More Good News
For more than 60 years, Victory Baptist Church in Shelbyville has opened its doors to families looking for a place to grow in faith. Founded in 1961, the Independent Fundamental Baptist church has...
October brings beautiful autumn scenery to Bedford County, drawing families out to enjoy local fall weekends, farmers’ markets at the Celebration Grounds Pavilion, and boutique shopping on North...
Communities grow and change, but the core need for trusted, neighborly financial support always remains the same. Heritage South Community Credit Union has worked with local residents, delivering...
Finding simple ways to save money during a busy week can make a huge difference in any household budget. First Commerce Bank continues to make daily financial management easier for community members...
The old courthouse square smells of rain-dampened limestone and the sweet, heavy scent of blooming magnolias. There is a specific texture to the past here; it’s in the smooth, worn dip of a marble...
"You've been bad again,” his uncle said. Then he wadded up a few T-shirts and a pair of blue jeans and threw them into a black trash bag. His uncle slammed the door and locked the deadbolt. The boy...
Jimmy Simmons has spent nearly half a century helping Bedford County families achieve the American dream. Long before the growth, the subdivisions, and the new businesses, Simmons was selling the...
The raging fire popped and hissed as it devoured the first floor. Flames licked the windows along the second story. One by one, the windows shattered, sending shards of glass onto the rose bushes...
By the end of the Civil War, more than 750,000 soldiers had died — more than the combined losses of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Locals from Bedford County, in...
Shirley Capley gripped the bassinet and examined the tiny infant. Her entire body could fit in the palm of Capley’s hand. At only 1.5 pounds, this was the smallest baby she had helped Dr. Birch...
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) celebrated its 90th anniversary Saturday, Aug. 15, at Harris Middle School. A total of 407 cooperative members registered, and an estimated 520...
When severe weather hits or an unexpected accident damages a home, most people focus on the immediate cleanup. But behind every insurance claim is a quiet economic engine that helps keep local...
Life insurance may not be top of mind until a major life change happens, like getting married, buying a home, or starting a family, but it’s worth considering sooner. Some people may think they do...
Fall has arrived in Middle Tennessee, and the shelves at Caswell & Clay On the Square are changing right along with the season. Located in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown...
Something special has happened at Merle Norman on the Square. After serving Bedford County for more than 40 years, the downtown Shelbyville studio has been completely remodeled. Bringing a fresh,...
The story of First Commerce Bank is a testament to the power of community determination. Founded on the vision of a dedicated group of local individuals, the bank was established to fill a void in...
Finding a place to call home in a new town can sometimes feel overwhelming, but for anyone stepping through the doors at Victory Baptist Church, that feeling melts away in an instant. Located at...
September signals the official return of crisp autumn air, the excitement of school sports, and the undeniable spirit of teamwork. Whether it’s on a high school field or a college court, sports have...
Autumn in Middle Tennessee brings a familiar, welcome magic. As the leaves begin to shift in color and texture, everyday wardrobes naturally follow suit. At J. Jordan Boutique, September marks the...
Looking around the garage, under the kitchen sink, or inside the bathroom cabinet, and chances are, there’s old household cleaners, leftover lawn chemicals, or expired medicines taking up space....
Learning how to manage money is one of the most essential life lessons a young person can master, and Heritage South Community Credit Union is making that journey much easier for local families....
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, but local families and veterinarians find comfort knowing there is a compassionate team ready to help during difficult times. All Seasons Pet Crematory...
Jones Heating & Cooling is stepping up to help families in Bedford County who are living with memory loss. They are showing their support as a sponsor of the Caregiver Relief Program of Bedford...
You can hear it before you see it — the rhythmic, muffled “one-and two-and” of a marching band practicing in the early heat, the squeak of sneakers on a freshly waxed court, and the focused...
Genevieve Harris loads her daughter, Evalynne Stringer, and her two sons, Killian and Declan, into their handicapped-accessible van. Between working a full-time job, driving Evalynne to her...
You take between 12 and 20 breaths every minute. Over the next 24 hours, you will inhale and exhale approximately 17,000 to 28,000 times. Unless we are winded from overexertion, controlling our...
Ava Graves considers the characters in books her dearest friends. Novels, short stories, poetry, and the authors’ own stories fill Graves with an unending desire to create. They are the breath that...
If you research the Scottish history of Clan Wilson, you will discover that their crest features a lion brandishing a large sword. The motto “Semper Vigilans,” meaning “always watchful,” is...
Somehow, seconds blur into hours as your dream home is reduced to smoldering embers. Your mind races. How could this fire have started? Everyone — including your tiny Yorkies and your daughter’s...
Stormy weather couldn’t keep Shelbyville from celebrating the 250th birthday of the nation. Although the burial of the much-anticipated 2076 time capsule on the grounds of the historic Bedford...
After more than 40 years of guiding local families and business owners through their financial journeys, veteran banker Mike Rittenberry is stepping into a part-time role as Bedford County...
Long before women were widely represented in corporate boardrooms, a visionary named Merle Nethercutt Norman was changing the future of business. In 1931, during the Great Depression, she founded...
Opening a new retail store is about far more than filling display shelves with products. It’s about creating a place where people enjoy slowing down, discovering something unexpected, and feeling...
Every late August, Shelbyville comes alive as thousands of visitors arrive for the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. While the majestic horses take center stage at the arena,...
As summer heat continues across Bedford County, residential heating and cooling systems work harder than at any other time of the year. When monthly utility bills climb, upgrading to an Amana®...
August in Middle Tennessee brings an energy you can feel the moment you step outside. It is the time of year when the community gathers to welcome visitors from across the country for an exciting...
When a beloved pet passes away, the grief can feel overwhelming. In those first heavy moments, the logistics of saying goodbye are often the last thing a family wants to face. That is why All...
The morning's dew clings to the laces of cleats as the sun begins to peek over the bleachers. You can smell it: the earthy mix of freshly cut turf and the faint, metallic scent of the stadium lights...
Shelbyville became the Tennessee Walking Horse Capital of the World because of families like the Dericksons, who championed their success from the very beginning. On Sept. 17, 1886, a black stallion...
Six-year-old Greyson Green never leaves the house — or his grandfather’s barn at Jeff Green Stables — without clutching at least one miniature horse in each hand. Horses are practically part of...
Some athletes excel at baseball. For others, football is their specialty. Stephen Bobo, a senior at Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS), has been described as a “dual-sport star,” with others...
Matt Insell grew up on the sidelines of the basketball court at the Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS) gym. As the son of Rick Insell — the “all-time winningest coach” in the history of Middle...
Even before they were known as the Golden Eaglettes, Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS) set and broke records in athletics. In fact, because SCHS allowed girls to play basketball as early as the...
Saddle up your Tennessee walking horses, slip on your favorite pair of boots, and bring your excitement — and your appetite — to the largest event facility in the state of Tennessee for the 88th...
Since its founding in 1961, Victory Baptist Church has served as a spiritual guide for the Shelbyville community. For more than six decades, the congregation has maintained a mission focused on...
Finding a financial institution that treats people like family instead of numbers can feel nearly impossible. Traditional banks often turn away hardworking folks who hit a bump in the road. Heritage...
As the long, warm days of summer begin to wind down, families everywhere are starting to think about the upcoming school year. For parents and students alike, finding the right clothing can be a...
Losing a beloved pet brings a deep, sharp pain to any household. During these moments of heavy grief, families often face unexpected financial stress. All Seasons Pet Crematory is working to change...
The best kind of businesses are the ones that feel like family. For decades, Templeton & Associates Insurance has been exactly that, driven by a powerful mother-daughter legacy that has shaped...
As summer continues in Bedford County, the region is in its peak emergency cooling season, and Jones Heating & Cooling is reinforcing its commitment to keeping the community safe and...
With more than 26 years of dedicated service in Bedford County law enforcement, Chief Deputy Nikia Elliott is bringing a proven track record of leadership to his campaign for sheriff. As a lifelong...
THE MORNING air in Tennessee can be thick with damp earth and woodsmoke. It is the sound of a heavy porch swing creaking against a quiet house, and the way the mist clings to the ridges of the Great...
OKINAWA, JAPAN; Korea; the Philippines; Thailand; Australia; Singapore; Hong Kong; Saudi Arabia; the United Arab Emirates; Qatar; Kuwait; Iraq; Kosovo; Cuba; Greece; Italy; Spain; France; Germany;...
I PLUNKED MY keys and cellphone into the plastic tray. Two windowless metal doors separated us from the outside world. A third interior door was unbolted, and Lt. Chris Cook, the director of the...
1967 WAS BOTH a tumultuous and transformative time in the history of our nation. January began with a national tragedy when three astronauts were killed during the prelaunch mission of Apollo 1....
HER MOTHER had reluctantly signed the papers. Twenty-four days after Jennifer Clever turned 18, she was on her way to Fort Dix in Burlington County, New Jersey. As a native of Dunkirk on the...
DUSTIN MASON looked up from his Game Boy. Bolts of lightning flashed across the square television screen, followed by rumbles of thunder. The timer was counting down on his Pokémon game, but he...
THE HOMETOWN Heroes & Harmony event, sponsored by the United Veterans Council of Bedford County, began as an invitation-only event before welcoming our community to a free concert on the...
Starting a new school year is a major milestone for children and their families. Finding the right environment can set the tone for a student's entire educational journey. Victory Baptist Academy is...
There is a distinct, quiet sharpness to the grief of losing a pet, a heavy silence where a wagging tail or a soft purr used to be. For Shelbyville families navigating this difficult loss, All...
In an era of corporate mergers and automated phone menus, Jones Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated business. For the community of Shelbyville and the surrounding area, the company...
THE SCREEN door clicks shut with a familiar rattle. The backpack makes a heavy thud when it hits the floor. It’s the smell of a roast that’s been simmering all afternoon, garlic and slow-cooked...
WHEN PEYTON Allison was a little girl, she lined up her Bratz dolls and imagined she was their teacher. Other times, she talked her little brother, Alex, into pretending he was one of her students....
"WORK HARD, play hard, pray hard” is the motto of the White family, who own White Associates LLC, which opened at 100 L. Fisher Rd. in 2000. What began as two separate businesses opened the door for...
VANDERBILT BEDFORD Hospital recently welcomed its newest orthopaedic provider, Eric Barlow, DO, who is no stranger to Middle Tennessee. Barlow is a Murfreesboro native who decided to return home...
“DO YOU want fries with that?” was a question Mike and Holly Rittenberry frequently asked customers while working at the McDonald’s on Madison Street during the early 1980s. What began as a...
“When your pawpaw, Willie B. Davis, was younger, he used to make moonshine.” Michelle leaned closer, looking puzzled. “Are you serious, Nanny?” “Back in them days, ‘fore he worked at the highway...
TOWERING TREES hugged both sides of the narrow driveway as gravel crunched beneath the tires of my minivan. Each time I traveled Old Nashville Dirt Road, I had admired this two-story farmhouse with...
ON MAY 9, the aroma of fish fillets and hushpuppies sizzled and crackled inside deep fryers. Children played tag on the freshly manicured lawn. Others smiled joyfully as they gathered new friends at...
Talk of the Town Boutique on the Square is launching an extensive summer transformation inside Merle Norman Studio at 105 South Side Square. Planned interior and exterior renovations in July will...
WHEN YOU choose a locally owned business over a national chain, you’re not just spending your money, you’re planting it. And the roots of that investment reach deep. Every dollar counts, and it...
EMILY WOODRUFF turned the brass knob and pushed the door open. “This two-bedroom townhome is move-in ready. I think you’ll love this retirement community,” she said. Her client wearily scanned the...
AT THE corner of East Depot Street and Thompson Street, a few blocks from the historic Bedford County Courthouse, treasures await at Shelbyville’s oldest antique store. Every counter, curio cabinet,...
AMERICAN NOVELIST Thomas Wolfe famously said, “You can’t go home again.” Our lives — and everything around us — change constantly. Family members and close friends pass away. Communities evolve....
IT’S ONE of the busiest days of the year — the Saturday before Thanksgiving. In kitchens all across Shelbyville, steam will rise from the fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies cooling on the counter....
IN 1997, Susan Haynes had spent a decade working for Union Planters Bank, and though her husband, Andy, had a dependable job, one question kept circling inside his brain — “What if I started my own...
THE FIFTH annual Spring Fling, hosted by the Bedford County Fair Board at 2119 Midland Rd., included a free countywide Easter egg hunt, a guest appearance by the Easter Bunny himself, 60 vendors...
The bond between a pet owner and their veterinarian is built on years of trust, often culminating in difficult end-of-life decisions. All Seasons Pet Crematory honors this relationship by serving as...
Nikia Elliott, a lifelong resident of Bedford County, is campaigning for the office of sheriff with a platform built on 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to conservative values. Currently...
For local homeowners focused on long-term investment, upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system represents a significant financial decision. As utility costs rise, the demand for energy-saving...
THE SPEED limit isn’t the only change that has taken place on Fairfield Pike over the last several years. A once undeveloped piece of land is now a state-of-the-art learning facility. Cartwright...
A STUDENT IN our community today will walk the halls of Congress with a pinned American flag on their chest. A student in our community today will pray their knees still hold when their nerves get...
COURTNEY BOGLE applied to Thomas Magnet School (TMS) three years ago, hoping to teach English to seventh and eighth graders. When the principal, Mrs. Tracy Watson, asked if she’d be willing to start...
THE CONNECTED Community 5K on May 10, 2025, left many participants with more than just shin splints. Not long after everyone crossed the finish line of the "Run, Walk, and Roll," Beth Davis and...
TINA CORLEY looked on in grateful awe at the rows of pallets stacked near her husband, Ryan, and their adult children, Chloe and Caden. Every pallet was stuffed with school supplies for the Bedford...
BEYOND THE doorway of the classroom, hurried footsteps echoed in the tiled hallway of Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS). “Must be nice,” someone seated in the back of the room whispered. “I bet...
GLITZ, GLAMOUR, balloons, sparkly sequins, and a whole lot of pictureperfect smiles transformed the theater at Shelbyville Central High School on Saturday, Feb. 7, for the 2026 Mister and Miss...
