CRAWFORD, Texas Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — To President Bush, 2005 was a year in which America grew more prosperous, advanced the cause of freedom abroad and enhanced its security at home. “Our duties continue in the new year,” he said.…

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — The new year will dawn with an array of state laws taking effect across the country, offering a snapshot of issues that matter to Americans — from identity theft and sex offenders to dangers on the…

NEW LONDON, Conn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — For first-year students, they are kicking around some heady questions: Is there such thing as absolute mathematical truth? Can a perfect circle exist? What if two plus two didn’t equal four? The Connecticut…

WASHINGTON Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — Before the next big hurricane’s winds howl ashore, Homeland Security officials want an emergency communications network operating, emergency medical facilities treating patients, and teams dispatched to search for victims at the likely ground zero. In…

WASHINGTON Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — Medicare’s prescription drug coverage rolls out Sunday, a benefit being hailed as the most significant advance in the program’s 40-year history. Most senior citizens should see their medicine become more affordable because of the new…

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard MUKHERJI Calendars featuring the photographic art of Dr. Barun Mukherji are now on sale for $10 and all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and the Warren County Relay for Life.The Southern Standard, McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce and River Park Hospital sponsored the…

PAMELA ROGERS As we open the door and give 2006 a warm welcome beginning today, it’s time to reflect on the biggest Warren County news stories of 2005.Standard newsroom employees have done just that and determined by vote the top 10 stories of 2005. It was a fierce battle for the top spot as reporters…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — Mark Gunter wanted more from his master’s degree in business administration than a diploma. The 40-year-old general manager for Springs Industries wanted to know how to make his Dalton, Ga., rug mill run more…

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. _ Tennessee lobbyists and affiliated political action committees contributed nearly $2.5 million to state and federal political candidates and committees from 2001 to 2004, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. The newspaper analyzed records…

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — Written, assembled and translated over many centuries, the Holy Bible is the most printed and most read book in human history, influencing everything from art and music to politics and pop culture. Regardless…