Stories from Saturday, July 4, 2020

Lately I’ve been reading a number of books on the founding of America; about those who are known as “The Founding Fathers” and the faith of those Founders. Some of the Founders were very religious men, while others were somewhat religious, and then there were those who were non-religious...

Dear pandemic-battered readers, as you try adapting to the New Normal, just hope no diehards are waiting to confuse you with a plethora of ADDITIONAL configurations. It’s best just to suck it up and accept the NEW Normal rather than navigating a world of Classic Normal, Zero Calorie Normal, Satin Finish Normal, Fun-Size Normal, Gelcap Normal, Crunchy Normal, Non-Clumping Normal and Extra-Absorbent Normal with Wings...

With most public July 4 fireworks events cancelled this year, due to the pandemic, it’s time to head to the backyard for a picnic under the stars with family or a few close friends. The first thing to keep in mind when packing a backyard picnic, if you’re traveling to a friend’s house, is to make sure you create recipes that are easily packable. Worst thing you want to happen on the 4th is for your red, white and blue salad to thaw before you make it to the party...

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Randall Burt Fisher of Ringgold, GA., officially retired after 32 years of military service on June 30. The most important thing, he told the Times-Gazette this week, is to note in his retirement announcement that he’s the grandson of 92-year-old Mabel Sue Burton of Shelbyville...

The arrival of warm weather provides more opportunities to gather and celebrate. From national holidays to impromptu backyard barbecues, the opportunity to kick back and relax is a hallmark of summer. Fireworks also figure prominently in summer. When in the hands of professionals, fireworks are a wonder to behold from a safe distance. But far too often people set off their own pyrotechnics and meet with grave results...

Shelbyville, Wartrace and Bell Buckle will not sponsor public fireworks displays this weekend. Fireworks are still being sold and all city and town ordinances apply to the use of those Independence Day fireworks. Fireworks will begin over Tims Ford Lake 9 p.m. Saturday. For many years, boaters have enjoyed watching the sunset and the culmination of the red, white and blue fireworks...

A special 2020 prom, sponsored by friends of the Community High graduates, was held at Bell Buckle Banquet Hall last week, with several Community High seniors attending in their formal attire. Though the school-sponsored spring prom was cancelled, due to COVID-19, some residents in the community opted to host a candlelight banquet and dance...

To the editor, Did any of you go or watch the Trump rally on TV in Tulsa? I did. It wasn’t very good for his campaign. The Trump rally in Phoenix wasn’t much better. I cannot help but ask people about the rally and the Coronavirus. No social distancing, mask, and for crying out loud having to sign a wavier not to sue, just to listen to him use the “A ‘and “F “word; and why would the Religious Right support a candidate that uses this type of language? We need changes...

Two burglars tried and tried, and ultimately failed, to steal money from the Marathon convenience store at Highway 64 East and Jakes Branch Road late Wednesday night, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office said. Security video shows two people clad in white hoodies and carrying a sledge hammer and crowbar going “straight for the safe,” attempting to lift it without success, trying unsuccessfully to pry the cash register, then giving up and rummaging through a file cabinet before leaving, Deputy David Burns’ report said,. ...

Bell Buckle’s new water tank is rising on the Webb School campus. The 160,000 gallon tank is going up segment by segment and when completed will be the same height as the old tank but promises to be aesthetically more pleasing, painted a darker value blue — “Webb School” blue — instead of the faded robins egg blue of the tank it’s replacing...

During discussions over whether to move forward with the City’s master plan for revitalization of downtown and river park area, councilman Mark Clanton said Tuesday night, “This is a major home run — one which no one in this town has seen.” Clanton and others discussed the City’s ongoing downtown development project, which is in cooperation with Bedford County Commission, in regular study session at Shelbyville Recreation Center. ...

According to public health officials, lots of fast, accurate testing is critical to success in the effort to rein in the spread of COVID-19. Tennessee is earning a passing grade on two of the criteria but in the last week of June it was failing down badly in speed...

Funeral services for Jesse Willard Lamb, age 90, of the Wheel Community, will be held 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Calvary Baptist Church with Brother Jimmy Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Coleman Cemetery. Mr. Lamb passed from this life Friday evening, July 3, 2020, at home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held Sunday starting at 2:00 p.m. at the church.

After a hot humid 4th with 90 degrees, the chance of thunderstorms will go back up to 50% on Sunday and reach 70% by Tuesday and Wednesday. We will have an almost full moon on Saturday night, the actual full moon is on the 5th. For most it should be a pretty nice July 4th!...

Grace Edora Allison Glosson, 89, of Shelbyville died July 1, 2020. Funeral services were held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 4th, at Living Stones Community Church, Pastor Eddie Reed officiating. Burial followed at Willow Mount Cemetery.