By James Clark NEW YORK (AP) ‘ Wall Street extended its decline Friday as skittish investors unable to hold on to much optimism about the economy drew little comfort from President Bush’s stimulus plan. Investors pulled back from a big early advance, with the major indexes trading mixed as Bush began to speak. By the…

First National Bank recently announced multiple promotions. Tom D. Vance, president and CEO, issued the following statement: ‘The board of directors of First National Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of a number of the bank’s key employees and managers approved at the January 2008 board meeting. These promotions reflect the contributions of these…

The second annual McMinnville Meltdown, sponsored by USA Gym and the Southern Standard, starts this Monday, Jan. 21, with a few new twists. Most noticeable is the fact the Meltdown will last nearly an entire year, all the way to Dec. 15. Prizes will be awarded every month with a grand prize of $2,000 to…

By James Clark I’ve received calls about this Bikini Lawn Mowing sign located off the bypass in the Shangri La Lane area. The phone number does not work and I’m assuming the sign is meant only to grab attention, although this area is in need of a quality bikini mowing service.

By James Clark Lifeline Christian Store operated for years at Plaza Shopping Center. That business closed in July, but one of its owners has opened a new store on Hillside Lane called Wellspring Christian Store. ‘It’s a different name, a different place, and people seem to like this store better,’ said Teresa Paris, who has…

By James Clark A: Beltone has moved its local office from W. Main Street next to First Presbyterian Church to Sparta Street next to the rescue squad. Beltone has moved into the building that was last occupied by Flowers by Jennifer. According to a Beltone employee, the new location is nicer, better and handier. The…

By James Clark A: That will be the new home of David Hill’s tack and feed store that’s located on Sparta Highway about a quarter-mile from that spot. The building under construction will be a 4,300-square-foot facility, and David says he expects to relocate in about two months. ‘I need more room,’ said David. ‘Every…

By James Clark Morrison Tool & Fab is one of this county’s great success stories and one of its significant employers. The business provides jobs for many people in this area, and like all local businesses I’ve always hoped it does well. However, Morrison Tool & Fab hasn’t been able to establish firm roots outside…

By James Clark Toyota is in the process of building a $1.3 billion manufacturing plant near Tupelo, Miss., that’s expected to produce 150,000 Toyota Highlanders a year. The plant will employ about 2,000 people who can earn up to $20 an hour benefits after three years. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone…

By James Clark It’s already early voting time in Tennessee and there are some tough choices to be made. For Republicans, the presidential race is absolutely wide open as no frontrunner has yet to emerge. For Democrats, it’s shaping up as a two-horse race to the finish and who can tell how the cards will…