Shelbyville, Tennessee ~ Sunday, May 18, 2008

Election administrator skeptical about bill (05/14/08) A proposal that would require a paper record for voters' ballots in Tennessee has passed the state House, but Bedford County election administrator Summer Leverette is skeptical. The measure sponsored by Rep. Gary Moore, a Joelton Democrat, was approved 88-6 on Tuesday. The companion bill, sponsored by Sen. Joe Haynes, D-Goodlettsville, is scheduled for a full Senate vote on Thursday...

Cobb bill sets requirements on mortgage lenders (05/12/08) A bill sponsored by State Rep. Curt Cobb that was signed into law last week will create new requirements for individuals engaged or seeking to operate in the mortgage industry in Tennessee, including background checks. Last week, Gov. Phil Bredesen signed SB 4160, which was designed to establish educational requirements and a method for criminal background checks on individuals working in the mortgage industry who must be licensed or registered with the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.. ...

Drivers who ignore flood warning signs could be charged (05/07/08) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Drivers who ignore flood warning signs or barricades could be charged with reckless driving under a bill headed to the governor for his consideration. The House voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the measure sponsored by Rep. Curt Cobb, a Shelbyville Democrat...

Ethics bill defeat perplexes Tracy (05/06/08) If a state legislator, or the governor, is convicted of crimes involving their office, should they still be eligible for state health insurance? State Sen. Jim Tracy said Monday he is disappointed with action in the House of Representatives last week that killed a bill he sponsored that would have ended the health insurance benefits of a member of the General Assembly or governor upon conviction for felonies involving their office...

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....

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...

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...

Blackburn rallies local GOP (04/21/08) U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn stressed energy, the economy and national security during a speech Saturday night at the annual Bedford County Republican Party banquet. The banquet was held at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds. Blackburn said the party's losses in 2006 were the result of a loss of focus on key messages...

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

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...

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

Sales taxes take a holiday April 25-27 (04/15/08) There may have been some pain today as your taxes came due, but Tennesseeans will have a holiday to celebrate their temporary absence soon. That special, one-time sales tax holiday begins Friday, April 25 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, April 27 at 11:59 p.m...

Water summit planned at Horton Park (04/02/08) A brainstorming session is scheduled Thursday evening at Henry Horton State Park in Marshall County to reach consensus on how to deal with drought in the Duck River watershed, according to State Sen. Bill Ketron. Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) represents the 13th Senate District, including Maury and Marshall counties along the Duck River. He also represents Lincoln County and western Rutherford County...

Tracy bill promotes health insurance (03/31/08) The Tennessee State Senate has given final approval to legislation to let more small business owners join together to negotiate lower health insurance rates. Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) is one of the sponsors of the bill, SB 4014, which is designed to encourage more small employers to purchase health insurance, and give them predictability and stability in health-insurance rates...

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

Bredesen pushes long-term care plan (03/28/08) Gov. Phil Bredesen said that his own mother, last year, was in a position where she was too sick to be home alone and yet not disabled enough to be in a nursing home. Fortunately, she had "a son who knows a little bit about the system," in the governor's words, and he was able to arrange for her needs to be met...

VFSI receives enhancement grant (03/25/08)

MTSU satellite discussions continue (03/21/08) During a meeting Thursday of county employees, County Mayor Eugene Ray said discussions are continuing with Middle Tennessee State University over the possibility of MTSU holding satellite classes in the old Central High School / Harris Middle School building on Elm Street...

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

Vets may get lottery-funded scholarships (03/21/08) Tennessee General Assembly's lottery subcommittee looking at proposals for disbursing excess lottery funds, chaired by Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), has recommended several bills for passage to the full committee. According to Tracy, there is $460 million in the lottery reserve account, of which $50 million must be kept in savings under current law...

House, Senate hopefuls file for primaries (03/18/08) Several petitions have been turned in to Bedford County Election Commission for the State Senate and House seats up for election this year. Party primaries will be held in August with the general election in November. Republican State Sen. Jim Tracy has turned in his petition to run for re-election, and Murfreesboro Democrat Dee Butler has also filed for the 16th District seat, according to Election Commission officials...

Dates of sales tax holiday changed (03/17/08) The Tennessee Department of Revenue announced the change of the special spring Sales Tax Holiday dates to Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27. This one-time holiday will offer three full days of tax savings to shoppers on clothing, school and art supplies and computers...

State honors World Grand Champion (03/17/08) State Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens recently honored 2007 Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion owners Lee Wall and Mike McGartland and trainer Jimmy McConnell. Givens recognized Wall, McGarland and McConnell during a luncheon of industry leaders and supporters at the Ellington Agricultural Center. Givens represented Gov. Phil Bredesen at the event, which has become a tradition to recognize the contributions of the Walking Horse industry to the state...

Public meetings provisions unlikely to change this year (03/17/08) NASHVILLE (AP) -- Nearly three years after the Tennessee Waltz corruption scandal led to demands for stronger open government laws, the Legislature is poised to approve a measure to improve access to public records. But efforts to strengthen laws requiring local governments to conduct their business in open meetings have been jettisoned for at least another year...

Bell Buckle awaits sewer nod (03/14/08) Bell Buckle is still waiting to hear from Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) about lifting a Director's Order against the town that prevents it from installing any new sewer taps. The topic came up after the town board turned down a request from Alderman Frank Reagor, who was not present for the meeting, for a sewer tap at 104 Hinkle Hill Road...

New Motlow library to be dedicated (03/12/08)

Tracy bill gives retired teachers more voice (03/12/08) State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) gained the approval of the state Senate this week for legislation he sponsored to give retired teachers more power on the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) Board of Trustees. The bill designates the retired teacher member as a voting member of the board. Currently, there is a retired teacher who serves on the Board, but that position is not a voting member...

Tracy pushes MTSU building project (03/08/08) The Senate Education Committee has unanimously adopted a motion by State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) that would set seven capital building projects listed by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission as a priority of that committee. Actually building the projects depends on state funds becoming available; the projects would be considered in the order of which is most in need of improvements. ...

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...

