By Jim Mullen / Columnist I am pretty much the perfect house guest. You probably won’t even know I’m there from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4 (that’s my birthday, in case you’d like to do anything special. No, don’t tell me — surprise me! You can pick me up at the airport at 6 a.m.,…

By Thomas Vaughn / Columnist Once again, the Iraqi people have gone to the polls to exercise their right to vote, a right too long trammeled by the tyranny of Saddam Hussein. Once again, they have turned out in droves, undeterred by bombs and bullets, to vote in elections to help determine their future.The big…

By Charles W. Johnson / Columnist As promised in my last column, here is the beginning of my list of English errors that aren’t. You know, those usages people keep telling you are wrong, but which are actually correct in standard English.Now, I realize this column is apt to generate some negative reaction, since there…

Our Viewpoint As most of us prepare to celebrate Christmas by opening a mountain of gifts under the tree, we should enjoy the day and the time spent with family. It’s also essential to remember the meaning of Christmas and the reason we are gathered in celebration.The birth of Jesus Christ fulfilled a prophecy from…

Ron Owen is retiring at the end of the year after 27 years of full-time work in soil conservation. Come the end of the year, Ron Owen will retire from the USDA’s local office as a soil conservation technician. He’s worked locally since 1984 and been involved in conservation practices since 1959.His first job came…

Jeff Lassiter is the proud, new manager at Advance Auto Parts and it hasn’t taken long for Jeff to make a positive impact. Jeff is devoted to offering first-rate service with hometown flavor and that’s exactly what he’s done.“Yes Advance Auto is a chain 2,800 stores strong, but we are also a hometown parts store,”…

There has been some interest in the old Krystal building in Plaza Shopping Center. From what I understand, a deal hasn’t been finalized with property owner Jimmy Zavogiannis. (James Clark photo) Since it’s Christmas, it’s time to talk about how Gondola owner Jimmy Zavogiannis is a nice guy. Jimmy knows his stuff when it comes…

Santa hands over the keys to Darla Campbell, the proud winner of Three Star Mall’s car giveaway Thursday night. Darla won a 2005 Chevy Cavalier from Edd Rogers. (James Clark photo) If you were in the mood for winning prizes, it paid to be in attendance Thursday at Three Star Mall. Darla Campbell emerged as…

By James Clark / Columnist Come in, grab a seat, and welcome to this week’s Business Pulse. Remember, it’s always OK to have a Merry Christmas in Business Pulse land because if someone is offended, we don’t care.By now, the stockings have already been hung and jolly ol’ Saint Nicholas has already made his way…

BABY GIRLElexia Payton Byars was born to Sandy Phillips and Jason Byars on Oct. 8 at River Park Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces upon arrival and is the first child for the couple.Her grandparents are Shelia and Anthoney Brenneman, Paula Rogers and Lonnie Byars. BABY BOY Ian Landry McClure was born Nov.…