By Morton Kondracke / Columnist Democratic attacks on President Bush’s visit to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln were a political gift to Bush, marginally improving his already-substantial chances of re-election.Polls indicate Bush leads a generic Democratic rival by 10 points to 15 points. The lead widens to 25 points in matchups against the various…

By Hope Hines / Columnist I’m guilty, and I feel really, really bad about what I’ve done. After 10 years of pampering, and nurturing (not to mention the thousands of dollars spent) I now have GRASS that must be nursed through an annual four-step chemical dependency which requires me to engage in weekly “tough-love” with…

By Duane Sherrill / Columist You’d think that cracking one’s gourd open would teach them a lesson, and perhaps they wouldn’t do the same thing again. But then, when it comes to kids, they are quite insane.When I was a little kid, I did what many kids do, and I grabbed a hot stove eye…

Guest Editorial In a recent editorial, the Southern Standard praised River Park Hospital for being a “hero” in announcing it would not charge out-of-network fees to Blue Cross members who use that hospital. The editorial further praised River Park’s owner, HCA, for showing “its compassionate side” in not collecting those higher fees.While we applaud the…

BABY GIRLMaryjane Kitanna Arnold arrived April 22 at River Park Hospital weighing 7 pounds, 3-1/2 ounces.She is the daughter of Susan Walker and Matt Arnold. Her grandparents are Sheila Davidson and Debra Barrett of McMinnville. BABY BOYDylen Shane Tate was born to Ashley Hobbs of Altamont and Shane Tate of Beersheba. He arrived April 17…

Discover or rediscover Rutherford County May 17 as the fifth annual Free Day In May Celebration provides sites to visit throughout the area at no charge.The following sites are participating during designated hours:Bradley Academy, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cannonsburgh Village, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 1 to 4:30 p.m.Oaklands Historic House…

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard Spring Fling brought a flurry of activities to McMinnville Boarding Home as the week of fun got under way. The events held May 5 through 11 were planned in observance of National Nursing Home Week.On Flower Day, various bouquets of fresh flowers were placed…

Historic Rugby will welcome visitors to its 29th annual Festival of British and Appalachian Culture May 17 and 18 at the restored Victorian village on East Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time.Regional crafters and artists will display and sell their work at booths located throughout the historic grounds.…

Celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Northcutt were the honored guests at a reception given recently by their family.Hosts for the event at the Morrison Ruritan building were Robin Rogers and Bruce Northcutt.For the occasion, the former Mary Denby was attired in a purple linen frock with a corsage of yellow roses…

By MARGARET HOBBS / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Flashing her winning smile, 10-year-old Rebekah Jean Sweeton is introduced to the audience as the 2003 Warren County Junior Princess. There were 11 lovely young ladies gracing the stage at Hickory Creek Elementary School for the Warren County Junior Princess Pageant. A lattice archway intertwined…