Opinion

Editorial: This heat is a killer

News Staff
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Just how hot has it been in Oglethorpe County, even before the first official day of summer?   Ask the road-paving crews spreading steaming asphalt.   Ask the farmers working in their fields.   Ask the lawn maintenance crews.
Rachel Hatton and Reed Dillard were married on May 28 at Historic Smithonia Farm in Oglethorpe County. They live in Athens, where Reed is completing his doctorate in poultry science. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Rachel Hatton and Reed Dillard were married on May 28 at Historic Smithonia Farm in Oglethorpe County. They live in Athens, where Reed is completing his doctorate in poultry science. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Opinion Column: Hometown connections bring smiles

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Our three-seat golf cart was maxed out with six passengers. The sun hadn’t started its orange-glow descent below the tree-lined horizon. That’s why the trio of photographers was trusting me to pick the perfect spot — down by the lake — in the shade.

Editorial: Time to vote again

News Staff
Thursday, June 9, 2022
The 2022 voting season kicked off on May 24, but that was just the beginning.     Now it’s time to go back to the polls to vote in undecided races in both the Democratic and Republican parties.    Early voting for the June 21 runoff starts Monday, June 13, and ends on Friday, June 17.
More than 260 people flew or drove to Perry to help celebrate Larry and Janice Walker’s 80th birthdays. One of Larry Walker’s biggest fans is Perry’s Deborah Roberts, a UGA grad and journalist for ABC News, who traveled from New York City. Roberts stands between the Walkers, holding a commemorative birthday poster. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

More than 260 people flew or drove to Perry to help celebrate Larry and Janice Walker’s 80th birthdays. One of Larry Walker’s biggest fans is Perry’s Deborah Roberts, a UGA grad and journalist for ABC News, who traveled from New York City. Roberts stands between the Walkers, holding a commemorative birthday poster. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Opinion Column: We are lucky if we can find a best friend

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, June 2, 2022
The love affair didn’t blossom when he first opened his eyes on March 9, 1942. Not quite. But when Lawrence Cohen Walker Jr. started toddling around his daddy’s tractor and farm-supply store, he began taking notice of his hometown.
Folks headed to Watson Mill State Park to hit the water and help keep cool on Memorial Day. This is the time to year to make sure your loved ones know how to swim. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Folks headed to Watson Mill State Park to hit the water and help keep cool on Memorial Day. This is the time to year to make sure your loved ones know how to swim. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Editorial: Time to ask: Can you swim?

News Staff
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Summer isn’t waiting for the official first day on June 21.   Oh, no.   The thermometer has already soared past 90, and it’s flirting with 100 degrees.   Whew!   And when the thermometer’s mercury is climbing, one of America’s favorite ways to cool off is to jump into the water.
Oglethorpe County native Olin E. Jackson Jr., called Emmett, served in the U.S. Army and was one of many killed in the Philippines during the waning months of World War II. (Submitted Photo)

Oglethorpe County native Olin E. Jackson Jr., called Emmett, served in the U.S. Army and was one of many killed in the Philippines during the waning months of World War II. (Submitted Photo)

Editorial: Monday is a time to remember, reflect

News Staff
Thursday, May 26, 2022
The gathering of family and friends.   The sizzle of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill.   The laughter and splashing of kids in the pool or lake.   A picnic in the park or backyard.   This season’s first slice of watermelon.

Opinion Column: The real Superman couldn’t even fly

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, May 19, 2022
The Superman I knew didn’t wear red briefs and blue leotards and fly around with a cape flapping in the wind. That legend lives in comic books and Hollywood.   I knew the real Superman. We once lived next door to him in Athens.   Really.   Like Clark Kent, he was a newspaperman.
Avana Stewart, her brother Brock, and Gloria Ortiz and her brother Sam pose during the championship parade. (Photo/Thomas Ehlers)

Avana Stewart, her brother Brock, and Gloria Ortiz and her brother Sam pose during the championship parade. (Photo/Thomas Ehlers)

Editorial: Hearts of Champions

News Staff
Thursday, May 19, 2022
If you were to make a list of Oglethorpe County’s points of pride, our education system would be a consensus choice. Quality is evident inside and outside the classrooms.  The emphasis on balance in academics, extracurricular activities and athletics is obvious.

Editorial: Your vote counts

News Staff
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Unless you’ve been snoozing with Rip Van Winkle, you should know that election day is next Tuesday. Here in Oglethorpe County, you don’t have to wait until May 24 to cast your ballot. Early voting is possible until 5 p.m. Friday at 41 Fairground Road.