When a pet passes away at home, the logistics of transport can become an overwhelming burden for a grieving family. All Seasons Pet Crematory addresses this need directly by offering a compassionate...
As the seasons shift in Middle Tennessee, Shelbyville homeowners are entering the time of year where that narrow window between the winter chill and the impending summer humidity looms. For those...
For nearly four decades, Family Chiropractic Complex has served the Shelbyville community. Led by Dr. Marilyn Everett, who has practiced in Tennessee for 40 years, the clinic holds the distinction...
WHEN WE think about the basic requirements of a thriving community, our minds naturally go to the grocery stores that feed us, the banks that hold our futures, and the schools that educate our...
IN 1860, three women in Hartford, Connecticut, started an after-school club to provide young boys with a safe place to stay out of trouble. By setting high expectations, the boys learned positive...
“LOVING AND taking care of God’s people is in our DNA,” Patricia Simmons said. When she and her husband, Robert, retired to Shelbyville from Los Angeles, California, a decade ago, they felt the Holy...
AVERY LANÉE Floyd slides another blue, velvety-smooth bead onto the wristlet, meant for holding keys, and lifts it up for her mom, Kelsey, to examine before she sells it. “This one’s gonna say ‘Dog...
PHARAOH CONDEMNED him to death. But as Pharaoh’s daughter lifted baby Moses from the hand-hewn basket bobbing in the Nile River, Moses passed from certain death to life. Not just life — he would be...
“JOHNNY, CAN you come to my desk, please?” At the sound of his name being called, Johnny jumped from his seat. He tried not to look too eager as he dashed across the bright red, blue, and yellow...
THE FLY Arts Center is abuzz with activity. Community potlucks, professionally catered dinner theatre shows, fundraisers for nonprofits, a quarterly “Maker Market,” plus exhibitions by local artists...
All Seasons Pet Crematory has served with compassion for families in Shelbyville and across Middle Tennessee. This locally owned and operated facility understands that pets are cherished family...
In recent years, the focus on healthy homes has shifted from a luxury to a fundamental necessity. At Jones Heating & Cooling in Shelbyville, Phillip and Shelley Jones operate with the conviction...
LOVE IS one of those things we recognize instantly, even when we struggle to explain it. We feel it before we understand it. We see it in the quiet moments that never make headlines, and in our...
On Nov. 21, 2026, Billy Joe and Kerri Calvert will celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary. These high school sweethearts have a love that has stood the test of time. Their commitment to each...
MONITORS BEEP. Patients are wheeled into sick bays. Codes are called. Through the bedlam of a busy emergency room (ER), Brian and Erica Cox found themselves growing from co-workers to friends, and...
THE YEAR was 1959. Elvis Presley and Frankie Avalon records were selling off the shelves, and the Ed Sullivan Show entertained families across America. It was here, in the era of soda shops and...
LANE AND RACHEL Stacey’s love story began back in 2019 at their mutual friend’s house during the Tennessee Titans playoff game. Although Lane recognized Rachel from seeing her on social media,...
COUNTRY MUSIC artist Craig Campbell was playing piano at a Nashville bar decades ago when he spotted Mindy across the room. Campbell’s bass player, Todd, was dating Mindy’s roommate, so he...
BIG HAIR bands, leg warmers, neon spandex, mullets, perms, and ultra-teased bangs, bright geometric shapes, and colorful wind suits — each of these reminds us of the 1980s. But this era, with its...
In the competitive HVAC industry, consumers often approach service with an understandable wariness, fearing they'll be steered toward costly, premature equipment replacement. This very concern is...
Located in the heart of Shelbyville, All Seasons Pet Crematory is a locally owned and operated cornerstone of the community. When facing the loss of a beloved companion, local pet owners deserve a...
A WAITING ROOM chair creaks as someone shifts their weight. A cup of water sweats onto the lobby’s tile floor. Somewhere down the hall, a name is called. Life pauses in places like this. It always...
AN EXTENDED hospital stay; an injury on the job, at home, or in an accident; post-surgery; or the need to increase mobility following a stroke, age-related decline, or to improve flexibility,...
NO MATTER where you live in Bedford County, mention the name Virginia Freeman and faces light up. “The mold was thrown away after God made her,” and “God has blessed her, and everyone who knew her...
ACROSS THE aisle of the grocery store, 8-year-old Catherine Smith watched as a white-haired lady stretched her trembling hand toward a package of toilet paper before several rolls tumbled from the...
OVER THE past 10 years, Amanda Lankford’s career in home health has evolved from scheduling appointments at the front desk to working in human resources and managing the weekly payroll. Her...
BETH MEERDINK tenderly cradled her treasured copy of “The Lady With the Lamp: The story of Florence Nightingale” and audibly repeated Nightingale’s call to action: “I will change all this, if it...
THE SHELBYVILLEBEDFORD County Chamber of Commerce hosted A Bedford County Christmas on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. This second annual event included lighting the Christmas tree on the lawn of the historic...
Nikia Elliott, a lifelong resident of Bedford County, is campaigning for the office of sheriff with a platform built on 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to conservative values. Currently...
As the cold of winter settles over Shelbyville, local families don’t expect their heating system to fail, but someone’s will fail every year. Families deserve peace of mind knowing that if it does...
In the heart of Shelbyville, All Seasons Pet Crematory is a sanctuary for local pet owners navigating the quiet ache of loss. At the core of their service is a simple promise: "One at a time." The...
THE CALL comes in, and the world doesn’t slow down. The clock feels like it ticks faster, but our heroes stay strong. The firefighter is halfway through dinner. The nurse just pulled into the...
Dear Good News Magazine,My 13-year-old granddaughter KaemeyYoung is my hero — and a hero to manyothers — as she continues her battle againstacute lymphoblastic leukemia. She’s not afirefighter, a...
GROWING UP, most of us played outside long after the streetlights in our neighborhood buzzed to life high above our bicycles. Electricity has hummed through our lives like a silent servant — so...
FOR MOST working mothers, 6 p.m. is a time for reheating a pot of soup on the stove or warming bread in the oven for dinner. It’s a time when our modern conveniences, such as washing machines,...
CHRIS BROWN slid his card into the ATM and punched in his PIN. As he’d done many times before, he selected the amount of cash he wanted to withdraw from the bank in Fayetteville, North Carolina....
THE UNITED States Army, the largest branch of our military, was established on June 14, 1775. Two years later, on the same exact date, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution....
THE ROAR of five mighty engines, the thrill of the crowd cheering from the stands, and the wholesome family atmosphere made the Monster Truck Wars at the Cooper Steel Arena on Oct. 25 unforgettable....
IN MARCH of last year, my cousin’s work schedule became incompatible with raising his first pet, a brown and white Bernedoodle puppy. I took her in, not knowing just how much she would change, well,...
MORGAN HEAD bent her elbow and slowly raised the mascara wand toward her dark eyelashes. Her grasp faltered, and the wand dropped from her shaking hand, leaving a black trail down the front of her...
FROM THE livestock in your barn to the pets snuggled on your living room couch to your furry — or not-so-furry — friend snoozing in your pocket, Cascade Veterinary Hospital LLC (CVH) welcomes every...
ANDREA NIX stretches her arm over the side of her recliner and pushes the cloth-covered lever forward. The footrest pops upward, elevating her legs. She savors interactions with students, but this...
THIS LITTLE piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. And this little piggy was a Bedford County 4-H project? Founded more than a century ago, 4-H began with a mission of teaching rural...
HIS SIZE and gentle demeanor were those of a Labrador retriever, but the shape of his muzzle resembled a hound’s. Like most of the dogs at New Destiny Dog Rescue (NDDR), he was a mystery. His coat...
ON OCT. 18 and 19, Bell Buckle welcomed thousands of visitors to the annual Webb School Art & Craft Show. The salty-sweet aroma of kettle corn, funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, and...
THE CREAK of an old wooden floor, the worn edges of a brick building, the way a nameplate on a storefront shines a little softer with age. These are not just small details from the past. They are...
WE HAVE understood the term “kick the bucket” for centuries. But it wasn’t until 2007 that screenwriter Justin Zackham coined the phrase “bucket list,” following the release of his film, which...
THE SHELBYVILLE-BEDFORD County Public Library at 220 S. Jefferson St. is topsy-turvy. Staff completed a much-needed reset, replacing the adult book section with the children’s and youth books...
WHEN WORD reached Clement Cannon that commissioners sought land along the Duck River to establish the county seat of Shelbyville, it is said that he stuffed $1,000 worth of silver into his pockets,...
WOOD SMOKE teases your nostrils. Buttery yellow, bright orange, and cranberry leaves rain down from the mature trees overhead. Rays of golden sunlight dance on Thompson Creek, beckoning you to spend...
A SMATTERING OF sepia-toned photographs lies on the coffee table in Tracy Vannatta’s den. The pictures feature an old piece of farming equipment dating back to the 1920s. The Red River Special, a...
THE CELEBRATION City Car Club began in March 1982 with a group of car enthusiasts, led by Garland King, who wanted to share their passion for classic cars, bring the community together, and...
WE’VE ALL heard, “The sky’s the limit,” but for Clara Grace Sanders, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s home! From a young age, she attended several Girls in Aviation events with her Girl Scout troop,...
THE BEDFORD County Fair, July 14-19, 2025, brought a blend of lighthearted, down-home entertainment and beloved traditions, reminding us why this yearly event buzzes with anticipation. This year,...
“FRANKENSTEIN,” PUBLISHED in 1818, is considered the first science fiction novel. The Gothic story cracked open an entire genre of literature that has endless new entries today. It inspired...
WHEN MELONIE Valleroy entered second grade, her mom started a job as a pharmacy technician at Middle Tennessee Pharmacy Services (MTPS), so Valleroy often spent time there after school and during...
ALTHOUGH FELLOW nurses refer to Michaela Stone as a “baby nurse,” Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital recently awarded her the Rosamond Gabrielson Staff Nurse of the Year award. This prestigious award...
THE TENNESSEE College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Higher Education Center at 2905 Highway 231 N. should be completed before the end of the year. The state financed this $45.4 million project...
SUCCESS IS often found in who you know and those you meet along the way. For those who own a business or dream of launching one, networking opportunities provide a space to dig deeper roots within...
THE SCENT of warm butter-covered popcorn and the huge roar of the crowd… does anything bring you back faster than a Friday night under the stadium lights? For me, it’s a flood of memories: the...
EVERY EYE was on the center ring. The floodlights overhead, which had previously illuminated the arena for dozens of Tennessee walking horses (TWH) and their riders, switched off. A subtle hush fell...
HURRICANE HELENE dumped an astonishing 30 inches of rain on portions of Tennessee and Western North Carolina, triggering deadly landslides. Scenes unfolding across social media showed utter...
TIFFANY WOOSLEY transferred from Moore County and started her freshman year at Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS). This decision proved to be a game-changer for Woosley. She rose from an...
WHILE HIS mother earned a nursing degree from Motlow State Community College and worked full time to support her family, Chris Fritz watched with silent admiration. “I’ll never forget waking up at...
AFTER DRU McCormick graduated from Louisiana State University with a psychology degree, she traded tantalizing French beignets, Cajun and Creole cuisine, and the cypress-lined bayous of “Fisherman’s...
SADDLE UP your Tennessee walking horses, slip on your favorite pair of boots, and bring your excitement and appetite to the largest event facility in Tennessee for the 87th annual Tennessee Walking...
For nearly 86 years, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been deeply woven into the fabric of the Shelbyville, Tennessee community. To Bedford County and surrounding areas, this...
IF YOU’VE ever seen a fighter jet cut across the sky, you know what powerful looks like. You know what freedom sounds like. That roar overhead reminds us that we live in a country where people put...
THE SHELBYVILLE Garden Club has been cultivating beauty — not just in flowerbeds, but in friendships and civic pride — since April 27, 1955. Whether they’re planting flowers at The Fly Arts Center,...
FIVE DAYS after her 17th birthday, on June 14, 1942, Muriel Moyers nervously squeezed Leonard Coble’s hand. “How old do I have to be to get married?” Leonard asked the justice of the peace in...
Medina Stackpole fluffed her pillow, then jammed it between her aching back and the headboard. She patted the empty spot on the mattress and whispered, “We miss you, Rick.” The words of her eldest...
“Cooking With a Veteran” began with hunger — an ache that Dave Rogers knew too well. Before he enlisted in the U.S. Army and for a short time after his honorable discharge, Rogers faced...
“Mrs. Heather, please don’t cry Because toys you didn’t have to buy Sometimes the shelves get kind of bare But because of love for Mandy and children, people did share Stuffed animals, blankets,...
A FAMILY LOADS up their navy blue Jeep in Tennessee and takes a cross-country road trip. It’ll take several days to get to the Sequoia National Park in California. There may be hours when the Jeep...
FOR KAY Templeton, the insurance industry has been her life’s work, a career spanning over 40 years that began when she graduated from Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS) in 1966. After attending...
THE RHYTHMIC clatter of pins and the squeak of shoes echoes across the wooden floors of the Shelbyville Bowling Alley. The buzz of conversation — and sometimes lively songs coupled with overly...
THE SPLASHING of the waterfall is a welcoming melody to Dorris Turrentine as she savors the sweet, earthy perfume of iris blooms carried by the evening breeze. Tricolored orange, white, and black...
THE SUN dips behind the Shelbyville Recreation Center, casting shadows across the baseball field, dotted with soccer players at H.V. Griffin Park. Marc Betzelberger leans forward, elbows on his...
LYNDA JOHNSON settled into the wheelchair as the nurse swaddled 4-month-old Natasha before placing her in Lynda’s outstretched arms. Although Lynda and her husband, Alfred, already had four...
YOU ARE loved. You are valued. Imagine hearing these words from a stranger, or receiving a gift bag and discovering these words have been lovingly penned inside a card. Whispers of Hope Founder...
WHEN YOU choose a locally owned business over a national chain, you’re not just spending your money, you’re planting it. And the roots of that investment reach deep. Every dollar counts, and it...
