News

Carol Roberts, conservation manager for the Tennessee State Library and Archives in Nashville, will be the keynote speaker for Tennessees Backroads Heritage fall dinner, Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Bell Buckle Banquet Hall. Roberts is a native of Bedford County. She and her sister Dorothy live on a century farm which has been in the Roberts family since 1811. She is a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School...

Eric Pierce, director of the Shelbyville Public Works Department, recently submitted to the state his final small municipal separate storm sewer system annual report for the city. He has resigned, effective Oct. 3. Pierce told the Times-Gazette this week that he’s been hired to work with the City of Tullahoma Public Works Department. He said though he’s not going to be director, he is most likely going to be on a departmental team of some type, beginning Oct. 7...

More than 95 people have signed up so far for the Police Fun Run, a timed 10K/5K race or 1-mile walk — your preference — next Saturday. “Run like you stole something,” say members of organizers, the Shelbyville Police Benevolent Association. All registration fees go to the non-profit group...

Hundreds of Shelbyville Central High School students stayed home Friday after two days’ worth of social media talk about an alleged shooting threat. Halls were largely empty, students who attended said. But those who showed up were safe as no incidents were reported...

A man who allegedly attacked a Shelbyville police officer attempting to arrest him Thursday night faces multiple charges. Juan Ondumaro Hernandez Chavez, 21, is accused of fighting Sgt. Tory Moore, who was at his Bridlewood Drive home investigating a report of a 14-year-old Shelbyville girl who had just given birth at a Tullahoma hospital...

The 2019--2020 Leadership Bedford class kicked off their year with the annual reception on Sept. 4 as 15 adult and 30 youth class members were joined by Leadership Bedford board members who gathered at Duck River Electric Membership Corporation for a welcome and orientation to the program...

Town and Country Garden Club held its September meeting at River Bend Country Club with Linda Williams and Pat Johnson serving as hostesses. The program, “Fall Containers” was presented by Lorraine Sutton, left, of M and L Greenhouse, who was presented a gift card by club president Sara Wood.

The Youth Leadership Bedford Class of 2019-2020 had its retreat day on Sept. 7. It started at Shelbyville Municipal Airport, where pilots Travis Houser, Jake Garrette and Ben Kuper from the Middle Tennessee State University aerospace program took the youth for a brief ride around Shelbyville. The class then to The Webb School for the rest of the day, which included an etiquette class, lunch and team-building exercises on the ropes course.

Middle Tennessee looks to be on the way to one of the driest Septembers on record. Most of Bedford County has seen only one day with showers in the last 3 weeks. The best chance of your lawn getting some help from Mother Nature will come on Monday with a chance of about 50% but showers will still be scattered and then chances go back down for the remainder of the month. We could also set a record for the most 90 degree days in a year...

A Shelbyville Central High student accused on social media of threatening to bring a gun to school Friday does not have access to weapons at his home, Sheriff Austin Swing said Thursday night. “We have been to the student’s home and checked to make sure no guns are available,” Swing said. “We talked to him and his parents.”...

Bedford County Board of Education moved unanimously Tuesday night to draft an immediate letter to Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham and County Commission clarifying its desire to continue selecting school architects. Historically, the board would make the recommendation and the final contract would be considered and approved by the county commission and or its finance committee. But the county has begun interviewing architectural firms...

On Constitution Day, Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee deferred action for one month on a resolution that would declare Bedford County to be a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County." Virtually everyone who spoke at Tuesday night's meeting prefaced their remarks by expressing their support for gun rights and the Second Amendment, but several expressed concerns about the county injecting itself into an issue where state and federal governments are the primary legal authority.. ...

Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee voted Tuesday night to recommend an interlocal agreement with the City of Shelbyville to govern the proposed industrial recruitment program. The agreement now goes before the full county commission for its approval. ...

Mercedes Jones, center, of the Shining Stars program was an honorary captain of the Shelbyville Golden Eaglettes soccer team Tuesday night.

Security video captured a Shelbyville man riding a stolen mountain bike from behind Quik Mart, Lane Parkway, police said. Joseph Rodger Hedrick, 39, of Deer Point Road was arrested and charged with theft of property and probation violation after Officer Russ Grubbs recognized him. Hedrick left behind a “lesser quality” bike, Grubbs said...

Angie Huffman of Tennova Healthcare-Shelbyville is the newest member Rotary Club of Shelbyville. Club president Jeff Haynes, left, welcomed Huffman.

