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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012
Bedford County Government

Stories related to Bedford County government

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...
For whom the bell tolls... (01/31/12)
The recently-restored clock in the Bedford County Courthouse clocktower rings a little more softly this week, in what officials hope will be a compromise agreeable to residents living around the Shelbyville square. Macey Agee had appeared Jan. 17 before Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee to complain that the newly-restored bell was too loud overnight and asked that it be prevented from ringing between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m...
Juvenile center worth keeping (01/26/12)
Bedford County Juvenile Detention Center, which the county considered closing last year, continues to perform well, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of the county Financial Management Committee. The center's revenues for the first six months of the fiscal year were $148,171, and it had $194,481 in expenses...
New shows seek support (01/25/12)
There are a couple of new horse shows coming to Shelbyville, and organizers are looking for support from both the city and county. The Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST) will hold a Spring Showcase from March 15-17 at Calsonic Arena...
County tax receipts up from last year (01/25/12)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' budget and finance committee got generally good news during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night. County tax collections for the first half of the 2011-2012 fiscal year are up over the previous year. Property taxes are up by $141,451; late payments of the previous year's property tax are up $136,451; and sales tax is up $242,080...
Harris will add magnet program (01/20/12)
A magnet program at the middle school level will be phased in gradually, starting next year with the sixth grade and adding an additional grade each year, according to discussion at Thursday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Education. According to School Superintendent Ray Butrum, a lot of professional development will need to take place to prepare teachers for the program...
2nd SRO asked for Community (01/19/12)
The safety of children was on the minds of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement and workhouse committee Tuesday night. Commissioner Jimmy Patterson repeated his insistence that Community High School and the campus containing Community Middle and Elementary schools, which currently share a school resource officer, each needs its own dedicated SRO -- one for the high school, one for the middle and elementary schools. ...
Full commission will decide on committees (01/19/12)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee made no recommendation, or nominations Tuesday night for commission committees or officers, deciding to leave that decision entirely up to the full commission. The commission will vote next month on a chairman, chairman pro-tem, and assignments to its standing committees. ...
Chimes tick off neighbors (01/18/12)
Ask not for whom the bell tolls; in any case, it tolls a little too loudly for some residents of the public square. Macey Agee, a resident of the Gunter Building, appeared before Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee on Tuesday night to complain that the newly-repaired courthouse clock tower and chimes are keeping him and his neighbors up at night...
Waste group membership moves closer (01/17/12)
Bedford County is "closer" to joining the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority (ISWA), the county mayor informed the local waste board. The county has been working towards joining the ISWA since the first of last year, after the Cedar Ridge Landfill in Marshall County was closed in January, leaving the county no place to haul its garbage...
Hord case set; sheriff files denial to claims (01/12/12)
While one lawsuit against the sheriff and county has been settled, a trial date has been set for next year in the litigation filed by the department's former child abuse investigator. Meanwhile, the county filed documents Wednesday denying many of the allegations made against the sheriff...
Deputies to be paid OT (01/11/12)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners, after a closed attorney-client meeting, voted Tuesday night to settle overtime lawsuits brought against the county by sheriff's department employees, and to pay back wages owed to sheriff's department dispatchers...
Judge denies request for injunction against sheriff's department (01/08/12)
A federal judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction filed by four detectives who are suing Sheriff Randall Boyce and Bedford County. Following an evidentiary hearing and testimony on Thursday in Chattanooga, U.S. District Judge Harry S. Mattice denied the motion that would have halted alleged retaliation against Bedford County Sheriff's Department employees who may wish to join a lawsuit over unpaid overtime...
Local, state road officials say they're ready for winter weather (01/04/12)
Bedford County Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman and Shelbyville Public Works Director Mark Clanton each say their departments are in good shape as the likelihood of severe winter weather approaches. Last winter, December snow caught Shelbyville before its salt delivery had arrived, and a heavy winter season had state and local officials worried by late January that their supplies would run out...
Bypass, sheriff's woes among Top 10 stories (12/29/11)
The opening of a long-awaited, long-requested bypass around Shelbyville was cause for celebration in August but soon became cause for concern. That bypass, and the legal troubles of Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce, are the next two entries in a countdown of the year's top local stories as determined by a poll of the Times-Gazette staff...
Unhealthy situation for county (12/29/11)
The county's employee base is too small to take advantage of an in-house clinic as a way of saving on employee health insurance costs, according to a report given Tuesday night to members of the county's Financial Management Committee. Finance Director Robert Daniel urged the committee members to study the report, "Containing Health Care Costs: Proven Strategies For Success in the Public Sector," which was prepared by Colonial Life for the Government Finance Officers Association. ...
Hearing scheduled in suit vs. sheriff (12/23/11)
A federal judge has ordered a hearing to see if a preliminary injunction will be issued to halt alleged retaliation against sheriff's department employees who may wish to join a lawsuit over unpaid overtime. U.S. District Judge Harry S. Mattice, Jr. has set Jan. 5 in Chattanooga for a full evidentiary hearing over claims made by four detectives who filed suit against Sheriff Randall Boyce and Bedford County...
Judges haven't joined courthouse talks (12/22/11)
County Mayor Eugene Ray said Tuesday night it's been difficult to get Bedford County's judges together to discuss courthouse security issues. Commissioner Jeff Yoes asked a question during Tuesday night's meeting of the county commission's courthouse and county property committee about a proposed coordinating committee of judges, law enforcement and government personnel that had been discussed months earlier. ...
Decision delayed on bridge name request (12/22/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee deferred action Tuesday night on a request to name a bridge on State Route 64 West (Lewisburg Highway) in honor of Pfc. Larry W. Neill, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969...
Clanton announces bid for re-election (12/21/11)
Ronda Clanton of Shelbyville has announced her candidacy for re-election as Assessor of Property in the March 6, 2012 Democratic primary. Clanton, a graduate of Cascade High School, has lived in Bedford County for the past 37 years. She is married to Randy Clanton. They have four children. Clanton is a member of Fair Haven Baptist Church...
Hands-on learning: Visual tools make impact (12/18/11)
School health coordinator Dee Crabtree brought tangible tools to accompany her presentation to the Bedford County Board of Education -- including a pair of pigs' lungs. The board met for its regular December meeting Thursday, and Crabtree was there to discuss the school system's plan to improve the health of its students...
Steps taken to reduce courthouse overcrowding (12/18/11)
Shelbyville's fire marshal said that he is "satisfied" with the efforts being made to make Bedford County Courthouse safer for people making court appearances. Two weeks ago Brian Nicholson, who is also Shelbyville's assistant fire chief, wrote a letter to Bedford County officials about overcrowding in one of the three courtrooms, restricting the number of people allowed in the downstairs chambers...
Only minor problems found in county audit (12/18/11)
The newly-released audit of Bedford County government cites the county for several minor findings, most of which officials say have now been fixed. The audit was released to the public this week by the state Comptroller of the Treasury's division of county audit. It can be viewed and downloaded at www.tn.gov/comptroller...
Judge to hear 2 suits vs.county (12/16/11)
A federal magistrate has determined that two suits filed against the sheriff and county are related and will not need to be assigned to a different judge. U.S. Magistrate William B. Mitchell Carter issued an order this week stating that litigation filed in August by four detectives and the lawsuit by the county's former child abuse investigator, Rebecca Hord, "is related" and that there is no need for reassignment since both cases are currently assigned to the same district judge, Harry S. ...
Sheriff's staff will receive holiday pay (12/14/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to approve a proposal to give holiday pay to sheriff's department and juvenile detention center employees for the remainder of this fiscal year, but hopes in the next fiscal year to review and develop a standardized county-wide policy...
Road Superintendent to run for re-election (12/14/11)
Stanley Smotherman has announced his candidacy for re-election as Bedford County Road Superintendent in the March 6, 2012, Democratic primary. A Bedford County native, Smotherman has worked for Bedford County Highway Department for the past 33 years and has served as road superintendent since 2000. He currently serves as secretary/treasurer of Tennessee County Highway Officials Association...
Central recycling site proposed for county (12/11/11)
A recycling center has been proposed for a central location in Shelbyville to make it more accessible to county residents. Solid Waste Coordinator Gay Ervin reported at Thursday's Solid Waste Authority meeting she has spoken to Shelbyville Mayor Wallace Cartwright about the proposal. He expressed interest, Ervin said, but wasn't certain where such a facility could be placed...
