Wartrace yard sale offers bargains (08/19/08) If you are looking for a bargain, Wartrace will be the place to be on Friday and Saturday as the community kicks off its annual Town Wide Yard Sale. It's the 13th year for the sale, which is scheduled to coincide with the first weekend of the National Walking Horse Celebration...

Wartrace Town Hall to close Wednesday afternoons (08/13/08) Wartrace Town Hall will soon begin closing its doors from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays. The board of mayor and alderman approved a motion Monday night that would allow the employees of the town hall to close to the public during those hours. "It's so they won't be interrupted in their work," said Wartrace Mayor Don Gallagher. "The ladies can work more efficiently."...

Wartrace firm receives state training grant (08/07/08) KA Display Solutions Inc. in Wartrace has been awarded a $30,000 Incumbent Worker Training grant to assist the company with training needs associated with skills upgrades for its employees, it was announced Wednesday. The grant was awarded by Gov. Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley...

Wartrace show termed 'success' (08/04/08) The turnout for the Wartrace Horse Show was lighter than it has been in previous years, both in crowd attendance and horses, but there were several groups who counted it a success. "I thought it was excellent. We had good crowd support," said Nancy Edwards, who helped coordinate the annual event. "We had good, very high quality entries. We're very pleased."...

Wartrace Horse Show shaping up well (07/31/08) For more than a century now, the area's finest saddle horses have shown their stuff in Wartrace. It's a small town, but a big show and there will be hundreds of visitors on hand Saturday to see them work. Roy Ferguson Jr., the former volunteer fire chief for Wartrace, stayed on as the show's chairman...

Wartrace receives $43K grant, Bredesen visit (07/27/08) Gov. Phil Bredesen visited Wartrace on Friday to announce a $43,440 grant for revitalization of the town, including victorian street lights, benches, trash receptacles and sidewalk repair. "This is precisely the kind of place people think of when you say Tennessee," said Bredesen, during a ceremony held in the shadow of the town's iconic wellhouse. "People are always looking for ways to connect to the past."...

Wartrace police chief steps down (07/16/08) Still without a volunteer fire chief, the town of Wartrace is now also without a police chief. Billy Smith turned in his resignation at the Monday night meeting of the Wartrace Board of Mayor and Alderman. "It has been an honor to work with this board," said Smith, who has been the police chief for three years. "But the opportunity I am taking won't allow me to be a police officer anymore."...

Miley mania, but not Miley, visits Wartrace (06/24/08) Nashville made its presence known in Wartrace recently, with Marty Stuart headlining the annual MusicFest; and earlier, when Kenny Chesney filmed a music video there. Monday morning, Hollywood dropped in. "They're filming a scene for the Miley Cyrus movie," said Wartrace Alderman Ed Simpson. "It's just about 40 extras."...

Wartrace officials support Moving Wall (06/19/08) The Town of Wartrace often gives money to worthy causes, from Scouts to the Wartrace Horse show. But the $500 donation made to the Shelbyville exhibit of the Vietnam Moving Wall at Tuesday's meeting of the Board of Mayor and Alderman had special meaning...

Wartrace will sponsor stakes class (06/18/08) Wartrace Board of Mayor and Alderman agreed to once again sponsor the stakes class in the Wartrace Horse Show this year for $1,000. "They've been struggling a little bit because of the situation in the horse industry," said Mayor Don Gallagher at the Tuesday meeting, referring to the 2006 walking horse season, when many horses failed to pass inspections...

Rain doesn't stop Civil War reenactors (06/14/08) A small army of Civil War reenactors braved the rain Saturday morning as it drilled for an afternoon battle near historic Fort Wartrace. Event organizer Jerry Smith said the rain hurt the turnout a little bit, but was looking forward to two days of historical fun as of Saturday morning...

Civil War battle to be revisited (06/11/08) The smell of black powder and thunder from the past will be heard in the hills between Bell Buckle and Wartrace this weekend as 300 Civil War reenactors gather for the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Liberty Gap. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can step back in time and observe demonstrations of cavalry, artillery and infantry units of the period, as well as games for the kids...

Wartrace MusicFest called a success (06/02/08) Despite people coming in Saturday afternoon a little slower than expected, attendance soared at the Wartrace MusicFest in comparison to last year, with many in the crowd anticipating festival headliner Marty Stuart's performance. "It took the crowd a long time to get there, but people were rolling in all day," said Laura Gentry, Wartrace city recorder. "I think the rain might have had something to do with that ... but Marty drew in a good crowd...

