Shelbyville, Tennessee ~ Saturday, July 19, 2008

Corker visits AEDC, delivers upbeat message (06/10/08) ARNOLD AFB -- Following a major shake-up at the top levels of the Air Force, area leaders were eager to hear reassuring news from Sen. Bob Corker about the status of the Common Battlefield Airman Training (CBAT) facility, and other concerns. They got it...

State says lot change would hurt county zoning (06/06/08) According to state planners, Bedford County's rules allowing additional houses on farm lots are already more permissive than other counties', and weakening them further -- as suggested by some county commissioners -- would cripple the county's zoning resolution...

County unemployment 5.1 percent for April (06/06/08) Bedford County's unemployment rate for April was 5.1 percent, down 0.7 percent from March, but up 1.4 percent compared to last year, according to figures released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The county had a workforce of 22,920 with 21,740 people employed and a total of 1,170 out of work. But the rate is still higher than this time last year, when it was at 3.7 percent...

Planners hear Nestledown road issue (06/05/08) Residents of Nestledown Crossing appeared Tuesday before Bedford County Planning Commission to discuss road problems in their subdivision, but planners say the dispute is between the homeowners and developer Marvin Parker Jr., not the county. In many large subdivisions, the developer intentionally waits to complete street paving until about 80 percent of the homes have been built. ...

County may change quarry zoning rules (06/04/08) A proposed change to the county zoning resolution might make it easier to locate quarries in rural areas -- but one neighbor of a proposed quarry on Kellertown Road, being developed by the son of a planning commission member, opposed having the project in her neighborhood...

'Main Street' members question focus (05/27/08) Less than a year after it began forming, Shelbyville's prospective Main Street has hit a bump in the road -- but it wasn't unexpected. "It takes a bare minimum of two years to be an official Main Street organization," said Cindy Drake, chairman of the group that began in August 2007. "And you have to be a state Main Street two years before you can be a federal one."...

Spec building could help land industry (05/22/08) Deborah Cameron of Tennessee Valley Authority told local economic leaders on Wednesday that seven out of 10 industrial prospects want to see a potential building when they visit a community. Walt Wood, of Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, said that some industries, if they've gotten a new customer or contract, need to be up and running in a very short period of time and don't have time to build a new factory from the ground up...

Rebate checks should finish by mid-July (05/17/08) "Oh, I have mine already. I just don't know what I'm going to do with it!" Jane Bedford paused while working at Marsha's on the Square. "I haven't really thought about it." Bedford is one of the lucky ones who has already gotten her economic stimulus tax rebate from the government. Because she chose direct deposit, and her Social Security number was in the right range, she already has the money in hand. Now, she just needs to find something to spend it on...

Newly-placed trees are the wrong kind (05/17/08) Don't get too used to seeing those new trees on the square. They are soon to be removed and won't be replaced until fall. According to City Manager Ed Craig, D & L Associates of Nashville, the landscaping company hired to plant and maintain the foliage, installed the wrong types of trees on the square...

End nears for Aleris workers (05/16/08) The final day for 55 workers at Aleris International is coming within the next few weeks. The employment terminations are expected to commence June 8, according to a letter recently sent to Shelbyville Mayor Wallace Cartwright. Aleris announced last month it will permanently close its Shelbyville alloy plant, located on Railroad Avenue across from Central High School...

Commission approves one rezoning, not the other (05/15/08) Bedford County Board of Commissoners approved one rezoning request Tuesday night but, after hearing complaints from neighbors, denied another. Approved was a rezoning request from Nancy Barton, who wanted property on Huffman Road rezoned from R-1 (residential) to A-1 (agriculture)...

Commission seeks bids on hospital, school buildings (05/14/08) Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to put out a request for proposals from parties interested in buying the old Harris Middle School building and from those interested in buying the soon-to-be-vacant Bedford County Medical Center...

New trees planted on square (05/08/08) Dirt was moved again Wednesday on the Shelbyville public square, only this time it was to finally plant the trees that have been the source of concern for both downtown merchants and city officials. Reaction to the new greenery depended on who was asked. Janet Cavna, who lives on the square and is a member of Main Street Shelbyville, said she was pleased with the result...

State study says airport site is best for soccer (05/07/08) A state evaluation says that land near Shelbyville Municipal Airport is the best site for a proposed soccer/athletic complex, the city's park board learned Monday. The concept was a topic of discussion at last week's Shelbyville study session, with two council members, Lee Roy Cunningham and Al Stephenson, wanting to build a complex on land owned by the city's power, water and sewer utility located behind a residential area on South Brittain St...

Five-year sports facility plan outlined (05/07/08) An outline for a five-year plan to construct a soccer/athletic complex was included in an evaluation submitted to Shelbyville by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Recreational and Educational Services. The report recommends using 42 acres of land located near the city's airport for the proposed facility, which could include eight soccer fields and four baseball/softball fields...

Groundbreaking for Learning Way Elementary (04/30/08)

Unemployment rate shows slight rise (04/28/08) Bedford County's unemployment rate for March rose slightly to 5.8 percent, according to figures released by the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development. The county reportedly had a total work force of 22,940, with 21,610 working and 1,330 unemployed, meaning that the unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percent since February...

Building's fate to be decided (04/26/08) The fate of an East Depot Street building deemed unsafe for human habitation by the City of Shelbyville will be decided within the next month. Barrels and yellow caution tape mark the spot where bricks have fallen from the facade of 109 E. Depot. Codes official Scotty Farrar said the building was declared dangerous when its condition was brought to the city's attention at the request of owner Alice Albright, who was having "some issues" with a tenant...

Planners address church, cycles, waste treatment (04/25/08) A new church building, a motorcycle dealership and an improved treatment plant for Tyson were some of the items addressed by the Shelbyville Planning Commission Thursday. A public hearing was held concerning Shelbyville's new subdivision regulations before the commission meeting began. No one spoke about the new rules and the commission approved the regulations after that...

Large tree must go, city says (04/23/08) Concern about the fate of a tree on East Depot Street led to a small public hearing Tuesday between some downtown business people and city officials. Jennifer Templeton of Templeton Insurance started a petition to save the large tree in front of the business that is slated to be replaced by a pair of single stem crepe myrtles...

North Main work begins Monday (04/19/08) The long awaited beginning of the widening of North Main Street in Shelbyville kicks off Monday with the first phase: work on the intersection with Colloredo Boulevard / Fairfield Pike. Word was received late Wednesday from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) that work would soon be underway, according to public works director Mark Clanton...

VIDEO: Tracy discusses North Main widening (04/18/08) State Sen. Jim Tracy discusses the importance of widening North Main Street during a public hearing Thursday night. See the story here....

New roof on Blue Ribbon Circle (04/18/08)

Horse country delights tour group (04/17/08) A Vermont-based tour company made a stop in the land of walking horses Tuesday as part of an Elderhostel Tour that included tourists from all over the country. Elderhostel is a non-profit organization that offers in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning experiences and adventures in all 50 states for folks over 60. ...

Shelbyville bypass gets funding (04/15/08) State Senate Transportation Chairman Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and State Rep. Curt Cobb (D-Shelbyville) have announced that the Tennessee Department of Transportation has included the Shelbyville bypass in its list of highway projects for the 2008-09 budget year...

