Opinion & Editorial

The Hartwell Sun

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Opinion: How one public figure sleeps well in a ‘glass house’

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
One of the most uncomfortable and challenging places to live is in the glass house of a public figure.   I know.   As a journalist for 54 years, I’ve lived inside transparent walls.   Is it easy?   Not always, but this is the career that I’ve chosen.   What is a public figure?
The Hartwell Sun

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Editorial: A refresher on Local Matters

News Staff
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Georgia Press Association (GPA), which The Hartwell Sun is a proud member of, began a campaign several years ago called Local Matters.    The goal? Highlighting the importance of community-based journalism.
During World War II, my mother’s parents operated the country store on Coca-Cola president Robert W. Woodruff’s Ichauway Plantation in Baker County. My dad hitchhiked back from the war and married Marjorie Vines in the house connected to the store. For old times’ sake, I wanted a Coke sign for my personal library in one of our barns in the Smithonia community. (Photo submitted by Dink NeSmith)

During World War II, my mother’s parents operated the country store on Coca-Cola president Robert W. Woodruff’s Ichauway Plantation in Baker County. My dad hitchhiked back from the war and married Marjorie Vines in the house connected to the store. For old times’ sake, I wanted a Coke sign for my personal library in one of our barns in the Smithonia community. (Photo submitted by Dink NeSmith)

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Opinion: Blue-ribbon service brings customers back over and over

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
As the old saying goes, “You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.” But I think that’s what happened when I stepped out of my muddy truck. And my farmhand attire matched the dented 2004 GMC Sierra. Those two things might have sent a signal.
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Opinion: Resentment, anger and retaliation

News Staff
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
When I think about the title of this column: Resentment, anger and retaliation, I am not thinking about the war in the Middle East between Iran and Israel or the war between Russia and Ukraine.    No, I am thinking about the war in American between the Democrat and Republican parties.
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Opinion: Planning to plant shrubs?

News Staff
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
The typical gardener usually makes plans to plant shrubs and trees in March and April. Successful results have many gardeners convinced that spring is the best time of the year to plant those plants. However, you can plant most shrubs and trees in the fall in Georgia with excellent results.
The Hartwell Sun

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Opinion: A Pinkie’s full heart watching ‘Baby School’ transition

News Staff
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
My youngest granddaughter, Lucy, started pre-school recently. She calls it “Baby School.”    It’s the two-year-old “Ladybugs” class; diapers are still allowed. She has six classmates - all boys. I have no doubt our little Wendy (Peter Pan) will take good care of her Lost Boys.