City not sure it wants gym (07/06/08) Bedford County's mayor will soon be sending a lease agreement to the City of Shelbyville for the old Harris Middle School gym and other properties. However, council members are asking for an inspection of the property before leasing it from the county...

Goals for Shelbyville considered by council (07/02/08) Jobs. Education. Appearance. Recreation. Retail. Safety. These are goals Shelbyville's city council will take a look at next month when they examine the city's new strategic plan. The council held a strategic planning session at Henry Horton State Park in May to come up with a vision statement and a list of six goals and objectives for the future...

City garbage routes to change next week (07/01/08) Shelbyville's sanitation officer has been wearing out his shoe leather for the past couple of weeks to make sure residents know which day to cart their trash to the curb. Beginning Monday, the city's public works department will switch to a 4-day, 10-hour work week, meaning the Friday garbage route will be phased out and others will be changing...

City Council member collapses in Memphis (06/29/08) Shelbyville City Council got a scare earlier this week when one of its members suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing. Council members were waiting for a bus in front of the downtown Memphis Marriott Monday evening when Fred Harrison suddenly lost consciousness and began to fall backwards into a fountain...

Planning commission approves requests (06/27/08) Shelbyville's planning commission had a brief agenda Thursday, dealing with only three items. A rezoning request was approved for Joe M. Lambert and Bobby G. Sanders for a parcel on East Cedar Street, from C-3 (Neighborhood Service District) to R-4 (High Density Residential)...

City budget passes; pay raises granted (06/26/08) Despite two "no" votes, Shelbyville City Council passed its budget for fiscal year 2008-09 following a discussion about pay raises. No comments were made in the public hearing for the budget before the special called meeting to approve it. But when the motion to pass the budget came before the council, councilman Al Stephenson proposed an amendment keeping employee pay raises at three percent across the board...

East Side drainage problems may be over (06/24/08) Drainage problems near East Side School should be reduced with the completion of work on the storm sewer in that area. Workers dug a 20-foot-deep hole in a playground across from the elementary school last week to install manholes and obtain access to underground storm water pipes...

Garbage collection times change for some (06/23/08) Starting the week of July 7, a number of Shelbyville residents will begin a new garbage pickup schedule. Workers will also soon go door to door to inform those impacted by the change. According to Mark Clanton, director of the city's public works department, workers will shift to a four-day, 10-hour work week on July 7 in an effort to save Shelbyville money. As a result, the Friday garbage route will be phased out...

Shelbyville adds online tax payments (06/19/08) The City of Shelbyville's web site now has a new feature that will not only allow citizens to pay their property taxes online, but will also make it possible to look up tax information. The new service can be found on the upper left hand side of the city's web page at www.shelbyvilletn.org...

Shelbyville expands fire fleet (06/17/08) Shelbyville's fire department will soon put a new pumper truck into service, expanding its fleet and possibly lowering insurance rates, the city's fire chief said. Fire Chief John Habel said the new pumper contains some of the latest firefighting innovations, such as extra capacity for foam used to extinguish newer mixtures of fuel containing alcohol...

Mayor breaks ties, backs budget cuts (06/13/08) Shelbyville's mayor broke two tie votes dealing with budget cuts at Thursday evening's regular meeting of the city council. Two budget cutting measures were before the council: The elimination of paper paychecks, estimated to save $16,740; and requiring city employees to take a two-week vacation, which would put $32,859 back into the budget...

City budget deficit projected at $571K (06/12/08) Members of Shelbyville City Council have settled on the amount of the city's deficit and will approve this coming year's budget at a special called meeting later this month. The proposed budget would make Friday garbage pickup a thing of the past. Shelbyville will have a budget deficit of approximately $571,000 -- a figure which the council decided, following a lengthy discussion, to leave as is...

'Kitten season' snarls local animal shelters (06/09/08) An influx of stray cats and kittens this spring has filled Bedford County Animal Control and other agencies to capacity. "This is kitten season," said Michael Gregory of BCAC. "This last month we've had so many cats come in that have since had litters. We have about 15 to 17 cats that are adaptable and more who are feral. We are full."...

Shelbyville seeks to slice deficit (06/05/08) The budget ax emerged at Tuesday's meeting of the Shelbyville City Council, but very few actual cuts were made as the group struggles to reduce a nearly $650,000 deficit projected in next year's numbers. Three measures were agreed upon -- eliminating the use of paper paychecks, estimated to save $16,740; eliminating one public works position at a savings of $12,801; and requiring city employees to take a two-week vacation, which would put $32,859 back into the budget. ...

Shelbyville is not alone in sewage problems (06/02/08) Aging sewage systems statewide are causing water quality problems, and the problem hits home in Bedford County. Shelbyville is one of 68 municipally-owned sewer systems in Tennessee that are under some type of order to bring their systems up to standards, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports, based on data from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation...

More city street repair dollars urged (05/31/08) Shelbyville City Council reviewed preliminary budget figures Thursday night as presented by City Manager Ed Craig, with council member Al Stephenson saying he would like to see more put into street repair than is shown by the working document. The new fiscal year will begin July 1...

New city budget to be revealed (05/24/08) Shelbyville's city council will get its first look at the 2008-09 budget this week, according to city manager Ed Craig. A budget meeting has been tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday in the courtroom of the city police station. Craig and city treasurer Gary Cantrell will take a final look at the first draft of the budget before passing it along to the city council, Craig stated...

