Tribute offered to fallen police officers (05/15/08) Fallen officers were on the minds of a group of Shelbyville policemen as they raised a flag Tuesday in honor of their own during a commemoration of National Police Week. "You can't take anything for granted," Chief Austin Swing noted, pointing out prisoners who seem totally trustworthy are capable of suddenly becoming violent...

Several thefts reported to Shelbyville police (05/15/08) Thefts of several items were reported to Shelbyville police on Tuesday. Several other homes in the area were entered the same day, according to previous police reports. The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Three Paso Finos disappear from farm (05/14/08) Three Paso Fino horses have been reported stolen from a Normandy Road farm. The horses were described by the owner, a Coffee County resident who leases the land, as white with brown spots, black with two white spots and red. Deputy Benjamin Burris was told Monday by the horses' owner he had driven the area searching for them and found no damaged fences through which they could have escaped...

Apologetic subject faces drug charges (05/13/08) Marijuana was confiscated Friday night from a speeding driver on Wartrace Pike, Shelbyville police said. A car driven by Richard Shelton Hathaway, 33, Melody Drive, was allegedly clocked at 80 mph in a 55 mph zone by Officer David Curley. Hathaway, 33, Melody Drive, allegedly had a ball of tin foil containing marijuana and two Xanax tablets in his pocket, Curley said...

Vehicular homicide suspect makes court appearance (05/09/08) A man facing charges of vehicular homicide for the death of a Unionville man appeared briefly in court on Thursday. Kimery Wayne Hill, 28, of U.S. 41-A North, is charged with one count of vehicular homicide in the death of Robert "Bobby" Brown, 69, of Unionville...

Dog allegedly finds marijuana in car after search refused (05/08/08) Marijuana was allegedly detected in a vehicle after the driver refused to allow a police search Tuesday night, officers say. Officer Waymond Boyd said he stopped James Burnett Sanders Jr., 22, April Lane, for speeding on South Cannon Boulevard and noticed a "cigar" on the rear seat...

Six planters stolen from Carriage House (05/07/08) Six planters containing newly set plants were carried without permission from Carriage House Inn, Colloredo Boulevard, early Saturday night, Shelbyville police said. Officers were told of a possible connection with an individual who left the assisted living facility owing back rent last year...

Crash into utility pole leaves two pinned in car (05/06/08) Two persons were pinned in a vehicle after it struck a utility pole Friday night on West Jackson Street, Shelbyville police say. Tija Marie Murphy, 19, Moulder Road, the driver, and Joshua Wayne Clanton, 24, Meadowlark Drive, were extricated by Shelbyville Fire Department personnel after the accident, which was reported at 10:30 p.m...

Fire Academy to hold graduation Friday (05/05/08) Recruits from Shelbyville Fire Department will be standing tall Friday as they officially complete their training at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road. State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie A. Newman will deliver the commencement address to the recruit firefighter class at the Academy at 9 a.m....

Foster mother accused of statutory rape (05/03/08) A Shelbyville foster mother has been indicted by the Bedford County grand jury for allegedly having sex with a foster child she had access to. Alea Rhea Rippy, 25, has been charged with eight counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, according to true bills issued by the grand jury on April 21...

Patel sentenced for tax evasion (05/03/08) A Shelbyville businessman will spend less than a year in federal prison after he pled guilty to income tax evasion earlier this year. Dharmendra B. Patel, 41, of Shelbyville was sentenced Thursday in Chattnooga by U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier to serve nine months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release...

Marijuana, stolen gun found after traffic stop (05/03/08) A gun stolen 15 years ago was recovered during a traffic stop late Thursday night, Shelbyville police said. Officer Jody Shelton said he stopped the car occupied by driver Jake Allen Raby, 22, East Lane Street, and passenger Damon Juvea Hickmon, 21, King Arthur Trailer Court, due to no headlights in use at night. A strong odor of marijuana was coming from the...

Debit cards, billfolds stolen (05/02/08) Lost debit cards and billfolds attracted the eyes of thieves this week. Three further attempts to use the card were unsuccessful. The card was used six times before police were notified Wednesday. Other incidents reported to Shelbyville police: The victim, who uses a walker, said she went to a nearby store to call police because she didn't want to "cause a scene" at the clinic...

Winning lottery ticket stolen (05/01/08) A thief took a gamble and won last Friday, making a loser out of a $500 lottery winner. An employee of a Bedford County farmer took the Tennessee Lottery ticket from the glove box of his boss's vehicle, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department was told this week...

A big bang in Bedford (04/30/08) BOOM! That's been the sound coming for the northern part of the county this week, specifically from the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy. With members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) looking on, as well as high school students from Williamson County, instructors from the ATF set off a variety of explosive types to demonstrate their effects...

Tool time for thief in Brookhaven area (04/30/08) A large haul of tools, lawn care items and fishing equipment was stolen from four homes in the Brookhaven area of south Shelbyville overnight Sunday. The incidents occurred on South Cannon Boulevard, Hilltop Drive and Brookhaven Circle, Shelbyville police said. One of the victims is a police officer...

Man struck, killed in front yard (04/28/08) A Unionville-area man is dead, struck by a vehicle while standing in his front yard Monday, and the man accused of causing the wreck is spending the night in Bedford County Jail. Robert "Bobby" Brown, 69, U.S. 41-A North, Unionville, died a few minutes after the mid-afternoon accident. A LifeFlight helicopter was en route to Bedford County Medical Center but Brown was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital...

Head-on crash takes life (04/28/08) A head-on collision on a narrow, rural road left a Bedford County man dead and another seriously injured Monday morning. William Howard Cooper, 81, Possom Trot Road, died about 9:15 a.m. at the scene on Sandusky Road shortly after the impact drove the passenger side of the truck in which he was riding into a guard rail....

New EMS hall rises near new hospital (04/28/08) Walls have risen at the new Bedford County Emergency Medical Services station in Airport Industrial Park. The station, built on land donated by Wal-Mart Distribution Center, will become the new headquarters and administrative offices of BCEMS, a short distance away from the new Heritage Medical Center which opens this summer. BCEMS's existing headquarters on Union Street will remain open as an ambulance station...

Thief enters home, departs with $8 (04/28/08) A home on Kingdom Road in northern Bedford County was entered while the occupants were in bed early Friday morning. Only $8 was taken from one room, according to a report filed by Cpl. Kent Jacobs of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department. The screen was torn from a front window to gain entry...

Riddle pleads 'not guilty' in Floyd murder (04/28/08) LYNCHBURG -- A Moore County grand jury indicted a Tullahoma man on charges of first degree murder Friday in the stabbing death of a young Wartrace man. Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle entered a plea of not guilty of murdering 20-year-old Joseph Timothy Floyd of Wartrace...

Unionville man dies following three-vehicle crash (04/26/08) A Unionville man died Friday following a three-vehicle crash at a dangerous Shelbyville intersection. Allen Haynes, 71, of U.S. 41-A North, was pronounced dead on arrival at Bedford County Medical Center, Maj. Jan Phillips of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

A big bang at the Fire Academy (04/25/08) If you think you hear explosions around Bedford County next week, there isn't anything to be worried about. "Post blast training" is to be conducted at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on Unionville-Deason Road by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) next week for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in preparation for possible deployment...

Copper taken from underneath home (04/24/08) An estimated $2,500 worth of copper wiring was stolen between April 16 and Monday from a home under construction in Valley View Estates subdivision on Red Hill Road in Normandy. Builder John Morton told the Bedford County Sheriff's Department the wiring was taken from underneath the home...

