Guest Editorial-Gov. Charlie Crist The early leaders of our country held widely divergent views on many topics, but their writings reflect a common appreciation of the importance of the right to know. These leaders recognized that in order for the new democracy to survive, public access was essential. As James Madison wrote: “[A] people who…

By Jim Mullen I just got back from a 50-year-long vacation on the dark side of the moon, and was shocked to find out that a politician was involved in sex scandal. It seems the governor of New York had to resign after it was revealed that he’d been spending some quality time with a…

By DIANA WEST As a reasonably optimistic person, I try to look on the bright side whenever possible ‘ unless bright-side facts are completely blotted out by bleak ones. Example: In a recent e-mail blast, former Republican senator Rick Santorum urged readers to be heartened by Middle East developments that may have been obscured by…

North Carolina, the overall No. 1 seed for the NCAA tournament, finished No. 1 Monday in The Associated Press’ final poll of the season. It was the sixth time, and first since 1998, the Tar Heels (32-2) led the final rankings. UCLA and Kentucky have finished No. 1 in the final poll eight times and…

BY J. Dale Beaty Corn planting time isn’t far off and I had a farmer tell me the other day he needs a pesticide card. If you’re going to need Attrazine herbicide to spray your corn ground he’s right, you do need a current Private Applicators card. This card is issued by the TN Department…

Farm Scene By the Associated Press TULSA, Okla. (AP) ‘ Bacteria from the waste of more than 140 million chickens raised each year in the Illinois River watershed has polluted the land and poses a serious health threat, Oklahoma’s attorney general told a federal judge. “Have we indeed poisoned the river?” Drew Edmondson asked U.S.…

Cercis canadensis L. (Eastern Redbud) is a large shrub or small tree native to eastern North America from southern Ontario, Canada south to northern Florida, United States. It typically grows to 8-12 m tall, with a short, often twisted trunk and spreading branches. The bark is dark in color, smooth, later scaly with ridges somewhat…

BY Steve C. Stubblefield Eligible dairy producers who suffered production losses in 2005, 2006, or 2007 may apply to receive benefits under the Dairy Disaster Assistance Program III, which began March 5, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced. Producers can sign up at their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center until May…

HONG KONG (AP) ‘ Jackie Chan and Jet Li say they had so much fun making their first movie together they are planning a second one. Kung fu cinema’s two biggest stars expressed admiration for each other at a Hong Kong news conference Tuesday to promote their first collaboration, the $75 million Hollywood production, “The…