By Charles W. Johnson Do you have a terribly outdated or totally non-functioning computer? Has your laptop run its last lap? Has your printer started dining on your documents? Has your cellphone delivered its last text message? Has your wireless router turned non-communicative? Has your formerly trusty monitor or TV gone dark? Have you been…

By JAMES CLARK When Carol Darby discovered patients at Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro were in need of basic supplies, she was quick to act. A former member of the U.S. Army herself, Darby was stunned to find out veterans were doing without essentials such as toothpaste and soap powder to wash…

PELHAM The Red Cross will be holding a special Donor’s Recognition Day blood drive on Friday, May 9 at McMinnville Civic Center from noon to 6 p.m. Free T-shirts will be given to all participants and donors will also be able to register to win a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. ‘We’re going to have cake…

WASHINGTON (AP) ‘ The government began depositing tax rebate checks in thousands of bank accounts on Monday as the stimulus program aimed at giving the ailing economy a jump-start got under way early. The Internal Revenue Service started making the direct deposits Monday with the goal of completing 800,000 payments each day over the first…

It was more than a point and shoot simulation as Evan Cooper, above, and other members of the McMinnville Citizens Police Academy lined up for their chance to use a real gun filled with real bullets. Range day for class members marked the end of the third CPA class. Graduation ceremony will be held May…

WASHINGTON (AP) ‘ President Bush on Tuesday accused the Democratic-led Congress of blocking his proposals to deal with rising gas prices and dragging its feet on measures to address the sagging economy. He said he is ‘open to any ideas,’ including a proposal backed by presidential contenders John McCain and Hillary Clinton to suspend gas…

By Lisa Hobbs If proposed code changes are enacted, owners of properties such as the old Dinty Moore building will have to either get their properties up to code or face fines from the city. Being ugly isn’t currently a codes violation, but that may change. McMinnville officials are considering changes to existing codes that…

Red Cross phlebotomist Sarah Blue keeps watch as County Executive John Pelham, left, and McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport give blood. Both local officials are promoting the Donors Recognition Day on Friday, May 9 at the Civic Center from noon to 6 p.m. See story on page 3-A.

By JAMES CLARK All open alcoholic containers would be banned in vehicles if a bill passed yesterday by the Tennessee Senate becomes law. The Senate voted 23-7 to approve the bill with state Sen. Steve Roller one of its supporters. ‘I voted for the bill because I think we should do everything we can to…

By Duane Sherrill A man who held his ex-girlfriend prisoner, beating her with a ruler and burning her with cigarettes, will serve 90 days for his crimes. The defendant, Billy Clarence Martin, 51, was ordered by Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley to serve 90 days of a six-year sentence for aggravated assault and false imprisonment…