Injunction bars Tyson from advertising claim (04/23/08) BALTIMORE (AP) -- A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday barring Tyson Foods from advertising that its poultry products don't contain antibiotics thought to lead to drug resistance in humans. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett was a victory for rivals Perdue Farms and Sanderson Farms Inc., who are suing to stop the advertisements...

Murder suspect bound over to Grand Jury (04/23/08) LYNCHBURG -- A Tullahoma man has been bound over to the Moore County grand jury, who will decide if first degree murder charges are warranted for the stabbing death of a Wartrace man. Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle of Tullahoma has been charged with criminal homicide in connection with the death of 20-year-old Joseph Timothy Floyd, who was fatally stabbed in the early morning hours of Feb. 2 at a party in the Lost Creek area of Moore County near Tims Ford Lake...

Shelbyville bank robbed; suspect escapes (04/23/08) The thief who robbed First Community Bank's Madison Street branch at mid-afternoon today (Tuesday) may have gotten away red-handed -- literally. A red dye bomb within a money bag taken in the robbery exploded less than 100 yards away behind the bank, police said...

Earthquake felt in Bedford County (04/18/08) Some residents of northern Middle Tennessee say they felt an earthquake this morning centered in eastern Illinois. Calls poured in to television stations. Bedford County Communications Center said only two calls were received from local residents who felt the quake...

A year later, Odom's license revoked (04/17/08) Over a year after a Bedford County paramedic was sentenced to 35 years in prison after nearly 200 sex crimes charges, Tennessee's Board of Emergency Medical Services finally revoked his license. Edward Raven Odom, 31, accepted a negotiated sentence of 35 years in February after he was charged in April 2006 with child rape, rape and statutory rape over a period of several years...

Local woman convicted of TennCare fraud (04/17/08) A Bedford County woman has been convicted on TennCare fraud charges, state officials reported Tuesday. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) said Deborah Ann Jewell, 51, of Shelbyville, pleaded guilty to one count of TennCare fraud and was ordered to repay TennCare $4,686...

Burglary's no game for Bell Buckle resident (04/17/08) Three game systems, including a XBox and Nintendo Wii, were taken Friday or Saturday of last week from a home near Bell Buckle, according to a Bedford County Sheriff's Department report. The Pleasant M. Curry residence, Orchard Lane, was entered by prying a door, Deputy Benjamin Burris said...

Local officer snares Blount County suspect online (04/16/08) The middle-aged Blount County man thought he was forming a relationship with a 13-year-old girl over the Internet. But Hal Ernest Helton, 45, received a surprise when Blount County deputies informed him the "girl" was actually a middle-aged male police officer...

Drug dog detects marijuana in car (04/15/08) A Shelbyville man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop Thursday night. Police say 70.65 grams of marijuana were found in a car driven by Justin Franklin Baker, 24, Jennings Lane, after he was stopped for allegedly running a stop sign at the West Lane Street-Lane Parkway intersection...

Garage door set to strike bystander (04/11/08) Racist graffiti and emblems were sprayed on the walls of a West Jackson Street home at which the garage door was booby-trapped, Shelbyville police said Wednesday. The door's handle was set so, when opened, it would swing out and strike the person opening it in the face...

Standing up for the children (04/10/08) It's a heartbreaking job, but somebody has to do it. And that's what Capt. Becky Hord of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department does - investigate child abuse and neglect cases. There have been success and failures as well, but the 49-year-old Hord keeps at it to try to end the vicious cycle of abuse and give children a new chance at life...

Girl Scout cookie funds taken from van (04/09/08) A thief took $400 in proceeds from Girl Scout cookie sales Tuesday from a van parked on Tate Street. Brandon Butler of Shelbyville said the money had been left between the front seats. No signs of forced entry were found by Shelbyville police. Bathe said he had made a purchase using money from the wallet during the taxi ride. The wallet was gone when Bathe looked for it 15 minutes after returning home; the taxi driver was also unable to locate it in his cab...

Outside judge to hear Hardin case (04/09/08) A judge from outside Bedford County will hear the case against a judicial commissioner who is facing several charges. Billy Hardin will appear June 6 for a preliminary hearing on charges of official misconduct, sexual battery and soliciting prostitution...

Equipment stolen from brick masons (04/08/08) A brick saw, tool box with masonry tools and six pieces of angle iron used in construction, belonging to Diego Navarro and Leopoldo Estrada of D & L Masonry, was taken overnight Friday from a construction site on John Shaw Road, according to a Bedford County Sheriff's Department report...

New string trimmer stolen from garage (04/04/08) Someone got a new Craftsman weed trimmer for free Wednesday. The Weed Eater, still in its box, was taken from the Germantown Road garage of Patrick Scott, who is in the process of moving, police said. Other thefts reported to Shelbyvlle police: The following persons were arrested since Wednesday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Ungrateful youths steal away with cash (04/03/08) Two young boys took advantage of a break from heavy rain to steal money they spotted, Shelbyville police say. The boys, who cannot be identified due to their ages, stopped their bicycles under an awning at Miss Menza's Day Care, Kingree Road, during heavy rain Tuesday afternoon. A day care worker brought the boys inside for a few minutes and helped dry them with towels and blankets, Officer Sam Jacobs said...

Jacob is safe after ordeal (04/03/08) The small child sleeping comfortably in Capt. Becky Hord's arms late Wednesday afternoon at the Bedford County Sheriff's Department likely had no idea of the uproar caused by his mother's trip to Pleasant Grove. Hord and Deputy Kevin Holton removed 2 ½-month-old Jacob Martin from a home near Pleasant Grove without incident after his mother, who had allegedly threatened to harm him, left Gainesboro in her mother's pickup without permission...

Suspect allegedly tried to flee officers (04/01/08) A man arrested on drug charges Friday night was attempting to flee from a home at which surveillance was being set up, according to the director of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Aaron Churchwell, 29, of Nashville was stopped by a Bedford County deputy after leaving a house on Brown Lane, DTF Director Timothy R. Lane said...

Stores burglarized along Highway 64 (03/29/08) A thief took the grand tour of rural convenience stores west of Shelbyville overnight Wednesday, getting away with merchandise from two locations. Deputies responded following a alarm about 11:30 p.m. to find glass broken in the drive-through window, through which the market was apparently entered, a report by Cpl. Kent Jacobs said...

Flat Creek residents help catch burglary suspects (03/28/08) A father and son have been charged in a series of daytime home burglaries in the Flat Creek and Wartrace areas after alert residents helped officials track the suspects. James Arthur Brown, 43, and Joe Brown, 20, who are both listed as residents of Forest Hills Apartments in Shelbyville, were arrested Wednesday while driving on New Hope Road. A 17-year-old girl was also charged...

VFSI receives enhancement grant (03/25/08)

Rotarians ask for whom the bell tolls (03/25/08) The 86-year-old bell and gavel belonging to the Shelbyville Rotary Club are missing. Noon Rotary President Barbara Blanton filed a complaint with the police department that the historic bell had been taken from its home at the American Legion building somewhere between Feb. 28 and March 13...

Seven guns taken in home burglary (03/25/08) Two residences were entered over the weekend in Bedford County. The guns were listed as a Glock 19.9mm, 1980 SKS Bayonet 7.62mm, a .22 Marlin, a .22 Mossberg, a .22 Magnum, a Shadow 1000 pellet gun and a S&W .38 caliber revolver. All had been in a safe, Graham told Deputy Mike Henry of the Bedford County Sheriff's Dept...

Timely phone call led to grand jury action (03/24/08) Bedford County's grand jury has indicted a Shelbyville man on theft and traffic charges arising from a December incident that culminated with his arrest at about the time police were interviewing the complainant. With a suspect in custody, an observant officer noticed his prisoner had a cell phone, so he had a fellow officer call the victim's number. The cell phone found on the suspect began to ring, according to police reports...