STEP INSIDE the newly remodeled JW Boutique at 203 N. Cannon Blvd., Suite C, and discover a wide array of trendy yet budget-friendly clothes, jewelry, and accessories. Though Jennifer “Jen” Whitson...
BACK WHEN she was a student, Jennifer Jordan Thompson examined every detail of the photo in her marketing book. The overhead spotlights illuminated a stage where rows of picture-perfect models were...
WHAT IS your vacation budget? When do you want to go? Do you have a preferred destination or region? What type of activities do you enjoy? Imagine answering similar questions and then having a...
WHEN SHE was a little girl, Katybeth Beasley Bobo wiggled her toes inside her father’s dress shoes and admiringly gazed up at him. Though H A Beasley’s shoes would always be much too large for her...
WHETHER YOU dream of owning your own micro-farm or raising cattle on hundreds of acres, the Shelbyville-Bedford Co-op near the Duck River on South Cannon Boulevard has exactly what you’re looking...
A STUDENT IN our community today will walk the halls of Congress with a pinned American flag on their chest. A student in our community today will pray their knees still hold when their nerves get...
"I SAW MYSELF as a teacher, in a bank, as a doctor — never prisoner number 00660725 at the Bedford County Correctional Complex,” wrote Shawna Barrier. “My pathway to becoming a habitual offender...
DURING HIS formative years in Maryland, Kasey Kesselring’s mother and three siblings gathered around the dinner table each evening, taking turns reading from the devotional “Our Daily Bread.”...
NINETY-YEAR-OLD MARY Sadler’s eyes twinkle as she studies the eager faces around the kindergarten classroom at Cascade Elementary School. Every morning, she lovingly delivers the bags of hot...
POLLY WOODARD drank in the scent of sliced oranges. She scooped them into her gloved hand and filled the row of lunch trays. She smiled in quiet anticipation. Soon, the first group of hungry...
COMMUNITIES ACROSS the nation are grappling with a severe shortage of school bus drivers — a crisis that has deepened in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here in Tennessee, the situation is...
AS A single parent raising three boys on her own, Cam Farrell’s mother had no choice but to work long hours. Farrell and his brothers often lacked supervision, but sometimes, it takes a village to...
OPEN THE door of Yesterday’s Treasures on the corner by the Bedford County Courthouse at 105 Public Square W., and more than just your senses will come alive. The spicy aroma of apple and cinnamon...
JAMIE DICKERSON lifted her palm from the steering wheel and waved goodbye to her 9-year-old grandson. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she assured him. “If we’re going to open the grief center, I...
“I NEED YOU to pray that I have a brain tumor!” Linda Nichols clasped hands with her friends as they bowed their heads inside her home. After everyone left that evening, her husband, Howie, asked,...
SOMEONE IS unresponsive and has quit breathing. A loved one is struggling to breathe or appears to be experiencing a heart attack. A child is choking on a grape. Any one of us could find ourselves...
THE SKY blushed with shades of peach and coral above the metal bleachers of Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS). Wild honeysuckles sweetened the slight summer breeze. One by one, the stadium...
AFTER DAYS of nonstop chemo infusions, Ezralee Swing was much too weak to open his eyes. Above the metal headboard of his hospital bed, a machine beeped. Had he finally completed his seventh day of...
THE SOUNDS of the self-checkout registers beep through the entire store. The short lines of people with baskets and carts move across the reflective tile like a conveyor belt and out the door. Uh,...
You know that first breath of spring? The way the warmer air gives you goosebumps — the air is soft, full of promise, carrying hints of something new. After months of cold, we step outside, and for...
Courtney Clardy awoke before her alarm clock. All five of her children were still sleeping, but there was another child who needed her. She quietly settled into the dining room chair and reviewed...
Jeremy Smith, the lead pastor of The Experience Community Church’s (ECC) Shelbyville campus, has dedicated his life to serving both his faith and his community. Married to his wife, Kelly, for...
JFigurines from your favorite games and movies, such as “Dungeons & Dragons,” “Star Wars,” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” alongside colorful backpacks adorned with iconic characters, such as...
"You've got to get up here to the First Baptist Church. They’ve got one of the best-looking groomsmen in this wedding…” After what she’d heard her sister say, Barbara quickly set the rotary phone on...
In a time where true love often feels like a fleeting dream, Joyce and Bobby McGee’s story stands as a testament to enduring romance and lifelong friendship. In November, they celebrated 61 years of...
The year was 1965, and 22-year-old Leonard “Junior” Donegan had just returned home from serving in the United States Air Force. He smoothed back his dark hair to set the pomade and took one last...
A nurse walked down the hallway his mother walked decades before he did. Beep … beep … he could hear the sounds from patients’ rooms. He kept a small keepsake pinned to his scrubs, a pin his mother...
Mackenzie Respress “kneaded” a way to nurture herself during a turbulent time in her life, so she turned to the art of baking sourdough. As her confidence in the kitchen rose, along with her...
Amy Neese Jones grabs her buzzing phone from her purse and presses the answer button. Before the “hello” brushes her lips, a dear friend on the other end unravels a series of heartfelt pleas. “My...
Buddy Carter settles into the seat facing the sewing machine. Turning the handwheel, he ensures the needle pierces the folded edge of the purple and blue calico fabric. He pushes the toe of his...
Prior to Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” the Brothers Grimm published the original folktale in 1812 titled “Briar Rose,” and prior to prescription medication, families relied on gathering wild herbs to...
Kimberly Williams ripped open the envelope and frantically scanned the letter from the College of Nursing. Her excitement shifted to bitter tears as she dialed her mother’s number. When the phone...
At Creekside Farm on the outskirts of the Flat Creek community, the aroma of freshly mowed hay mixes with the salty sweat of the horses. They stamp their hooves on the dirt floor, begging Angela...
The people of the year 1000 faced division, uncertainty, and fear for the future. They didn’t know it then, but they stood at the edge of change, transitioning from the Dark Ages to the Middle Ages....
Darren and Deena Delin scanned the young man’s application, and their eyes widened. Although they, along with Les Price, oversee the one-year mentorship program for boys at Riverbend Ranch and...
After fastening the gold buttons of his dress blues in October 2020, Col. Mike Corrado plunged his fingers into the snow-white gloves that he and other United States Marines reserved for formal...
Henry Ford, who started the Ford Motor Company in 1903, was a firm believer that history should be absorbed — not through textbooks but by seeing and experiencing it firsthand. Ford believed that we...
Touchdown Wings, a small and unassuming restaurant specializing in all things wings, is a haven for those who crave bold and satisfying flavors. It’s Friday night after a hectic work week — the last...
The measure of a man’s life is not in the riches he accumulates, but in the friends he gathers along the way. Manuel Rodriguez scratched out a living alongside his parents in Dolores Hidalgo in...
During his first mission trip with Appalachian Outreach in 2000, Steven Flippo surveyed the condition of the property assigned to his team, and his heart ached. “We were tasked with doing repairs...
The parking lot of Gateway Church on Madison Street is abuzz with activity as homeschooling parents unbuckle their toddlers and strap them into their strollers while their other children grab their...
Autumn settles into our town like a puppy in a warm bed. There’s a magic in the air that only this season can bring. Golden leaves drift gently from the trees, painting the sidewalks in shades of...
Christmas day was rapidly approaching, and my husband and I were seniors in high school. Warm candlelight bathed the stucco walls as the waiter jotted down our orders. When he emerged sometime later...
WHEN THE late Kenneth “Kenny” Cooper opened his first shop with two employees, his dream was simply to make a better life for his wife, Faye, and two sons, Gary and Barry. He had no idea the impact...
WHEN SOMEONE mentions Emmy’s Restaurant, my taste buds become excited. I immediately begin fantasizing about the hand-cut sweet potato fries served with a dipping bowl of melted butter and brown...
On the corner of Shelbyville’s iconic square, Glass Hollow Table & Tavern emerges as a beacon of fine dining, transforming the former Knox Pitts Hardware into an elegant and refreshing culinary...
For Harris Middle School (HMS) librarian Megan Lawell, extending kindness to others is more than an incentive to focus on one week out of the year. For her, it’s a way of life worth teaching to...
This past June, as temperatures hovered above the 90s and rainfall was scarce, a group of teens from Bell Buckle United Methodist Church (BBUMC), Shelbyville First United Methodist Church (SFUMC),...
The arena's din does little to break his concentration. Keon Johnson drives toward the basket, his eyes locked on its rim. With a swift pivot, he creates space as his body twists, the ball arcs...
SHE FLASHES her lights and pushes the gas pedal a little harder. The walkie-talkie is too quiet, so she spins the dial and makes her bulletproof vest a little more comfortable. She worked hard to...
THE CHURCH parking lot is full. Fire trucks, ambulances, police and sheriff ’s department cars, and other emergency response vehicles encircle the property and overflow into areas surrounding...
AS A native of Shelbyville who began his career in public service over 50 years ago, police Chief Jan Phillips is deeply rooted within the core of our community. He started his career as an EMT at...
“I DIDN’T CHOOSE this career. Honestly, it chose me,” said Detective Lt. John Sweeney with the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. “I never thought in a million years I would ever become an officer,...
On the corner of Shelbyville’s square, Arty All the Time is a refreshing fusion of creative expression and cafe confections. The bright blue facade is impossible to miss, beckoning both locals and...
NO MATTER WHAT time of day it is, the emergency room at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital is constantly abuzz with activity. Since the acquisition of the hospital by Vanderbilt in 2021, the daily census...
AFTER PREVIOUSLY giving birth to her two sons, Kohen and Hollis, paired with a background in obstetrics, Abby Reed had few concerns about the upcoming delivery of her third son, Whitt. But on June...
FIRE CHIEF Matt Doak has been a firefighter either in Bedford County or for the city of Shelbyville for 31 years. He diligently worked his way through the chain of command, beginning his career as a...
ALMOST 25 years before Regis Philbin began asking players of the popular 1990s game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” if they wanted to “phone a friend,” Donald Floyd and Wickey Parker have done...
THE TENDER sweet corn grazed young Edgar Kane’s hip as he pressed his tennis shoe into the imprint his grandfather’s boot had left in the soil. When the older man fed the cows, slopped the hogs,...
OUR FOOD nourishes us, from the soil beneath our feet to the table where we gather with family and friends. The hot sun beams from the sky into the field of sprouting seeds. Farmers rise early,...
ASHLEY POTTS blew a warm breath across the cover of a book, arousing dust particles into the air. Overwhelmed by a mixture of anticipation and sadness, she studied the other items that belonged to...
SOFT LINEN tablecloths, colorful stemware glasses, an eclectic mix of chairs and benches, and jars bursting with zinnias were the perfect backdrop for the first Farm-to-Table Dinner sponsored by the...
VANESSA YENTZ is fulfilling a legacy. It isn’t just for herself or for her husband, Eric, but for their children, grandchildren, and everyone who comes in contact with the Yentz Family Farm. ...
PREPARE TO throw everything you thought you knew about candy out the window. The Shelbyville Snack Shop provides a new and delicious way to experience your favorite candies. Stepping into...
SINCE THE mid-1800s, through the Hawkins line, four generations of the Curl and Lee families have farmed the Garrison Fork River Valley in the unincorporated community of Fairfield. Don Curl and his...
ROB MCGILL dreamed of being a pilot. He even majored in aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University. After graduation, jobs in the airline industry were scarce, so McGill, who had been working in...
HAL SKELTON drove over the railroad tracks for the first time in 1966 and scanned the thin row of buildings. As a recent college graduate, he’d accepted the position sight unseen. Could this be...
IN THE 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz,” a tornado whisked Dorothy from the hayfields of Kansas to a colorful, whimsical land where she faced many challenges and gathered new friends along her journey....
BESIDE THE historic Capri Theatre, Shovel Pizza has found its home. Upon entering, the first thing that strikes you is the sleek, contemporary design. Black, white, and wood accents create a warm...
WHEN THE stadium lights blaze and the roar of the crowd echoes, true fans know the game-day experience begins in the parking lot. Celebrate your team’s spirit with these tailgating recipes, which...
THE CROWD fills the stands, row after row, of people in our high school’s colors. The family in front of you sits down with a fresh hot dog from the concession stand. It’s still steaming with a...
ANTICIPATION FILLS the air like the smell of donuts, onion rings, and smoked brisket. As the gate opens, a hush falls over the crowd. A snow-white Tennessee walking horse carrying a rider adorned in...
JOHN ALLAN Callaway is the only trainer in the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) history to win the World Grand Championship four years in a row. In fact, the name “Callaway” has...
TEN-YEAR-OLD J. French Brantley IV scooted to the edge of the seat and gazed toward the organist in the center of the arena. The melodies flowing from Larry Bright’s fingers carried J. to an...
TEN DAYS out of the year, taste, tradition, and Tennessee walking horses combine to create the touchstone of the crowning of the national grand champion. Lines as long — and longer at times — as...
STEPPING INTO Rico’s, a riot of colors from the numerous piñatas and festive decorations adorning the interior greets you. The lively and inviting atmosphere sets the perfect stage for a sweet treat...
It’s a reality for too many with blood diseases and cancers. Hopefulness with the start of radiation or other treatment fades to disappointment. Fear threatens to suffocate patients’ dreams of...
HIS LONG, narrow fingers danced across the strings, no longer obsessed with the movements of the bow in his hand. Instead, the world around him disappeared into the melody, the fiddle’s mellow yet...
THEY SAY never judge a book by its cover. In its spot on the Shelbyville Central High School library shelves, it sat untouched, passed over for the more recent, colorful selections around it. It...
THE CONFERENCE room filled with nervous energy as everyone waited for the resolution of a snag from the final walkthrough. Many other challenges on the road to closing left everyone unsure this day...
AS THE warm summer sun shines high in the Southern sky, it’s time to embrace the vibrant flavors of the season. Our July recipes showcase the best of summer’s produce, from juicy peaches and crisp...
WHEN I was 8, I wanted to be a teacher. I remember my third grade teacher clicking the chalk on the green board on the wall. And when I was 9, I wanted to be a director. My parents bought me a...
AS IF frozen in time, John Ruskin’s words ring true as you take in the elegant brick cornices and window arches that accentuate the character of Shelbyville’s town square storefronts. The...
