FRANKLIN (AP) — Gov. Phil Bredesen unveiled a new Tennessee license plate Wednesday featuring green rolling hills but no advertising slogans. “We wanted a plate that was easy to read and represented the state of Tennessee,” the governor said after showing the new design at the Tennessee County Clerks Association meeting. “I think the rolling…

CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Methamphetamine lab busts in Tennessee dropped 39 percent from a year ago after the state put cold tablets used to make the addictive stimulant behind pharmacy counters, records show. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration records released to Gov. Phil Bredesen showed 82 labs seized in May following passage of his Meth-Free Tennessee Act,…

TO THE EDITOR: I agree wholeheartedly we have been had. I attended the first presentation by economist Bill Fruth and felt all he did was pull two-year-old stats, add some data on Warren County, and he has a presentation.As far as our chances for new industry are concerned, I fear the attitude of our workers…

TO THE EDITOR: Is the sky really falling? I can’t help but to respond to the June 17 story written by James Clark about nationally renowned economist Bill Fruth. Nationally renowned — that just sounds expensive doesn’t it?Apparently we (the taxpayers) have paid Fruth $48,000 to give us insight like “You’re going to get hurt…

By Nat Hentoff / Columnist School principals used to also be head instructors, actually teaching one or more courses. Now nearly all are administrators and delegators — obsessed with test results lest they be charged with running “failing schools” under the No Child Left Behind law. Our presidents, however, are still supposed to be our…

By George Plagenz / Columnist A judge in Kentucky is offering repeat drug and alcohol offenders the choice of going to church or going to jail. According to an Associated Press dispatch, the judge believes the church could have a salutary effect on the drug and alcohol offenders and do what rehab or jail can’t…

By James Clark / Columnist I figured it would stir controversy when I reported economist Bill Fruth is being paid $48,000 for evaluating Warren County’s economy and making recommendations on how to improve it.“It’s too much money,” folks have cried. “Pay me $48,000 and I’ll tell you we need high-paying jobs,” said our own reporter,…

Baby BoyMatthew James Davenport was born to Christi and Nathan Davenport May 22 at River Park Hospital. The child weighed 8 pounds, 8 1/2 ounces and is welcomed by brother, Aaron Dell Davenport.Grandparents are Roger and Kitty Collier of Big Sandy, Jack and Beverly Davenport and Ken and Judy Moore. Baby BoyBrandy and Eric King…

Partin graduates from Harvard Law SchoolCody Lee Partin of Morrison graduated from Harvard Law School with the degree of Juris Doctor on June 9. Partin was one of 542 students who earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Cambridge, Mass.-based university following three years of full-time study.Partin served for two years on the Board of…

Lucky HomemakersLucky Homemakers met recently at the Lucky Community Center with Jean Myers serving as hostess. President Sherry Salaman conducted the meeting and welcomed guest Irene Mabe.Gladys Womack read from I John: 4, 7-21 and Beth Jones said the prayer. The group said the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call was answered with our favorite…