Cherryholmes, Stuart highlight Wartrace MusicFest (05/31/08) Notes screamed from the left-handed fiddle of 16-year-old Molly Kate Cherryholmes as her family fired up the crowd at the Wartrace MusicFest Friday night. Molly Kate is the youngest member of the Cherryholmes family band, which includes her father Jere, mother Sandy Lee, sister Cia Leigh, and brothers B.J. and Skip...

Wartrace MusicFest generates buzz (05/30/08) Wartrace mayor and Gallagher Guitar Co. proprietor Don Gallagher is excited about the buzz for this weekend's Wartrace MusicFest. "It looks like we're getting good responses," said Gallagher, crediting headliners Marty Stuart and the band Cherryholmes for building interest in the festival...

Wartrace plans water line upgrades (05/23/08) Work will begin this summer north of Wartrace on water lines that should improve pressure for those rural residents, that town's board learned Tuesday. Mayor Don Gallagher explained that county mayor Eugene Ray has applied for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for water line extensions in Flat Creek...

Wartrace seals water deal with Tullahoma (05/21/08) It's a done deal. Wartrace agreed Tuesday night to connect to Tullahoma's water system, a move that will save the town money and provide more pressure to rural water customers. The deal was nearly approved earlier this month, but concerns about the water supplied to the George Dickel Distillery were a sticking point...

Marty Stuart to headline Wartrace MusicFest (05/21/08) It's all about roots. Roots are what have kept country music star Marty Stuart in the South, and it's the roots of country music that keep him going. "Bluegrass is one of the absolute jewels of the roots of American music," Stuart told the Times-Gazette. "It's a reminder of how strong it is down at the root level. You've got pop culture at one end of the strand -- then there are the roots."...

Cascade water still fit for Dickel (05/14/08) When George A. Dickel began making his world famous whisky back in 1870, he used the fresh, clean water that bubbled from Cascade Spring. Nearly 140 years later, the tradition is still very important to the brand name, and should be able to continue, even though the rest of the region may be getting its water from a different source...

Wartrace must work with Dickel before new water deal can be approved (05/05/08) Wartrace had hoped to approve a deal to buy water from Tullahoma Monday night, but a few details still have to be sorted out before that can take place -- namely concerning George Dickel Distillery. Mayor Don Gallagher called the proposed deal between the Tullahoma Utilities Board (TUB) and Wartrace "a great win-win deal," but signing off on the plan was side-tracked until issues concerning the water supplied to the Coffee County distillery could be addressed....

Musical fund-raiser set for Cataldos (05/05/08) Several bands will gather Friday to help raise funds to offset medical expenses for local family Benjamin and Irene Cataldo and their new son Arthur. The event will take place at Wartrace Park and will cost $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under...

Memphis man takes Strolling Jim 40 (05/03/08) With a facial expression somewhere between a grin and a grimace, Kevin Dorsey chugged across the finish line to win the 30th annual Strolling Jim 40 Mile Run in Wartrace Saturday. Dorsey, from Memphis, finished the race in 4 hours, 54 minutes and 10 seconds. He will take home $500 in prize money...

Stuart to headline Wartrace MusicFest (05/01/08) The sounds of guitars and voices will fill the air at the end of May in Bedford County, with country and bluegrass artists converging once again for the Wartrace MusicFest. The event is set for the weekend of May 30-31 and is funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Tennessee Department of Tourism. The festival begins at 2 p.m. that Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday...

Wartrace to discuss water supply options (05/01/08) Wartrace will hold a special called meeting Monday to consider a contract with the Tullahoma Utilties Board (TUB) to furnish water to the town's customers. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the town hall and will be held in conjunction with the meeting of the Wartrace Water Board...

Wartrace cleanup is this week (04/29/08) Shelbyville did it last week; now, it's Wartrace's turn. It's time for the town's residents to put on their work gloves and get rid of all that junk laying around for the annual Wartrace Beautification Week. During the event, Wartrace residents are being encouraged to take the time to spruce up their property...

TUB connection could help pressure in Wartrace, Bell Buckle (04/29/08) A frequent complaint heard from water customers living in the Wartrace and Bell Buckle area is the lack of pressure in the system. But if Wartrace decides to hook up to the city of Tullahoma's water system, that problem could become a thing of the past...

Brown-bagging approved by Wartrace (04/16/08) "Brown-bagging" is currently permitted in Wartrace and is not regulated by the town's ordinances, but the town can't have "liquor by the drink," according to that town's attorney. The question arose Monday night after a question was posed to Wartrace's board by Joe McCurry, who said he is planning on opening a restaurant in the small town in the near future...

Video: turbidity explained in Wartrace (04/15/08) David Money of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation explains turbidity to Wartrace Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and Mayor Don Gallagher discusses the town's actions: ...

