CHATTANOOGA (AP) — A majority of the state’s fire departments may fail to qualify for certain federal grants because they are not submitting the required reports. The Tennessee fire marshal’s office said only 305 of the state’s 694 departments submitted information last year to the computerized Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System. The system tracks a…

By TOM SHARP / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE — When Gov. Phil Bredesen outlined his reform plan for TennCare last February, he said he wanted input from groups that advocate for the needs of enrollees. Tuesday, he got it. A coalition of groups representing the 1.3 million Tennesseans who use TennCare released a 27-page summary…

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Ida Davenport accepts the Book of Golden Deeds Tuesday evening from Exchangite Randy England, left, and Evening Exchange president Thomas Smith. (Duane Sherrill photo) Citing her tireless service to the community, McMinnville’s Evening Exchange Club bestowed the coveted Book of Golden Deeds award upon Ida…

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Torrential rain is being blamed for a crash on Nashville Highway which left a critically injured Watertown man trapped in his car for nearly an hour Saturday.The victim, Juan Gonzalez, 20, was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center from River Park Hospital for treatment Saturday…

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard Soldiers participate in a casing of the colors ceremony Monday afternoon at the National Guard Armory. The soldiers leave Thursday morning for Mississippi and send-off organizers are hoping crowds fill the streets. (James Clark photo) Organizers are hoping for an overwhelming turnout Thursday morning as members…

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard LOCKE A teenage boy passed away yesterday evening at Erlanger Medical Center after being hit in the head with a softball several days earlier.The teen, Nick Locke, suffered his injury Friday just prior to a 14-and-under softball game in Midway. Locke, who plays first base, was…

By Jim Glenn May was Older Americans Month, and Social Security joins the Administration on Aging and other organizations around the nation in celebrating the occasion.The theme for this year’s observance was “Aging Well, Living Well.” This theme was chosen to recognize the fact older Americans are living longer, healthier and more productive lives. As…

By James Clark I’m back from the beach after a week of fun in the sun at Hilton Head Island. I saw an Elvis impersonator (it was the fat version of Elvis), played mini golf, and worked on my tan.I’ve always been reluctant to take a full week vacation from work. I just don’t like…

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Manchester resident and Warren County native William “Billy” Thomison, 70, died June 9 at Manchester Health Care Center.A retired truck driver and former McMinnville police officer who served his country in the National Guard, he was the son of the Betty Hillis and the late William Thomison; and was preceded in death by his brother,…