Shelbyville Times-Gazette: News : Growth and development

Growth and development

Rezoning backed for doctor's office (02/09/12)
Bedford County Planning Commission voted Tuesday night to recommend rezoning property at 2739 U.S. 231 North from A-1 (agriculture) to C-1 (commercial) for a doctor's office. Tracey and Desiree Martin applied for the zoning change, saying they want to open a doctor's office at the site...

N. Main building sticks around (02/08/12)
It appears that the city and county will be hanging on to a piece of property on North Main Street a little while longer. For nearly four years, both governments have sought a buyer for a lot and home at 732 N. Main St., which once served as the Child Development Center and that is jointly owned by the two entities, but neither have had any results...

Questions arise over de-annexation request (01/27/12)
Shelbyville's planning commission deferred action on a de-annexation request until next month Thursday night so that research could be conducted to see if the piece of land is actually within the city limits. The de-annexation request was for a 25.66 acre parcel on U.S. 41A North between Grand Station Boulevard and Poplar Ridge Road currently zoned C-2 (commercial) and owned by Don Bruce...

Jobless rate falls again (01/27/12)
The county's jobless rate has dropped again -- this time falling to 8.9 percent, according to the latest preliminary numbers released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. There were 2,030 Bedford County residents to claim unemployment in December, with 20,660 working out of a labor force of 22,690. The jobless rate fell 0.4 percent from the revised figure of 9.3 percent in November...

Leadership group redoes Chamber (01/19/12)
It's amazing what a difference a paint job and a new floor can make with a room. But the public seemed pleased with the results of the hard work done by the 2012 class of Leadership Bedford in the remodeling of the Chamber of Commerce meeting room and lobby...

58 new jobs on the way (01/13/12)
Rochester, N.Y.based Century Mold Co. Inc. announced plans this morning for a $4.2 million expansion of its Shelbyville facility, on Blue Ribbon Parkway, which will add 58 manufacturing jobs. A ceremony was held at press time this morning at the plant, attended by local VIPs and company officials...

A new look (01/06/12)
A part of North Main Street is receiving a bit of a face lift this week with the addition of a new sign that is being installed at EnterSource, formerly MidSouth Satellite, now located at 627 N. Main. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler)

Film plant may still have future (01/06/12)
There may be a second chance for a recently closed Shelbyville industry. Manuli Stretch USA Inc., which shuttered its stretch film plant on Railroad Avenue last month, is reportedly looking for a buyer or joint venture partner for the facility. The Italian company had said it would expand its product offerings available from offshore affiliates...

Better-looking city is '12 goal (01/06/12)
Working to make Shelbyville look better is the main goal of the city's planning and codes office for 2012. City department heads have submitted their ideas for what they would like to get done in the coming year following a request for the goals from city manger Jay Johnson...

Signs, signs ... but they're no longer everywhere (12/29/11)
Shelbyville codes officials have ramped up their enforcement of the city's signs ordinance, clearing the clutter away from street corners and informing businesses about the law. The most noticeable location that has been purged is a corner lot at the intersection of North Main Street and Colloredo Boulevard, which was once covered with small signs from a variety of businesses...

Equine equipment businesses merge, expand (12/28/11)
Three equine related businesses are joining forces to become the country's largest supplier of tack and apparel for gaited horses. The Winner's Circle Horse Supply, LLC of Shelbyville has announced an agreement to purchase the assets of gaited horse tack retailers World Champion Horse Equipment and National Bridle Shop...

Rock quarry suit delayed again (12/28/11)
A federal judge has ordered another delay in an ongoing lawsuit over a proposed rock quarry, canceling a June 2012 trial date. Last October, Norma and Tommy Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc., and Custom Stone LLC filed a suit in federal court for $10 million against the city of Shelbyville, its board of zoning appeals, planning commission, and codes and planning director Ed Dodson "in his official capacity and individually," accusing them of violating due process, inverse condemnation, unconstitutional taking, negligence and creating an unconstitutional "floating" zone.. ...

Plant closure leaves many without jobs (12/27/11)
Another Shelbyville industry has shut its doors, leaving more than two dozen without work during the holidays. Manuli Stretch USA Inc., Railroad Avenue, closed its Shelbyville plant earlier this month, but will reportedly expand its product offerings available from offshore affiliates...

Jobless rate down to 9.2% (12/23/11)
The jobless rate for Bedford County fell again in November to 9.2 percent, according to preliminary numbers released Thursday by the state's department of labor. Labor force estimates for Bedford County showed 20,970 employed out of a work force of 23,110, meaning that an estimated 2,140 are without a job...

Graduation rate near crisis stage (12/13/11)
Local business leaders and educators came together Monday evening to address the future of Bedford County students. About 30 were in attendance in the auditorium at Shelbyville Central High School, and left in agreement to work together to improve graduation rates...

Dropout rate is topic of meeting (12/09/11)
A meeting Monday night at the Shelbyville Central High School theater is designed to enlist local businesses in improving the county's graduation rate. According to state report card figures released this month, Bedford County's 2010 graduation rate was 79.3 percent, far below the state goal of 90 percent...

New jobs may result from tax reductions (12/08/11)
The city's Industrial Development Board approved two tax abatement requests for expansions to existing Shelbyville businesses that may result in new jobs. Last week, Chamber of Commerce head Walt Wood told the city council that he had been working with two existing companies that were in the process of planning expansions, but stressed their plans are not yet complete...

New jobs in city's future (12/01/11)
There's possibly good economic news on the horizon for Shelbyville, as two local businesses are looking at expansion. Chamber of Commerce head Walt Wood gave the city council his annual briefing about economic development in Shelbyville and Bedford County, giving them a heads up about future prospects...

GM revival at Spring Hill to boost area (11/22/11)
General Motors Co. announced on Monday that it will begin producing the Chevrolet Equinox, a midsized SUV, at its Spring Hill plant next year and that the facility will be a flexible manufacturing center which can be easily and quickly adapted to produce top-selling vehicles and take loads from other GM plants...

GM to produce Chevy Equinox at Spring Hill plant (11/21/11)
General Motors announced this morning that it will begin producing the Chevrolet Equinox at its Spring Hill facility. Cathy Clegg, GM vice president for labor relations, said the plant will be a flexible manufacturing facility which will be able to quickly shift to producing various models as required...

Market seized, closed (11/18/11)
Residents of Bell Buckle and the nearby area will have to find another place to gas up or get that morning cup of coffee after the state Department of Revenue's tax enforcement division seized 82 Market on Thursday, closing its doors to customers. A person at the Shelbyville state office refused to give any information on the seizure, but a property title search shows the market belonging to Sanklap, Inc. of Murfreesboro, a corporation formed in Bedford County in 2006, with Danny Brandon of Manchester as its registered agent. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)

City falls in state business study (11/17/11)
The city of Shelbyville has dropped to 38th place in a newly released study determining the business climate of the state's 50 largest cities. The study, "How Business-Friendly are Tennessee's Cities?" was released Monday by the Beacon Center of Tennessee, which describes itself as "the state's free market think tank."...

Unwanted home is in prime spot (11/03/11)
What to do with a home and lot jointly owned by the county and Shelbyville that no one wants to buy was a topic of discussion for the city council, with suggestions that removing the structure would help to make it more attractive. Both governments have sought a buyer for several years for property at 732 N. Main St., which once served as the Child Development Center, but neither has had any results...

GM impact on county uncertain (10/04/11)
It's not clear yet what impact the restarting of assembly operations at the General Motors Co. plant in Spring Hill will have on Bedford County, but officials say that when the plant was at its peak, it had a definite impact on growth in the northwestern portion of the county...

Three-Star status remains (10/04/11)
Bedford County has achieved re-certification under Tennessee's Three-Star program for excellence in economic development. As a result, the county is now eligible to receive additional incentives under the guidelines of the state's Three-Star program...

Jobless rate falls by 1/2 percent (09/23/11)
Bedford County's jobless rate fell half a percentage point in August to 10.6 percent, according to data released Thursday by the state. Preliminary numbers from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development showed that an estimated 2,500 were out of work last month, with 21,120 employed out of a labor force of 23,620...

Zoning change gains support (09/21/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee added its recommendation Tuesday evening to a rezoning proposal on State Highway 64 West (Lewisburg Highway) involving the site of a former slaughterhouse. The site had most recently been a flea market, operating under a special exception in the A-1 (agriculture) zone. ...

Big G earns big honor (09/21/11)
Big G Express Inc. has been named carrier of the year by Continental Mills in recognition of its excellent customer service, on-time deliveries and timely load status reports. In addition to a handsome plaque for display, the award included a $1,000 charitable donation given in Big G's name to the Shelbyville/Bedford County Senior Citizens Center...

Purdy Court residents to gather (09/14/11)
Residents and neighbors of Purdy Court Park will gather Thursday to strategize and build a base of ideas to transform the recreational area. It's the first step in a new city initiative, When Everyone Cares About Residential Environment (WE CARE), to develop residential environments that promote safety for children and families, beautiful landscapes and build community pride...

Jobs bill won't work, Black says (09/13/11)
U.S. Rep. Diane Black, speaking to Tennessee reporters by conference call on Friday, said she was disappointed in President Obama's jobs speech last week. "What I heard was a political speech, frankly," said Black, a Republican from Gallatin. She said many of the ideas discussed are repeats of the stimulus program from 2009, which she said was not effective...

