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WCHS technical courses showcased during tour
Mechatronics student Chandler Omohundro
Mechatronics student Chandler Omohundro powers on his machine. He and his peers each demonstrated different machines they learned to operate, maintain and program.
Welding instructor Raymond Rigsb
Welding instructor Raymond Rigsby tells visitors about the program.

Fifty-one guests received tours of the Career Technical Education program at Warren County High School for the Business Roundtable Action Committee meeting Thursday.

The evening started with a guided tour by student ambassadors through the CTE classes offered at the high school, including Mechatronics, culinary, welding, robotics and machine tool technology.

The students of the culinary program provided a meal after the tours, and presentations from WCHS students, TCAT students and TCAT alumni followed the meal. The presentations showcased what they’ve learned in CTE classes and why the students should be hired in the future.

During the tour, guests learned about the different programs of study, the skills required, and the equipment used.

Richard Blackburn teaches the Mechatronics course at the high school through Motlow. Students Ian McBride, Reygan Nelson, Chandler Omohundro, and Christian Tigue each presented a machine and demonstrated how each worked.

Megan Sager presented the culinary program and pointed out the state-of-the-art kitchen, and Gabriel Rudicel showed guests one of the robots the robotics class programmed.

Instructor Raymond Rigsby presented about the welding class during the tour with students Will Prater and Lytle Sparkman. “All I work for is to see them work,” said Rigsby. He is very proud of the students who have left program and gone on to work in the field.

Asked why he got into welding, Sparkman said, “I’d see my family welding on the farm, but they never let me help.” He said that welding was his first choice for a career.

The final stop on the tour took place at the machine tool technology class taught by Duane Dishman. Student Emily Malone presented one of the machines purchased through a $1 million grant. Students welcomed guests to take a license plate made in the class using their machine tools.

After the tour, guests were treated to a meal by the culinary students, and 10 students and alumni presented what they learned.


Business Pulse- New antique store sets down roots
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You have likely noticed the change of byline on this page and, to provide an introduction about myself, I am a Warren County native and you or someone you know probably played baseball with my dad or worked with him over the years at Oster — which seems to be at least half of Warren County given I meet someone who knows him everywhere I go. It isn’t a bad thing, though; it’s actually nice to know our city, for its near-40,000 population, has never really lost its small-town feel.

I have been with the Southern Standard for almost eight years and worn a lot of hats, newest of all the role of primary reporter. While I am in no way new to this newspaper, I am new to penning this section. I have been covering city news for the better part of two years now, and I look forward to providing our readership with glimpses into the local businesses of our wonderful community we call home.

New Life for Antiques

One of the newest businesses to find its roots in Warren County opened at the beginning of the month. Those searching for an antique or unique piece with character and a story to tell can look no further than Old Oak Mercantile.

Owner and operator Sarah Blair is native to Warren County and has always held an appreciation for antiques, an interest which goes all the way back to her childhood. Niece to the late Iris Walker who owned an antique store for decades, Blair was introduced to the concept of giving old pieces new life from an early age.

A browse through Old Oak will reveal a wide variety of housewares, ranging from lamps and other tabletop fixtures to wall hangings, dishes and pottery. Blair keeps just a hint of modern in her offerings, but focuses most of her attention on the nostalgic and charming furnishings of yesteryear.

“We’re an antique store, vintage store and home of modern treasure all in one,” Blair explained. “History has always been my favorite and every little piece holds a story. I love meeting people and sourcing unique pieces from estate sales or wherever else I can find them.”

Blair indicated she had not set out to start an antique store just yet, but it was something she always wanted to do and the perfect opportunity landed in her lap upon discovering the store’s 110 N Spring Street location, situated in the building which once housed Kimmi’s Tea Room. The stars aligned and Blair jumped on the opportunity to share her affinity for antiques with the community and make her dream a reality.

“We were originally going to take over for The Rustic Daisy when it closed, but that didn’t happen and we found out about this location,” Blair said. “We downsized and it’s been working out really well for us here.”

Old Oak Mercantile is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed Sunday and Monday. Blair announces specials on the store’s Facebook page, which is regularly updated.

Barr’s Still Raising the Bar

A sustaining part of McMinnville’s small businesses and a name known to most anyone, Barr’s Fine Home Furnishings Inc. at 643 Beersheba Hwy. continues to thrive after 61 years in business. The late Earl Barr started the retailer in 1963 after spending three years in the Army and married his wife, Hazel, a year later. From there, the couple went on to create a business which would become a household name in the community — and for good reason. Hazel, son Mark and daughter-in-law Kim work together to continually provide their customers with the highest quality furniture and customer service possible.

“We are always committed to supporting our customers, even after the sale,” Hazel said of the company’s commitment to those who place their trust in the Barrs when purchasing from them.

Barr’s Furniture features well-established and high-quality brands such as La-Z-Boy, Sealy, England, Jackson, Hooker and Catnapper. Newest to the roster is Vaughan-Bassett bedroom furniture, which is 100% American-made. Vaughan-Bassett has been crafting furniture for over 100 years and is based in Galax, Virginia.

“Our focus has been to offer higher-quality furnishings at an affordable price,” Mark said of the company’s goal. “We believe in carrying as many things as possible that are truly American-made. In addition, La-Z-Boy, Catnapper and Jackson are made here in Tennessee.”

Mark continued, “We choose brands for their quality, reliability and their willingness to stand behind their products. Currently, we are working to expand our offerings from Vaughan-Bassett and get more American-made products and less imports.”

The Barrs and their dedicated staff promise great attention to their customers, offering prompt and free local delivery on items purchased from their store. Currently, select items in their inventory are as much as 30% off in order to create room for new pieces.

Barr’s Fine Home Furnishings Inc. is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on Sundays. The store can be reached at (931) 473-3536 or barsfurniture.com and has an active Facebook page where sales and new items are often announced.

If you have a business — new or old — you would like to have featured, you are welcome to email me at nchilders@southernstandard.com. I look forward to meeting you!