By William Rusher With former Sen. Fred Thompson’s official declaration of his candidacy, the race for the Republican presidential nomination has now assumed the shape that seems likely to characterize it right down to the finish line. Conceivably some new and unexpected contender could still enter the contest and win it, as Wendell Willkie did…

By Kathryn Lopez Marriage matters as a political issue, a fact we were starkly reminded of when an Iowa judge recently redefined marriage. In his ruling, Polk County District Court Judge Robert Hanson wished into law the right of “individuals to marry a person of their choosing,” with no gender restrictions. He said that Iowa’s…

By Gov. Phil Bredesen The heat and drought conditions we’ve experienced in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast this summer have affected us all, but most directly and perhaps most severely it has impacted Tennessee farmers. This year we’ve experienced three unprecedented agricultural disasters. First with the record freeze in April, followed by the drought, and…

BY DUANE SHERRILL There’s a good reason why the fairgrounds is laid out in the circle and paved, that is, so people can walk off all the fair food they eat during fair week. Yes, it’s possible to put on 10 pounds the week of the fair, especially if you choose to go sit up…

By J. Dale Beaty As of this writing we’ve got the dairy and market goat shows completed and Saturday was a very busy entry day in the Jr. and Sr.Ag Buildings. Go by and check them out but, I think the kids beat the adults in the number of entries. Lots of hay, corn, crop…

By Mark Halcomb There is no doubt that I have not given the container producers equal time over the years. So, I will attempt to pot up some wisdom for you. First thing, it might help to Think ‘Out of the Container’ occasionally. Look at the roots occasionally and definitely when there is a problem.…

USDA has announced September 10th as the beginning date for the Livestock Compensation Program (LCP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Applications will be accepted at the local Farm Service Agency county offices. No ending date for the LCP and LIP has been established at this time. According to local agency director Steve Stubblefield, the…

The Dempseys, a unique musical trio based in Memphis, is coming to The Arts Center of Cannon County for a show on Fri., Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. They are known for their brand of high octane rockabilly music and their much talked about live show. The band’s energetic live performances are unlike any show…

Baby Boy Doug and Phyllis Seaborn of Rock Island are announcing the birth of their grandson, Lucas Evan Turner. He was born June 5 at Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce. Other grandparents include Larry and Glenda Turner of Manchester, and Jim and Debi Farley of Louisville, Ky. Lucas is…