Planners suggest changes in home business zoning (09/09/11)
Meeting on Tuesday, Bedford County Planning Commission voted -- but not unanimously -- to recommend an amendment to the zoning resolution covering incidental home occupations. An incidental home occupation is an in-home business, for example a hair salon, which can be allowed in an agricultural zone at the discretion of the Board of Zoning Appeals. ...

Rezoning backed for 64 West location (09/08/11)
Bedford County Planning Commission voted to recommend rezoning a site on State Route 64 West (Lewisburg Highway) from A-1 (agriculture) to C-1 (commercial) so that it can be sold and converted into an automobile repair shop with sales and repair of construction equipment...

Courthouse work draws complaint (09/07/11)
A local business owner has complained that the county chose Saturday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year for merchants on the public square, to wash the roof of Bedford County Courthouse in preparation for applying sealer. "The last Saturday of the horse show is the busiest shopping day of the year and has been for 73 years," said Jennifer Jordan of J. Jordan Boutique. "... People didn't want to stop for fear of getting paint on their cars."...

City looks closely at bypass future (08/31/11)
Now that the new Shelbyville bypass is completed, will the city annex it? City manager Jay Johnson told the city council Tuesday night many have asked what kind of development the city will see in that area now that State Highway 437 is completed. Opened to the public two weeks ago, the new highway runs from the overpass at U.S. 231 North to U.S. 41A South toward Tullahoma...

Deery lots zoned commercial (08/26/11)
Shelbyville's planning commission amended the city's land use plan to rezone an area off Madison Street to reflect its actual current use. The commission had a single action item Thursday -- a rezoning request made by David Orr for two lots located at 604 and 608 Deery St., making about 1.3 acres. Orr wanted to change the zoning from R-3 (medium density residential) to C-2 (commercial)...

Unemployment rate drops slightly to 11.1 percent (08/26/11)
Bedford County's jobless rate dropped almost one percent in the month of July to 11.1 percent, according to preliminary numbers released by Tennessee's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The rate fell last month by 0.8 percentage points, with a preliminary estimate of 23,360 in the county's labor force, 20,770 employed and 2,590 without a job...

City seeks dismissal of quarry suit (08/21/11)
The city of Shelbyville is trying once again to have an ongoing federal lawsuit over a proposed rock quarry dismissed. Last October, Norma and Tommy Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc., and Custom Stone LLC filed a suit in federal court for $10 million against the city, the board of zoning appeals, the planning commission, and codes and planning director Ed Dodson "in his official capacity and individually," accusing them of violating due process, inverse condemnation, unconstitutional taking, negligence and creating an unconstitutional "floating" zone.. ...

Blackberry Ridge rezoning backed (08/18/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee added its recommendation Tuesday night to a zoning change for the Blackberry Ridge golf course and development to R-1 PUD (residential, planned unit development). The rezoning will be considered Sept. 13 by the full commission; a public hearing will be held prior to the meeting...

Long-awaited bypass to open Wednesday (08/14/11)
After a wait of over 20 years, ribbons will be cut Wednesday to mark the official opening of the Shelbyville bypass. Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer will be on hand with local officials at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of the bypass, also known as State Route 437, with U.S. 231 North...

Sign of support (08/12/11)
The Celebration has asked Shelbyville businesses to welcome visitors on their marquee signs. The Capri Theater on Depot Street complied with the request. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)

Ambassadors to greet Celebration visitors (08/11/11)
Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, who already represent the chamber at events such as ribbon-cuttings and coffees, will serve as greeters this year at the Celebration, welcoming visitors at the three most-used entrances to the outdoor arena and handing out the brochure for the "Jack Trail" including sites in Bedford County...

Old CDC home to be sold (08/07/11)
Shelbyville's city council will accept proposals once again in September for a piece of property on North Main Street the city jointly owns with Bedford County. The old Child Development Center building at 732 N. Main had an estimated market value in 2010 of $325,000. The building is 4,628 square feet on a 0.9 acre lot, and is next to the location of the future Waffle House...

Champion ribbons (08/07/11)
With ribbons like this going up all over Shelbyville, you know that Celebration time is drawing near. The display of the ribbons, which say "Our visitors are number 1" and "We are the Celebration," is part of an effort from the Celebration Association, which is busy distributing the ribbons to the business and retail community around town. Banners welcoming visitors to the city and the Celebration will also soon be erected as well. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)

Zoning change meetings to be set (08/04/11)
A proposal to update Bedford County's zoning map looks like it will be more involved than first thought, and county zoning director Chris White said he wants to meet on a district-by-district basis with county commission members to review possible changes in their districts...

Blackberry Ridge rezoning allows more versatility (08/03/11)
Bedford County Planning Commission has recommended that the Blackberry Ridge development in the northern part of the county be rezoned to the newly-created R-1 Planned Unit Development (PUD) category. Bedford County Board of Commissioners will have to make the final decision on the rezoning...

Planning commission receives copies of suit (07/29/11)
It was a short meeting for the Shelbyville planning commission Thursday evening, with some of the members being served with copies of a lawsuit. Before the meeting began, a process server delivered thick copies of an amended complaint related to an ongoing $10 million federal lawsuit filed by a local paving company over a proposed rock quarry that was denied approval in 2005...

Jobless rate up to 12 percent (07/29/11)
Unemployment is Bedford County soared to 12 percent in June, preliminary figures released Thursday by Tennessee's Department of Labor and Workforce Development stated. According to labor force estimates from the state, the county had an estimated total of 2,820 persons without a job out of a workforce of 23,550, with 20,740 employed last month...

Funding requests accepted by state (07/21/11)
A state agency is now accepting applications for transition funding from over 200 Tennessee communities that were recently left without local planning services. In late May, the state announced that it was doing away with state planning services provided under contract to local government and the city lost the service of state planner Art Brown, while Bedford County lost Bryan Collins...

Affordable loan program helps owners keep homes (07/14/11)
Bedford is one of the 29 counties in Tennessee that's been hardest hit by the recession, but fortunately, forgivable loans are available to those who are struggling to pay their mortgage. According to data compiled by RealtyTrac, one in every 1,358 housing units in Bedford County received a foreclosure filing in May 2011, with the northern part of the county particularly hardest hit. A total of 150 homes are in foreclosure, with an average foreclosure sales price of $69,755...

Rubbermaid road project free to city (07/12/11)
The city is signing on the dotted line this week with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to begin the second phase of expanding an industrial access road serving Newell-Rubbermaid. And the best part is that Shelbyville won't have to shell out a cent of the estimated $770,400 to build it...

Waffle lovers face a little longer wait (07/10/11)
While one new Shelbyville restaurant project has been delayed for a few weeks, another is slated to begin construction this fall. Demolition had been scheduled to begin this week on the home at 730 N. Main St. to make way for Waffle House, but the contractor has backed out of the project, according to Scotty Farrar of the city's codes department...

City asked to help purchase banners (07/08/11)
A representative of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is asking the city for financial help to purchase banners they hope to place throughout Shelbyville. Harold Segroves addressed the council, saying that he is chairing a committee at the Celebration to raise awareness in the community of the importance of the annual walking horse show to the local economy and to welcome visitors...

Chinese aim to be Number 1 supplier of Number 2 pencils (07/07/11)
There was a time, in Shelbyville, that if you didn't work for a pencil manufacturer, you were related to someone who did. Empire, Musgrave, Shelbyville Pencil Company ... their numbers were legion and their No. 2s were legend. And now, most of those No. 2s are coming from China, in one form or another...

Park to beautify square (07/07/11)
The empty lot between Pope's Cafe and the Norton Law Office on Shelbyville's public square will soon undergo a transformation into a picnic area and park. The city council held a brief called meeting Tuesday to address a single item -- a land use agreement between the city and Uptown Shelbyville, a non-profit corporation...

Business locations can drive traffic (07/07/11)
I'm frequently amazed when I hear or read comments complaining that a business has located or relocated on North Main Street. "The traffic on North Main is already terrible," they complain. "Why can't they go to Madison Street, to one of the lots or empty buildings out there?"...

Overgrown properties may be targeted (07/06/11)
Bedford County Planning Commission will ask Bedford County Board of Commissioners for guidance in dealing with the issue of property maintenance, following discussion at Tuesday night's planning commission meeting. Bedford County Planning and Zoning Director Chris White says he gets 10 complaints a month from county residents whose neighbors have overgrown, poorly-maintained properties...

State funding for planning cut (07/06/11)
The South Central Tennessee Development District could be providing planning services for Shelbyville and Bedford County following the elimination of state planners for small communities. In late May, the state announced that it was doing away with state planning services provided under contract to local government. Local governments paid a fee for those planning services, although it reportedly wasn't enough to cover the full cost of the service...

Prep work begins for new restaurant (07/05/11)
Demolition will begin early this week on North Main Street so Shelbyville's newest restaurant can open -- Waffle House is finally coming. Contractor Earnest Ashworth from Rover will begin tearing down the home at 730 N. Main St. today or Wednesday to make way for the new business, according to realtor Tad Craig of Craig & Wheeler Realty and Auction LLC...

Child facilities gain support from planners (06/24/11)
Bedford County Planning Commission has recommended that child care facilities be allowed as special exceptions in the A-1 (agriculture) and R-1 (residential) zones; currently, they aren't mentioned in the zoning resolution but would presumably be allowed in commercial zones...

County jobless rate increases slightly (06/24/11)
Bedford County's jobless rate rose one tenth of a percentage point in May to 10.9 percent, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the state. Numbers provided by Tennessee's Department of Labor and Workforce Development showed 20,980 persons were working out of a labor force of 23,560, with 2,580 without a job. At this time last year, Bedford County's jobless rate was 11.2 percent...