Detective sues over dismissal (12/09/11)
The county's former child abuse investigator has filed a federal lawsuit against Sheriff Randall Boyce and Bedford County, claiming she was fired for supporting other officers suing over unpaid overtime, and also for her race and gender. Rebecca Hord filed a complaint Wednesday in U.S. District Court under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) for failure to pay overtime, racial and gender discrimination, as well as retaliatory discharge...
Trying times at courthouse (12/08/11)
Defendants had to appear before a judge "in shifts" Wednesday due to limits placed on courtroom occupancy by Shelbyville's fire marshal. A sign restricting the maximum occupant load to 60 people for the main courtroom area was posted at entrances to the first floor chambers at the county courthouse, after Assistant Fire Chief Brian Nicholson said that "dangerous overcrowding" had been reported by a citizen last week...
Open or closed? (12/08/11)
With 4,278 miles to be driven each day, and nearly as many students riding the buses, the weight of a decision to close schools doesn't come lightly to those who make it. In the case of snow and ice -- and sometimes flooding -- Jimmy Williams, supervisor of the student placement and safety office for Bedford County schools, is often up late watching a variety of local weather reports...
'Dangerous overcrowding' at county courthouse (12/02/11)
"Dangerous overcrowding" occurred in Bedford County General Sessions Court Wednesday, and Shelbyville's fire marshal is requesting a meeting with county officials to develop a plan to reduce the risk to the public. In a letter to Circuit Court Clerk Thomas Smith, which also went to the county mayor, sheriff, court officers, judges and magistrates, Assistant Fire Chief Brian Nicholson stated that he responded to a citizen's complaint about the overcrowding...
Juvenile center gets a reprieve (11/24/11)
On paper, Bedford County Juvenile Detention Center is losing money, as it was expected to do, but it appears to be costing far less than it did in the past, and far less than it would cost the county to send its juveniles elsewhere. The center, located on Lane Parkway next to Bedford County Sheriff's Department, houses juvenile offenders while they are waiting for a hearing. ...
Offices, agencies take holiday vacations (11/22/11)
A number of businesses and organizations will close this weekend to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are some holiday schedules of broad interest: l Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System l Argie Cooper Public Library l U.S. Post Offices...
Tight squeezes at courthouse lot will end soon (11/16/11)
After months of discussion, Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee is finally ready to limit oversize vehicles from parking in the interior lot at the courthouse. A straight line will be painted across the ends of the existing parking spaces. Vehicles that fit within that line, without pulling up onto the curb or the concrete island which surrounds the lot, will be allowed. Others will be subject to a $25 fine...
Central recycling location proposed (11/13/11)
Bedford County's solid waste authority wants to ask the city of Shelbyville about a possible central location for recycling. Highway Superintendant Stanley Smotherman told the authority that the amount of garbage going to the Middle Point landfill in Rutherford County was lower than normal, which he attributed to more residents participating in recycling...
7 voting precincts eliminated (11/10/11)
Seven of the county's 18 voting precincts will be closed after the March election, election administrator Summer Leverette told county commission members during her quarterly departmental report Tuesday night. The March 2012 primary election will include all 18 precincts; the closings won't take effect until after that, meaning the August primary and general elections will be affected...
County seeks partial dismissal of bail bond suit (11/10/11)
A motion is before a federal judge to partially dismiss a lawsuit centered around the county's bail bonding system. Ricky Robertson has been suing Bedford County since last December, claiming that it operates a system of setting bail for those arrested and presented to a judicial commissioner "that is not based on the individualized assessment of that particular person's likelihood to flee."...
County to sell nursing home (11/09/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to sell the county-owned nursing home on Union Street, along with the vacant adjoining building that once housed Bedford County Medical Center, to Care Centers Management Consulting, the Johnson City-based firm that currently leases and operates the nursing home...
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...
County looks at new fuel system (10/27/11)
Bedford County is considering purchase of a fuel management system that proponents say would save the county money by preventing misuse of fuel and by giving county vehicles more places to fuel up. A representative of Tallahassee, Fla.-based Syn-Tech, which provides fuel management services for the U.S. Air Force, gave a presentation at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Financial Management Committee...
County receives $50K in traffic funding (10/26/11)
Two county law enforcement agencies have received more than $50,000 in highway state grants. The Bedford County Sheriff's Department received $52,924.22 for alcohol and traffic enforcement, while the Bell Buckle Police Department took in a total of $5,005 to be used for high visibility law enforcement campaigns...
Lawsuit vs. county to stay active (10/25/11)
A federal judge has denied Bedford County's request for summary judgement in a wrongful death suit, suggesting that the credibility of the jail's nurse may be in question. Attorneys for the county had been asking for dismissal of the remaining claims involving county jail inmate Larry Dale Byford, 54, who died at Vanderbilt Medical Center in 2009 after suffering an apparent heart attack while incarcerated...
State hands more money to county (10/23/11)
State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) released figures from the Office of Legislative Budget Analysis on Tuesday showing that Bedford County will receive $80 million from the state during the current state fiscal year, which began July 1; that's up from $75 million in 2010-2011 and $68 million in 2009-2010...
Plan may hike deputies' holiday pay (10/20/11)
Bedford County Sheriff's Department wants to reduce the number of officers who attend court sessions and use the savings to provide holiday pay for those officers, according to discussion Tuesday night at the meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement committee...
Economy hits Cascade (10/19/11)
County officials said Tuesday night they're still looking at overcrowded Cascade High School but that the county's options are limited at present. "It's easy to borrow money," said County Mayor Eugene Ray. "But where are you going to get the money to pay it back?"...
Recycling savings, revenue help cover disposal costs (10/16/11)
Savings and revenue from three months of recycling is enough to pay for a single month of waste disposal for the county, the solid waste authority was told Thursday. Highway Superintendant Stanley Smotherman made the observation while making his quarterly report on the county's recycling efforts...
County expects to join area waste authority soon (10/16/11)
Bedford County could be joining the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority by next month if all goes according to plan. County mayor Eugene Ray told the local solid waste authority on Thursday that work is continuing to get the county into ISWA, saying "it's closer and might be in November, but they are really close."...
Cost-saving plan: Commission to refinance some debt (10/12/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday night to refinance some of its debt, taking advantage of lower interest rates that are currently available in an otherwise-tough economic market. The refinancing will not change or extend the term of two school bonds being financed, which are about five years from being paid off. ...
Trial set Nov. 1 over jail death (10/05/11)
Following more than a month of motions in a wrongful death suit against the county, a federal judge has set a trial date for November in Winchester Since August, attorneys for the county have been asking for dismissal of the remaining claims involving county jail inmate Larry Dale Byford, 54, who died at Vanderbilt Medical Center after suffering an apparent heart attack while incarcerated...
County offices deal with telephone problems (10/02/11)
Bedford County government offices have been suffering telephone and Internet problems since Wednesday, when the county lost one of its two T-1 Internet connections, and therefore half of the bandwidth carrying its voice and Internet traffic. Some of the problems have been resolved but the county finance office was still without service as of Friday due to "other non-related issues," according to Chris White, who manages the county's information technology department...
Refinancing debt may save $650K (09/28/11)
Bedford County hopes to save about $650,000 by refinancing some of its debt, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of the county's Financial Management Committee. The refinancing will not change or extend the term of the debts being financed, which are about five years from being paid off. But it will take advantage of interest rates that are lower now than when the money was first borrowed...
DTF actively fighting drugs (09/27/11)
Drug enforcement continues to be a priority in Bedford County, the head of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force said. County detectives who are suing Sheriff Randall Boyce and the county over alleged unpaid overtime stated last week that the investigation of drug activity here has been "all but completely eliminated" following the disbanding of the sheriff's department's Criminal Suppression Unit...
Voter ID law could mean longer waits (09/27/11)
A new law requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls may result in longer lines next year, according to Bedford County Administrator of Elections Summer Leverette. Several states adopted new laws last year requiring that people show a photo ID when they come to vote, even though the kind of election fraud that the laws are intended to stamp out is said to be rare. ...
County animal facility remains fully populated (09/22/11)
Bedford County Animal Control director Brenda Goodrich reported to the county commission's law enforcement committee on Tuesday that the facility is staying full -- even after the Rescue Waggin' program took some animals away, the facility quickly filled back up again...
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. ...
Detectives hit disbanding of drug unit (09/16/11)
Detectives suing the sheriff and county over alleged unpaid overtime claim that the investigation of drug activity in Bedford County has been "all but completely eliminated" following the disbanding of the department's Criminal Suppression Unit. The 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force also investigates drug activity in Bedford County and is not involved with or affected by the lawsuit...