DHS clarifies comments on food stamp program (03/04/08) Tennessee Department of Human Services claims that figures given by a field supervisor concering food stamp distribution in Bedford County are inaccurate. DHS Field Supervisor Lisa Cowell stated during a town hall meeting Friday with State Sen. Jim Tracy that that 9,000 families in Bedford County were on food stamps at an annual cost of $8 million...

Tracy hears public concerns (03/03/08) Constituents had a wide variety of questions and complaints for State Sen. Jim Tracy as he held a series of town hall meetings around the 16th District on Friday. A group of about 30 citizens and several local officials attended a meeting at the Shelbyville/Bedford County Chamber of Commerce where Tracy fielded questions for over an hour before traveling down the road for another meeting in Lynchburg...

Tracy: Water, budget occupy legislature (03/01/08) Concerns about the state budget and local water issues are just some of the items that Tennessee legislators are to examine during this session of the General Assembly, State Sen. Jim Tracy said Friday. He spoke at a town meeting held in the Shelbyvlle Bedford County Chamber of Commerce auditorium, part of a series of meetings held throughout the 16th District...

Constitutional protections for hunting considered (02/29/08) NASHVILLE (AP) -- A proposal to create constitutional protections for hunting in Tennessee is headed back to the House after the Senate passed a slightly changed version. The Senate voted unanimously Thursday for a version that added protections for so-called traditional hunting methods as long as they target non-threatened species...

Motlow reports record spring enrollment (02/18/08) Enrollment at Motlow College, which was named one of the fastest-growing colleges in the U.S. by Community College Week, continues its upward path and this spring surpassed 4,000 students for the first time in the college's history, according to Dr. MaryLou Apple, president of the college...

Bell Buckle seeks lift of state sewer sanction (02/15/08) Bell Buckle will be contacting the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) soon about lifting a director's order against the town in regards to their sewer system. Water manager Ronnie Lokey reported to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen Tuesday that work was basically completed on the town's new equalization basin, which was required for the city to comply with a Director's Order issued by TDEC...

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

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. ...

Tracy nursing home bill draws fire from consumer group (02/06/08) A consumer watchdog organization is slamming State Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville for his introduction of a bill that that critics claim would restrict the rights of nursing home victims and their families. However, Tracy and proponents of the bill say that a large number of nursing home lawsuits and their verdicts have driven the liability cost per bed here in the Volunteer State to second highest in the nation...

Tracy bill would ban health care for convicted lawmakers (02/05/08) A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jim Tracy that would keep former members of the General Assembly from receiving healthcare benefits if they are convicted of a felony for misuse of their office has been approved by the Senate State and Local Government Committee...

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

Grant announced during sponsors' party (01/29/08) State Sen. Jim Tracy put smiles on the faces of 14 very appreciative ladies Saturday evening when he surprised them with $5,000 in grant funds to Habitat For Humanity. The Habitat For Humanity Ball Committee had no idea Tracy planned to present the check to them at Saturday evening's sponsors' and patrons' party, which was held at the Shelbyville home of Mary Ann and John Davis...

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

Open Government bills go to legislature (01/28/08) NASHVILLE (AP) -- The chairman of a study committee that proposed changes to state laws on open government has introduced two bills in the Legislature. One has the panel's official recommendations and one removes provisions he disagrees with. Sen. Randy McNally, a Republican from Oak Ridge, said he favors a "scaled-down version" of the changes recommended by the Open Government Study Committee...

Motlow is fast-growing, says magazine (01/25/08) Motlow College is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation for its size, according to a recent report by Community College Week. Motlow ranks 13th among the publication's list of the top 50 colleges with enrollments from 2,500 to 4,999 students...

Bypass construction could begin in October (01/21/08) Construction on the long-discussed, long-awaited northeast bypass around Shelbyville could begin as soon as October, State Rep. Curt Cobb said on Saturday. "We're pretty excited," Cobb told the Times-Gazette. Cobb also said bids on the first phase of widening North Main Street will be opened Feb. 15; a request for bids was issued on Friday...

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

Committee turns down audit of mansion project (01/15/08) NASHVILLE (AP) -- Tennessee lawmakers on Monday rejected an audit of an $18 million project to renovate the governor's mansion that includes construction of a controversial underground hall. Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz and state Architect Mike Fitts briefed the state Legislature's Fiscal Review Committee on the restoration initiative and invited an audit of the project...

Tracy likes governor's new stance on lottery funds (01/14/08) State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) said in a news release Friday that he is pleased that Gov. Phil Bredesen is moving toward a more direct method of distributing lottery excess funds for K-12 school construction and capital outlay. Tracy was the prime sponsor of legislation in the Senate last year creating a system of grants for schools for K-12 construction from excess lottery funds. ...

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...

Legislature prepares for new session (01/07/08) NASHVILLE (AP) -- The General Assembly returns to session Tuesday with a few fresh issues and several leftovers from last year on lawmakers' plates. They can count on it being warmed up by the heat of election year politics. Political maneuvering and hot-button issues are almost certain, not least because tight budget projections mean lawmakers likely won't be distracted by spending any windfalls...

State schools touted as "bargain" (01/05/08) METRO MOORE COUNTY -- Tennessee's colleges, universities and technology centers are "still the best bargain" in higher education, said Fran Marcum of the Tennessee Board of Regents, and yet Tennessee is still "one of the most under-educated states."...

CFD loses 10 percent of funding (01/04/08) Cuts in federal funding have resulted in the Center for Family Development losing 10 percent of its operating funds for the next year. As a result, the Center, which already has a fundraiser slated for next Saturday, is in dire need of financial help...

Most counties haven't adopted tax break (01/04/08) Only seven of Tennessee's 95 counties have enacted a property tax freeze for elderly homeowners that was authorized by voters last year -- and Bedford is not one of them. A constitutional amendment to allow the freeze was easily approved at the polls last year and the Legislature crafted guidelines for the tax break last session. But only Blount, Bradley, Davidson, Hamblen, Knox, Roane and Wilson counties have approved the freeze...

New laws now in effect (01/03/08) Jan. 1 not only brought us a new year, but new laws as well for the citizens of Tennessee. A new law cracks down on the hiring of illegal immigrants in Tennessee. House Bill 729 prohibits persons from knowingly employing an illegal alien, recruiting or referring one for employment for a fee. It is punishable by business license suspension for one year after a second violation...