Stormwater discussed by city planners (05/23/08) A public meeting will be held next month, probably June 19, to explain the City of Shelbyville's stormwater regulations, which were adopted in 2003 as a result of state and federal Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) requirements. City Manager Ed Craig announced the meeting during Thursday night's meeting of Shelbyville Municipal Planning Commission...

The numbers are up: traffic lights get signage (05/22/08) Shelbyville has a lot of visitors, and sooner or later, they all have one thing in common. They get "turned around" or just plain lost. This week, the city's public works department is doing something about that by numbering the traffic lights on Shelbyville's main arteries: Madison Street and North Main Street...

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

Lawmakers support fight against public service unions (05/16/08) Shelbyville and 20 other towns in Tennessee now have two allies in their fight to stop forced union representation for police and fire departments: Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander. Corker has proposed an amendment to the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (H.R. 980), which would require states to have mandatory collective bargaining for public service employees, according to a press release from his office...

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...

S. Brittain soccer field proposal scrapped (05/10/08) The idea to use property behind homes on South Brittain Street for soccer fields was scrapped after residents of that neighborhood showed up in force at Thursday night's Shelbyville city council meeting. A motion had been placed on the agenda last week to authorize Mayor Wallace Cartwright to contact the Shelbyville Power System Board to determine if they would lease property south of the water plant to the city for use as a soccer complex...

City eyes public pet peddling (05/10/08) The first reading of an ordinance that would make it illegal to sell or give away animals in public places in Shelbyville was passed Thursday. The ordinance would make it unlawful to display any animal in a public place with the purpose of giving them away or selling them, unless the person in question is a dealer...

Sudberry, Nelson elected to power board (05/09/08) Despite a complicated process, the Shelbyville City Council voted in two Power Board members Thursday evening. Rayburn Sudberry was elected to replace Clarence Lamb and Clara Nelson was returned to her seat. Lamb and Nelson had filed applications to serve, as did Sudberry, Thomas Landers, Ashley Heard, James Darden, Robert Crowell, Lizzie Peoples and Jason "Rusty" Reed...

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

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

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

S. Brittain soccer fields proposed (05/02/08) Shelbyville's city council will consider a proposal to use property off South Brittain Street owned by the city's power, water and sewer utility for soccer fields. But some council members want more study done on the concept before making a decision...

Charter may change over power board issue (05/02/08) Shelbyville's city council will consider a change in the city's charter dealing with power board appointments after receiving an opinion from the state attorney general that says the mayor can veto the council's choice. Last June, the council sought the opinion of the attorney general after controversy arose over a controversial Power Board appointment they made in May 2007...

City wants to ban parking lot pet sales (05/01/08) The practice of selling or giving away animals at places like Wal-Mart may soon be a thing of the past. Shelbyville's city council will consider an ordinance that would make it unlawful to display any animal in a public place with the purpose of giving them away or selling them, unless the person in question is a dealer...

Federal union bill concerns city officials (05/01/08) Shelbyville may soon join forces with other Tennessee municipalities to lobby against a bill requiring union representation for public service employees. City manager Ed Craig explained that a bill has made its way through Congress and is now in the Senate that would require states to have mandatory collective bargaining for fire and police...

Fuel costs impact city budget (04/28/08) Rising fuel costs are prompting the city of Shelbyville to change how it will figure gasoline expenses into the next year's fiscal budget. But the good news is that overall, this year's budget is on target. With the numbers at the pumps reaching the $3.50 mark, cities and counties across the nation must absorb the impact and Shelbyville is no exception...

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

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

Big trucks moved off the square (04/25/08) The traffic situation on Shelbyville's public square will soon see some relief as 18-wheeled vehicles will be directed away from the crowded area. City manager Ed Craig said that Mayor Wallace Cartwright had requested that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reroute state highways off of the square. The city received word from TDOT Tuesday that the request was approved...

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

Half of Shelbyville without water for 12 hours (04/21/08) So far, 2008 has been an eventful year for Bedford County's water utilities. About 4,500 customers -- a little more than half -- of Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System were without water for 12 hours Saturday night and Sunday morning, after a water main break in a field near SPWSS headquarters...

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

Tyson seeks wastewater plant upgrade (04/18/08) An addition to Tyson Foods' wastewater treatment facility for its Shelbyville Poultry Complex is one of the items on the city's planning commission agenda next week. The food giant is requesting site plan approval for combined additional coverage of 13,707 square feet for the treatment system upgrade at 901 West Jackson St...

Citywide cleanup is coming (04/18/08) If you've had enough of looking at that musty old couch or need to finally get rid of that antiquated refrigerator, get ready to haul it out to the street. April 21-25 is Spring Cleanup Week in Shelbyville, which gives residents the opportunity to get rid of all that junk that's been pilling up...

Cunningham: 'No' to some city funding (04/12/08) Some city departments may want to consider not asking for some items after a city council member stated Thursday he would begin voting "no" on various funding requests. Lee Roy Cunningham said that the city should stop spending money on items he feels Shelbyville does not need. He had questioned if the city really needed mobile staging that was purchased by the Parks and Recreation Department at a cost of $6,755...

City accepts tree bids for the square (04/05/08) With two members voting no, the Shelbyville City Council accepted bids Tuesday for the planting of trees on the city square. Accepting the bids was the only item for a special called meeting of the council that occurred before its regular study session. A bid of $12,205 from D & L Associates of Nashville was accepted...