State planners called essential to local governments (05/29/11)
The elimination of state planners for smaller communities may result in a reduction of the speed in which Shelbyville and Bedford County deal with the complicated issues involving codes and zoning. On Thursday, state planner Art Brown informed the city's planning commission that his job at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development had been phased out...

Unemployment rate shows slight increase (05/27/11)
Bedford County's jobless rate rose slightly in April to 10.9 percent, according to preliminary figures from the state's labor department. An estimated 2,530 persons were unemployed last month out of a labor force of 23,170, with 20,640 working last month...

Rezoning case comes up. . . again (05/20/11)
Grady Cunningham, who tried unsuccessfully in 2007 and again in 2008-2009 to have his property on U.S. 231 North rezoned as commercial, will return to the June meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners. The commission's rules and legislative committee voted Tuesday night to place Cunningham's request on the June agenda. Bedford County Planning Commission has already recommended against it...

New home for a home (05/18/11)
Never underestimate the power of a bar of soap. Those little bars are playing an important part this week in moving a Shelbyville home. Lee Flippo and his crew from K & L Housemovers spent the past week preparing to move one of the few remaining private residences along the urban portion of North Main Street in Shelbyville...

Jostens will move jobs to Shelbyville (05/13/11)
Jostens has announced that it will move the manufacture of diploma covers from its Topeka, Kansas facility to Shelbyville. The company has not announced the potential number of jobs created or saved in Shelbyville, but about 83 full-time and seasonal positions in Topeka are affected by the move...

Deer processing business denied rezoning request (05/11/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted down a rezoning request for a deer processing business; the property owner who requested the change said his particular project would have been an asset, but he understood neighbors' uncertainty over allowing industrial zoning in their neighborhood...

City may ask state for Railroad Avenue funding (05/10/11)
Shelbyville's city council may be asking the Tennessee Department of Transportation for assistance later this week in completing an industrial access highway for Newell Rubbermaid. City manager Michael Dill said that he attended a recent meeting with TDOT, Bedford Railroad Authority, State Sen. Jim Tracy and Jim Cunningham of Newell Rubbermaid at TDOT headquarters in Nashville to discuss improvements to Railroad Avenue from the plant to the new bypass scheduled for completion in July...

Planning layoffs may hit area hard (04/22/11)
Layoffs at the state Department of Economic and Community Development will affect Bedford County's ability to study the impact of proposed subdivisions and other developments, according to Bedford County director of planning and zoning Chris White. Gov. Bill Haslam announced Wednesday that 60 employees would be laid off at ECD as part of an overhaul of the agency's mission...

County jobless rate falls below 11 percent (04/22/11)
The county's jobless rate has fallen to 10.8 percent for the month of March, joining most other counties in Tennessee that saw lower unemployment figures. According to preliminary figures released Thursday by the state department of Labor and Workforce Development, Bedford County has a workforce of 23,320, with 2,530 out of a job and 20,790 employed...

City wants suit dismissed (04/21/11)
Another motion has been filed by the city to dismiss a $10 million dollar federal lawsuit over a controversial proposed rock quarry. Meanwhile, it appears there will be no mediation in the case that began in 2005. Last October, Norma and Tommy Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc., and Custom Stone LLC filed suit in federal court in Winchester against the city, the board of zoning appeals, the planning commission, and codes and planning director Ed Dodson "in his official capacity and individually."...

Quake shakes up CKNA production (04/14/11)
Japan's March 11 earthquake has forced adjustments at Nissan parts supplier CalsonicKansei North America, which has plants in Shelbyville and Lewisburg. Workers will soon be supplying parts for five more vehicles....

Bell Buckle to allow chain link fences (04/13/11)
Dog owners may find it a bit easier to keep their animals off the streets in Bell Buckle in the near future. The board of mayor and aldermen passed a new fence ordinance on its first reading Tuesday night, although it still faces a public hearing and the second reading before final approval...

Networking and freebies at second annual business expo (04/08/11)
The second annual Chamber of Commerce Business Expo filled the concourse of Calsonic Arena with booths, businesses and visitors all day Thursday. From nonprofits, such as the Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic, to big business, such as the Wal-Mart Distribution Center and Big G Express, and everything in between, the venue offered them all chances to meet and greet the public, recruit employees, and network with each other...

Planners against deer processing plant (04/08/11)
Ronnie Riley's request for rezoning his property to allow for a deer processing plant is going on to the county commission -- with a negative recommendation from the Bedford County Planning Commission. The decision was made at the Tuesday night meeting of planning commission with a gallery full of those both in favor and opposed to the proposed plant...

Need for more city industrial land emphasized (04/07/11)
There's currently no land available for a new industrial park, Shelbyville's city council was told Tuesday, and as a result, the county is falling behind with its neighbors in attracting businesses. Meanwhile, both the county and city are being asked to add $20,000 to their budget for the next fiscal year for possible studies to establish a park...

Hope for Pope's (03/31/11)
In 1946, a diner opened up on the Shelbyville square, and for the next 40 or 50 years, Pope's Cafe came to be the place to be if you wanted good food, friendly visits and a family atmosphere. It was considered the best kept secret in the country and rave reviews for the menu, a meat-and-three featuring good, down-home cooking, turned up in travelogues and magazines -- even on web sites in later years. ...

Property sales show huge drop (03/29/11)
Real estate activity in Bedford County has slowed dramatically in Bedford County over the past three years, according to figures discussed at last week's meeting of Bedford County Financial Management Committee. Bar graphs presented by county Finance Director Robert Daniel tell the story; whether measured by total dollar value or by number of transactions, Bedford County's property sales have declined. ...

Home real estate offices requested (03/25/11)
Shelbyville's planning commission voted Thursday to ask the city council to amend the zoning ordinance to allow real estate offices as a home occupation. Last month, Bobby Parker Jr. asked the commission to amend the city's zoning ordinance to allow the offices as a home occupation...

Down to business (03/18/11)
Nakai Waynick doesn't think people should have to travel -- at least, not to buy the things they want and need. Even though she is the owner and manager of Celebration Travel, sending local residents around the world in search of fun, she's a firm believer that when it comes to shopping -- you shop at home first...

Hispanics now 20% of city (03/18/11)
The newest U.S. Census figures for Shelbyville and Bedford County are out, and they show some significant demographic changes. The detailed data about population totals and demographic characteristics were given to Tennessee's governor and state legislature on Wednesday, which will be used by state officials to realign congressional and state legislative districts by accounting for changes in the population since the 2000 Census...

County's jobless rate rises 1% during January (03/15/11)
Bedford County's jobless rate leaped nearly a full percentage point in January to 11.7 percent, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the state department of labor and workforce development. The county reportedly had 2,690 persons unemployed, with 20,300 working out of a labor force of 22,990...

Blackberry Ridge expansion envisioned (03/04/11)
If all goes as planned, there will be a new and improved Blackberry Ridge in the future. Developer Kevin Tucker and several of his associates attended the Bedford County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Tuesday night to begin the application process for permits to improve and further develop the U.S. 231 North subdivision...

Poorly-maintained property catches attention of planners (03/02/11)
The county could be one step closer to a property maintenance code that would regulate the appearance of residential properties. "I put this on the agenda because we have a growing problem with empty houses, vacant houses, foreclosed houses," said Bedford County Director of Planning and Zoning Chris White at the planning commission's meeting Tuesday night...

County can hike facilities tax (02/24/11)
Under state law, Bedford County is now eligible to increase the adequate facilities tax charged on new residential construction, but Bedford County Financial Management Committee deferred action on any such tax increase, saying more study is needed...

Motivating moments (02/22/11)
Chris Fann didn't have time to listen to another speech on that fateful day years back. "I said, 'I don't want to listen to this ... I have way too much to do,'" said Fann, vice-president of manufacturing of CalsonicKansei North America. Fann received a standing ovation from local leaders, officials and businessmen and women during the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce's annual luncheon and awards banquet Feb. ...

Letters to the Editor, Feb. 20 (02/20/11)
To the Editor: I attended last night's (Thursday, Feb.17) City Council meeting. After speaking and listening, I would like to suggest a plan I feel would work. Pass the monthly fee temporariy along with a tax hike. Once a budget is passed and tax money available, remove monthly fee. That way people could deduct taxes on income tax. If the spring/fall clean-up costs so much, do away with it...

Chamber presents awards at annual banquet (02/18/11)
The Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards meeting and banquet Thursday at the Blue Ribbon Circle. The annual ceremony recognizes community members through four awards given out while new Chamber officers are welcomed on board during the luncheon...

Neighbors say 'no' to proposed impound lot (02/16/11)
A proposal to place a county impound lot on Union Street has met opposition from the neighbors, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement and workhouse committee, and an alternate site, which the sheriff's department was ready to propose in its stead, can't be used...

Neighbor's property filthy? If in county, you're out of luck (02/01/11)
Bedford County Director of Planning and Zoning Chris White sometimes gets anonymous e-mails or voice mails from county residents complaining about neighbors with overgrown, unsightly and ill-maintained property. In some cases, the same person will call or e-mail several times, leaving no way for White to respond, and finally say something like, "I guess you're just not going to do anything about this!"...

Library named as landmark (01/30/11)
Landmark status was granted to the Argie Cooper Public Library building by Shelbyville's planning commission Thursday night. The status for the structure at 100 S. Main St. had been requested by the Shelbyville-Bedford County Library Board and the city's Historical Zoning Commission...

