TOP STORIES

Man’s home catches fire after he wrecks in driveway-On top of misfortune, Hill also given ticket A man who crashed as he was turning into his own driveway also saw his home going up in flames as he was airlifted from the scene after his wife bolted outside to help him and left the stove unattended. By Duane Sherrill

“It’s amazing the number of student hours that are lost by something like this. It’s happening all over the country. It’s really a shame.”– Dr. Jerry Hale Text message threats cause widespread absenteeism When a text message threat caused over 300 students to miss classes three weeks ago at Warren County Middle School, it brought a growing nationwide problem close to home. Educators are trying to determine the best way to deal with these text message threats which can spread in a matter of minutes and create panic for students and parents alike. By JAMES CLARK

Sheriff’s Lt. Jody Cavanaugh investigates the Wednesday morning wreck which sent Tammy R. Roberts, 32, and her children, ages 1 and 4, to River Park for treatment. Roberts reportedly collided with a Plymouth driven by Johnny Aldrdige, 73. Motorists see the sign, but they just won’t stop-Pike Hill intersection continues to collect wrecks What has become one of the county’s most dangerous intersections claimed more victims Wednesday when a mother and her two small children were injured when a car pulled in front of them at the intersection of Old Smithville and Pike Hill roads. By Duane Sherrill

The Highland Rim Cycling Classic returns to Warren County for its 17th year this Saturday and Sunday. The race is on The 17th annual Highland Rim Cycling Classic will be sprinting into town this weekend as an estimated 350 cyclists gather to compete in one of the Southeast’s premier bicycle races. By Charles W. Johnson

ARNOLD Country music Hall of Famer Eddy Arnold dies at 89 NASHVILLE (AP) – Eddy Arnold, whose mellow baritone on songs like “Make the World Go Away” made him one of the most successful country singers in history, died Thursday morning, days short of his 90th birthday.

Talent search comes to McMinnville Representatives from Generation for Creation Inc., a Murfreesboro-based nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the arts among youth, will visit McMinnville Civic Center this Saturday, May 10, to conduct auditions for its annual talent show.

IRS warns of stimulus check scam The Internal Revenue Service wants you to know there may be a scam waiting in your e-mail inbox that looks very official but is dangerous to you and your computer.

U.S. nears demographic shift as boomers retire The United States is nearing the start of a tremendous demographic shift. Beginning in 2011, the first of 78 million baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) will start transitioning into retirement, kicking off an expansion in the number of elderly people that will continue for decades.

Beating neighbor’s dog gets Wright probation A man who reportedly beat his neighbor’s dog and then threatened the neighbors themselves was placed on probation and warned to stay away from the victims. By Duane Sherrill

Upcoming graduates honored Young Men United held a special cookout at Rocket Park Saturday to recognize graduating Warren County High School seniors. Pictured are, front row, from left, featured speaker WCHS senior Kathleen Gutierrez, Rebecca Roberts, and seniors Adreamea Dennison, Krystal Richmond, Tanea Martin and Chelsea Ramsey. Back row, James Ramsey, Jon Officer, Charlie Boyd, Steven Grayson, Nelson Ramsey, Phyllis Nowlin and Barron Garrett.

ROLLER Roller can’t get scholarships changed A measure that would have provided college funding from lottery money for non-traditional students has failed in committee, leaving state Sen. Steve Roller to wonder why 23- and 24-year-old students are being left in the cold. By Duane Sherrill

ENTERTAINMENT

Left: ENYA Center: LENNON Right: MARCEAU The birth of a spa town Q: For as long as I can remember, my mother had a box or bag of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) in the bathroom. I have carried on the tradition of soaking sprains and bruises or soaking the whole body for relaxation. How did the product get the name Epsom? — G.L.L., Portland, Maine By Gary Clothier