Stories from Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Alberta R. Cooper, 72, of Tullahoma died Monday, May 11, 2015 at her home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Elmore Torbert officiating and the Rev. Sandra K. Avent as eulogist. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Tullahoma. Visitation will begin at noon at the church. J.A. Welton & Son Funeral Home of Tullahoma is handling arrangements.

The day finally came -- and the new library's doors are open. At 9 a.m. Monday, the dream was realized at Shelbyville-Bedford County Library. Library director Rita Allen was overcome with emotion "and so deeply touched" for all the volunteer work that went into the move...

Dawn Holley, director of United Way Bedford County (UWBC), has accepted the position of human resource director with the city of Shelbyville. With a degree in human resources from Trevecca Nazarene University, in addition to working with the United Way and the Community Development Center, city manager Jay Johnson said the city was excited about her appointment with the qualifications and experience she brings to the job...

If it sounded like a party was going on at Fellowship For Christ Church, that's because there was. "We're here to celebrate the cancer survivors in the community," said Stephanie Reed, survivor committee chair for the Bedford County Relay for Life. It was difficult to hear Reed speak over the din of laughter, excited chatter, and exclamations when old friends met at this year's Cancer Survivor Dinner. The night certainly had a celebratory feel...

Southern rock, a fireworks show, classic cars, and more than 30 arts and crafts dealers are all part of the 11th annual Wartrace MusicFest, set for Saturday, June 6. The six-piece Allman Brothers tribute band Midnight Riders from Nashville will close the show with a fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m. Threatening weather prevented the Riders from performing last year...

A Shelbyville man is being held on $180,000 bond after assaulting his girlfriend late last week, police say. Michael Shaun Blackman, 36, of Sims Road attempted to rape the woman twice, refused to let her leave his home for more than 24 hours, and assaulted her twice with various objects, Shelbyville police said...

CUNNINGHAM -- Brandon Bassham knew his team was special coming into the 2015 postseason. Now the Champions are just two games away from making it a really special year. "We'd love to win Wednesday and play at home on Friday, but this at least assures us a Friday and gives us a chance to be seven innings from really making this a special year. It's already been a great ride. I told them lets take it from a good year to a really great and special year," he said...

CROSS PLAINS -- After a successful run late in the regular season and postseason, the Community Viqueens' season ended in a tough way Monday night as they dropped a 2-1 heartbreaker to the East Robertson Lady Indians in the Region 5-A Tournament. The Viqueens (13-13) struggled all night to score, but got out of several jams to keep the game close...

In a battle of two quality middle school baseball teams, Liberty's Patriots outlasted visiting Forrest 2-1 in the semifinals of the Duck River Valley Conference Tournament on Monday evening. The Patriots (15-3) entertain Cornersville in the championship game this afternoon at 5...