Stories from Monday, March 30, 2020

Paul Ray King I, 81, died Friday, March 27, 2020, at his home. A private graveside service will be held Monday at Talley Cemetery in Petersburg with Jeff Smith officiating. Doak-Howell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

David Clark Baldovin, 75, of Shelbyville died Friday, March 27, 2020. Per his wishes he will be cremated.  There will be no services at this time.  A memorial service may be held at a later date.  Hillcrest Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Douglas Virgil Helton, 90, of Bell Buckle died Friday, March 27, 2020. A private graveside service will be held at Smotherman Cemetery. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.

Richard Taylor “Bubbie” Redd, 56, died Friday, March 27, 2020, at his home. A private graveside service will be held Thursday at Willow Mount Cemetery with Brother Randall Harmon officiating. Doak-Howell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

More than 700 sophomores from the Bedford County school system participate in the 45th annual Rotary Career Day on March 11 at Motlow State Community College. Students from Shelbyville Central, Cascade and Community high schools spent the morning listening to four career speakers of their choice, who gave them insight on both high school preparation and any college preparation to enter into an occupational field...

Bedford County Board of Education received Tennessee School Board Association’s “Board of Distinction” award Tuesday night from TSBA’s South Central Director Pat Welsh of Tullahoma during its business meeting at the Central Office. The honor, which Bedford County will maintain for two years, recognizes boards for meeting specified requirements in planning, policy, promotion and board development. Currently, only 32 school boards in Tennessee are designated out of the 141 state school districts. From left, front, board members Michael Cook, Welsh, and BCBE chair Glenn Forsee. Back, left to right, board members John Boutwell, Nicole Cashion, Diane Neeley, Brian Crews, Andrea Anderson, Dan Reed, Bedford County Schools Superintendent Don Embry and board member David Brown.

NEW YORK (AP) — A nurse with asthma, a grandfather with cancer and a homeless man with no known family are wracked with coronavirus-induced fevers. They are struggling to breathe, and a ventilator could save their lives. But who gets one when there aren’t enough to go around?...

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation stopped disconnections of electric service for non-payment on March 19 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  “These actions were taken in recognition of the financial hardships some members may face due to the coronavirus outbreak. We understand electricity is essential for the health and safety of you and your family during these difficult times.” said Duck River Electric Membership Corporation President & CEO Scott Spence...

A man was charged with public intoxication after falling out of his kayak into Duck River near the Shelbyville water treatment plant late Friday night, police said. Police were called after a Tate Avenue resident heard Patrick Raines, 31, of Oak Street yelling for help. Officers found Raines behind a fence at the treatment plant. The report noted Raines smelled of alcohol...

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak closely. At this time, State Driver Services Centers remain open and the department is currently taking precautions to protect the health and safety of employees and customers...

Eli Moore was busy last week creating rainbows for the Shelbyville Rainbow Hunt. The social media page has drawn thousands, by invitation, to show off their rays of hope during the coronavirus pandemic.

Damage across portions of northern Bedford County early Sunday is thought to have been caused by straight line winds, according to the National Weather Service and Bedford County Emergency Management Agency. “The NWS advised EMA that the storm appeared on their radar to be straight line winds,” an BCEMA statement Monday said. “On scene observation of the storm debris fields also appeared to indicate damage was caused by straight line winds.”...

It is the opinion of the Publisher of this newspaper that the Covid-19 virus has caused a level of panic disproportionate to the threat the virus poses to humanity. What began as and very much remains a public health issue has been exploited by politicians of all stripes for perceived political gain and has been sensationalized by attention-seeking media personalities...

Spring weather, coupled with the coronavirus pandemic, has grounded much of the air traffic at Shelbyville Municipal Airport, officials said. “Our traffic is low,” Paul Perry, airport director, said Monday. “We cannot say it is all due to the virus. Some is weather-related. Incoming pilots are stating a low number of aircraft wherever they go. Corporate traffic has almost stopped completely.”...