Wartrace seeks Tullahoma water deal (04/15/08) Wartrace Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Monday to begin the process of pursuing a contract with Tullahoma Utilities Board (TUB) to provide water to Wartrace customers after area residents were forced to boil their water supply for nearly two weeks...

Wartrace lifts boil order (04/12/08) The boil water order for Wartrace was lifted Saturday morning as the town looks to buy water from Tullahoma to prevent a repeat of the problem. Mayor Don Gallagher said he will be sending a letter out to water customers as soon as the town's Board of Mayor and Aldermen decide on a course of action in regards to the water situation...

Wartrace waits for test results (04/11/08) Wartrace officials were waiting on test results and looking at the skies Friday as residents continue to endure a boil water advisory that is headed into a second week. A drinking water warning was issued for the system early last week as a precaution due to high turbidity levels and the potential of contaminated water. Residents have been instructed to boil tap water before consuming it...

Wartrace boil order still in effect (04/10/08) While Wartrace residents are being asked to boil their water for another day, Mayor Don Gallagher says he is optimistic about the situation. A drinking water warning was issued for the system last week as a precaution due to high turbidity levels and the potential of contaminated water...

Wartrace still under boil order (04/09/08) Wartrace water customers will have to boil their water for another day. A drinking water warning was issued for the system last week due to high turbidity levels and the potential of contaminated water. Mayor Don Gallagher said Wednesday that workers have finished flushing all the water lines in the system and that bacteria samples have been sent to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for testing. ...

Wartrace water testing continues (04/08/08) Testing of the water system continues in Wartrace today as officials say that the turbidity level at Cascade Spring is dropping. A drinking water warning was issued for the system last Tuesday due to high turbidity levels and the potential of contaminated water. Mayor Don Gallagher said that the testing today involves the water line...

Water conditions improving, say Wartrace officials (04/07/08) "It's getting better, but we're not there yet." That was the word this morning from Wartrace Town Hall about the condition of their water system, the customers of which have been under an advisory to boil water since last week. A drinking water warning was issued for the system last Tuesday due to high turbidity levels and the potential of contaminated water. Mayor Don Gallagher said Monday that the turbidity level was at 3.9, with the acceptable limit set at 1.0...

Advisory lifted for Bell Buckle; Wartrace still impacted (04/04/08) The Town of Bell Buckle announced Friday afternoon that the order to boil water for that community has been officially lifted by David Money of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). However the order for Wartrace is still in effect and may not be lifted until the later part of next week, according to Wartrace Mayor Don Gallagher....

Wartrace boil order continues (04/03/08) Customers of Wartrace Water System are still being advised to boil their water on Thursday as workers continue to observe the condition of the water. A drinking water warning was issued for the system Tuesday due to high turbidity levels and the potential of contaminated water...

UPDATED: Wartrace issues water warning (04/02/08) A drinking water warning has been issued for the Wartrace Water System due to high turbidity levels and potentially contaminated water. The Town of Wartrace issued the warning Tuesday morning and is telling customers to boil their water before using it until further notice....

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...

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...

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

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...

Wartrace music fest changed to May 30-31 (11/27/07) Dates for the 2008 Wartrace MusicFest have been changed to May 30-31, according to MusicFest chairman Don Gallagher. "Due to a scheduling conflict, we've moved the festival ahead one week," said Gallagher, who is also mayor of Wartrace and an established guitar maker...

Wartrace will honor veterans (11/06/07) A special Veterans Day ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Hollywood Cemetery in Wartrace to honor local veterans from today and the past. Over the past few months, an effort has been made to identify every serviceman and woman buried in Hollywood Cemetery from the Civil War to the present day...

Former owner's ghost haunts Wartrace hotel? (10/23/07) When the Walking Horse Hotel in Wartrace reopens its doors later this fall, guests might want to keep an eye out for a lingering presence that supposedly walks the halls -- the ghost of a previous owner. According to the book “Haunted Hotels” by Robin Mead, now out of print, the spirit of Floyd Carothers, famous for training Strolling Jim, the first walking horse world champion, has haunted the historic building in years past. ...

Film with Wartrace scenes will be shown Oct. 18 (10/08/07) An independent film that was partly shot in Wartrace is set to be screened later this month. Middle-Tennessee-based screenwriter Jonathan Richard Cring will be premiering his new movie, "The Drive," on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theater in Gallatin...

Marty Stuart, Cherryholmes to headline Wartrace fest (10/02/07) Bluegrass and country headliner Marty Stuart and the 2005 International Bluegrass Music Association's Entertainers of the Year, Cherryholmes, will perform at the 2008 Wartrace MusicFest on June 6-7. Don Gallagher, Mayor of Wartrace and chairman of the town's MusicFest committee explains, "Our 4-year-old music and craft festival continues to grow, and by securing two nationally known headliners with a large fan base, we hope to put MusicFest, and Wartrace, on the summer festival map."...