Home smash costly to city (01/14/11)
Shelbyville's city council voted Thursday to spend nearly $20,000 that was not budgeted to pay for the demolition of a home that was once believed to be covered by a federal grant. The council approved a motion to spend $19,664.42 for disposal fees for the demolition of 606 Belmont Ave., a burned out home that had stood vacant for some time...

Wright suit against city scheduled for trial in 2012 (01/14/11)
A federal judge has set a trial date for the summer of 2012 for a $10 million suit filed by a local paving company against the city. United States District Judge Harry S. Mattice, Jr. has set a date of June 19, 2012, in federal court in Winchester for a jury trial in the suit against Shelbyville filed last October by Norma and Tommy Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc., and Custom Stone LLC over a proposed rock quarry on L. Fisher Road...

Jostens sends away jobs (01/07/11)
Jostens announced late Thursday that it will transfer the customer service functions for graduations and accessories from Shelbyville to Owatonna, Minn., later this year. The company transferred diploma customer service from Shelbyville to Owatonna last year...

Speedier, slower travel remain in news during 2010 (12/28/10)
Two highway-related stories occupy the eighth and seventh positions on the Times-Gazette's annual countdown of the biggest news stories of 2010. One is about a long-awaited project becoming a reality; the other involves questions about how to make an existing highway safer...

Shelter zoning talks detailed (12/23/10)
Zoning issues and the objections of neighbors are the reasons that a homeless shelter won't be allowed in a Shelbyville neighborhood, according to the city's planning director. Dr. Carl Bailey, president and chairman of the board of CROSS Shelter Project Inc., had claimed in a column published on Dec. ...

River by rail: Gold River prepares for operation (12/21/10)
Gold River Feed Products received its first tanker shipments of molasses and steep water (water in which grain has been steeped) last week and plans to begin test runs this week, entering actual production of its livestock feed supplements after the first of the year...

Rural building's zoning remains same for now (12/09/10)
Bedford County Planning Commission took no action Tuesday night after a discussion of what to do with a former slaughterhouse on State Route 64 (Lewisburg Highway) near the Marshall County line. Earnest Travis Whaley, who now owns the site, had asked for it to be re-zoned from A-1 (agriculture) to C-1 (commercial), not because of any specific project, but so that he could sell the property as commercial...

Homeless shelter zoning in city to be studied (12/03/10)
Shelbyville's planning commission will be looking over zoning requirements for homeless shelters over the next few months. Codes and planning director Ed Dodson said that the commission needed to discuss in what type of zone a homeless shelter would be placed...

A festive gathering at The Fly (12/03/10)

Shelbyville rates 31st in business-friendly survey (11/23/10)
Shelbyville has ranked 31st in a study determining the 50 Tennessee cities that are the most friendly to business, and which ones are driving them away. The study was released Monday by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, which describes itself as an nonpartisan research organization "committed to achieving a freer, more prosperous" state by "advancing free markets, individual liberty, and limited government."...

City backs codes director in answer to Wright suit (11/21/10)
The city has filed a brief amended answer to a $10 million lawsuit over a proposed rock quarry, mainly to state that claims against Shelbyville's planning and codes director should be barred. Earlier this week, Shelbyville responded to the federal suit filed by Norma and Tommy Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc., and Custom Stone LLC, denying their claims and asking that the suit be dismissed...

Eyesore no more (11/17/10)

City seeks dismissal of quarry suit (11/17/10)
The city of Shelbyville has responded to a $10 million dollar federal lawsuit over a controversial proposed rock quarry, asking that the suit be dismissed. Last month, Norma and Tommy Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc., and Custom Stone LLC filed suit in federal court in Winchester against the city, the board of zoning appeals, the planning commission, and codes and planning director Ed Dodson "in his official capacity and individually."...

Council approves N. Main land buys (11/11/10)
Shelbyville's city council gave its approval to state right-of-way acquisition for the widening of North Main Street. The city was informed last week that the Tennessee Department of Transportation was ready to begin the taking of property and needed council approval to do so...

State plans N. Main land buys (11/07/10)
Shelbyville's city council will vote Tuesday on whether to give the OK to the final step in widening North Main Street -- namely right-of-way acquisition for the project. But according to a state spokesperson, the project is not yet funded for construction...

County jobless rate decreases slightly during September (11/03/10)
Bedford County's unemployment rate improved very slightly in September; the preliminary unemployment rate for September was 11.4 percent, compared to a revised rate of 11.7 percent for August. Bedford County had a labor force of 22,260, with 19,720 employed and 2,540 unemployed...

Eateries, hotel gain planners' approval (10/29/10)
Shelbyville planners gave their approval to two new restaurants and a hotel Thursday night. Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission approved site plans for a new Waffle House restaurant at 730 N. Main St. and a new Microtel Hotel at 1207 N. Main St., while Shelbyville Board of Zoning Appeals granted Dr. Will Alcorn a setback variance to expand a pre-existing building at 116 Sunlite Road which he said would be used for a restaurant employing 25 people...

Waffle House to locate in Shelbyville (10/21/10)
Shelbyville will be getting a new place to sit down for a cup of coffee and breakfast in the future. A site plan for a new Waffle House restaurant at 730 North Main St. is scheduled to go before the city's planning commission next Thursday, Oct. 28...

Council backs letter of intent for business (10/15/10)
Shelbyville city council members voted Thursday to have the mayor write a letter of intent regarding a possible new business. But members expressed concern about possible costs to the city and if the letter would be binding. Chamber of Commerce director Walt Wood asked the council for the letter last week, saying that a business prospect is looking at bringing a "major commercial investment" to the city that could bring as many as 70 new jobs...

Planners say hands are tied (10/06/10)
For yet another month, Bedford County Planning Commission ended up spending most of its monthly meeting talking about the issue of concentrated animal feeding operations or CAFOs. Planners decided last month against trying to regulate Class 1 CAFOs in the county zoning ordinance, in large part because they've been told that the state's so-called "Right To Farm Act" prohibits local zoning from restrictions on agriculture. ...

Developer asks city for street (10/06/10)
The city of Shelbyville will draft a letter of intent in the hopes of attracting a new business. Chamber of Commerce director Walt Wood told the council Tuesday that a prospect is looking at bringing a "major commercial investment" to the city that could bring as many as 70 new jobs...

New park to enhance Purdy Court (10/01/10)
Shelbyville will be getting a new one-acre park after the city's recreation department received a $10,000 matching state grant for playground equipment at Purdy Court. And an invitation is going out to community groups to help get the project completed and looking good...

Jostens marks 50 years of 'family' (09/26/10)
Retirees and long-time employees of the Jostens plant on Union Street say that a family atmosphere has made the plant a good place to work for the past half-century. The plant, dedicated in November 1960, is celebrating its 50-year anniversary; a picnic was held Saturday for employees and retirees. Employees and retirees representing a total of 716 years of experience gathered Tuesday at the plant to reminisce...

Major bank remodeling receives approval (09/24/10)
Shelbyville's planning commission approved a plan for extensive renovations to First Community Bank of Bedford County that will include five drive-through teller lanes. Only 372 square feet of space is to be added to the existing facility -- an outbuilding for drive-through tellers -- but the rest of the work will involve landscaping, a change in parking and an inside renovation...

Bedford jobless rate nears 12 percent (09/24/10)
Bedford County's jobless rate rose slightly last month to 11.9 percent, according to preliminary numbers released Thursday by the state department of labor and workforce development. The county had an estimated workforce of 22,200 people, with 19,570 employed and 2,630 without work...

GM confirms Spring Hill activity (09/17/10)
SPRING HILL, Tenn. (AP) -- General Motors is revving up its Spring Hill plant, starting with a recall of hundreds of idled workers to build four-cylinder engines. The automaker announced Friday that about 400 workers will be recalled to build the engines for mid-size crossover vehicles...

Engineering fees backed (09/15/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners, meeting Tuesday night, approved a schedule of engineering fees for subdivision development in the rural portion of the county. Any subdivision developer employs engineers or architects to draw up plans, but the county has not in the past had the ability to have its own engineer review them -- and the county doesn't have money in the budget for such services. ...

Source: GM to produce engines at Spring Hill plant (09/14/10)
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- A source familiar with the decision says General Motors is recalling about 400 idled union workers to its Spring Hill plant in Tennessee to build a four-cylinder engine. An official briefed about the new jobs who declined to be identified because an official announcement is pending provided the count to The Associated Press on Tuesday...

City must pay quarry suit costs (09/14/10)
The city of Shelbyville will now have to pay the legal costs of a 5-year-old lawsuit over a proposed rock quarry, according to the Tennessee Municipal League (TML). Last month, Wright Paving Company Inc., Norma and Tommy Wright and Custom Stone LLC filed a petition for writ of certiorari in Bedford County Chancery Court, asking for a judge to overturn a decision made by the Board of Zoning Appeals in June...

AEDC contractor laying off 64 workers (09/11/10)
TULLAHOMA (AP) -- Sixty-four employees of the main contractor at Arnold Air Force Base / Arnold Engineering Development Center have received layoff notices. Aerospace Testing Alliance said in an e-mail statement Friday that the staff reduction is due to declining Department of Defense budgets and fewer major defense projects...

No action taken on poultry houses (09/08/10)
After wandering deeper and deeper into a discussion of how to respond to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) such as four or more large poultry houses, Bedford County Planning Commission finally decided to do nothing at all. A motion to take no action whatsoever on the issue passed by a 6-2 margin Tuesday night, with three other planners abstaining, presumably because they operate poultry houses under contract to Tyson Foods...

