Stories from Friday, March 8, 2019

Shelbyville Garden Club held its February meeting at the Farm Bureau offices on Bethany Lane. Whitney Danhof presented a program entitled “Preserving The Harvest.” Danhof, right, is seen here with club president Libby Davidson. Hostesses were Janie Burke and Margaret Smith. The arrangement for the month was a terrarium; blue ribbon winners were Pam Beasley (large), Janie Burke (medium) and Margaret Smith (small). (Submitted photo)

Government officials have found an effective way to keep secrets, especially when they don't want taxpayers and voters to know about sweetheart deals with favored businesses. It works something like this. First, the government officials sign a non-disclosure agreement with the business that says that anything in an upcoming government contract with the business could be considered proprietary, a trade secret or otherwise confidential information of the business, and not disclosable under Tennessee Public Records law.. ...

Gov. Bill Lee's first State of the State address is history. Let's be honest about what we heard Tuesday night. The opening remarks somewhat echoed Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem "How do I Love Thee?" He even expressed the ways. When the governor finally got down to the nitty gritty, some of his proposals before the state legislature appeared promising for education. One positive is the proposed 2.5 percent teacher raise...

Several inmates attacked a fellow prisoner at Bedford County Jail on Wednesday afternoon, a Bedford County Sheriff’s Office report said. A deputy’s report noted bruising and swelling to the victim’s left hand, side and head. The victim said he was attacked from behind while on a telephone. The assault lasted for several minutes before the victim was able to reach an intercom and summon help, the report said...

Bedford County Trustee Tonya Davis moves some papers around her new offices in Bedford County Courthouse Annex, on the west side of the square. The trustee’s office had previously been located in rental space in the basement of the US Bank building. Davis planned planned to have her office open normal hours for business today at the new location. Bedford County Clerk Donna Thomas made a similar move last month, but Davis, whose office collects property taxes, did not want to move during the busiest weeks for property tax payment and waited until this month to relocate. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney)

Superintendent Don Embry takes a selfie with Thomas Magnet School first graders, many of them mugging for the camera, after reading to them on Thursday as part of “Read Across America week, which coincides with the birthday of author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel. (Submitted photo)

A caller falsely claiming to be an FBI agent tricked a Shelbyville woman into sending $350 to a Florida address Wednesday, police were told. The caller initially identified himself as "FBI agent Garry Casper" and said they had a package containing $35,000 with her name and address on it. The victim told the caller she knew nothing of such a package...

Shelbyville Recreation Center and the Mark Kelly Have Hope Foundation are teaming up in an effort to freeze out childhood cancer by hosting the first Polar Bear Plunge in the outdoor pool Saturday, March 23, according to aquatics coordinator Adam Williams...

The state, as well as city and county fire departments, remind residents to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, and one recommended way of reminding yourself is to do it when the time changes -- such as this weekend, when clocks will be set forward to Daylight Saving Time...

Billy Joe “Pops” Belew, 78, of Mt. Juliet died Thursday, March 7, 2019. Funeral services 2 p.m. Sunday at Hillcrest Funeral Home, Rev. Bobby McGee officiating. Burial at Hazel Cemetery, Bell Buckle. Visitation 4-8 p.m. Saturday.

David Allen Curlee, 78, of Manchester died Thursday, March 7, 2019 after a short illness. Celebration of life service 2 p.m. Sunday at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel, Mark Pierce officiating. Visitation begins at 1 p.m.