Butrum will face tougher evaluation (09/16/11)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, approved a new, more comprehensive evaluation form for School Superintendent Ray Butrum, who will be evaluated at the end of the year, after six months in office, under the terms of his contract...
Bid let on upcoming 41-A work (09/15/11)
County Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman, making his quarterly report Tuesday night to Bedford County Board of Commissioners, gave updates on several state highway projects of local interest. The bid has finally been let for long-awaited improvements to U.S. 41A in the area of Community Elementary School and Community Middle School, including a turn lane in front of the schools and a reconfiguration of the intersection between 41A and Unionville-Deason Road...
Bond move could save $600,000 (09/14/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners will pursue refinancing two of the county's bonds, which finance director Robert Daniel said could save the county up to $600,000. The agenda item for Tuesday's meeting projected a savings of $170,000, but Daniel told commissioners that investment firm Morgan Keegan, which has been advising the county, has identified a second bond issue that might be refinanced...
County awaits entry into ISWA (09/13/11)
Progress is moving forward on getting Bedford County into the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority, with other counties looking to join the organization, the county's waste authority was told. Highway superintendant Stanley Smotherman and county mayor Eugene Ray recently traveled to Columbia to meet with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation officials, as well as commissioners from several regional counties...
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. ...
Sheriff: No retaliation for lawsuit (09/08/11)
Sheriff Randall Boyce claims no overtime was approved for members of his department's crime suppression unit, denying allegations by detectives that they have been victims of retaliation for filing a lawsuit. An affidavit from Boyce was filed Wednesday in federal court in response to the suit, as well as a detailed answer to the allegations, with the sheriff saying the detectives are not entitled to any back pay...
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 to join county's anti-disaster plan (09/06/11)
The city of Shelbyville intends to sign on to the county's plan to prevent natural and man-made disasters when the City Council meets Thursday evening. City manager Jay Johnson told the council that the city, as well as Wartrace and Bell Buckle, should adopt the county-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan, since it is required as a condition of future grant funding for mitigation projects and also makes Shelbyville eligible for higher rates of reimbursement in the event of a disaster...
Attorney general says sheriff can be certified (09/02/11)
Tennessee's attorney general has ruled that Sheriff Randall Boyce has satisfied all requirements to be certified in his office, following a request from the county's financial committee to clarify his status. The sheriff has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission following his election in 2006 over the issue of whether he should have gone through basic law enforcement officer training after his election or whether his certification as an officer from the 1970s, plus attendance at a school for new sheriffs and other in-service training, was sufficient.. ...
Open meetings change urged at TCCA meeting (09/02/11)
HENRY HORTON STATE PARK -- The president of Tennessee County Commissioners Association told a TCCA regional meeting on Thursday that counties should push for changes in the Tennessee Open Meetings Act which would put local governments under the same rules as state government...
Fixing the roof (09/01/11)
Workers from Advanced Enterprise of Murfreesboro braved the heat Wednesday to start repairs to the roof of the Bedford County courthouse. Work has already been completed on the painting of the clock dome on top of the structure. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)
Retaliation alleged by plaintiff in suit (08/31/11)
A sheriff department employee claims that retaliation is continuing against those who filed a federal lawsuit over unpaid overtime. He says the retaliation is in the form of displaying news articles about the matter at Bedford County Jail. Two weeks ago, maintenance worker Jeremy Beech joined a lawsuit filed by four detectives who allege they have worked for two years without being paid overtime, and were demoted for informing county officials about the situation...
Delay sought in bail bond suit (08/31/11)
A man who filed a class action suit against the county and a deputy last year is asking for more time to file motions in the case. Last December, Ricky Robertson sued Bedford County, Deputy Kevin Roddy and "John Does," alleging violations of the 4th, 8th and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution...
Slithering surprise: Snake shocks showerer (08/25/11)
Louise Johnson just wanted a refreshing shower. The last thing she expected Tuesday afternoon was a snake falling from the ceiling into her bathtub. "I was taking a shower and this big, long thing started coming down out of the ceiling," Johnson, of Bugscuffle Road near Haley, said...
County to increase salaries (08/24/11)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee reviewed a salary chart for county employees last night and approved 1 percent raises retroactive to the start of the fiscal year on July 1. The raises were planned in the budget process, but the committee wanted to take a look at county employee salaries before enacting them...
County wants end to jail death claims (08/21/11)
Submitting over 300 pages of depositions and documents, attorneys for Bedford County are asking a federal judge to dismiss the remaining claims of a wrongful death suit involving a county jail inmate. In Oct. 2009, 54-year-old Larry Dale Byford died at Vanderbilt Medical Center after suffering an apparent heart attack while incarcerated at the county jail...
Youth football team will add to Liberty athletic facilities (08/19/11)
The Liberty team in the Duck River Valley Youth Football League will build a new restroom and concession stand building at the Liberty School athletic fields. Bedford County Board of Education granted permission for the facility at its meeting Thursday night...
Com Center gains TIES to more info (08/19/11)
Starting next week, Bedford County Communications Center will be able to look up criminal histories, check for information on wanted criminals, and run license plates when requested by law enforcement personnel in the field, according to com center director Cathey Mathis...
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...
Charges against Vannatta dropped (08/18/11)
For Bobby Vannatta, one ordeal is over. But the longtime Bedford County commissioner fears the damage he feels has been done to his reputation will linger. All charges were dismissed Wednesday against Vannatta, who was accused of taking steel beams from a Bedford County farm last weekend....
Plaintiff joins suit against Boyce (08/17/11)
A maintenance worker with the sheriff's department has joined a lawsuit filed by four detectives alleging unpaid overtime, while the officers are asking for a court injunction to prevent retaliation against others who want to participate in the litigation...
Commissioner fired up about insurance costs (08/17/11)
Commissioner Jimmy Patterson asked his fellow commissioner and Bedford County Fire Department chief Mark Thomas last night what can be done to improve the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating for the area served by Unionville Volunteer Fire Department. Thomas said he's already working on it, and is 12 months into what he said is an 18-month process...
Vannatta denies guilt in steel theft (08/16/11)
A well-known Bedford County farmer and longtime county commissioner says accusations he took steel beams from an Eady Road farm Saturday are untrue. "I was accused wrongly. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time," Bobby Vannatta said Monday....
County commissioner charged with theft (08/14/11)
Warrants were served Sunday afternoon on a Bedford County commissioner accused of taking steel beams from an Eady Road farm. Bobby Vannatta, 74, of Unionville-Deason Road has been charged with theft of property over $500, vandalism over $1,000 and criminal trespassing...
New commission districts approved (08/10/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved new county commission districts drawn as a result of 2010 Census figures. The "one person, one vote" rule, affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1960s, means that in a district-based legislative body, each district should be as close in population to the others as possible. Otherwise, citizens in underpopulated districts would have a greater say in government than those from overpopulated districts...
Teachers urged not to friend students on Facebook (08/09/11)
Last week Bedford County teachers and employees of the school system received a "strong recommendation" from their principals and from Supt. Ray Butrum's office to end online relationships with currently enrolled students. "At this point, we have recommended strongly that teachers not be "friends" with students in their school who are underage and [who are up to age] 19 if they are still in school," said Cheryl Harris, who serves as Community Engagement and Special Projects Liaison for the Bedford County Board of Education.. ...
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...
Boyce, others dismissed from lawsuit (08/07/11)
A federal judge has sent a wrongful death suit back to Bedford County's circuit court, dismissing the sheriff, the head of the county workhouse and others from the litigation. Doris Rollins, sister of Larry Dale Byford, 54, had filed suit against Sheriff Randall Boyce, Capt. Tim Lokey of the county workhouse, Donna Delrio, who works as a nurse at the jail, the county and "John and Jane Doe, employees of Bedford County, Tennessee," over her brother's death...
Detectives sue sheriff on OT pay (08/05/11)
Four Bedford County sheriff detectives are suing Sheriff Randall Boyce and the county in federal court, claiming they have been denied overtime pay for the past two years. David Sakich, Kevin Holton, Scott Jones and Todd Hammond "and others similarly situated" filed suit Thursday under the Fair Labor Standards Act, claiming they were denied overtime and straight time compensation and were worked "off the clock." They also allege they were retaliated against for exposing the issue...
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...
