NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee’s tax collections continue to come in ahead of budgeted estimates. The Finance Department said Friday that revenues for February were $591 million, or $14 million over budgeted estimates. February is the seventh month of the state’s fiscal year. For the year collections are $111 million over what the state budgeted to…

By JOHN GEROME / Associated Press Writer Kyle Young, director of the Country Music Hall of Fame, admires Billy Cox’s bass guitar along with an amplifier Cox shared with Jimi Hendrix and a vest, background, that Hendrix wore as part of the Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies. (AP Photo) NASHVILLE (AP) — Little Richard, Aretha Franklin…

By SCOTT REEVES / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — In a crackdown aimed at prostitution, police have obtained court orders to disconnect the telephone lines of 106 escort services that advertised under such names as Centerfold Models and Playboy Escorts. Police Chief Ronal W. Serpas announced the six-month undercover operation Friday, saying charges were…

SMITHVILLE (AP) — A fire at a Federal Mogul distribution center idled employees Friday and dropped water pressure, prompting DeKalb County school closings that gave students an early spring break. No injuries were reported in the fire that destroyed sections of the 244,000-square foot building. A county dispatcher said no flames were visible outside the…

Gayle Tate is photographedwith a Huskey Mix that underwent surgery in Tate’ office in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Feb 28, 2004. Tate has volunteered to examine and treat dogs during the famous Iditarod dogsled race. (AP Photo) MURFREESBORO (AP) — A Cannon County veterinarian is headed to Alaska’s “Last Great Race.” Dr. Gayle Tate has volunteered to…

By ELIZABETH A. DAVIS / AP Sports Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — Top-ranked Tennessee and No. 20 Georgia pulled out close victories and advanced to meet each other in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament. Eighth-seeded Mississippi State tied the game late, but the Lady Vols had a 16-6 run in the final 5:39 to…

By TERESA M. WALKER / AP Sports Writer Auburn guard Nancy Derrick (12) is guarded by Vanderbilt’s Erica Grimaldi (11) in the second half at the SEC women’s tournament on Friday, March 5, 2004 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo) NASHVILLE (AP) — Abi Ramsey thinks the officials did an excellent job Friday night. Auburn coach…

By TERESA M. WALKER / AP Sports Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans decided they couldn’t keep seven receivers for a second straight season, so they traded wide receiver Justin McCareins to the New York Jets on Friday for a second-round draft pick. “Terrell Owens was traded yesterday for the 51st pick and today…

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Starting pitcher Erica Warren is one of four seniors who will lead the Lady Pioneers this spring. As the Warren County High School softball field reaches completion, the Lady Pioneers have been preparing for their opening game with daily practices.The Lady Pioneers’ softball field has…

DISCLAIMER: Survey results do not necessarily indicate subjects endorsed by state Sen. Jerry Cooper, or state Reps. Charlie Curtiss and Judd Matheny. TennCare has been a major issue during the past few years. The following are options being looked at to reform TennCare. Please keep in mind there are three categories of TennCare:A. Medicaid TennCare…