Alley at center of dispute (09/07/10)
Surveying work is to be completed behind several buildings on East Depot Street to determine ownership of an alley following the city being brought into a lawsuit between downtown property owners. William P. Cooper, James H.S. Cooper and John N.P. Cooper have filed suit in Bedford County Chancery Court against the city and property owners Harry Woosley III, Elizabeth Rodgers and Edward Woosley, doing business as DHC Properties LP, R&B Rental, and Ronald R. and Donald R. Stacey...

New industry likes TTC's efforts (09/02/10)
A new industry, or an existing industry looking to expand, needs workers, and that's why the recruitment process often includes information about local opportunities for workforce training. When SMW Automotive announced last week that it would open in the former Summit Polymers building and bring 170 jobs to Shelbyville, the news release issued by the state specifically quoted an SMW executive praising the role played by Tennessee Technology Center and its industrial programs...

Shelbyville powers up for electric car project (08/31/10)
There are plenty of places to fill up your vehicle in Shelbyville, and at some point in the near future, you'll have a spot to plug it in as well. Shelbyville is one of several communities in Tennessee that has been selected to be a part of the EV Project: the largest deployment of electric vehicles and charge infrastructure in history...

SMW job openings detailed (08/27/10)
The phones at the Tennessee Career Center on North Main Street were ringing Thursday as the announcement of 170 new jobs for Shelbyville was made. SMW Automotive said they will open a production facility this fall at the former Summit Polymers location in Airport Industrial Park...

Bedford unemployment shows sharp decrease (08/27/10)
Bedford County's jobless rate fell nearly a full percentage point in July to 11.8 percent, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the state's department of labor and workforce development. Estimates for the county showed a labor force of 22,240 in July, with 19,610 working and 2,630 unemployed...

Bedford County praised for Census response (08/27/10)
Bedford County increased its mail-in response rate to the 2010 U.S. Census by 10 percentage points over 2000, and was a full six percentage points over the national average. That was the message at a Census wrap-up event held Tuesday at the Chamber of Commerce building. ...

New industry announced for Summit building (08/26/10)
State economic development officials announced this morning that SMW Automotive, a supplier of brake and chassis components for companies like Nissan and Volkswagen, will open a production facility this fall in the former Summit Polymers location in Airport Industrial Park. The project represents a $26 million capital investment by SMW and is expected to create 170 jobs over the next five years....

Engineering fees gain committee's support (08/25/10)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee gave its recommendation Tuesday evening to a schedule of engineering fees which will be passed along to the developers of major subdivisions. The county is contracting with Smyrna-based Dempsey, Dilling & Associates to provide engineering services. The developer of a subdivision will still hire his or her own engineer to draw up plans, explained county commissioner and planning commission member Linda Yockey...

AT&T U-Verse kicks off locally (08/24/10)
AT&T announced Monday that it has begun offering its U-verse television/broadband internet product in Shelbyville -- but, citing competitive concerns, won't reveal just how many people in Shelbyville currently have access to it. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for U-verse was held Monday at the Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, attended by Lanie Johnson, regional manager for external affairs of AT&T Tennessee...

Grow with the flow: DRA hopes to keep water supplies adequate (08/15/10)
Recommendations to increase the capacity of Normandy Reservoir, along with other water saving ideas, are to be presented to the public next month by the Duck River Development Agency (DRA). On Wednesday, DRA held its final workshop to work out a Comprehensive Regional Water Supply Plan for Bedford, Coffee, Marshall, Maury, and southern Williamson counties...

Farm zoning change awaits more study (08/04/10)
Bedford County Planning Commission decided Tuesday night to take another month to look at proposed regulations for high-density farming operations, after a draft of changes to the zoning resolution turned out to be not exactly what planners had intended...

Zoners vs. chicken houses (07/09/10)
Bedford County Planning Commission will ask Bedford County Board of Commissioners next week to adopt regulations similar to those in Rutherford County to regulate high-density corporate agriculture, in response to a proposed development of 14 chicken houses on Big Spring Road...

SHA units will be upgraded (07/08/10)
The Shelbyville Housing Authority has been awarded $649,508 by the department of Housing and Urban Development, some $27,000 more than they anticipated. The funding is to be used for making "major capital improvements" to public housing units and SHA director Hershel Thrasher said Wednesday that allocation of the funding could begin as early as this fall...

Lawsuit threatened over Shelbyville land issue (07/06/10)
Shelbyville City Council members will decide Thursday if they wish to rescind a payment made to a Shelbyville businessman over a piece of property he bought almost 15 years ago. Meanwhile, the businessman is threatening to sue Shelbyville over the issue...

State adopts residential building codes; cities, counties retain several options (07/02/10)
Tennessee has adopted residential building codes, although jurisdictions like Shelbyville and Bedford County which are already enforcing a recent version of the International Residential Building Codes can continue to do so on their own. The state has not adopted the home sprinkler system provision of the codes, and is not requiring local governments to do so. ...

County jobless rate shows slight decrease (06/27/10)
The county's jobless rate fell slightly last month to 12.1 percent, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by that state's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The unemployment rate dropped only 0.1 percent since April, the preliminary numbers indicated, with a May workforce of 22,080 in Bedford County, a total of 19,410 reportedly employed and 2,670 not working...

Zoning appeals board backs codes decision (06/25/10)
Shelbyville's Board of Zoning Appeals upheld the decision of the codes department over an application for a proposed rock quarry. In what was mainly a legal proceeding, the board determined that planning director Ed Dodson acted properly by not forwarding Wright Paving's request to the BZA for a special exception for property on L. Fisher Road where the firm asked to operate a quarry and stone crusher five years ago...

Council to hear quarry appeal (06/22/10)
A local paving company will appeal a decision this week made by the city's planning director over an application for a proposed rock quarry. On Thursday evening, the Board of Zoning Appeals will hear from Wright Paving Co., who had requested a special exception for property on L. Fisher Road where they asked to operate a quarry and stone crusher five years ago...

New life for empty space (06/11/10)
Visitors to Shelbyville's public square will have a place to sit and relax in the near future. The city council approved a lease agreement with John Norton Associates to allow the city to maintain and landscape the empty lot between Norton's law office and the now-empty Pope's Cafe...

New industry brings 34 jobs (06/10/10)
The creation of 34 new jobs and a $7.25 million investment in Bedford County was announced Wednesday at the former location of DESA Industries. Kentucky-based Gold River Feed Products will open a new location at 783 Eagle Blvd. that will employ the workers over the next five years...

Signs attract shoppers (06/09/10)
Stephanie Crosslin, who addressed Shelbyville City Council back in March to request signs directing shoppers to the public square and surrounding areas, said she's delighted with the response to the signs since they were placed last week. "It's a good thing for the town," said Crosslin, who works at the Antiques, Art & Collectibles Mall...

Beautifying the square (06/04/10)

Coming up Roses (06/03/10)

Unemployment rate drops slightly in April (05/30/10)
The county's jobless rate dropped half a percentage point last month to 12.3 percent, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the state's labor department. Labor force estimates for Bedford County for the month of April showed a workforce of 22,060 people, with 19,350 working and 2,710 unemployed...

Flooding threat discussed (05/30/10)
The chairman of the city's planning commission wants to take another look at drainage issues following the flooding earlier this month in Nashville. Chairman Morton Renegar stated that many of the homes that were impacted were in a 100-year flood plain, "and you can see under a heavy rain what that's worth."...

New anchor tenant open (05/25/10)

Trevecca management degree program draws praise (05/20/10)
Three local graduates of Trevecca Nazarene University's bachelor's degree program in management and human relations or MHR, which conducts classes at Motlow State Community College and other locations around Middle Tennessee, praised it as not only a way to improve themselves but to solve problems for their employers...

Business expo to showcase area's assets (05/12/10)
Opportunities for area firms will open in June when the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce holds its first Business Expo. The one-day event, set for Thursday, June 17 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Calsonic Arena, will showcase the city's and county's business community, giving business people the chance to network, meet new customers, show off new products and build relationships...

Quarry approval sought (05/11/10)
A local firm has officially requested that the city's Board of Zoning Appeals look at granting a special condition for a rock quarry that was turned down five years ago. The proposed quarry would be located on 101.4 acres at 196 L. Fisher Road. Last week, Tennessee's Supreme Court refused to hear the City of Shelbyville's appeal of a ruling won by Norma and Tommy Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc. and Custom Stone LLC...

Wider road may lead to new jobs (05/07/10)
State Sen. Jim Tracy and State Rep. Pat Marsh on Thursday announced that Tennessee Department of Transportation has agreed to fund the first phase of improvements to Railroad Avenue in front of the Newell Rubbermaid packaging and distribution center, which officials say will improve safety at the site and is a first step towards any future expansion of the facility...

Bedford County counts (04/29/10)
A decade ago, Bedford County's mail participation rates for the 2000 U.S. Census lagged behind the state and the nation. This year, Bedford County is doing better than both the state and national averages, a fact which was celebrated on Wednesday at a luncheon hosted by the Census Complete Count Committee...

TTCS to offer free Microsoft training (04/29/10)
Gov. Phil Bredesen announced a program on Wednesday which will provide free training on Microsoft software to people across the state, including courses at Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville. Vouchers will also be available for those who have learned the software to be tested and certified...

New home sales show strong rise (04/28/10)
Sales of new homes surged 27 percent last month, bouncing off the previous month's record low and blowing past expectations as government incentives and better weather boosted sales. The Commerce Department said Friday that new home sales rose in March to a seasonally adjusted annual sales pace of 411,000. It was the strongest month since last July and the biggest monthly increase in 47 years...