On Sept. 9, the Bedford County FFA Chapter of Shelbyville Central High School traveled to the Tennessee State Fair to help with the Tennessee FFA Ham Breakfast and compete in the Tennessee FFA Dairy Handlers CDE. The chapter members were able to speak with state dignitaries while enjoying a country ham breakfast. They were also responsible for helping set up and clean up after the event...

On Tuesday, Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham signed a proclamation commemorating September as National Recovery Month in recognition of all those who have risen out of addiction and are now leading happy, fulfilling lives. The Prevention Coalition of Bedford County will host a public event 6 p.m. ...

Jason Williams can cross another item off his bucket list. Williams, chief deputy of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office since 2014, has been named Tullahoma police chief. The Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Alderman voted 6-1 for his appointment last week...

In 2016, before the department refined its reporting system, Bedford County’s crime clearance rate was reported as 29.12 percent. In 2018, following the reorganization of its reporting system, Bedford County reported a clearance rate of 49.11 percent — a 20-point improvement....

The third annual Celebration of Speed motorcycle rally, sponsored by Lynchburg Outdoors, is planned for 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Maverick Arena on the Celebration grounds. Organizer Patrick Bedford promises this “iron horse event” is a good place for kids...

Pyrotechnics equipment erupts in flames just moments before the Tennessee Titans-Indianapolis Colts football game on Sunday in Nashville.

Major Nikia Elliott of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Cody Swift of the Shelbyville Police Department are new graduates of the TBI State Academy. Thirteen local law enforcement officers from across the state and two criminal justice students attended. ...

Marijuana was found in two vehicles over the weekend after drivers fell asleep at the wheel, police said. Bowman allegedly said he had marijuana "roaches" in the vehicle. Officer Ramon Castillo and drug dog Ranger checked the car and found five "roaches" and 2.7 grams of marijuana on Bowman, who was charged with possession of marijuana, driving on a suspended license and no proof of insurance, He was held on $2,500 bond...

Faith Family Wellness Clinic PLLC hosted a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of its new clinic location at 2012 North Main Street. Kristin Warren and Kristen McBay held the ceremonial scissors.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn said Friday she believes that the walking horse legislation supported by herself, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and on the House side by U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, stands a better chance of passing the Senate than the competing bill favored by animal rights groups...

Most likely the glue which holds Bedford County Board of Education's "Together We Learn" strategic plan together is a faithful, committed engagement of parents and community in education...

A woman was robbed at gunpoint while bathing Thursday night at a home in the 1600 block of Sims Road, Shelbyville police said. “She said she was in the shower when a man armed with a gun came into the bathroom, got her out of the shower and made her put on a towel,” officer Chris Vest said in his incident report. ...

Concern about lack of accessibility led to Shelbyville's city council denying a rezoning request for a proposed subdivision Thursday night. Palmetto Properties LLC hoped to build on 12.59 acres east of Trinity Road behind Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church. The company sought a zoning change which would have allowed homes on smaller lot sizes than current regulations...

Folks in Middle Tennessee have endured highs in the 90s and the heat index over 100 for so many days recently that I would imagine you are ready for a pattern change — and that is exactly the news I bring. Our weather this week is dependent upon a tropical system affecting portions of the southeast and the exact movement it takes will play a large role in our weather in the days ahead, but starting around Sept. ...

Four Community High School students face marijuana charges after THC was found in vape pens Wednesday, according to a Bedford County Sheriff’s Office report. The vape pens were being sold for $40 by two of the students, School Resource Officer Tracey Harvey’s report said...

Bedford County firefighters battle flames in the roof of a vacant home at 1461 Warners Bridge Road, owned by Richard Alexander, on Wednesday night.

In celebration of homecoming, Cascade High School students and teachers dressed up Wednesday as “Rednecks” for a day. While the attire is not their usual choice of school clothing, the main point of this event was to garner school spirit. These guys received an “A” for their effort and for being such good sports. From left, Alex Allison, Brandon Overby, Elijah Smith, Jayden Burns, Michael Gentry and Cole Smith.

Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham signs a proclamation declaring Sept. 16-20 as “Purple OUt Week” for Alzheimer’s awareness. Fran Gray, left, regional coordinator of Alzheimer’s Tennessee, and Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk Michelle Murray look on. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia impact at least 110,000 Tennesseans, and an estimated 735 people in Bedford County. Alzheimer’s Tennessee was adopted by the Tennessee Clerks of Court Association as their charity of choice. The group serves through advocacy, research, support groups and education. For more information, contact Gray at 931-434-2348.

