Opinion & Editorial

Jerry Holland of Sautee Nacoochee took this photo of the balloon festival in Helen on May 20, 2024, using his Samsung cell phone. Slice of Life photos run in black and white on page 4A of the print White County News, and in color on the newspaper’s website.

Jerry Holland of Sautee Nacoochee took this photo of the balloon festival in Helen on May 20, 2024, using his Samsung cell phone. Slice of Life photos run in black and white on page 4A of the print White County News, and in color on the newspaper’s website.

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SLICE OF LIFE: Up, up and away!

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

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A tortured love

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
By Ronda Rich         The heavyweight velour curtain dropped, signaling the end of that night’s Grand Ole Opry show. The spotlights dimmed but the backstage area was still dark.        I had been standing at the edge of the stage, watching the show.
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.

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Our View: Thumbs up, thumbs down

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Thumbs up to our first responders, community leaders, churches and other groups and individuals in our community who take the time to remember 9/11 every year. This year marked 25 years since Al-Qaeda terrorists attacked U.S. soil.
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.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Leaders should not lie

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Priscilla Wilson of SauteeA reminder of the ninth commandment in the Book of Exodus bears repeating in this space from time to time: “You shall not bear false witness.” This commandment as much as any other has been at the heart of the concept of human morality throughout history.
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.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Writer reflects on 9/11, current events

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
From Joanne Sweeney of Sautee NacoocheeToday is September 11, 2026, and I am contemplating beliefs and history. Today is also the first day of the Jewish Rosh Hashanah, Day of Remembrance and Day of Judgement.
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.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Tired of political mailers, misinformation

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
From Charles Hawkins of Sautee NacoocheeToday was an unusual day. My mail did not include any of the usual deceptive political mailers.Millions have been spent lately on deceptive advertising flyers.
Emory Jones

Emory Jones

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The blotter knows

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
By Emory Jones My pet pig Cunningham's favorite day of the week is the one when the local newspaper shows up. He'll wait by the mailbox for hours, even if it's raining. Truth is, he prefers that because of the mud and all.
Dink NeSmith

Dink NeSmith

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UGA legend Charley Trippi was surprised by this accolade

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
By Dink NeSmith (Note: This column will be included in my upcoming book, “People Die Twice, Second Time Stories Stop.”)                Who’s the best Bulldog to ever play football for Georgia?        My generation would probably say, “Herschel Walker.”