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Bedford County Schools Superintendent Don Embry announced during Tuesday’s school board meeting his plans to retire from education, effective Dec. 31. The superintendent’s official notification letter, which seemed to surprise board members, simply stated: “I want to thank each of you for giving me the opportunity to serve the students of Bedford County.”...

CVS Health is adding more than 2,000 new COVID-19 drive-thru test sites at select CVS Pharmacy locations across the country including Shelbyville CVS Pharmacy, at 825 North Main Street. CVS Health currently manages the largest number of independently run COVID-19 test sites in the country, and with these new locations the company expects to have more than 4,000 operating by mid-October. ...

After three decades of trying, Mary Whitney was surprised with good news Tuesday morning: Union Ridge is finally going to get city water. Whitney has lived on Union Ridge for 45 years and, like her neighbors, her only source of drinking water was her 150-foot deep well. Some wells on Union Ridge yield good water, but some are not suitable as a drinking water source...

Marelli Tennessee USA, LLC, doing business as Marelli, an international exterior lighting manufacturer for the automotive industry, will pay $335,000 and provide other relief to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)...

Artist Clint Clarneau added an 18-foot by 10-foot flag to the side of the Livery Stable Antique Mall in Bell Buckle. The work took just one day.

Several Bedford County have been contacted by phone recently from scammers claiming to be with Amazon, law enforcement said. Among victims is a Bedford County woman who received a call from someone claiming a $700 transaction had been made to her Amazon account and asking if she wanted to talk to their security department. She said no, but later Googled ‘Amazon security,” called a number that appeared and talked to a man who said his name was “Jason.”...

I just can’t say enough good things about this forecast that I have for you. The days are going to be fair to partly sunny with highs in the 70s and the nights are going to be clear and dropping to the upper 40s to low 50s. No rain at all in our 5-day forecast. ...

Bedford County School Superintendent Don Embry told county School Board members he is retiring as of December 31, 2020. Embry informed board members at the end of Tuesday night's meeting. See more details in Saturday's Times-Gazette.

Two Bedford County commissioners grilled Sheriff Austin Swing about his department’s response to noise and heavy traffic surrounding a large concert and horse racing event Saturday night on Anderton Road. Swing was asked by Commissioner Bill Anderson, a member of the Rules and Legislative committee, at its Tuesday meeting if he noticed an “uptick” in DUIs on Saturday night and if records such as the Bedford County Jail intake were available...

The annual Celebrate Recovery at House Of Prayer cookout was recently held at H.V. Griffin Park. Leaders are (bottom) Linda Crabtree, Celebrate Recovery pastor; (second row) Shannn Templeton, Gail Mills-Claxton, Nancy Stevenson; (third row) Danielle Watson, Chip Watson, Jimmy Calahan, Chris Bowman and Doug Crabtree, Celebrate Recovery pastor. Bryan Nerren is church pastor. Celebrate Recovery meets every Monday at 6 p.m. with free child care available.

Bedford County and Shelbyville are the recent recipients of three Community Development Block Grants, totaling $1.52 million. The Community Development Block Grant, is a long-running program by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CDGB program funds community development projects with the stated goal of providing affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development...

The Bedford County Board of Education is working toward evaluating the performance of Superintendent Don Embry. The board discussed the evaluation process at a meeting Tuesday. The evaluation is due Nov. 1. The board has been working on the measurement system (or instrument), meaning the criteria they will use to evaluate Embry. They were scheduled to vote on the instrument Tuesday...

A Shelbyville Power Co. truck rests on its top behind the utility’s South Main Street headquarters after rolling down an embankment Tuesday morning. Police were told the unoccupied truck’s transmission had been left in neutral when it rolled down the steep embankment.

A marijuana cigarette and two small bags of marijuana were found in a vehicle by Shelbyville police as a DUI suspect was being arrested Tuesday morning, according to an incident report. An officer responding to a report of a reckless driver found Brianna Nicole WIlliams, 21, of Tullahoma stopped off Tremont Drive. Williams failed field sobriety tests, was charged with possession of a schedule 6 drug and DUI, and was being held on $4,500 bond at Bedford Countu Jail...

Tyler Ford, left, of TnAchieves, recently gave a report to the Rotary Club on the scholarship and mentoring program through Tennessee Promise, which promotes increasing the number of students attending colleges. Finny Edwards was program chairman.

On the 19th anniversary of the attack on America, Cash Express continued with its company tradition of delivering a desert to local first responders. In Shelbyville they delivered cupcakes. “There is one memory I want hold on to, one I want to cherish as the deepest and most lasting of September 11, 2001,” wrote Cash Express CEO Garry McNabb in his Salute to First Responders. “It is the memory of the heroism and selflessness demonstrated by law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who went about their business that day without concern for their own safety and without consideration for the magnitude of what they were confronting.”