Chesney wows fans at video shoot (09/28/07) "Ready ... ready playback and ...." With lights, camera and a crew of 70, country music superstar Kenny Chesney was busy in Wartrace Thursday shooting a video for a yet to be released song. Secrecy has been air-tight surrounding the shoot for the past few weeks to prevent a huge crowd of fans from showing up or kids skipping school to see their idol. And for the first two hours of the shoot, that was the case...

Hall is new chef at Walking Horse Hotel (09/22/07) There is no doubt that Wartrace is a small pin point on all the maps, but in reality, its history can barely fit within the small town's zip code. The Walking Horse Hotel is a huge part of the small town's chronicles which never go unnoticed. Joe Peters recently purchased the hotel from previous owners Jim and Bea Garland. ...

A business blossoms in Wartrace (09/15/07) Emma Goldman had the right idea when she said, "I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck." Everyone knows that flowers are a great way to say "I love you," but little do people realize that when they send flowers to their loved ones they are really sending two presents: one, the flowers themselves and two, the surprise of receiving such a beautiful thing...

Wartrace plans water system upgrade (09/13/07) Improving Wartrace's water system while keeping their customer's rates low is something that town's council will be looking at in the future. Mayor Don Gallagher calls the idea "a work in progress" but the council hopes to make much needed upgrades to the system that not only supplies water to Wartrace, but also to Bell Buckle and to residents that live in that area of Bedford County...

Wartrace hopes to slow speeding drivers (09/12/07) Calling it "an ongoing, terrible situation," Wartrace's mayor said Monday he will look into ways to get motorists to slow down on parts of Highway 64 East. Stephanie Hickerson asked for the topic to be placed on the town's agenda following three serious accidents that occurred on a quarter-mile stretch of the state highway. Hickerson said that two of the accidents were serious enough to require life flight assistance...

Wartrace plans veterans' memorial service (09/11/07) The town of Wartrace is looking for historical help to celebrate both the county's bicentennial and their veterans this November. Plans are in the works for a memorial service, on or near the Veteran's Day holiday, that will identify every serviceman and woman that is buried in Hollywood Cemetery from the Civil War to the present day...

Expensive guitar heads to Norway (09/12/07) If Pete Townshend, the aging rocker with the reputation of smashing guitars to bits, ever shows up in Wartrace, craftsman Don Gallagher of the world famous Gallagher Guitars, may want to hide his unique creations. That's because Gallagher has just sold one of his handmade six-stringed instruments for $13,000 to a customer in Norway...

Iron Gait offers food, comfort (08/23/07) These days, life moves extremely fast. After waking up from little sleep, we all pile into vehicles trying to beat the traffic to our 9 to 5 jobs and come home completely exhausted. An obvious fact is we all have to eat somewhere in between the chaos of our daily lives. ...

Wartrace to play part in movie (08/11/07) If you happen to be in Wartrace next Saturday, you might want to look your best for the camera as a small independent film crew drops in to shoot a scene for a movie. Russ and Tracy Cring of Hendersonville have launched an ambitious project - producing and premiering 12 feature length films in 12 months. It's called the Extra/Ordinary Film Project and the couple has already reached their halfway point with six movies "in the can" and six left to go...

Wartrace Horse Show starts its second hundred years (08/02/07) For Walking Horse enthusiasts, the calendar is just a reminder of horse show dates. The squares containing the numbers most call "dates" are merely spaces to scribble in a name of a show. More than 100 years of those calendars have contained the word "Wartrace" written in bold letters on the first Saturday box of August. ...

New owner has big plans for Walking Horse Hotel (07/21/07) The historic structure has sat dark and unused recently, but later this year, the Walking Horse Hotel in Wartrace will once again be filled with light and music. That is the plan new owner Joe Peters has for the building after recently purchasing it from John Garland. But behind these efforts to bring this key part of Wartrace back to life is the memory of Peters's wife Chase...

Eat burgers and help Wartrace park grow (07/03/07) If you have a taste for a hamburger on Saturday and are in the neighborhood of Wartrace, this will be the time for you. The Wartrace Park Board is making plans for its July 7th Hamburger Supper, an annual event that is an important part of their efforts to raise funds for improvements to the park...