AS THE rain lashed against the window of his car, the steady rhythm mirrored the drumbeat of the Vietnam veteran’s anxiety. He stuffed the manila folder inside his field jacket and made his way as...
WHILE SCOTT Johnson’s University of Tennessee, Knoxville classmates in the College of Business accepted positions with banks and manufacturing companies, he considered a job offer from a Shelbyville...
WHAT BETTER time to indulge in the ultimate celebration of all things American: backyard barbecues, July Fourth festivities, and the comforting flavors of home? Let’s salute the classic dishes that...
THIS TINY building with a huge following has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals throughout town. The Southern Cup is in a cozy corner in the middle of town. This drive-thru-only cafe may...
THE RUMBLE of a warbird engine vibrates your stomach as the gleaming restored aircraft taxis past the crowd. Kids press against the fence, eyes wide with excitement, as adults lift phones to snap...
STEP OUT of the stress of your work week and into the past a few hours every fourth Friday, April through October, on the Shelbyville square. Vintage and antique automobiles, along with more recent...
YOU’VE DREAMED of owning a home for years and promise yourself each rent payment will soon be your last. Perhaps your family has outgrown your current home, or you no longer need the extra space,...
IF YOU took a snapshot of any moment in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct our wrongs, to heal, and to...
AS THE July Fourth sun rises higher in the sky and the Southern humidity descends, squeals of delight and waterslide whooshes spill out of the fences surrounding the pool at the Shelbyville...
SUMMER IS coming. And surely your home will sit empty for a week in this heat. The playful cheers of the kids on summer break go missing for a week that was planned for a year. The dishes sit in the...
AS TRAFFIC came and went along Madison Street, a two-lane main street through the heart of Shelbyville in 1975, late model, pre-owned cars lined the lot of Ernie Cook & Son Motors. Once you’d...
THERE WAS always a place for them. In Jessica O’Neal’s childhood home, their names were all different, but the loving spirit they brought with them was the same. They were children and teenagers...
PERCHED ATOP a stool in the colorful Bad Rabbit Art Studio, 8-year-old Weston Johnson glances thoughtfully from a photo to the artboard beside it, brush in hand. The iconic Stonehenge emerges stroke...
HERE’S THE scoop — Nash Family Creamery has perfected form, function, design, and deliciousness with each masterfully crafted sandwich or scoop of flavorful ice cream. As I pulled into Nash Family...
AS YOU look from your desk to the nearby window, nature’s blossoming limbs wave to you. The birdsong and blue sky seem to defy the concrete and office buildings surrounding you, but the stress...
SUMMER VACATIONS are the stage for some of our favorite memories and stories. Shelbyville’s Nearest Green Distillery and Humble Baron value the power of story and provide the backdrop for the fun...
WHILE MANY may be considering mountain or beach destinations for their summer getaway, there is a full schedule of diverse events taking place throughout the summer in our own backyard at the...
THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...
WHEN YOU step into Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio on the Shelbyville square, you enter more than a cosmetics and gift shop. You step into the legacy of Merle Norman, a visionary cosmetician who,...
THE HUM of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit had become the summer’s soundtrack, a constant drone against the chirping crickets and the distant rumble of lawnmowers. But...
INSIDE HERITAGE Jewelers on the Shelbyville square, each gleaming gem seated in engagement rings and wedding sets, earrings, fashion rings, and estate jewelry is poised to hold a memory, a...
LOCATED IN the Piggly Wiggly parking lot, the aroma of smoky barbecue wafts from the Holy Smokes BBQ food truck, luring patrons in with every sniff of the air. As a connoisseur of all cuisine, and...
AMID THE inviting storefronts on the historic Shelbyville square, The Pomegranate Shoppe is a vibrant surprise for anyone yet to open its door. Forget chain stores and predictable aisles. Unlike...
AS THE door closes behind you, a personal welcome replaces the drone of traffic. Layers of conversation from every corner of the room meet in the middle, sliding over you like your favorite old...
IN 1934, the air in Earl C. Kincaid’s radio repair shop at his New Herman home vibrated with the warm hum of radios, each a portal to distant voices and captivating stories. Years later, Earl moved...
THE METAL beams tick, tick, tick with every inch the cart climbs to the top of the hill. The experienced thrill-seekers in the front cart raise their hands as the coaster inches toward the climax of...
THINK SCHOOLS, and you immediately picture students in class, heads bent over computers and notebooks, and teachers at the front of the room leading lessons. You see the principal walking the halls...
FEW NAMES appear in resolutions adopted by the Tennessee House of Representatives, but it’s a recognition claimed by Julie Haynes and Layne Draper-Talbott. Haynes, Bedford County Schools’ Supervisor...
AS DR. COLT Boyce walks the halls of Community Elementary School, the unmistakable sense of belonging he feels within the school’s walls doesn’t just come from doing the work he loves but from where...
FROM HER desk in the office of Liberty School, Margaret Dalton watches as the landscape of education changes. She sees, too, generations of learners passing through on their way to high school and...
GATHER AROUND the Gordon family dinner table and ask how things are going at school, but be prepared to stay awhile. Former and present teachers fill the seats. Spanning from the use of chalkboards...
A TIDAL WAVE of chatter washes over the cafeteria as students surge through the doors, their minds more on who they’ll sit by than what’s on their plate. They pass through quickly, barely looking up...
IN THE delicate threads that weave through the fabric of our history, the roots of fiber arts run deep, connecting generations and cultures in a rich tapestry of creativity. Fiber arts are an...
IN THE quiet corners around us, away from negativity, thrive the true heartbeats of our community — the local charities and the selfless individuals who support them. It’s in these spaces, often...
LIFE WAS good; it was normal, something Samantha Shreve, then 29, didn’t realize was so precious. As a dental assistant in a local office, catching up with patients was normal. As a mom to two...
WE OFTEN overlook the significance of basic abilities such as independence, clear sight, good hearing, problem-solving skills, and easy access to essential resources. Navigating the challenges...
IT’S HARD to tell what’s shining the brightest — the Saturday morning sun or the smiles of those gathered outside Gateway (GTWY) Church’s building on Madison Street in Shelbyville. Children laugh...
IN A waiting room filled with patients and their families at Nashville’s Sarah Cannon Center, a cancer center named for Minnie Pearl, Miriam Carrick did what she’s always done. She’s not one to mind...
IN A world where most teens her age are busy navigating college decisions and figuring out life in general, KerriAnn Brewer seized an opportunity when it presented itself, proving that age is just a...
SOME BELIEVE it doesn’t exist; others think it might but believe they’ll never experience it. Some believe it exists only in Hallmark movies and chick-lit novels. You know how it goes. Curled up on...
LIFE WITHOUT someone who’s always been there is not just hard. “It’s just weird. That’s the only word I can say when people ask me about it. It’s just the strangest thing,” said Mary Pitner. This...
FORTY YEARS ago, Ed and Joan Gray signed up for the journey of a lifetime. From navigating the early challenges of blending families to exploring the world of education and later venturing on global...
I’VE KEPT my eyes on Nenitas Delicias for quite a while now and was lucky enough to catch them for lunch one day. The star of my visit was undoubtedly the miniature pancakes adorned with brownie...
IT’S TIME for embracing warmth, love, and the joy of sharing delicious meals with those closest to our hearts. As we endure the lingering winter days, here’s a selection of recipes filled with...
ONCE A week and on holidays, Randy and Edwina (“Wina”) Reynolds make room in their modest home. The goal: memories. The tables are set, and the family meal waits in the kitchen more patiently than...
LINDSEY TRICE was stuck. Life as she knew it changed forever on Mother’s Day in 2018 when she returned home from church to find her father lifeless. “I tried to resuscitate him. [I] tried to do all...
THE RIVALRY of the hometown teams charges the Friday night air. The center snaps the football, and the quarterback slides the ball into the running back’s hands, consistently moving the chains...
IT'S HOLDING the door open for the person behind you. It's sending a sweet text when they cross your mind. It’s stopping by to say “hi” when they’ve had a bad day. Showing up and showing love is...
THE FIRST sounds of life are screams and cries of joy. Oxygen fills little lungs for the first time. The lights above are bright. And the beeping machines from every corner of the room can be...
IN A quiet corner of Bedford County, a dedicated woman is on a mission to save the lives of cats, one feline at a time. Blake Nutter is the founder of A Nutter Cat Rescue, a nonprofit organization...
WITHIN OUR community and not hours away, Definite Wellness, owned by Candi Kinney, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, is not just a clinic but a beacon of hope and transformation. With a...
“OUR PEOPLE deserve good things, too,” Misty Bennett told her friend, Laura Huggins. One of the good things she had in mind was accessibility to mental health services for everyone in Bedford...
AS WE step into the new year, explore the tastes of hometown healing through recipes built around healthy ingredients. A soup loaded with healthy vegetables flavored with your favorite herbs hits...
BIRRIA TACOS have been hailed as a must-try dish, and Los Hermanos undoubtedly excels in this regard. I couldn’t think of anything better to warm me up on this cold night. The tacos quickly...
A LIFE OF service begins with a single decision and builds with each next choice. Service in the field of public safety multiplies the reach of those decisions and is life-saving in many...
IT WAS just another day at the office. As Brian Riddle remembers it, nothing was out of the ordinary. To the staff at Dennis Young Insurance, where Brian is an agent, it definitely wasn’t just...
IN THE heart of Shelbyville, the Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County is a priceless resource for those often overlooked by the healthcare system. It’s a place where the fragrance of...
LIKE THE cozy warmth of a heated blanket, Good News and the holidays are in the air once again. The season of festive lights, crackling fireplaces, and familiar carols is upon us, inviting a sense...
BETH NICOLAY dedicated 31 years to raising her five children. Originally from Ohio, Nicolay dined at the Barrelhouse BBQ in Lynchburg while visiting her oldest daughter and grandchildren five years...
HOME IS a haven of comfort and familiarity, where cherished memories and a sense of belonging intertwine. It’s where laughter echoes through familiar hallways, the aroma of favorite meals dances in...
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S Christmas Vacation’s Clark Griswald loved a fun, old-fashioned Christmas, and a scrawny, dead, over-priced tree with no special meaning from a tree lot was a disgrace to him. If...
AS WE emerge from the fog of the pandemic, we’re searching to find balance in how we work today. We loved meeting in our pajama pants (for a while) and appreciated the flexibility of new work...
NESTLED AT at the edge of a tiny shopping strip is Revaira, hands down the finest dining restaurant Shelbyville has ever had. Don’t let the outside appearance fool you. Inside are dishes once only...
EVERYONE IS gathered around the table spread with seasonal and family favorites near the glow of a fir tree stuffed with shiny ornaments and overflowing with presents. With a soundtrack of old...
AS THE early evening chill chases you to the front porch, slow down a moment before you rush inside. Pause at the bottom of the steps and take in the warm white glow of twinkle lights lining the...
FOR OVER 20 years, the children of Bedford County have benefited from the work of the Shelbyville Fire Department, not just by the lifesaving work they do every day but by their annual Christmas toy...
OFFERING MORE than a simple cup of Joe, Koffee Beanz has what it takes to suit everyone’s needs. Koffee Beanz is not your typical coffee shop; it’s eclectic, cozy, and welcoming, with soft...
WE ENCOUNTER unsung heroes who walk among us without recognition. They may not be wearing a cape and a mask, but they’re a hero regardless. Their unwavering commitment to service and sacrifice makes...
WE HAVE no problem imagining heroes as someone rushing into dangerous, life-threatening situations and saving lives and property. Our heroes come in many shapes and sizes, wearing different uniforms...
AS DUST sparkled like diamonds in the beam of sunshine, the farmhouse attic’s treasures invited the brothers to sneak away from their play on their grandparents’ farm, trading outdoor exploring for...
STORMS DEMAND our attention. They’re no big deal to some and stir crippling anxiety in others. Between those opposites is everyone else. Despite these differences, one thing unites us: our desire...
LIKE THE day Kennedy was shot, or when we watched as man took one small step on the moon, we will never forget 9/11, watching as planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the towers fell. First...
“Bedford County 911, what is the address of your emergency?” are the first words that mean help is coming. The calm voice stays with you until someone arrives on the scene. But the work of the 911...
New Alliance Unleashes Unlimited Opportunities for Economic Growth. Shelbyville-Bedford Partnership and Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce recently announced a new collaborative relationship to support...
NOTHING EXCITES me more than the idea of autumn. The trees are beautiful and never fail to take your breath away and then give it back to you. The perfect Saturday is a cool breeze coming in from...
AS THE DIVERSITY of the population of Shelbyville and Bedford County evolves, so does the congregation of St. William of Montevergine Catholic Church. The church celebrated the first anniversary of...
THE SMALLEST building on Shelbyville’s historic square anchors the childhood memories of countless residents. Big enough for only one person, its tiny footprint connects our hearts to the past and...
WHAT DOESN’T resemble a sleigh or make a rooftop landing but delivers Christmas toys? It’s the Highway 41 Toy Convoy and Show topping the hill on Highway 64, entering Wartrace on the first Sunday in...
FOR AN evening, they replaced the cadence of the auctioneer’s chant for a time-transporting trio’s acoustic guitar, harmonica, and smooth vocals on easy rock hits of decades past. Closing document...
GROWTH IS stunted in the shadows. A healthy balance of sun and shade, light and dark, warmth and cool all produce the best in life. While Brooke Smith Sanders is her father’s daughter, walking side...
EACH SEASON brings its traditions, but few compare to one annual kickoff to fall and holiday shopping. Unfazed by weather fluctuations, only thunderstorms send shoppers scattering to shelter. When...
SEPTEMBER’S NOONDAY sun showed no mercy as the field hands repeatedly ripped the corn from its stalk, dropping it into long burlap sacks draped across their bodies. Clothes and bulging harvest bags...
MORNING GLORY Donuts offers a delightful haven for donut aficionados seeking an unforgettable culinary experience. From the moment I stepped inside the charming bakery, the sweet aroma of...
OUR HOMETOWN sports is not simply a spectacle of athletic prowess; it is a celebration of the human spirit -- an embodiment of the unwavering bond that emerges when we come together to support our...
