Our website has received a number of comments in the past several days regarding a photo that was published in connection with a fatal traffic accident earlier this week on Big Springs Road.

Several commented that the photo was "distasteful" or "disrespectful" while others said it is necessary to run these type of photos in order to make the public better aware of the dangers that loom on our public streets, roads and highways.

Speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, texting, mixing alcohol with driving, and other factors often contribute to a loss of life in an automobile accident.

We see our role as a community newspaper as making the public better informed about happenings and events that occur locally. These reports many times are not pleasant. They often involve matters and issues that result in death. And while they may not be not be reports of "good news" they do, we believe, serve a purpose.

By ANNE DONNELL

Dear Anne, Here’s one over which you will surely salivate! (Or is that “shall salivate”?) The question? What is the difference between a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier? Sign me, “The World Awaits” and maybe “with bated breath” whatever that is.

First, will is the appropriate use; it’s the auxiliary signaling the promise inherent in simple future tense for a second person subject (you). Shall with second person indicates determination. EXAMPLE (Mother to teen son) You shall clean up this mess.

Bated breath, meaning to hold one’s breath, has been around a long time.  Shakespeare used it in Merchant of Venice (1596). Bate is tied to abate, and bate has several meanings, including “to reduce the force or intensity of, to restrain.” (Thank you, Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. And, yes, there appear to be two more recent editions which Amazon mentions and then coyly refuses to show. You think I should search to the ends of the earth? These old bones, topped by my now salivating mouth?)

Twenty years ago, the 10-county Middle Tennessee region was home to less than 1 million people.

Today that number has nearly doubled, and in the next two decades another million more will call Middle Tennessee home. Wilson County has experienced even higher growth rates over this time, and there’s no doubt that some of these new regional neighbors will continue to call our county home. The Middle Tennessee region’s tremendous growth has brought economic prosperity everywhere, including right here. Even in these difficult times our standard of living is better than ever and we are a short drive from some of the world’s best companies, entertainment venues, universities, and sports teams.

However, with growth comes change, challenges and opportunities. The interstate and road systems that take us to these places are often congested—ranking us nationally as one of the worst commutes in the country. Our local leaders are continually challenged to make difficult decisions on how to fund infrastructure, how to provide community services, and what land should be developed and what land should be conserved. Air, watersheds, and where we live and work are not subject to political boundaries and these issues don’t just affect Wilson County, but the whole region.

To the Editor:

My wife Darlene and I would like to commend all the sponsors and volunteers who played a vital role in the success of the 3rd Annual Charity WHIP CRACKIN' RODEO.

Without sponsorship support, events like the rodeo could not be made available to our community, while providing a sustainable impact of support to our local charities and additional commerce to our city.

This year, we were able to provide over 250 special needs children with a very special day of activities and enjoyment. The experience included lots of games and prizes. They got to see ESPN's Omega Force strongman show and the performance of the Coppertown Clown with man's best friend, the rescue dogs known as the Mutley Crew. The kids had the opportunity to ride horses, pet numerous farm animals, and see a few of the events which are held during the Rodeo. Michelle Hill's Empower Me Day Camp was on hand to make sure the Special Events Day was well organized and a huge success. Michelle adds that special touch to any event.

By SAM HATCHER

Three local men missed by only days the event at Cumberland University Tuesday in which World War II veterans who trained here for deployments to Europe were presented Honorary Master’s degrees in Military Arts.

Harry Snodgrass, Louis Perner and Homer Burke, all three veterans from Wilson County, died only days before they could be presented their diplomas but were represented at the ceremony by family members.

The most recent of the three to die, Mr. Burke, died on Monday.

Besides a veteran of World War II, Mr. Burke and his late brother Efford were likely best known locally for discovering the Bluegrass duo Flatt and Scruggs while traveling as salesmen in East Tennessee for Martha White Flour.