By Jim Mullen / Columnist Our city friends Bob and Bev have spent many weekends at the farm with us over the years. They bring their kids, they go to the county fair, they watch the farmers plow the fields and cut the hay, they let their dogs run wild. Their kids love it. They…

By James Clark / Columnist It took a couple days, but I think most of the UT fans have finally stopped screaming. That New Year’s Eve beating administered by Maryland Tuesday night was pretty painful.New Year’s Day was a bit more enjoyable. With the remote in my hand and my rump planted firmly on the…

Our Viewpoint The Boy Scott motto is “Be prepared. That’s exactly what health department officials have in mind by encouraging volunteers to sign up now for duty at a possible smallpox vaccination clinic — a reality we pray never becomes necessary.The potential damage is frightening, but we can’t deny the possibility does exist of the…

A fund-raiser to help offset medical expenses of Amy McDonald will be held this Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. at Centertown CIC.McDonald is the 19-year-old Wal-Mart employee who was critically injured when a 350-pound safe fell on her inside the store.The benefit begins with a chili supper which will be followed by an auction at…

Local Boy Scout Robert Bratcher has joined Boy Scouting’s elite as he was recently awarded scouting’s highest honor, the rank of Eagle.A member of Boy Scout Troop 631, he joined the organization at age 15 and quickly completed all requirements for his Eagle badge. Among these requirements are living by the principles of the Scout…

Charles Maloney Hobbs, 85McMinnville resident and Grundy County native Charles Maloney Hobbs, 85, died Dec. 28 at River Park Hospital after an extended illness.A farmer and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he was the son of Lawrence and Dessie Tipton Hobbs; and was preceded in death by grandchildren,…

By Hope Hines / Columnist I heard the voice. I wonder if you have? It spoke from within.I am your COACH. I’ve always been your coach ? but most never listen. I am speaking to you from the lockeroom of life. It’s time. In fact it’s past time. So, listen up men and women, boys…

By Joseph Perkins / Columnist How dare she. How dare Patty Murray, Washington state’s senior senator, heap praise upon Osama bin Laden, while condemning her own country.That’s exactly what the Democratic lawmaker did in recent — underreported — remarks to a gathering of high school honor students in Vancouver, Wash. “Osama bin Laden has been…

By Duane Sherrill / Columnist Today marks the beginning and ending of some well-intended plans for self-improvement known as New Year’s resolutions.Even as I speak, there are many diets starting and cigarette packs being laid down. And, given this is New Year’s Day, I’d say there are also quite a few people swearing off that…

Our Viewpoint Now that 2002 is officially in the history books, the New Year always provides an opportune time for reflection and forward thinking. It’s nice to look back and reminisce about what’s happened over the last year, but it’s also not a bad idea to look ahead. The start of another year is also…