Grant funds industrial spec building (04/11/08) On the same week that one Shelbyville industry announced its closure, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced that Duck River Electric Membership Corp. has been given a $300,000 grant to help build a spec building to attract a similar-sized industry to Airport Business Park...

One-structure-per-lot rule discussed (04/10/08) Bedford County Board of Commissioners cast a meaningless vote Tuesday night on preserving an existing provision of the zoning resolution before deciding to send the issue back to Bedford County Planning Commission. Ever since county zoning was first put into place, it has included a "one principal structure per lot" rule, which is more or less standard for zoning resolutions anywhere...

Bell Buckle aiming at cleaner property (04/10/08) Bell Buckle passed the first reading of an ordinance establishing property maintenance regulations that will give the town a procedure to deal with residents that have overgrown or dirty lots. Mayor Dennis Webb said that there was already a measure dealing with the topic on the books, but this would give the town some recourse in dealing with the matter...

Aleris will close Shelbyville plant (04/10/08) Aleris International Inc. announced Wednesday that it will permanently close its Shelbyville alloy plant, which is located on Railroad Avenue across from Central High School. Production will be phased out, states a news release, and the site is expected to permanently close by summer....

Bank celebrates two decades this month (04/04/08) First Community Bank of Bedford County celebrates its 20th birthday this month, as employees and customers look back at its growth and development over the past two decades. The bank was chartered April 1, 1988, and opened for business at its Elm Street location on April 28, so bank officials decided to celebrate the anniversary during the entire month of April, according to CEO Donna Stone...

County panel wants survey on nursing home issue (04/02/08) Inspired in part by the results of an unscientific Times-Gazette web poll, Bedford County Financial Management Committee said Tuesday night it would like to conduct a more scientific poll of local attitudes towards selling Bedford County Nursing Home...

Draft of urban growth plan revealed (04/01/08) A preliminary working draft of Shelbyville's comprehensive growth plan lays out a list of issues and opportunities, which helps identify the city's strengths and weaknesses. The draft plan was drawn up by the design firm of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC), which is also working on the county's growth plans. The plan calls for the city's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to be expanded northward where most, if not all, of the future growth is expected to take place...

Growth plan sets goals, objectives for city (04/01/08) While the preliminary draft of Shelbyville's comprehensive growth plan shows where new development will likely to occur, it also lists a series of goals and objectives for the city's future. The plan, which is supposed to cover a 20-year period from 2005 to 2025, is being drawn up by the design firm of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC) and calls for the expansion of Shelbyville's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to the north...

Main Street program emphasizes membership month (03/31/08) The Main Street Shelbyville program is promoting April as "membership month" and will offer special introductory rates for 2008 memberships. Main Street is a program to promote the preservation and development of the square and the downtown areas. The organization has four membership categories:...

A record-setting flight in a Shelbyville-made plane (03/29/08) An aircraft constructed at Shelbyville's Jabiru USA facility has set a coast-to-coast speed record for a piston engine landplane that weights a ton or less. Retired Navy pilot Earl Ferguson of Atlanta claimed the record, which was approved by the National Aeronautic Association this month. ...

Planners see urban growth blueprint (03/29/08) Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission got its first look at a preliminary version of the city's urban growth plan Thursday night. Charles Goforth of the design firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC) briefed the commission on how the city should plan for its growth over the next 20 years...

County unemployment shows slight rise (03/29/08) Bedford County's unemployment rate rose 0.3 percent in February to 5.7 percent, according to figures released by Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The county reportedly had a labor force of 22,990, with 21,680 working and a total of 1,310 out of work. The rate was 1.4 percent higher than this time last year, when the unemployment rate was 4.3 percent...

Tyson defends hiring practices, works with refugees (03/28/08) Tyson Foods officials have been working with the imam of Shelbyville's Islamic mosque to bridge the cultural gap that exists between the Somali community and the rest of the public. Representatives of the company also dismissed lingering charges of Tyson hiring illegal immigrants as "myths and misconceptions."...

Tyson says it has corrected sewage issue (03/27/08) Problems with Tyson Foods' sewage treatment facility at its chicken processing plant in Shelbyville have been corrected, according to company officials. Last Feburary, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) issued a notice of violation to Tyson Foods' environmental office in Shelbyville, stating that the plant's sewage treatment facility discharged effluent into the Duck River with levels of ammonia greater than allowed by the plant's permit...

Tyson CEO says ethanol will lead to higher food costs (03/27/08) When Dick Bond says that the price of food will soon go up due to increased ethanol production, you'd best listen to him. He should know: he's the president and CEO of Tyson Foods. Bond paid a rare visit to the Shelbyville poultry complex Wednesday to tour the facility and meet with plant management as well as officials from around Bedford County...

VIDEO: Tyson CEO visits Shelbyville (03/27/08) Tyson Foods CEO Dick Bond visited the firm's Shelbyville plant on Wednesday. Here, he discusses the impact of ethanol promotion on food prices: ...

New Celebration CEO hopes to involve youth (03/26/08) Doyle Meadows, new CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, spoke to an enthusiastic group of breakfast Rotarians bright and early this morning at Richard's Cafeteria. "It is such a pleasure to be here," said Meadows, a native of Texas. "The Celebration is the garden of our community chest, and I appreciate that and I appreciate [breakfast Rotarians] ... you are also part of the community chest."...

County's growth ranks 7th in Tennessee (03/22/08) Numbers released by the U.S Census Bureau show that the population of Bedford County has jumped 15 percent since the year 2000, making it the seventh fastest growing county in Tennessee. Coming at first and second place were Rutherford and Williamson counties, and it would appear likely that the boost in their populations has spilled over into this county...

Funding cuts could threaten bypass project (03/21/08) It's too early to tell whether a rescission of $66.3 million in federal funding to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) would impact Bedford County, according to Sen. Jim Tracy. But Tracy stated that he would "work like crazy" to keep projects like the Shelbyville bypass from dropping off TDOT's list of priority projects...

Bell Buckle sues Ritch over tap fees (03/13/08) The Town of Bell Buckle has filed suit against an area developer over unpaid sewer tap fees. Roger Ritch, doing business as American Value Homes, was served on March 7 with a civil suit demanding a total of $14,000. The town's board voted to move forward with collecting the unpaid sewer tap fees in November that had resulted from an accounting error...

CBAT pick delayed until fall (03/12/08) The decision on locating the Air Force's proposed Common Battlefield Airman Training Facility (CBAT), for which Arnold Air Force Base is in the running, has been delayed until fall, according to Air Force officials. Local officials have also been awaiting the release of the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project, but that also has been delayed...

Local unemployment is 5.4 percent (03/08/08) Bedford County's unemployment rate fell 0.1 percent in the month of January to 5.4 percent, according to figures released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. In January, the county had a workforce of 22,860, with 21,620 employed and 1,240 out of work. Compared to last year, unemployment has risen 0.8 percent from last January's rate of 4.6 percent...

Housing slowdown takes toll on local construction (03/07/08) The nation's housing slowdown has had an obvious impact on home construction in Shelbyville, with the building of new houses down 60 percent since this time last year. City Planning Director Kip Green said building permits are down considerably from last year, with the slowdown beginning back in August 2007. But there's some good news, as the commercial sector takes a long-term view and anticipates the end of economic hard times...