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

Sales tax on food drops -- barely -- in 2008 (12/31/07) At midnight tonight, it will get a little bit cheaper to buy food, as the state sales tax rate on food drops by half of a percent. Currently, the state sales tax rate is 6 percent for grocery food items and 7 percent on other items. The local sales tax in Bedford County, city plus county, is 2.75 percent, making the total tax 8.75 percent for grocery food items and 9.75 percent for non-food items. ...

Bill to change Sunshine Law may lack sponsor (12/20/07) NASHVILLE (AP) -- State Sen. Randy McNally has not decided whether he will sponsor legislation proposing changes to Tennessee's open government laws. The Oak Ridge Republican chaired the study committee that recommended the changes, but said he has some concerns about a proposal that would allow government officials to meet privately...

Bredesen: BEP funding may be slowed by economy (12/10/07) NASHVILLE (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen says full implementation of the state's retooled education funding formula may take longer than expected because of a tightening economy, but he still plans to put new funds into it. The governor said he initially intended for improvements to the Basic Education Program to be in place within three years. A key provision of the overhaul changes how the state calculates local governments' ability to fund their share of the formula...

County awarded water grant (12/07/07) Gov. Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber have announced the approved a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to assist a water line extension project that will serve 56 homes in three target areas in Bedford County...

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. ...

Governor proclaims 'Bedford County Day' Dec. 3 (11/27/07) Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a proclamation declaring Dec. 3, the county's 200th birthday, as "Bedford County Day" in Tennessee. State Sen. Jim Tracy and officials of Bedford County Historical Society presented a copy of the proclamation to County Mayor Eugene Ray on Monday, so that it can be read and referred to during the official bicentennial celebration Dec. 3 at the Blue Ribbon Circle on the Celebration grounds...

Grant will keep area clean (11/26/07) Bedford County has been awarded with a $34,221 litter grant as part of the effort to StopLitter™ in Tenlnessee. Litter grant funds totaling $3 million are distributed annually by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to all 95 counties. According to TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, the funds for the grants are obtained through the collection of a specialty tax on the malt beverage and soft drink industry through the Litter Grant Bill enacted by the General Assembly in 1981...

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...

Cable / phone fight heats up again (11/16/07) The cable television industry is gearing up for another fight in the Tennessee State Legislature against AT&T, which is planning to promote a bill next year that the cable industry claims would hurt consumers by dismantling the local franchise law. However, AT&T claims that a handful of cable companies continue to enjoy a monopoly on video service and that the current method of obtaining local cable franchises is "a lengthy, expensive process that just doesn't make sense." ...

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

Veterans' education bill backed by Cobb (11/09/07) Citing the inability of the G.I. Bill to meet the rising costs of a college education, the Tennessee House and Senate Democratic Caucus on Monday introduced the "Helping Heroes Act of 2008," a scholarship funded by lottery proceeds that will provide a maximum of $8,000 in higher education assistance to Tennessee veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan...

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

Grants address courthouse security concerns (11/06/07) Courthouse security grants announced Monday by Tennessee's Administrative Office of the Courts renew the debate in Bedford County over whether the judicial system should be relocated away from the county courthouse. Marshall County is to receive up to $26,000, and Bedford County is to get up to $6,000 as their parts of a $2 million appropriation from the Tennessee General Assembly to the state court system's budget for this fiscal year, according to Elizabeth Sykes, administrative director of the courts.. ...

Tracy records 4:47 in Marine Corps Marathon (11/05/07) State Sen. Jim Tracy recorded a time of 4:47 in the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 28 in Washington. "I definitely wanted to go under five [hours], and I did that," Tracy said this morning. This was the third marathon for the 51-year-old insurance agent from Shelbyville, but his first time to compete in the Marine Corps Marathon...

Some want later start for schools (11/05/07) MEMPHIS (AP) -- Some parents are building support for legislation that would ban Tennessee public schools from opening earlier than the week before Labor Day after a summer of sweltering classrooms and heat-exhausted athletes. But they face opposition from most of the statewide education organizations, which want to retain flexibility for local school boards to set their own school calendars...

Utilities baffled by state info (11/03/07) Transportation, water and wastewater are two of the top infrastructure needs of Bedford County, according to a report released by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). But while TACIR corrected figures for Bedford County schools, other amounts remain unchanged. Local officials are still scratching their heads, wondering where TACIR got its data...

CORRECTED: State school report cards released (11/02/07) The State of Tennessee released its annual report cards on every school and school system in the state at 8 a.m. today; the cards can be accessed at www.state.tn.us/education/reportcard. The state had already reported back in August the names of some schools in need of improvement. ...

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

TACIR revises school needs figure (11/02/07) Revised figures from a state agency regarding infrastructure state that Bedford County schools have a need of $78.9 million, nearly half the amount reported earlier this week. The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) corrected the numbers Thursday after inquiries from the T-G revealed that the state agency had released data that was in error...

Lotto jackpot claimed by Fayetteville man (11/02/07) Delbert Jones of Fayetteville has been identified as the winner of the $90,419 Lotto 5 jackpot from a ticket sold last month in Shelbyville. Jones claimed his prize on Monday, 10 days after the original drawing, according to lottery spokeswoman Rachel Petrie. ...

Local officials puzzled by inaccurate state figures (11/01/07) Bedford County officials say they were mystified by figures released this week by a state agency regarding local infrastructure. That's because the numbers, released Monday by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), were found to be in error when the T-G began asking local officials about them...

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

Tracy, TDOT praised for quick work on road (10/29/07) Traffic and safety problems in front of Cascade School should be drastically reduced due to the addition of a new lane leading onto the grounds. And Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray says it's all thanks to the efforts of State Sen. Jim Tracy and officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), who rushed the project through...

Lottery money still unclaimed (10/26/07) The $90,419 Lotto 5 ticket sold in Shelbyville last week had still not been redeemed as of Thursday morning, according to Tennessee Lottery spokeswoman Rachel Petrie. Lotto 5 requires a player to select any five numbers between 1 and 39. Drawings are broadcast Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 10:34 p.m. on WKRN-TV (Channel 2)...