Marijuana discovered during traffic stop (03/21/08) The driver of a car initially stopped due to a defective taillight was charged with possession of marijuana after a vehicle search Wednesday night. Michelle Lynn Andrus, 21, Shelbyville Mills Road, was stopped by Officer David Curley in the parking lot of a Madison Street bar, As a computer check showed her license had been revoked for DUI, Andrus allegedly told a waitress who was checking on the commotion that she would "have to be arrested for DUI."...

Two churches step up for disaster relief (03/20/08) Last year, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency began working with area churches to provide short-term shelter locations where people could ride out a severe storm in safety. But those shelters are only meant for a few hours, until severe weather has passed. What happens in the event of a major disaster, like the tornadoes that struck Tennessee in February, when a substantial number of people lose their homes all at once?...

E-911 board can't be reorganized for four years (03/20/08) Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee heard Tuesday night that the county can't reorganize the Emergency Communications District (E-911) board for four years, due to a contractual agreement between the district and the county...

Father accused of forcibly taking son (03/20/08) An eight-month-old boy is back with his mother following a brief ordeal Wednesday in Shelbyville. Michael Brothers, 20, Madison Street, is being held at Bedford County Jail on $16,000 bond, charged with vandalism, reckless endangerment and violating an order of protection...

Trucker charged in serious wreck (03/20/08) The truck driver accused of causing an eight-vehicle pileup March 12 on Madison Street has been charged with reckless endangerment. Teresa K. McInnis, 46, of Morrison was arrested after arriving at Shelbyville police headquarters Tuesday to pick up a copy of the accident report...

Online scam hits two different ways (03/19/08) Steve Mallard of Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville reports that two different acquaintances of his have been touched in different ways by the same type of online scam. The scam, which has been popular for many months, involves classified ads placed in newspapers offering puppies -- often Yorkies. This isn't a case of someone local offering puppies for sale or to be given away. Those ads -- like the one placed recently by T-G staff writer Sadie Fowler -- are usually legitimate...

Two seriously hurt as vehicle hits tree (03/18/08) Two young Shelbyville men were seriously injured Saturday night in a crash on State Highway 130 south of Shelbyville, authorities said. Cameron Hix, the driver, and Clint Nichols were flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after their southbound vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree, according to Volunteer Fire Services Inc...

Big screen TV stolen (03/14/08) A Shelbyville family received a rude welcome to their new home Wednesday. Jose Hernandez told police a 64-inch screen television set, DVD player, radio and makeup case were taken from his 231 Trailer Park residence overnight Tuesday. Hernandez and his family had just moved into the home, police said...

Victim seriously hurt after massive crash (03/13/08) A Shelbyville man was in unconscious but stable condition at a Nashville hospital this morning after a Madison Street crash which left eight vehicles damaged or destroyed Wednesday afternoon. Charles R. Jewell Jr., 20, Railroad Avenue, was hurt when his Ford Taurus was struck hard in the driver's side by a large box truck driven by Teresa K. McInnis, 46, Morrison...

Hardin suspended from judicial commissioner post (03/13/08) The Bedford County judicial commissioner accused of soliciting sex while on duty has been removed from his position pending outcome of the case. Billy Hardin, 59, of Shelbyville has been suspended without pay, General Sessions Judge Charles Rich said Wednesday...

Bell Buckle hires police officer (03/12/08) Bell Buckle moved closer Tuesday to having law enforcement on their streets with the hiring of a part time police officer. The board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to hire LaVergne police officer Chris Spradling on a part time basis. The officer will work only 10 hours a week, with his main duty to watch for speeders...

Unionville VFD celebrates 25th anniversary (03/11/08)

Judicial commissioner faces charges (03/11/08) A Bedford County judicial commissioner faces charges including official misconduct after allegedly requesting sex from a person seeking a warrant last weekend. Billy Hardin, 59, of Shelbyville is also charged with solicitation of prostitution and sexual battery...

Officer uses taser on suspect (03/11/08) A Shelbyville police officer says she was forced to use a taser twice on a man who allegedly resisted arrest early Saturday. Officer Tracey Nelson said she was attempting to arrest Lazaro Martinez Garcia, 23, Madison Street. Garcia allegedly pulled in front of Nelson's patrol car while attempting to turn from Madison Street into Tillett's Trailer Park, then didn't stop for blue lights until reaching his residence. Nelson said she suspected Garcia was drunk...

Local man faces gaming charges in Kentucky (03/08/08) A trial date has been set in Kentucky for a Shelbyville man accused of trying to cover up illegal gambling machines at a Southern Kentucky business. According to the Times Tribune of Corbin, Ky., Russell Elliott of Shelbyville was arrested in January after police allege they saw him loading illegal video poker machines into a truck at the Pilot Travel Center in Williamsburg in Whitley County...

Drug suspects arrested in sweep (03/07/08) A large number of drug suspects in Bedford and Marshall counties were arrested Tuesday in Operation Byrne Blitz, part of a nationwide effort on the National Day of Drug Enforcement. About 100 warrants were issued, said director Timothy R. Lane of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force...

Thieves target U.S. 231 North (03/06/08) A number of burglaries and thefts have occurred on U.S. 231 north of Shelbyville in the past few days, reports indicate. An alarm alerted law enforcement to a break-in. Deputy Jimmy Rhodes arrived at 11:22 p.m. to find broken door glass and glass broken in the front of the machine...

Thieves target U.S. 231 North (03/06/08) A number of burglaries and thefts have occurred on U.S. 231 north of Shelbyville in the past few days, reports indicate. An alarm alerted law enforcement to a break-in. Deputy Jimmy Rhodes arrived at 11:22 p.m. to find broken door glass and glass broken in the front of the machine...

Mother charged with neglect (03/05/08) A Shelbyville woman has been charged with felony child neglect in Murfreesboro after she allegedly left her 1-year-old daughter in her car while getting a manicure and pedicure. Sarah Dahlinger Hastings, 31, was charged Saturday after citizens told authorities that she left her baby unattended for an "extended period of time," according to the Murfreesboro Post...

Trail of wrecks left by 'scared' driver (03/04/08) A Shelbyville man who survived two accidents Saturday, one a rollover, told police he fled because he was afraid. Edgar Andres Rivas, 21, Ward Circle, allegedly pulled in front of a car driven by Kaitlin Womack, 19, of Shelbyville after running a stop sign at the Hickory Drive-Fairfield Pike intersection...

Drugs discovered in suspects' shoes (03/01/08) Two alleged drug offenders couldn't step away from a traffic stop as drugs were found in their shoes Thursday night, Shelbyville police said. A car driven by Billy Joe Leslie, 19, La Vergne, was allegedly spotted pulling from a Madison Street parking lot into the path of an oncoming vehicle...

9-day-old girl found after father's flight (02/28/08) Charges are pending against the father of a 9-day-old baby after he allegedly took her from a Cannon County home while armed Wednesday, authorities say. Eddie Markham, 21, of Cortner Mill Road near Normandy was "waving a gun around" when he took his daughter, Gabriella, from her mother, Kayla Arledge, Deputy Mike Henry of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Arson case goes to Grand Jury (02/28/08) A Unionville woman accused of breaking into a home and setting a fire late last year waived her right to a preliminary hearing and has been bound over to the Bedford County grand jury. Sheila Bledsoe briefly appeared before Judge Charles Rich Tuesday in Bedford County General Sessions Court with her court-appointed attorney...

Burglary suspect says home was his (02/26/08) A man who claimed he was retrieving his dog from the Shelbyville Mills Road home of his girlfriend was arrested after allegedly attacking the woman, who told police she doesn't know him. Adrian Adair Buck, 42, is listed in public records as living at the home where the incident occurred...