City discusses dog control (04/03/08) Do you catch them humanely, or introduce them to Mr. Pow! Pow! Pow!? That was the question debated Tuesday as the topic of dogs was once again before Shelbyville City Council, with councilmen asking the city's animal control officer if shooting the wild animals was an option...

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

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

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

City will take towing bids (03/14/08) The City of Shelbyville has ended a decades-long practice of allowing a single business to handle all the towing and repair of city vehicles. The city council voted Thursday to bid out the contract instead of allowing Beech's Body Shop to continue to perform the towing service for free...

City to take bids on tow service (03/06/08) "We need to do it right." Those were the words of Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig as he spoke about ending the 35-year practice of allowing a single business to handle all the towing and repair of city vehicles. Shelbyville will bid out the contract instead of allowing Beech's Body Shop to continue to perform the towing service for free...

Hospital CEO says new facility will draw patients (03/06/08) An estimated 60 percent of Bedford County residents go elsewhere for their hospitalization needs, but the new CEO of Bedford County Medical Center told city officials that the new Heritage Medical Center should turn that trend around. That was the message Dan Buckner had for Shelbyville City Council Tuesday as he briefed them on what to expect when the new facility opens on July 12...

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

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

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

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

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

Donations on their way to tornado victims (02/12/08) "This truck is just overflowing with kindness." That's how Public Fire Education Officer/Inspector Brian Nicholson of the Shelbyville Fire Department described a Big G trailer full of goods parked next to the city's main station on Monday. The loaded tractor-trailer left this morning at 7 for tornado-stricken Macon County packed with needed supplies. A twister ripped a path through the rural county last week, killing 13 people and leaving many without a roof over their heads...

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

City asked to support 'safe place' grant (02/07/08) The Center for Family Development is asking the City of Shelbyville to sponsor a federal grant that will provide a safe place for kids. Director Denise Hobbs addressed the council Tuesday during its February study session to request that the city partner with the Center by applying for a $300,000 grant for a program called Safe Haven Supervised Visitation...

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

1997 deal covers CDC maintenance (01/26/08) A 1997 agreement between the Child Development Center / Community Development Center, Bedford County and the City of Shelbyville does make the city and county responsible for exterior maintenance at CDC's site on Eaglette Way, according to director Sarah Hunt...

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

City, county could sell unused house (01/16/08) A local real estate agent has expressed interest in an unused building on North Main Street jointly owned by the city and county, according to discussion Tuesday night by Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and property committee. The house, which at one time was used as a secure and private site for interviewing victims of alleged child sexual abuse, is currently unused, and Wayne Neese of Wayne Neese Realty & Auction Co. ...

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

Braker: Shelbyville sewer plant affects water supply (01/12/08) Calling the area's ongoing drought "a real crisis," the head of the Duck River Utility Commission (DRUC) believes the release of water from Normandy Dam should be cut further. Randall Braker of DRUC also took issue with the idea that Tullahoma's waste water flowing into the Elk River watershed is a "major leak" in the Duck River's water supply, as a former engineer for Shelbyville claimed last week...

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

Wrecker ordinance approved (01/11/08) With Mayor Wallace Cartwright breaking a tie vote, Shelbyville's city council passed a controversial wrecker ordinance Thursday night. The ordinance proposes that any wrecker service that is on the Tennessee Highway Patrol schedule or meets the requirements of the Tennessee Department of Safety towing standards manual and those regulations may enter into an agreement with Shelbyville to perform non-consent tows for the city following accidents or breakdowns...

Rec Center one of the top aquatic facilities in U.S. (12/31/07) The facilities at the Shelbyville Recreation Center have been named one of the top 25 aquatic programs in the country by the United States Water Fitness Association. Shelbyville was ranked number 21 and was also the only aquatic facility chosen in the state of Tennessee...

Wrecker proposal draws complaints (12/29/07) Voices were raised during Shelbyville's city council study session Thursday over a proposed fee schedule for wreckers, with operators accusing the council of "price fixing." The ordinance dealing with wreckers performing non-consent tows for the city proposes that any wrecker service that is on the Tennessee Highway Patrol schedule or meets the requirements of the Tennessee Department of Safety towing standards manual and those regulations may contract with Shelbyville...

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

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...

City may lease old Harris gymnasium from county (12/19/07) Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee voted Tuesday night to recommend leasing the old Harris Middle School gymnasium to the City of Shelbyville for $1 per year, with the city to be responsible for maintaining it...

City to take bids on old Senior Citizens Center (12/14/07) Shelbyville will take sealed bids for the old Senior Citizen Center building on North Main Street, according to discussion Thursday night at the final regular meeting of the year for Shelbyville City Council. The city will advertise for the bids, with the right of refusal and a requirement that bidders state the purpose they may have for the building...

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

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

Council considers revised wrecker ordinance (12/05/07) Shelbyville City Council took a look at a revised wrecker ordinance Tuesday that was first examined in May. Several changes were made to the ordinance; most of the tow operators have agreed to them. Craig told the council that the city can't regulate the wrecker business, but it can contract with wrecker companies...

North Main work to cause closure (11/29/07) A section of North Main Street will be closed tonight so the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) can finish uncompleted work on part of the roadway. According to Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig, the section between North Cannon Boulevard and Rite Aid will be closed and graded...

City gets $24M loan for sewer plant (11/21/07) Shelbyville has received a $24.8 million loan through the State Revolving Fund Loan Program to upgrade and expand the city's wastewater treatment plant. Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage system manager David Crowell said he is very pleased with the announcement and is looking forward to progressing with the project...

