By Rob Nunley / Columnist Even with my toes in the Gulf of Mexico, I can’t let the good readers (and potential 2006 “Best of the Best” voters) down. So here’s a pre-written dose of “Robservations” prepared before your friendly neighborhood sports columnist heads for vacation:A while back, one of our A-section columnists penned an…

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard Coach Dewey Cantrell poses with the McMinnville Bulldogs basketball team after they received their silver medals. Team members, from left, included JoAn Cantrell, Bev Schwin, Blanche Cook and Carolyn Lance. (Photo provided) The McMinnville Bulldogs 3-on-3 basketball team may be in their 70s, but they…

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard After a perfect 9-0 regular season the Tennessee Auto Rangers had something to prove in the 9-10 Cal Ripken tournament. And prove it they did, as the Rangers rolled through the tournament undefeated to claim the tournament title by slipping past the Covenant Academy Yankees…

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard Commissioner Bessie Smithson and members of the Pete and Stella Harvey family were on hand for the dedication of the Jack M. Smithson Memorial Bridge. Pictured are, from left, Theresa Bryant with children Nick and Katie, and Smithson. County Commissioner Bessie Smithson was on…

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard It’s now two down and one to go as the second of three suspected bandits was sentenced this week for the home invasion robbery of a Westwood home.The defendant, Courtney Martin, 20, entered a guilty plea Wednesday before Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley to the…

Charles W. Johnson photo Evening Exchange Club past president Randy England, left, is presented the Exchangite of the Year Award by last year’s winner, Charles Bogle. The award was presented at the organization’s awards banquet Tuesday night.

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard A 57-person docket was heard Tuesday by Judge Larry Ross, including the case of a man who allegedly robbed a local convenience store at knife-point last month with a trash bag over his head.The defendant, Ryan Malone, 24, was bound over to the grand jury…

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard The criminal cases are piling up against a Cherry Lane man who has been sent before the grand jury for a third time amid an ongoing neighborhood feud.The defendant, Brian Caldwell, 29, was bound to the grand jury Tuesday by Judge Larry Ross on the…

An honored tradition first started by freed slaves 150 years ago will find a home here Saturday when JuneTeenth is observed for the first time officially in McMinnville.“It’s a day when everybody can get together and have a good time,” said Jon Officer with Young Men United which is organizing the event. “They’ll be plenty…

By Joy Caldwell / Grundy County Herald Two men were shot to death Monday night outside the Tracy City Police Department after tension from a domestic dispute escalated into a tragedy.Killed were brothers Anthony William Sells, 29, and Elvis Lee Sells, 27. The victims were allegedly shot three times each with a 12-gauge shotgun resulting…