Tracy honored by Heart Association (10/26/07) State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) was recently named "Tennessee Advocate of the Year" by the American Heart Association for his efforts to help limit the harmful effects of second hand smoke in Tennessee. "Because of Senator Tracy's leadership, Tennessee had a new dawn on Oct. 1," said Nathan James, Advocacy Director for the American Heart Association. Tennessee became the first ‘tobacco state' to put the health of its citizens first."...

$90K Lotto ticket sold in Shelbyville (10/22/07) A winning Lotto 5 ticket worth $90,419 in Friday night’s drawing was sold in Shelbyville; the winner had not claimed his or her prize by press time, and so no name or further information was available, according to Tennessee Lottery officials. The numbers were 8, 9, 16, 25 and 39. ...

Sidewalks at Harris to be funded by state grant (10/19/07) Harris Middle School has been awarded $150,500 in Safe Routes to School funds. The funds will be used to construct approximately 4,000 linear feet of sidewalk in the vicinity of the school. Funds will also be used to provide an educational program focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety and promotional activities to encourage walking and biking as a safe and healthy initiative...

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

Cobb participates in educational program (10/15/07) State Rep. Curt Cobb recently participated in the America's Legislators Back to School Program, which is designed to educate students about the legislative process and build links between the schools and the legislatures. "Last year the Tennessee Legislature passed a budget which included nearly $185 million in funding for school systems in Bedford, Lincoln, and Rutherford Counties. ...

Motlow names new library (10/06/07) The new library at Motlow State Community College will be named after university supporter Jim Clayton and former president Dr. A. Frank Glass, according to current Motlow president Dr. MaryLou Apple. Tennessee Board of Regents, which oversees Motlow, approved the name at its September meeting, and a ceremony to christen the library is in the planning stages...

Judge rules against Knox County in Sunshine Law case (10/02/07) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A Knox County jury has ruled unanimously that the county commission violated the state's open meetings law by privately discussing appointments for vacant positions. The jury began deliberating Tuesday morning and took about 4 1/2 hours to reach verdicts on 29 separate questions they were required to answer...

Tracy will compete in Marine Corps Marathon (10/02/07) State Sen. Jim Tracy is running again, and he's heading to Washington. But neither of those things has to do with politics. Yes, Tracy is a Republican from Shelbyville representing Bedford, Moore and parts of Rutherford counties in the State Senate. But the running he's planning on doing in Washington isn't running for office: it's running in the literal sense of the word, as a competitor in the annual Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 28...

TDOT studying turn lanes (10/01/07) The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has begun a feasibility study to see if turn lanes can be constructed at Cascade Elementary. Parents and area residents expressed concern last week to the Times-Gazette about the traffic situation in front of the school, which they say becomes dangerous with vehicles parked on both sides of State Highway 269, also known as Wartrace / Bell Buckle Road...

School traffic causes problems at Cascade (09/26/07) "It's chaotic!" That's how one parent describes the traffic situation at Cascade Elementary, where cars are parked on both sides of the narrow two-lane state highway every afternoon. But until the Bedford County School System gets help from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), there isn't much they can do about it...

State hopes smoking ban is a motivator (09/26/07) Tennessee Commissioner of Health Susan R. Cooper said the statewide ban on smoking in public places which takes effect Monday may be just the impetus some people need to kick the tobacco habit. Cooper spoke by telephone with the Times-Gazette on Tuesday afternoon from her office in Nashville...

Imagination Library recognized this week (09/17/07) Reading opens windows of opportunity for children and this week, Tennesseans celebrate that chance to travel around the world through books as the second Imagination Library Week begins. Gov. Phil Bredesen dedicated this week as Imagination Library Week, kicking off a celebration of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.The week will be packed with events aimed at bolstering enrollment of the program as well as fund-raising activities in nearly all 95 counties including reading events at the Argie Cooper Library where guest readers will share stories with children of all ages.. ...

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

Holton executed (09/12/07) NASHVILLE -- The execution of Daryl Holton ended with the pronouncement of his death at 1:25 this morning at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, where the Shelbyville man's last words were a play on words. After a microphone check, Warden Ricky Bell asked, "Do you have any last words?" And the man who's all along accepted execution as the consequence for shooting his three sons and their half sister to death replied, "Yes. Two words. I do."...

Holton scheduled to die Wednesday (09/10/07) A Shelbyville man who's been incarcerated for nearly 10 years since he killed his three sons and their half-sister is scheduled to die Wednesday morning in the electric chair at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in Nashville. Daryl Holton, 45, has selected electrocution for his death...

Emergency response volunteer meeting planned (09/08/07) Tennessee Department of Health's South Central Regional Office is conducting emergency response volunteer meetings throughout the region during September. The purpose is to train or retrain persons who have volunteered to assist in the seven Points of Dispensing (mass clinics or PODs) that will be put into operation if an emergency situation occurs to make that action necessary...

Smith to aid Books From Birth Foundation (09/08/07) Tamra Smith of Shelbyville knows first-hand the importance of reading and the art's influence on impressive young lives. Now, through the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS), Smith, an attorney and Disability Claims Director with DHS, will have an opportunity to put that experience to work as she teams with the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation (GBBF) to expand the libraries of more than 2,400 child care agencies serving low income infants, toddlers and preschoolers across the state.. ...

It's TUFF challenge time again (09/08/07) The dangerous task of fighting fires isn't just about making sure the water gets to the right place -- there's a lot of back-breaking work that goes into it as well. There are tasks such as climbing, busting through doors and walls, ventilation and the rescue of victims, which puts great physical demands on a firefighter...

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

Motlow enrollment leads TBR system in growth (09/05/07) Fall enrollment at Motlow State Community College is up 7.10 percent on the fifth day of classes and represents the highest enrollment increase among Tennessee Board of Regents colleges and universities, according to Dr. MaryLou Apple, president of the college. Final fall enrollment numbers will be released by TBR next week...

Kimbro honored for service to Motlow (08/29/07) Kay Kimbro of Normandy, who was hired as Motlow State Community College's second employee, marked 35 years with the college this year and was recognized during an award ceremony on the Moore County campus. Kimbro was hired in 1969 second only to Motlow's first president, Dr. ...

