Stories from Sunday, March 18, 2018

Though we often complain about our government, we count on it every day, in large ways and small. An example of a small way … potholes. Which don’t seem like a small issue after they cause your tire(s) to blow out....

“Ministry” is a word volunteer Gene Williams uses frequently to describe the work that Meals on Wheels does in delivering food — and personal interaction — to seniors. Williams delivers meals five days a week to seniors around Shelbyville. He occasionally takes food to seniors throughout Bedford County as well...

A woman intentionally set afire by her boyfriend Thursday night is beginning the recovery process at Vanderbilt Medical Center, while he is in Bedford County Jail with a high bond. Rodney Lee Davis, 57, is charged with aggravated domestic assault and aggravated arson after the fire at their Earnhart Street home. ...

The City of Shelbyville has ordered 100 feet of pipe to repair the flume, officials say. Contractors scanned the damaged portion behind the Chamber of Commerce last week, City Manager Shanna Boyette said. The damage was found the evening of March 6 by a man who mows the lawn for the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, but not confirmed by city officials until the morning of the 7th. The damage is in the back yard and rear parking lot of the chamber...

Editor’s note: This is the first weekly column for the T-G by meteorologist Steve Norris. He is certified by the National Weather Association, works for newspapers and radio stations across the Southeast and is a severe weather advisor to several city governments. His column will publish each Sunday...

Shelbyville Central’s Golden Eagle soccer teams split a pair of games this week, claiming a 5-2 win at Marshall County on Friday night after falling at Riverdale 5-1 on Tuesday. After trailing 2-1 at halftime to Marshall County, the Eagles outscored their opponent 4-2 in the second half to claim the victory...

The Community Viqueen soccer team has been on the up tick in recent years. With that better production on the field, Community has started to see players find their way onto college radars. Recently, Falicia Fletcher and Gabby Doyle signed their letters of intent to play soccer at Columbia State...

UNIONVILLE – The Community Vikings saved their best game of the week for last as they banged out 13 hits en route to a 13-3 victory over the Cascade Champions in an intra-county baseball matchup Friday night. It was the first win of the year for the Vikings as both teams completed a busy first week of the regular season...

BRENTWOOD — Offense hasn’t been in short supply for the Cascade Lady Champions during the first week of the regular season. Through two games, Cascade (2-0) has scored a collective 20 runs, most recently in a 10-0 win over Ravenwood on Friday night...

Shelbyville Central suffered a tough 9-0 loss on the road at Oakland on Friday evening. The Patriots scored two runs in both the first and third innings, rallied for four in the fourth and added a run in the sixth. Shelbyville Central’s lone hits were singles off the bats of Rhett Birdsong and Mason Landers...

“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” — Theodore Roosevelt...

(Editor’s note: The following letter is a response to comments made by county commissioners at a meeting on March 13. At the meeting, where salaries were discussed, Commissioner Jimmy Woodson said “If we’re going to treat everybody equally they’d be making the same all the way to the guy at animal control. I don’t want to pay $90,000 to $100,000 (a year) to someone who’s going to be going and catching a dog.”)...

David Brown had a calling 17 years ago: Plant a church in the growing city of Murfreesboro. After one attempt didn't work, Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church has started another church plant in Rutherford County. Brown, the associate pastor of Shelbyville Mills, is serving as pastor of the new Christ Baptist Church...

Bedford County Farm Bureau Women conducted a poster contest recently for fourth-grade students across the state. The theme was "Farm to Fork." Pictured are the first, second and third place winners. From left: Georgia Frazier; Matthew Polston; Grayson Anderson; Suzanna Crews; Seth Sharp; Henry Stone; Abby Compton; and Jordan Pugh. Stone is a student at Cascade Elementary School; with his win, he will compete in the state contest. (Submitted photo)

Every time there are tragedies brought about by gun violence, the nation starts talking about the need for more gun control and stricter gun laws. Then something else gains the attention of the media and the headlines start turning to other news. And then the talk of doing something about controlling who can and can't have a gun goes onto the back burner once again...

Have you ever wanted to write a book? I have. Every so often, the flicker of an idea for the great American novel tap-dances through my mind. So far, the ideas have not compelled me to do much work and the fruits of my labors, (or lack thereof) have only produced a couple of paltry outlines and plenty of wishful thinking. ...

Habits and routine are two powerful words -- just get out of your routine and you'll realize how much so. In the world of chaos, instant response, life overload, doing more with less ... we long for structure. Healthy habits, whatever they may be for you, such as eating right, exercise and good sleep, to name a few -- or lack there of -- determine our attitudes...

If you have an active lifestyle and want a dog to be by your side, Bonnie is the gal for you, the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association says. She is a very sweet and affectionate retriever mix adult dog with a beautiful black/brown and silver mixture accented by white on the chest, nose and feet....