THE SUN shone brightly over Jekyll Island as Andrew Reeves, a sophomore at The Webb School (TWS), swung his golf club, striking the white ball with a hard thud. A surge of joy filtered through him...
RECOVERING FROM drug and alcohol addiction is not only possible, but life can be even more meaningful and beautiful afterward. Just ask Tyler Bowman, founder and CEO of Brooks Healing Center (BHC). ...
INSPIRED BY their own experiences and unique challenges, students from Youth Leadership Bedford recently made a lasting impact by hosting the first annual Benefit For Hope on April 15 at Shelbyville...
BEFORE THE Webb School closed its 153rd year, which saw the largest enrollment in school history and the most diverse student body with students from five continents, 22 countries, and 12 states,...
THE CALSONIC Arena, located at the Celebration grounds, has a new identity — the Cooper Steel Arena. The exterior and the interior received much-needed updates, including fresh exterior paint, an...
IT WAS a Friday evening in early June, and varsity baseball player Jaxon Sheffield had recently graduated from Cascade High School (CHS). Most young men his age might be out on the town celebrating...
BRANDI SMITH said she was an unusually talkative and wild child who teetered somewhere between Scout from "To Kill a Mockingbird" and Idgie Threadgoode from "Fried Green Tomatoes." "I talked too...
Wartrace music legend memorialized with historic marker. WARTRACE CELEBRATED its musical heritage in June with the unveiling of a marker honoring jazz trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, a Wartrace...
WHILE THE years have flown by too quickly, and Amanda Shelton has begged for time to pause and let her catch her breath, she’s never stopped being in awe of her daughters, Alyvia and Alyssa Smith....
SINCE 1979, Lazarus Lake has organized the annual Strolling Jim Ultra 40 Marathon in Wartrace, Tennessee. According to Lake, some of the best runners in the world have been to Bedford County for the...
IT’S THAT time of year again when friends gather, jerseys are donned, and anticipation fills the air. Whether you’re an avid sports fan or simply enjoy the camaraderie, there’s one thing that can...
NESTLED WITHIN the heart of Shelbyville lies a culinary treasure steeped in history and renowned for its exceptional burgers — the iconic Pope’s Cafe. Since its establishment, this historic eatery...
IT’S THE flavor of hospitality — a meal you hate to end because the food transcends words and fellowship found more in family gatherings than with new friends. A meal catered by Kadillac Que is not...
IF WALLS could talk, the unfinished kitchen walls in the old photograph of Cara Farris Adcock at her 10th birthday party would whisper of a sweet future. Adcock returned to the same kitchen where...
SUMMER’S HEAT presses down on the long line forming at the food truck. Nearby, others wait their turn at cooling stations of plastic wading pools and misting fans. It’s not a summer music festival,...
TOWN SQUARES are well known for being hubs for the community. Serving as the heart of a community, people gather to socialize, shop, and enjoy several events. While town squares have seen their ups...
THE CROWD lined up long before the meal was to be served, and little food, if any, remained as a late child asked for a to-go plate. They were gone, consumed by those struggling to make ends meet at...
AS SOMEONE who has spent a lot of time in Memphis, I consider myself somewhat of a barbecue connoisseur. Sure, Southern barbecue is easy to find, but finding the perfect barbecue is more difficult....
GLASSES OF sweet tea and empty stomachs are refilled as plates are delivered to waiting tables. Some enjoy their food quietly while other tables burst into laughter from time to time. Some build...
THIS SUMMER, the children on Shelbyville’s south side walked, ran, and jumped with happy feet, not because school was out but because every student at Southside Elementary received a new pair of...
LIFE IS noisy. Something or someone constantly competes for our attention, leaving little space for quiet and contemplation. At home in Los Angeles, Ruslan Kushnir’s mind was saturated with non-stop...
AS THE sun casts its golden glow upon our world, we find ourselves awakening to the delights of summer – the vibrant colors, the warm breezes, and the echoes of laughter and togetherness. With the...
DAN LIPINSKI said, “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.” It’s a pledge...
WHEN I think of the next generation, I feel excitement. I want this issue of Good News to be a joyous celebration of the young adults who will be the leaders of tomorrow, carrying the torch of...
IT WAS absent for more than 65 years. There were no blue ribbons, midways, cotton candy, or prized livestock competitions. Multiple generations missed the experience of a local county fair until two...
DICTIONARY ENTRIES identify “community” as a noun, but community at its best is an action verb. Shelbyville’s First Community Bank (FCB) has put community at the heart of its mission for 35 years...
ONE OF the most significant accomplishments of health care professionals is patient satisfaction. Bedford County patients offered positive feedback, which resulted in awards to area professionals...
IT WAS just a red Jeep, but it was a vehicle for healing and processing grief for two Shelbyville families. It was a symbol of celebration of a well-lived life, and for Carson Brandon, it was a...
IN THE ‘50s, Gene Williams and his parents watched helplessly as flood waters rose in and around their Shelbyville Big Springs home. Williams remembers clearly the relief and feelings of hope that...
MOST OF us have shopped online with Facebook groups or Etsy stores, excited to find unique gifts or treats for ourselves. We often have no personal contact with the seller but identify with their...
NOVEMBER 16, 2022. Countless viewers watched as the Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft stood at attention with an eye beyond the sky and waited patiently for the final countdown to lift off. As the...
AT 15, a cake decorating course for her birthday started it all. Through it, Morgan Bargers discovered a natural talent for baked creations too pretty to eat. Buttercream icing, fondant, and cupcake...
THROUGH THE years, we’ve seen this location change many times. But La Fiesta Grande is quickly becoming the most popular selection so far. Walking through these familiar doors, I was promptly...
COUNTY FAIR beauty pageants are a long-held American tradition. To this day, they remain popular and draw a large crowd of family and friends to support those on stage. For many, it is a rite of...
THE AIR is thick and heavy, like a woolen blanket draped over the landscape. The sun blazes down, casting a golden glow over the world below. The grass is tall and green, swaying in the breeze like...
PROGRAMS LIKE Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are a blessing, putting books into the hands of children from birth to 5 years. But once a child enters school, their library may not continue to...
NEAREST GREEN Distillery’s local and worldwide influence expanded when it opened its doors to The Humble Baron on March 23, 2023. With something for everyone, The Humble Baron features a 17-station,...
AH, RETIREMENT! We dream about it, save for it, and imagine how we’ll fill our days. While many seniors and retirees find countless ways to spend their time, others discover extra time on their...
IT’S A life of song. Spend 15 minutes with Billie Crowell, and tell me you don’t walk away with a song in your heart, a smile on your face, and a pep in your step. She says music is God’s gift to...
IT’S A modern love story. Love at first bite, if you will. It all started with a chicken bacon ranch quesadilla. My love grew stronger with the Kitchen Sink fries, then tragedy struck. The Blue...
THE SETTING was dark and ominous, the plot thrilling and mysterious, and the entertainment value was absolutely off the charts! What else could be expected for the recent production of “Clue” at The...
SUMMER IS a season of warmth, joy, and fun. It is a time when people get together to enjoy the outdoors, dance to great music, and make unforgettable memories. Summer music festivals are a perfect...
SUMMER’S NOT just for outdoors! Fellowship with friends and family while experiencing our area’s best arts and entertainment, indoors and out. Don’t forget the fireworks, but there’s more than...
FINDING SOMETHING the whole family can do during the summer can be challenging. The beach is too crowded, and the amusement parks are too far away. And both can be astronomically expensive. You are...
AN OLD ledger-turned-scrapbook testifies to the tenacious and adventurous spirit of a woman ahead of her time. Glued to the aged pages is a series of encouraging quotes, more roadmap than sentiment...
FIFTH GRADE is a time of transition — the end of elementary school and the threshold of middle school. It’s a practical time to offer students tools for the prevention of substance abuse like...
THE ECONOMIC Policy Institute reports that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, 68 cents of it stays in the local economy. Compare this to 32 cents staying in a local community when...
MUCH OF education, it feels, centers on a correct answer. Knowing the answer is the key to success, and fourth grade teacher Kelly Heflin gets it in more ways than one. Many children answer...
A CAMERA’S VIEWFINDER in the hands of a shy, awkward 14-year-old became the portal to a successful professional photography career for Shelbyville’s Nelson Holliman. What began as another way to...
DRIVING THE gentle, rolling hills of southwest Bedford County, nature will stop you in your tracks if your spirit is open to its invitation to slow down. Nestled within these hills is the old red...
WE TAKE it for granted. A hot shower or a long bath at home, endless choices for snacks and meals in the pantry and fridge, a closet filled with clothes, a warm coat — so many everyday provisions...
TODAY, YOU can buy a new home from the comfort of your old one. The internet has transformed how we conduct most business, but at Craig & Wheeler Realty & Auction, one thing has remained...
FOR THE pinnacle of country cooking, look no further than The Bell Buckle Café. This world-famous restaurant is serving meals reminiscent of eating at Mama’s table for dinner — soul food only found...
A LOCAL ORGANIZATION, Bedford Builds for Habitat for Humanity, works year-round to help those in need in Bedford County. Their tireless efforts never cease, and they always look for ways to help the...
THE COMMUNITY had seen very few Hispanic families in Shelbyville in 1993. The schools had no translators, and our curriculum had no English as a second language (ESL) courses. Leo Solis was a...
SOME CAREERS begin with a dream or a plan, but Maleah Claxton’s insurance career began, she said, as sheer dumb luck after moving to a new town and needing a job. A Shelter Insurance office hired...
I THINK OF education the same way I think of the spring season. In that time of year, out of season and lifeless-looking trees begin to bloom and become like new. The new nutrients, new water, and...
MEMORIES OF books, card catalogs, and hushing librarians come to mind when we recall the libraries of our childhood. We can almost smell that perfect mixture of paper, dust, and nostalgia. Those...
THERE IS at least one in nearly every reader’s home. Barna.com reports that in 2021, approximately half of American adults go to it at least occasionally and that half of the U.S. adults believe it...
LAURENCE J. Peter said, “It’s better to have loved and lost than to have to do 40 pounds of laundry a week.” Erica James-Hernandez, the owner of Fresh Fold Laundry Co., agrees and doesn’t want you...
Sometimes life just isn’t what it seems. There are situations where we view each other through the fishbowl of life. We watch from outside, sure of what we’re seeing. Meanwhile, inside, life is its...
DID YOU feel like an outsider at some point in high school? Do you remember the invisible boundaries between you and those in sports or clubs? Were your grades or wardrobe always short of measuring...
FAR FROM home while deployed to Iraq, Dr. Lucas Bowling received a call that changed the trajectory of his life. Not the kind you answer with your cell phone, but a call that doesn’t use Verizon’s...
LYNNA MILLER’S students are a part of her life forever, each becoming one of her kiddos. But some put the “special” in education — a field Miller has been actively involved in for more than 30...
IT’S BECOME a Bedford County tradition — graduating seniors returning to their elementary schools to walk the halls of their childhood memories. When the last days of high school are marked off the...
WHETHER YOU’RE on the go or wanting to eat a meal that’s packed with good for you ingredients, Earth Bar has your back with their multiple options of smoothies, açai bowls and fresh juice shots....
AFTER TWO long years, the Bell Buckle Daffodil Day and Best of the Butts BBQ Cook-Off were back in action. Cozy, little historic Bell Buckle sparkled and shined for the third weekend in March when...
THE TEST of history has proven that women have been foundational, like a sturdy rock that can withstand a storm. They overcame obstacles century after century, constantly adapting to the needs of...
AT WORK, Eddie Medley wears many hats: job coach, record keeper, counselor, facilitator, job developer, etc. But he said it all comes down to three important tasks: advocate, facilitate, and...
WHEN MARY Beth Gunn and her friends used to hit the tennis courts on high school Friday nights, college championship matches may not have been on her radar, but a love of the game and her...
MIDDLE TENNESSEE families are benefiting for the 10th consecutive year from an initiative of the Tennessee Cattleman’s Association (TCA) with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Farm...
WATCHING YOUR baby grow, develop, and toddle is something you never forget. You soak in as much as time allows, even though it is a naturally stressful time. Milestones come and go, and growth...
JUST OVER 100 years ago, women finally received what other Americans, but not all, already had — the right to vote. Now, we have the opportunity to lift up and celebrate the groundbreaking women...
LAURA PARHAM’S dad, Austin Lewis, taught her from a young age that she could do anything. In fact, he expected nothing less from her. While he couldn’t have known where her career would take her, he...
SOME GENERATIONS grew up racing to answer the phone, but not everyone’s phone would ring a solid, uninterrupted ring until you lifted the receiver. That call sounded the alarm to volunteer...
MARGARET BRITTON Vaughn, known to most people as “Maggi,” tracked the grit on the avenue from the ruts of the road. Many of the songs she hummed have been sung by names and faces we know and...
IT’S LUNCHTIME on a Friday, and Mother’s Subs has parked their bright yellow food truck in my work parking lot. My co-workers and I swarmed the vehicle, ready for a delicious meal, and luckily for...
MARCH 1 is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day — a day to celebrate the rich, gooey goodness of a pantry staple. What better way to start the day than with a batch of special pancakes? Then, keep up...
IT’S THE curse of getting older — you know — being told that we are acting like our parents by taking on their traits, actions, and beliefs. And it’s true. Now, at 39, I find it happening to me,...
THE QUAINT town of Wartrace has recently added to its charm with the addition of the Big Creek Winery Tasting Room. The local business recently celebrated its arrival with a grand reopening....
IMAGINE LIFE is a car, and our goal is to make it from one side of the country to the other. The only way to do that is by having a full tank of gas. What is the gas in our lives, as humans, that...
CHERI BLACKWELL was born to be a teacher — it’s in her genes. Retired teacher Brenda Ayers, Blackwell’s aunt, influenced a family of educators: her daughter, Robin Ayers Adcock; her granddaughter,...
STEP INTO the office of the Bedford County Archives and Records Center (BCARC) with me. Now, close your eyes and take a deep breath. That’s more than the smell of old books and records; that’s a...