City-county meeting sought (08/03/11)
Members of Shelbyville City Council want to set up a joint study meeting with county commissioners in the near future. At next week's regular meeting of Shelbyville's council, a motion will be considered to approach the county mayor and commissioners about setting up the meeting...
Shelter pets may be altered before adoption (07/28/11)
A new, grant-funded program would allow Bedford County Animal Control to have animals spayed or neutered at Middle Tennessee Spay & Neuter Clinic before giving them to their new owners, as opposed to the current system, in which owners must have the animals spayed or neutered themselves...
Appeals court backs wrecker decision (07/28/11)
The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a decision by a federal judge in Chattanooga who "dismissed with prejudice" a suit against a local wrecker service filed by a competing tow operator. Robert L. Bushnell, owner of Quality Collision and Towing, filed a federal lawsuit in 2008 against Bedford County, the City of Shelbyville, its police department and Ray Brown of Ray's Paint and Body, alleging that towing and repair jobs were steered toward one business...
Sheriff's status in question (07/27/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' financial management committee agreed Tuesday night to ask for a state attorney general's ruling clarifying the status of Sheriff Randall Boyce. Boyce has been in an ongoing battle with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission since his election in 2006. ...
Repairs ahead for courthouse tower, roof (07/24/11)
The courthouse needs roof repair, and that's scheduled to happen soon, but members of the county commission's courthouse and county property committee approved a proposal to go ahead and paint and caulk the building's clock tower first. The clock tower painting wasn't considered an urgent need, but contractors say it would be better do to it before the roof repair than after, and the committee agreed -- provided the money can be found to pay for it. ...
Closer look at Sheriff's Department policies urged (07/22/11)
Commissioner Denise Graham said Tuesday night that the county commission's law enforcement and workhouse committee needs to take a more active role in reviewing sheriff's department policies on an ongoing basis. Sheriff Randall Boyce said the department's thick policy manual is updated every two years but that he would welcome committee involvement in the process...
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...
150-year wait may be over for Mexican War veterans (07/20/11)
The bodies of 11 U.S. soldiers who fought in the Battle of Monterrey in 1846 have been recovered in Mexico, and Bedford County commissioners may join a Lipscomb University history professor in asking that they be brought back to Tennessee for burial at the Mexican War Monument in Gallatin...
New school administrators announced (07/19/11)
On the day of his first school board meeting and a reception in his honor, Bedford County School Superintendent Ray Butrum announced a wave of new appointments, including new principals at Community Middle School and Eakin Elementary School. Butrum took office July 1, succeeding Ed Gray, who retired...
Tire revenue up, dumping down (07/17/11)
Recycling revenue is continuing to climb, the county's solid waste authority was told, and people are getting used to paying to turn their old tires in. Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman reported that for the last quarter, revenues from recycling has brought in $13,782.15...
Drug court program succcessful, representative says (07/15/11)
The director of drug court for the 12th Judicial District told Bedford County commissioners this week that the program there has been a success, with 92 percent of participants remaining out of legal trouble for at least two years after completion, and that it is a dramatic cost savings when compared to jail...
County moves closer to sale of nursing home (07/13/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted by a 15-1-1 margin Tuesday night to issue a request for proposals for the sale of the county's nursing home license and facility. That doesn't guarantee that the facility will be sold; the county could decide to reject all bids...
Voting district lines to change (07/08/11)
The population figures from last year's census are about to be used for redrawing district lines for city council members, county commissioners, school board and road board members, state legislators and U.S. congressmen. The "one person, one vote" rule, affirmed by the U.S. ...
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...
Some commissioners criticize sheriff's department spending (06/30/11)
It took two or three tries Tuesday night, but the Bedford County Commission passed the budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, and there will be no tax rate increase. The vote to approve the budget was not without controversy, however. In the meeting of the finance committee a few hours before, Commissioner Joe Tillett moved to approve it -- with a stipulation...
Some commissioners criticize sheriff's department spending (06/30/11)
At least some conditions at the county jail will be improving soon -- the temperatures. This week the Bedford County Finance Committee accepted a bid by Redd Heating and Air Conditioning to replace the central air units at the facility. Two bids were submitted, and while the second bid was lower, it was also only for the two main roof units, not the smaller ones in the cell blocks, said Robert Daniel, county fiance director. ...
Relief from heat in store for inmates (06/30/11)
At least some conditions at the county jail will be improving soon -- the temperatures. This week the Bedford County Finance Committee accepted a bid by Redd Heating and Air Conditioning to replace the central air units at the facility. Two bids were submitted, and while the second bid was lower, it was also only for the two main roof units, not the smaller ones in the cell blocks, said Robert Daniel, county fiance director. ...
State overpays county for housing prisoners (06/30/11)
A review of the county's jail and workhouse by the state comptroller for fiscal year 2009 shows that the county was overpaid by over $2,000 for housing state prisoners. However, the amount of the state funds disbursed to the county will be adjusted in future monthly payments...
Signs of the times (06/26/11)
Tennessee's senators have drafted legislation in an attempt to stop a federal "unfunded mandate" requiring local governments to replace road signs to provide better visibility. But Shelbyville has been replacing them since 2008 at a cost of $65,000, and the city's public works director wonders if they can recoup the funds already spent...
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...
Overcrowding, problems force 2nd look at jail (06/23/11)
Bedford County Jail, which was inspected recently by the state, will need to be re-inspected because of concerns about the facility and about overcrowding in the women's wing of the jail. County officials, speaking at this week's meeting of the county commission's law enforcement and workhouse committee, say the facility's problems are being addressed and that they are struggling to find ways to address the population concerns...
Bids may be sought for nursing home (06/22/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee has recommended that the county seek bids from potential buyers of the county-owned nursing home and the adjoining building which used to house Bedford County Medical Center...
Temporary homes, permanent love (06/21/11)
When the Bedford County Animal Shelter received word recently that the PetSmart Rescue Waggin' was going to be delayed for a few weeks, it could have been very bad news. The kennels were already full and more dogs were being brought in daily. Without the Rescue Waggin' to take them to forever homes in other states, many of the dogs would have to be euthanized because there was no room for all of them...
Commission turns down rezoning request for 3rd time (06/15/11)
Business owner Grady Cunningham approached the Bedford County board of commissioners Tuesday night for the third time about rezoning his property on U.S. 231 North -- and for the third time, his request was denied. The property is currently zoned R-1 and borders the Candlewood Estates subdivision...
Gray sees new world ahead for education (06/10/11)
When Ed Gray first entered the teaching profession in 1966, he said, the emphasis was on teaching children to be good citizens and productive members of society. Much has changed over the past four decades. Today, schools must educate children in preparation for high-tech jobs that don't even exist yet. Children are accustomed to electronic communications from an early age, and teachers must use high-tech tools to keep and hold their attention...
Gray leaves legacy of success (06/09/11)
"I got my golf clubs out," said Ed Gray. "I haven't used them, but I'm talking to them." As Bedford County's school superintendent counts down the days toward the end of his 44-year career as a full-time educator, he expects not only to play golf but to remain active in Bedford County, and active in education -- just not at the same time...
New law protects sheriff (06/07/11)
The issue of peace officer certification for Sheriff Randall Boyce has been rendered moot with the passage of a new law signed by Tennessee's governor -- just one day before the state Supreme Court refused to hear the sheriff's appeal on the matter...
County may sue nursing home (06/03/11)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee recommended this week that the county consider a lawsuit against Christian Care Center of Bedford County to recoup $107,000 in utility bills the county claims it is owed, and that the county consider forcing the nursing home to take utility service under its own name...
Property tax won't rise (06/02/11)
The Bedford County Financial Management Committee put the finishing touches on a county budget and property tax rate which will be presented to the full county commission for approval June 14. The budget holds the property tax rate steady at its current level of $2.27 per $100 assessed value...
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...
County budget doesn't include tax hike (05/25/11)
Although a few changes still need to be made, Bedford County Financial Management Committee approved the basics of a 2011-2012 budget on Tuesday, in order to begin the public notice process needed for the county commission to approve the document on June 14...
Library may get more time for $1 million (05/25/11)
Two county committees have recommended giving Argie Cooper Public Library three more years to qualify for $1 million in promised county funding for a new facility. Some commissioners warned, however, that the county doesn't actually have the money to give at the moment...