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

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

Council studies city retirement issues (10/31/07) Shelbyville's city council held a brief study session Tuesday which mostly focused on retirement issues for its employees. City Manager Ed Craig reviewed for the council no less than eight different options to make sure that long term employees will be able to survive on their pension without having to take another job after retiring from the city...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continuance granted in Wright lawsuit (10/09/07) Motions continue surrounding a lengthy legal battle between the city of Shelbyville and a local paving company. The case was continued on Monday, with another hearing scheduled for Wednesday in Fayetteville. The suit was filed nearly two and a half years ago in Bedford County Chancery Court by Tommy Wright, Norma Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc. and Custom Stone LLC over a proposed controversial rock quarry which was turned down for approval in January of 2005...

BCUD, Shelbyville agree on water line transfer (10/04/07) An agreement has been reached and signed for Shelbyville's municipal water system to acquire some of Bedford County Utility District's jurisdiction just outside city limits. The exchange grew from a property owner's request in early summer 2006 when Eddie Crowell of Jackson, son of W.J. Crowell of Shelbyville, sought city sewer service for 126 acres southwest of U.S. 41-A North...

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

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

Speed humps installed at park complex (09/27/07) Too many motorists racing through H.V. Griffin Park have resulted in the installation of speed humps on Buddy Overcast Parkway. City manager Ed Craig said the city has been "struggling for years" with people speeding through the park. After looking at several types of "calming devices" to get drivers to take their foot off the gas, the speed humps were laid down Wednesday...

Suit against city moved to federal court (09/27/07) A suit filed by a former building official for Shelbyville has been moved to federal court, the T-G has learned. Wayne Williams, a 12-year employee of the city, is suing his former employer for breach of contract and wrongful termination. Papers were filed in Bedford County Circuit Court in May, but the case has been removed to the Winchester Division of the U.S. District Court's Eastern District of Tennessee by the city due to constitutional issues, according to City Manager Ed Craig...

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

City fire department gets grant for new truck (09/21/07) The Shelbyville Fire Department has been awarded a $475,000 U.S. Department of Homeland Security vehicle acquisition grant, it was announced Wednesday. The funds will be used to purchase a 75-foot ladder truck, which will replace a 1973 truck that doesn't have a pump or tank...

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

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

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

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

City seeks Purdy Court pool funding (08/18/07) The Shelbyville City Council took action Thursday to begin the process to obtain funding for the revitalization of the Purdy Court Park area. The grant being applied for would be for $103,840. The in-kind amount paid by the city would be $28,000, going toward the labor costs of renovating restrooms at the site...

Shelbyville airport receives state grant (08/18/07) An Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $95,660 has been approved for the Shelbyville Municipal Airport, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation [TDOT] Aeronautics Division. Funds from the aeronautics grant will be used for an addition to the airport's existing apron [ramp]. Last month, the Shelbyville City Council gave approval for the mayor to execute a state grant application for construction of the new apron for a new maintenance hangar...

Attempt to remove city manager fails (08/17/07) Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig survived an attempt to remove him from his job Thursday and then later had his contract renewed for two and half years. At the very end of Thursday night's council meeting, Councilman Al Stephenson made a motion that Craig be given 90 days notice that his contract as city manger would not be renewed...

Poll responders support consolidating VFSI (08/13/07) The largest single group of respondents to a non-scientific poll on the Times-Gazette web site support leaving Volunteer Fire Services Inc. as is. However, if you add those who favor combining VFSI with the county ambulance service and those who support combining it with the Shelbyville Fire Department, you would find a majority of respondents in favor of some sort of change...

Proposed sewer plant gets favorable environmental report (08/08/07) Shelbyville's new wastewater treatment plant has been given an environmental assessment and a "Finding of No Significant Impact" by the state Department of Environment and Conservation [TDEC]. Funding for the new plant, designed to handle 6.5 million gallons a day, was approved last month by the Shelbyville City Council. The project is estimated to cost around $25 million...

Traffic cases crowd city court (08/08/07) "We've got seats if you've got tickets!" The standing room only crowd tried to stuff themselves further into the room where the man at the microphone was calling. Many strained to understand what he said while attempting to move closer, but the large mass of people made it difficult...

Six local bridges structurally deficient (08/07/07) A total of six bridges in Bedford County have been classified as "structurally deficient" by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. (TDOT) TDOT states that while they track deficiencies in state bridges, the list released "by no means indicates a safety issue with the bridges."...

Swing honored by fellow police chiefs (08/07/07) Shelbyville Police Chief Austin Swing was honored last week as Middle Tennessee Division Chief of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP). The group held its 37th annual conference in Memphis. Swing is a past board member for the association and is active on its finance oversight committee. ...

City looks at Purdy Court grant possibilities (08/03/07) The Shelbyville City Council will look at a motion in two weeks to apply for a grant to revitalize Purdy Court. That was just one of the items examined in Thursday's study session, the first for newly elected mayor Wallace Cartwright, council members Lee Roy Cunningham, Al Stephenson and Kay Rose...

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

Mayor is home, doing well (07/26/07) Mayor Wallace Cartwright returned home Wednesday after he was taken to a Nashville hospital on Tuesday night. "Everything turned out fine and he's on his way home," City Recorder Betty Lamb said early Wednesday afternoon. Cartwright was admitted to Bedford County Medical Center after suffering from chest pains on Tuesday morning but the decision to move him was made during the evening...