No water restrictions here ... yet (08/28/07) While Gov. Phil Bredesen is asking everyone in the state to conserve water, local utilities say that Bedford County has enough of the wet stuff ... at least for the present. Bob Finney of Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System said Monday that water restrictions may be coming in the future, but not now. It all depends on the rain...

Burning restrictions in place (08/28/07) Due to extremely high wildfire danger caused by the drought, record high temperatures and low humidity, state Forestry officials announced the implementation of burning restrictions usually reserved for official wildfire season. Effective Monday, citizens are required to obtain a burning permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry before conducting any outdoor, open burning of debris within 500 feet of woodlands, grasslands or forest lands...

Know symptoms of heat stress (08/27/07) As the heat wave continues, state Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper encourages Tennesseans to stay cautious; meanwhile, Bedford County Emergency Medical Services reported only one heat-related complaint during the first night of the Celebration on Thursday...

State health officials urge caution (08/24/07) As the heat wave continues, state Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper encourages Tennesseans to stay cautious; meanwhile, Bedford County Emergency Medical Services reported only one heat-related complaint during the first night of the Celebration on Thursday...

Assistance available for heat wave (08/24/07) County Mayor Eugene Ray said Thursday that assistance is available for those who need, but cannot afford, fans or air conditioners to cope with the ongoing heat wave. Ray said the assistance is available through Tennessee Department of Health and Environment and that persons who need help can call his office, 684-7944, or Melissa Staley at the Health Department office in Columbia, (931) 490-8348, for more information...

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

THP does not solicit funds (08/20/07) The Tennessee Highway Patrol does not ask for charitable donations and is warning residents about reports of recent phone solicitations, according to a news release. This month, several residents in East Tennessee have reported receiving phone calls from a person allegedly representing himself as a state trooper. In at least one report, the caller claimed to be raising money to buy bullet resistant vests for members of the Highway Patrol...

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

Board hears HMS, SCHS issues (08/14/07) It was announced last week that Harris Middle School is on the state's school improvement list after failing to meet its adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals for two years. But Bedford County School Superintendent Ed Gray, reporting to the Board of Education Monday night, also said that Central High School is on the state's target list after failing to meet its goals for one year, and that Thomas Intermediate School missed the target list by one student...

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...

Harris is on school improvement list (08/07/07) Harris Middle School has made the state's list of schools needing improvement, announced Monday, after failing to meet its adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals for two years. Harris Middle includes grades 6, 7 and 8. The school moved into a new facility on Learning Way in 2005. It was given a status of "School Improvement 1," which means it has failed to meet its AYP goals for two years. It must meet the goals for two years in order to come off School Improvement 1 status...

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

Warren fined over environmental violations (08/03/07) A local developer has been fined $41,000 by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) over violations of the Water Quality Control Act. James R. Warren was issued a Director's Order and Assessment from Paul Davis, the Director of the Tennessee Division of Water Pollution Control, on July 9. The order concerns material that was discharged into a tributary of Little Hurricane Creek...

Agricultural disaster area declared in Tennessee (08/02/07) All 95 counties in Tennessee have been declared an agricultural disaster, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA), it was announced Wednesday. The disaster designation makes Tennessee farmers affected by drought conditions eligible for low-interest emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), helping farmers offset crop losses suffered this growing season...

Sales tax holiday this weekend (08/01/07) With school opening soon, parents are going to be headed to the stores for this year's clothes and supplies. But the best time to do your shopping will be this weekend, when Tennesseans will have their second annual Sales Tax Holiday. It begins Friday at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday at 11:59 p.m...

House approves funding for MTSU programs (07/31/07) The U.S. House of Representatives approved federal funding to help Middle Tennessee State University boost its science education and aerospace efforts by completing its new observatory and conducting research to better train air traffic controllers and pilots, announced U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon...

Not all local residents have broadband access (07/30/07) Bedford County lags behind some of its neighbors to the north and east in access to broadband Internet, according to a map published by the Nashville-based non-profit Connected Tennessee. Broadband refers to high-speed Internet service, usually meaning either cable internet (provided by cable TV companies like Charter Communications) or DSL (provided by telephone companies like BellSouth / AT&T). ...

County schools will continue drug testing (07/27/07) Bedford County Board of Education voted Thursday night to continue random drug testing for students engaged in extracurricular activities, only with minor changes to the permission form which parents and students sign at the beginning of the school year...

State sales tax holiday Aug. 3-5 (07/19/07) With school days fast approaching, shoppers budgeting for the expense will rejoice over the expanded sales tax holiday approved by the General Assembly. The tax-free weekend will take place Aug. 3-5 for back-to-school shopping. The General Assembly expanded the sales tax holiday this past session to include art supplies such as clay and glazes; acrylic, tempera and oil paints; paintbrushes for artwork; sketch and drawing pads; and watercolors...

Bacteria too high in some county streams (07/17/07) A recent water quality assessment by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) reveals that several Bedford County streams have unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria. Two sections of the Duck River reportedly is contaminated with Escherichia coli [E. coli] due to discharges from storm sewer systems and "collection system failure" according to the report...

State worker explains anti-discrimination fight (06/29/07) Civil rights is not just justice for some, but for all, and there's a state agency whose job is to make sure it stays that way. Discrimination was the topic of discussion at Thursday's meeting of the Bedford/Moore County Workforce Outreach Committee, held by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development at Charleston On Main...

Teacher salaries could require tax hike (06/27/07) Unless money were saved elsewhere in the county's budget, it would take an increase of four cents per $100 assessed value on the county property tax rate to fund the proposed school system budget, which includes money for higher teacher salaries. A proposed draft budget was handed out to school board members during a called meeting Tuesday at the school system central offices on Madison Street. ...

Now, everyone must be carded (06/27/07) No, you aren't looking younger these days and that clerk isn't paying you a compliment by suddenly asking for your ID. As of July 1, the Tennessee Responsible Vendor Act goes into effect, which makes our state the first in the nation to require the carding of anyone, without exception, who purchases beer for off-premises consumption...