More work added to North Main project (03/05/08) The city of Shelbyville will vote next week on an addition of Northside Park Drive to the plans for the widening of North Main Street. The city asked the design firm Gresham, Smith and Partners to add the redesign of Northside Park Drive to the project, which would widen North Main from its current four lanes to five, beginning at Madison Street and ending at Palmer Drive, for a distance of 1.2 miles...

Annexation urged for Chapel Hill land (03/05/08) CHAPEL HILL -- Planning commissioners here are recommending that annexation of 54 acres be approved next Monday by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Voting Monday this week, the commissioners endorsed a request from developer Ron Lampley who wants to build two subdivisions on State Route 99 (Eagleville Highway.)...

Bid awarded for improving busy intersection (03/04/08) A local paving company was recently awarded the bid for work that will begin the long-anticipated widening of North Main Street. Wright Paving Contractors, Inc. was awarded the contract for work to be done at the intersection of Colloredo Boulevard and Fairfield Pike with a low bid of $260,626...

New sub regs to go before public (02/29/08) Shelbyville's planning commission approved amendments to the city's subdivision regulations Thursday and a public hearing will be scheduled before the new rules are approved by the city council. The regulations deal with a variety of topics such as open space and are designed to make new subdivisions more livable...

Real estate signs are regulated (02/27/08) Those signs with the arrows can be seen on many street corners at the entrance to Shelbyville's subdivisions, pointing out properties for sale by various local real estate firms. But an irate T-G reader has phoned to complain about the practice, which he termed an eyesore and encroaching on his property...

DREMC to construct new office annex (02/23/08) Duck River Electric Membership Cooperative (DREMC) is planning to build a $2 million, 10,580-square foot annex office building near their present facility. The facility will be located at the corner of Eagle Boulevard and Learning Way, according to drawings submitted to the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission...

DREMC to construct new office annex (02/23/08) Duck River Electric Membership Cooperative (DREMC) is planning to build a $2 million, 10,580-square foot annex office building near their present facility. The facility will be located at the corner of Eagle Boulevard and Learning Way, according to drawings submitted to the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission...

Verdict's still out on space crunch (02/20/08) Local court officials are still considering their space problems, and haven't yet made a request to the county about how to solve them. County Mayor Eugene Ray told the county commission's courthouse and property committee Tuesday night that the court system will probably propose both a temporary and a long-term solution to the problem. ...

Depot Street speed limit restored (02/15/08) Shelbyville's city council returned the speed limit on Depot Street to its previous limit of 45 mph after council members received a number of complaints from citizens. Several weeks ago, city manager Ed Craig directed the public works department to change the speed limit on East Depot Street from 45 to 30 mph due to the large amount of accidents that were occurring at the intersection of Depot, Bethany Lane and Coney Island Road...

County alters zoning rules (02/14/08) Bedford County Board of Commissioners, meeting Tuesday night, approved a change to county zoning resolutions which will allow accessory buildings to be located in front of the main building in cases where the buildings are a great distance from the road...

Chamber honors four for community service (02/12/08) Helen Garner, James Elkins, Johnny Reed and Dawn Holley were honored by Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce during the chamber's annual membership meeting and awards banquet Monday night at the Blue Ribbon Circle. Commissioner James Neeley of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the scheduled keynote speaker, was unable to attend due to pneumonia; instead, Joe B. Brandon of the department spoke...

City bypass tops regional highway list (02/11/08) CHAPEL HILL -- While construction of Shelbyville's eastern bypass remains the priority among regional transportation organizers who met here Thursday, a state official suggested they break a plan to four-lane Lewisburg Highway (State Route 64) into smaller projects...

City plans to destroy dilapidated buildings (02/08/08) About a dozen eyesores around Shelbyville may soon have a date with the wrecking ball as the city seeks to demolish abandoned structures that have become public safety hazards. While there is a lengthy legal process behind the effort, city planning director Kip Green says that the rights of the property owner are of paramount concern...

Council plants roots for tree program (02/06/08) Trees on the square and other matters were reviewed Tuesday during a special called meeting and study session of Shelbyville City Council. Before the study session, the council held a called meeting to deal with two items. Approved was a motion to authorize the mayor to execute a contract with Ron Parsons, who made a bid of $300,000 last month to purchase the old Senior Citizens Center building on North Main Street...

Winery, candy company join forces for new product (02/04/08) A Tennessee treat is now available to the public due to two local companies combining their efforts to spread the taste of the region nationwide. Tri-Star Vineyards and Winery on Scales Road near Halls Mill has joined forces with Lynchburg Cakes and Candies to produce Tennessee Wine Drops, a candy that winery owners Perry and Elaine Casteel hope will catch on...

Chamber dinner set for Feb. 11 (01/30/08) Tickets for the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner and awards banquet, Feb. 11 at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds, must be purchased by Tuesday at the Chamber offices on South Cannon Boulevard, 684-3482. Tennessee Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James G. Neeley will be the guest speaker, and the Chamber will present its four annual awards:...

Shelbyville projected for furniture sales growth (01/30/08) Furniture Today magazine once again named Shelbyville as one of the top 50 small markets in the country projected to have the fastest growth in furniture and bedding sales in the next five years. The trade publication had Shelbyville at number 20 this year, listing it as one of 11 small metropolitan areas with a projected growth rate of 28 percent from now until 2012...

Travel easier to Nashville, new mall (01/29/08) Bedford County residents who use Interstate 24 frequently may notice lighter traffic with the addition of a new exit and completion of a widening project which was opened to the public Monday. The new exit (Exit 80) is located on New Salem Highway (State Route 99) and motorists will now be able to use four travel lanes in each direction on I-24 from State Route 96 to U.S. 231 North...

Bedford lags behind state in broadband (01/28/08) A new study by a non-profit group has revealed that Bedford County residents have lower broadband Internet speeds and that fewer use high speed service compared to the state average. Connected Tennessee released a county-by-county reading of average Internet speeds across Tennessee. The maps are intended to give broadband providers and state policy makers information on which communities need higher quality Internet service...

County jobless rate up slightly (01/29/08) Bedford County's unemployment rate rose just 0.1 percent in December to 5.6 percent, according to figures released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The county had a total labor force of 22,610, with 21,360 employed and 1,260 out of work. The county's umemployment is 1.3 percent higher than it was a year ago, at 4.3 percent reported in December of 2006...

One property owner refutes fraud accusations (01/26/08) One of the individuals accused of fraud involving Greystone Subdivison has brought the T-G evidence that the specific tenant to whom he is renting misrepresented the facts of his situation. Jason Neal provided extensive documentation that shows that Andrew Andreason of 414 Quarry St. gave Neal checks for rent in November and December of 2007 that were returned due to insufficient funds...

Planners elect officers, consider zoning requests (01/25/08) Two new members were welcomed to the Shelbyville Planning Commission and officers were elected for the year during a brief meeting Thursday. Earl Pewitt and Henry Wilhoite were appointed to the commission last month by Mayor Wallace Cartwright. Chairman Morton Renegar advised the pair to consult with city planning director Kip Green to learn what the commission can and can't do...

Fraud claimed in home deals (01/24/08) Several Shelbyville families in Greystone subdivision off Nashville Dirt Road, near North Main Street, are suddenly faced with losing the roofs over their heads -- even though they have been making their house payments on time. The families claim they have been victimized by several individuals from Murfreesboro who are purchasing properties from American Value Homes and setting up two-year leases with purchase option agreements...