Wartrace, Webb awarded for arts support (06/30/07) The Town of Wartrace will be receiving a $2,900 grant for their support of the arts, along with a $1,380 grant for Webb School. The announcement was made Wednesday by Rep. Curt Cobb and Sen. Jim Tracy along with the Tennessee Arts Commission. "This state is indeed fortunate to have elected leaders who support the work of the Tennessee Arts Commission in building better communities through the arts," said Ed Gerace, incoming Chairman of the Tennessee Arts Commission. ...

Wartrace, Webb awarded for arts support (06/30/07) The Town of Wartrace will be receiving a $2,900 grant for their support of the arts, along with a $1,380 grant for Webb School. The announcement was made Wednesday by Rep. Curt Cobb and Sen. Jim Tracy along with the Tennessee Arts Commission. "This state is indeed fortunate to have elected leaders who support the work of the Tennessee Arts Commission in building better communities through the arts," said Ed Gerace, incoming Chairman of the Tennessee Arts Commission. ...

Wartrace jail being spruced up (06/25/07) The lone, barren stone structure has been standing in Wartrace for well over 100 years gathering dust, but later this year, it will become a spot where visitors can learn about the town's past. Work has begun on cleaning up the old Wartrace jail, which is located right off the town square next to the Volunteer Fire Station...

Songs fill streets of Wartrace (06/02/07) For the third year, Wartrace rolled out the red carpet to pickers, grinners and guests alike as the Wartrace MusicFest invaded the show grounds. Sponsored by both the City of Wartrace and the Chamber of Commerce, the two-day event highlights the blue grass and country music roots of Tennessee, spotlighting the talents of award-winning acoustic bands and vocalists from across the U.S...

Music Fest will have Wartrace in tune (05/23/07) Wartrace is famous for many things, beginning with its name. It is the birthplace of the Tennessee Walking Horse and the home of Gallagher Guitars. On June 1-2, it will roll out the red carpet at the Wartrace Horse Show grounds for a stage full of award-winning performers during Wartrace Music Fest...

Smith keeps the peace in Wartrace (05/16/07) The sleepy little town of Mayberry rarely hit the radar of the state police in Raleigh, but Andy and Barney were always ready in case something did crop up. Wartrace may not see the big crime sprees of Nashville but Police Chief Billy Smith is on call and ready to ride in case the call warrants it....

Wartrace to seek water grant (03/16/07) Wartrace's Board of Mayor and Aldermen has approved applying for a Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] for a water rehabilitation project. The total project cost is estimated to be $330,000, with a grant amount totaling $280,500. The required matching contributions of $49,500, or 15 percent, would be provided by Wartrace...

Wartrace seeks water grant (02/21/07) Wartrace has applied for Community Development Block Grant funds in cooperation with Bedford County to assist in extending water lines. The total project cost is estimated to be $308,642, with a grant amount totaling $250,000. The required matching contributions of $58,642 would be provided by Wartrace...

Bomar opens new publishing company (02/20/07) Woody Bomar, Wartrace native and part-time resident, has established Green Hills Music Group, LLC, a new independent music publishing firm in the heart of Nashville's famed Music Row. Most recently Bomar was senior vice president of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, a worldwide operation that owns most of the hit songs of The Beatles, Hank Williams Sr., Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Merle Haggard, Brooks & Dunn and hundreds of other stars...

Growth planning process continues (01/13/07) Leaders from various aspects of Bedford County and its municipalities will gather again soon as an advisory panel to help a consultant develop a growth plan for local governments. The consultant, Doug Tennant of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon Inc., Nashville, has planned another meeting of the panel he's calling the "PC 1101 Plan Advisory Committee" to help local governments respond to a law requiring urban growth plans...

Growth plan being reviewed (12/04/06) Bedford County leaders have begun a series of meetings to reconsider their urban growth plan which was adopted several years ago and their approach is with the help of a professional planner. The consultant, Doug Tennant of Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon Inc., Nashville, met with a panel he's calling the "PC 1101 Plan Advisory Committee." They're members of the community's Joint Economic Development Committee...

Wartrace seeks water grant (11/14/06) Wartrace will apply for a Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] to make further improvements to their water system. Mayor Don Gallagher said that the grant request would be for an additional pump at the spring which feeds the system and to purchase a generator in case of a power failure...

The other amendment on Tuesday's ballot (11/04/06) It's proposed constitutional amendment #1 -- the definition of marriage -- that's getting all the attention, but the other amendment on Tuesday's general election ballot could have an impact on senior citizens, and on local governments. Amendment #2 would allow counties and cities to grant property tax relief to senior citizens by, in effect, freezing the property tax bill on their primary residence at the time they turn 65. ...

Wartrace to get historical markers (10/12/06) Wartrace learned Monday that three historical markers for the town have been approved by the state. The markers were made at a cost of $1,325 each and will inform visitors about land Andrew Jackson once owned in the area, the establishment of Wartrace and a Civil War skirmish at Wartrace Creek...