Sorrells' sentence will stand (02/25/08) A Bedford County man, who pleaded guilty to the shooting death of his grandfather figure, failed to persuade a judge on Friday that his 17-year prison sentence is too harsh. Matthew Wayne Sorrells, 22, was charged in early June 2006 with the death of George Houston Arnold, 67, in the older man's home on Old Columbia Road. Arnold had been shot with his own gun...

Two indicted in vehicular assault cases (02/22/08) Two Bedford County men were indicted Thursday in separate cases on charges of vehicular assault. John Bryant Hofstetter, 31, of U.S. 231 North, Deason, and Tristan Scott Klipa, 18, whose address is listed in court records as Bell Buckle, were among two dozen defendants indicted by the Bedford County grand jury...

Police capture two drug suspects (02/21/08) Two suspects have been arrested in connection with alleged drug traffic at Bedford Manor Apartments, Barksdale Lane. Joseph Wayne Anderson, 19, was approached after leaving his apartment late Tuesday night by Officer Tracey Nelson and Waymond Boyd, an off-duty Shelbyville officer who was working security at the complex...

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

Suspect paid $200 for forged license (02/20/08) The buyer of an allegedly-forged Tennessee driver's license attempted to use it to open an account at a Shelbyville bank last week, police say. An employee of Peoples Bank of Bedford County, North Main Street, realized the "license" was fake and notified police of bearer Jesus Romero Morales' presence...

Russell ruling upheld for serial traffic offender (02/16/08) Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals has affirmed Bedford County Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell's order last March sentencing a Shelbyville man to 11 years in prison after the defendant pleaded guilty of violating two orders declaring him an habitual traffic offender...

Barrett oversees SRO program (02/15/08) There were only six road deputies when Tony Barrett started working with the Bedford County Sheriff's Department in 1978. Barrett, then 24, and the other five deputies, along with the sheriff and a warrant officer, made up the complete force. "When I was 28 years old I was made chief deputy, and I imagine I was the youngest chief deputy around," Barrett said. ...

Tyson immigration suit thrown out (02/14/08) CHATTANOOGA (AP) -- A federal judge threw out a long-running lawsuit that accused Tyson Foods, Inc., the world's largest meat producer, of hiring illegal immigrants to depress wages. U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier in a Wednesday order granted the Springdale, Ark.-based company's motion for a summary judgment in the 2002 damage suit...

Rankins investigation progresses (02/14/08) Coffee County authorities have "pretty good leads" and have identified "persons of interest" as they continue to look into the murder of 33-year-old Derrick Lavell Rankins of Shelbyville. The remains of Rankins were found last Wednesday morning in a wooded area along Highway 55, near Belmont Road just outside of Manchester...

Bell Buckle to employ part-time officer (02/13/08) Despite opposition from some citizens, Bell Buckle's Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously voted Tuesday to hire a temporary, part-time police officer to enforce traffic and codes violations. The officer, who will be picked from Bedford County Sheriff's Department personnel, will work only 10 hours a week with his main duty to watch for speeders...

Floyd murder probe continues (02/13/08) The death of a Wartrace man is still under investigation as Moore County officials await the results of an autopsy before releasing any more information. 20-year-old Joseph Timothy Floyd died Feb. 2 from a stab wound to the chest. Charged with criminal homicide is 20-year-old Jacob Wayne "Jake" Riddle of Tullahoma, who is being held at Moore County Jail under $250,000 bond...

Another charged in January robbery (02/13/08) Another suspect has been charged in connection with a Jan. 4 robbery at a Ward Circle home, Shelbyville police say. Jason Matthew Shelton, 20, Mullins Chapel Road is being held on an aggravated robbery charge. Bail is set at $200,000. Three men, two women and three teenage girls were part of a plan to attract two men to a home and rob them, Detective Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

Chapel Hill helps fund EMS station (02/13/08) CHAPEL HILL -- Public safety for motorists in north Marshall County and area residents should improve soon because of a town board decision on Monday to help fund a new ambulance station. The current ambulance station, in a building owned by the Lions Club, could house one ambulance back when the emergency vehicles were vans. Today's models, however, are much larger, with an aluminum box mounted on a truck chassis, containing equipment and supplies once limited to emergency rooms...

Academy is site for fire loss seminar (02/11/08) Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on Unionville-Deason Road will host a national web based seminar regarding fire loss and prevention issues on Wednesday. Titled "Vision 20/20", the web based seminar is actually a forum discussion where participants will receive a presentation on the nation's fire problem -- and what is expected in the future. ...

Friends 'numb' after Welch deaths (02/09/08) LAFAYETTE -- A community already devastated by deadly storms suffered another loss when a minister who was helping lead recovery efforts was killed in a traffic accident two days after the storm. The Rev. Michael L. Welch, 51, died Thursday along with his wife and two of his children when a tractor-trailer slammed into the rear of their van...

Store owner guilty of income tax evasion (02/09/08) Dharmendra B. Patel, 41, of Shelbyville, pled guilty Thursday to one count of income tax evasion before Judge Curtis L. Collier in U.S. District Court in Chattanooga. Patel, owner and operator of Pik N Check convenience and check-cashing store in Shelbyville, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on May 1...

Rankins death was homicide, officials say (02/08/08) Coffee County authorities are treating the death of a Bedford County man as a homicide, the Times-Gazette has learned. The remains of 32-year-old Derrick Lavell Rankins of Deery Street in Shelbyville were found early Wednesday morning in a wooded area along Highway 55, near Belmont Road just outside of Manchester...

Former First Christian pastor and family killed in wreck (02/08/08) Members of First Christian Church were shocked to learn of the death of their former pastor, the Rev. Michael Welch, 51, his wife, Juli, his 11-year-old daughter, Hannah, and his 14-year-old son, Jesse, during an automobile accident Thursday afternoon in tornado-ravaged Macon County....

Thieves return to pick up stolen tools (02/08/08) Many tools stolen from an outbuilding at a Midland Road home in Shelbyville were left a short distance away near Bedford County Agriculture Center for later retrieval, police say. The tools -- including saws, a drill, truck toolbox, and speakers -- had been taken overnight Tuesday from an outbuilding behind a rental home owned by Marion Whitaker...

Bobo placed in pre-trial diversion (02/07/08) A Liberty school teacher who bought a firearm to school last year was placed on pre-trial diversion Wednesday in Bedford County General Sessions Court. Dawn Bobo was sentenced to 11 month, 29 days of probation, will have to forfeit the weapon and pay fines and court costs...

Shelbyville man found dead near Manchester (02/07/08) A murder investigation is underway in Manchester after the body of a Bedford County man was discovered Wednesday. According to WMSR Radio, the remains of 32-year-old Derrick Lavell Rankins of Deery Street in Shelbyville were found early Wednesday morning in a wooded area along Highway 55, near Belmont Road just outside of Manchester...

Generator unchained, stolen (02/07/08) A 5,500-watt generator was taken from Hillis Group, Squire Hall Road, according to a report filed by Deputy Kevin Roddy. The generator had been chained to cinder blocks surrounding the fuel tank. The blocks were "busted" and the chain was removed, Roddy said...

Cab driver stabbed after fare dispute (02/05/08) A taxi driver told police he was stabbed during an argument over a fare early Saturday. Danny Bellew of Shelbyville said a man he'd picked up at Tyson Foods, West Jackson Street, about 5:20 a.m. insisted his fare was only $2.50 instead of $3.50 after being taken a short distance from the plant to Central Avenue...

Wartrace man killed in Moore County incident (02/02/08) A Wartrace man is dead and a Tullahoma man in custody following what an investigator calls an "altercation" Friday night in Moore County. Joseph Timothy Floyd, 20, died early Saturday at Harton Regional Medical Center in Tullahoma of what several friends said was a stab wound to the chest...

