News

Bedford County Office of Planning and Zoning has issued a cease-and-desist order against Rancho La Herradura Inc., which operates a horse racing and rodeo facility on Anderton Road, saying that it does not qualify for an agricultural exemption from zoning rules...

Shelbyville-Bedford County Senior Citizens Center staff say they could greatly use an outdoor pavilion. Since community action is at the heart of the Leadership Bedford class, all 20 hands are working to help the center. By April 2019, this year’s class hopes to provide the new shelter behind the center...

Bedford County Commissioner Greg Vick, speaking during Tuesday night's meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners, addressed what he says are problems with a horse racing and rodeo facility on Anderton Road. Vick alleged that the facility negatively affects the neighborhood traffic, making it difficult for neighbors to get in or out while an event is taking place, and Vick alleged that photos posted to social media seem to indicate underage drinking as well as wagering...

Former Bedford County Executive Paul Parker died Wednesday. The position is now known as county mayor, but was called county executive during Parker's three terms. Parker served for 12 years as county executive, from 1986 through 1998. He was known as a fiscal conservative and a passionate defender of the rights of rural taxpayers. ...

State Sen. Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) announced Thursday that Bedford County will receive a $18,810 grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts Court Security Grant Program. The county will provide a 10 percent match for the projects covered by the grant...

For decades, the foundation of United Way programs has been payroll deduction. Rather than make individual donations to a variety of charities, an employee could agree to have a small amount deducted from every paycheck. Over the course of the year, those small donations could add up to a generous total...

Despite this week’s rainy weather, construction continues on the new four-lane U.S. 41-A South. Drivers should enter construction zones with caution. New detours can redirect traffic. Workers are also on the roadsides each day with equipment. (T-G Photo by Dawn Hankins)

Luke Ashley will be the guest speaker Sunday at New Hope Chapel. Ashley is an ordained minister, a partner at the government relations firm Johnson and Poss, and the son of New Hope’s pastor, the Rev. Mark Ashley. He received his seminary degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. (Submitted photo)

Beth Keele’s first graders at Thomas Magnet School attended the live musical play “The Magic School Bus Lost in Space” on Wednesday at Tucker Theatre on the Middle Tennessee State University campus. The play is promoted by the state to improve literacy. MTSU Women’s Basketball Coach Rick Insell, former Shelbyville Central High School Eaglette head coach, and staff helped out by allowing students to eat lunch in Murphy Center. The coaching staff gave each first grader a T-shirt and MTSU basketball team posters and introduced the students to an MTSU player. Teachers said a wonderful time was had by all, including Insell’s granddaughter, Caroline Insell. (Submitted photo)

Bedford County Board of Education held a study session Monday night at the Central Office board room to review and discuss updates to the school system's 2013-2018 Strategic Plan. The school board's initiative is to develop, update and quickly move forward -- all with academic fruitfulness. The next study session is planned for 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Central Office board room...

The first phase of new development at Shelbyville's H.V. Griffin Park is on track. Shelbyville City Council voted last Thursday during its regular meeting to enter into a contract agreement with Ragan Smith, a Murfreesboro construction and planning firm of Murfreesboro,...

A new agreement between Motlow State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville will make it easier for students in TCAT's administrative office technology program to transfer their credits to Motlow in pursuit of an associate's degree...

The 24th annual Festival of Trees and Holiday Craft Fair will take place 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday at The Fly Arts Center, 204 South Main St. The event includes Christmas trees decorated by a variety of local groups and individuals, and it also includes 20 craft vendors. There will be door prizes, a raffle, story time with Mrs. Claus (11 a.m.), and craft activities for children at 1 p.m. This year, there will even be a food truck...

Two shoplifting suspects were arrested Tuesday after police spotted one driving on Madison Street. Piggly Wiggly employees told officers a man and woman put five packages of meat in her bag and left without paying in a Pontiac Sunfire. Officer Ronnie Blankenship saw the Sunfire and attempted a traffic stop on Bethany Lane, his report said. The driver, Steven Clyde Blankenship, 32, of Locust Street allegedly didn’t stop but motioned officer Blankenship to follow him to his home...

Soon-to-retire Highway Superintendent Stanley Smotherman warned Bedford County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night that solid waste may be one of the biggest problems facing the county in the near future. Smotherman, who has announced his retirement at the end of January, made his remarks during the normal quarterly reports by county department heads. ...