Early voting begins next week (10/11/06) Early voting for the November state and federal elections starts one week from today and since the county's general election approximately 400 people have registered so they may vote in the Nov. 7 races. Bedford County had 21,131 registered voters as of the close of business on Monday, but Elections Administrator Anna Clanton says there may be as many as 20 more registration forms to add to the voter rolls since the deadline last weekend...

Inspectors' presence affects centennial show (08/07/06) WARTRACE -- The 100th anniversary edition of the Wartrace Horse Show had plenty of pageantry, and plenty of spectators, befitting its special milestone, but the presence of U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors scared away some trainers, leaving many classes with only a handful of equine competitors...

Wartrace annexes nearby land (07/27/06) Wartrace approved the annexation of 128 acres next to the city limits, as well as a new zoning classification and plan of services. The property in question lays south of Wartrace along Highway 269 and is contiguous with the town's city limits. The topic had first been addressed in February, when the board passed a first reading of the annexation. ...

Three-Star upgrade is certain for county (07/15/06) It's all over but the shouting. According to a review team which visited Shelbyville on Friday, Bedford County's upgrade to a Level III certification in the Governor's Three-Star Award program is, while not yet official, a foregone conclusion. "The points are here," said Renee Winchester of the review team. "You are being certified, so let me congratulate you."...

Wartrace considers subdivision proposal (06/20/06) A proposed subdivision will again be the topic of a public hearing next month in Wartrace. An annexation study has been put together for the town by Don Darden of Tennessee's Municipal Technical Advisory Service [MTAS] as a result of issues surrounding an annexation request for the Painter property south of Wartrace along Highway 269 and contiguous with the town's city limits...

The show goes on in Wartrace (06/03/06) WARTRACE -- MusicFest faced rain Friday night, but the sky cleared in time for its first night's performances so the fledgling festival could begin with a dramatic sunset and lyrics of faith, yearning, craftsmanship and love. "The Wartrace MusicFest is an expression of our community's love of music and craftsmanship," according to a joint statement from Mayor Don Gallagher and Philip Gentry, president of the Wartrace Chamber of Commerce...

Wartrace plans music festival (05/31/06) The high lonesome sound of banjos, guitars, fiddles and mandolins will soon ring out from the historic town of Wartrace when the second annual Wartrace MusicFest gets underway Friday and Saturday. In addition to music, this year's festival will feature arts and crafts vendors, food and a special Kid's Zone for the youngsters. ...

Exhibition horse show suggested at Wartrace (05/17/06) Wartrace voted Tuesday to coordinate with civic organizations with the idea of a trip back into time. Jerry Harris, the host of "What a Horse," broadcast on Charter Cable Channel Six, presented the idea of an exhibition horse show in the center of town where the tradition began 100 years ago...

Wartrace to hold annual cleanup (04/15/06) With spring finally here, many are using this time to get things spruced up and Wartrace is setting aside April 24-28 as Beautification Week. Town residents are being encouraged to use this time to clean up their property during that week. While this is going on, Wartrace personnel will be picking up brush, old appliances and furniture, old toilets, sinks, miscellaneous junk and hazardous waste...

Wartrace gets water, sewer funding (04/15/06) The town of Wartrace is being provided with an additional $400,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to upgrade its water and sewer systems, according to an announcement from U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon. The Rural Development funds will be used to cover a cost overrun on the water and sewer project that was started in 2004. The funds include a loan of $300,000 and a grant of $100,000...

Wartrace puts off annexation decision (03/22/06) Action on annexation of property south of Wartrace along Highway 269 has been deferred to give the town's board members more time to study the issues surrounding a proposed subdivision. But the board did approve the creation of a new residential zoning district, Rural Estate District, R-RE1, for low-density residential development...

Music video shot in Wartrace (03/21/06) "OK, let's do that once more." As the band plays a steady rhythm, a classic car comes up behind singer/songwriter/guitar player Scott Hunt and he manages to step out of the way in time. But it wasn't the first time the scene had taken place Saturday: It was repeated several more cycles -- for the camera...

Wartrace to discuss subdivision, zoning (03/17/06) Wartrace citizens will get a change to express their opinions about a proposed annexation and new zoning classification Monday when that city's board meets. A public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Wartrace Town Hall to provide an opportunity for input regarding the annexation of the Painter property south of Wartrace along Highway 269 and contiguous with the town's city limits...