School board hires Butrum (05/20/11)
It's official: Dr. Ray Butrum will be Bedford County's new school superintendent. Bedford County Board of Education, which voted earlier this month to negotiate a contract with Butrum after selecting him from among 12 applicants and four finalists for the position, approved a three-year contract Thursday night. Both parties signed it immediately following the school board meeting...
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...
Juvenile center may stay open for 6 months (05/19/11)
A county committee has recommended keeping the Juvenile Detention Center open for six more months, to see if revenues can be increased. The center was first opened in 2001, and proponents envisioned it as a money-maker for the county, eliminating the cost of sending local juveniles elsewhere while bringing in money from surrounding counties for housing their juveniles...
Thomas, county end suit (05/18/11)
Both sides involved a federal lawsuit against the county have jointly agreed to have all claims dismissed with prejudice. In February 2010, John Darron Thomas filed a $6 million federal lawsuit against Bedford County, the sheriff's department, Sheriff Randall Boyce and deputies Benjamin Burris, Kent Jacobs and Kevin Roddy...
Drainage draws complaints (05/18/11)
Several residents of Wildwood Drive in Unionville say the construction of the new Community High School has created flooding problems in their yards which pose a safety issue for neighborhood children, and that they're tired of waiting for the county to do something about it...
'Everyday heroes': Ambulance workers devote lives to saving lives (05/17/11)
National Emergency Medical Services Week is May 15-21, and this year's theme is "Everyday Heroes." To mark the occasion, two long-time employees of Bedford County Emergency Medical Service spoke to the Times-Gazette about what they do. There are two major training levels for ambulance workers: emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic. ...
Butrum plans move to Bedford (05/15/11)
Incoming Bedford County school superintendent Dr. Ray Butrum has confirmed that he does plan to move to Bedford County, and is looking for rental property here, but said his adult children will continue to live in his home in Murfreesboro for the short term and he hasn't yet decided how quickly he will change his legal residence and give up his seat on the Murfreesboro city school board...
Commission approves amendments to budget (05/13/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved amendments to the current, 2010-2011 county budget during its meeting on Tuesday night; a session to bring commissioners up to speed on the proposed 2011-2012 budget will be held as early as next week, although details weren't yet available Tuesday night...
Detention center may get reprieve (05/12/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners referred the possible closure of Bedford County Juvenile Detention Center back to the Law Enforcement and Workhouse Committee for further study. The county's financial management committee had placed the closure of the facility on Tuesday night's agenda...
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...
School security camera access approved, but concerns remain (05/08/11)
Bedford County Board of Education will move forward with plans to give school security camera access to local emergency dispatchers in the event of an emergency such as a fire or a Columbine-style school shooting. But the school system, citing a letter from its law firm which raises privacy concerns about allowing outside access, wants a memorandum of understanding relieving the school system of any liability in the event of problems...
Wrecker operator refiles suit over city, county calls (05/08/11)
A federal lawsuit against the city and county has been refiled by a local wrecker operator to preserve the statute of limitations a year after the litigation was dismissed. Robert L. Bushnell filed a complaint for injunctive relief and damages this week in the same case he filed in 2008 against Bedford County, the city of Shelbyville, its police department and a competing wrecker service, Ray's Paint and Body...
Butrum is board's choice for superintendent (05/06/11)
Bedford County Board of Education, in a special called meeting Thursday night, selected Dr. Ray Butrum, assistant principal of Barfield Elementary School in Rutherford County, as its "person of focus" for school superintendent, and voted to enter into contract negotiations with Butrum for the position....
Superintendent talks end (04/29/11)
Dr. Ray Butrum, the last of four candidates being interviewed for the position of Bedford County School Superintendent, said that if he is chosen, he plans to spend a big part of his first year in the schools, evaluating them. Butrum is the assistant principal at Barfield Elementary School in the Rutherford County school system, teaches classes at Middle Tennessee State University and is a school board member for the Murfreesboro city school system. ...
Schools hopeful visits (04/27/11)
Dr. David Roper of Middle Tennessee State University, the second of four short-list candidates being interviewed this week for Bedford County School Superintendent, said his experience as an educator and former superintendent helps him see how academic principles and research apply to the real world of classroom teaching...
Juvenile Detention Center may be closed at end of June (04/27/11)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee voted Tuesday night to recommend closing Bedford County Juvenile Detention Center, effective June 30. The decision was made after the committee received figures indicating that it would be much less expensive to send the county's juvenile offenders to out-of-town detention facilities...
School interviews start (04/26/11)
Loudon County Director of Schools Wayne Honeycutt, the first of four short list candidates for Bedford County school superintendent, told school board members and community leaders on Monday he is a hard worker who believes in the chain of command and who expects professional behavior and appearance from his staff...
School budget goes before board soon (04/24/11)
Bedford County Board of Education will consider a proposed 2011-2012 budget during its special called meeting on May 5. A draft budget was presented to the school board Thursday night by county finance director Robert Daniel. Daniel said the budget contains no raises except for state raises for teachers and scheduled step increases for all employees. The board asked Daniel to figure the cost of adding one year to the level at which employee step raises top out...
School system to consult lawyer on security camera access (04/24/11)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, voted to defer action for two weeks on a proposal to make school security cameras available to emergency personnel, so that the school system can seek advice from its attorney. Emergency management officials have been asking for the access for a year and a half, according to discussion Thursday night. ...
Four chosen as school superintendent finalists (04/22/11)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, approved a short list of four candidates to be the next school superintendent; each of the four finalists will be interviewed by the school board on a separate day next week. None of the four finalists is currently employed by the local school system, although one is a former Community High School principal...
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...
Drug dog's hard bite into crime (04/21/11)
County commission member and sheriff's department captain Tony Barrett defended the expenditure of up to $4,000 in dental work on the county's drug dog, Sem, telling the commission's law enforcement committee on Tuesday that the work is paid for by seizures and fines...
Thomas asked to back claims (04/21/11)
A federal judge is being asked to compel a man suing the county for $6 million to produce documents and answer questions about the litigation. Attorney W. Carl Spining filed a motion to compel on Tuesday against John Darron Thomas, who is suing three deputies over a traffic stop in 2008...
PUDs gain support of committee (04/20/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee gave its recommendation Tuesday night to a proposal which would add planned unit developments to the county's zoning resolution. PUDs give subdivision developers more flexibility; they can put houses closer together than allowed by existing zones, and mix in condominiums, town houses and other types of development, in return for adding amenities such as parks, open space, bike trails or landscaped streets...
SWA ready to talk recycling with council (04/19/11)
The county's solid waste authority says they will be happy to discuss recycling with Shelbyville, following comments by city council members about the topic. In two recent study sessions, members of the Shelbyville city council have spoken about becoming more efficient at reducing costs by utilizing recycling...
Tire fees rise (04/17/11)
Starting May 1, a disposal fee of $2 per tire will be charged to offset rising costs at the county's tire disposal facility, the county's solid waste authority decided Thursday. Jason McGee, office manager for the facility, reported to the authority that the highway department had spent $40,866.89 in excess of the $28,400 state tire grant they received in fiscal year 2009-2010...
Officials defend budgets (04/15/11)
Circuit Court Clerk Thomas Smith said the budget figures discussed at Tuesday night's county commission meeting, showing his department spending more than it brings in, are misleading, since they include the salaries for General Sessions Judge Charles Rich and his assistant, over which Smith has no control...
Area agency will oversee county waste (04/14/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners approved resolutions Tuesday night for the county to enter the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority. If ISWA, as expected, approves Bedford County for membership, and the state approves the change, Bedford County Solid Waste Authority will cease to exist and ISWA will have authority over the county's waste disposal and recycling programs...
Offices told to cut spending (04/13/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday night urging several offices which are not under the county's direct control to reduce their spending. The county can directly control the spending of county departments like the sheriff's department, the fire department, the ambulance service and so on. ...
Sides square off in suit against deputies (04/12/11)
The attorney for three county deputies facing a $6 million federal lawsuit is asking a judge to dismiss the matter, claiming that no "factual support" has been presented. Meanwhile, the opposing lawyer is claiming the officers made false statements, gave inconsistent testimony and misled prosecutors...
County budget crises averted (04/12/11)
Bedford County Finance Director Robert Daniel says he doesn't forsee any crises between now and the end of the fiscal year on June 30; the county has budgeted conservatively and is coping with factors such as rising food and fuel costs and a decrease in property tax revenue...
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...
