NASHVILLE (AP) ‘ Gov. Phil Bredesen said Tuesday he was prepared for the bad publicity of giving large raises to members of his Cabinet. But the Democratic governor told the Associated Press in an interview that he was willing to take the heat for the pay hikes to keep key commissioners on staff for the…

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON Once the metal is pulled down, George Smartt can easily gain access to the area above the cell. Inmates stored contraband there and could even hoist themselves up and walk around. Warren County Jail officials are still reeling from what has been described as the first escape from the facility. But…

Jabo Hillis, 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Wednesday, July 18. He was born in McMinnville, Tenn., but resided in Panama City, Fla., with his children. He was a retired grocery store owner of Hillis Grocery and of Cathy’s Market. He loved sports, poker and telling funny jokes. He was a loving father and…

McMinnville resident Andrew Arlie Southard, 24, died July 21 from a sudden illness. An employee of Southard Lawn Care and Landscaping, and a member of Arlington Church of Christ, he was the son of Ron and Eileen Southard of McMinnville. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Eddie and Jaime Southard of McMinnville, maternal…

By Chuck Shepherd It is increasingly difficult these days for a girl to go through the stage of “plain old kid,” according to a June Arizona Republic story, because clothing fashions seem to move from “toddler” directly to some form of “teen” (including “tween” and now “pre-tween”), with spaghetti-strap dresses and “ultra miniskirts,” but in…

WASHINGTON (AP) ‘ Almost two years after lawmakers amended the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to reduce filing rates, several regions in the Southeast continue to see elevated numbers of consumer bankruptcy cases, a phenomenon some experts attribute in part to local culture. Bankruptcy numbers over the past few months appear to be slowing down or leveling…

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON After several months of construction, along with moving and rearranging literally thousands of books, Magness Library is ready for the grand opening of the new Col. Gentry Moffitt library addition. The celebration will also mark one of this year’s officially sanctioned Warren County bicentennial events, and will feature an art exhibit…

By LISA HOBBS Tennessee Tech received $1 million to help fund its Millard Oakley Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Center. The STEM Center, once complete, will improve the teaching and learning of these subjects from pre-school through college. With the center’s help, the youth of today can become better prepared for the future. Rural Development…

TODAY, JULY 22 Holy Place Fellowship will hold its inaugural service at 10:30 a.m. at its location on New Smithville Highway beside L&M Carpet. For more information call 273-5616. MONDAY, JULY 23 The regular meeting of the McMinnville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will be held at 6 p.m. at the Rebel Hill Community Room.…

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) – Sergio Garcia kept his emotions in check at the British Open, staying right on course for that elusive major title Saturday. Trailed around the course by six fans who spelled out his first name on their yellow T-shirts, the demonstrative Spaniard showed no signs of wavering on a day for going…