Opinion & Editorial

When Hallie stretches her neck, she’s as tall as I am. Our neighbor Clyde Jones says the 8-month-old emu is still growing. Our mule, Maggie and the other pasture neighbors aren’t quite sure what to think about the 6-foot stranger.

When Hallie stretches her neck, she’s as tall as I am. Our neighbor Clyde Jones says the 8-month-old emu is still growing. Our mule, Maggie and the other pasture neighbors aren’t quite sure what to think about the 6-foot stranger.

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Column: When is a black eye worth it?

Dink NeSmith
Friday, November 21, 2025
When is the last time you sported a black eye? I’m not talking about something you said or did that put a figurative shiner on your face. I’m talking about a punch that gave you a multicolored black circle around one of your eyes. If I took off my sunglasses, you’d see I’ve got one.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Column: Demolishing Papa Hudgins’ barn conjures up memories

Friday, November 21, 2025
By Phil Hudgins CNI They’re tearing down Papa Hudgins’ barn.  James, the engineer in the family, made the announcement to the rest of us cousins. His sister Ann and her husband Doug have propped up the barn as much as they can, he said, and it’s coming down.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Editorial: Commissioners should revamp TSPLOST discussion

News Staff
Friday, November 21, 2025
Road paving and traffic are two of the largest concerns we hear citizens express.   Understandably so. We all drive roads in our community every day. While the majority of us are no road experts, we can tell when wear and tear start to begin.
The time I spent in April sitting with Sylvene Fleming is another story I'll never forget.

The time I spent in April sitting with Sylvene Fleming is another story I'll never forget.

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Column: Remembering stories I'll never forget

Rose Scoggins - Editor and Publisher
Friday, November 21, 2025
I'll never forget the first story I wrote as a real reporter. It was on a couple who'd just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary with a vow renewal.  The sweet way they talked of each other after over 50 years of marriage stuck out to me and stays with me today.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Editorial: Use your voice: Vote in city, PSC elections

News Staff
Thursday, October 23, 2025
The City of Hartwell municipal general election and the statewide election to elect two new members of Georgia’s Public Service Commission (PSC) in districts 2 and 3 are now underway. Early voting began Oct. 14 and will last until Friday, Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Opinion: He wanted God to teach him something on long trip

News Staff
Thursday, October 23, 2025
By Phil Hudgins CNI Leaving home wasn’t easy for Chad Gray. He was born in San Diego, Calif., had gone away to college, then returned to his hometown, where he lived for the next 25 years. He loved his church, where he was worship pastor. There was no reason to leave.
The final stop on our grand fall adventure Saturday was Ellijay’s Georgia Apple Festival. My cousin, Chloe Peace (left), and sister, Marlie Scoggins (right) posed for a photo in front of the festival stage. (Photo by Rose Scoggins)

The final stop on our grand fall adventure Saturday was Ellijay’s Georgia Apple Festival. My cousin, Chloe Peace (left), and sister, Marlie Scoggins (right) posed for a photo in front of the festival stage. (Photo by Rose Scoggins)

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Opinion: Put Georgia on your bucket list

Rose Scoggins - Editor and Publisher
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Think of the top location on your bucket list. Is it somewhere in Europe? Asia? Australia? South America?  Or maybe somewhere in the U.S.? A trip to all 50 states?  I guarantee nearly none of your top locations are in your backyard.