Planning commission member loses part of leg (04/23/10)
Shelbyville's planning commission only dealt with one item Thursday evening, but thoughts were turned to the welfare of one of their own. Commission member Warren Landers lost part of a leg in a work related accident earlier this week, according to chairman Morton Renegar...

Jobless rate shows slight decrease (04/23/10)
Bedford County's jobless rate dropped slightly in March to 12.8 percent, according to preliminary numbers released Thursday by the state. Figures from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development showed that the county had a workforce of 22,150 people, with 19,310 working and 2,840 without jobs...

Big line for few jobs (04/21/10)
There was a long line of folks waiting both outside and indoors Tuesday to turn in job applications for Shelbyville's newest retailer -- Roses. Applications for 25 to 30 positions are being accepted today and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until noon and 1 to 5 p.m. at 612 Madison St., in the old Southern Family Market location...

Tyson to add 40 jobs (04/08/10)
Forty new jobs and a $5 million upgrade for the Tyson Foods poultry plant in Shelbyville were announced Wednesday. With the county's unemployment rate at 13 percent, the announcement was welcome news to area leaders. According to Wally Taylor, manager of the Shelbyville complex, work on the improvements will begin as soon as this weekend, which is designed to streamline the operations and, most importantly, add jobs...

Everyone counts: census kickoff held (04/02/10)
Thursday was officially census day, and the local Complete Count Committee marked the occasion with a ceremony on the steps of Bedford County Courthouse. State Sen. Jim Tracy and local mayors stressed the importance of an accurate population count to the county in terms of everything from grant funding to re-drawing legislative districts...

County jobless rate down half percent (04/02/10)
The county's unemployment rate dropped half a percentage point in February, but it still remains at a high rate of 13 percent, according to preliminary figures released by the state on Thursday. Labor force estimates for Bedford County showed that 2,850 were out of work, with 19,020 employed out of a work force of 21,870...

Signs point to square deal (04/01/10)
There's a lot of businesses on Shelbyville's public square and those merchants want to make sure that out-of-town visitors know where to find them. That's why they are asking the city to allow directional signs to be placed at key areas around town to point the way...

It's in the books: Library location rezoned (03/26/10)
A very brief Shelbyville planning commission meeting Thursday evening brought the dream of a new library a small step closer to becoming reality. But a representative of the Shelbyville/Bedford County Library Foundation said that another $1 million will need to be raised before that happens...

Unemployment up 1 percent in 1 month (03/12/10)
Bedford County's unemployment rate jumped a full percentage point in January to 13.6 percent, according to preliminary figures released Thursday. According to numbers from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the jobless rate increased in all 95 counties...

Developers claim fraud (03/11/10)
Developers of a local subdivision are claiming that the Bedford County Utility District (BCUD) and an engineering firm conspired to commit fraud in order to require them to upgrade a water line. Mark and Mike Clanton filed a lawsuit in Bedford County Circuit Court last week against BCUD, the utility's general manager, Martin Davis, the engineering firm Highers, Koonce & Associates, Inc. ...

Commission to help fund railroad spur (03/11/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to give up to $60,000, depending on whether or not the City of Shelbyville participates, for a railroad spur to serve a potential industry which is looking at the old DESA Industries building on Eagle Boulevard...

City asked to help fund census efforts (03/09/10)
A local organizer for the 2010 federal census is asking for funding from the city to raise community awareness about the importance of being counted. Luci Taylor is overseeing the census in Bedford County, which she said is used to distribute $400 billion every year to state and local governments and that it is vital that everyone fills out the federal forms...

Potential buyer wants Depot lots (03/09/10)
The empty space on East Depot Street off of the public square could see a new business in the future, the city council learned last Tuesday. Sandra Nickson asked the council what she needed to do to purchase the empty, city-owned lots at 111 and 113 E. Depot. She said that she and her husband wish to place a retail business at the location, but gave no details about its nature...

Area leaders honored by Chamber (02/19/10)
Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce held its annual membership meeting and awards luncheon on Thursday, honoring four Bedford County leaders for their accomplishments and marking the transfer of power between 2009 chamber president Scott Cocanougher and 2010 president Scott Johnson...

Officials discuss plans for new industrial park (02/19/10)
City and county officials, as well as a few candidates for local office, gathered Thursday at Middle Tennessee Education Center to hear a report from Virgil Johnson, who will chair the committee to search for the best site for a new industrial park...

Roses store to open in old Bi-Lo location (02/16/10)
Henderson, N.C.-based Variety Wholesalers Inc. confirmed last week that it plans to open a 40,000-square-foot Roses store at 612 Madison St., in the old Southern Family Markets location, in early summer of this year. The company had already begun advertising for a store manager using an online job listing site...

City to seek state funds for railroad spur (02/12/10)
It was a short meeting for Shelbyville City Council Thursday night, with only a handful of items addressed. The council approved a resolution to apply for a grant from Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) for funding for a part of the costs of the construction of a rail spur line to the former Quintec building on Railroad Avenue...

Zoning change urged for South Main land (02/02/10)
Shelbyville's planning commission recommended amending the city's land use plan Thursday to change an area from low to high density residential to reflect the actual current use in the region. Planners and engineers for the city recommended that an area between South Main and South Jefferson Streets, described as "a triangle shaped plot," be amended as high density residential...

Unemployment rate up by 0.3% in county (01/29/10)
Bedford County's jobless rate rose once again in December, bringing the unemployment numbers for the county to 12.6 percent. Preliminary figures released by the state's department of labor and workforce development Thursday showed the jobless rate rose 0.3 percent last month...

Workers available, job study shows (01/26/10)
A study conducted last summer by Middle Tennessee State University's Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) of a seven-county region of Southern Middle Tennessee, including Bedford County, shows that out of a work force of 121,782, not only were 18,523 unemployed but a similar number -- 18,055 -- were underemployed...

Sprinklers: Worth the expense? (01/24/10)
Shelbyville has adopted the 2009 International Building Codes, but specifically exempted itself from the section of that code which would require fire protection sprinkler systems on new one-family and two-family homes. Bedford County is on track to do exactly the same, based on a recommendation from Bedford County Planning Commission which will be considered next month by Bedford County Board of Commissioners...

'I'm home now,' says new city codes director (01/20/10)
Listening is what Ed Dodson, Shelbyville's new planning and codes director, intends to focus on in his first few months on the job. Dodson has returned home to Bedford County to fill the position left vacant by the resignation last fall of Kip Green...

Residential sprinklers may not be required (01/20/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee placed a proposal that the county adopt the 2009 International Building Code but exempt itself from residential sprinkler systems on the full commission's February agenda, but did not add its own recommendation...

I-3 Zone approved by City Council (01/15/10)
Shelbyville's city council voted Thursday to re-enact the creation of a Special Impact Industrial District geared for specific facilities. A public hearing and final reading was held Thursday night for an ordinance that establishes an I-3, or Industrial Zone, in Shelbyville -- which has been at the center of a five-year lawsuit over a rock quarry...

Bell Buckle makes sign rules clearer (01/14/10)
Those wanting to put up signs in Bell Buckle, whether it's a business sign or a yard sign for their favorite politician, need to check with the Town Hall first. Bell Buckle Board of Mayor and Aldermen, meeting Tuesday night, approved an ordinance that will let sign owners know what is acceptable where...

'Ugly' signs may be changed (01/12/10)
Shelbyville's council may take action later this year on the use of flashing yellow signs around the city, voting to require them to be made permanent. But the matter will have to go to the city's planning commission before anything can be done. Mayor Wallace Cartwright said that the council has spoken about the issue "more than once," but had not taken any action on it...

Home sprinklers unlikely in new codes (01/06/10)
Bedford County Planning Commission recommended Tuesday night that the county adopt the 2009 edition of the International Building Codes but exempt itself from the portion of the code requiring fire sprinklers for one-family and two-family homes. The final decision will have to be made by Bedford County Board of Commissioners...

County's jobless rate shows slight increase during November (12/24/09)
Preliminary unemployment figures released Wednesday showed a slight rise in the county's jobless rate. Unemployment in Bedford County in November held steady at 12.3 percent, the same figure released for October. However, revised figures for October resulted in a rate of 12.2 percent for that month, indicating the county jobless rate increased by 0.1 percent...

Newly chosen codes director knows city well (12/22/09)
A Bedford County native will be returning home to fill the position of Director of Codes and Planning for Shelbyville. W. Edward Dodson, who currently lists his home address as Atlanta, has been selected for the job, following interviews with six applicants, according to city recorder Betty Lamb...

City quarry decision may await court ruling (12/17/09)
Shelbyville has yet to respond to a letter from a local business that has asked to have a 5-year-old application for a rock quarry heard. However, the city recorder said that the matter may have to wait until the Tennessee Supreme Court rules on an appeal requested last week by Shelbyville City Council...

Building sale proceeds may go to industrial park (12/16/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and property committee gave its recommendation to a proposal that a building on North Main Street, jointly owned by Shelbyville and Bedford County, be sold and the proceeds applied towards the cost of developing an industrial park...

Decision near on planning/codes hire (12/16/09)
City officials could make their decision by Friday who will be heading up the city's planning and codes department. Interviews for the position were completed Monday morning and while the names of those who have applied have not been released, more than half of the applicants have local ties...

Bell Buckle employees will receive Christmas bonuses (12/10/09)
The five employees of the town of Bell Buckle will be having a merrier Christmas than they might have hoped. Although they were warned by Mayor Dennis Webb during the budget process earlier this year not to count on Christmas bonuses in light of the current economy, they will be getting them after all...