Mayor hospitalized, sent to Nashville (07/25/07) Mayor Wallace Cartwright was taken to a Nashville hospital last night. He was admitted to Bedford County Medical Center after suffering from chest pains on Tuesday but the decision to move him was made during the evening. According to City Recorder Betty Lamb, who spoke to Cartwright, he was to have been kept overnight for observation as a precaution, but was later sent to Nashville following a series of blood tests...

Public input sought for rec plans (07/25/07) What do you think the future of Shelbyville's recreation department should be? That's the question officials want to get answered next week as the department holds two public meetings on the topic next Thursday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. until noon and a second session from 6-8 p.m. at the Shelbyville Recreation Center...

New council approves airport hangar (07/19/07) Shelbyville's new city council held their first meeting Wednesday in a special called session to approve bids for a new maintenance hangar at the Municipal Airport. Also approved was a authorization to allow the mayor to execute a state grant application for construction of a new apron [ramp] for the new building...

South Main intersection closed (07/18/07) Work is being done on a potentially dangerous intersection in Shelbyville that will slightly reroute traffic, but should help to prevent accidents. The section of South Main Street that directly intersects South Brittain Street has been closed and is being removed...

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

New mayor, council take reins (07/13/07) It was the changing of the guard Thursday as Shelbyville's new mayor and councilpersons were sworn in following their regular meeting. Judge Lee Russell administered the oath of office to incoming mayor Wallace Cartwright, new councilmen Al Stephenson, Lee Roy Cunningham, returning member Fred Harrison and Kay Rose, who was selected to fill Cartwright's vacant slot...

Outgoing council approves wastewater facility (07/13/07) The Shelbyville city council took care of a number of items before swearing in new members Thursday, including financing a new wastewater facility and completing the process of changing the city's charter. Last week, Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer asked the city for approximately $25 million for a new sewage treatment plant, saying the existing plant has served its purpose...

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

Funds requested for new sewer plant (07/05/07) Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer is asking the city for approximately $25 million for a new wastewater treatment plant. The request for the bonds was made Tuesday at the city council's study session. David Crowell told the council that the existing facility has served it's purpose...

Funds requested for new sewer plant (07/05/07) Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer is asking the city for approximately $25 million for a new wastewater treatment plant. The request for the bonds was made Tuesday at the city council's study session. David Crowell told the council that the existing facility has served it's purpose...

City to consider voting by wards (07/05/07) Before the new Shelbyville City Council is sworn in next Thursday, the outgoing body will have several items to consider. One resolution that will be before the council is the issue of the city returning to voting for aldermen by wards instead of "at large."...

Drought fizzles show, but fireworks will blast (06/29/07) The tents have been popping up all over the county as they do every year, selling explosive fun for folks to celebrate the 4th of July. But the extremely dry conditions has fire officials worried that the fireworks could spark blazes. On Tuesday, Fire Chief John Habel recommended that the fireworks display for this year's Independence Day celebration be canceled, although other activities at H.V. Griffin Park will continue as planned...

Site plan approved for new EMS station (06/29/07) Approval was given for a site plan for Bedford County Emergency Medical Services [BCEMS] Thursday by Shelbyville's planning commission. The main station is to be located on 1.8 acres at the intersection of Summit Drive, Airport Business Park Road and Frank Martin Road. The property is currently zoned I-1 [light industrial]. The property was donated for the EMS headquarters by the Wal-Mart Distribution Center...

Lawsuit filed over Power Board appointment (06/28/07) A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Shelbyville and Henry Feldhaus over a controversial Power Board appointment which is to be examined by Tennessee's Attorney General. Rayburn Sudberry filed a Petition for Declaratory Judgment against the city and Feldhaus on June 22 in Bedford County Chancery Court, but papers had not been served to the city as of Thursday morning...

City approves 07-08 budget (06/27/07) Shelbyville's city council swiftly passed the 2007-08 budget Tuesday evening in a special called meeting. The final numbers were slightly revised since the last study session concerning the budget. Projected unappropriated revenue is $11,979,130 with projected unappropriated expenses totaling $12,203,226, leaving a deficit of $224,097...

Fireworks cancelled due to drought conditions (06/27/07) The fireworks display scheduled for July 4th at Shelbyville City Park has been canceled on the recommendation of Fire Chief John Habel due to the extreme drought the area is enduring. Other activities scheduled for the 4th at the park will go on as scheduled, Recreation Director Silva Pinson said...

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

City budget is ready to go (06/20/07) Shelbyville's 2007-08 budget is ready to go and will be addressed at a special called meeting of the City Council next Monday. The meeting is to take place at the city hall annex (the courtroom in the police department) at 6 p.m. The council held a study session Friday to fine tune the numbers, cutting back some non-profit funding and a road project...

City passes 'dangerous dog' ordinance (06/15/07) The Shelbyville City Council passed the final reading on the dangerous dog section of Shelbyville animal control ordinance. The changes to the ordinance creates a provision for dangerous dogs, which are defined as having a "known propensity or disposition" to attack unprovoked, cause injury or threaten the safety of both humans and domestic animals...

State's view sought on board post (06/15/07) Shelbyville will seek an attorney general's opinion as legal issues continue to swarm around a controversial Power Board appointment that the city council made last month. Meanwhile, the city may already be facing a lawsuit over the appointment. The discussion over the appointment began in May after Councilman (and now mayor-elect) Wallace Cartwright refused to vote on appointing a member to the board, citing actions taken in past years...