A CHURCH THAT has endured fire, natural disasters, the Civil War, cholera epidemics, and a global pandemic persevered and held its Bicentennial Plus Two celebration Sunday, September 18, 2022. The...
SPENDING MOST, if not all, of your time with a loved one that can’t recognize their surroundings, forgets if they’ve eaten recently, or can’t remember your name can be more than overwhelming. It...
TO SAY “the sky’s the limit” is to aim low in the world of Shelbyville native Billy Hix. While the concept of the internet did not exist when Hix was a fifth grader, he’d have had no problem...
WHEN YOU see Terry and Joanne Theis, you’ll likely see them holding hands. Even from a distance, you sense the depth of their love for each other. It’s the picture of their loving relationship that...
FOOD IS a universal love language… one that needs no words. Memories are made around the fellowship of the table where love, laughter, and a sense of belonging comingle with the sweet aroma of our...
THEY’VE ALWAYS been a part of Judy Gambill’s life — agriculture and faith. Her commitment to serving her community is rooted in them. Gambill grew up in Franklin County and spent her childhood on...
WITH SO many options for Mexican restaurants, how do you stand out from the crowd? Birria pizza, quesadillas with Flaming Hot Cheetos, or elote in a cup sure will help to be unique. These are...
ROSES ARE red, violets are blue, treat your loved one to a treat that is made by you! Whether you’re celebrating the beginnings of a new relationship, or spending the day with your longtime...
I DON’T KNOW a stranger. Call it a hazard of my job as a writer, but I genuinely enjoy meeting people, and it is even better if I can turn them into friends. There’s a great quote by Maya Angelou...
CALEB MCCALL walked into Canvas Community Church in Manchester as a young adult, not realizing how big an impact they would make in his journey to restoration. He served as the young adult pastor...
I AM IN the middle of my third decade of life, and within the last two years, I’ve discovered something I always ignored: music from the midcentury. Life does not seem to be slowing down. Our...
DAVID MCGEE always had a doctor’s kit in his toybox; medicine intrigued him. He applied to med school for a career in dentistry and pharmacy school as a backup. Pharmacy school answered first....
MANY CHILDREN dream of being teachers when they grow up. They play teacher at home with siblings and stuffed animals, grade papers, teach lessons, and imagine themselves behind the desk and at the...
THE SET is iconic, the family known to those who planned their evenings by the TV Guide in the 70s. “Goodnight, John Boy” became a household phrase. It began as the 1972 movie, “The Homecoming: A...
COFFEE FROM a favorite mug, their children’s hugs, and that exhausted feeling from a hard day’s work—all these little things were traded for soul-numbing choices leading to their incarceration. A...
FOR OVER 35 years, Trena Tucker Cook stood behind the chair. Today, her appointment book is entirely cleared, making time for the most important things in her life—her family. Cook said, “Between...
OUR COMMUNITY has a rich history. Businesses, people, and locations have created the foundation of who we are today. Each decade is a building block to our identity, creating a beautiful masterpiece...
THE NEON invitation to entertainment and escape has stood for almost 75 years at the corner of Depot and North Brittain Streets. But on Wednesday, May 22, 1968, it shined brightest, announcing “The...
LABOR DAY weekend 1974, Saturday, September 7. The city inhaled Celebration energy and exhaled excitement and anticipation. Nine days of hopefuls— present and future—had entered the ring, walked,...
ON CHRISTMAS Day, in the early '70s, a truck driver drops coins into a truck stop pay phone while piling the rest of his change on the ledge below it. He’s anxious to hear his wife’s and children’s...
I CANNOT START my day without a cup of delicious coffee. The Coffee Break consistently delivers outstanding specialty drinks, a filling breakfast, amazing lunch options, and a plethora of pastries....
“I AM A child of the King that is recovered from drug addiction. This February, I’ll have 19 years of being free from methamphetamine and other drugs. God used this program to transform my entire...
FOR OVER 30 years, children’s television host Mister Rogers came into the homes of millions via our television sets and told each of us one of the most important things a person could say to us. “I...
TWO WORDS strike fear and dread in our hearts. Cancer is number two. While number one is associated with it, it is no longer exclusive to it. Any number of conditions can lead to a call for it; the...
FOR 14 years, he smiled back at customers from behind the meat coolers at Dial’s Supermarket, happy in his work there until the day he believes the Lord dropped the dream of a Christian bookstore...
ALL I want for Christmas iiiiiiis…yoooooOOooooOOoouuuUUUuuu.” Can you hear it already? It’s that time of year once again. A time of year when a heated blanket feels like a hug. Every inch of the...
STORIES ARE some of our first teachers. They teach us about the world and each other, transporting us to places our bodies may never travel. They shape our minds and sharpen our perceptions. Brenden...
… but Shelbyville’s police and Santa make spirits bright by delivering Christmas joy. SANTA HAS a local connection, but don’t tell everyone. In December, the atmosphere at the Shelbyville Police...
AT AGE 35, Jim Wood left his native Williamson County. He resettled in Flat Creek, a bucolic village in the Southernmost part of Bedford County, to escape the gravitational pull of Music City. Jim...
Like our lives, stories travel. Walk with Kyle Thomas on the worn path of a writer, but don’t dilly dally around, or he’ll run off and leave you. Envision the classic scene of a writer at an old...
OPEN THE door of the Habitat Thrift Store just off Shelbyville’s square and expect to leave with a lighter heart and a smile on your face. Drop whatever is wearing on you outside their door; it’ll...
ONE LOOK at bewildered faces in the grocery store as we shop reflects the struggle to afford groceries and life’s necessities. The roller coaster of unprecedented events of the past few years...
Staring into the storefront windows; you’re a child again. Whether transported to your earliest Christmas mornings or into make-believe stories of days gone by, Phillips General Store in Bell Buckle...
As you put on your next new pair of shoes, hold that empty box a few minutes longer. Look inside at what it holds. What do you see? Packing paper? Cardboard? Look again. That empty box has the...
THROUGH THE years, I’ve seen this location under many identities, but my all-time favorite is Penalties Sports Bar and Grill. This isn’t your average sports bar, so don’t let the name fool you. I...
SHELBYVILLE'S DOWNTOWN Wine Walk has become a fan-favorite event in Bedford County during the winter holiday season. At the event, attendees can sample and taste wines from local wineries and...
“THE SWEETS baking wasn’t my passion to start,” local baker Cole Krieg said. He was passionate about livestock and farming – a family trait he acquired from his great-grandmother. He had gone to...
AMY EDMISTON, creator of the digital scrapbook “Pretty Old Places”, invites you to pull up a rocking chair on the wraparound porch of the old homeplace where stories line the shiplap walls like...
LYNFIELD GARDENS in Bell Buckle and Craig and Wheeler Realty in Shelbyville reminded me of two important principles: loving my neighbor, and the old saying, “Do unto others as you would have them do...
GANDHI SAID, “Be the change you want to see in this world.” Jasper Wilson, director of High Calling Ministries (HCM), his wife, Israel along with a team of staff and volunteers are living this...
THE FORMER University of Tennessee (UT) professor, writer, and author Warren Gill grew up on the historic Greer-Gill farm in a small town outside of Petersburg. His grandfather bought the land in...
DR. EDWARD Perryman is a nature lover and devout Christian with a humble spirit, and his story inspires many to pursue their dreams and live their lives to the fullest. Good News story writer Tina...
NO SOONER than the door closes behind you, you know you’re somewhere special. A deep breath sweetens your lungs and your spirit. The stress and cares of the world are locked outside, the door...
COFFEE SHOPS are a growing industry worldwide. Sitting down at a coffee shop is the most efficient way to catch up with friends and family, enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee, get some work done...
LOCATED IN the beautiful North Main Marketplace shopping center is the sweetest spot in Shelbyville filled with sugar, spice, and everything nice. Mouth of The South Bakery is the brainchild of...
IN 2019, The Fly Arts Center was having a moment. Audiences and patrons were getting more and more involved in events and productions. They were starting to reach their goals. Then, COVID-19 hit....
TAKE A deep breath and smell the aroma of lunch cooking in the kitchen. It was a very important meal. Jesus and the 12 stopped in to visit the home of Martha and Mary, in Bethany. Through the...
WE DUST off the artificial pumpkin decorations and pull orange and purple wreaths from storage. We pull out rakes and sweaters as the weather drops like the leaves do. The weather feels therapeutic...
WITH TODAY'S economic changes, we must ensure that our community members have the resources to provide for their families. Duksan Electera is doing just that for the city of Shelbyville. Duksan...
HUMAN TRAFFICKING has been an issue worldwide for a very long time. With the recent uprising of social media and trafficking awareness campaigns, it is easier to raise awareness of an issue that has...
CASCADE HIGH School’s annual Wartrace Horse Show fundraiser, hosted on August 6, 2022, was a success. The show is special every year, but one thing that makes it incredibly unique this year is that...
YOU’RE RUNNING down the court as fans cheer in the stands, your teammate makes a pass as you enter inside the paint, and swish, the team’s leading scorer makes a layup, and that’s game. Siblings,...
“IT WAS the best of times; it was the worst of times. Nothing is more simultaneously joyful and stressful than the birth of your first child unless it’s starting your own business on the same day....
NURSE LORIE KEENE has seen a few things. She sees the present, the past, and the future with humor and heart, and all three have inspired her podcast, “Along Norrell Road - snippets from a Southern...
A FRESH-BREWED POT of coffee waits for you as you take butter from the fridge and add three thick pats to your favorite saucer. You slowly pour sorghum syrup over the butter, swirling them together,...
GET ON Facebook and scroll for a while, and you’re likely to see a delicious post about the newest coffee, ice cream, and sweet shop in Shelbyville, JOS Fifteen Coffee. These instagram-worthy...
IN A SEA of students, a beacon light anchors an ever-changing tide of teenage lives. Help is on the streets, too. At night and in the early morning hours, another light is prepared to lend itself...
911. IT’S A CALL we hope and pray we never have to make, yet we’re confident someone will come when we do. Answering those calls is the responsibility of our first responders, and we envision an...
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE your ability to influence the world around you for the better. Volunteer firefighter Richard Crick and his 16-year-old friend and Walmart co-worker often lunched together, eating...
WHEN THE SMELL of warm caramel coffee lingers in the air of your vehicle on the way to work, you don’t have to think about watching your back. While not every driver on the road is aware of their...
One night a year, the stars shine brighter in Bedford County than any other evening. The glow from the venue, honoring our community’s special citizens, could power the area for months. Extra...
SHELBYVILLE IS full of entrepreneurs, pioneers, trendsetters, athletes, engineers, politicians, and everything in between. In this city, one can't help but feel a sense of community with each...
COUNTY MAYOR Chad Graham said he had a broad vision of what he wanted to accomplish before he took office. One of the many things on that list was what he called the "downtown revitalization model."...
BEDFORD COUNTY’S 2021-22 school year was a success, as each school took the time to ensure the highest quality of education for its students. One of the many exciting things about being a part of...
WARREN WELLS reports that the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration facility upgrades are set to begin before the 84th Annual Celebration event. Wells said the upgrades are "more of a capital...
FAITH AND art have filled Marie Lane Madeiros’ heart for as long as she can remember, inseparable like muscle and marrow. Not one season of her life is without them. Her earliest art memories trace...
IMAGINE A life with no hope for your child – no hope for education, to learn to read or write; no hope for growing into their dreams; no hope for what we would call a normal life. Imagine that...
It’s finally here! Although the outside temperature argues for summer, your school spirit knows it’s fall. Tonight you’ve chosen shorts and flip-flops, but soon it will be flannel shirts, pants, and...
DURING THE FALL seasons of 1945-47, Shelbyville Central High School’s football field was the place to be for Elmer “Coke” Crowell and Billie Hayes. He was on the field as Central’s star running...
RAPID GROWTH in any environment creates challenges. Adolescent rapid growth brings with it complications in healing from injuries, and repetitive sports-related injuries are a particular concern....
LITTLE GUYS dressed out in pads and grass-stained uniforms dot the field. They pass, catch, run, and tackle with the fervor of professional football players, although clumsily at times. With sweat...
IF YOU’VE never heard of or eaten at Bocelli’s, you must be new to town. Nestled in our beautiful historic square is a restaurant guaranteed to satisfy your Italian cravings. With an updated...
THERE IS strength in numbers. Ask any member of Wartrace’s largest family, the Cataldo family, and they would confirm the saying as true. The family of 15 (13 children born to Don and Janet Cataldo)...
THE CLASSROOM is like railroad tracks. Hard workers spent years, decades—centuries even—laying the groundwork for the trains to run smoothly from coast to coast. They’re strong. And they last for...
AS WE commemorate teachers and their dedication to educating our future leaders, we also recognize the teachers who are no longer formally teaching; their legacies continue to mold the community for...
JUNE HAS been recognized as Dairy Month since 1939, but on June 1, Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham signed the proclamation to further commemorate dairy farmers all over Middle Tennessee. For some...
ALL STUDENTS deserve equal academic success opportunities, but every student learns differently. Over 14,000 students in the state of Tennessee are given a second chance at academic success that...
AFTER A challenging past few seasons, Cascade Middle School’s baseball team recently earned the title of conference champions. Cascade High School alumnus and boys head baseball coach, Justin Reese,...
THE SKY’S the limit for future pilots, and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and the Shelbyville Municipal Airport will play a vital role in the takeoff of their careers. Statista.com...
DEFINING THE meaning of teacher requires more than Merriam-Webster; it takes a deeper look and a second glance. More than a job with a summer-long vacation, teachers are motivated by their love for...
Did you know that right in our backyard is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America? Over 50 species of freshwater mussels, and 151 fish species reside in this precious water...
IT MIGHT be one of the most exciting yet stressful times of the year, rivaling that of Christmas. It requires preparation, planning, logistics, time, and money. I’m almost sure there are military...
SURROUNDED BY a sea of classmates, a student filled with potential may feel invisible or wish he could disappear. Another student’s highest aim might be to coast through school until graduation. One...
RACHEL PORTER’S Learning Way Elementary School classroom doesn’t look like a construction site, but don’t trust your eyes. At first glance, it resembles the average preschool classroom. Cubbies...
