Opinion & Editorial

Phil Hudgins

Phil Hudgins

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At 10 years old, Charlie learned to survive on his own 

News Staff
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
By Phil Hudgins If you’re concerned about surviving in a tough, cruel world, you might Google “books on how to survive,” and you’ll receive a long list of titles. Or you could talk to Charlie Alexander. “All you thought about was survival,” he said, taking a coffee break at his church.

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The Carly Chronicles: Harry, We Belong ‘Together, Together’

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
After years of silence, the last thing I expected was to hear from Harry Styles in early January. After nearly three years that felt more like 1,000, I received an Instagram notification: “harrystyles posted for the first time in a while.” I clicked as fast as I could. There he was. Mr.
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

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Ronda Rich: The beauty of Easter

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Every Easter Sunday morning, my husband, Tink, doesn’t crawl out of bed to attend Sunrise Service. He jumps out of bed, dresses, then leans over to kiss me goodbye. “I’ll be back to get you for church,” he says softly.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. On Monday, representatives from the Child Advocacy Center, White County Family Connection, Division of Family and Children’s Services (DFACS) and Enotah Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) planted pinwheels in front of the White County Courthouse in Cleveland. The pinwheels symbolize the carefree childhood that every child deserves. The sign promotes child advocacy and support for families this month. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. On Monday, representatives from the Child Advocacy Center, White County Family Connection, Division of Family and Children’s Services (DFACS) and Enotah Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) planted pinwheels in front of the White County Courthouse in Cleveland. The pinwheels symbolize the carefree childhood that every child deserves. The sign promotes child advocacy and support for families this month. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

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Our View: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
April is the month when spring explodes in North Georgia. Trees sprout new green leaves and flowers are blooming. Blue pinwheels may also be seen twirling in the breeze. That’s because April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month.
Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.

Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.

Our View: Howdy new neighbor!

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Moving to a new place can be both exciting and anxiety-filled. There's the adventure of discovering a new place's hidden gems. However, starting over also requires some adjustment.
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

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A Piece of My Past

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Ronda Rich A Texas newspaper story began with “Faded country music star, Johnny Rodriguez…” Faded. That hurt my heart. It sounded so brutal. From the age of 12 to the edge of 15, Johnny Rodriguez was my girlhood crush.
Phil Hudgins

Phil Hudgins

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Twenty-five years later, we remember her warm smile

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Phil Hudgins She was beautiful. She had a round face, big blue eyes and a warm, easy smile. Her name was Bonelle Stevens. She had moved into a little house on the other side of the railroad tracks, across from the Baptist church. He was tall, raw-boned and clean-cut.
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

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The Surprise of Stan

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
By Ronda Rich There sat three of us around a kitchen island in a suburban home outside of Nashville. It was a great conversation where the three of us were telling stories. One person’s story led to another’s story. Something was said that reminded me of a story so I started.
Paul Kimball

Paul Kimball

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TPC and Me 

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
By Paul Kimball Over the weekend, I watched The Players Championship which is an annual PGA tour event at the prestigious TPC Sawgrass Stadium course.
Nathan Eason is the White County Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent.

Nathan Eason is the White County Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent.

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Has Spring sprung?

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
By Nathan Eason I don’t know about you, but this time of year, Spring, is my second favorite time of year to the Fall season. But has Spring sprung yet?