Opinion & Editorial

Crawford and Ann Skelton

Crawford and Ann Skelton

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SLICE OF LIFE: Coffee and carrot cake to celebrate 97th birthday

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
David Paal submitted this photo of his “coffee buddies,” Crawford and Ann Skelton, who were at Chick-Fil-A in Cleveland on Aug. 15. They celebrated Crawford Skelton's 97th birthday with  carrot cake. The Skeltons are Cleveland residents. They've been married 73 years.
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

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The oldest possum in the world

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
By Ronda Rich                A couple of years ago, our rescue beagle led me to another orphan taking refuge on the Rondarosa — in the garage.        He was a baby possum, just old enough to be on solid food. Tink, fortunately, was out of town to shoot a TV series.
Phil Hudgins

Phil Hudgins

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Country stores offered a place to spit opinions and tobacco

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
By Phil Hudgins           As city editor of a southern daily newspaper several decades ago, I asked a reporter to drive out to a certain country store and see what the old boys sitting around the stove were talking about. I thought it was a simple assignment.
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: Fall, festivals and fun are on the way

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Even before the leaves change, White County's season of fall festivals and events kicks off over Labor Day weekend and continues full steam throughout September and into October.In less than two weeks, the annual Folk Pottery & Arts Festival returns for its 18th year.
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 urges voters to reject Democratic incumbent

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
From Jonathan Berry of Cleveland  We are approaching the midterm elections and the Democrats are obfuscating the truth and deceiving the public to lure the ill-informed to vote for their destruction of America.
Kristi Casey

Kristi Casey

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Take a chance

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
By Kristi Casey Every so often, I'll do something far out of my comfort zone just because I can. In the past week, I competed on a game show, flew to Chicago to audition for Equity theaters and played a trio of open mic nights.
Billy Chism

Billy Chism

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Coming full circle

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
By Billy Chism A while back, Denise Etheridge, editor of this newspaper, asked if I would be interested in writing a monthly column.We agreed to the last Thursday of each month.That was that.Somehow, knowing I would be a columnist for the White County News brought back a flood of memories from 19...
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

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Part two: From beyond the grave 

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Ronda Rich         Buford Pusser, an iconic Southern sheriff from McNairy County, Tennessee, had spent the last 50 years being celebrated as a hero. His fame began with an early morning ambush which killed his wife, Pauline, and shot off the left side of his face.
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: A toast to White County’s wine industry

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
It's no secret in White County that agri-tourism is big business.Travelers delight in seeing the black and white cows grazing in the pasture surrounding the Indian Mound, residents flock to local farmers markets and our vineyards and wineries draw visitors and locals year-round.WineAmerica, a...
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 says senator receives benefits he denies to others

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
From James Sweeney of Sautee Nacoochee Senator Mitch McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after suffering a fall. He remained hospitalized until mid-July when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center.Recently he was discharged and sent home where he continues to recover.