Fayetteville Career Center closing (01/19/08) Shelbyville's Career Center will be seeing more job seekers due to the closing of the state's Fayetteville office. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development announced Friday it is closing the Fayetteville Career Center effective Jan. 25...

County growth plans presented to public (01/15/08) "Is this the right direction?" That was the question posed to interested citizens during the first of three public meetings dealing with Bedford County's revised master growth plan. With large graphics of the different proposed plans displayed, Charles Goforth of the design firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon (BWSC) explained to the crowd of about 50 where the county should plan for its growth over the next 20 years...

Growth plan hearings this week (01/12/08) If the future growth of the county is a topic that concerns you, you will have three chances to sound off with your opinion this week. A series of public hearings will be held by the Bedford County's Joint Economic Development Board (JEDB) on the subject of the comprehensive master plan that is to be used as an update to Bedford County's growth plan...

AEDC benefits area economy (01/12/08) The U.S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) had an economic impact of more than $653 million on Middle Tennessee during government fiscal year 2007, which ended Sept. 30. This estimate is an increase of more than $54 million from fiscal year 2006...

Zoning relaxed for 'guest houses' (01/09/08) Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved a change Tuesday night which was designed to loosen the zoning regulations slightly, to make it easier for families to have a guest house on their property. But some commissioners want the county to study completely eliminating the rule that was being loosened...

Chapel Hill considers zero lot line zoning (01/09/08) CHAPEL HILL -- Planning commissioners here agreed Monday night to recommend a change in the town's zoning ordinance to allow zero lot line homes. Such new housing would be allowed as close as five feet to the side of a property owner's lot and therefore a minimum of 10 feet would be required between the homes...

Stockyard fires impact farmers (01/03/08) Two stockyards in Tennessee burned this week and officials say the fires will hurt their areas' farm economies. Other stockyards, however, may benefit because of the fires. "Whenever you lose a facility like that, you lose some of your competition," said Rick Skillington, director of Marshall County Agricultural Extension Service. "When farmers carry their livestock to market, they like the competition."...

North Main widening study continues (01/02/08) A preliminary field review of the widening of North Main Street in Shelbyville has been set by the Tennessee Department of Transportation [TDOT]. The review will be held Jan. 16 starting at 9 a.m. at the Region 3 office building in the Survey and Design Conference Room on the second floor at 6601 Centennial Boulevard in Nashville...

National Pen may get new work here (12/29/07) National Pen Corp. in Shelbyville may be seeing some new faces soon. According to both the South Florida Business Journal and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Atlas Pen & Pencil Co. will close its Hollywood, Fla., facility and move its production to Shelbyville and Tijuana, Mexico, on April 1...

Planners allow apartments on the square (12/29/07) Shelbyville's planning commission approved a zoning change Thursday that would make it easier to develop apartments on the square. The commission approved a recommendation to add apartments as a permitted use in two commercial zones. According to comments submitted by the planning and engineering staff for the city, it was recommended that the use table be amended by allowing C-1 (Central Business District) and C-2 (Highway Service District) zones for multi-family uses, or apartments...

Rules change would allow outbuildings in front of homes (12/19/07) Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee added its recommendation Tuesday night to two proposed changes to the county zoning resolution. One of the changes would allow accessory buildings (such as a garage or shed) to be placed in front of a home in the A-1(agriculture) zone, provided the home is more than three times the required minimum setback from the highway. ...

Homestead planned at Ag Center (12/12/07) A new association is being planned with the goal of building a pioneer-style log home and outbuildings as a museum on the southwest corner of the Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center site. Organizers have the blessing of the Ag Center's board and of Bedford County Board of Commissioners. ...

And then there were two: Georgia no longer considered for CBAT (12/11/07) Arnold Air Force Base in Coffee and Franklin counties now has a better chance of getting the Common Battlefield Airmen Training program, also known as CBAT, according to a Georgia newspaper. The Valdosta Daily Times reported Sunday that Moody Air Force Base, in Valdosta, Ga., is out of the running for the Air Force facility. It had been one of three sites, along with Arnold AFB and Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, La., under consideration to host CBAT...

Chickens run loose in parts of city (12/11/07) As codes enforcer for the city of Shelbyville, David Langford has to deal with a variety of issues in his job. Routine items like abandoned vehicles, grass that is too high or when a neighbor's property is too messy are just some of the challenges Langford faces with the public...

Hearings set on growth plan (12/05/07) Bedford County's Joint Economic Development Board [JEDB] will hold a series of public hearings next month on the topic of the comprehensive master plan to be used as an update to the county's growth plan. The series of public hearings are tentatively scheduled to be held Jan. 14 at Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Jan. 15 at Cascade School and Jan. 17 at Community School. All of the meetings will start at 6 p.m...

Quintec sold to Italian firm (11/30/07) Quintec Films Corp. on Railroad Avenue in Shelbyville has been acquired by Manuli Stretch Group of Milan, Italy, the world's largest stretch film manufacturer. The transfer became effective on Wednesday; terms of the deal were not disclosed. Manuli Stretch Group has annual sales in excess of $460 million and operates manufacturing facilities in Italy, Germany, the U.K. and Argentina...

Zoning Appeals grants exception for cabinet shop (11/30/07) After hearing conflicting reports from neighbors, Bedford County Board of Zoning Appeals decided Thursday night to approve a special exception for a cabinet shop at 164 Big Springs Road. Ken Remfert has an existing cabinet shop but wanted to move it to a building he has purchased nearby. ...

Air Force secretary says CBAT study continues (11/28/07) ARNOLD AFB -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne gave no new information about the possibility of Arnold Air Force Base getting the Common Battlefield Airman Training (CBAT) program during his visit on Tuesday, but said environmental surveys are still being examined...

Zoning change could allow lofts on the square (11/19/07) A zoning change proposed for the city would make it easier to develop apartments on the square. Shelbyville Planning Commission will examine a recommendation to add apartments as a permitted use in two commercial zones when it meets next week. The commission will meet Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. in the courtroom in the Shelbyville Police Department...

Historic school building enters new phase (11/12/07) A historic Elm Street structure has been receiving a facelift over the past few months and the public will get a chance this week to see what has been done. The building once housed Bedford County Training School, Shelbyville's school for African-Americans in the years before desegregation, which took place from 1965-67. It was later Harris Middle School. Now, it has been renovated into an office complex; the large gymnasium is in the process of restoration as well...

State main street chief to speak in Shelbyville (11/10/07) The Shelbyville Main Street Program will host an informational meeting Wednesday at 10:30 at the Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, 100 North Cannon Blvd. Kimberly Nyberg, Main Street director for Tennessee, will provide a presentation followed by a question and answer forum...

Streetscape plans to be developed for square (11/09/07) Shelbyville's city council only had a few items to address Thursday evening, one of them involving trees on the public square. The council passed a motion to hire Jim Douglas with Hodgson Planning and Design Services for streetscape planning for Shelbyville's Public Square, but Councilman Lee Roy Cunningham had questions about the move...

Slow progress on 41-A widening (11/07/07) The right of way process for the future widening of U.S. 41-A to Tullahoma to four lanes is underway, but it will be until sometime in 2009 before that phase is completed, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) officials say. But the acquisition of land is only one part of the process, with no set date for the start of construction...

