Stories from Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Rufus “Bug” Hughes, Jr., 55, of Shelbyville died Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Funeral services 1 p.m. Sunday at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel, Rev. Mitchell Buchanan, eulogist. Burial in Willow Mount Cemetery. Visitation begins at noon.

Tony Barrett, one of two county commissioners representing the 7th District, resigned from his post, County Mayor Eugene Ray announced during Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners. The reason for the resignation was that Barrett, who works with Bedford County Sheriff's Office, had moved out of the district and was no longer eligible to serve...

A newcomer to Shelbyville wants to motivate residents to promote tourism, business and activities for minority communities. Marilyn Bloodworth recently moved here from Woodbury. The New York native said she wants to promote civic engagement in Shelbyville. Toward that end, she is hosting a meetup Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at the Shelbyville Recreation Center...

NASHVILLE -- A clean-energy advocacy group called for an investigation Tuesday after finding that the Tennessee Valley Authority bought two corporate jets, a Mercedes-Benz luxury helicopter and another plane in recent years. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy said the 2015 and 2017 model jets, 2013 model Style helicopter and 2015 turboprop airplane were worth $40 million new, though the helicopter was bought used...

At the 2015 Chili, Chicken and Chocolate competition, Dicky Thorpe entered two of the categories, preparing both chicken and chili. This year’s “Triple C” competition, the seventh annual, will be held 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fly Arts Center. There will be competition in chili, chicken and chocolate dishes. Dishes will be prepared at home and brought to the competition. The public can purchase tasting kits enabling them to sample the entries and vote for their favorites. For more information, call 931-607-8955 or 931-580-9696. The event is a fundraiser for The Fly....

There are good starts to games and there’s what the Cascade Champions did in the first half of their District 8-A quarterfinal matchup against Huntland on Tuesday night. Cascade (10-16) posted a 29-7 lead at the half and withstood a second-half charge in their 70-45 win over the Hornets...

MURFREESBORO — The Community Vikings had their looks at the basket, but a cold shooting night was their downfall as the Central Magnet Tigers defeated the Vikings 54-45 in the District 12-AA tournament Tuesday night. The loss ended the season for the Vikings...

Kenneth Howard Freeman, 70, of Smithville died Friday, Feb. 9, 2018. Funeral services 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Tullahoma Funeral Home with Benny Benjamin officiating. Interment at Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation begins at noon.

To the Editor: This week the Senate is taking up debate on an issue that most if not all are clueless on. Democrats feel compassion for immigrants and DACA children. Most Republicans just want to play politics with it. Milk it for all it’s worth before kicking it down the road for the next Congress to work on or play with as the case may be...

I have been asked to read a statement on behalf of the City and its Administration to address recent media reports that have accused the City of holding secret meetings in violation of state law. Specifically, Executive Sessions held in October 2017 as they related to the large rally planned by numerous groups for October 28, 2017....

A 1993 Nissan Altima was stolen Feb. 6 after being parked alongside West Lane Street due to mechanical problems, Shelbyville police were told Monday. Its keys had been left in the front seat with door locked. The owner said he waited nearly a week to notify police because he thought he was being pranked. He also incorrectly told police his car was a 2003 model...

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life will be held 6 p.m. June 8 through 6 a.m. June 9 at Bedford County Agriculture and Education Centers. Teams are now being sought for the event; teams and individual participants can register at relayforlife.org/bedfordtn...

Jacqueline Willis Johnson, of Bell Buckle, was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree at East Tennessee State University on Dec. 16. The school conferred more than 900 degrees that day in two fall commencement ceremonies...

The Butler's Creek FCE met at 4:30 p.m. at the Farm Bureau on Monday, Feb. 5. The meeting was called to order by Louise Moore. Vicki Faulkner read, "I Opened a Book." Devotion was given by Melissa Turrentine. Roll call was answered by 14 members. The minutes were read and approved. Treasurer's and Sunshine reports were made...