3 apply to lead schools (04/08/11)
Bedford County Board of Education Chairman Barry Cooper said Monday that, as of April 1, the Tennessee School Boards Association had received only three applications for the position of school superintendent. Cooper said TSBA called him last Friday with an update on the number of applicants but that he told them he did not want to know their identities...
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...
County expected to name ISWA member (04/06/11)
Shelbyville's city council was asked Tuesday to allow the county to appoint a single representative to the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority's Regional Planning Board by giving up their seat. Lynn Wampler spoke to the council about the complicated issues involved with the ISWA and said it was vital that Shelbyville allow the county to represent the city on the regional planning board...
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. ...
Rezoning request for deer processing facility opposed (03/27/11)
A proposal to rezone land on State Route 64 (Wartrace Pike) near the new bypass has drawn "tremendous" neighborhood opposition, according to Bedford County Director of Planning and Zoning Chris White. The rezoning will be on the agenda for the April 5 meeting of Bedford County Planning Commission. The ultimate decision on whether to rezone property rests with Bedford County Board of Commissioners...
2012 trial date set for suit against county, trustee (03/27/11)
A trial date has been set for next summer in a federal suit against the county and its trustee. June 5, 2012, is the day that Cynthia L. Ray will have her case heard in federal court in Winchester. Ray, who worked in the trustee's office for 24 years, filed a suit against Bedford County and trustee Tonya Davis at the end of 2010, claiming she had been fired for openly supporting Davis' opponent during last year's election...
Metro worthy of study, but may not be a cure-all (03/27/11)
The city's garbage crisis appears to have passed, for now, but while it was making news, several commenters at the Times-Gazette web site expressed the opinion that metropolitan city-county government would be a good answer to the city's financial woes...
Juvenile court director says detention facility needed (03/23/11)
The debate over the county's juvenile detention center continued at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Financial Management Committee. The center, once envisioned as a revenue source for the county, now costs the county more than $400,000 per year to operate and often houses only a few juveniles at any given time...
Mounted patrol holds 'meet and greet' (03/22/11)
Smart 9-1-1 could save lives (03/22/11)
Bedford County Communications Center is considering joining the Smart 9-1-1 program, which supporters say allows users to voluntarily and securely input personal information which might be useful in case of an emergency. Com center director Cathey Mathis said the Emergency Communications District (E-911) board has funds available to subscribe to the service but would first like feedback from citizens about whether or not it would be used...
County allowed 1 seat on waste board (03/18/11)
Bedford County will have only one seat on the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority board, even though the counties which founded ISWA have two seats apiece, according to resolutions recommended Tuesday night by Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee...
Impound lot security drives committee (03/17/11)
Bedford County Sheriff's Department is still trying to figure out the best place to place an impound lot; the department is researching a site adjoining Bedford County Highway Department, although a member of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and property committee said Tuesday night he sees security issues at that location...
Redistricting process will begin soon (03/15/11)
Bedford County Administrator of Elections Summer Leverette expects to receive the Census results next month which the county will need to begin the process of drawing new county commission districts. Leverette discussed the redistricting process during her quarterly report at this month's county commission meeting...
Gallagher to serve on county commission (03/10/11)
Former Wartrace mayor Don Gallagher was appointed Tuesday night to fill a District 1 seat on Bedford County Board of Commissioners left vacant after the Feb. 6 death of Phillip Vincent. Two commissioners represent each of nine districts, for a total of 18 commissioners...
Thomas told to prove claims vs. deputies (03/08/11)
The majority of a federal lawsuit against the county, sheriff and several deputies filed by a man who pleaded guilty to starving hundreds of cows has been dismissed with prejudice. However, a federal judge ruled that individual claims of malicious prosecution against three deputies can continue in federal court, but those accusations must be backed up with proof within two weeks...
Wrongful death suit will enter federal mediation program (03/08/11)
A wrongful death suit against the county is headed into federal mediation, while parts of the suit may be remanded back to the local court level. Doris Rollins, sister of 54-year-old Larry Dale Byford, is suing Sheriff Randall Boyce, Capt. Tim Lokey of the county workhouse, Donna Delrio, who works as a nurse at the jail, the county and "John and Jane Doe, employees of Bedford County, Tennessee," over her brother's death...
Animals' new BFF: Goodrich (03/06/11)
"I'm having a pretty terrific week." Brenda Goodrich is the new director for Bedford County Animal Control and her first couple of weeks on the job have been great, she says, thanks to the community support she's received, especially from local schools...
County school system receives accreditation (03/06/11)
Bedford County Schools have been accredited for a five-year term by AdvancED on behalf of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). AdvancED was founded as a joint venture of SACS; the North Central Association, another similar accrediting body; and the National Study of School Evaluation. AdvancED now serves as the council on accreditation and school improvement for elementary and secondary schools for both SACS and NCA...
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...
Dismissal of lawsuit against county sought (03/01/11)
Attorneys for the county are asking that a wrongful death and medical malpractice suit be "dismissed with prejudice" in an amended answer filed in federal court on Monday. Doris Rollins, sister of 54-year-old Larry Dale Byford, is suing Sheriff Randall Boyce, Capt. Tim Lokey of the county workhouse, Donna Delrio, who works as a nurse at the jail, the county and "John and Jane Doe, employees of Bedford County, Tennessee," over her brother's death...
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...
Records fee could pay off (02/24/11)
Bedford County will study whether to begin charging a $5 "record creation fee" at some county offices, in order to begin building up funds to digitize older county records. Once those older records have been digitized, the county hopes they will provide a revenue stream as genealogists and other researchers pay to access them online...
Juvenile center loses $400K (02/23/11)
Figures presented Tuesday night to Bedford County Financial Management Committee by county finance director Robert Daniel document that the county's juvenile detention center, once touted as a moneymaker for the county, now costs the county more than $400,000 a year to operate and may house only one or two juveniles at any given time...
State vs. teachers' union (02/20/11)
State Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, has said in a letter that he supports teachers but that teachers unions "are in the business of protecting membership and power, not serving the best interests of students or the teachers they represent."...
School board backs tool purchase policy (02/18/11)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, defended the practice of paying school bus mechanics to purchase their own tools, but said how that money is accounted for will have to change to bring the county in compliance with tax law...
City firefighters may respond to medical calls (02/17/11)
An agreement formalizing the use of Shelbyville firefighters as first responders in certain medical emergencies was placed on Bedford County Board of Commissioners' March agenda by the commission's rules and legislative committee, which met Tuesday night...
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...
Boyce ruling overturned (02/13/11)
The Tennessee Court of Appeals has overturned a 2009 chancellor's ruling that reinstated Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce to peace officer certification, which allowed him to run for reelection last year. But the sheriff said he will appeal the ruling, saying the matter was "new legal ground."...
Higher county costs could cause tax hike (02/13/11)
Bedford County's cost for solid waste disposal could become second only to the county's education budget if Shelbyville does away with garbage pickup, the solid waste authority was warned Thursday. And the county mayor warned that the increased costs could mean increased taxes...
City council won't meet commission (02/13/11)
Shelbyville's city council is refusing to hold a meeting with the county commission because members are afraid the topic of trash may come up, the county mayor said Thursday. City officials say the council is not yet prepared to meet on the issue at this time...
Old Med Center lot to house seized cars (02/09/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to turn a parking area at the old Bedford County Medical Center campus on Union Street into a lot for the storage of vehicles seized from drug offenders, DUI offenders and driving-on-revoked-license offenders...
County denies suit's claims (02/08/11)
An attorney representing the county and its trustee is asking that a federal lawsuit be dismissed with prejudice, while a possible trial date could be set in the case this week. Cynthia L. Ray, who worked in the trustee's offices for 24 years, filed a suit against Bedford County and trustee Tonya Davis at the end of 2010, claiming she had been fired for openly supporting Davis' opponent during last year's election...
County commissioner Vincent passes away (02/09/11)
Phillip Vincent, one of two 1st District representatives on Bedford County Board of Commissioners, died Sunday afternoon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Tuesday evening's county commission meeting began with a moment of silence in Vincent's honor after the Rev. John Brown, another commissioner, remembered Fox in his invocation....
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!"...
Fewer but better report cards ahead (01/28/11)
Bedford County students will get fewer official report cards during the 2011-2012 school year, as the county moves from six-week grading periods to nine-week periods. The change was approved Thursday night by Bedford County Board of Education, which adopted a calendar for the 2011-2012 school year...
Juvenile center costs to draw closer scrutiny (01/28/11)
Bedford County Juvenile Detention Center on Lane Parkway, which was originally pitched to county officials as a potential source of revenue, may in fact be costing the county money, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Financial Management Committee...