Deery Street home entered (02/02/08) Items including a television set, dryer and antiques were stolen sometime before Thursday from the Darryl Trice home, Deery Street, Shelbyville police said. Entry was gained by breaking a window. The following persons were arrested since Thursday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Tracfone purchases investigated (02/01/08) Shelbyville's Wal-Mart store has become one of many hit in a scheme involving large numbers of Tracfone purchases. Police were told two individuals purchased 63 Tracfones in 32 transactions late Tuesday night in violation of store policy. A Wal-Mart official told police stores in Murfreesboro, Tullahoma and Lewisburg were struck in a similar fashion with a total of over 200 phones purchased...

Drunk, armed man arrested in store (01/31/08) Police arrested a man who was allegedly carrying a loaded pistol while drunk Tuesday in Wal-Mart. Officers, notified of a man who was "staggering around the store," arrived to find Samuel Prosser, 51, Temple Ford Lane, "smacking" two packages on a counter with his hands, Officer Bruce Davis said...

UPDATE: One killed, others injured in accidents (01/31/08) A Tullahoma man is dead after his car struck a bridge in Flat Creek this morning. Alfred H. York Jr., 47, was dead at the scene when his Lincoln struck the bridge over Flat Creek near Sally's Market on State Route 82 South about 6:45 a.m. State Trooper Barry Qualls said York was traveling northbound toward Shelbyville when his car ran off the road, hit the end of the bridge and went down an embankment near the bridge...

Tullahoma fire kills 5-year-old (01/31/08) TULLAHOMA (AP) -- A 5-year-old girl is dead as a result of a house fire at her grandparents' house. Her body was found crouched behind a chair after firefighters reached the scene about 5 p.m. Wednesday. Officials said the girl was related to one of the firefighters...

Three face charges on drug violations (01/30/08) Three persons were arrested for drug violations Monday night in Shelbyville. Joshua Adam Parker, 22, Tara Drive, Rover, was spotted on North Main Street by Officer David Curley and stopped in a Fairfield Pike parking lot. Parker, who Curley said seemed "confused," allegedly said he was unfamiliar with the vehicle after recently being released from prison. A computer check showed Parker's license was suspended for failure to satisfy citations...

Argument ends with knife in back (01/29/08) A Shelbyville man was taken to Nashville for treatment of a stab wound following a argument Sunday, police said Monday. Officers arrived at a King Arthur Trailer Court home to find Dewayne Starr in the kitchen with a knife blade in his back. Tiffany Shane Eddings, 26, Sherwood Trailer Court, was charged with aggravated assault and released on $7,500 bond...

TWHNC is animal evac site (01/28/08) The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Grounds will be an emergency evacuation site for large animals, according to an agreement reached between the world championship horse show and Bedford County government. The request for the agreement originated with the Law Enforcement Committee of the Bedford County Commission and included input from Bedford County Animal Control, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association, the University of Tennessee Extension Service, and The Celebration.. ...

Pistols, scanner taken from home (01/26/08) A thief has items needed to continue that pursuit after breaking into a Hoover Street home late Thursday. Three pistols and a police scanner were missing when Claude Aldridge returned home about 1:30 a.m. Friday, Shelbyville police said. Also missing were $990 and a portable TV set...

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

Subject possessed rare Jack Daniel's (01/26/08) A four count indictment was handed down Friday against a Lynchburg businessman in connection with the discovery of hundreds of bottles of Jack Daniel's whiskey last year. Randy Piper was charged with one count of possession of non-tax paid alcohol in excess of three gallons, unlawful sale of whiskey, illegal storage of alcohol for resale and transportation of alcoholic beverages...

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

Attorney appointed for arson suspect (01/24/08) A Unionville woman facing arson charges will appear in Bedford County General Sessions Court next month. Acording to a member of the District Attorney's office, Sheila Bledsoe has been given a court-appointed attorney and will appear before Judge Charles Rich on Feb. 27. She is being held under $125,000 bond for charges of arson and aggravated burglary...

Pot, stolen items found during stop (01/23/08) Two persons in a car stopped by police for a headlight out were charged after a vehicle search Monday night. After checking to ensure Nathan Devall Ringer, 19, Peacock Lane, had a valid driver's license, Officer Waymond Boyd asked to search his car and was granted permission...

Gordon wants to close loophole in sex offender registry (01/23/08) U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon is supporting legislation to close a loophole in a federal law requiring convicted child predators to register as sex offenders. "As a parent, I take the job of protecting children against sex offenders and online predators very seriously," said Gordon. "When Congress passed a law requiring a national sex offender registry, we wanted to give law enforcement agencies and parents the tools they need to safeguard children against these criminals."...

Grand Jury indicts two (01/21/08) Bedford County's grand jury indicted two people on Thursday, a low number because General Sessions Court adjourned for the holidays last month, but five drug cases drew convictions Thursday morning. All five drug cases were developed by the 17th Judicial District Drug and Violence Task Force and led to guilty pleas on charges involving cocaine. The defendants, their sentences or next court date are as follows...

Help in finding invaders worth $1,000 (01/19/08) Shelbyville police and CrimeStoppers are asking for the public's help in nabbing those responsible for a recent home invasion. On Nov. 6, 2007, two or more individuals invaded the home of Alton and Patricia Davis, 1518 Fairfield Pike. Upon entry to the residence, the armed individuals used duct tape to bind the hands and feet of the elderly victims. The suspects then ransacked the Davis home and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, a firearm, and jewelry...

North Main beggar still asking for money (01/19/08) More persons continue to be victimized by a woman who begs money around stores in the North Main Street area. A concerned Shelbyville citizen said she gave the suspect money and a ride after she claimed to be destitute and in need of money for her children in college...

Pre-trial diversion possible for Bobo (01/18/08) The attorney for a veteran teacher charged with carrying a gun on school property last month said Thursday that he is in the process of working out a pre-trial diversion in the case. Attorney John Norton, who is representing Dawn Bobo, the Liberty School teacher facing the weapons charge, said that a tentative agreement had been reached between his office and prosecutors in the case...

Mathis says dispatch meetings have been positive (01/17/08) Bedford County Communications Center officials said Wednesday night that recent meetings with local emergency departments to discuss dispatch procedures have been productive, but that the center needs additional dispatchers to function more effectively...

Continuance granted in Bobo case (01/17/08) Another continuance has been granted in the case of a Liberty School teacher accused of carrying a gun on school property last month. Veteran teacher Dawn Bobo will appear Feb. 6 in Bedford County General Sessions Court before Judge Charles Rich. Court typically begins at 9 a.m...

Neighbors chase robbers from home (01/16/08) Two men told police they were slightly injured by intruders who forced the door of a Chockley Street home and demanded money Saturday night. The suspects got no money for their efforts and were chased from the duplex by other occupants. Miguel Robles and Sebastian Hernandez said the two white men, one armed with a stick, attacked after being told there was no money in the home...

Local woman charged with TennCare fraud (01/14/08) A Bedford County woman is accused of TennCare fraud for trying to use benefits to pay for an altered prescription for the addictive painkiller Hydrocodone, a state spokeswoman said Friday. Christine A. Sullenger, 28, of Shelbyville is being prosecuted by Coffee County District Attorney Mickey Layne, according to the state Office of Inspector General. Sullenger's arrest was a result of joint efforts by the Bedford and Coffee counties' sheriff's departments...

Marijuana found after light law stop (01/12/08) Police say they found marijuana on two persons in a car stopped early Friday because a brake light was out. Jeremy Michael Crow, 19, McBride Lane, the driver, and Brittani Nicole Fulton, 21, Barksdale Lane, both were charged with possession of a schedule VI drug. Crow was also charged with possession of a schedule IV drug after telling police he had two Xanax tablets in his clothing...

