Opinion

Machines that detect the speed of vehicles could help reduce speeding in Oglethorpe County. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Machines that detect the speed of vehicles could help reduce speeding in Oglethorpe County. (Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

The Echo's Opinion: Time to slow down

News Staff
Thursday, January 13, 2022
The group Alabama sings, “I’m in a hurry, and I don’t know why.” That seems to be the theme song along U.S. Highway 78 through Oglethorpe County.   A good observation point to verify that is the east end of Main Street in Lexington.  Traffic roars in and out of town on 78.
Stetson Bennett IV never doubted where he wanted to be a college quarterback. Growing up in South Georgia, his heart was set on UGA, as family photos confirm. (Submitted Photo/Bennett Family)

Stetson Bennett IV never doubted where he wanted to be a college quarterback. Growing up in South Georgia, his heart was set on UGA, as family photos confirm. (Submitted Photo/Bennett Family)

Opinion Column: Stetson scores one for dreamers

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Long before he could shake a red and black pompom, Stetson Bennett IV was destined to be a Georgia Bulldog.     Three days before the future quarterback was born in 1997, his mom was sitting in Sanford Stadium, shaking her red and black pompom. Both of No.

The Echo's Opinion: You can be a reporter

News Staff
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Geographically, Oglethorpe County is one of the largest counties in Georgia. It’s a long drive from Vesta to Philomath or from Salem to Smithonia. And as much as your newspaper would like to be everywhere — all the time — we can’t.
Len Hauss, center, enjoyed a reunion with his former quarterbacks Billy Kilmer, left, and Sonny Jurgensen at the last Redskins' game at Washington's RFK Stadium in 1996. Both quarterbacks attended Monday's memorial service for Hauss. Kilmer delivered a eulogy regaling their years in the NFL and fishing with Hauss on the Altamaha River. (Submitted Photo)

Len Hauss, center, enjoyed a reunion with his former quarterbacks Billy Kilmer, left, and Sonny Jurgensen at the last Redskins' game at Washington's RFK Stadium in 1996. Both quarterbacks attended Monday's memorial service for Hauss. Kilmer delivered a eulogy regaling their years in the NFL and fishing with Hauss on the Altamaha River. (Submitted Photo)

Opinion Column: Legend of former Bulldog, Redskin Len Hauss will live on

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, December 23, 2021
(Note: This eulogy was delivered on Dec. 20 in Jesup First Baptist Church.)   Len Hauss.   I can close my eyes and see the Yellow Jackets’ fullback, No. 41, pile driving Jesup to a 1959 state football championship.
Our eight grandchildren look forward to the family's Thanksgiving gather and Christmas-morning excitement. Posing with Stella NeSmith are, from left, Hayes Wilson, Bayard NeSmith, Wyatt Wilson, Smith Wilson (standing), Fenn NeSmith, William NeSmith and Henry Wilson. (Submitted Photo)

Our eight grandchildren look forward to the family's Thanksgiving gather and Christmas-morning excitement. Posing with Stella NeSmith are, from left, Hayes Wilson, Bayard NeSmith, Wyatt Wilson, Smith Wilson (standing), Fenn NeSmith, William NeSmith and Henry Wilson. (Submitted Photo)

Opinion Column: It's time to give thanks and an extra hug to each other

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, November 25, 2021
“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”                                                                             — Former First Lady Barbara Bush Thanksgiving is Thursday.    I am thankful our family is here so that we can put our arms around each other.
Perhaps you read Rick Bragg’s magazine columns in Southern Living and Garden & Gun. This is the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer’s 10th book. (Submitted Photo)

Perhaps you read Rick Bragg’s magazine columns in Southern Living and Garden & Gun. This is the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer’s 10th book. (Submitted Photo)

Opinion Column: Bragg's new book will help you soothe life's screeches

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, November 18, 2021
  Screeeeeeeeeeech!   I’m not sure which word best translates to fingernails clawing a blackboard. “Screech” comes as close as I can get.   Decades have vamoosed since I last heard that annoying sound, but a plethora of modern-day substitutes have come along since my grammar-school days.