Legal battle continues between city and paving firm (06/12/07) A long legal battle between the city of Shelbyville and a local paving company is continuing after Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell overruled a motion for partial summary judgment from the plaintiffs. The suit was filed nearly two and a half years ago in Bedford County Chancery Court by Tommy Wright, Norma Wright, Wright Paving Co. Inc. and Custom Stone LLC over a proposed controversial rock quarry which was turned down for approval in January of 2005...

Cross-connection is an issue for lawn care (06/09/07) The next time you turn on your faucet, thank local water providers and their cross-connection systems for the safety of the water that flows from the pipe. Wayne Cook of the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System is a member of the cross-connection department, a division that could just save lives...

Power board member selection in doubt (06/08/07) Complex legal questions are still surrounding the Shelbyville City Council election of a Power Board member which took place last month. The city is currently seeking further legal opinions from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service [MTAS] over the matter and may even ask for an opinion from the Tennessee State Attorney General...

Cartwright wins mayor's race over incumbent (06/07/07) Wallace Cartwright defeated incumbent Mayor Geneva Smith yesterday by a margin of 1,142 to 632 in City of Shelbyville elections, according to unofficial totals. Jerry Robinson was a distant third with 143 votes. All vote totals are unofficial until certified by Bedford County Election Commission, which is scheduled to meet 5 p.m. Tuesday at the election office....

City picks Blue Cross (06/07/07) The Shelbyville City Council held a brief called meeting Tuesday to award the medical insurance plan for city employees, picking BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Last month, the council learned that HealthSpring, the current policy holder for the city, paid out $727,000 last year and only took in $559,000. City Manger Ed Craig said at the time that their proposed rate increase of 47 percent was "unacceptable."...

Police, fire services cost city (06/06/07) If you've ever wondered where all your tax dollars go, the city has worked that out in their latest revised budget, which was presented to the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday. According to figures tabulated, 25 percent of next year's budget expenditures go to the Shelbyville Police Department, with 22 percent earmarked for the Fire Department. Public works get 15 percent, followed by 11 percent to general government...

Candidates talk metro at forum (06/05/07) Candidates and their family members outnumbered the audience at a meeting Monday evening of Bedford County Democratic Club which had been billed as a city candidate forum. The forum, while poorly-attended, brought up one issue which had not yet been heavily discussed in the campaign: metropolitan government...

Polls open 9 a.m. Thursday (06/04/07) Polls will be open 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday for the Shelbyville city election, with the mayor's race and three of the six City Council seats up for election. Early voting for the election wrapped up on Saturday. There were a total of 819 early voters, including paper ballots which have been received by the election office...

State grant to fund airport repairs (06/02/07) Gov. Phil Bredesen announced on Friday that an aeronautics grant of $12,500 has been awarded to Shelbyville Municipal Airport. "Our airports are a vital piece of Tennessee's transportation network," said Bredesen in a news release. "I can't stress enough the importance of not only maintaining these facilities, but also making sure they can continue to serve the changing needs of their communities. I'm pleased to support continued growth at Shelbyville Municipal Airport."...

July 4 observance will have Bicentennial flavor (06/01/07) Erma Bombeck, noted newspaper humorist, said, "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."...

Early voting slow for city election (05/31/07) Only 560 Shelbyville residents have early voted for the June 7 city election, which could be an early indicator of low turnout on Election Day. Saturday is the last day for early voting. "It's been slow," said Summer Leverette of the county election office. "It's a city election, and it's always pretty slow."...

Future projects may reduce sewer smell (05/30/07) Manager David Crowell of Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System says that an odor reported to the Times-Gazette by callers southwest of the square is the typical smell which emanates from the sewage treatment plant during the heat -- and that SPWSS has both short-term and long-term plans for addressing it...

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

Candidate Q&A: Fred Harrison (05/25/07) 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? Education: bachelor's degree in business administration, one year graduate work in administrative education. Served 16 years as a county commissoion member and one term on the council....

Candidate Q&A: Jamie Williams (05/24/07) 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? Between running a business for several years, my education, and working as a church treasurer, I have developed many skills which make me the best candidate for the Fourth Ward city council position....

Candidate Q&A: June Taylor (05/24/07) 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? I have worked 25-plus years listening to both sides of the issue and determining the fairness for each party involved....

Candidate Q&A: Lee Roy Cunningham (05/24/07) 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? I have the experience to do this job. I have served as a city councilman years ago. My background in business, running my own business for over 40 years, gives me a plus. I think you will agree that city government is a big business with a $16 million budget.....

Meet the Candidates: Fourth Ward (05/24/07) The Times-Gazette's series on candidates in the June 7 city election continues today with the candidates for the Fourth Ward city council seat: Lee Roy Cunningham, June Taylor and Jamie Williams. Candidates must live in the ward they seek to represent, but all voters are eligible to vote in all council races, regardless of ward. There has been some discussion of changing that system for future elections...

City begins to crunch numbers (05/23/07) It was number crunching time for the Shelbyville City Council Tuesday as they got their first look at the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. And from what they saw, the figures are looking good this year with no major expenses or tax hike seen. City Manager Ed Craig said the numbers "looks great," and that the council would probably be ready to wrap up the budget process in June...

Meet the Candidates -- Second Ward (05/23/07) The Times-Gazette's series on candidates in the June 7 city election continues today with the candidates for the Second Ward city council seat: Jimmy Darden, former mayor Al Stephenson and incumbent Leonard Travis. Candidates must live in the ward they seek to represent, but all voters are eligible to vote in all council races, regardless of ward. There has been some discussion of changing that system for future elections...