Bobo case continued one week (01/10/08) A one-week continuance was granted Wednesday in the case of a Liberty School teacher accused of carrying a gun on school property last month. Veteran teacher Dawn Bobo is now scheduled to appear Jan. 16 in Bedford County General Sessions Court. Court typically begins at 9 a.m...

Commissioners hear report on radio system (01/10/08) Bedford County Board of Commissioners, meeting Tuesday night, heard quarterly reports from various county departments. Here are some of the highlights: Eugene Nichols of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency noted that the county's new emergency radio system was scheduled to go online last June but has been delayed by three different lightning strikes. He said proper lightning protection is in place and the system is finally ready to go live next week...

Wartrace installs surveillance cameras (01/09/08) Law enforcement and emergency personnel will be able to keep a closer eye on downtown Wartrace and the CSX rail line that runs through the town, thanks to a homeland security grant. Workers with Stewart Security braved high winds Tuesday installing security cameras...

Money-seeking women grab wallet (01/09/08) Two women claiming they needed money for car repairs took off with the wallet of a man searching for change, police said. The women knocked on the door of Rolando Nieto, Hillcrest Apartments, Monday night. As Nieto went upstairs the women grabbed the wallet, containing $200, from a gym bag and fled...

Robbery plot leads to arrest of seven suspects (01/08/08) Several persons have been arrested in connection with what police describe as a "setup" at a Ward Circle home Friday. Three men, two women and three teenage girls were part of a plan to attract two men to a home and rob them, Detective Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

Gunfire results in multiple charges (01/05/08) A Shelbyville man faces charges after allegedly firing gunshots during a drunken argument with his wife. Lawrence Edward Evans, 60, River Ranch Road, became upset as his wife was removing possessions from their home Thursday, Capt. Tony Barrett of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said...

Dog will likely lose leg to bullet (01/04/08) A pit bulldog chained within a fenced backyard on Horse Mountain Road in Shelbyville will probably lose a leg after being shot, police said Wednesday. "Peetie" was shot in the left rear leg between 11 p.m. Monday and 4 p.m. Tuesday, the dog's owner, Lindsey Bolin, told police...

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

Fishing poles stolen (01/03/08) Several fishing poles were stolen from a mini barn at the home of Alton Thomas Jr., Cunningham Lane, during December, according to a police report released Wednesday. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Dance moves lead to stabbing (01/02/08) FARMINGTON -- A man is recovering from stab wounds suffered Saturday morning at his mobile home, where he'd been dancing with a girl from his neighbor's trailer, according to his mother. Gerald Michael "Jerry" Watterson , 21, of 2648 Nashville Highway (U.S. 31-A), has been released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he was taken by helicopter ambulance after being examined at Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Karen Watterson said of her son...

One robber takes cash; another gets only steak (01/02/08) An armed robber took a relatively small amount of money from Saddlegait Market, South Cannon Boulevard, late Saturday night. The clerk told police the suspect entered shortly before 11 p.m., laid a black handgun on the counter and ordered her to give him the cash drawer...

Police will be on guard tonight (12/31/07) If you venture out tonight, New Year's Eve, be aware that law enforcement will be keeping an eye out. Shelbyville Police Chief Austin Swing said that they will have the same amount of patrols they would have on a normal evening, but they will be keeping a sharp eye out for drunk drivers due to the holiday...

Holton execution, Thomas' firing are year's top stories (12/31/07) For the past week, the Times-Gazette has been looking back at 2007 by counting down the top 10 news stories of the year as voted by a panel of T-G staffers. Here are the stories revealed so far: 10) Standardized School Attire proposed...

Safe escape from cave (12/28/07) Three persons who denied they were lost were rescued from a cave near Raus early today. Jeremy Leverette, 20, and Tonya Davis, 19, both of Park Trail Apartments, Green Lane, and Brad Pierce, 28, of Camden were found in the cave off John Brinkley Road at 1:30 a.m. by Joanna Valesquez and Brian Bruce of Bedford County Emergency Management Agency's cave rescue team...

Internet scam catches another victim (12/28/07) Another Shelbyville resident has become the victim of an Internet scam in which money was sent to England, police say. Joan Fleming told police she lost $7,800 after receiving an e-mail in late November asking her to be a United States financial representative and help individuals outside the country consolidate and transfer funds...

Drunk man aims pistol at officers (12/27/07) Eight guns were confiscated from an intoxicated man who allegedly raised a gun toward officers and pulled the trigger Monday night. James Melvin Adams, 53, faces multiple charges stemming from an argument with his wife at their Cloverdale Road home, Shelbyville police said...

Whitaker pleads guilty to robbery, evading arrest (12/26/07) A Shelbyville man who pistol-whipped a woman and robbed the Lane Parkway convenience store where she worked last spring has pleaded guilty to charges of evading arrest and armed robbery. Scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 21 is Keenan Terrell Whitaker, 27, of Cherokee Trail, who pleaded Pic-N-Chek Market...

Caller, employee may share blame for dispatch (12/26/07) The director of Bedford County Communications Center stated that the discrepancy over the location of a fire in Unionville Friday was due to confusion over the name of a road, both by a 911 caller and a dispatcher. Firefighters were called to the blaze, allegedly caused by arson, Friday morning. Outraged neighbors told the T-G at the scene that the home could have been saved if personnel were sent to the correct location...

Grand Jury indicts alleged jewelry thief (12/24/07) A man accused of stealing jewelry, dolls, knives, copper, coins and other collectibles was indicted last week by a Bedford County grand jury. Allen Jasper Lawson, Jr., 29, of 1358 Pickle Road, is named in three burglary and theft cases reported out on Dec. 17 in Shelbyville when 13 other defendants were indicted...

Gordon secures funding for meth cleanup (12/24/07) U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon has helped to secure $1.1 million in federal funding to help state and local officials fight methamphetamine production and abuse. "Strong state and federal laws are making an impact on meth production, but we still have too many meth labs in Tennessee," said Gordon. ...

Mother burns daughter's home (12/22/07) A Unionville woman and her three children have lost most of their possessions after her mother allegedly set fire to their home Friday morning. And neighbors and emergency personnel are claiming that firefighters were dispatched to the wrong location...

Purses stolen from home and hallway (12/22/07) A billfold belonging to Lucille Campbell was stolen from her Colonial Avenue home Dec. 11, police say. Someone unsuccessfully attempted to withdraw money Monday from her account at First Bank, according to a family member. The family was told by bank personnel security camera footage may show who made the attempt...

Crimestoppers needs funding (12/21/07) The Crimestoppers program has been the key to solving a number of criminal cases thanks to tips from people in Shelbyville and Bedford County, say law enforcement officials. But now funding is urgently needed to keep the program going and crooks off the streets...

Planning to prevent disaster (12/21/07) Emergency management includes not only helping the community respond to disasters, but trying to prevent them in the first place. That's why Bedford County Emergency Management Agency is working with planning contractor General Physics to complete a Hazard Mitigation Plan for Bedford County and its incorporated cities...

Real wine, fake money lead to arrests (12/21/07) Charges were filed Thursday against a Bedford County man accused of selling homemade wine. The home of Alvin Brown, of Pokey Brown Lane near Longview, was entered by state agents Thursday morning who confiscated and poured out approximately 70 gallons of wine, Sheriff Randall Boyce said...

Copter keeps an eye on drug offenders (12/20/07) Criminals beware: Local law enforcement has an eye in the sky at its disposal that could be watching you. Members of the Shelbyville Police Department, the Bedford County Sheriff's Department and the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force paid a visit to the Shelbyville Airport Wednesday to take a look at the air support offered for free by the Army and the Tennessee National Guard...