New packaging center a 'Christmas present' in tight economy (12/06/09)
Newell Rubbermaid celebrated the opening of its packaging operations center on Friday with tours for local VIPs and on Saturday with a luncheon for employees and their families. The 133,000-square-foot packaging center adjoins the existing 568,000-square-foot distribution center on Railroad Avenue. It includes packaging functions which were formerly located at Newell Rubbermaid's manufacturing plant on Sharpie Way...

A joyful noise as horn maker relocates to Flat Creek (12/06/09)
A musician, an engineer, a blacksmith and a machinist walk into a workshop ... No, it's not the opening line of a joke. It's the start of a working day for Roy Lawler, who is the musician. And, in a way, the engineer, blacksmith and machinist. Roy makes trumpets, flugelhorns and trombones, and after 30 years of experience, he's pretty good at it...

Industrial park to be considered (12/03/09)
Forming a committee to examine the idea of an industrial park will be on the city council's agenda next week. The idea came before the Shelbyville council Tuesday evening after Walt Wood, chief executive officer of Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, urged members to follow the advice recently given by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) representatives on how to attract industry and jobs to the region...

Proposed Unionville store plan approved (12/02/09)
Bedford County Planning Commission on Tuesday night approved a site plan for a Dollar General Store in Unionville. The Goodlettsville-based discount retailer will pour a pad this week at the site of its first rural store in Bedford County, just south of Deason. The Unionville store would be the second located outside Shelbyville...

Planning meeting canceled after agenda vacated (12/01/09)
Shelbyville's planning commission has canceled the meeting that was set for Thursday after all items were pulled from the agenda. The commission had set the Dec. 3 meeting to cover business for both November and December, but the T-G was informed Monday that no meeting would be held...

Ease of building, location important, leaders told (11/19/09)
A representative of Tennessee Valley Authority told city and Chamber of Commerce officials that a public-owned industrial park was a key to attracting industry, but must be carefully planned and designed in order to be of any use. Ensuring that utilities are available or can be made available quickly, and doing environmental studies in advance, are among the steps that differentiate between open farm land and a true industrial park, said Deborah Cameron, an economic development specialist with TVA.. ...

Wood: Industries considering area (11/13/09)
Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce CEO Walt Wood said the number of industrial prospects looking at the community is growing, and that the county has been on the "short short list" for several companies this year. Wood spoke Thursday to the Rotary Club of Shelbyville...

'Critical' employment ad up for council vote (11/08/09)
Advertising for a planning and codes director, as well as a new city manager, will be voted on Thursday by the Shelbyville City Council. City recorder Betty Lamb told council members during Tuesday's study session that "it is absolutely critical" that the city hire someone to fill the planning and codes position...

City loses appeal of zoning lawsuit (11/06/09)
The city of Shelbyville has lost an appeal with a local paving company who claimed the city did not give adequate notice of a change in zoning laws they say impacted their property. But the impact of the court ruling may be moot since the city will likely pass an identical ordinance next week after the appeals court declared the old one invalid...

Local native manages massive development (10/28/09)
Bedford County native Fred Davis plays a key role in supervising a big project. How big? Ten billion dollars big. No, that wasn't a misprint. Billon, with a "B." Davis, a program manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is supervising the project managers constructing what amounts to a new high-rise city at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, about 50 miles south of Seoul, Korea...

Unemployment rate drops (10/27/09)
Bedford County's unemployment rate for September dropped from 12.5 percent to 12.1 percent, according to figures released by Tennessee Department of Employment Security. Bedford County had a labor force of 22,460 in September, with 19,730 employed and 2,730 unemployed...

New medical building will break ground in November (10/22/09)
Groundbreaking for Bedford County's newest medical facility, Russell Plaza, has been set for November, according to its namesake. In August, plans were submitted to the city of Shelbyville for a 30,000-square-foot building that was believed at the time to be office space for local physicians...

Former Bumpers / Sonic location torn down (10/14/09)

Planners approve site plan for Dollar General in Deason (10/07/09)
Bedford County Planning Commission approved a site plan for the planned Dollar General store at 3225 U.S. 231 North in Deason, and also approved a change in the county's subdivision regulations which was proposed several months ago as a result of the development...

GM to kill Saturn brand after Penske deal falls apart (10/01/09)
DETROIT (AP) -- For those who expected General Motors' once-funky Saturn brand to live on with a new owner, there has been a sad twist. Saturn, once billed as a different kind of car company, appears as dead as Pontiac and Oldsmobile. At the brand's 350 remaining dealers around the country, there were high hopes that a deal would be announced for GM to sell the brand to former race car driver and auto industry magnate Roger Penske...

At long last, bypass work begins (09/29/09)
The blue "stimulus" signs are up on U.S. 41-A South, signaling that work is now ongoing on the long-awaited construction of State Route 437 (Shelbyville bypass). Completion is estimated by July 31, 2011, according to B.J. Doughty, community relations officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation...

Design guidelines favored by planners (09/25/09)
Shelbyville's planning commission gave its approval Thursday night to new design guidelines. The guidelines are intended to be only recommendations to firms and individuals submitting site plans to the city and will have to be approved by the city council,...

County's jobless rate rises slightly for August (09/25/09)
Bedford County's jobless rate has risen slightly to 12.5 percent for the month of August, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The rate rose 0.1 percentage point from the revised July figure of 12.4 percent unemployment for the county...

Recession? What recession? In Bell Buckle, profits roll (09/22/09)
The recession is over -- and it isn't. Unemployment is down -- and it's up. Prices are dropping, skyrocketing, or remaining stable. It seems every newspaper, every news program and everybody is an expert on the economy, yet every one of them has a different interpretation on what's going on in the marketplace...

Leadership Bedford class learns team-building (09/16/09)
It always seems like a lot of fun when they first start out -- a few warm-up exercises, a couple of team-building games ... but by noon, the members of Leadership Bedford's newest class are usually tired and sweaty -- and still having fun. The program, which takes community leaders and lets them discover many facets of life in Bedford County -- as well as improve it -- kicked off this weekend with the annual retreat. ...

County uses 'recovery zone' to woo new industry (09/09/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to designate the entire county as a "recovery zone," which could serve as a recruiting tool by making any new industry locating here eligible for a discounted interest rate on its industrial bond financing...

Inspector gives all clear for buildings near demolition site (09/08/09)
Shelbyville's building inspector has found everything is all right on the east side of the square as far as structural integrity goes after a citizen expressed concern about the status of aging buildings. According to the city manager, officials hope to take a look at other structures on and around the public square to see how they are holding up...

Commission to consider rezoning, Voter Confidence Act (09/08/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners will consider a rezoning for the proposed Dollar General Store in Deason and a resolution asking the state to delay implementing the Voter Confidence Act. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the second floor courtroom at the county courthouse...

Planning commission approves Russell Plaza (08/28/09)
A number of items being dropped from the agenda led to a short meeting for the Shelbyville Planning Commission, with site plans for one medical building approved and the other tabled until next month. The commission quickly gave approval for Russell Plaza, a 30,000-square foot, two-story medical office building to be located on Frank Martin Road across from the Bedford County Emergency Medical Service offices...

Bedford jobless rate drops by half-point (08/28/09)
Bedford County's unemployment rate dropped to 12.4 percent in July, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the state's department of Labor and Workforce Development. In June, the rate leapt 1.4 percentage points to 13 percent, but the new preliminary numbers for July means a drop of 0.6 percent for Bedford County...

Medical offices to be built near hospital (08/21/09)
Shelbyville will soon see some growth near Heritage Medical Center with the planned construction of two new medical office buildings. Next week, Shelbyville's planning commission will consider site plans for two structures -- a 30,000-square foot, two-story medical office building to be located on Frank Martin Road across from the Bedford County Emergency Medical Service offices and a 16,000-square foot office building slated to be built on Airport Business Park Drive adjacent to Heritage Medical Center.. ...

Tech Center classes help jobless (08/21/09)
The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville is offering some new classes this fall in response to the needs of the community during a weakened economy. Principles of job acquisition and financial planning are two free classes being offered. Blacksmithing is another new addition...

Serendipity on the Square (08/20/09)

Rezoning recommended for Deason store (08/20/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee, meeting Tuesday night, recommended a zoning change from A-1 (agriculture) to C-1 (commercial) for a site at 3225 U.S. 231 North in Deason which has been proposed for a Dollar General Store, according to County Mayor Eugene Ray...

Council seeks attorney's advice on Sanders land (08/14/09)
Shelbyville's city council will wait for advice from the city's attorney before deciding how to compensate a man who bought property from the city, only to later learn it actually belonged to the railroad. In December 1995, Bobby Sanders purchased land from the city on East Lane Street. ...

Newell Rubbermaid jobs moving to Shelbyville (08/09/09)
Newell Rubbermaid informed employees on Friday that it would consolidate its Maryville distribution operations into the Shelbyville distribution center by early next year, affecting 40 jobs in Maryville. Displaced Maryville employees will have the option to apply for open positions at NewellRubbermaid's manufacturing facility there or at the Shelbyville distribution facility...

Shelbyville may begin purchase of blighted homes (08/07/09)
The city of Shelbyville may soon be negotiating the purchases of homes and structures in order to put them in front of a wrecking ball at some point down the road. Among items the city council will vote on next Thursday will be approval for city manager Ed Craig and planning and codes director Kip Green to work out the prices and acquire blighted properties under the Neighborhood Stabilization Housing Grant that Shelbyville recently received...

