By Lisa Hobbs Time is almost up for the water tower located on Cadillac Lane. Placed in 1959, it won’t stand to see its 50th birthday. The removal will be done as soon as possible after April 15 when the old Driver Testing Center building is moved. After unsuccessfully trying to give the water tank…

While demolition work was taking place Saturday, the fire began to kick up again, requiring firefighters to use more water. The city’s expensive lamppost appears unharmed. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, local leaders hope the two buildings devastated by Saturday morning’s Main Street fire will rise again in the near future, perhaps even…

By Charles W. Johnson The downtown blaze Saturday morning that left the former McMinnville Opera House ‘ one of McMinnville’s most treasured and historic buildings ‘ in rubble has delivered a devastating blow to Warren County history, made all the more tragic because it occurs in the year when the county is celebrating its bicentennial.…

By JAMES CLARK From the roof atop New York Grill provides a different view of firefighters working well above ground on Tower One, which is capable of extending its ladder 100 feet. Fire destroyed two Main Street buildings early Saturday morning as flames erupted in the heart of historic downtown McMinnville.Mel and Janice Dixon, who…

Fire erupted in downtown McMinnville this morning around 12:30 a.m. and firefighters worked frantically to contain the blaze to two buildings. By around 2 a.m. it appeared the fire was contained to 207 and 209 E. Main Street. Those buildings are between the old City Drug and old Fraley’s. Property records show the buildings belong…

By JAMES CLARK Cindy McKinley is recently coming off her ribbon-cutting ceremony as a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce and her new business, Hair-N-More, is doing well at Oak Plaza on Sparta Street. Cindy opened three days before Christmas and is working to get the word out about the merchandise she offers. ‘Hair…

By JAMES CLARK Around these parts, Scott Garing is known for his Main Street business New York Grill. But he also has an extensive background in the security business and he is bringing his expertise to McMinnville. Garing Protective Services is opening in the building next to New York Grill and the business is expected…

By JAMES CLARK J.B. Brown has developed a hydroponics system that works well growing basil. He sells his basil and lettuce to several area restaurants looking to provide high-quality food. J.B. Brown has carved himself a niche, selling top-quality lettuce and basil to upscale restaurants in the Midstate. J.B. doesn’t spray his vegetables with any…

By JAMES CLARK It’s not often I get to talk about a $4.1 million apartment complex being built in McMinnville. In fact, I don’t recall if I’ve ever talked about a $4.1 million apartment complex. So, as the old saying goes, there’s no better time than the present. A North Carolina-based company called Orchard View…

By JAMES CLARK I’ve long thought democracy is the greatest form of government in the world. But this year’s presidential election really strains that belief. In this great nation of ours, are you telling me those are the three most qualified people we have for our country’s highest office? Hillary Clinton suddenly decides to lie…