JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) ? Tool manufacturer Black and Decker eliminated 160 positions at its two Jackson power tool plants on Wednesday, company officials said. Roger Young, vice president of Investor and Media Relations for the Towson, Md.-based company, said the positions were cut through both forced layoffs and voluntary retirement packages. The cuts were primarily…

CLEVELAND (AP) ? Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. lost more than $350 million during a three-month strike by some 14,000 union workers, the world?s third-largest tiremaker has revealed. ?Despite the financial impact, it is clear the strike achieved our required outcome,? Goodyear?s chief financial officer Richard Kramer told investors and reporters during a conference call.…

NEW YORK (AP) ? Theme-park operator Six Flags Inc., which has been struggling with falling attendance and a large debt load, said Thursday it will sell seven of its 27 parks for $312 million. The company said the sale is part of its strategy to reduce debt and enhance its operational and financial flexibility. Six…

By James Clark Rebecca Merritt, left, and Cynthia White have seen increased business with Southern Belles Cakes and Catering since the Blue Bonnet Inn has been operational. I must admit, I?ve taken the news about Pluto harder than most. It?s probably because I learned, for my entire life, that Pluto was the ninth planet in…

?The Rat Pack ? Live at the Sands? is the hottest and coolest party in town. After four unprecedented years on London’s West End, this acclaimed production vividly recreates a legendary evening at the Sands Hotel with the most famous performers of our time: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin. Nashville will relive…

Baby Boy Jennifer Baker and Curtis Baker, Jr. are the parents of a son, Jackson Ray Baker. He arrived at River Park Hospital on Nov. 28 weighing 8 pounds, 1 1/2 ounces. He is welcomed by sister, Summer Wakefield. His grandparents are Philip and Kristy Mason, Phyllis and Vernon DeWeese, and Edna and Curtis Baker,…

Southern Standard readers are invited to extend happy birthday and anniversary best wishes to friends and loved ones through this weekly column. Please submit your messages by our noon deadline each Thursday. No more that three wishes to any individual, please. Happy Birthday Wishes: Jan. 9 ? Happy birthday Detra. Love, Lyndi, Jacob and Molly.…

Plans for the forthcoming marriage of Meredith Anne Lancaster of Hot Springs, Ark. and Michael Trevor Allison Galligan are being revealed. The betrothed couple will exchange vows in Memphis on March 3. The bride-elected is the daughter of Jill and the Rev. Jimmie Lancaster, Jr. and the late Dr. Anthony Hooper. Her grandparents are Matilda…

Eating properly is not only good for your overall health; it’s also good for your eyes, especially as you age. It’s a known fact that as you grow older, your metabolism slows down and your body begins to deteriorate at a faster pace. You notice that your skin isn’t as firm and tight as it…

By Margaret Hobbs I am the proud grandmother of a new grandson, Ian Kyle Barnes, born the day after Christmas to my daughter, Ashley, and her husband Adam. What a wonderful gift to receive, and a boost to that after-Christmas letdown we sometimes experience. Even though I have three children of my own, it was…