Stories from Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Chad Spencer has been around Cascade basketball for the past eight years. As of last week, Spencer has handed over his whistle for a position on the Ole Miss women's basketball coaching staff. "This is a tremendous opportunity. Growing up when I first got interested in coaching, the SEC was the Mecca of women's basketball at the college level. I found myself intrigued watching the SEC. To me, it's the best league in college sports," Spencer said...

There hasn't been much turnover on the Shelbyville Central football coaching staff for the past few seasons -- but things are changing this year. The Golden Eagles welcome three new assistant coaches for the 2015 season. The Golden Eagle defense will convert to a 3-4 under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Andrew Holcomb, head coach Jason Hardy said...

Thirty-One Gifts/The Purse Extravaganza, 348 Naron Road, held a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting last Thursday. Jennifer Pasalakis is the owner of the shop, which also sponsors home parties. Participants at the ribbon cutting had the opportunity to donate a used purse to benefit the Haven of Hope women's shelter. Thirty-One's phone number is 607-7577. (T-G Photo by Jason Reynolds)

Normandy held its first farmer's market Saturday with a great turnout. Organizers said they can't wait to continue the market every Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Mayor Rachel Swift said she wants to thank everyone for their support in getting the market up and running. (Submitted photo)

Bedford County detectives confiscated three large marijuana plants at a home off Highway 82 South on Tuesday. No suspects' names have been released due to an ongoing investigation, Sheriff Austin Swing said, and charges will be presented to the August term of the Bedford County Grand Jury. From left are Swing and detectives Tiffany Host and John Sweeney. (T-G Photo by David Melson)

Sharp-eyed readers of this column may recall that I am a fan of the Windows Phone operating system. This is somewhat akin to saying that your favorite James Bond is George Lazenby. People look at you and ask, "who?" Windows Phone is an also-ran, a distant, distant third behind iOS (the operating system on iPhones and iPads) and Android...

Some 1,700 future leaders -- including almost 140 from Tennessee electric cooperatives -- traveled to Washington, D.C., June 12-18 for the annual Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Ten students from the Duck River Electric Membership Corp. service area were rewarded with spots on the tour for writing winning short stories titled "Electric Cooperatives: Powering Potential." The stories described how locally owned, member-controlled electric cooperatives continue improving lives in their service areas through special community-building programs as well as reliable and affordable electric service.. ...

A purse containing $50 and a cell phone valued at $200 was stolen Monday morning from a trailer at King Arthur Trailer Court, police were told. The victim told police she didn't know what trailer she had been in. The responding officer noted police were already at the park when he arrived because the victim had allegedly been going from trailer to trailer "harassing people about buying drugs." She said she was "just hanging out," the report said...

On Saturday, the Happy Pig Collectors Club will hold its annual convention at Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center. This year's convention will be extra special as the club celebrates 20 years since its conception. Jean Sharp of Unionville has been a member from the beginning and has amassed a collection of over 7,500 pigs. ...

Bedford County Finance Director Robert Daniel reported Tuesday night to Bedford County Board of Commissioners that his most recent audit of sales tax and Hall Income Tax accounts has brought in $94,491 in additional revenue -- revenue that should continue going forward...

Jeremy Pirtle contemplates his next move during a friendly game of chess. (T-G Photo by Jim Davis)

Jean Willard, 86, of Lynchburg, died Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at her home. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Lane Funeral Home of Chattanooga is handling arrangements.