Music video to be shot in Wartrace (03/14/06) This weekend, it will be lights, camera and action on the square in Wartrace as a film company will be at work shooting a music video. F3 Films will be in Wartrace Saturday filming a music video for the band Southern Pride for their song "Shopping Cart Sally" and they are looking for locals to help out...

Wartrace Music Festival set for June 2-3 (02/17/06) The talent is booked and the date is set. All you have to do now is mark June 2 and 3 on your calenders. That's the date for the Wartrace Music Fest, presented by the Town of Wartrace and the town's Chamber of Commerce. A lineup of nationally and locally famous artists are slated to perform including Mike Cross, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike, Chris Jones, Jim Hurst, Double-Take, Sisters of the South, The Creek and Ron and Peggy Taylor...

Wartrace passes annexation on first reading (02/16/06) Growth was a main topic that Wartrace's board of mayor and aldermen tackled Monday, acting on three measures related to an annexation request. The annexation requested passed its first reading 4-1 with Alderman Thomas Hurt voting no. The board also approved a new zoning classification on first reading and a resolution that would establish the town's municipal planning commission as a regional planning commission...

Wartrace to consider annexation (01/10/06) The Town of Wartrace will look at an annexation request next month for property south of the existing city limits. Mayor Don Gallagher and Wartrace aldermen received a letter last month from Carl McClanahan of Bob Parks Realty, representing Patricia Painter, requesting the annexation of 128 acres on Knob Creek Road. ...

New Year's closings announced (12/29/05) A variety of local agencies and offices will close this weekend for the New Year's holiday. Here are some schedules of broad interest: Bedford County Courthouse and courthouse annex offices will close Saturday (where applicable) and Monday....

Civic leader Ferguson dies (11/19/05) Former county commissioner and school board member Roy "Sonny" Ferguson Sr., who died Friday at 77, is being remembered as a champion of education and an ambassador for his home town of Wartrace. "He was a very dedicated commissioner, and a very hard worker, committed to education," said County Commission Chairman Eugene Ray on Saturday. "We have lost a dedicated person."...

Cooperation a must in planning, says speaker (11/18/05) Cooperation between the county and cities is a vital component to effective planning, according to one of the authors of Public Act 1101, which requires growth plans in Tennessee. Sam Edwards, executive director of the Greater Nashville Regional Council, the counterpart to the South Central Tennessee Development District, spoke Thursday to various county commissioners and planning commission members, as well as mayors and members of their planning boards, during an educational meeting...

Wartrace bans pit bulls (11/15/05) It's no more pit bulls for Wartrace. The board of mayor and aldermen passed an ordinance Monday night that makes it unlawful to keep, harbor, own or possess that breed of dog in the Wartrace city limits. The ordinance, which passed a first reading in April 2003, contains provisions for those who already own pit bulls...

Wartrace, Bell Buckle continue police discussions (11/10/05) How does the "Cascade Police Department Serving Wartrace and Bell Buckle" sound? While Bell Buckle's town council deferred action on a mutual aid agreement between the two communities Tuesday night, citizens got to hear from the officer who might be patrolling their streets in the future...

Veterans Day closings announced (11/09/05) A number of agencies will close Friday in observance of the Veterans' Day holiday. Here are some schedules of broad interest: ***Closed Friday Bedford County Courthouse and Courthouse Annex offices will close Friday and (where applicable) Saturday....

Antique appraiser to visit Wartrace (11/04/05) You might not know it, but you may have some valuable treasure gathering dust in you attic. There's one way to find out if that old family heirloom or toy from childhood is worth more than just its sentimental value. Tennessee's Backroads Heritage, Inc. is sponsoring an "Antique Appraisal Day" on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in downtown Wartrace...

Grant to improve Wartrace walkways (10/25/05) "Hallelujah!" That was the word from Wartrace Mayor Don Gallagher about news that the state of Tennessee will provide the town with an $66,264 enhancement grant to assist with providing better pedestrian traffic flow in the downtown area, namely sidewalks...

Wartrace, Bell Buckle may share police (10/12/05) The city of Wartrace will be meeting this week with a representative from Bell Buckle to talk about possible options for a "joint police cooperative." The meeting is set for Thursday morning at 10 with a representative from the South Central Development Center, Wartrace Mayor Don Gallagher, Chief Billy Smith and Bell Buckle Alderman Frank Reagor...

Wartrace approves one rezoning, denies another (09/21/05) Wartrace Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the second and final reading of an ordinance Tuesday rezoning five parcels of land along Blackman Boulevard East from R-2 (medium residential) to C-1 (general commercial). The area is now predominantly used for commercial purposes...

Labor day closings announced (09/02/05) A variety of local agencies and organizations will close Monday for the Labor Day holiday. Here are some closings of broad interest: Bedford County Courthouse and courthouse annex offices will close Monday and, where applicable, Saturday....