Doctor's building breaks ground (11/06/07) A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Monday for Bedford Physicians Plaza, a medical office building on the campus of the new Bedford County Medical Center. Henry Trost of Franklin-based First Colony Healthcare, which is developing the project, noted during the ceremonies that ground has already been broken. But the company, as well as BCMC, took the opportunity to celebrate anyway, sticking their shovels into a pile of dirt at the corner of the already-prepared pad...

DRA will make pitch to Spring Hill (11/03/07) The Duck River Agency's executive director is scheduled to make a pitch to Spring Hill aldermen that, in the face of drought, it's logical to join with other governments in the watershed to protect water quality and supply. Doug Murphy, executive of the Shelbyville-based agency, says he'll advocate regional water supply planning at Spring Hill City Hall on Nov. 13, a date recommended by Mayor Danny Leverette...

State toughens Three-Star requirements (11/02/07) The state has raised the bar for local governments' participation in a program that's provided more than $100,000 in help to Bedford County and similar amounts in other counties. The Governor's Three-Star Award program recognizes communities for being prepared for economic development. ...

Local unemployment office may close (10/31/07) Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley visited Bedford County Monday. Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray requested the meeting after hearing that federal cutbacks could cause the unemployment office here to be consolidated. The mayor stressed his desire to keep the office open, but Neeley said because of the cutbacks it is probable that services for Bedford County residents will be provided in either Lincoln or Coffee County...

Subdivision proposals to be released (10/27/07) Developers and the public will soon be getting their first look at Shelbyville's proposed subdivision regulations so that the city's planning commission can make final adjustments before sending the document to the city council for approval. The commission plans to hold a public hearing on the new regulations after Christmas. ...

Healthy trees improve square, merchants told (10/25/07) Downtown merchants and beautification enthusiasts agreed Wednesday that maintaining trees on the Shelbyville public square is the most important factor in keeping the area looking good, in order to promote business. The meeting was held to reach a consensus between businesses and members of the Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee to decide what steps need to be taken to improve the look of the square...

Trees will be meeting topic (10/18/07) The debate over trees on the Shelbyville public square will continue during a public meeting next Wednesday, with a landscape professional giving his input on the issue. The meeting takes place at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the City Hall Courtroom at the Shelbyville Police Department...

Main Street offers gift certificates (10/16/07) The newly-organized Shelbyville Main Street program has worked with area businesses to produce holiday gift certificates. The certificates are available in $10, $15, $20 and $25 denominations and are redeemable at a wide variety of local merchants as listed below...

State hopes for Hispanic tourism (10/15/07) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee's tourism department began advertising in Spanish-language newspapers for the first time this year and plans to roll out a Spanish version of its Web site by the end of the month. "The idea is to be all inclusive," said Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, a spokeswoman for the department. "We have multiple cultures -- the census tells us that -- and we know (Hispanic) culture is part of our potential market."...

City wins motions in lawsuit, but issues remain (10/13/07) Summary judgment in favor of the City of Shelbyville was handed down Wednesday in Fayetteville in a lawsuit between the city and a local paving company. However, two legal issues still remain in the suit that was filed nearly two and a half years ago...

Tempest in a treetop (10/12/07) Trees on the square were a topic of discussion Thursday during Shelbyville City Council's October meeting, with a merchant and a beautification advocate expressing different viewpoints. A debate began on the topic when a motion was made to apply for a landscape grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry, for the purchase and installation of trees on the public square...

Main Street program organizing (10/12/07) The newly formed "Main Street Shelbyville" program has begun the application process for accreditation with the Tennessee Main Street Program. The state program is part of the nationwide "Main Street" program created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation...

City studies new financing method (10/03/07) Shelbyville City Council was informed Tuesday about ways to pay for capital projects with a method called Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Don Darden of the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) explained the pros and cons of the method, which is used for redevelopment and community improvement projects...

Backroads Heritage celebrates successful year (10/01/07) MONTEAGLE -- Tennessee's Backroads Heritage Inc., which promotes tourism in Bedford and six other southern Middle Tennessee counties, celebrated another year of achievement with its annual barbecue, held at the Bear Hollow Dinner Theatre. Ken Beck, who covers travel and entertainment for The Tennessean, was the keynote speaker, while the band Midnight Special performed. ...

Local employment rises (10/01/07) Bedford County's unemployment rate dropped 0.3 percent to 4.6 percent for the month of August, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported. The county had a labor force of 22,410, with 21,380 employed and 1,030 out of work. Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August decreased from the July rate of 4.1 percent to 4.0 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percent. The United States rate was 4.6 percent for August, and remained unchanged from July...

Housing market may fall more (09/29/07) MURFREESBORO -- "I believe the bottom of the housing downturn could be quite a ways off," said the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Dennis Lockhart, during Middle Tennessee State University's annual Economic Outlook Conference on Friday...

Subdivision turns to be widened (09/28/07) Questions about turn radiuses with roads inside a proposed development dominated discussion for Shelbyville's planning commission Thursday. A preliminary plat was before the commission for Briarwood Estates, a 87-lot residential subdivision on 72.4 acres located off of Richdale Lane and Brown Lane owned by Mayor Wallace Cartwright, who is also a member of the commission...

City planner looks at 'complete streets' (09/25/07) With so many subdivisions and planned unit developments being built in Bedford County, new transportation concepts being used in the northwest are catching the eye of Shelbyville's planning director. Kirkland, Wash., is attracting planners from around the country who are looking at its street designs, which keep busy roadways safe for bike riders and walkers without adding new lanes. ...

Where should county offices be? (09/19/07) Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee continues to look at what to do about county offices, and Tuesday night it had two visitors with an interest in that decision: Cindy Drake and Janet Cavna of the local Main Street organization, which is now in the process of organizing...

Local businessmen buy Smyrna Air Center (09/15/07) The Smyrna Air Center was sold this week to a group of Shelbyville businessmen for an undisclosed amount. Robert Fields, owner of R&B Transport; Corey Gillard, owner of Precision Aviation; and Erick Larson, a pilot and independent aviation-insurance agent with PIK-West Insurance bought the air-service business from Ed Thornton, John Boatman and Connie Boatman after negotiations that lasted ten months...

County presented with Three-Star Award (09/15/07) It was smiles all around as Bedford County once again was formally re-certified as a Level III community Thursday during the Governor's Three-Star Award program in Nashville. The presentation took place at the two-day Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development, which was attended by a variety of county and city leaders from Bedford County and across the state...

City approves its share of GIS flyover costs (09/14/07) The Shelbyville City Council gave approval to funding the city's part of new aerial photography of Bedford County Thursday evening. The imagery will be for the Geographic Information System (GIS) and the city's portion of that cost will be $5,577. The current imagery is now around nine years old and is very out of date, especially on North Main Street where growth has exploded over the past decade. ...

Hospital topped out, doctors honored at ceremony (09/07/07) Bedford County Medical Center held a topping-out ceremony at its new facility on U.S. 231 North on Thursday, honoring the facility's long-time doctors before hoisting the final girder into place. CEO William Macri compared the two, saying that just as a building's framework and foundation determine its shape, a hospital is shaped by its staff...

Governor's conference to emphasize rural ECD (09/07/07) Gov. Phil Bredesen, in a telephone interview Thursday with the Times-Gazette, said this year's Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development will have a special focus on rural communities, some of which haven't shared completely in the state's recent economic success...

