Opinion

Editorial: The Echo’s Opinion

News Staff
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Thumbs up and down   These are busy times. The end of the school year always jams the calendar with activities. But as students, faculty, administrators and staff scatter for the summer, we want to pay tribute to them for another successful year.
My Augusta friends, Abram and Cookie Serotta, sent me three red and black bow ties. The UGA grads loved Amos and Andy, too. This photo was taken in my office. Above my head is a Jack Davis print that Bulldog great Lindsay Scott autographed, along with his 1980 national championship teammates.

My Augusta friends, Abram and Cookie Serotta, sent me three red and black bow ties. The UGA grads loved Amos and Andy, too. This photo was taken in my office. Above my head is a Jack Davis print that Bulldog great Lindsay Scott autographed, along with his 1980 national championship teammates.

Opinion Column: The ‘Boys’ are back together

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
In human years, Andy was 105.   The silver-haired schnauzer was 22 pounds of energy and joy.   For 15 years, Andy knew he was special. Spoiled, perhaps, but special.    Andy came in a package with his charcoal-gray brother, Amos.    I went to buy a single pup, but came home with two.

Editorial: The Echo’s Opinion

News Staff
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Thumbs up, all around   It’s springtime in Oglethorpe County. Flowers are blooming. Grass is growing, thanks to all the rain. And there’s laughter in the air. Check out Bryan Park and see the action. Listen to and feel the excitement at Oglethorpe County High School.

Born with only two speeds is a blessing and a curse

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Over my almost 75 years, positive reactions to negative rejections have been a cornerstone of my life. That’s why I’ve decided to update my 2009 version of “Thank you for telling me NO!” The book should be available by late summer.   There is one very important “no” exception.
Jan Anderson Davis accepted the award for her late father, Chuck Anderson. Sonny Seiler, owner of Uga XI (Boom), attended. Keynote speaker Billy Payne sat by Orlean Castronis, 99, widow of coach Mike Castronis.

Jan Anderson Davis accepted the award for her late father, Chuck Anderson. Sonny Seiler, owner of Uga XI (Boom), attended. Keynote speaker Billy Payne sat by Orlean Castronis, 99, widow of coach Mike Castronis.

There’s something special about those Wally’s Boys

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, April 20, 2023
G-Day kickoff for the 2023 Georgia Bulldogs was not until 4 on Saturday afternoon. But before 8 that morning, a special group of Dawgs started filling Athens Country Club’s banquet hall.   They are celebrated as “Wally’s Boys,” Bulldogs who strapped on helmets for coach Wally Butts.
Later this year, I will republish a book, “Thank you for telling me NO!” This is one of the stories.

Later this year, I will republish a book, “Thank you for telling me NO!” This is one of the stories.

Opinion Column: ‘No’ can be a big motivator

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, April 6, 2023
The old brick building looked like a school and smelled like a school. At least it did in my 13-year-old mind. I can still smell the oil-soaked floors and hear the squeaking boards, from when principal James E. Bacon — in his big black wingtips — tromped up and down the hall of Jesup Junior High.
On a chilly Saturday night, we enjoyed Larry Walker’s hospitality and the warmth of his fireplace. With me, from left, are former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, Larry and Danny Carpenter. (Janice Walker/The Oglethorpe Echo)

On a chilly Saturday night, we enjoyed Larry Walker’s hospitality and the warmth of his fireplace. With me, from left, are former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, Larry and Danny Carpenter. (Janice Walker/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Opinion Column: Four friends and a fireside chat

Dink NeSmith
Saturday, April 1, 2023
You can’t buy what we savored.   No way.   The March winds were straight out of Iceland. When you stepped inside, your teeth — upper and lower — were still tap-dancing on each other.    Brrrrrrrr.    But our host had the solution.
Mylee Simmons (from left), Macayla Hull and Malia McCalla compete in the Miss Oglethorpe pageant on Saturday. (Shelby Wingate/ The Oglethorpe Echo)

Mylee Simmons (from left), Macayla Hull and Malia McCalla compete in the Miss Oglethorpe pageant on Saturday. (Shelby Wingate/ The Oglethorpe Echo)

Editorial: Plenty to do in Oglethorpe

News Staff
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Bored?   You shouldn’t be. Not in Oglethorpe County.    It’s spring and there’s plenty to do in our community.    Take a look at these photos, which are just a sampler of what’s happening.    Have you ridden by Bryan Park lately? The recreation department is in overdrive.