Opinion & Editorial

Daniel – or maybe Danielle – the Groundhog made a home, and had a home made for it, at Franklin County High School’s Ed Bryant Stadium.

Daniel – or maybe Danielle – the Groundhog made a home, and had a home made for it, at Franklin County High School’s Ed Bryant Stadium.

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Is that a shadow? Groundhogs in spotlight

News Staff
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
By Charlie Eavenson   After two rounds of snow and weeks of sub-freezing temperatures, only school kids, and maybe some of the teachers, are hoping the groundhog sees his shadow on Sunday.  Most everyone in Franklin County is ready for an early spring. At sunrise on Feb.
Keep the debates, and Bubba

Keep the debates, and Bubba

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Keep the debates, and Bubba

News Staff
Thursday, January 16, 2025
It didn’t take long for Franklin County’s new board of commissioners to begin the debate that will likely dominate the body over the next few years.
At what age do Gen Z’s and Millennials and Gen X’s start paying attention to the weather report?

At what age do Gen Z’s and Millennials and Gen X’s start paying attention to the weather report?

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Is it only older people who check weather forecast?

News Staff
Thursday, January 16, 2025
By Phil Hudgins   Several days ago, someone told our grandson Alex that Lynchburg, Va., would get a foot of snow overnight.  Lynchburg is his temporary residence as he studies to beçome a counselor. “No way are we getting a foot of snow,” Alex thought to himself.
Grandson William NeSmith, 16, while at the Sugar Bowl, got a chance to chat with Dawg quarterback Gunner Stockton. Currently a sophomore at Talullah Falls School, William plans to attend the University of Georgia.

Grandson William NeSmith, 16, while at the Sugar Bowl, got a chance to chat with Dawg quarterback Gunner Stockton. Currently a sophomore at Talullah Falls School, William plans to attend the University of Georgia.

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It’s a grandpa’s mission to be a memory-maker for his grandkids

News Staff
Thursday, January 16, 2025
By Dink NeSmith   If you asked me to count my one-on-one memories of both grandfathers, I wouldn’t need all my fingers.  Starting with the firstborn, I was determined to change that with our eight grandchildren.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

‘Good tidings of great joy’

News Staff
Monday, December 23, 2024
Hope is a powerful thing. Holding on to the promise of better things ahead can get people through a lot of hard times. The beginning of a new year is always a little hopeful. The tearing off of the final calendar page of one year to go into the next is a symbolic time of change.
Courtney Umbehant with his League of Justice on his favorite Christmas to remember.

Courtney Umbehant with his League of Justice on his favorite Christmas to remember.

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Recalling favorite Christmas memories

News Staff
Monday, December 23, 2024
Collected by Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   LaNorra Andrews When we grew up down on Peachtree St. in Lavonia, our Daddy would go out and cut down a Christmas tree.  Mama would sit me down with the Sears & Roebuck catalogue and cut the pages into strips.

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Old Ben would have encouraged a colonoscopy, too

News Staff
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Among America’s Founding Fathers, I believe Benjamin Franklin was among the brightest.  And over the past 250 years, he has been one of the most frequently quoted.  Here’s an Old Ben favorite: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Can I get an amen?

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Kindness is still here; just look around

News Staff
Thursday, December 19, 2024
If you, like me, sometimes think that members of the human race have been vaccinated against kindness, we’re both wrong.  It’s still here. We just need to turn away from all the hate and discord around us – and in our nation’s capital – and look for the goodness in people.
It is my heartfelt desire that my beloved community looks at Sacred Heart as its very own gift,  its very own anchor, its very own safe place.

It is my heartfelt desire that my beloved community looks at Sacred Heart as its very own gift,  its very own anchor, its very own safe place.

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St. Mary’s Sacred Heart our very own safe place

News Staff
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
By Diane Toney   Our Lake Hartwell region is blessed in many ways. The first is obvious:  the lake itself, providing both relaxation and recreation. And it has brought new life to an old area with its retirees and its summer residents.
My mother’s younger brother, Billy Vines, instilled in me a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Whether I am hunting, fishing or taking a walk in the woods, Uncle Billy’s spirit is with me. He died July 17, 2003.

My mother’s younger brother, Billy Vines, instilled in me a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Whether I am hunting, fishing or taking a walk in the woods, Uncle Billy’s spirit is with me. He died July 17, 2003.

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Every boy should be so lucky as to have an Uncle Billy

News Staff
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
By Dink NeSmith   This Thanksgiving story began 70 years ago. Every boy should be so lucky.  When I was 6 years old, he was more than my uncle. He was my hero. Uncles are men who can span any generation to become a boy’s best friend, too. Our bond began as soon as I could walk and talk.