City wants to talk trees with square merchants (09/05/07) The city of Shelbyville wants to get together with businesses on the public square and others to discuss the future of trees there. The general consensus from the council was to get input from everyone concerned about planting new trees on the square...

AEDC seeks Morris Ferry Dock input (08/30/07) The U.S. Air Force is continuing to explore alternatives for operating Morris Ferry Dock, a fishing camp on Woods Reservoir on the Arnold Air Force Base campus. The Air Force recently extended the deadline for its request for information (RFI) to Sept. 17...

Main Street program moves forward (08/29/07) The foundation blocks were laid on Tuesday for the building of a Shelbyville Main Street project. Interested members met with County Mayor Eugene Ray to discuss the necessary steps that must be taken before applying for the highly recognized position of a Main Street community with the State of Tennessee...

Dinner Table is open yet again (08/28/07) After nearly two years of feeding people in another city in another county, Fletcher and Sharon Griffin have brought their wonderful savors of good country cooking back home to Shelbyville. The Dinner Table Restaurant is open once again, this time on Union Street, just in time to take care of the hungry bunch of horse lovers here for the Celebration...

Sub reg changes aim for livability (08/25/07) Making communities more livable is one of the main concepts behind updated subdivision regulations that Shelbyville's planning commission will be examining over the next few months. "We've tried to meet what state law requires and what the environment requires, being the federal government, and put that into a document that makes sense," Planning and Zoning Director Kip Green said Friday...

Local unemployment falls in July (08/24/07) Bedford County's unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent in July, according to figures released by the Department of Labor & Workforce Development. The county had a workforce of 22,540, with 21,450 employed and 1,100 reported as unemployed. The rate fell 0.3 percent from 5.2 percent in July...

Planners see proposed new sub regs (08/24/07) Shelbyville's planning commission got their first look at the first draft of proposed subdivision regulations that are intended to bring the city "up to date" with surrounding communities. Chairman Morton Renegar said they have been waiting a long time for the draft, indicating the current regulations on the books were out of date...

Committee considers county's office needs (08/22/07) Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee continued to discuss the county's space needs Tuesday night, including such ideas as building a new jail behind the old Bedford County Medical Center and turning the existing hospital building or the Medical Arts Building into a judicial building with offices and courthouses...

Celebration makes huge financial impact (08/20/07) Like an old family friend, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) has been with Shelbyville since 1939, so long that many can't remember there being a time when there wasn't a horse show. If there is one segment of the county's business community that has its finger on the pulse of Bedford County's economic health, it is the real estate market. ...

Kisber praises local efforts (08/17/07) Tennessee Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Matthew Kisber told a Shelbyville audience on Thursday that Bedford County is one of the state's best examples of good economic development practices. Kisber also praised The Celebration for its role in working with diverse elements of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry to resolve the crisis over horse inspections which ended last year's show without a World Grand Champion...

Growth plan revision work continues (08/16/07) County and city officials will have choices to make as it applies to planning for future growth, according to a consultant hired to assist in updating the county urban growth plan. Members of the Bedford County Planning Commission recently heard a presentation from Charles Goforth of the Nashville planning and engineering firm Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon...

BCUD considers transferring lines to city (08/13/07) Bedford County Utility District (BCUD) commissioners are sending a contract to Shelbyville's utility board for the sale of some of the rural district's jurisdiction to the city as another step in more than a year of discussions. While the potential agreement affects a relatively small territory, the discussions between the utilities raise growth issues for both governments and the people they serve, largely because water and sewer are basic services...

Bedford re-certified as Level III county (08/11/07) Bedford County has been re-certified as a Level III community in the Governor's Three-Star Award program for 2007. Shan Harris of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, who had supervised the Three-Star program in Middle Tennessee on an interim basis, and Tracy Childress, who took it over at the beginning of the month, confirmed the re-certification following a meeting with community leaders Thursday. ...

North Main widening date undecided (08/04/07) There's no definitive date for work to begin on the widening of North Main Street, according to State Sen. Jim Tracy. Tracy has been in conversation with officials at the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) about the project, which the state senator termed as "a major safety issue."...

Main Street not just about merchants, says official (07/31/07) Susan Hancock, executive director of Fayetteville Main Street, told a group of local merchants, officials and preservationists that Shelbyville would have a good shot at making a Main Street program work -- but it would take a commitment of money and manpower...

New elementary school approved by planners (07/27/07) A site plan review for a new elementary school on Learning Way was approved Thursday by the Shelbyville Planning Commission, while two other items of interest were delayed until August. The school is to be located at the intersection of Learning Way and Madison Street on 3.22 acres. The property is currently zoned I-1 [light industrial]. It has no official name yet, although it is widely referred to as "Central Elementary School" for the sake of convenience...

New owner has big plans for Walking Horse Hotel (07/21/07) The historic structure has sat dark and unused recently, but later this year, the Walking Horse Hotel in Wartrace will once again be filled with light and music. That is the plan new owner Joe Peters has for the building after recently purchasing it from John Garland. But behind these efforts to bring this key part of Wartrace back to life is the memory of Peters's wife Chase...

Yard sale restrictions proposed (07/18/07) Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee deferred action for a month on a proposal to limit the number of yard sales a rural resident can hold each year. The City of Shelbyville already has such a rule in place. It's designed to prevent someone in a residential zone from having a permanent, year-round yard sale, while still allowing the occasional clean-out-your-garage sale...

Controversial subdivision on city planning agenda (07/17/07) The second phase of a subdivision that was met with opposition by neighbors will be before the Shelbyville Planning Commission next week. A request for final plat approval for Phase II of Stones Throw Subdivision, a 36 lot development on 12.70 acres on Highway 231 South north of Naron Road will be on the commission's agenda when they meet next Thursday at the City Hall Annex starting at 6 p.m...

Growth brings upgraded subdivision regulations (07/11/07) With more growth in Shelbyville's future, planning commission chairman Morton Renegar says updating the city's subdivision regulations is a must. In August, the commission will begin looking at the first of several sections of the regulations which would make future developments more attractive by requiring green space and amenities such as sidewalks...

Subdivision regulations to be updated (06/26/07) New subdivision regulations for Shelbyville should begin to be examined in August by the city's planning commission, although the process for the changes will be done a piece at a time. Planning and Codes Director Kip Green said the first regulations to be examined are intended to make future developments more attractive by requiring green space and amenities such as sidewalks...

Jobless rate up slightly in county (06/22/07) Bedford County's unemployment rate rose 0.4 percent in May to 4.2 percent, according to figures released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The county had a workforce of 22,400, with 21,470 employed and 940 without work...

Rezoning request denied for business (06/13/07) Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to deny a rezoning at 2506 U.S. 231 North which had been requested by Celebration 2000, an office supply business now located on Madison Street in Shelbyville. Grady Cunningham, who owns the business, had wanted to move from its current leased space to a site that he would own outright. He was asking the county to rezone the site from R-1 (residential) to C-2 (commercial)...

Bonnaroo will bring traffic through Shelbyville (06/11/07) Motorists should expect to see more traffic moving through Shelbyville this week as music fans begin to gather for this weekend's Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester. With over 80,000 people are expected to attend this year's Bonnaroo, traffic will be much heavier in Manchester and surrounding areas during the festival period...

Engine for new airliner tested at AEDC (06/09/07) The Rolls-Royce engine which will power the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been extensively tested at the U.S. Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center, say AEDC officials. The 787 will make its debut test flight later this year and is scheduled to enter passenger service a year from now...