Added city trash to hit county hard (01/27/11)
If the City of Shelbyville drops residential garbage pickup as expected, it could have a $700,000 impact on Bedford County's waste disposal costs the first year, Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman told the county's Financial Management Committee on Tuesday night...
Seniors may see tax help, but not freeze yet (01/26/11)
Before adopting a state-allowed property tax freeze on low income senior citizens, Bedford County will make a greater effort to promote an existing state-funded tax relief program which would benefit many (though not all) of the same people. Trustee Tonya Davis reported to the county's Financial Management Committee Tuesday evening on the impact of a potential tax freeze. ...
County defends deputies, bail system in lawsuit (01/25/11)
Attorneys for the county are denying the claims of a class action lawsuit and are asking a federal judge to dismiss it. In December, Ricky Robertson sued Bedford County, Deputy Kevin Roddy and John Does over alleged violations of the 4th, 8th and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution...
Nursing facility attracts interest (01/20/11)
After hinting last month that it might be interested in selling the county-owned nursing home facility, the county has begun receiving inquiries, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee...
Medical malpractice claim added to suit (01/20/11)
A federal magistrate has allowed a motion adding a medical malpractice claim to a wrongful death lawsuit against the sheriff, jailers and the county. U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan K. Lee ruled Monday that a motion to amend the complaint filed by Doris Rollins, sister of 54-year-old Larry Dale Byford, was granted...
Inmate crush jams space at county jail (01/19/11)
Bedford County Jail continues to have space problems, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement and workhouse committee. Tony Barrett, a captain in the sheriff's department and a county commissioner, reported that the jail currently houses 211 men and 57 women. The 57 women are in a cell block built for 36 inmates, said Barrett...
Suit accuses Davis of firing in retaliation (01/18/11)
A 24-year employee of the county trustee's office has filed a federal lawsuit against trustee Tonya Davis and Bedford County, claiming she was fired for openly supporting Davis' opponent during last year's election. Cynthia L. Ray claims that Davis and the county violated her 1st and 14th amendment rights, state rights, fired her in retaliation for exercising her constitutional rights, and intentionally inflicted emotional distress...
Commission to pay $35K, join ISWA (01/16/11)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners, meeting Saturday morning, voted to commit $35,000 to join the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority. Lynn Wampler of South Central Tennessee Development District told commissioners last month that ISWA would not require an entry fee of Bedford County, only that the county contribute its share of ongoing expenses. ...
County in 'better shape' after waste agreement (01/16/11)
Members of Bedford County Solid Waste Authority said that things are in "a lot better shape than six weeks ago" now that there's a place to send the county's garbage. The county is now paying $23 per ton to haul the county waste to the Middle Point landfill at Walter Hill north of Murfreesboro after the county commission voted to join the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority (ISWA) following the closing of the Cedar Ridge landfill in Marshall County...
Schools chief to retire (01/14/11)
Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray announced his retirement, effective June 30, during a called school board meeting on Thursday, and the board agreed to contract with Tennessee School Boards Association to help with the search for a successor...
Schools to close Wednesday (01/11/11)
Bedford County Schools will remain closed on Wednesday, Superintendent Ed Gray announced this afternoon. Bedford County Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman said state highways and many main county roads are clear, and some are even beginning to dry. But shady and less-traveled roads are still covered with snow, and even a road that seems safe may have an icy patch lurking due to shade, an overpass or standing water, causing trouble for motorists....
County refutes claim in suit (01/11/11)
Attorneys defending the county in a wrongful death lawsuit are asking a federal judge to deny a motion adding a medical malpractice claim to the litigation. Last week, Doris Rollins filed an amended complaint in her suit against Sheriff Randall Boyce, Capt. Tim Lokey of the county workhouse, Donna Delrio, who works as a nurse at the jail, the county and "John and Jane Doe, employees of Bedford County, Tennessee."...
Negligence claim added to lawsuit (01/02/11)
A medical negligence claim against a nurse and Bedford County has been added to a wrongful death suit filed in federal court against Sheriff Randall Boyce and others. In October, Doris Rollins, sister of 54-year-old Larry Dale Byford, flied a suit against Boyce, Capt. Tim Lokey of the county workhouse, Donna Delrio, who works as a nurse at the jail, the county and "John and Jane Doe, employees of Bedford County, Tennessee."...
County may look at sale of nursing home (12/29/10)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee agreed Tuesday evening that a closer look needs to be taken at the future of the county's nursing home facility on Union Street. Commissioner J.D. "Bo" Wilson said that even though there are 2 1/2 years left on the county's lease of the facility to Johnson City-based Care Centers Management Group, the county should already be looking at its options for the future, including sale of the facility...
County offices' audits reveal a few problems (12/26/10)
The audit of Bedford County government for the 2009-2010 fiscal year has been released by the state comptroller's office and it includes several audit findings. An audit finding is a notice of improper procedures by the organization being audited. The audit report includes responses from the management to those findings...
Animal carcass removal costs expected to fall (12/23/10)
County Mayor Eugene Ray told Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee Tuesday night that the cost of livestock carcass removal through Appertain Corp. would likely be reduced once a new contract is in place. However, the University of Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State University still haven't found a long-term alternative to landfill disposal...
Commission: Care center costs county (12/22/10)
When the county leased Bedford County Nursing Home to Johnson City-based Care Centers Management Group in August 2009, commissioners thought they were saving the taxpayers from continuing losses and expenses at the facility. But the county, as landlord, has had to continue to make repairs to the building, including a new roof and a new electric generator, and the cost of those has far exceeded the rent the county receives from Care Centers Management Group, according to discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee.. ...
TCAP tests step to head of class (12/21/10)
Bedford County Board of Education, meeting Thursday night, approved a policy required by the state which will, starting in spring 2012, make TCAP scores count for 25 percent of a student's overall grade for particular subjects in grades 3-8. But in order for the policy to work, the state must begin making TCAP scores available more quickly; they currently don't arrive in time to be figured into final grades...
Waste destination found (12/15/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' vote Tuesday night to join the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority was prompted by a looming deadline and few options, but officials say it may turn out to be a good decision for the county. Cedar Ridge Landfill in Marshall County, where Bedford County Solid Waste Authority had been taking its trash, is closing at the end of the year, and the options for replacing it were few and expensive...
Deadline nears for trash decision (12/12/10)
With no place for the county's trash to go after the first of the year, the county's solid waste authority is recommending to the county commission that they ask to join the Interlocal Solid Waste Authority. Approval was given on Wednesday by the ISWA that both Bedford and Moore County would be allowed to join the group, which could bring a considerable savings to the county in the cost of trash disposal...
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...
Trial set in inmate death suit (12/08/10)
A trial date has been set for late next year in a wrongful death suit filed in federal court against Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce and others. United States District Judge Harry S. Mattice has scheduled a jury trial for Nov. 1, 2011 in Winchester to hear the suit filed by Doris Rollins, sister of 54-year-old Larry Dale Byford...
City may let county use transfer station (12/02/10)
Shelbyville and Bedford County may be joining forces soon to combat the problem of where to dump rural trash. The county learned last week that Cedar Ridge Landfill in neighboring Marshall County is closing temporarily due to a delay in its appeal to the state for permission to expand, but also because space is running out for more garbage at the site...
County must find new disposal site - fast (11/28/10)
Bedford County has until the first of 2011 to find a new place to dump their trash. Cedar Ridge Landfill in Marshall County is closing temporarily due to a delay in its appeal for permission to expand, and also because space is running out for more garbage...
Sales tax revenues rise for 3 straight months (11/25/10)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee heard Tuesday night that sales tax revenues were up in October compared to the previous year, making that the third month in a row for sales tax revenue to rise. Sales taxes were up by $26,000 for the month...
Time for a holiday break (11/23/10)
A variety of local offices and facilities will close for the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are some closings of broad interest: Bedford County Courthouse, Bedford County Courthouse Annex and Bedford County Office Complex will close Thursday, Friday and (where applicable) Saturday...
Commissioners to consider vehicle use (11/17/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee, meeting Tuesday night, placed a policy for use of county vehicles onto the full commission's December agenda. The policy prohibits most personal use of county vehicles but does allow emergency personnel, such as sheriff's deputies, who are on call around the clock to take their vehicles home with them and to use them for personal obligations such as dropping a child off at school...