Wartrace considers rezonings (08/24/05) Wartrace is looking at rezoning some areas of the small community and the public will get a chance to comment on the changes. The board approved the first reading of an ordinance rezoning five parcels of land along Blackman Boulevard East from, R-2 to C-1, General Commercial. The area is predominantly used for commercial purposes now...

Wartrace Yard Sale planned this weekend (08/23/05) A record number of vendor reservations for this Friday and Saturday's community wide yard sale in Wartrace indicates the event will be the largest yet. This is the 10th anniversary of the town-wide sale which has evolved into a combination flea market and yard sale with everything from antiques and collectibles to used clothing, appliances and automobiles being offered for sale. ...

Wartrace keeps tax rate stable (07/20/05) Wartrace passed its 2005-06 budget, accepted bids for the long awaited Fairfield Water Project and welcomed a new police chief during Monday's meeting. The tax rate will remain the same, $1 per $100 of assessed property value, and the town's utility rates will also be unchanged. The town has $3,544,423.23 budgeted as total income and expenditures. Of that amount, $2,979,944 is from Wartrace's waterworks and sewer services...

Longtime Wartrace mayor Stephens dies (07/16/05) Long-time Wartrace mayor Roscoe Lanier Stephens died Friday at Bedford County Nursing Home. Mr. Stephens, 86, served as mayor of Wartrace for 28 years in addition to serving as an alderman and on the town's water commission. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Annie Lee Stephens; a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Allen Ziehr of Tullahoma; a grandson, Stephen Allen Ziehr; and a sister, June Bond of Chattanooga...

Roscoe Lanier Stephens (07/16/05) Roscoe Lanier Stephens of Wartrace died Friday at Bedford County Nursing Home. The mayor of Wartrace for 28 years, he was 86. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Wartrace Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Bond and Jimmy Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Hollywood Cemetery in Wartrace.

Water, sewer upgrades for Wartrace (06/22/05) Water and sewer improvements are coming to Wartrace and the surrounding area after the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved authorizing a $627,000 bond to help fund the project. The bond will cover the matching part of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and a grant from Rural Development, Mayor Don Gallagher said Monday night...

Wartrace Farmer's Market planned (06/08/05) Beginning Saturday and continuing every Saturday through October, a new Farmer's Market will be held in the downtown Wartrace square. Designed to showcase locally produced farm produce, homemade canned and baked goods, and handmade crafts, the market will be held from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday on the square. The event is sponsored by the Wartrace Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Wartrace...

Wartrace considers growth issues (05/26/05) The topic of growth is one that faces many small communities in this area and it is a matter that needs to be discussed soon in Wartrace, Mayor Don Gallagher said Monday evening. During Wartrace's Planning Commission meeting earlier this month, member Angela Fernandez stated that the only way Wartrace can control growth outside the city limits in the urban growth area where annexation is probable is by a regional planning commission...

Food and fun in Wartrace (05/12/05) The Wartrace Relay for Life Team will host its annual "Picnic on the Square" Saturday downtown at the Wellhouse. Festivities will be held from 4-9 p.m. Double Take and other local musicians will provide live music. Activities include a kid's zone, egg tosses, balloon tosses, cakewalks, hula-hoop contests and dunking booth. Wartrace fire and police departments and Town Hall personnel will be dunked for the cause...

Strolling Jim 40 veteran takes first win (05/08/05) Finishing a marathon is a great feat, but tackling an ultra-marathon is more of a quest. Cheering spectators do not line the streets, nor are there many people waiting at the finish line. No prize money is awarded -- just a trophy. So, why run? Ask the 58 runners who participated in the 27th annual Strolling Jim 40 -- actually 41.2 miles in length -- which took place Saturday across eastern and southern Bedford County, beginning and ending in Wartrace...

Smooth ride for skateboard park (04/13/05) Wartrace's Board of Mayor and Aldermen accepted a bid for a skateboard park Monday night and will meet next month with a group of young people about its design. The town accepted the low bid of $11,925 from Simpson Concrete Co. to build a 50 by 90 foot slab for the park. The addition to Winnette-Ayers Park is funded primarily from the Parks and Recreation Department, which held a supper that raised $6,000, for which they had already allocated $5,000...

History, tourism and infrastructure in Wartrace (02/22/05) Drainage issues, historic markers and bringing tourism into the area were some of the topics discussed during a short meeting Monday of the Wartrace Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The board approved two resolutions to make the transfer of funds easier for Wartrace. A new Operations and Maintenance account was established for the water department at Union Planters Bank and a new Wartrace Street Aid account was set up at U.S. Bank...