While walls define the space occupied by a class, the environment within empowers the learning inside. At Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS), teacher Tiffany Church makes sure her room’s...
JENNIFER COOK’S family began investing early in her teaching career. It wasn’t the type of investment overseen by financial advisors, but it added up over the years and paid off for Cook and her...
The newest food truck to grace Shelbyville offers a fresh take on traditional smash burgers and hotdogs, with some amazing side dishes. When I heard about M•A•C Daddies Food Truck, with burgers...
WITH THE first cup of steaming coffee in my hand and the stiffness still in my joints, I gently ease into my spot on the couch. A fresh, new day offers a blank page, although the to-do list in my...
CROWDS OF horse enthusiasts fill the arena, row after row and seat after seat. The silence of the former moments is gone. Slowly, as each new group settles into their box for opening night, the...
IF PLAYING has been a low priority on your agenda, be sure to dedicate some time to it when the new playground is completed at HV Griffin Park. The $750,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)...
Free Dental Clinic One reason to smile is Fredia Flack Lusk, the executive director of the Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County. When the decision was made to add dental care to the...
THE SHELBYVILLE-BEDFORD Partnership was born out of a need for a county-wide focus on economic and community development. It is tasked with providing the City of Shelbyville and Bedford County with...
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DAVID HOWARD had dreams of being a sportswriter. He did something few are able to do— he achieved that dream early in life thanks to the Chattanooga newspaper. Well ahead of the curve,he wanted to...
TALK TO Bedford County Schools summer learning coordinator Becky Miller for five minutes and you will understand that summer learning isn’t what it used to be. The State of Tennessee passed an...
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KABOOM. LIGHTNING struck a tower of speakers for the horse show. The storm was relentless; it had no signs of stopping. The problem was, it knocked out an entire tower of speakers. A baseball game...
CHARLES MCDONALD is the show chair- man for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, but that’s not the only hat he has worn in the center ring. For the past five decades, Charles has given...
IT WAS a cool summer in Bedford County. School started after the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Students were excited to show off their new school clothes on the grounds. It was the...
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Sand Tart Cookies: Submitted by Elizabeth McGee INGREDIENTS 2 sticks butter1 t. vanilla2 1⁄2 c. flour, sifted1 T. sugar1 c. chopped pecans 5 T. powdered sugar DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, cream...
HAVE YOU explored the fresh goodness that is available at the Bedford County Farmers’ Market on Thursdays at 2:30? All of the items available are either grown or produced locally. Along with the...
HAVE YOU helped to break the Bedford County United Way record for “Stuff the Bus” items donated? In 2020 they had over 25,000 school supplies donated to help local students start the school year...
IF YOU took a snapshot of any 10 years in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct that, to heal, and to...
Here are fun facts to challenge your players: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: John Hancock’s was the first and only one on July Fourth. The remaining signatures were added over time, following the...
“FREEDOM” enters the chatroom, and immediately it’s all, barbecued meat and who’s got the biggest bang of a firework show. While Independence Day is our nation’s designated time to pause and...
WHEN VIKTOR Makela arrived in America from Finland, the Statue of Liberty welcomed him. He brought more than a few material possessions with him; he arrived with a heart filled with dreams. Makela...
WE WELCOME a summer celebration more than ever, and Independence Day is the perfect time to gather for food, fun, fireworks, and flag-waving. There’s an event near you, so there’s no excuse for...
HMMM AAAHH. It smells like the weekend. Those grilled pineapple burgers will be lip-smacking, mouthwatering, and juicy down to the last bite. However, what lies on the grill is much more than your...
WHEN I was a young buck, I decided if there was a rule, I was going to break it. There have been many distinct times in my life when I have felt suffocated by others’ control, expectations, or...
THE SHELBYVILLE-BEDFORD 501(c)(3) Community Foundation partnered with Bedford County public safety agencies to create a funding opportunity to improve rescue operations and safety awareness along...
WHAT COMES to mind when you hear the word “Juneteenth?” Some people think of the tireless strides made by civil rights advocates and allies alike, to end the battle against slavery. Others think...
GENEROSITY IS not a new concept for Bedford County, but it is essential to make it a point to recognize acts of kindness whenever we see them. Super Mercado Shelbyville, Los Amigos, Tortilleria...
MANY YOUNG athletes dream of playing sports on a professional level. With the help of his family and the community of Shelbyville, Keon Johnson was able to turn his dreams into reality. ...
LAST DECEMBER, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) Awards Banquet highlighted the unveiling of Justified Honors’ official portrait by photographer Shane...
SHAKESPEARE WROTE, “All that glitters is not gold,” and several pastors proved this at the Second Annual Homes of Hope (HOH) Pastor’s Pageant held at the Shelbyville Central High School, in April....
HER HANDS were full, and her life was overwhelming. Jane Wagnar Feist and her four young children carried on as best they could while her husband, Herbert Feist, served in the United States Marine...
THE CARPENTER bees buzz a few feet from our heads. A truck with modified mufflers drowns out conversation. Birdsong fills the trees. The front door opens and smacks shut. The porch swing squeaks...
EVER SINCE I first ate at Southern Fare restaurant, I knew they would be around for many years to come. Their first location was smaller in size, which could not handle the capacity of patrons...
Tims Ford Reservoir is 10,600 acres in South Central Tennessee, a major portion of which is located in Franklin County. The lake is considered one of the most picturesque in Tennessee. It’s regarded...
Located below Tims Ford Dam, the Elk River is popular for panfish and trout fishing. The tailwaters below the dam are about 50 feet wide with gravel bars and intermittent deep pools. For...
HAVE YOU ever given something away and later felt regret settle in? Last summer, I was push-mowing our grass. I thoroughly enjoy breaking a sweat and getting a little exercise while doing yard work....
According to nature.org, the Duck River is one of the state’s most scenic waterways and North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater river. It is located entirely within the state of...
Whether it’s relaxation or adventure you’re seeking, you don’t have to look far to find it. Middle Tennessee’s waterways will refresh and restore you. A lazy float with nature’s soundtrack of...
Right in our own backyard, we have access to one of the most di- verse ecosystems in the world. Henry Horton State Park (HHSP) neighbors the peaceful Duck River and is waiting to be explored. The...
TENNESSEE MAY not have sandy shores. We may not have Buckingham Palace sitting in our backyard. Vacation spots all around the world, from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower, attract tourists from far and...
SPANNING 284 miles long, with 87 miles landing in Bedford County, the famous Duck River is where visitors and locals alike enjoy fishing, family picnics, and kayaking, among many other activities....
ROOTED IN African American History, Uncle Nearest Distillery is more than a place for tourists to try new drinks; it is a historical monument and reminder of an incredible moment when a skilled man...
NINETEEN HIGH school seniors from Bedford County Youth Leadership visited the state Capitol on their annual State Government Day trip on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. The purpose of the trip was to...
THE SHELBYVILLE-BEDFORD Partnership recruits new industries and businesses to Shelbyville and Bedford County, but the Partnership also has a robust program to retain and expand existing businesses....
THE WEBB School girls basketball team clinched their 68-point game- winner against Middle Tennessee Christian School, making them TSSAA Division II Class A champions for the second consecutive year....
“I AM. I can. I will......I am. I can. I will,” she repeated silently, studying the judges’ faces and feeling hopeful about her chances. The top five had been called to the stage, and each...
WHILE WE envision lives filled with companionship and cuddles, the reality of homeless dogs and cats is much more problematic than we imagine. Significant progress has been made locally, due to the...
April 12, 1972, THE BELL BUCKLE SKY was indeed ablaze. The school that housed grades 1-12 was fully engulfed and a total loss. Bell Buckle students finished the school year at Wartrace School. In...
You're invited to a day, two if you choose, of indulgence. Escape life's stresses and treat yourself to rest and renewal. Bell Buckle's Kingdom Acres is holding your spot. What ails you? Joints and...
Imagine it, a Friday night after a long week, and you're looking for something fun to do. Somewhere with great food choices, ice cold beer, and and live music. Look no further than The Iron Horse...
IN MAY of each year, the town of Shelbyville starts filling up with King Ranch trucks with massive horse trailers in tow. License plates are caked and covered in dust, as many of these vehicles have...
THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER dictionary defines the word selfless as “someone who has no concern for self, or unselfish.” As the world keeps turning, it may feel like selfless people are few and far between....
Easter parades may have passed on by, but its many other traditions are alive and well. Even though the internet has changed how we watch movies, families still watch “The Ten Commandments” every...
WEBSTER MAY define selflessness as having no concern for self, but givers in our community give the world and our lives deeper meaning. They take to heart the well-being and care of others and place...
AS MORNING’S first light nudged the last of the darkness, Mary Magdalene walked with heavy heart and feet along the dirt road. The garden’s birdsong and fragrant blossoms, usually welcomed,...
HOMES OF Hope (HOH) of Bedford County is a faith-based nonprofit organization. HOH inspires citizens within the community to recruit families to care for children in crisis. It also provides support...
DORIS SMITH is a retired teacher, volunteer, and advocate for children’s education who learned that teaching and helping others is essential through her spirited Baha’i Faith. She is a 20-year...
ON FEBRUARY 11, the Tennessee Department of Education awarded Bedford County School District the Best for All District Award. Bedford County School District is one of 68 districts to receive the...
THE SHELBYVILLE-BEDFORD Partnership focuses on economic and community development for Shelbyville and Bedford County. The Partnership’s efforts focus on retaining existing business and industry and...
ATHLETICS COORDINATOR for Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Department Jace Mallory began working at the rec center on January 5, 2021. He came from Louisiana, where he graduated with a media degree...
THE SHELBYVILLE Sharks swim team coach is making waves! In late 2020, the recreational swim team’s parent board reached out to Lauren Ball, asking if she was interested in being their head coach....
IN 2021, Bell Buckle was named the South’s best small town by Southern Living magazine; what an honor for this quaint town in Bedford County, Tennessee to receive! According to Southern Living’s...
THE PANDEMIC has magnified seniors’ loneliness and isolation, especially those unable to drive. MyRide Bedford and its drivers are lifting spirits and developing friendships while supplying a...
ABANDONED ANIMALS may not understand human language, but the heart of their guardian, Diane Forbes, is no secret to them. Tireless in her efforts to protect them, Forbes’ life is one of service to...
A VOLUNTEER IN all of life’s seasons, Shelbyville’s Kay Bartley has lived a life of service. From her early days of marriage to the present, Bartley has covered a lot of ground. She has sown many...
BEFORE THE door closes behind you, the greetings near the counter meet you. And if you’re a regular, your table’s already set with your drink order. Only once will lifelong Bedford County resident...
I’VE BEEN very excited to get to Ruth’s Kitchen and try her food. When the announcement broke on Facebook, Shelbyville responded with such enthusiasm, and it shows. At 9:40 a.m. the place was packed...
GET READY for this year’s series of Fourth Friday Fests on Shelbyville’s Historic Uptown Square. Coinciding with the Celebration City Region Car Club Cruise-In, the festival provides opportunities...
CHILDREN’S BASKETBALL is just one of many sports that impact children’s health and development. Bedford County school districts are making it a point to ensure elementary-aged basketball players are...
THE POTHOS plants on the kitchen window seal are from your grandmother last summer. The welcome mat has little specks of dirt from your brother’s boots from his visit over the weekend. Your favorite...
THERE IS no doubt that the city of Shelbyville is growing at accelerated rates. Shelbyville Fire and Police Departments continue to adapt to such growth and make the city a safer place one day at a...
DESPITE THE tremendous staffing shortage Bedford County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) faced this past year, the level 1 ambulance service is combating such issues by teaching training programs...
BEDFORD COUNTY School District is constructing its new and highly anticipated elementary school. District Superintendent Dr. Tammy Garrett reports that a new elementary school has been in the works...
THE SHELBYVILLE-BEDFORD Partnership, the local economic development organization, is actively working on more than 16 projects in the City of Shelbyville and Bedford County. 10 of the projects...
THERE ARE moments in life when you take a step back and ask, “How did we get here? How did this come to be? How did we get in this state or condition?” Similar to the aging of the skin, most things...
UNFORTUNATELY,SOMETIMES in life, it takes a tragic accident to unveil a place of great need. This is what happened on a freezing-cold winter night in 1978 when many of the animals at the city pound...
ONE OF Shelbyville's most trusted lawn care services, Adam's Lawn Service, has been around since 1989. The business started in a bit of an unusual way. Kris Adams, the current owner of the business,...
GETTING TIRED of staring at the same walls day in and day out? You are not alone! It’s been a long cold winter and being stuck inside for any amount of time can make a space feel dull. With some...
ONCE UPON a time, there was a cozy cottage on a hill. Isn’t that how all the best stories begin? The story of Shelbyville local Vicky Black and her whimsical Hilltop Bed and Breakfast is no...
DID YOU know the holiday involving copious amounts of green beer is actually an Irish holiday celebrating Christianity? It is! In fact, the holiday is held each year on the anniversary of Saint...
WELCOME HOME. That’s how it feels when walking into Mai House Asian Cuisine for the first time. I was promptly greeted by some of the nicest staff I've ever met in the restaurant industry, which...
AS THE regal, iridescent purple martins flew in and out of their colony housing, she pointed and asked through my phone’s translator, “Can I take one home?” Over the birds’ noisy chatter, I...
DRIVING PAST historic Bell Buckle at night, one might mistake the small cluster of buildings for a sleepy little town with not much going on. However, anyone who has stopped and spent time in this...
AT SHELBYVILLE Mayor Eugene Ray’s funeral, Fredia Lusk saw evidence of a well-lived life. As Shelbyville’s first and only African American mayor to date, Ray’s legacy was more than a statistic. Lusk...
INDUSTRIAL PARK INVESTMENT Planning and Community Development Director Waleed Albakry said some of the main changes in community planning are rezoning the Industrial Park to I-3 to allow for more...
THOMAS MAGNET School’s fifth- grade students impact the lives of their peers by celebrating random acts of kindness. Fifth-grade teacher Tara Turner said that Thomas Magnet School Principal Mrs....