Landfill issue may cause county trash disposal problems (11/14/10)
Members of the county's solid waste authority are wondering where the county's trash will go if the Cedar Ridge landfill is not allowed to expand. Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman told authority members Thursday that a hearing has been set for Dec. 7 in Nashville where Waste Management Inc., which runs the landfill in neighboring Marshall County, will appeal state Environment Commissioner Jim Fyke's refusal to permit trash to be dumped on a sinkhole on the site...
Health Department gets booster shot (11/14/10)
Bedford County Health Department will use a $25,000 federal grant to renovate its lobby and adapt its space for better services to WIC clients. The grant, which was announced last week, comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as part of the Women, Infants and Children Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, commonly called WIC...
Tax fee change is taxing (11/11/10)
The change earlier this year from local to state collection of business taxes hasn't worked out particularly well for two county offices, according to quarterly reports at Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners. On Jan. 1 of this year, the state took over collection of business taxes and renewal of business licenses, which had previously been managed by local city and county governments. ...
Office complex will be renamed (11/10/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners, meeting Tuesday night, voted to rename the Medical Arts Building on Dover Street the Bedford County Office Complex. Commissioners also approved an adjustment to estimated property tax revenue which will bring the county in line with the state's maintenance-of-effort rule for school funding. ...
Change made in policy wording (10/27/10)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee voted Tuesday night to make a minor change in wording in the county's purchasing policy, but had only brief discussion of last month's dispute over office equipment leasing and purchasing. The committee looked at the county's purchasing policy. ...
New name sought for county building (10/21/10)
The county-owned Medical Arts Building, which is now a multi-use facility including medical offices, county government offices, a state government office and Middle Tennessee Education Center, is in search of a new name. Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee and its courthouse and county property committee, discussed the naming issue Tuesday night...
School system budget cuts needed for teacher raises (10/19/10)
Bedford County Board of Education approved a new contract with local teachers Monday night, but the school system will have to trim $260,943 from other line items in order to be able to afford the raise promised to teachers. The proposed contract negotiated between the school system and Bedford County Education Association is still waiting ratification by the teachers who make up BCEA...
Quail Hollow to close soon (10/17/10)
The Quail Hollow landfill in southern Bedford County, inactive for years, should be officially closed by mid-December, members of the Solid Waste Authority were told Thursday. Member Bill Lewis said that the site is to be covered with clay, dirt and then sodded with grass. ...
Hazard mitigation plan given official approval (10/15/10)
Bedford County's updated hazard mitigation plan has been formally approved, County Mayor Eugene Ray announced last week. Approval of the plan is a prerequisite to certain types of grant funding for projects for helping to prepare for major disasters...
Open records policy set by commission (10/13/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners suspended its rules Tuesday night to consider a county open records policy which had not been on the meeting's published agenda and which had not gone through the normal committee review process. The policy was approved by apparently-unanimous voice vote...
Farris honored by state (10/12/10)
A sheriff's department investigator has been honored with a Tennessee House of Representatives proclamation for his work in uncovering a $40 million mortgage fraud scheme. Detective Brian Farris was honored Monday with the proclamation signed by State Rep. Pat Marsh and Speaker of the House Kent Williams...
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. ...
Budget amendments OK'd by committee (10/01/10)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee approved budget amendments Tuesday night and heard a complaint from a local firm about how the county obtains its copiers. The budget amendments approved Tuesday night were largely to account for various grants received by the school system and by the county general fund...
Lowman will retire as sheriff's administrator (09/29/10)
Larry Lowman has announced that he will retire as administrator of Bedford County Sheriff's Department effective Oct. 22. "From the beginning ... my main interest has always been to make decisions that were in the best interests of the Sheriff's Department and the citizens of this county, and to represent the sheriff's department in a professional manner," said Lowman in a news release. ...
Enrollment slightly up in schools (09/24/10)
As of Sept. 14, Bedford County Schools had an enrollment of 7,866 students and an average daily attendance of 7,521, director of student services Terry Looper reported Thursday night to Bedford County Board of Education. The enrollment represents a slight increase over the 2009-2010 school year, said School Superintendent Ed Gray. ...
Road's 'name' to honor volunteer (09/22/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee gave its endorsement on Tuesday to a proposal that Knob Creek Road near Wartrace be designated the Mary Pepper Wells Fort Memorial Road. The actual name of the road would not change, nor would the mailing addresses of those living on the road...
Appertain denies service cutback claim (09/21/10)
Appertain Corp., which is currently handing removal of livestock carcasses in Bedford and other nearby counties, said it has tried to expand its service and denied a claim by County Mayor Eugene Ray last week that the company tried to back out of its contract...
Deputy's new job: Stop DUIs (09/16/10)
Thanks to a highway safety grant, a new Bedford County deputy will be soon be on the road looking for one thing only -- Drunk drivers. The Sheriff's Department was awarded a grant of $42,955 this week to support alcohol and traffic enforcement, according to an announcement by Gov. Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely...
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. ...
TCCA reps talk issues at region meeting (09/10/10)
HENRY HORTON STATE PARK -- County commissioners from a number of southern Middle Tennessee counties discussed education, fee offices and the state's new building code program during a regional meeting of Tennessee County Commissioners Association Thursday night...
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...
Treatment refused -- Ex-inmate (09/03/10)
A former Bedford County jail inmate has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the sheriff, four unnamed deputies, two nurses and a doctor, claiming he was denied medical treatment for a perforated esophagus while locked up. Randall Edwin Fulghum is asking for a total of $2 million in compensatory damages, $4 million in punitive damages and nominal damages totalling $800,000 from eight defendants...
Communications Center recipient of $12K grant (09/03/10)
Bedford County Communications Center has received a $12,000 training grant from Tennessee Emergency Communications Board. Com center director Cathey Mathis said she's delighted by the grant, which followed a similar but slightly smaller grant last year...
Swearing-in ceremony held (08/31/10)
New commissioner attends training (08/31/10)
NASHVILLE -- Call it Commissioner 101, a basic course on what's to be expected after a first time county commissioner is elected, sworn-in and now faces the task of governing through the committee system. That's what the University of Tennessee's County Technical Advisory Service was offering Aug. 24-25 at the Airport Marriott Hotel where Bedford County Commissioner-Elect Denise Graham said, "I'm trying to get my foundation."...
Trustee counting days to retirement (08/29/10)
Peggy Bush, who has served as Bedford County Trustee for the past 24 years after 33 years in the grocery business, has no particular plans for Sept. 1, her first day of retirement. "I don't know," she said Tuesday. "I guess, whatever I feel like I want to do."...
Annual anti-litter grant given to county (08/26/10)
Bedford County has received $34,221 in grant money as part of an effort to stop litter across Tennessee. The funding is part of $3,862,515 in litter grant funds that was given to all 95 counties, according to a press release from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)...
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...
County cash shortage, recovery shown online (08/18/10)
The public now has online access to information having to do with cash shortages and thefts which appear in financial reports for all of Tennessee's 95 counties. But while Bedford County does appear in the report, the culprit has already been caught, sent to prison and the county reimbursed by its insurance company...
Few changes made to final election results (08/13/10)
Bedford County Election Commission met Thursday evening to certify the local results of the Aug. 5 general and primary elections, making only minor changes to the totals announced on election night. No outcomes were changed in contested races. In the Republican primary, gubernatorial candidate Ron Ramsey's local total rose from 1,503 to 1,504, while congressional candidate Jim Tracy's total rose from 3,061 to 3,062...
County line won't move for family (08/11/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners, meeting Tuesday night, denied a request to change the county boundaries so that a family's children could attend Moore County schools without paying tuition. The request would have had to be approved by a two-thirds majority of both the Bedford and Moore County legislative bodies, and then by the state legislature...
County wants Thomas suit dismissed (08/11/10)
The attorney representing Bedford County, the sheriff's department and three deputies in a $6 million federal lawsuit has filed a motion to dismiss the case. Meanwhile, the man who filed the suit faced a judge in Coffee County on animal cruelty charges, while lawyers in this county continue to wait to schedule his next court date on similar charges here...
Haslam, Tracy, Leming, Marsh, Hunt carry Bedford County in primaries (08/06/10)
Bedford County voters joined their counterparts statewide in choosing Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam as the Republican nominee for governor and giving complimentary votes to Mike McWherter, son of former Gov. Ned McWherter, as the unopposed candidate for the Democratic nomination. Haslam and McWherter will face each other, and a handful of independent candidates, in November....