Stories from Thursday, July 9, 2020

A backpack blower and water pump were stolen from a storage crate at the U.S. 41A South highway construction site, a Bedford County deputy was told Monday. A lock was cut from the Jones Brothers Contractors crate near Shofner Road, the report said. Also reported to area authorities:...

Bedford County commissioners are working with a study committee to consider the possible purchase of the old Bedford Paper Box Company building as part of a re-imagined northern entrance into the central downtown area of Shelbyville around the public square. The proposal would turn part of the building into a backup headquarters for Bedford County Emergency Management Agency and another part into a kitchen available for special events.

One more death from the COVID-19 virus was reported in Bedford County as the Tennessee Department of Health released its latest statistics Wednesday, increasing the local death toll to eight. Seven deaths had been listed Tuesday. Statewide, 2,470 new cases were reported Wednesday, the highest one day total since the pandemic began and a sharp increase from the past few days, The previous high was 2,125 on June 29...

Bedford County residents will not be required to wear masks when in public places, County Mayor Chad Graham has decided, Gov. Bill Lee granted to mayors of 89 Tennessee counties — all counties outside the four largest cities and the Jackson area — the authority to issue and set local mask requirements in response to a recent statewide spike in COVID-19 cases. Those five cities and counties operate their own health departments...

Bedford County School Board is moving forward with dual options for next school year, which begins Aug. 3, following a study session Thursday night. In-school and online learning choices were discussed. The school system's central office will be sending letters to students' homes tomorrow. See more in Saturday's T-G...