Polluters to receive online infamy (06/26/07) If someone in the area has been polluting Tennessee waters, by next week, you'll be seeing their names on the Internet. That's because the State Department of Environment and Conservation [TDEC] will begin listing companies and individuals violating the Clean Water Act starting Sunday ....

Hatchery helps supply streams and lakes (06/23/07) With summer now in full bloom, for many Tennesseans the first thing they think of is time on the lake for some fishing. Some may not realize that wherever they dip a pole in the water around the state, there's a chance that the fish were raised here in Bedford County...

Tracy is pleased with restoration of gas funds (06/22/07) State Sen. Jim Tracy told Rotary Club of Shelbyville members on Thursday that the new state budget restores gas tax funding to the state highway program, noting the importance of highways to economic development. Over the past several years, when Tennessee and many other states were in an economic pinch, some of the gas tax revenues which had always been dedicated to road programs were diverted and used for other state expenses. ...

Local woman among TennCare fraud suspects (06/21/07) A Shelbyville woman is facing TennCare drug fraud charges along with five others following a Coffee County investigation. Sharane Vandergriff, 35, of Shelbyville has been charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and three counts of attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud...

Guard response procedures tested (06/21/07) The Tennessee National Guard is trained, ready and well equipped to assist in the event of a state emergency, Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, the state's Adjutant General, said today. "Although the Tennessee Guard has deployed more than 11,200 Soldiers and Airmen since 9/11, and left more than 250 million dollars worth of equipment in Iraq, the Department of Defense has a plan to replace that equipment and they are following through with that plan," he said. ...

Discussions proceed on MTSU project (06/19/07) The first preliminary meeting about the possibility of Middle Tennessee State University opening an extension campus in the old Harris Middle School building on Elm Street was a positive one, according to County Mayor Eugene Ray. Ray said he is pleased with the response of MTSU officials to the project so far...

Legislators pleased with session (06/14/07) Bedford County's state legislators both say they are pleased with the results of the 105th General Assembly, which wrapped up on Tuesday, especially the increases in funding for education. "Overall, I thought we had an excellent year," said State Sen. Jim Tracy, a Republican in the Republican-controlled Senate...

Health care providers get Safety Net grants (06/07/07) Four Bedford County health care providers have been awarded a total of more than $346,000 in Safety Net funding to provide services for uninsured Tennesseans. State officials say the funding is part of Gov. Phil Bredesen's efforts to strengthen the state's health care Safety Net and make primary care services more accessible to uninsured and underinsured Tennesseans...

DCS creates advisory board (06/07/07) The Tennessee Department of Children Services [DCS] is developing a new system for dealing with the horrid crime of child abuse that includes involvement from the local community. About 50 people involved with Bedford County's children participated in a community forum Wednesday at the Duck River Electric Membership Corporation auditorium. The effort is part of a system reform of DCS, which has faced criticism in recent years over children who slipped through the cracks...

New execution date set for Holton (05/24/07) A September execution date has been set for Daryl Keith Holton, the Shelbyville man accused of killing his four children in 1997. Holton is now scheduled to die Sept. 12, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The court initially set Holton's execution for Feb. 28 in a January ruling. Gov. Phil Bredesen delayed the execution Feb. 1, ordering a review of the state's execution methods and the development of new protocols and written procedures...

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

EMS seeks agreement with TennCare MCOs (05/15/07) Bedford County Emergency Medical Service (BCEMS) officials believe new county standards for non-emergency ambulance service passed earlier this month will force the insurance companies that manage TennCare to negotiate a contract with BCEMS and help eliminate long waits for non-emergency ambulance transfers...

Million dollar prizes due tonight (05/14/07) The Tennessee Lottery will decide four million-dollar winners tonight as part of a special "Million Dollar Madness" raffle-type game. The winner will be announced during the regular lottery drawing aired at 6:28 p.m. on WKRN-TV (channel 2). All winning ticket numbers will be available at www.tnlottery.com...

Bredesen outlines school proposals (05/04/07) Calling on the need to find accountability and sustainability in education standards, Gov. Phil Bredesen outlined his new funding program for schools Thursday. The proposal, which the governor called Basic Education Plan (BEP) 2.0, will, if approved by the General Assembly, funnel into county coffers substantially large amounts of money to aid education programs for the proposed 40-cent tax increase on tobacco products...

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. ...

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

Tennessee reacts to VT tragedy (04/30/07) NASHVILLE -- Responding to President Bush's request for analysis of what U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper calls America's worst mass murder, Gov. Phil Bredesen on Saturday hosted workshops on issues raised by the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech. "Mental illness has not received ... ...

Ray suggests old school building for MTSU branch (04/25/07) County Mayor Eugene Ray has suggested to Middle Tennessee State University that the former Harris Middle School building on Elm Street be used as an extension campus, and MTSU President Sidney McPhee is interested enough to discuss the proposal further, according to Ray...

Senator defends PAC transfers (04/18/07) A State Senate committee voted on Tuesday to kill a bill which would keep one political action committee (PAC) from transferring money to another. State Sen. Jim Tracy says the practice hasn't been abused and that the Democrats who are protesting the system now didn't do so when their party was in power...

Lottery winner works here in Shelbyville (04/17/07) Merwin Scruggs of Murfreesboro, a manager at Graves Metal Company in Shelbyville, and his wife Nita went to bed Saturday night thinking that they had four numbers right on the Powerball ticket they bought on Friday the 13th, their anniversary. Then, on Sunday morning, they looked it over one more time...

AT&T wants to bypass local franchising (04/16/07) LEWISBURG -- Competition for cable TV customers lowered rates elsewhere and a state senator is sponsoring legislation to create statewide franchising for companies delivering TV channels through wires, he said Friday night. "This bill just passed in Georgia, and in other states we've seen, on average, a reduction of $25 a month" in cable bills, Sen. ...

Lieutenant governor supports Tracy plan (04/16/07) Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey told the Times-Gazette during a visit to Shelbyville on Saturday that he supports state Sen. Jim Tracy's bill which would designate $100 million in excess lottery funds to help local school systems with their capital projects...