Beta Iota Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha met Sept. 5. Chapter President Andrea Sublett initiates two new members, Shelli Burk and Beverly Derryberry. The chapter supports local schools by giving a scholarship to one senior at each of the three public high schools, and also contributes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The joint city-county committee tasked with creating a new industrial development program met Monday to review the latest draft of an interlocal agreement between the two governments, and the document as amended will be submitted to both Shelbyville City Council and Bedford County Board of Commissioners for approval next month...

Bedford County officials are pleased with the low interest rate the county got for a $1.5 million capital outlay note to finance new fire and EMS vehicles. John Werner of Cumberland Securities reported on the capital outlay note during Tuesday night’s meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners...

Meth was found on a suspect who hit a pole on Kayden Street and drove away Monday morning, police said. A container with 11.18 grams of crystal meth/ice inside was found on Francisco Javier Fernandez, 21, of East Lane Street when he returned to apologize moments later, according to officer Jeff Goodrich's report...

Kristopher Grant Frazier of Shelbyville was named to The University of Alabama President's List for summer 2019. A total of 477 students enrolled during the 2019 summer term at UA were named to the Dean's List with an academic record of 3.5 or above or the President's List with an academic record of 4.0 (all A's)...

Brenda Cannon, executive director of community relations for Motlow State Community College, was the guest speaker for a recent meeting of Shelbyville Lions Club. She spoke about Motlow’s 50th anniversary this year. She noted there were only 551 students in 1969; this year, a total of 7,096 students are enrolled. She discussed Motlow’s benefits to the community. Motlow will celebrate Family Fun Day the last weekend of September. The band Eutopia will be performing that Saturday evening, and on Sunday at 2 p.m. the college will honor the descendants of the land upon which the Moore County campus was built. Cannon is seen here with Lions Club president Marc Majors.

Bedford County residents marked the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in different ways, including flag displays at Bedford County Courthouse Annex, a busy Shelbyville intersection, and the new Cascade High School. Watch for further details later here and in Thursday's print edition...

Law enforcement, medical personnel and emergency medical services personnel are rolling up their sleeves with honor during the Battle of the Badges blood drive, in progress until 7 p.m. Tuesday at Gateway Church on Madison Street. Donors can designate their gift to any of the organizations. These T-shirts represent their dedication to the annual event.

NOTE: This is the second installment of three articles about Bedford County Board of Education's 2019-2024 Strategic Plan for Tennessee Department of Education. For 14 years, Glenn Forsee sat on the right side of the Bedford County Board of Education. Recently, fellow board members elected him to come front and center as chair -- a position he says he accepts with great enthusiasm...

Strike Three: Grady Cunningham's rezoning request for 2506 U.S. 231 North has been deferred by Shelbyville City Council as a result of the local businessman's lack of due diligence. Council will meet 6 p.m. Thursday in the city courtroom. Council discussed during a study session recently that Cunningham, who made his annexation request in July, has still not discussed sewer issues, as advised by Council, with Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewerage System...

A Shelbyville video rental store was robbed at gunpoint late Friday night. Police are searching for a man who leaped across the counter of Family Video, Madison Street, late Friday and demanded cash. A clerk told police the rear door rattled and second later the man entered, pointed a handgun and told her to open the money drawer. He took the cash, walked to the front of the counter and left...

A Bell Buckle dog has been selected as one of 10 winners in a national contest sponsored by a Kentucky bourbon brand. G-Man, a search and rescue Bloodhound, was chosen from tens-of-thousands of entries as part of the Early Times All-American Dogs social media campaign. ...

Several local groups are observing the 18th anniversary of Patriot Day on Wednesday, with special events. On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks caused the deaths of 2,996 and the injuries of more than 6,000 others. The death toll included 265 on the four planes (from which there were no survivors), 2,606 in the World Trade Center and surrounding area, and 125 at the Pentagon. Cascade High School will have its flag ceremony observance 8:05 a.m. Wednesday. Local emergency, law enforcement and fire personnel will participate in the annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drive, sponsored by American Red Cross, noon to 7 p.m. today at Gateway Church, 1250 Madison Street.

Bedford County Retired Teachers met Wednesday at Urban Plantation for a luncheon meeting. Connie Gatlin of Cleveland, Tennessee, was the speaker. Gatlin is a retired drama teacher in Bradley County, a past education director of the Museum at 5ive Points and the current owner and director of the Cleveland City Ballet dance studio...

Magician Bruce Amato has performed at Southside Elementary School every year for 30 years. This year’s program was called “Who’s Who in You?” kindergarten volunteer Jacie Bryan assisted Amato on stage during his last trick.