City building guidelines near planning commission vote (07/26/09)
Shelbyville's planning commission concluded its review of design guidelines Thursday and will vote on the document's final approval next month. The guidelines are intended to be only recommendations to firms and individuals submitting site plans to the city, and, if approved, the commission would also act as a design review commission, giving feedback to builders on site plans and taking a more active role in the process...

Suspect in fraud scheme surrenders (07/17/09)
A fifth defendant accused of a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme has turned himself in to federal authorities, while two of those indicted plan to plead guilty to some of the allegations. In the meantime, the defense attorney for one of the four already accused in the alleged scheme said that action in his client's case would not move forward until sometime in the fall...

Bell Buckle amphitheatre under budget (07/16/09)
Despite a few technical sound and lighting glitches, the opening night at the Bell Buckle Park's new amphitheater on July 4 was a big success, said Alderman Jenny Hunt last week. According to Alderman James Anderson, it's been a construction success as well...

Crape myrtles beautify Shelbyville's landscape (07/15/09)
Tennessee walking horses, pencils and basketball are all part of Bedford County's identity. But there's another marker, a little more subtle, that adds charm as well as beauty to this small Southern city and county. Crape myrtles, shrubs or small trees chiefly famous for their colorful and long-lasting flowers, are prevalent in Shelbyville, thanks to a project that began almost 15 years ago...

Site requests show signs of city growth (07/12/09)
While the economy still appears to be struggling along, both Shelbyville and Bedford County are beginning to see the start of some commercial growth. The city's planning and codes director, Kip Green, said that recent planning commission meetings have been limited to rezoning requests and other similar items, but very few new site plans...

Bell Buckle studies growth boundary proposals (07/12/09)
The Bell Buckle Planning Commission will be looking at any and all possibilities when it comes to re-sizing the town's urban growth boundary. At the Tuesday night meeting, the commission agreed to come up with three different proposals to present to the board of mayor and aldermen at a later date...

Dollar General request leads to rules change (07/09/09)
A proposal to build a Dollar General Store in Deason created a thorny situation for Bedford County Planning Commission, but planners eventually decided to grant a variance for the project and to change subdivision regulations so that future projects of its type would be permitted...

City to buy, destroy blighted buildings (07/09/09)
Shelbyville has been awarded a grant of over a quarter million dollars that will be used to get rid of blighted structures around town. According to city planning and codes director Kip Green, the $326,023 grant is from the National Stabilization Program (NSP), part of Phase I of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, also known as the first "stimulus package" that was signed into law by former president George W. Bush...

Insurance claim denial impacts East Depot actions (07/07/09)
Shelbyville officials may be running into legal snags with getting money from a property owner for the demolition of two buildings. City attorney Ginger Shofner told Shelbyville's city council that the insurance company for Alice Albrecht, the owner of 109 East Depot St., one of the unsafe buildings brought down last year, has denied her claim...

Delay sought for city building guidelines (06/30/09)
A member of Shelbyville's planning commission wants to table design guidelines for two years, claiming that the recommendations would make builders think twice about doing business here. Henry Wilhoite told fellow commissioners that builders were "not happy" with the guidelines which are to be recommendations to firms and individuals submitting site plans to the city. The design guidelines will give builders an idea of what is expected or favored by Shelbyville...

Jobless rate up to 11.5 percent (06/28/09)
Jobless numbers for Bedford County jumped once again to a new high of 11.5 percent for the month of May, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Department of Labor & Workforce Development. The latest figures show that unemployment was nearly double last year's rate of 6.1 percent. It was also an increase from April's rate of 10.7 percent...

Consultant: old hospital a bad idea as jail (06/17/09)
A consultant from the University of Tennessee's County Technical Assistance Service told Bedford County commission members on Tuesday that moving prisoners into the old Bedford County Medical Center building on Union Street would not be the financial boon that had been informally projected last month...

Planners to address Belmont district (06/17/09)
Shelbyville's planning commission will look over several rezoning requests when it meets next Thursday, including one in a historic district that may provoke discussion. James Farrar is requesting that property at 507 Belmont Ave. be rezoned from R-3 (medium density residential) to R-4 (high density residential), which would be contrary to the region's current land use plan, according to comments by the city's planning and engineering staff...

Sludge tank to be removed (06/12/09)
A dispute over a storage tank that was built to store agricultural sludge on U.S. 41-A South was resolved after an agreement was made to purchase the land and dismantle the structure. During Tuesday's Bedford County Board of Commissioners meeting, a group of citizens that were concerned about the tank owned by Wayne Simons were directed to the Solid Waste Authority board to express their views...

AEDC work force faces reduction (06/12/09)
President Obama's 2010 budget request includes a $24 million reduction in funding for contractor labor at the U.S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center, according to an AEDC news release. The cuts would take effect Oct. 1, with the start of a new federal fiscal year...

Commissioners to consider zoning changes (06/04/09)
Two rezoning requests and some routine annual allocations are the highlights of a relatively-slim agenda for Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners, perhaps marking the calm before the storm as the commission braces itself for what is expected to be a difficult budget year...

Jobs still there for persistent teenagers (06/04/09)
As a result of a troubled economy, many workers across the nation have lost their jobs -- and the same holds true for Bedford County. The local unemployment rate has risen to double digits in recent months, figures that are nearly twice what they were at the beginning of last year...

New direction ahead for Depot Street? (06/03/09)
Shelbyville City Council, after hearing from merchants in the affected area, may try keeping the segment of Depot Street closest to the square as one-way but making it westbound rather than eastbound. The issue was discussed at a study session Tuesday night...

Spring Hill closure will have local impact (06/02/09)
Although exact numbers weren't available, officials say the temporary closing of the General Motors Spring Hill plant will affect Bedford County. Walt Wood, CEO of Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, did not have a figure for the number of GM employees living in Bedford County, even after checking with state officials...

County unemployment dips slightly (05/29/09)
Bedford County's unemployment rate fell to 10.7 percent for April, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, down from 11.2 percent in March. The good news is that while the jobless rate for Tennessee rose last month to 9.9 percent, 0.3 percentage point higher than the rate from March, the figures fell for many counties, including here...

Little Caesar's seeks approval for location (05/26/09)
Pizza maker Little Caesar's is planning a return to Shelbyville. The restaurant was previously located on Madison St. in the old Bi-Lo shopping center. A site approval plan for the chain is on the agenda for Thursday's meeting of the city's planning commission...

Mortgage fraud suspects released on $20K bonds (05/21/09)
The four individuals charged with bank fraud and money laundering earlier this week have been released after signing an agreement with federal prosecutors. Roger Ritch, of Shelbyville, along with William McMahan, Jonathan Henderson and Carrie Snow, all of Murfreesboro, appeared before a federal magistrate in Chattanooga Tuesday, following their arrest in connection with an alleged multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme involving hundreds of homes in Shelbyville...

Rezoning requests get rules committee nod (05/20/09)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee recommended two rezoning requests on U.S. 41-A (Unionville Highway) during its meeting Tuesday night. Jamie Garrett has requested that his property at 2686 U.S. 41-A (Hen House Restaurant) and his property at 2678 U.S. 41-A (Garrett's Automotive) both be re-zoned from A-1 (agriculture) to C-2 (commercial)...

Bank fraud bust nets four (05/19/09)
Four arrests were made this morning in a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme involving hundreds of homes in Shelbyville. The arrests were the result of a 16-month joint investigation by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service...

Investigation was learning process for detective (05/19/09)
For Detective Sergeant Brian Farris, this morning's arrest of four individuals accused of running a massive mortgage fraud scam is the result of countless hours of work. Farris told the Times-Gazette he is happy that the long investigation is finally over with; it has taken up "a lot of long days and nights" for both him and federal investigators...

Urban Growth Boundary gains city approval (05/15/09)
Shelbyville's city council gave its OK to the city's new expanded Urban Growth Boundary during its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday. The new boundary is part of the comprehensive study and plan developed by Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon (BWSC), which was recommended to the council by the city's planning commission and calls for the city's UGB to be expanded northward...

GM dealers wait for word (05/15/09)
DETROIT -- A day after Chrysler LLC told a quarter of its dealers that it won't renew their contracts, owners of General Motors Corp. dealerships are awaiting word on whether they will be next. GM said it will notify 1,100 U.S. dealers today that their franchise agreements will not be renewed. Dealers expect to hear either by telephone or FedEx letters that will begin arriving this morning...

National Pen to add jobs, but few details known (05/14/09)
National Pen Company has announced that it will close its operations in Manila, Philippines, and bring those sales and customer service jobs back to the company's existing facility in Shelbyville, but Cathy Tollett of the company could not provide any specifics about how many new jobs would be created, how many jobs existed at the Manila location, or how soon the company might begin hiring...

Wartrace bumps to slow speeders (05/13/09)
Speeders on West Bridge Street in Wartrace, consider this fair warning. The town is about to install speed bumps. "There's a 'Children at Play' sign there, but people are ignoring it," said Wartrace resident Kelly Thompson, who approached the board of mayor and aldermen at the May meeting Monday night...

Area growth gets closer look (05/10/09)
Shelbyville's city council will vote this week on expanding the city's Urban Growth Boundary to the north and to create a new planning authority. City manager Ed Craig said county mayor Eugene Ray has asked that each of Bedford's municipalities submit a request to them to have their planning commissions become regional planning commissions...

Low bids announced for bypass (05/10/09)
The low bids for the long-awaited Shelbyville bypass were identified by the Tennessee Department of Transportation Friday. According to TDOT spokesperson B.J. Doughty, if all goes according to plan, the winning bid could be announced by the middle of June at the earliest...

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