Opinion & Editorial

Denise Etheridge

Denise Etheridge

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My father's frontier spirit

News Staff
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Denise Etheridge I've always been a fan of westerns. I recently started watching “Hell on Wheels” on Paramount +, which originally ran on AMC from 2011 to 2016. It's about the expansion of the railroad across the high plains.
Ronda Rich

Ronda Rich

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Southern Rules of Dinner

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Ronda Rich Tink and I had a precious friend named Roy Hodnett. Roy, the kindest, most perfect Southern gentleman had, with his pretty wife, Anne, raised their family in Virginia. He sold cookies for a living. That’s the way Roy always phrased it.
Phil Hudgins

Phil Hudgins

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Valentine’s Day can be tricky, but here are some ideas

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By Phil Hudgins Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so, guys, what are you going to do for your beloved wife on Feb. 14th? I have asked myself that question every February for 59 years, so obviously I have experience. I have learned things through trial and error.
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.