Opinion

Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo

Dink NeSmith/The Oglethorpe Echo

Editorial: What’s next for clubhouse?

News Staff
Thursday, February 8, 2024
When the clubhouse was built in Bryan Park in 1951, the brick facility served multiple purposes.    Today, the lakeside structure sits in disrepair with limited use.
Paul Thiel, director of operations for the Oglethorpe County School District, talks with Margaux Binder, business and infrastructure, and Jim Bass and Ellie Pool, education and schools reporters. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Paul Thiel, director of operations for the Oglethorpe County School District, talks with Margaux Binder, business and infrastructure, and Jim Bass and Ellie Pool, education and schools reporters. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Community connections

News Staff
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Twenty-seven months ago, The Oglethorpe Echo entered a new era. After decades of stewardship under the leadership of the Maxwell family, the ownership of the 148-year-old newspaper was transferred to a new nonprofit, The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy, Inc.

Opinion: These famous folks have something ‘pithy’ to say

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Pithy.   Pithy. What’s that? Pithy can be several things. But what I like are pithy quotations. They are usually short — sometimes witty or humorous — with a memorable message.   Here are 24 that I jotted down:   “Now is the accepted time to make your annual resolutions.
Two of Georgia’s greatest visionaries were H.G. (Pat) Pattillo and Dr. J.W. Fanning, co-founders of Leadership Georgia. Both men inspired me to think beyond “my small world.” On New Year’s Eve 1992, the pair visited my office. Dr. Fanning’s (seated) motto was “May you stay alive as long as you live.” When we rode horses in Costa Rica, Pat would challenge me, “Ride hard or eat my dust.” (Submitted Photo)

Two of Georgia’s greatest visionaries were H.G. (Pat) Pattillo and Dr. J.W. Fanning, co-founders of Leadership Georgia. Both men inspired me to think beyond “my small world.” On New Year’s Eve 1992, the pair visited my office. Dr. Fanning’s (seated) motto was “May you stay alive as long as you live.” When we rode horses in Costa Rica, Pat would challenge me, “Ride hard or eat my dust.” (Submitted Photo)

Opinion: My journey into this year will be different

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Yes, I know.   This is 2024, and artificial intelligence (AI) is the new thing.   Some people would argue that my intelligence has been artificial for 75 years, and they aren’t talking about the 2024 variety of AI.   As I step into the New Year, the journey will be different.

Opinion: Here's suggested reading for 2024 General Assembly

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
If you should read that I died under an avalanche, it won’t be on a ski slope in the Swiss Alps.   Oh, no.   I’d probably enjoy a trip to Switzerland, but there’s another avalanche more likely to smother me. It’s the leaning tower of books that I have on deck to read.
Lamar Shirah’s boyhood Christmas memories were two-fold: oranges and fireworks. As long as he lived, his family could count on ambrosia and a front-yard fireworks display. Lamar and Willene Shirah were married for 73 years, and they died two months apart in 2020. (Submitted Photo)

Lamar Shirah’s boyhood Christmas memories were two-fold: oranges and fireworks. As long as he lived, his family could count on ambrosia and a front-yard fireworks display. Lamar and Willene Shirah were married for 73 years, and they died two months apart in 2020. (Submitted Photo)

Opinion Column: What are your Christmas memories?

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Christmas is nigh.   Celebrations of the birth of Jesus.   Family. Friends. Food. Gifts. Music. Memories.   What are some of your Christmas memories?   I have a story.   But first, there’s the backstory.
Llamas are infamous for spitting, but Dorsey Hill — of Lewis Grizzard fame — knows our Georgette is a kisser. (Dink Nesmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Llamas are infamous for spitting, but Dorsey Hill — of Lewis Grizzard fame — knows our Georgette is a kisser. (Dink Nesmith/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Opinion Column: ‘Why do you have all those animals?’

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
As I walked through the barnyard, the crunching beneath my boots sounded as if I were stepping on Frosted Flakes.  A hard frost had settled in while I was snoring.    And then a few days later, rain dripped off my nose because I had forgotten to grab my cap.
ABAC and two of its outstanding alumni were in the University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ spotlight on Sept. 8 at the Atlanta History Center. Rick and Sandy Bostelman share a few moments with (from left) Chancellor Sonny Perdue, Gov. Bri- an Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp. The Regents said, “Rick and Sandy Bostelman are outstanding alumni of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, who serve as role models for all of us.” (Submitted Photo)

ABAC and two of its outstanding alumni were in the University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ spotlight on Sept. 8 at the Atlanta History Center. Rick and Sandy Bostelman share a few moments with (from left) Chancellor Sonny Perdue, Gov. Bri- an Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp. The Regents said, “Rick and Sandy Bostelman are outstanding alumni of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, who serve as role models for all of us.” (Submitted Photo)

Opinion Column: Board of Regents shines spotlight on Rick, Sandy

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, November 30, 2023
From the day they met at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), Sandy NeSmith and Rick Bostelman have been inseparable.    What started in Tifton in 1964 has stretched to 2023. And their love for each other just keeps getting stronger.   That’s what a brother would want for his sister.

Editorial: Thanksgiving traditions

News Staff
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Thanksgiving is a cherished time to spend time with family and those closest to us. And we all have our favorite traditions, which often involve food and football.