National Pen to add 80 call center jobs (06/01/07) National Pen Company LLC formally announced on Thursday the expansion of its call center in Shelbyville, which will add 80 jobs at the site. Billy Fox Sr., vice president of worldwide manufacturing and Tennessee site manager for the company, said some of the jobs are being moved from the company headquarters in San Diego, while others relate to new programs...

Construction begins on new hospital (05/31/07) It's a small first step, but a large beginning -- that is the thought of the day at Bedford County Medical Center, where news of machinery on the building site for the new hospital created a stir. In a memo sent by CEO Bill Macri to the staff, the news was announced, "For those of you who do not routinely travel up (U.S.) 231 North, I wanted to let you know that construction has begun in earnest...

Walt Wood named TIDC vice-president (05/30/07) Walt Wood, CEO of Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, will serve as vice president of Tennessee Industrial Development Council for 2007-2008, and based on the normal rotation is projected to become president of the group in 2008-2009. "I'm honored to be selected by my fellow economic developers in the state for a leadership role in our professional organization," Wood said Tuesday morning...

Marshall leaders learn about Bedford river cleanup (05/29/07) LEWISBURG -- Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray and Helen Garner of the Shelbyville Bedford County Chamber of Commerce explained the Duck River cleanup project last week to members of the Marshall County river cleanup committee. County Mayor Joe Boyd Liggett said Marshall County is joining Bedford and three other counties with river cleanups this summer...

Local employment rises (05/25/07) Bedford County's unemployment rate fell an entire percentage point in April to 3.8 percent. According to figures released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Shelbyville Micropolitian Statistical Area [Bedford County] had a labor force of 22,290, with 21,450 employed and 840 out of work...

New businesses approved for North Main (05/25/07) Shelbyville's planning commission approved site plans for a new Taco Bell and retail center Thursday night, among other items. The two buildings are to be located at 1704 North Main St. on 1.66 acres. The plans call for a 2,700 square foot building for the restaurant, which is to seat 20 persons and an adjoining 9,350 square foot building labeled as a "retail center."...

Sheriff's Department needs more money, officers (05/23/07) Bedford County Sheriff's Department officials say the county must hire new officers to keep up with rapid growth; members of the county Financial Management Committee didn't argue the point but said the sheriff's department may have to convince taxpayers...

Gordon, Corker respond to immigration proposal (05/21/07) Here are statements from two of Bedford County's representatives in Congress on the immigration reform proposal now being discussed in the Senate: U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon: "I was disappointed by the ill-conceived immigration proposal put forward by the president and the Senate. ...

State expects strong summer tourism season (05/18/07) An elderhostel group from Sugar Tours in West Dover, Vt., toured Waterfall Farms and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration grounds on Thursday, on their way to downtown Lynchburg and a meal at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House. Diane Murray of Tennessee's Backroads Heritage, a tourism group promoting this area, traveled with the group. Murray became director of Tennessee's Backroads this year after retiring from the state's tourism development program...

P-16 Council holds first meeting (05/11/07) Bedford County P-16 Council, which will attempt to network all levels of education with economic and community development efforts, held an organizational meeting this morning at the Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville. TTCS director Ivan Jones chaired the meeting...

New greenway plan unveiled (05/04/07) While sections of it may not be completed for some time, Shelbyville's city council got a first look at the comprehensive master greenway plan on Tuesday. Terry Mulvaney of architectural firm Gresham Smith and Partners, who has given assistance with the design concept, explained the layout to the council. The city's greenway committee decided to have a comprehensive plan instead of designing piece by piece...

Dog owners growl about proposed limit (05/02/07) The number of pets allowed in a yard may be re-examined after the Shelbyville City council got an earful from concerned dog owners about animal control proposals. Council members have been wrestling with how to deal with changing the city's code on animal control, which came following several dog attacks, including the attack on a Shelbyville woman by two pit bull dogs last November...

TWHNC takes tourism honor again (05/02/07) For the 19th time in 20 years, The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been given recognition as one of the top twenty events in the Southeast Tourism Society. Put on the list for the first time in 1988, the show has drawn continuous nominations for the honor. To be nominated, the event must have a minimum of 1,000 in attendance. The list is published by the Society quarterly throughout the U.S., reaching millions of readers...

Strategic plan helps keep Three-Star status (05/01/07) It was only a few weeks ago, in late March, that Gov. Phil Bredesen formally recognized Bedford County for being re-certified under the Governor's Three-Star Award program. That's because circumstances last fall prevented the Governor from presenting the award at the usual time of year...

BCMC site plans get city's nod (04/27/07) Site plans for the new Bedford County Medical Center were approved Thursday by the Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission. The 60 bed, 100,002 square foot building is to be located on U.S. 231 North across from the Shelbyville Municipal Airport in the Airport Business Subdivision...

Sharpies celebrated at open house (04/23/07) Sanford Brands will hold an open house Saturday at its manufacturing plant on Sharpie Way, including not only plant tours but a 35-foot rock climbing wall and an appearance by the #8 car of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. The event will take place from 10 a.m. ...

Hospital breaks ground on $35M facility (04/19/07) Bedford County Medical Center broke ground Wednesday on a new $35 million hospital which officials say will serve as an economic development tool for the community. Construction on the hospital is expected to begin in two to four weeks and take 15-18 months to complete, with the hospital to open in the second half of 2008...

Gordon briefed on greenway project (04/11/07) U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon stopped by Shelbyville City Hall on Tuesday for a briefing about the city's master greenway plan, and expressed support for the city's pro-active approach. "I'm happy to see you're way out in front on all this," said Gordon. Mayor Geneva Smith, City Manager Ed Craig and Planning and Codes Director Kip Green made the presentation to Gordon and his Bedford County field representative, Sean Gilliland...

County re-certified for Three-Star Award (04/06/07) Bedford County was re-certified under the Governor's Three-Star Award program during an awards ceremony last week at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville. Gov. Phil Bredesen, Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Matthew Kisber and Assistant Commissioner Rick Meredith participated in the ceremony along with members of the state's Three-Star Advisory Council. The state recognized 87 Three-Star communities during the program...

Discussions begin on handling growth (03/28/07) Leaders of Bedford County and its municipalities are trying to prepare for growth by updating a 20-year growth plan, and their consultant led a discussion with nearly two dozen people last night to familiarize the public with the issues. "Over the next 10 years, you all are poised for significant growth," said Doug Tennant, a vice president with Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon's planning division in Nashville, which was hired by the Joint Economic Development Committee...

Bedford County business granted Marshall County rezoning (03/27/07) LEWISBURG -- The Marshall County Commission granted a request from two Bedford County businessmen Monday night for the rezoning of more than 100 acres so they can open a rock quarry next to a quarry that's been open since before that county had land use zoning...

Cancer-stricken family can live together (03/24/07) A Farmington-area family wracked with cancer received unanimous support from a Bedford County zoning panel on Thursday for another house trailer behind their modest home, allowing more relatives to be close for mutual support. "God bless you," George Mitchell said after permission was granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for a "temporary dwelling unit in cases of medical emergency" so his mobile home can be towed from Chestnut Ridge to his father's six acres just east of the Marshall County line.. ...

