NORFOLK, Va. (AP) ‘ The last F-150 pickup truck rolled off the assembly line Thursday morning at Ford Motor Co.’s factory, one of several plants the automaker is closing in an attempt to restore its North American operations to profitability. Plant managers purchased the truck, which then was won in a lottery by worker Corey…

First National Bank is pleased to welcome two new employees to its staff. Nancy Locke has been named vice president of marketing and human relations, while Randy Fletcher has been named senior vice president and manager of First National Bank’s Rutherford County loan production office. A McMinnville native, Locke obtained a bachelor of science degree…

NEW YORK (AP) ‘ Stocks slid Friday as investors, securing positions before the second half of the year begins, sold off due to rising oil prices and lingering worries about subprime mortgage lending troubles. The erratic day capped a strong second quarter for Wall Street, which pushed the Dow Jones industrial average up more than…

By James Clark Hopefully, you won’t have to use the services of new bail bondsman Len Murray. If you do, it means you’re in jail. In the event you find yourself behind bars, you can give Len a call at 815-BOND. There’s nothing like the spectacle of Independence Day to break out another installment of…

Baby Girl Brittany McCormick and Michael Schofner are the parents of a daughter, Mekyna Kay-Joan Schofner. She was born May 11 at River Park Hospital and weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces. She is joined by brother, Micah. Her grandparents are Tammy Grosch, Mark McCormick, and Lisa Gillies of Smithville. Baby Boy Andrew Lestat Johnson, son…

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: June 30 ‘ Happy 8th birthday Keaton Welch. We love you,…

By Charlie Nardozzi Summer time is thunderstorm time across the country. All that water rushing off roofs, driveways and walkways is loaded with oil and other pollutants, and it all ends up in our sewer systems. Since municipal storm water treatment plants often can’t handle the deluge, the untreated water dumps into our natural waterways.…

The recent wedding of Meredith Anne Lancaster and Michael Trevor Allison Galligan was held at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis. The 6 p.m. ceremony was officiated by Rev. Dr. Steve Montgomery and Rev. Dr. Jimmie Lancaster. Dr. Ted Gibboney was the organist. A prayer was given by Rev. Jason Lancaster, brother of the bride. The…

By Margo Howard Dear Margo: I am writing because I have a problem (of course). I am engaged to a wonderful man who is thoughtful about many things, but does not think I have the right to know what he spends his money on. He has an addiction to eBay and collecting things. He keeps…

By Margaret Hobbs A delicious turkey taco salad dominates the table full of desserts and side dishes at the dairy recipe competition. With June being designated as Dairy Month, many activities are held for local participation, encouraging everyone to celebrate the dairy industry and its many contributions to our society. The march is led by…