Governor asks for disaster declaration (04/13/07) Gov. Phil Bredesen has requested a federal designation of agricultural disaster for all 95 counties in Tennessee to help farmers who have suffered crop damages as a result of last week's deep freeze and record low temperatures. A designation from USDA would allow farmers to apply for low-interest emergency loans that could help them manage crop losses and plan for next year. Bredesen made the request Thursday in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns...

Sales tax holiday returns this month (04/12/07) Tennessee will have a sales tax holiday beginning at 12:01 a.m. April 27 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. April 29. The holiday will be similar to the back-to-school holiday held last August; the items which will be tax-exempt were chosen to benefit families with school-age children, but even those families or individuals without children can realize some savings...

EMS income cut feared (04/10/07) A change in the Managed Care Organization which handles TennCare claims threatens to cut the amount that county-owned Bedford County Emergency Medical Services is paid for transporting TennCare patients. Under the state's old MCO, TennCare Select, BCEMS was paid about $140 for a basic life support ambulance run, plus $4 per mile. ...

Ramsey to headline GOP banquet (04/10/07) Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will be the guest speaker for Saturday's "Celebrate America Dinner," hosted by Bedford County Republican Party. The event, which in the past was called the Lincoln Day Dinner, will be Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Blue Ribbon Circle. Ramsey will also appear at a separately-ticketed reception from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. at Charleston On Main restaurant...

Cable TV bill takes legislative spotlight (04/09/07) State Rep. Curt Cobb is holding a hearing today in Nashville on what's been dubbed the AT&T bill to create statewide franchises for cable TV companies instead of having them licensed by cities and counties. Shelbyville city council members, like those representing them through the Tennessee Municipal League, oppose statewide franchising of cable TV because there was no requirement to provide service to government buildings like schools. ...

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

Hearing will study title loan restrictions (04/02/07) A state legislative hearing is to be held Tuesday on whether title loan companies should have a lower limit on what they can charge, according to state Rep. Curt Cobb. Not unexpectedly, those who accept car titles as collateral for short-term, high-interest loans are against a common goal in nine bills for which Cobb will hold a hearing at 4 p.m. Tuesday in Nashville...

Tracy sponsors campus safety bill (03/30/07) A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville that would help campus police officers keep Tennessee colleges and universities safe is moving through the Senate.  Senate Bill 276 unanimously cleared the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Current law provides that certain law enforcement entities are permitted to seize property under certain circumstances. This bill would add campus police officers to the list of authorized officials that are allowed to make these seizures...

Couple avoids jail time for TennCare fraud (03/26/07) A Shelbyville couple charged with TennCare fraud pleaded guilty on Friday when a jail sentence was converted to probation and restitution ordered. Barbara Jean and David Michael Westmoreland of Robinson Lane were sentenced on two counts of fraud each and placed on probation for two years and six months...

Tracy's bill opens state records (03/23/07) Senate Bill 1066, the "Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2007" sponsored by state Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), was approved Tuesday by the Senate State and Local Government Committee. "The intent of this legislation is to bring openness to state government," said Tracy. "The taxpayers want to know how and where their money is being utilized."...

Arriaga's attorney counters violation claim (03/20/07) Religious freedom and drug avoidance are issues mentioned by a Shelbyville woman and her lawyer while explaining their side of allegations that she violated the terms of her probation from a TennCare fraud conviction. Even the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney General Mike Randles, has acknowledged that the probation violation hearing to be conducted for Nellie Arriaga, 29, won't include incontrovertible evidence -- typically another crime or a failed drug test...

Settlement reached in TennCare fraud case (03/10/07) A settlement has been reached in a TennCare fraud case brought against a Shelbyville couple by the state inspector general's office, according to court records and attorneys in the case. Barbara J. and David Michael Westmoreland of Robinson Lane were indicted Jan. 22 on two counts of TennCare fraud and one count of theft for allegedly receiving medical assistance benefits they weren't entitled to since as early as Jan. 6, 2000...

Open records aren't always seen by public (03/10/07) NASHVILLE (AP) -- If a local or state official in Tennessee refuses to release a public document, the only recourse is to file an expensive civil lawsuit. But there are some efforts to change that this year. Gov. Phil Bredesen has said he will put money in the budget to create an open records ombudsman, someone to help people who are refused access to public records...

Governor touts insurance plan for small business (03/09/07) Saying that it was "a long time coming," Gov. Phil Bredesen helped kick off a new, state-subsidized health insurance plan for low-income working adults Thursday. CoverTN calls for the state, employees and participating businesses to each pay one-third of the average monthly premium of $150...

Motlow rises fastest in TBR system (03/08/07) Motlow State Community College had the highest percentage increase for its enrollment this spring of any college in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system, said Greer Alsup, director of admissions and records. Motlow's 13.74 percent increase also set a record for the college...

Tracy honored by TSBA (03/05/07) State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) received the Tennessee School Board Association's (TSBA) 2007 Legislative Award last week at the annual TSBA legislative breakfast. "Sen. Tracy has established himself as a key leader on education issues," said Amy Martin, president-elect of TSBA and a member of Bedford County Board of Education. Tracy was formerly one of Martin's colleagues on the school board, but resigned in order to devote his full attention to his state Senate seat...

State sued over fatal accident (02/27/07) A $300,000 complaint has been filed against the Tennessee Department of Transportation over a Bedford County traffic fatality in which, according to the complaint, a car struck a tree growing in the right of way of Highway 82 East. The tree has since been removed, says Shelbyville-based attorney John Norton who represents Steve and Dianne Arnold of Bell Buckle, parents of Clinton Scott Arnold who died Feb. 26, 2006, in the crash on the road between Bell Buckle and U.S. Highway 231...

Legislative proposal concerns trainers (02/27/07) Opening the door for a varied list of violations, citations and litigations, the proposed Tennessee Equine Protection Act, introduced by Sen. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) and Rep. Janis Baird Sontany (D-Nashville) in February's General Assembly activities, is being closely scrutinized by members of the walking horse community...

Lack of quorum delays DRA decisions (02/20/07) The Duck River Agency, which has more than $10 million collected from water utilities in this and four other counties, has three openings on its board of directors that hasn't been able to hold its quarterly meeting because there was no quorum. A Columbia banker sought advice on what to do about a discrepancy between documents on how the $10 million can be invested to generate more money for water projects. ...

