Charles W. Johnson photo Knife-maker Jason Bivens mans the blacksmith shop at the fair yesterday. This year marks Biven’s fourth demonstrating his craft at the local exhibition.

The 51st annual Warren County A&L Fair is under way with a wide variety of exciting events. Rides open at 6 p.m. each night. Here are some of the highlights of this year’s schedule: Today, Sept. 121-4 p.m. Antique Quilt Show – Fairfield Village Courthouse1-5 p.m. Gospel Music – opening of grounds – Singing by…

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON News Editor for the Southern Standard Peyton Kelsey, 9, left, and her friend Kailyn Cantrell, 8, stop to smell the flowers at the fairgrounds yesterday. Both said they are looking forward to the fair, especially the rides. Well, it’s finally here! After months of planning and preparation, the 51st annual Warren…

By WILL STEWART Reporter for the Southern Standard Peyton Kelsey, 9, left, and her friend Kailyn Cantrell, 8, stop to smell the flowers at the fairgrounds yesterday. Both said they are looking forward to the fair, especially the rides. When many people think of their childhood, they think of happy, care-free days. When Warren County…

By DUANE SHERRILL Reporter for the Southern Standard Saying he is getting paid back for stepping on toes here years ago, embattled former Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Jeff Stiles says he expects his name to be cleared. “I stepped on some toes back then so this is a bit of pay back,” said Stiles of allegations…

By DUANE SHERRILL Reporter for the Southern Standard Highway Patrolman Mike Tanner investigates the fatal head-on crash on Smithville Highway Friday which claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman. She was a passenger in the Geo Tracker. A motorist swerving to avoid a stray dog is being blamed for a deadly head-on crash on Smithville…

By Gary Clothier Q: Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene), the patriarch of the all-male “Bonanza” family, had three sons with three different wives. Which wife had which son? — W.C., Kutztown, Pa. A: Cartwright was a three-time widower who had one son with each of his wives. The story of his marriages was told in flashbacks.…

(AP) John C. Reilly Even when he’s repellent, John C. Reilly manages to endear. A ubiquitous supporting and ensemble player in such films as “The Hours, “Gangs of New York,” “Magnolia” and “Chicago” (which earned him an Academy Award nomination), Reilly steps into the lead with “Criminal,” a solid, engaging take on the shell-game genre.…

DALLAS (AP) After 18 months sleeping on sidewalks and in shelters, Mel Cornelison has a job, and soon might have a place of his own. And he owes it all to voice mail. Cornelison landed his job through free voice mail that is being offered to homeless people and others without phones in cities around…

WASHINGTON (AP) Americans in most religious categories want laws to define marriage as between a man and a woman, with support among black Protestants virtually as high as among white evangelical Protestants, according to a survey issued Thursday. The 4,000 respondents chose among three options: legal status only for heterosexual marriage (55 percent of the…