Opinion & Editorial

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.
The General Assembly should make all local races – anything below state representative and state senator – non-partisan.

The General Assembly should make all local races – anything below state representative and state senator – non-partisan.

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Local races no place for parties

News Staff
Thursday, November 14, 2024
The Georgia General Assembly will meet again beginning in January under the Gold Dome in Atlanta. There will surely be many important issues considered by the state legislature in the 40 days of the session. One issue that should be on the agenda will likely not be.
In 2016 my teammate Marcus Waters and I visited during the 50th reunion of Jesup High School’s Class of 1966. As a strong safety for East Tennessee State’s Buccaneers, Marcus helped set a national record for interceptions, and his team won its division’s national championship. Born on Nov. 29, 1947, Marcus died on Nov. 9, 2024.

In 2016 my teammate Marcus Waters and I visited during the 50th reunion of Jesup High School’s Class of 1966. As a strong safety for East Tennessee State’s Buccaneers, Marcus helped set a national record for interceptions, and his team won its division’s national championship. Born on Nov. 29, 1947, Marcus died on Nov. 9, 2024.

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Marcus Waters will always be on my mind

News Staff
Thursday, November 14, 2024
As they rolled his polished-oak coffin into place, a recording of “Georgia on My Mind” set the mood of the packed funeral-home chapel.  That song is one of my all-time favorites. Inside that casket was a high school classmate and one of my all-time favorite football players, Marcus Waters.
Don’t flush plan for sewer line

Don’t flush plan for sewer line

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Don’t flush plan for sewer line

News Staff
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Franklin County commissioners appear ready to move ahead with a plan to ask for sewer capacity in Franklin Springs’ planned new sewer plant. It will be the right move. The county is currently limited in its sewer capacity.