Candidate Q&A: Jimmy Darden (05/23/07) 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? My experience in coaching and management and my personality make me the best person for the office I am seeking...

Candidate Q&A: Al Stephenson (05/23/07) 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? My term of four years as mayor of the City of Shelbyville gives me knowledge of working with the City Council and also state and county government. I've operated businesses in Shelbyville for approximately 25 years. I have an outgoing personality and the ability to listen to citizens' problems and concerns...

Candidate Q&A: Leonard Travis (05/23/07) 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? My experience consists of being a Shelbyville resident for over forty years and serving the public while employed with Purity Dairy Milk Company. ...

Meet the candidates (05/22/07) Today, the Times-Gazette begins a multi-part series in which we ask candidates in the June 7 city election to comment on their own qualifications and on recent issues facing the city. Today's installment focuses on the mayoral candidates -- Wallace Cartwright, Jerry Robinson and incumbent Geneva Smith...

Candidate Q&A: Wallace Cartwright (05/22/07) Wallace Cartwright, candidate for mayor 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? I've been serving on the City Council for the past ten years and I have always been interested in what goes on in the city as well as in the county...

Candidate Q&A: Jerry Robinson (05/22/07) Jerry Robinson, candidate for mayor 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? I am the only candidate for mayor that is college-educated in political science and public administration: I hold a BA with majors in Political Science and Economics, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (Go Vols!). ...

Candidate Q&A: Geneva Smith (05/22/07) Geneva Smith, candidate for mayor 1) What about your experience, background or personality makes you the best person for the office you are seeking? For the past eight years, I have worked hard with the local Economic Development and Tourism office, the South Central Tennessee Development District, the State Department of Economic and Community Development and Tennessee Department of Transportation to bring new industry and projects to Shelbyville. ...

Harrison seeks re-election (05/21/07) Fred Harrison has announced his candidacy for re-election to a sixth ward seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 general election. Harrison has been a state auditor and a teacher and runs a bookkeeping and income tax service. He served 12 years on Bedford County Board of Commissioners and its budget and finance committee, including about six years as chair of that committee...

Clarifications from 2001 meeting reveal actions (05/18/07) Minutes from a special called city meeting from 2001 reveal that a Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer Board member was appointed properly following questions about what constituted a "majority." Councilman Wallace Cartwright provided the Times-Gazette with minutes to a special called meeting held June 5, 2001, which was devoted solely to electing a utility board member...

Williams sues city for wrongful termination (05/16/07) A former building official for Shelbyville is suing his former employer for breach of contract and wrongful termination, according to papers filed in Bedford County Circuit Court this week. Wayne Williams, a 12-year employee of the city, was terminated from his position last May following action he intended to take in regards to a controversial asphalt plant. He is suing both the city of Shelbyville and city manager Ed Craig...

Remembering those who served (05/15/07) There's a different flag waving in the breeze at the Shelbyville Police Department this week under the nation's symbol that is that flying at half-mast. It says "In Memoriam" and has been raised in honor of National Police Week, remembering the law enforcement officers who have fallen while serving their community...

City clarifies tiebreaking procedure (05/15/07) Research into the past minutes of Shelbyville City Council meetings have clarified confusion that arose last week over previous votes for the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer Board. A controversy erupted during the council's regular meeting last Thursday after Councilman Wallace Cartwright refused to vote on appointing a member to the board, citing actions taken in past years...

Candidates agree not to campaign at polls (05/15/07) Candidates in the June 7 city election have apparently made a "gentleman's agreement" not to station campaign workers at the polls that day, according to Election Registrar Anna Clanton, who witnessed the discussion but said the agreement is completely informal and has no official status with her office or the election commission...

Council argues over board vote (05/11/07) Henry Feldhaus was appointed to the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer Board Thursday, but not before an extensive debate of Robert's Rules of Order and what constituted a majority. The proceedings were thrown into disarray when Councilman Wallace Cartwright refused to vote on the matter, leaving the vote 3-2 to appoint Feldhaus. An extensive debate then began over actions taken three years ago in appointing a member to the board...

Local operators unhappy with wrecker policy (05/09/07) Several in the local towing business are not happy with proposed changes to Shelbyville's wrecker policy, which is up for a first reading Thursday. Last week, City Manager Ed Craig suggested the city bid out or contract the number of wrecker operators needed to respond to traffic accidents and then award the contract based on the prices bid by the operators...

Major makeover planned for Purdy Court (05/07/07) Imagine a place where kids can walk through loops of water and cool off, or an elephant trunk spraying the children while they play. That's the vision coming from the city's recreation department, with ideas to make the old new again by giving the facilities at Purdy Court a much needed face lift...

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

TDOT grant will benefit local airport (05/03/07) The Shelbyville Municipal Airport has been awarded an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $40,500 to assist with improvements to that facility. Gov. Phil Bredesen made the announcement earlier this week. "General aviation airports are critical to the economic development of communities across the state," said Bredesen. ...

Council to consider voting by ward (05/03/07) The issue of Shelbyville returning to voting for aldermen by wards instead of "at large" in coming years will once again be before the city council. The suggestion to go to single member districts was made last month by Councilman Wallace Cartwright. Mayor Geneva Smith pointed out that the council had voted against the idea of voting by wards several years ago...

