Delayed Y2K Glitch Strikes Celina 52; Head Cashier Deploys Tongue as Barcode Scanner

CROSSVILLE, TN — A severely delayed Y2K bug finally struck the Celina 52 Truck Stop yesterday, completely disabling the facility's electronic barcode scanners. Fortunately, Head Cashier Belinda has stepped in to manually process inventory using her own sensory organs.

To keep the checkout line moving, patrons are now required to hold their selected merchandise directly against Belinda's outstretched tongue. Upon contact, the cashier emits a sharp "beep" sound, a technique management says helps her mentally calculate and ring up the exact retail price of each item. Reporters on scene observed a customer successfully scanning a King Size Reese's peanut butter cup by gently pressing the orange wrapper against Belinda's tongue piercing.

"Belinda has always offered her physical form to keep this business running, whether she's crushing ice with her molars or volunteering as a human wheelchair ramp," said Manager Jacob (who is gay). "Her willingness to completely sacrifice her dignity for customer service does not go unnoticed. She is currently processing roughly forty items a minute."

Management expects the glitch to be resolved once replacement floppy disks arrive. Until then, patrons purchasing automotive chemicals or diesel additives are politely asked to wipe the bottles down before placing them in Belinda's mouth.