New subdivision rules being readied (03/23/07) Shelbyville's Planning Commission may have new subdivision regulations in their hands by this time next month, according to the city's planning and zoning director, Kip Green. Finishing touches were being put on the new regulations, Green said, which are intended to make future developments more attractive by requiring green space and amenities such as sidewalks...

Merger will create hospital giant (03/20/07) Community Health Systems, Inc., the Franklin-based health care chain that owns Bedford County Medical Center, announced Monday that it has agreed to acquire Triad Hospitals, Inc. of Plano, Texas, a merger which the company says will create the largest publicly-traded hospital company in the U.S...

New plan may allow planners more for less (03/17/07) Conservation planning, an approach to housing development that might result in more for less with imagination, was described to nearly 100 leaders from Bedford, Marshall and other nearby counties on Thursday night during a seminar here in Shelbyville...

Trees, open space concern Bell Buckle (03/16/07) Recommendations for an open space ordinance will be examined by the Bell Buckle Planning Commission as members continue to shape how they want their community to look. Alderperson Jenny Hunt, who is also a member of the town's tree board, gave commission members suggestions for them and state planners to examine...

Family struggles used to justify land use request (03/15/07) Struggling with cancer, other maladies and disabilities, a Bedford County family has requested a second exception from strict enforcement of the zoning code for a third mobile home behind their modest frame house. County zoning regulations require permission from the Board of Zoning Appeals for a "temporary dwelling unit in cases of medical hardship," and the BZA is scheduled to meet on March 22 at 5:30 p.m. ...

What will county look like in 2027? (03/12/07) Residents from all parts of Bedford County are invited to express their opinions on how they think their community should grow during the next 20 years. The public hearing scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on March 27 is in conjunction with discussions started this winter by an advisory panel with a consultant from a Nashville planning and engineering firm...

Planners deny rezoning request (02/23/07) Shelbyville's planning commission denied a rezoning request Thursday for land at the corner of Lewis Avenue and Coble Circle from R-1 [low density residential] to C-2 [highway service district]. City staff had recommended the denial due to encroachment into an established R-1 community being located near a flood prone area. Increased traffic at the location could also pose a hazard to the natural flow coming into Shelbyville from Highway 64, they said...

Garage request strongly denied (02/19/07) A Bedford County man who complained he couldn't get a clear decision from the county's Board of Zoning Appeals in January was given a direct response on Thursday when the board unanimously denied his request. Frank Bohanek of Redbud Road got permission last year to build a garage larger than normally allowed, but he changed his plans and built it even bigger than the special exception authorized, so when county officials found out, he ended up back at the zoning appeals board...

CalsonicKansei to close Manchester plant (02/16/07) CalsonicKansei North America (CKNA) announced this week that they will close their plant in Manchester starting in April. The closure is expected to by finished by August. According to the announcement, CKNA intends to consolidate production from the plant in Manchester with their facility in Lewisburg...

Bell Buckle creates new zoning (02/16/07) A new zoning classification has been created in Bell Buckle that will allow residential areas containing large estates. The town board voted Tuesday to create the classification called an Agricultural/Residential Estate Zone, which would "provide suitable areas for large estates and for agricultural uses" with a minimum required lot size of three acres...

Restaurant approved, tire shop delayed (02/16/07) A family restaurant planned on Unionville Highway has received the approval it needed for construction to continue, but there's another delay for the family's tire and repair business; it needs a special exception before the shop can be built. That's the split decision Thursday night from Bedford County Board of Zoning Appeals, which considered information presented by Zoning Compliance Officer Kay Demonbren. ...

Fees waived when disaster strikes (02/14/07) Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to waive building permit fees for someone rebuilding the same size structure if it is destroyed by a fire or natural disaster. But they deferred action on a proposal to waive subdivision plat requirements for a parent giving land to a child while investigating whether such an exception would be legal...

Developer granted rezoning (02/13/07) CHAPEL HILL -- About 35 acres were rezoned by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen here Monday after a few questions were answered for residents with property adjoining that land. Unionville-based CAT Developers were granted the reclassification of property for development with 87 homes. The change reduces the distance required between homes and that became a concern for nearby residents...

Construction began before permit (02/13/07) UNIONVILLE -- A Bedford County businessman wants to move his auto shop to Unionville Highway near Columbia Road and build a restaurant to be run by his mother. However, Jamie Garrett started construction before obtaining a special exception from the Bedford County Board of Zoning Appeals which is scheduled to consider the situation on Thursday...

Farm bill proposals draw mixed responses (02/06/07) Changes proposed for the farm bill that congressmen have received from President Bush may benefit water customers in Bedford County, according to the manager of the rural water district who's also the county Farm Bureau president. More money would be spent to protect water quality, and funding for loans and grants to water districts could help fund the extension of water pipes to residents who want so-called "city water," Marty Davis said after listening to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns last week.. ...

Rezoning sought in Chapel Hill (02/05/07) CHAPEL HILL -- A Murfreesboro man wants planning commissioners here to recommend changing three acres between Town Hall and the Marshall County Farmers Co-op from a residential classification to a business zone. In another example of growth in north Marshall County, Lewisburg-based Realtor David Jent and two partners have submitted to the commission a document to transfer a sewage pumping station in exchange for a guarantee that 94 lots at Stoney Brook will have sewer service...

Glitch in zoning laws to be examined (02/03/07) Shelbyville City Council was briefed Tuesday about a "catch-22" in the city's current zoning regulations that would impact about 20 homes. The issue has arisen over a home that has existed in the city for 30 years in a commercial zone. According to planning and zoning director Kip Green, if the home was to be 60 percent destroyed by a fire or other disaster, the city would not be able to issue a building permit as codes are currently written...

Tyson sued over illegal immigration issue (01/30/07) CHATTANOOGA (AP) -- A lawsuit that contends Tyson Foods depressed wages by hiring illegal immigrants and should pay damages to legal workers will go to trial in March 2008, a judge said Monday in a conference with attorneys. The lawsuit contends Tyson hired illegal immigrants at eight plants since April 1998...

Officials in Bedford, Marshall prepare for growth (01/29/07) LEWISBURG -- Opposition to the perceived prospect of annexation in Marshall County is so great that it's attracted a third crowd to a public meeting on growth plans and prompted Chapel Hill's town board to sign a resolution saying it won't annex farm land unless there's a request from the owner...

Marshall Chamber sets up in Chapel Hill (01/29/07) LEWISBURG -- Marshall County's Chamber of Commerce will be opening a satellite office in Chapel Hill soon because of a unanimous vote by the chamber's board of directors last week. "We are excited about this opportunity," Chapel Hill Town Administrator Mike Hatten told the board in a letter promising office space and utilities including a telephone line and computer connection to the Internet...

SCHS site plan gets city nod (01/26/07) Approval was given Thursday by the Shelbyville Planning Commission for the site plan for work to be done on areas of Shelbyville Central High School. The additions will total 96,538 square feet, containing a new two-story classroom and office building, which are to be placed between the existing building and the gymnasium, becoming the building's new front entrance, facing Learning Way and the Harris Middle School campus...

Miss Mary Bobo's reopens (01/25/07) LYNCHBURG -- Miss Mary Bobo's, the celebrated restaurant owned by the Jack Daniel Distillery, celebrated its renovation on Wednesday with a meal for various invited VIP guests and the media. State Sen. Jim Tracy and Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce executive Walt Wood were among those in attendance. Media from Na