BY JAMES CLARK As part of the program Stop Litter in Tennessee, Gov. Phil Bredesen and TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely have awarded Warren County a litter grant in the amount of $34,264. It’s roughly the same amount the county has received three years in a row. Warren County litter grant coordinator Mary Lou Ward says…

BY JAMES CLARK As part of the program Stop Litter in Tennessee, Gov. Phil Bredesen and TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely have awarded Warren County a litter grant in the amount of $34,264. It’s roughly the same amount the county has received three years in a row. Warren County litter grant coordinator Mary Lou Ward says…

BY LISA HOBBS Local residents have generously opened their hearts to those less fortunate again this year. With Operation Christmas Child over for another year, there were just under 1,900 shoeboxes collected locally. ‘Even after collection ended Sunday, we had boxes coming in,’ said local program organizer and humanitarian Wendy Curran. ‘As always, people were…

BY DUANE SHERRILL McMinnville Police firearms expert Stuart Whitman demonstrates the proper way to clear the chamber during a gun safety presentation Tuesday at McMinnville’s Noon Exchange Club meeting. Citing their above-and-beyond service to the community, McMinnville’s Noon Exchange Club honored two local lawmen Tuesday with Officer of the Year awards. Receiving Police Officer of…

BY LISA HOBBS Warren County High School’s Interact Club is gearing up for another day of hard work and cheerful giving. Every year, club members enthusiastically volunteer their time in what is usually cold weather to pack food boxes for Share A Christmas Dinner. Last year, they packed and helped distribute, thanks to widespread community…

Curtis Strode, left, and James Ramsey of the Clark United Methodist Church choir sing Christmas carols Tuesday night on Court Square. Other choir members who participated include Paul Ford, Christene Grayson, Maxine Weeden, Aubrey Greene and William Miller. For a schedule of upcoming downtown Christmas activities, see page 7-A.

BY DUANE SHERRILL Two Rock Island State Park visitors who were caught cutting a tree will be donating their time and money to the park. ‘It is against the law to cut or deface trees and foliage within a state park,’ said park ranger Jodie Stinson, who cited the two suspects after witnesses saw them…

BY LISA HOBBS Prepare for two sights during tomorrow’s Christmas parade ‘ a blocked-off downtown McMinnville, and Christmas elves walking the streets. To make a safe parade for participants and spectators, McMinnville Police Department will begin blocking off access to downtown at noon. The parade begins at 2:30 p.m. Law enforcement officials want motorists to…

BY Dennis Stanley After receiving autopsy results, prosecutors have dismissed a murder charge against Lillian Elizabeth Sosa, 18, but have charged her with abuse of a corpse. Bond was set at $25,000. The new charge carries a sentencing range of one to two years. Sosa, who is believed to be an illegal alien, was charged…

BY DUANE SHERRILL In the wake of concerns raised by the recent Joy Slatton theft trial, community leaders say governmental nepotism policies are now in effect which will prevent the hiring of close family members by not only at-will government employees but also by elected officials. ‘The language is pretty clear,’ said County Executive John…