FOUR DAYS before Christmas, the City of Shelbyville and Bedford County received news of $1,000,000 headed to the local area from the State of Tennessee. Tennessee Governor Lee and Department of...
CASCADE HIGH School Marching Band, led by band director David Lucich, finished 4th place in the Division II state championship, and their hard work, both on and off-season, pays off. They honed...
NESTLED BEHIND Shelbyville’s historical public square and the former public library is an inconspicuous building housing inspiration, entertainment, and education. In the early 90s, The Bedford...
LOVE IS not guaranteed to last a lifetime. However, such wonder is seen in the lives of a Bedford County couple celebrating 60 years together. Bruce and Linda Gordon met at the age of 21 in July...
PLANNING A date can get difficult. Sometimes your bank of ideas goes bankrupt, and it’s another night of staying in with the latest Netflix binge. It makes sense that Billy Bob and Charlene in...
Salmon Steaks with Wine Sauce: SUBMITTED BY MARY INMAN Ingredients- 4 salmon steaks, 4 oz., fresh or frozen1 T. margarine1 T. cornstarch 1/2 t. instant chicken bouillon granulesdash of white pepper1...
NEVER JUDGE a book its cover and never judge a restaurant by its building. Mini Super Los 3 Reyes may seem like a small convenience store, but it’s hiding away Shelbyville’s best-kept secret. The...
ROLLS OF thunder boomed overhead as we quickly finished the grocery shopping and raced to the checkout. Hurrying out under dark skies, we were pummeled with hard, blinding rain that pushed my...
MENTION NETWORKING and you’re bound to hear a few sighs and moans. Except for the more extroverted in nature, mingling and speaking to a group about your business may be preferred over a dental...
“...AS AN appointed official, it is my job to look out for all of the people in Shelbyville. To do that, I need to listen and understand their needs and their perspective, especially if I haven’t...
HELPING RESIDENTS access public meetings and give their input is a high priority for Bedford County officials. Transparency (the community knowing what government officials are doing and why) is an...
BEDFORD COUNTY Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Garrett planned the town hall-style meetings because she understood the importance of listening to parents and hearing their concerns. She hoped the...
THE END of an exciting year for economic and community development is upon us. The end of the calendar year is traditionally the time to show appreciation, reflect on past successes, and prepare...
WE REMEMBER the Dream that Martin Luther King Jr had 58 short years ago, as it continues to live on today. That dream further intensified the race to tear down the oppressive system that bounded the...
WHEN I pulled up to this retro-style camper, I had no idea I was in for such a treat. I heard there was a food truck making spaghetti grilled cheeses and I knew I had to try this out. I was greeted...
Nullam vestibulum eget orci ac dignissim. Mauris aliquet aliquet magna sit amet bibendum. Nulla sit amet risus at sem sollicitudin tempus. Etiam massa neque, auctor at diam vitae, varius bibendum...
AS THE 2021 American Mule and Bluegrass festival, help in Shelbyville, Sept. 13-18, was approaching its end, the final prayer was announced on the intercom by Clancy Burk. In his prayer, he stated...
THE 32ND annual Lone Star National Finals Rodeo is coming to Shelbyville on the Celebration grounds at the Calsonic arena on February 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m., that’s Friday, the Motogear Warehouse...
ALL I want for Christmas iiiiiiis... yoooooOOooooOOoouuuUUUuuu,” Can you hear it already? It’s that time of year once again. And I know there is a crowd of people who agree with the Grinch and...
YOU MAY not realize there are people without homes living in Bedford County. They may be people who sleep in their cars or “couch surf ” (going from friend to friend and sleeping on their couch);...
CREATING A workforce of the future requires a lot of planning from diverse groups. In October, a group of teachers came to an in-service day hosted by the Shelbyville-Bedford County Partnership....
FOR THE first time in recent history, according to those with historical knowledge, industries in Bedford County assembled with educators and locally elected officials to discuss workforce...
TOURING THE Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County in July of this year changed Hannah Peels’ life. As part of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Shelbyville, a summer program to...
“THIS IS a banner year for Bedford County Schools,” according to Assistant Superintendent Tim Harwell. He was explaining the impressive improvement seen in the 2020-2021 TCAP (Tennessee...
THE WEBB School, in its 152nd school year, recently paused to mark the 150th anniversary observance, a celebration that originally began in August of 2020. More than 350 alumni, parents, and friends...
SHOP LOCAL” is something we’ve seen and heard a million times. Sure, we know that it helps our communities, but how so? What difference does it really make? According to a study of retail economics...
SIDEWALK RENOVATIONS are well underway around the Shelbyville square. The trees have come down which may have startled some folks. The shade and beauty of the trees will definitely be missed....
THE STATE Route 437 bypass was recently named to celebrate and honor late county mayor Eugene Ray. His focus and success in fiscal management and increasing higher education opportunities are just...
THE SUCCESSFUL recruitment of a new industrial company occurs in a systematic process with several considerations. The process may also include several entities, all fulfilling a specific role in...
IN 1918 on the eleventh day of November at the eleventh hour, the dust settled and the world was no longer at war. Armistice Day, later known as Veterans Day, signaled the end of the first world...
THE TYPICAL cost of adoption through an agency can be anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 or more and oftentimes there is an agency fee of at least $20,000 that is included in the total. Private...
SPEND FIVE minutes with Wayne Tillett, and you’ll take something with you – a caricature commemorating a special event and a new way to see yourself. An impulsive stop at his station results in more...
Drama teacher and founder Anthony Davis is quick to spread the credit around for the nearly three decades of success the Smokestack Theatre Group has had. From an incredibly supportive...
NEW NEIGHBORS Who are your neighbors? How broadly does your definition of “neighbor” go? Canada is a neighbor of the United States. Rutherford County is a neighbor of Bedford County. Are new...
STATE OF THE COUNTY The good neighbor cooperative atmosphere between the City of Shelbyville and Bedford County was highlighted at a recent Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce “State of...
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT opportunities arise from mutually beneficial relationships between developers, manufacturers, elected officials, partners, and stakeholders. Manufacturers already located in...
WHILE MANY are making plans for the weekend centered around what and where to eat, numerous children in our county aren’t sure they’ll have enough to eat. The meals at school are one of the most...
QUIETLY PROTECTING our lives, area law enforcement officers are painfully aware of the weight of the loss of one of their own in the line of duty and are equally in touch with the impact of crime...
Phasellus a nunc risus. Praesent dui justo, efficitur id sodales sit amet, finibus vitae purus. Nulla ultrices lacus orci, ut luctus ex ultrices et. Donec eget finibus dui, at fringilla tortor....
LOOK BEHIND the scores and win/loss records for your Bedford County high school football teams and you will find growth in skills,accountability,and leadership.These young men are learning how to...
2021 PINK RIBBON WALK: October 16 Join Bedford County Pink Ribbon Fund for the 2021 Pink Ribbon Walk (as a team or as an individual) You can register online to help women in the Bedford County area....
IF YOU’RE new to Habitat for Humanity, start with a visit to the Habitat Store just off Shelbyville’s Historic Square at 209 E. Depot Street. That sweet, inviting voice you’ll hear belongs to...
For years, families, schools, large parties, and more have come from across Tennessee and Alabama to experience the Farm Attraction of the Tennessee Valley: Lyon Family Farms. The annual Fall...
SANDWICH CROSTINI- Submitted by Beverly Morris Ingredients:2 T. olive oil1 1⁄2 lb. pork tenderloinsalt & pepper to taste2⁄3 c. mayonnaise3 T. dijon mustard2 cloves garlic, chopped7 thin slices,...
SHELBYVILLE’S EASTVIEW Baptist Church has embraced the I Am Third philosophy and demonstrates their love and compassion for their neighbors through their various outreach programs. I Am Third framed...
ON A hot summer evening when the sun drops behind the skyline of the historic buildings that stand tall around the Shelbyville Square, you can hear them coming. It’s not the usual sound of Friday...
Every October, there’s a Beech Party in Middle Tennessee! Come help celebrate native Tennessean Walter Beech’s remark- able contribution to aviation history and aircraft manufacturing by attending...
THE BEAUTY of tourism, according to Daniel Berry of South Central Tennessee Tourism Agency (SCTTA), Shelbyville’s newest addition to the marketing and tourism team, is that the dollars it brings...
OUR TEACHERS go above and beyond expectations to ensure their students succeed. Over the past year, our teachers have faced unique challenges from school closings, remote learning, and the dangers...
VINCENT PEPPERS enjoyed every minute of consulting with the committee selected to distribute the $115,143.07 grant from the Healing Trust Foundation. The fiscal agent for the grant was the Community...
THE SHELBYVILLE -Bedford Partnership is tasked with economic and community development. A component of the economic development mission includes industrial recruitment for the Shelbyville and...
YOUR HOUSE catches fire. A tornado touches down in your neighborhood. The pantry grows empty. Substance abuse is- sues. Rent is due but there’s no money in the bank. These are all reasons someone...
ENTER SOURCE, A nationwide company dealing with fiber home installation services, started right here in Shelbyville. Today, it’s a national brand.The success of EnterSource and its founders,...
TWO FALL activities provide a firm foundation of life skills and a launchpad into leadership for their student participants. Marching band and cheerleading give unique opportunities to shine in...
Professor Edward Finley, the football coach of the championship Bedford County Training School Tigers from 1937-1949, claimed he didn't have any secrets to his success. In a 1948 article in the...
SHELBYVILLE HAS some representation this year in the NBA from none other than Keon Johnson. The Shelbyville native announced that he was entering the draft back in April and was originally selected...
Pigs in a Sleeping Bag: Submitted by Lane Hyde INGREDIENTS: 1 can crescent rolls, buttered flavored 1 pkg. hotdogs DIRECTIONS: Grease a baking sheet. Separate rolls. Add one hotdog to each...
THE AMERICAN Mule and Bluegrass Festival will welcome visitors to the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville, Sept. 13-18. One of the main goals of the event will be educating visitors about the history and...
MISTI APPLEBY wasn’t born in Bedford County, but it sure feels like home to her. After moving to Murfreesboro in 2005, she and her husband realized they wanted more of a small-town lifestyle. They...
IF YOU’VE ever gazed skyward to watch an airplane flying overhead, then Aviation Day at Bomar Field– Shelbyville Municipal Airport is an annual family event you’re likely to enjoy. Now in its fifth...
IN 1917, someone requested a snack “as big as the moon.” A bakery in Chattanooga responded with the perfect combination of marshmallow, graham, and chocolate. They called it the MoonPie, and the...
WELCOME DONALD Anthony to the City of Shelbyville team of movers and shakers. He will be the new Planning Director beginning in July. He graduated from the University of Memphis and has worked in...
ARCHIVES AND historic records aren’t only for people interested in genealogy and family history. Did you know that people who like to fish can use historic maps in archives to find the best fishing...
THE SMELL of freshly cleaned hardwood floors fills the air. The bright fluorescent lights hum above the bleachers. The cool AC fights the stuffy hot air from cheering fans. The referees and umpires...
TEACHER AMANDA McBride was awarded a $5,000 grant from the TVA to support STEM (Science, Technology, Electronics, and Math) initiatives at Bedford Learning Academy (BCLA). She spoke to her students...
EVERY GREAT American small town has a recognizable and historic square. But not every small town across America is like Shelbyville. In fact, this particular square has made an impact on small towns...
THE SMOOTH taste of Tennessee whiskey is famous around the world. There’s nothing more American than sitting around a backyard campfire with bourbon circling in a glass. The clink of a glass,...
ISN’T SUMMER a wonderful time to live in the beautiful State of Tennessee? Lucky you, living in Middle Tennessee, in Bedford County, where you have access to numerous recreational opportunities for...
100 years ago, an angry white mob in Tulsa, Oklahoma, destroyed “Black Wall Street.” It was a predominantly African American district in Tulsa. Black-owned businesses were successful and living the...
Fiddle and banjo players will team up with artisans and food vendors to create an atmosphere of fun and harmony at the inaugural American Mule and Bluegrass Festival. Put on your dancing shoes and...
PICTURE THIS... imagine what your “ideal Shelbyville” looks like. Look out five or ten years into the future. Imagine what would make Shelbyville even better, even nicer, even more appealing to you...
HAVE YOU felt the rumble of activity in Bedford County? If you’re feeling a movement under the earth below your feet, it’s not an earthquake – it’s the massive improvement that is coming to the...
Congratulations to Anna Parsons on receiving the 2021 David T. Craig Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Parsons, daughter of Tim Parsons and Susan Huff, is a graduate of Shelbyville Central High and will be...
“ WORK HARD and be kind.” Those are words that Dr. Tammy Garrett, Bedford County’s new school superintendent lives by and instills in the students with whom she connects. Dr. Garrett sees her- self...
COMMUNITIES DON’T get bet- ter by chance. It takes people with ideas, foresight, and the willingness to put in the hard work required to make positive change. And most of all, it takes people who...
These delicious summertime salad offerings will add a little bit of fun to any meal. Chock full of a variety of nutritious and fun ingredients, you’ll be glad you remembered to put salad back on the...
At 284 miles long, the Duck River is the longest river located entirely in the state of Tennessee. It is also one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America, home to more than 50...
West of the Appalachian Mountains, a beautiful expanse of elevated land known as the Cumberland Plateau rises approximately 1000 feet above the surrounding countryside. The small town of Monteagle...
Latest Good News
For more than 60 years, Victory Baptist Church in Shelbyville has opened its doors to families looking for a place to grow in faith. Founded in 1961, the Independent Fundamental Baptist church has...
October brings beautiful autumn scenery to Bedford County, drawing families out to enjoy local fall weekends, farmers’ markets at the Celebration Grounds Pavilion, and boutique shopping on North...
Communities grow and change, but the core need for trusted, neighborly financial support always remains the same. Heritage South Community Credit Union has worked with local residents, delivering...
Finding simple ways to save money during a busy week can make a huge difference in any household budget. First Commerce Bank continues to make daily financial management easier for community members...
"You've been bad again,” his uncle said. Then he wadded up a few T-shirts and a pair of blue jeans and threw them into a black trash bag. His uncle slammed the door and locked the deadbolt. The boy...
