By James Clark Before I get started with this week’s column, I want to dispel rumors that I will be appearing on stage this Monday night with Trace Adkins. Simply put, this is not true.Now I realize this is a musical combination many people are anxious to see, and I wouldn’t rule it out of…

Josie Roberta Lankford, 80Morrison resident and Warren County native Josie Roberta Lankford, 80, died Sept. 6 at her home after an extended illness.A retired teacher with the Warren County School System and a member of Smartt Church of Christ, she was the daughter of V.L. and Minnie Bouldin Lankford; and was preceded in death by…

By Nat Hentoff What distinguishes the United States from other nations is our enshrining freedom of speech and of the press in our Constitution’s First Amendment. Even democracies such as England prohibit “politically incorrect” speech that might offend people.After all, in America, without the First Amendment, how could we effectively protest against government violations of…

By Ed Kimbrell There was a time when John D. Rockefeller was the most hated man in America. What boiled up into a rancorous series of attacks on our first billionaire was the slaying of miners’ families in Ludlow, Colo., known today as “Bloody Ludlow.”Rockefeller owned the mines, the town, and much of the state’s…

By Mike Vinson With the Michael Jordan legacy now in official retirement, a solid argument is that Los Angeles Laker forward Kobe Bryant is the best all-around basketball player in the National Basketball Association – or, possibly, a more sound take is that Kobe was the best all-around player in the NBA. The difference between…

Our Viewpoint How often do we ever get to talk about a tax decrease? It’s so infrequent, the words almost sound awkward when put together – a tax decrease.But that’s exactly what is coming for McMinnville property owners who are seeing their property tax rate reduced from $1.94 to $1.60. Now that’s something to talk…

Our Viewpoint The initial report is stunning — seven of Warren County’s 10 public schools have been targeted by the federal government for failing to meet requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.While that by no means sounds like positive news, it’s also somewhat deceptive. That’s because the criteria by which the No Child…

The McGee family assembled recently in the fellowship hall at Shellsford Baptist Church for the 63rd annual reunion.With Dr. Jane Allison presiding, Wade Melton offered prayer and all those arriving from out-of-town were recognized. Kip Gunnells of Smyrna was the featured singer.Shirley Douglass gave reports and correspondence was read from Glynn McGee of Marshal, Texas.…

Jennifer Lyn Mullican will become the bride of Pieter Jansen van Vuuren in a wedding ceremony planned for Sept. 27 at Mt. Leo Church of Christ.The bride-elect is the daughter of Terry and Kerry Mullican. Her grandparents are Clifford and Emma Lou Cantrell, Lonnie and Barbara Capshaw, all of McMinnville.The prospective bridegroom’s parents are Zachie…

By Beth Furbush If your child is a junior in high school, now is a great time to start looking for college scholarships. The deadline for awards are months away, giving you and your child a head start on applications, essays and other requirements for those awards.Billions of dollars worth of scholarships are awarded each…