Newton Ford South is proud to announce a new location coming in Fall 2021. Owners Bill Newton and Mike Abbondanza joined General Manager Anthony Green in breaking ground on the site, which is in partnership with Rose Construction. “We’re excited for this new opportunity of growth with Newton Motor Group,” Anthony said as he stood with some of his colleagues. ...

Craig and Wheeler Realty and Auction, LLC., recently congratulated team members, Brandi Dye and Susan Jefferies, on their new team positions. Bedford County native Dye, who has been hired for the front desk/receptionist position, grew up around the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and Celebration, actively participating in shows. ...

On Sept. 8, it had been 187 days since COVID-19 made its first appearance in the state and more Tennesseans have died in six months from the coronavirus than diabetes, flu/pneumonia, suicide or kidney disease during the entire year of 2017. From March 5, when a 44-year-old Williamson County man became the first person in Tennessee to test positive for the coronavirus, to Sept. 13, the state health department reports that 2,078 Tennesseans had died...

Bell Buckle Board of Mayor and Aldermen welcomed David Vannatta as a new Alderman during Tuesday’s meeting. Administering the oath (right) is Bell Buckle Mayor Ronnie Lokey. Vannatta will be finishing out the rest of the term vacated by James Anderson who moved out of town last month.

Shelbyville police officers were busy over the weekend protecting children who were allegedly neglected by caretakers. A 2-year-old girl was removed from a Cedar River Road home Sunday after being found in a busy street three times in two days. Timothy Carl Cook, 58, who told police he is her father was charged with child neglect after being found passed out drunk in the home...

PULASKI – Martin Methodist College and the University of Tennessee System signed a nonbinding letter of intent Friday, which MMC officials note is the first step in discussions for the small, 150-year-old, private college to join the UT System. Leaders of the two schools are exploring the possibility of entering into an agreement, which is subject to approval by the boards of trustees at both institutions, the Tennessee state legislature, and regional accreditor of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.. ...

One significant document, among several, on the table before Bedford County Board of Education 5:30 p.m. tonight will be approval of a resolution to the state —one demonstrating the board’s support of a moratorium on end-of-year examinations and formative assessments throughout 2020-21...

After much consideration, Beta Iota Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) Sorority has cancelled its 42nd annual fashion show and dinner slated for October. The local autumn social, traditionally held at First United Methodist Church on the public square, is a fundraising event in which proceeds are contributed to scholarships for local students and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital...

A man suffered a serious gunshot wound to the right wrist at a Noblitt Street home Friday night, Shelbyville police said. The victim, identified by police as Joseph Henley, was airlifted to a Nashville hospital. One 9mm bullet casing was found in the home by officers...

We’re still going. Granted, the season is winding down and produce is slowing up. But the okra is outstanding, with the little size that is perfect for pickling and the larger size that is tender and good for frying. The tomatoes are red ripe, except for the green ones that need to be battered and fried. The melons are in and look good. We expect the fall greens to be here shortly...

A man accused of fatally shooting one person and carjacking a vehicle after a crash on Interstate 24 near Beech Grove is being sought by authorities. Deangelo Doresey, 19, of St. Louis, Missouri allegedly ran another vehicle off the road with his Dodge Charger in an effort to carjack it, then went across the interstate, pointed a gun and carjacked an oncoming Toyota Camry, the TBI said.

Americans paused Friday, Sept. 11, to remember those who lost their lives in the 9-11 attack against the United States 19 years ago. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and over 25,000 injuries and substantial damage, including the famous Twin Towers. While it was many years ago, the pain associated with the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history still hits home for many.

During regular business meeting Thursday night, Shelbyville City Council gave its final approval of some much-needed police and fire department requests. Department chiefs explained recently how the City is in great need of a new radio communication system, deeming the purchase request somewhat of an emergency...

Shelbyville police said they were forced to manhandle a suspect who allegedly resisted after causing a disturbance Wednesday at a restaurant. Raul Revelo, 64, of Baker Street was allegedly staggering down South Cannon Boulevard pushing a shopping cart and was almost struck by a vehicle before entering Las Palmas restaurant, witnesses told officers...

There will be no kettle corn in October in Bell Buckle this year as the 44th annual Bell Buckle Webb Art and Craft Festival has been canceled. The festival was planned for Oct. 17-18. Last year the two-day Festival drew 80,000 visitors to the town and in previous years that number B ell Buckl;was even higher. The decision was made at the Sept. 8 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. At that meeting, Jim Callis, Associate Head for Finance and Operations for Webb School, conveyed the school’s desire that the festival be canceled. Although the town board took no vote on the decision, the members were, reportedly unanimous in agreement to cancel the event. “Although this is an event we all love, we love the people who live in and visit Bell Buckle more,” according to a prepared statement from the town. “We feel like the safety of everybody is more important,” said town clerk and recorder Janet Robinson.

Supporters of Democratic candidates gathered to open the party’s headquarters Thursday at the intersection of Deery and Depot streets.

SEPTEMBER 1890 STEELES CAMPGROUND – The weather has been fine and pleasant for the last week and some of the farmers have taken advantage of it by plowing and pulling fodder, cutting corn and other work in general. There were several of the farmers in Shelbyville last Saturday from this section...

