Stories from Thursday, September 8, 2016

With the defense hanging tough against Jackson County in last week's region opener, the Community Vikings are looking to get a boost in their offense as they host the Westmoreland Eagles in a Region 4-AA matchup Friday night. "Defense played lights out," Coach Chris Grooms of the Vikings (0-2, 0-1) said. "I was fine with it. It wasn't perfect, but it was serviceable enough."...

Though last week's final score wasn't an indicator, the Cascade Champions (1-2) believe they're beginning to gel on both sides of the ball. Coach Jake Tyre is a believer, too. "Every week we've gotten better. We have to control the line of scrimmage on both sides. It's gotten better every week even though the results haven't always been what we've wanted," Tyre said...

The play "Steel Magnolias," by Robert Harling, will opens this weekend at the Fly Arts Center on South Main Street. Shows will be presented Sept. 9-11 and 16-18, and showtimes are 7 p.m. for Friday and Saturday performances and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinees...

Tennessee is famous for many things, but some people may not realize the state once was a hotbed for the marble industry. Tennessee marble, known for its pinkish-gray coloring and ease of polishing, has been used in many buildings across the country...

Motlow State Community College recently held its annual Fall Convocation, which included recognition of faculty, administration and staff members for their years of service to the college. Dr. Anthony Kinkel, Motlow president, joined personnel recognized for 20 years of service. Pictured (from left) are: Pat Hendrix, Dr. Kinkel, Scott Shasteen and Sherian Oakley...

Now through Nov. 8, students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at spirit.prudential.com...

The Tennessee Fallen Firefighters Memorial annual ceremony will be held 4 p.m. Saturday at the Tennessee Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the campus of the Tennessee Fire Service & Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on Unionville Deason Road. The memorial commemorates Tennessee firefighters killed in the line of duty. ...

The owner of Casa Mexicana restaurant, Madison Street, was knocked to the ground by a vehicle containing two men who allegedly left without paying for meals Tuesday night, Shelbyville police say. The car's driver, Ryan Michael Shawver, 26, of Railroad Avenue, admitted to officer David Curley he had driven the car from the restaurant and that money was owed but denied hitting anyone, police said...

Leadership Bedford and Youth Leadership Bedford class members for 2016-17 began their year on Wednesday night with a meet-and-greet reception at the Chamber of Commerce building on North Cannon Boulevard. The programs -- for adults and teenagers respectively -- are intended to promote future leaders. Members attend monthly educational days on topics of interest to the community. Each class also develops and carries out a service project during its year. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney)

September is National Voter Registration Month, and Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is urging use of the hashtag #GoVoteTN on social media to try to encourage those who haven't registered to do so this month. Oct. 11 is the registration deadline if you want to vote in the Nov. 8 general election...

A mother is asking for prayers -- and lit porch lights -- for her son as he faces "The Crucible" in Marine Corps training. Jennifer Haman said her son, Eric, began a grueling final exam at 2 this morning. The test lasts 54 hours and requires the recruits to go at least 40 miles carrying 45 pounds of gear on six hours of sleep, she said. There are 36 "warrior stations" and 29 team-building exercises. The test ends on Saturday...

Doris Ann Rollins, 71, of Shelbyville died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hillcrest Funeral Home with the Rev. Tom Henry officiating. Burial will follow at Coleman Cemetery. Visitation will begin at noon.

Bobbie Jean Gault Richardson, 75, of Shelbyville died late Wednesday night, September 8, 2016 at her home. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Doak-Howell Funeral Home with the Rev. Bobby McGee officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday.

Niellen Foster, 57, of Shelbyville, died Thursday, September 8, 2016. Funeral services will be 12 noon Friday, September 16, 2016, at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel. Pastor Timothy Wright will be eulogist, with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Tullahoma. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m.