Shelbyville man shot in Tullahoma (12/20/07) A Franklin County resident is being held on $1 million bond for the alleged shooting of a Shelbyville man. According to WMSR radio, 22-year-old Dominic Tillman of Shelbyville was shot in the arm early Sunday morning after bullets were fired into the Good Times Lounge on Anderson Street in Tullahoma...

Reward offered for info in missing woman case (12/19/07) The family of a Murfreesboro woman who disappeared nearly two weeks ago is offering a reward for information concerning her whereabouts. Marsilene Smith, the 68-year-old mother of Leann Barnes of Shelbyville, was last seen shopping at K-Mart or Old Time Pottery on Dec. 6, but was reported missing by her husband Glover Smith after she did not return home after dark...

Court date set in Bobo case (12/19/07) A Jan. 8 court date has been set for Liberty School teacher Dawn Bobo, who was charged with carrying a gun on school property last week. Bobo said she accidentally carried a .22 Ruger target pistol, which she kept for protection for coyotes while checking her rural mailbox, into the school building, according to Capt. Tony Barrett of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department...

Gaming machines lose against thieves (12/18/07) Thieves took a gamble against machines and won over the weekend. Money was stolen from Pop-A-Top, Madison Street, after closing time Saturday morning, police said. Five poker machines were entered and a "small amount" of money taken from the bar's lottery area, Sgt. Bill Logue said...

Teacher charged with gun in school (12/17/07) A Liberty School teacher has been charged with possessing a gun on school property. Investigators said Dawn Bobo arrived at school one day last week and, after entering the building, verbally exclaimed that she had accidentally brought the gun inside...

Two staph cases at Post Office (12/15/07) Shelbyville's post office is taking precautions to make sure the potentially deadly MRSA or "staph" infection isn't spread through the mail after two employees became infected with the bacteria. The T-G received a call Thursday from a concerned citizen who claimed that Shelbyville's postmaster Larry Ellis was allowing a postal employee with a staph infection to continue to work, possibly exposing the public to the bug...

Threat shutters Forrest schools (12/15/07) CHAPEL HILL -- Forrest Schools' classes were suspended Friday and two home basketball games with Community High School are postponed until next year because of a threatening note, Marshall County schools' officials said. "There was a bomb threat in the note," said Nancy Aldridge, interim director of schools. The note -- presumably written by a boy, although Aldridge wasn't specific -- was found in a bathroom at Forrest High and taken to the school office...

Traffic stops lead to drug discoveries (12/15/07) Shelbyville officers stayed busy Thursday night finding drugs during vehicle searches following traffic stops. Three persons were arrested, two on drug-related charges. Brown's car was searched after a check showed he was driving without a license. An estimated 3.13 grams of marijuana were found between the car's driver's seat and center console, police said...

T-G readers help identify robbery suspect (12/14/07) Sharp-eyed Times-Gazette readers played a critical role in the arrest of a suspect in last week's armed robbery of a Shelbyville check cashing store. Kenya LaFont Streeter, 32, Cedar River Road, has been charged by Shelbyville police with aggravated robbery in connection with a Dec. 4 holdup at Check Advance, North Main Street...

Gordon's meth cleanup bill passes (12/13/07) On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate approved U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon's legislation to help communities clean up former methamphetamine lab sites, putting the bill one step closer to becoming law. "We have a duty to protect innocent families not only from the criminals who make and use this illegal drug, but also from the aftereffects of that crime, said Gordon, chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, in a news release. ...

Suspect throws cash into trash (12/13/07) A Shelbyville man allegedly dumped nearly $700 in a convenience store restroom's trash can early Wednesday after ignoring a police officer's order not to enter the room. The driver of a car in which the suspect arrived at the store was charged after drugs were found inside...

Truck stolen from The Scoop (12/12/07) A truck belonging to The Scoop horse industry newspaper was stolen from in front of its Elm Street offices after noon Sunday, Shelbyville police say. The theft was reported Monday. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Stereo equipment stolen from vehicle (12/11/07) Two amplifiers and two speakers belonging to Ariosto Zunin, Quarry Street, were taken from his car at his home overnight Sunday, Shelbyville police said. Entry was gained by breaking a window. Shelbyville police are advising people not to give to a woman who they say begs money in parking lots of businesses along North Main Street between Madison Street and Colloredo Boulevard...

Shelbyville man dies in Murfreesboro wreck (12/10/07) A Shelbyville man was killed early Sunday when an out-of-control SUV driven by a 13-year-old boy slid in front of his vehicle on Interstate 24 near Murfreesboro. Earl James Draine, 43, of Shelbyville died at the scene, according to investigators. Latosha Draine and Trenton Locke, both of Shelbyville, and a third unidentified passenger were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The survivors were listed in critical condition, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol...

Searchers for missing woman hit the streets (12/10/07) Volunteers and authorites in Murfreesboro are continuing the search for a woman who vanished Thursday afternoon while Christmas shopping. Marsilene Smith, the 68-year-old mother of Leann Barnes of Shelbyville, was last seen shopping at K-Mart or Old Time Pottery on Thursday afternoon, but was reported missing by her husband Glover Smith after she did not return home after dark...

Local woman's mother missing (12/08/07) The mother of a Shelbyville woman was reported missing Friday in Murfreesboro after her SUV was found abandoned. Marsilene Smith, the 68-year-old mother of Leann Barnes of Shelbyville, was last seen shopping at K-Mart or Old Time Pottery on Thursday afternoon, but was reported missing by her husband Glover Smith after she did not return home after dark...

Wreck, drug incident keep police busy (12/07/07) Drugs were found in a Shelbyville motel Wednesday night following a call advising of suspicious activity, Shelbyville police say. Officers said they could smell a strong odor of marijuana when entering a room occupied by Joshua Dean Stanley, Manchester, shortly before midnight...

Cell phone stolen from SCHS student (12/06/07) A cell phone which fell from a pocket of Shelbyville Central High student Morgan Pope during class Tuesday was reported stolen. Shelbyville police said they'd been told another student was attempting to sell the phone. The following persons were arrested since Tuesday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Armed robber takes $3,000 (12/06/07) An armed robber got away with over $3,000 from Check Advance, in the Mane Street Centre on North Main Street, after apparently "casing the joint" for a few minutes Tuesday afternoon. "A man came into the store armed with a handgun," Officer Jeff Goodrich of Shelbyville Police Department said...

Shebyville man admits Lewisburg holdup (12/06/07) LEWISBURG -- A Shelbyville man was sentenced Wednesday to 11 1/2 years in prison for the Aug. 30 armed robbery of a convenience store on what Marshall County residents call the New Columbia Highway. Robert Derrick Johnson, 36, of Cherokee Lane pleaded guilty to Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler who sanctioned the sentence negotiated for Johnson by Shelbyville-based attorney Robert Marlow with Assistant District Attorney Eddie Barnard...

Purse, contents stolen from vehicle (12/05/07) The latest purse theft in Shelbyville occurred at either Wal-Mart or Food Lion, police say. Brandie Hamilton of Shelbyville said she left her vehicle unlocked Saturday. The purse contained $16 and personal cards and papers. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Suspect accused of taking car, bicycle (12/04/07) A man who allegedly stole a car from Bedford County Medical Center was captured when he attempted to run after wrecking it between Wartrace and Bell Buckle, investigators said. Dustin Danyale Darnell, 21, Purdy Court, allegedly stole the car belonging to Elizabeth Wendel early Sunday morning...