Multiple drugs and weapons charges were filed against against a Unionville after a search during an investigation Tuesday. A glass pipe found on Christopher James Hardee, 41, of Substation Road during questioning led to a vehicle search by Sgt. Trey Green of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. ...

We have enjoyed some beautiful weather since the Labor Day weekend, but now showers and thunderstorms become likely for this weekend with chances set at 70 percent. It is going to be very warm and increasingly humid with high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s. ...

We are still going strong. ‘Tis the season for tomatoes and okra. There is also a good supply of peppers, squash, melons and other various vegetables. The fall cool season vegetables are coming in and it looks good. We had several vendors during the horse show, and they all said they were still coming. I was asked how long the market lasts, and we usually go on up into October. Remember that all of our vendors are local farmers and all that they produce is what is in season...

Avery Scott, 18, of Quincy, Ill, made her very first visit to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Saturday. “It was awesome!” she said post show. “We had a lot of fun and it was a cool experience.” Avery visited the Celebration grounds with her father, Jeff Scott; they took in all the sights and sounds of Saturday’s final classes. She’s driven through Shelbyville, but this is the first time, she said, they’ve actually walked through the TWHNC gate...

A suspect has been charged with stealing and attempting to sell a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. Dustin Lee Hopper, 28, of Hendon Memorial Road is charged with theft of a motor vehicle worth over $10,000, He was held on $25,000 bond at Bedford County Jail. Security video shows the Camaro being stolen from the garage at a Pickle Road home at 5:27 a,m. Monday, a Bedford County Sheriff’s Office report said. The car’s owner told a deputy he thought he recognized Hopper...

Ronnie Spears of Wimauma, Florida, was up with White Diamond Dollar to parade the U.S. Flag around Maverick Arena during the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Thursday evening. The show culminated Saturday night with the World Grand Championship.

English poet F.W. Harvey once penned, “From troubles of the world, I turn to ducks.” After a long COVID-laden spring and summer, it’s time for everyone to get their ducks in a row for the third annual “Ducks on the Duck” race benefitting United Way of Bedford County...

Shelbyville City Council indicated Tuesday during study session that it may reach out to a potentially paid economic consultant in an effort to move along the hiring of a local industrial recruiter — a full time position which will be shared by both City and County governments...

A state grant will bring broadband internet service to 756 Bedford and Rutherford County homes, state, local and United Communications officials announced. Most of the Bedford County homes are in northern areas, with some in southern areas. Connections began last week in the Russell Ridge area and is expected to conclude by December 15, United CEO William Bradford said...

The rate at which COVID-19 spread in August in Tennessee was reduced somewhat from July but the number of newly confirmed cases was more than double from what it was in June. By May 31, there had been 23,006 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Tennessee. By the last day in June that number had climbed to 43,161 — an 87.6 percent increase. By July 31 the total number of confirmed cases had risen to 104,778 and by Aug. 31 it was up to 151,250...

A stun gun used against a suspect wrestled to the ground by police appeared to have “minimum effectiveness,” a Shelbyville police report said. Officers were attempting to search a man identified as Joshua Stewart while investigating a report of domestic violence at a Scotland Heights home Thursday night...

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time for mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors and community members to come together and raise awareness about suicide prevention.   Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., and the national suicide rate has increased by 35 percent since 1999. ...

City of Shelbyville purchasing agent, Lori Saddler, accepted the interim job of government manager during Council’s study session Tuesday. Though her interim city manager salary was left open-ended, the long-time employee said her only request is that she be allowed to return to her current office, once the new person is hired...

Editor’s note: This is the story of Nicole B’s experience with renting a home in Shelbyville. She asked that her last name be withheld. When the subject of rental properties and tenants’ rights comes up, Nicole B. becomes agitated because of her experience renting a home in Shelbyville six years ago...

Editor’s note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an order on Sept. 1 banning evictions of people who lost work as a result of the pandemic. To benefit, renters must sign a declaration that they don’t make more than US$99,000 a year or $198,000 for those filing a joint return and that they essentially have no options other than homelessness. ...

Residents of Narrows Road in Shelbyville have learned first-hand about unintended consequences. Since the County cut the hours of the Tollgate Convenience Center— closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays — Narrows Road residents routinely see freshly dumped trash along their road on Wednesday mornings. Last week, they found a queen size mattress and box spring, ironically just 50 paces from a ‘No Dumping’ sign. One resident said, awhile back, when he was on his way to work he had to stop and move a washing machine out of the roadway. They also have found trash bags strewn along the road, apparently cast aside by someone in a moving vehicle, in a sort of twisted version of Hansel and Gretel. 

Motlow State Community College has partnered with TCAT-Murfreesboro to create a smooth transfer process for students studying Nursing, Cyber Defense, Business Office, and Mechatronics. Transfer students from TCAT – Murfreesboro to Motlow may also receive credit for prior learning and certifications...