What to do with $10.5 million (02/15/07) Directors of the Duck River Agency headquartered here are to consider a conflict tonight on how they can invest $10.5 million. The agency created to protect water quality and supplies in the Duck River's five-county watershed receives money from water utilities in the area and is to spend it for the improvement of those supplies...

Holton execution delayed (02/02/07) NASHVILLE (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen on Thursday postponed four pending executions, saying the state needs to rework its outdated and unspecific procedures for lethal injection. Bredesen reiterated his support for the death penalty but said he was issuing temporary reprieves for four condemned killers because of holes in the state's written execution protocols that could be challenged in courts...

Holton execution set for Feb. 28 (01/31/07) NASHVILLE (AP) -- A new execution date has been set for death row inmate Daryl Holton after he was spared from the electric chair last September. In an opinion filed Tuesday, the Tennessee Supreme Court approved the state's motion to reset the execution to Feb. 28...

Fire Academy flags at half-staff (01/29/07) Flags are being flown at half-staff at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road in honor of a Tennessee firefighter who died in a Chattanooga blaze early Friday morning. Firefighter Shane Daughetee, 24, of the Highway 58 Fire Department in Hamilton County was trying to rescue a family when he fell through the roof of the home. Two additional firefighters were injured trying to rescue him...

Couple accused of defrauding TennCare (01/23/07) A Bedford County couple indicted Monday on TennCare fraud charges as a result of allegations that they used the government health insurance when they could have bought a commercial policy. Kelly Wilson, a Shelbyville-based attorney who's served Barbara J. and David Michael "Mike" Westmoreland, explained this morning, "I believe the allegations involve whether they were eligible for TennCare when they could have had private insurance had they simply applied for it...

Holton won't object to new execution date (01/23/07) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Death row inmate Daryl Keith Holton said in a letter he is not opposed to the state setting a new execution date for him after he was spared from the electric chair last September. Holton, who confessed to killing his three young sons and their half-sister with an assault rifle in 1997, was granted a stay from a federal appeals court the night before he was to be electrocuted at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison...

Tracy to chair Transportation committee (01/20/07) State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) has been appointed chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee by Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville). "This is a great honor and a great opportunity for the citizens of Bedford, Moore and Rutherford Counties," said Tracy in a news release. "I appreciate the confidence that Lt. Gov. Ramsey has shown me by appointing me to serve as a committee chairman."...

New execution date sought for Holton (01/18/07) Tennessee's Attorney General has asked the state Supreme Court to set a new execution date for the Shelbyville man who was sentenced to death 7 1/2 years ago for killing his three young sons and their sister. Attorney General Robert Cooper's request was released Wednesday by the state and stems from a federal Appeals Court decision on Jan. 9 clearing Daryl Keith Holton's path to the electric chair, his choice of execution for the 1997 shooting deaths...

State GOP money reaches candidates despite limits (01/18/07) NASHVILLE (AP) -- Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey's political action committee avoided campaign contribution limits by giving money to another PAC, which then directed money to key Republican candidates, an Associated Press analysis of campaign finance records has found...

No animal emergency workers here yet (01/17/07) Tennessee now has more than 1,000 persons trained and registered to give aid to animals during times of emergencies, but local Emergency Management Agency director Scott Johnson said he's not aware of any yet in Bedford County. Animal health officials with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) announced that the state reached the 1,000 milestone in November. ...

State supplies documents to T-G -- but not SWA (01/13/07) The county's solid waste coordinator now has documents pertaining to a 2003 leak at the Quail Hollow landfill, but still does not have a tape or minutes of a hearing held in 2004. However the documents in question were not sent to coordinator Linda Gay Ervin, who has been attempting to get a response from the state for the past two months, but were instead e-mailed to this reporter...

Forestry academy teaches firefighting techniques (01/12/07) For the fifth year, the U.S. Forest Service and the State of Kentucky are holding their Tennessee / Kentucky Forestry Academy at the Clarence "Pete" Phillips Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) on Unionville-Deason Road. The training program, which trains firefighters in techniques for battling forest fires, has been taking place this week, involving more than 300 students from Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina and throughout the Southeast. ...

Political figures address Flat Creek club (01/10/07) With a potluck dinner fit for a king, and top notch music provided by Jim and Inge Wood, the Flat Creek Community Club held its monthly meeting Saturday night. The night's agenda included comments from four elected officials who were the club's special guests...

Tracy says Ramsey will be pro-business (01/10/07) State Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville spoke with his GOP colleague Ron Ramsey 15 minutes before Tuesday's vote, and Ramsey seemed confident that he would be successful in his attempt to challenge John Wilder for the lieutenant governor's post that Wilder had held since 1971...

Fire school wants EMS on standby (01/09/07) Bedford County Emergency Medical Services' growth plan calls for closing down its Academy Station, on the campus of Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, in order to move its personnel closer to highly-populated areas and reduce response time...

Lottery grant funds after-school programs (01/08/07) Unclaimed lottery prize money is helping fund after-school programs in Bedford County and across the state, as Gov. Phil Bredesen announced $21.2 million in grants this week under the Lottery Education After-School Program, or LEAP. Bedford County will receive $86,500 in LEAP funds during this fiscal year. School board members passed an amendment last month to incorporate the LEAP funding into the budget...

Schools getting Microsoft money (12/20/06) Bedford County Schools will be getting $119,364.68 in software vouchers as a result of a settlement in a lawsuit against Microsoft Corporation. In all, the Tennessee Department of Education will distribute $15,315,586.25 to local school systems. The recently settled class action suit alleged Microsoft used unlawful trade practices to maintain a monopoly and overcharge Tennessee consumers...

BREAKING NEWS: John Ford indicted again (12/18/06) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Former state Sen. John Ford, already awaiting trial in a public corruption case, has been indicted on new charges over consulting deals he had with state contractors while serving in the Legislature, federal prosecutors announced Monday...

SWA member wants missing state minutes (12/15/06) A member of the county's Solid Waste Authority says he believes that a recording of