Opinion & Editorial

Be sure to vote in the May 19 Primary election.

Be sure to vote in the May 19 Primary election.

Our View: Every vote counts in every election

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The May 19 Primary Election is really not that far off. The General Election is Nov. 3. Some folks may think a primary doesn’t make an impact as does a general election.
State Rep. Stan Gunter

State Rep. Stan Gunter

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Georgia House legislative update: Week 3

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By State Rep. Stan Gunter The Georgia House of Representatives began the third week of the 2026 legislative session on January 26, with a pro forma session due to Governor Brian Kemp’s State of Emergency declaration after Winter Storm Fern swept across North Georgia.
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

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It Isn’t Funny

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
By Ronda Rich  It weighs on my heart and can be sobering. Are we losing our sense of humor? Over the last few years, things have definitely changed. Most of our comedian friends have called quits to touring. One of them is even becoming a preacher.
Donnie Filaski photographed river rocks capped with snow.

Donnie Filaski photographed river rocks capped with snow.

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Our View: Winter weather on repeat

News Staff
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
“Well, here we go again,” is what many people in White County muttered last Friday before the predicted inclement weather hit our community a second weekend in a row.
Among all of our pasture “pets,” Maggie is the queen. More than 20 years ago, I bought the red mule with black stockings from my friend and farrier, Eddy McFarlin. This week, Maggie got dusted with snow. And when I called her, the queen trotted to the barn for a handful of sweet-feed reward. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Among all of our pasture “pets,” Maggie is the queen. More than 20 years ago, I bought the red mule with black stockings from my friend and farrier, Eddy McFarlin. This week, Maggie got dusted with snow. And when I called her, the queen trotted to the barn for a handful of sweet-feed reward. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Be careful when arguing with a mule man

News Staff
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
By Dink NeSmith   Many of my citified friends chuckle when they find me in the barn, trimming Maggie’s mane or cleaning her hooves. Few could distinguish among a mule, a horse and a donkey. Over the past 30 years, I have kept a variety of all three in our pastures.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Our View: Winter storm tests community

News Staff
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
White County was hit hard by Winter Storm Fern this week. This monster storm dumped dangerous sleet and ice on the Southeast and covered other states with heavy snow.
Dink NeSmith

Dink NeSmith

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Scrubbing ‘colored’ toilet helped pop idyllic ‘bubble’

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
By Dink NeSmith   Compared to today, the 1950s were snail-like in news dissemination. Before sunrise, the Savannah Morning News skidded on the sidewalk, with damp-from-dew St. Augustine grass acting as a backstop at 111 W. Orange St. During daylight hours, WBGR had a noon newscast.
Michael and Katlyn Etheridge dress Caesar like a pumpkin for Halloween. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Michael and Katlyn Etheridge dress Caesar like a pumpkin for Halloween. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Hail Caesar, the canine conqueror

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
By Denise Etheridge Resistance is futile. Like the Borg in Star Trek lore – the beings that absorb all species they encounter into a hive-like existence – my son's chihuahua has taken hold of my mind, heart and soul.
Have a news item? Email editor@whitecountynews.net.

Have a news item? Email editor@whitecountynews.net.

Our View: More eyes on the ground

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Our sister paper, The Hartwell Sun, recently ran an editorial informing readers that news submissions from the public are desired. The Sun offered their readers tips on what to send and how to send it. We, too, rely on articles and news leads from our readers.