers were emotional over the process, as it was another sign that their little ones are growing up quick. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)...

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life, taking place this Saturday at Bedford County Agriculture Center on Midland Road, has announced its schedule of activities. The dog-themed fundraiser, which will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., is an offshoot of the Relay For Life, which will take place in June. It's a festival with various activities and vendors for dogs and their owners...

WINCHESTER -- It was total domination for both Shelbyville Central tennis teams on Wednesday evening at Franklin County. Both the Eagles and Eaglettes earned 7-0 sweeps over Franklin County. For the Eaglettes, Keely Smith, Madison Brown and Priscilla Morales each earned an 8-0 singles victory...

The Cascade Lady Champions couldn't muster up enough offense to overcome a three-run fourth inning against Cannon County on Wednesday evening and suffered a tough 5-3 defeat. Cascade plated one run in each of the first, fourth and seventh innings, but just couldn't match the Lady Lion offense...

A night after pushing No. 2 ranked Spring Hill to extra innings, the Cascade Champions just couldn't get the offense going against the Raiders and suffered a tough 12-0 loss to the Raiders. From the get-go, Spring Hill grabbed control of the game and never let go...

A special color portrait of the first world grand champion now greets visitors to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum in Wartrace. A portrait of Strolling Jim, the 1939 World Grand Champion, has been perpetually loaned to the museum by Middle Tennessee State University...

UNIONVILLE -- Call it a "should have won" game. After trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth, the Community Vikings rallied for a 4-3 lead going to the top of the seventh. But a handful of miscues in the field were the Vikings' demise and the MTCS Cougars were able to escape with the 6-4 District 9-A win...

A valiant comeback by Shelbyville Central fell a little short in a 5-4 loss to visiting Tullahoma in a District 8-AAA matchup on Wednesday evening. It was the first district loss of the season for the Eagles (7-7, 5-1 8-AAA). Tullahoma scored a run in the second inning, then added four in the fourth to take a commanding 5-0 lead...

Second of two parts The key in aiding children affected by autism is early intervention, according to the most recent studies. "Early intervention is number one. Having said this, I want to focus on the word 'early,'" remarks Nikia Elliott, father of Cale Elliott who has autism...

Ruby Mae Dunn Lynch, 87, of Cornersville, formerly of Bedford County, died Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gowen-Smith Chapel with Michael Davenport officiating. Burial will follow at Wheeler Cemetery in Unionville. Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday.

Grady Lloyd Blackwood Sr., 91, of Murfreesboro, a longtime Bedford County resident, died Saturday, April 4, 2015 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home in Murfreesboro with Sidney Parham officiating. Burial will follow at Willow Mount Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m.

Elsie Elizabeth Chippewa, 93, of Shelbyville died Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at Glen Oaks Convalescent Center. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18th, at First Assembly of God with the Rev. Glenn Forsee officiating. Hillcrest Funeral Home is handling arrangements.