Wrecker ordinance changes proposed (05/03/07) A proposed new ordinance regarding wrecker services used by the city for police tows is on the agenda for the Shelbyville City Council three years after the current one was amended. City Manager Ed Craig suggested the city bid out or contract the number of wrecker operators it needs and then award the contract based on the prices bid by the operators...

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

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

Young attorney's death shocks community (04/25/07) Attorney Tom Nance, 39, who served as Shelbyville City Attorney and as a partner in Bobo, Hunt, White and Nance, died Monday at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville. "I'm just devastated," City Manager Ed Craig said this morning. "Tom was a great friend and great advisor and I relied on him daily. He was such a wonderful man with a warm manner and great sense of humor. It has left a huge hole here in City Hall."...

Celebration makes massive financial impact (04/20/07) Like an old family friend, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) has been with Shelbyville since 1939, so long that many can't remember there being a time when there wasn't a horse show. The longevity of the show makes it difficult to determine the exact tax impact that the annual event has on this community, according to Shelbyville Mayor Geneva Smith...

City defers action on voting change (04/13/07) Shelbyville's city council voted to defer a resolution that would change voting for aldermen by wards instead of "at large" on Thursday. Councilmen Randy Vernon asked for it to be discussed at next month's meeting because the matter was brought up at the end of last week's study session and Vernon felt there hadn't been enough time to discuss it...

Dog ordinance passes first reading (04/13/07) The first reading of an ordinance concerning dogs was passed by the Shelbyville City Council Thursday evening. The ordinance amends Chapter 2, Title 3 of the city's municipal code pertaining to dogs. Interest in changing the city's code on animal control came following several dog attacks, including the attack on a Shelbyville woman by two pit bulls last November...

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

Darden seeks Second Ward seat (04/11/07) James "Coach Jimmy Dee" Darden has announced his candidacy for a Second Ward seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 city election. Darden is a retired employee of the U.S. Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center, for which he worked 23 years. Prior to that, he worked at Uniroyal in Shelbyville for 17 years. He is a graduate of Burt High School, Austin Peay State University and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa's continuing education program...

Travis seeks another term on Council (04/06/07) Leonard Travis has announced his candidacy for re-election to a Ward 2 seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 city election. Travis is retired from Murfreesboro Pure Milk Co. (Purity) after 45 years of service. He has served on the Shelbyville Planning Commission, the Shelbyville Airport Authority, the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center board and the Stormwater committee...

Shelbyville elections could change (04/05/07) Shelbyville could return to voting for aldermen by wards instead of "at large" in coming years. Councilman Wallace Cartwright suggested going to single member districts during Tuesday's study session of the city council. Councilmen Randy Vernon and Leonard Travis also supported the idea...

Cunningham seeks City Council seat (04/04/07) Lee Roy Cunningham has announced his candidacy for a Fourth Ward seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 city election. Cunningham was born, raised and educated in Bedford County. He owns and operates Bedford Motors and has been a businessman for 44 years...

Limits on dogs, cats possible (04/04/07) The issue of limiting how many dogs and other animals can be kept outside a home in Shelbyville was examined by the city council as they move closer to a vote over animal control. A new section is to be added to the city code dealing with limitations on keeping animals outdoors which would limit the number of creatures allowed based on lot size...

Ten qualify for city election (03/30/07) Ten candidates have qualified to run for offices in the June 7 Shelbyville city election, including three candidates for mayor. This is the last city election to be held in an odd-numbered year. Starting in 2008, city elections will be held in November of even-numbered years, at the same time as state and federal general elections. This will save the city the cost of having its own separate election...

Taylor seeks Fourth Ward seat (03/27/07) June Taylor has announced her candidacy for a Fourth Ward seat on Shelbyville City Council in the June 7 city election. Taylor is director and owner of Kiddie Kare I Infant and Toddler Center and Kiddie Kare II Preschool. She has been in the child care business for 20 years...

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

Celebration, city support Trainers Show (03/23/07) The industry that has made the city of Shelbyville known worldwide as the "Walking Horse Capital of the World" announced that the City of Shelbyville has shown its support for the National Trainers' Show in a big way. Walking Horse Trainers' Association Director Benny Johnson joined Celebration CEO Ron Thomas and Shelbyville City Manager Ed Craig on the Celebration Grounds to accept a sponsorship check totaling $30,000 from The Celebration and the City of Shelbyville for their sponsorship of the event.. ...

Cartwright seeks mayor's office (03/22/07) Wallace Cartwright has announced his candidacy for mayor of Shelbyville in the June 7 city election. Cartwright is currently serving his third term as a council member representing Ward 3. Cartwright was a partner with his father in Ewing F. Cartwright and Son, General Contractors, for 24 years. ...

Mayor seeks re-election (03/15/07) Geneva Smith has announced her candidacy for re-election as mayor of Shelbyville in the June 7 city election. Smith, a Bedford County native, is a member of Fairfield Church of Christ. She is a member of the Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce board; the Economic Development and Tourism board; and the Joint Economic Development Board. ...

Stephenson seeks Council seat (03/14/07) Former Shelbyville mayor Albert Stephenson has announced his candidacy for City Council, representing Ward 2, in the June 7 city election. Stephenson was mayor from 1995 to 1999. He is an alumnus of Leadership Bedford and holds a certificate for government leadership from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville Institute for Public Service. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former president of Shelbyville Kiwanis Club and a former lieutenant governor for Kiwanis International...