Man sentenced in child rape case (12/03/07) A 55-year-old man, described by at least two officials as having remarkably low intelligence, was sentenced Friday to serve 20 years in prison after pleading guilty in Bedford County Circuit Court of child rape. Russell Raymond Aumick was indicted in January 2006 on seven counts of child rape, nine counts of aggravated burglary and 12 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. All but three child rape charges were set aside...

'Fashion show' leads to jail firings (12/01/07) Three jailers have been dismissed and one suspended following a mock "fashion show," including a bikini made from a sweatshirt, put on by women in Bedford County Jail. The trusties involved have had their privileges revoked. "Obviously, they exercised very poor judgment," District Attorney Chuck Crawford said Friday night, but he referred further questions about the matter to Sheriff Randall Boyce and his department administrator, Larry Lowman. ...

Four attempt to rob BCMC construction chief (12/01/07) Charges have been filed against four persons accused of attempting to rob the construction supervisor of the new Bedford County Medical Center while smashing his truck with a baseball bat late Thursday afternoon. Witnesses told Deputy Caleb Doak four persons in a tan Ford Explorer began attacking the truck occupied by Jeffrey E. Truelove, 60, Franklin, at the hospital construction site on U.S. 231 North...

Suspect showers following pursuit (11/30/07) A man accused of wrecking his car during a police chase Wednesday night allegedly headed straight for the shower. Officer David Curley of the Shelbyville Police Department said he clocked a Ford Mustang convertible driven by Joshua Van Allen, 25, Glover Lane, at 54 mph in a 30 mph zone on Kingree Road...

Woman, 29, charged with raping 12-year-old (11/30/07) A 29-year-old Shelbyville woman was indicted this month on five counts of rape of a 12-year-old boy, according to public records. Rhonda Louise Medley, 29, was arrested Aug. 21 by Shelbyville police detective Brian Crews who charged her with the crimes alleged on July 10, 12, 16, 17 and 19, the woman's arrest warrants state...

Two more churches join Storm Shelter program (11/30/07) Two more churches, Southside Church of Christ and Rover Baptist Church, have been added to the Bedford County Storm Shelter Program. The program, a cooperative effort between the Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, Bedford County Communications Center, Volunteer Fire Services, Shelbyville Fire Department, Bedford County Ham Radio Club, and local churches, offers temporary shelter during severe weather...

Local resident charged with TennCare fraud (11/29/07) A resident of Bedford County has been charged with a felony count of TennCare fraud. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) Monday announced the arrest of Deborah Ann Jewell, 51, of Bedford County. Jewell is accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits she was not entitled to and theft of TennCare services less than $10,000. ...

Trail horse stolen while rider away (11/28/07) A trail horse belonging to Amie Lee Marks was taken from her Highway 130 East home between Wednesday and Saturday of last week, according to a Bedford County Sheriff's Department report. The horse is branded under its mane with the letters DOG and has a white band around its left rear foot, Marks told Deputy Kevin Roddy...

Serious injury in Himesville road wreck (11/27/07)

Copper wire taken from construction site (11/27/07) An estimated $3,000 worth of copper wire was taken over the weekend from a home under construction on Whispering Oaks Drive. Ruben Rivera told police Monday the home had been entered after 5 p.m. Saturday. Other thefts reported over the holiday weekend:...

Fire claims lives of 30 Spotted Saddle Horses (11/26/07) A pre-dawn fire today took the lives of approximately 30 Spotted Saddle Horses. The blaze at Dickie Gardner Stables, Whitaker Road, was discovered after 3 a.m., officials said. "Some neighbors saw it and called us," Gardner said. "We (Gardner and his wife, Misti) got here and tried to get in but the firefighters wouldn't let us inside. They said it was already too far gone."...

Committee hears about judicial space needs (11/23/07) If you thought it was easy to be an elected official, think again. Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee is beset on all sides: The problem was highlighted Tuesday night as the committee continued its discussion of space needs. ...

Gordon honors volunteer firefighters (11/21/07) Invoking his mother's childhood memories, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon honored the Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday for its important work. Gordon presented a plaque to the fire hall which contained a statement he read into the Congressional Record on Nov. 15 honoring the department. He told Bell Buckle officials Tuesday that his family has strong memories of what can happen when a fire gets out of control...

Purse stolen from restaurant customer (11/21/07) A customer at Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, North Main Street, told police Monday her purse was stolen while she was away from her table for a moment. Mary Wright of Shelbyville said the purse contained cards and prescription medication. The following persons were arrested since Monday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. ...

Repeat offender charged after chase (11/20/07) An allegedly-drunk man managed to briefly elude a pursuing officer on foot Friday before being arrested on his eighth offense of driving on a revoked license. Darnell Sutton, 44, Gordon Road, was stopped on Lane Parkway after being clocked at 49 mph in a 30 mph zone on Lane Parkway and for a registration violation, police said...

Keeping safe at ATMs (11/19/07) Following are the basic safety procedures for cardholders should to follow when using an ATM, according to the ATM Industry Association:...

Threat of, but little information on, ATM violence (11/19/07) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- An off-duty Orlando police is gunned down after withdrawing money from an automated teller machine. Two armored truck guards are shot to death in Northeast Philadelphia while servicing a bank ATM. A retired couple is accosted in their Jacksonville home and then forced to reveal their ATM numbers before being buried alive...

Youth tries to run after stealing truck (11/17/07) A 16-year-old Winchester boy driving a stolen truck was arrested by Shelbyville police following a foot chase near Wal-Mart on Thursday. Officer Jose Garza said the youth didn't immediately stop the truck after being clocked at 47 mph in a 30 mph zone on North Main Street near the store's entrance...

Officer finds drugs after traffic stops (11/14/07) Two persons were charged with drug possession after Officer Waymond Boyd asked to search their vehicles following traffic stops, Shelbyville police said. McCullough told Boyd the device was used to smoke marijuana. After being arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, two Lortabs were found in McCullough's pocket during a search at Bedford County Jail, police said. A charge of introducing contraband into a penal institution was added...

Jail intake (11/13/07) The following persons were arrested since Friday by the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and processed through Bedford County Jail. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts...

Flag placed in jury room (11/12/07) The jury room at the Bedford County Courthouse has a new historic decoration -- a flag flown during World War II. On Friday, members of Bedford County Bar Association presented a flag flown during that conflict on the USS LCI (G) 458, commanded by Chancellor John D. Templeton, to County Mayor Eugene Ray...

'60 Minutes' will highlight Thompson case (11/10/07) The CBS news program "60 Minutes" is scheduled to report Sunday night on death row inmate Gregory Thompson's 1985 murder of Brenda Blanton Lane of Shelbyville and the issues that his case raises about the death penalty. The program can be seen at 6 p.m. Sunday on WTVF (Channel 5), according to Lane's sole surviving blood relative, Barbara Brown of Longview, and other people interviewed for the news program who declined to be identified...

Stereo system, speakers stolen (11/10/07) A CD-video player, amplifier, subwoofers and speaker box were taken from a car owned by Jamie Powell at his Edgemont Drive home overnight Wednesday. Powell reported the theft at 4:51 a.m. Thursday. Entry was gained by forcing a window. The car had been parked in the yard for six months, police said...

Two suspects caught in shoplifting attempt (11/09/07) Two Nashville men attempted to leave Wal-Mart without paying for nearly $500 in merchandise Wednesday, Shelbyville police said. Larry Eugene Scales, 53, and Billie Noble Forrest, 68, are accused of carrying a tote bag containing blue jeans, work shirts and other assorted merchandise...

Unionville driver hits, kills Marshall County resident (11/09/07) A Marshall County man died Tuesday night after being struck by a pickup truck driven by a Unionville man near Farmington, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Kyle Patrick Starr, 20, was walking in the roadway of U.S.