Shelbyville Parks & Recreation will switch on H.V. Grffin Park’s Christmas lights on Thanksgiving Eve. Workers braved the cold weather Tuesday to start the preparations. (T-G Photos by Dawn Hankins)

Aggravated assault charges were filed against a man who allegedly swung a baseball bat at two police officers while being pursued on foot Monday night. An officer responding to a report of a man walking in a traffic lane on South Brittain Street found Chad Allen Richardson, 39, of Regent Drive screaming that gangsters were after him. Richardson allegedly ran to Dunnaway Street before being tackled by officer Brad Evans with help from officers Alex Weatherford and Sam Campbell...

Members of the Fairview FCE Club are shown with the nonperishable food items they purchased and donated to Good Samaritan in Shelbyville. Left to right, Mary Frances Gordon, Cindy Parker, Betty Brown, Marilyn Lewis, Susie Armstrong, Pat Hastings and Patsy Parker. Not pictured: Carolyn Jones. (Submitted photo)

As Harris Middle School's choir sang Christmas carols Friday afternoon, the Bedford County courthouse Christmas tree was lit. Bright lights adorned the tall green beauty, donated in memory of G.W. and Patty Edwards. Children were wide-eyed in anticipation of the ceremony. The crowd wowed as the lights were connected for the first time...

Cascade Elementary School has announced its Titan Transfer Students of the Month for October. Each grade, related arts, and special education classes chooses a student each month who exemplifies the school’s values. Front row, from left: Jayden Zarate Naranjo, Avarie Davis, Katelyn Sanborn, Malaki Tyre, Aiden Gipson. Back row: assistant principal Robin Ayers, Anne Marie Beard, Rylee Belfield, Jacob Floyd, and Donna Mooney of Titan Transfer. (Submitted photo)

This country road north of Shelbyville releases a sense of calm and tranquility on often busy days. (T-G Photo by Dawn Hankins)

J.B. Stubblefield was found by Lae, New Guinea police lying in reeds on the side of the Bumbu River in November 1946. The U.S. Army soldier’s only possessions were a straight razor and a pocket Bible. Police were able to identify him from his name in the Bible, which was given to him by his mother, who — like many soldiers — he had listed inside the cover as next of kin...

Bedford County Finance Director Robert Daniel switched hats Thursday as he presented a special World War II history program at Shelbyville-Bedford County Senior Citizens Center. In honor of Veterans Day, Daniel shared with the seniors a display of uniforms representing several branches of service. His love, he said, is military history with a focus on World War II...

Last week I was telling you about that weather system developing that just worried me because it had the look of a severe weather maker. Things really came together Monday night and Tuesday morning as a line of severe thunderstorms moved across Middle Tennessee. We had a really close call in Bedford County with a killer tornado just to our north in Rutherford County and a tornado to our east in Coffee, Franklin and Grundy counties...

A new Samsung stove, washer and dryer were stolen from a home construction site on Eady Road overnight Wednesday, a Bedford County Sheriff’s Office report said. The following were charged since Thursday by the Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol or 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force. They are only charged; guilt or innocence will be determined by the courts,...

Samantha Skinner, a student at Community Middle School, is one of more than 500 elementary, junior high and high school cheerleaders and dancers who will represent Varsity Spirit in the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Walt Disney World resort in Florida...

Family Academic Support Team (FAST) held its first meeting in September at Eakin Elementary School, with 75 percent of kindergarten parents attending. "We were just ecstatic . . proud," said Connie Banks, literacy coordinator and organizer of the recent meeting...

The fall issue of "Bedford Life" magazine will be included in this Sunday's edition of the Times-Gazette, and it's chock-full of stories, photos, recipes and calendar listings for the upcoming holidays. Here are just a few of the highlights: We visit Wendy and Bryan Morton at their historic home in Flat Creek. The couple has a love for animals, both the ones they see at their veterinary practice in Lynchburg and the dogs and horses at their farm...

Workers place letters denoting the longtime First National/Regions Bank building on the west side of the Shelbyville square as Bedford County Courthouse Annex. Remodeling continues for several county offices to move in soon. (T-G Photo by David Melson)

All City of Shelbyville employees with military service were honored following Thursday night’s council meeting at the city courtroom. Mayor Wallace Cartwright, having served in the Tennessee National Guard, was the first recognized by Shanna Boyette, city manager, who presented the honors. A reception was held after the presentation. (T-G Photo by Dawn Hankins)

Possession of distilled tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) sap resulted in a Central High School student being arrested for possession of marijuana Wednesday, according to a Bedford County Sheriff's Office report. The substance was discovered after a teacher walked into a bathroom and smelled marijuana, school resource officer Jose Garza's report said...

Bedford County and the City of Shelbyville held their first joint study committee meeting Wednesday to discuss the idea of the county taking over animal control responsibilities from the city. County Mayor Chad Graham opened the meeting, which was more about asking questions than providing ideas, about raising some of the issues that will have to be addressed before a detailed formal proposal can be considered by both sides...

