BABY GIRLShelby Marie Roberts, first child of Tara and John “J.J.” Roberts, arrived Dec. 5 at River Park Hospital weighing 8 pounds.She is the granddaughter of Rick and Donna Thornton of McMinnville, Johnny and Patricia Roberts of Manchester. BABY BOYErica and Corey Griffin of Toney, Ala., are the parents of a son, Benjamin Blalock. He…

Making love bonnets for cancer patients was a highlight of the Jan. 8 meeting of Hickory Creek Family and Community Education Club held in the Magnolia Room. Some of the members cut out bonnets from material brought by ladies from various FCE clubs, while others sewed them together. The finished love bonnets will be delivered…

If you didn’t make it to any New Year’s parties Jan. 1, you still have an opportunity to welcome 2004 in style. The Japan-U.S. Program of Middle Tennessee State University will conduct its annual New Year’s celebration and potluck dinner Jan. 24 beginning at 5 p.m. at the MTSU Foundation Reception House, 324 Thompson Lane.Ordinarily,…

Over 85 percent of Americans say they want to improve their spiritual lives during the next 12 months, according to a Gallup poll. That’s just one reason Carlton Gant Sr., volunteers every week to teach Bible lessons at Smartt Assembly of God Church in Smartt.Gant, who leads the adult class has been named 2004 Tennessee…

By Rob Nunley / Columnist Isn’t it funny how time flies?In just five weeks, pitchers and catchers will be reporting to begin spring training for the 2004 Major League Baseball slate.Heck, it seems like only yesterday I was trying my best to punch out a television set after the Marlins eliminated the Cubs from the…

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard (McMinnville, Tenn.) Warren County Middle School’s seventh-grade basketball squads traveled to Irving College Tuesday night, picking up a split against the Tigers and Lady Tigers.In Tuesday’s opening contest, the Lady Pioneers downed the Lady Tigers 37-26, while in the nightcap the Pioneers boys topped the…

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard A poor shooting performance and a lack of defense in the second period by the Pioneers proved to be fatal Tuesday night against Cookeville.The Cavaliers, who entered the District 7-AAA game with a record of 10-7 overall and 2-2 in district play, defeated Warren County…

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard (McMinnville, Tenn.) Whitney Pelham puts up a jump shot while being defended by Cookeville’s Leslie Tallent during the closing seconds of the first quarter Tuesday night. (Rob Nunley photo) A third-quarter collapse resulted in the third-straight district loss for the Lady Pioneer basketball team Tuesday…

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard A 54-person docket was heard Tuesday by Judge Larry Ross in General Sessions Court.Included in court action:• John Marsh was bound over to the grand jury on charges of manufacture of drugs and simple possession of drugs. He must serve the balance of his former…

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Thirteen people were sentenced Wednesday by Judge Bart Stanley in Circuit Court.Included in court action:• Matt Whiteaker was ordered to serve four years and make $7,322 restitution for arson and facilitation of arson. He was convicted last year for his involvement in two intentionally set…