Eula Dean Wheeler, 68McMinnville resident Eula Dean Wheeler, 68, died May 29 at her home after an extended illness.The daughter of the late William Virgil and Annie Louise Wilson Taylor, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyd Dallas Wheeler in 1995; and daughter, Tammy Curtis.She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and…

By George Plagenz / Columnist When asked about his faith over the years, George W. Bush often paraphrased a passage from the Book of Matthew, “I’m not going to try to take the speck out of your eye when I’ve got a log in my own.” As Bush explained to The New York Times while…

By Joan Ryan / Columnist Well-to-do black parents in Shaker Heights, Ohio, wanted to know why their children lagged so far behind their white classmates in what is considered the best school district in the state. Clearly, the achievement gap wasn’t the function of poverty or an inferior education, reasons often put forth to explain…

By James Clark / Columnist This just in. Over 90 percent of drivers admit they either speed, talk on cell phones, eat, read, or do a combination of the above-mentioned activities while behind the wheel.No wonder I don’t feel so safe on the road. It’s apparently for good reason.A recent poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling…

Our Viewpoint It doesn’t take a team of physicians to diagnose the problems with TennCare. The state-run health care organization needs more than over-the-counter medication to makes its operation run more smoothly. Major surgery is more likely the answer.It’s with that in mind, some lawmakers are looking to hire an outside agency named Market Models…

By Dandy Dave After “Raw” on May 19 had gone off the air, the fans got to see something a little extra.They were in Greenville, S.C., and hometown boy Ric Flair had just finished his main-even match with Triple H. Flair had carried HHH most of the match, by doing all of the moves he…

Tuesday night Rotary Club clinched first place in the 13-14 year-old Babe Ruth league with a 7-5 win over Central Oil.Justin Fults picked up the win for Rotary going six innings while Andy Southard took the loss for Central Oil. For Rotary, Todd Dunn and Mark Tidenburg collected two hits. Dexter Hillis and Justin Fults…

By Rob Nunley / Columnist All right, I’ll admit it. But just this once.Your friendly neighborhood sports staff hit the links last Friday, and — as painful as it is to say — Dale beat me.Barely.But I didn’t feel good. My head hurt. My shoes were too tight. The greens were cut too short. The…

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard (McMinnville, Tenn.) MEDLEN Former Lady Pioneer softball player Becky Medlen wrapped up a stellar two years at Roane State Community College this spring, and was recognized for her efforts with a pair of prestigious awards.Medlen, who graduated from WCHS in 2001, was named to the…

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard The softball program at Roane State will have a Warren County flavor when it takes the field next spring.Three players from this year’s Lady Pioneer squad will be continuing their playing careers at the Harriman, Tenn., school, after signing letters-of-intent with the Lady Raiders Wednesday…