Stories from Sunday, February 26, 2017

I guess I am experiencing what they call "writer's block" this morning. My mind is darting here and there and not focusing on any one topic. So, I think the only cure may be to go for a nice walk in the stacks and see what catches my eye. Libraries seem to always end up with some "oddball" books that don't fit into neat little genres, yet they can be informative, fun and useful. I wonder what I might find...

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces." (Psalm 122:6-7) Looking out our seventh floor window of the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem I saw three long rows of tour buses parked there, waiting to be loaded with excited tourists from around the world...

I'm blessed to have several fascinating books to review by Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The titles are, by category: "Clash of Kingdoms: What the Bible Says About Russia, ISIS, Iran, and the End Times." The authors are Charles Dyer and Mark Tobey, who previously wrote "The ISIS Crisis," which I have previously reviewed and thoroughly enjoyed...

Erica Lynn Keele and James Vincent Freebury Jr., both of Lewisburg (Wheel Community), announce their engagement. The bride-elect is the daughter of James Keele of Shelbyville and Regina Gregory of Shelbyville. She is the granddaughter of James Leroy and Rosie Keele of Lewisburg, Lyndell Gregory of Shelbyville and the late Mary Joyce Gregory...

Any mother understands what it's like to be responsible for their child's safety, but imagine what it would be like if your child could stop breathing at any moment whether you're right beside them or across the room. Will Orr and Maree Orr, parents of 4-year-old Ayden, go through this every minute of every day. ...

Quick! Name what locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables you are going to be picking up from the local farmer's market this weekend. (Cue "Jeopardy" music...) That's right -- it is the middle of winter and there is no market, no fresh fruits and vegetables. Hence, February is the perfect time to celebrate National Canned Food Month...

A man who was being released from jail reported he became the victim of a burglary Thursday, with the stolen items including the cremains of his late spouse. The victim said that while someone was picking him up from jail, someone entered his house on Dover Street and removed several items, according to a Shelbyville Police Department report. Officers responded to the scene a little after 11 a.m...

Shelbyville City Mayor Wallace Cartwright recently signed a proclamation for World Spay Day, which is Tuesday, Feb. 28, encouraging residents of the City to spay their pets in order to reduce pet population. Also pictured are members of the Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic (MTSNC) board Celeste Fernandez (left) and Diane Forbes. On World Spay Day and throughout the month of February — Spay/Neuter Awareness Month — veterinary and animal welfare professionals, business owners and concerned individuals join forces to shine a spotlight on spay/neuter as the most effective and humane means of decreasing the number of homeless animals put down in shelters or living on the street. This is the 23rd annual World Spay Day. MTSNC has participated since 2011.

With the aid of federal grant funding, Centerstone behavioral health is now providing access to health education and reproductive life planning services in Bedford and surrounding counties. These services are available to women of reproductive age, pregnant women, mothers who have just given birth, and families who have young children from birth to 24 months old...

Students from Liz Gassaway’s CDC class enjoy the good weather during Community High School FFA’S tractor safety day, one of seven events held during FFA week. Pictured (in no particular order) are: Josue Jurez; Madison Messick; Case Grizzle; Nathan Baliff; Josh Morgan; Ashley Campbell; Luis Solis; Jaqual Holman; Josie Chapman and Bliss McKee.

One student flew from Colorado. Most of the high school students came from Tennessee. The rest came from surrounding states in the South and Midwest. With sunny, mid-70 degree weather prevailing outdoors for Presidents' Day when most were out of school for the holiday, nearly 640 people attended the MTSU Honors College open house Monday...

Bedford County Board of Education recognized Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) delegates Tuesday night. Sophomore Brooke Sudduth and junior Wesley Gilliland from Cascade High School; Laccie Woodall and Mason Andrews, both juniors from Community High School; and juniors Gracie Perryman and David Trisdale are the SCOPE delegates from Bedford County. ...

Bedford County Justice Complex, including a jail, courtrooms, and judicial and law enforcement offices, won't likely be ready to be put out to bid until the end of the year, and will have a two-year construction time depending on weather, architect James Langford of SpiritArchitecture Group LLC told local officials on Friday...

Mr. Evins “Pappy” Akins, age 43, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017. Funeral services will be 12 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Scott United Methodist Church. Dr. Robin Kimbrough will be eulogist....

Mr. George Earl Bowen, age 66, of Unionville, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017. Arrangements are incomplete. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Funeral services for Billie S. Lovvorn, age 82 of Shelbyville, will be held Thursday March 2, 2017 in the Chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Brother Charles Williams and Brother Todd Tanner officiating, and Speakers; Kyle Barrett and Steve Lovvorn. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Lovvorn passed from life Sunday, February 26, 2017, after an extended illness.