Just this year, Bedford County's Veterans Services office has fielded nearly 1,500 incoming calls and made approximately 800 outgoing contacts. Nearly 400 veterans have been transported by county van to medical appointments. "We appreciate our veterans and their service," said Pamela Roberson, county service officer...

Shelbyville native Gale Prince was recently presented a Quilt of Valor by Amy Martin, who is on a mission to eventually “wrap” all local war veterans. Prince graduated from Central High School in 1953 and from Middle Tennessee State College in 1957. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation and served at various assignments throughout his career, including tours in France, Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel in 1978. He and wife, Jonelle, have lived in Murfreesboro for 22 years. From left: Jonelle and Gale Prince and his sister, Joan Crowell. (Submitted photo)

The Tennessee State University National Alumni Association will hold a holiday luncheon 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center, 147 Hospitality Blvd. in Manchester. James Shaw Jr., hailed as a hero for disarming the gunman at the Waffle House shooting in Antioch in April, will be the guest speaker...

Caregiver Relief Program of Bedford County is observing both Alzheimer's Awareness Month and also National Family Caregivers month in November. Caregiver Relief Program began in 1993 and has developed into a home-based medical caregiving ministry.It is a non-profit charitableorganization and assists the caregivers of persons withAlzheimer's disease.A registered nurse visits the home to assess the condition of the participantand caregiver, offer support, education, medical assessment and referrals.. ...

Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham signed a proclamation this week proclaiming November as Hospice & Palliative Care Month in Bedford County. Alongside him were representatives from Willowbrook Home Health Care Agency: Anne Farrar, healthcare liaison; Elton Chesser, volunteer coordinator; Meagan Hitchcock RN; and Jon Amsphugh, chaplain. (Submitted photo)

The Shining Stars program made a donation to Bedford County Schools vision teacher Pam Feldhaus, third from left, to assist students with vision problems in Bedford County. Making the presentation are Shining Stars volunteers Evie Winfrey, Mary-Alice Shavers and Seth Countess. (Submitted photo)

Pvt. Hunter J. Rodgers, son of Donna M. Rodgers and grandson of Jerry Rodgers, both of Shelbyville. has completed and graduated from U.S. Army basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He is completing his advanced training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Pvt. Rodgers is expected to graduate by February 2019, from combat medics. (Submitted photo)

The sun peeks through clouds at sunrise as a new day dawns in Middle Tennessee. (Submitted photo)

Additional security was present at Shelbyville Central High School on Wednesday after one student was shot Tuesday afternoon during what police described as an off-campus “drug deal gone bad.” The incident took place at mid-afternoon at Fast Lane Market, Madison Street, Detective Sgt. Charles Merlo of the Shelbyville Police Department said...

Incumbent Shelbyville Mayor Wallace Cartwright easily won re-election Tuesday night, receiving 3,440 votes. The total number of write-in votes was 189. Most of those are presumably for announced write-in candidate Lee Roy Cunningham, but there will be no official breakdown until the write-in votes are hand-counted, and so those numbers were not available on Election Night....

On Sunday, Veterans Day, a battlefield cross will be set up at the Bedford County Veterans Memorial on the county courthouse lawn, so that those who wish may bring photos, flowers, notes or other remembrances to be left at the site. The cross will be set up at 6 a.m. and will be available all day, through the Veterans Day Parade, which starts at 4 p.m. Tullahoma High School ROTC members will stand guard over the display...

Katie Guthrie Shearin, who is a member of Shelbyville Lions Club as well as a first vice-district governor in the Lions organization, welcomes District Governor Tawnya Buster, who visited the Shelbyville club recently. Buster spoke to the club about finding new ways to help in their community. She stressed the importance of the vision screenings Shelbyville Lions Club does in local schools and day cares and thanked the club for that endeavor. (Submitted photo)

Twenty-five years ago this January, Community High School's Smokestack Theatre Group produced its first show, Frederick Knott's thriller, Wait Until Dark. To celebrate the milestone, the group will revive the show Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the school. Admission is $5 at the door...

Community School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) held a "Socktober" drive last month for Clothe Our Kids of Bedford County. The club collected more than 400 pair of socks for distribution by Clothe Our Kids, a ministry originally founded by Shiloh United Methodist Church. ...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican businessman Bill Lee is elected Tennessee governor, defeating Democratic former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) recently lit four strands of fiber as part of completing the first phase of a 330-mile fiber optic loop that will eventually tie together the cooperative's substations, mobile radio towers, district offices and its future system operations and dispatch facility in Shelbyville...