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...

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,...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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....

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...

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...

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....

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

“...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...

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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...

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...

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...

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...

“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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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,...

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...

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...

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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

“ 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...