By Jim Mullen Dear Friends,Well, it’s that time of year again. The Fergusons have had a great 2003. As you can see, Bob lost 40 pounds on the Atkins diet. He had to get a second job to stay on it because he eats more red meat than a grizzly bear, but you can’t knock…

By Ed Kimbrell / Columnist This is a time for reflection over a most difficult period in our history. So, too, is it time to think about the news media and its future. There’s no absence of opinion and only time will tell how accurate the prophets and pundits are about the shape of new…

By Charles W. Johnson Last year, as some of you may remember, I based my holiday season column on the rather unusual idea of giving words for Christmas. My previous column dealt with family and friends, for the most part, so in an effort to avoid repeating myself I’ve decided to broaden my perspective this…

Our Viewpoint Since a number of our homes are decked with lights and most of us have found a cozy spot for the Christmas tree by now, we should all remember to maintain a close eye on fire safety for the final days of the holiday season.Among all the gifts and holiday spirit, fire safety…

By WILL STEWART / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Jonathan Walker can’t contain his surprise as he receives a gift at the Kids of the Community Christmas party Thursday. Before leaving, the children wrote thank you notes to those who donated money. (Will Stewart photo) Christmas came early for over 80 local children who…

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard Skydiver Rick Wittrig makes a landing about halfway through his planned 50 jumps to celebrate his 50th birthday at the Warren County Memorial Airport yesterday. (Charles W. Johnson photos) It’s fair to say most of us view the big 5-0 as a landmark birthday,…

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Cases of shoplifting and domestic violence have increased as Christmas approaches, two areas of crime police say almost always rise during the holiday season.“We see thefts and shoplifting go up almost every year, and it appears this year is no exception,” said McMinnville Police Capt.…

Our Viewpoint Once again Warren County residents have shown their generosity during the holiday season and for that we should all take pride.Dozens of programs and thousands of needy men, women and children have been the recipients of food, clothing, and toys – all because the people of this great county have made the decision…

Are you looking for an ideal gift to surprise someone special on your holiday list? Do you have a friend or relative about to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion? Who wouldn’t enjoy a gift of rest, romance and charm at a delightful bed and breakfast inn?Tennessee Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers Association has…