Opinion & Editorial

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Words on paper

gailmanter
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
I have always been a reader and a writer: most all of my life a reader and more recently a writer. Had to get some experience in life before I could write about anything much. Guess I was busy writing other things. I began reading The Hartwell Sun at about age 6.
My parents’ first Valentine’s Day was celebrated in 1946, 11 days after they were married in the house adjoining Ichauway Store in Baker County. Dink NeSmith had hitchhiked home from World War II to propose to Marjorie Vines. They were married for 52 years, until he died in 1998.

My parents’ first Valentine’s Day was celebrated in 1946, 11 days after they were married in the house adjoining Ichauway Store in Baker County. Dink NeSmith had hitchhiked home from World War II to propose to Marjorie Vines. They were married for 52 years, until he died in 1998.

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

The bridge leading to their first Valentine’s Day

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
With each clunk of my boots on the wooden planks of Ichawaynotchaway Creek’s Erector’s Set-like steel bridge, it was as if I had stepped back in time. I counted them. Seventy-six clunks. I closed my eyes and imagined what the soldier was thinking 76 years ago.
Photo Credit: Omid Armin

Photo Credit: Omid Armin

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

We all need some patience

gailmanter
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
For the last few days I’ve been running into a couple of words over and over.  One of them is patience. We all know that lack of patience can result in difficult, even bad, situations. There are lots of people in Hartwell nowadays without patience.
William Henry NeSmith

William Henry NeSmith

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Big Dink would have been 100 on Feb. 8

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Let’s take a stroll—back 100 years—to Feb. 8, 1922. Walking east from Bainbridge, along the railroad right-of-way, there’s a wide grassy spot. The railbed is gone. The name “Recovery” hovers, ghostlike, over the tiny dot on Decatur County’s map.
Photo Credit: Andrew Neel

Photo Credit: Andrew Neel

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Lessons in faith: Pray for the lost

News Staff
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
As we approach Valentine’s Day we think about the celebration of love. We desire to express our love in genuine way. Sometimes we express love by spending time with those whom we love; or to buy or make gifts. But I suggest the best way to express love is through prayer.
Photo credit: Ivan Dodig

Photo credit: Ivan Dodig

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

She said ‘what?’

Dan Moorehead
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
My good friend Cletus Brightstar has been in my life since the first grade. We grew up together, went through school together, got in trouble together, and still stay in touch with one another to this very day. He’s a good friend.
Photo credit: Patrick Fore

Photo credit: Patrick Fore

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Surgery — Yes? No? Maybe so

gailmanter
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
I’ve been part of a small group Bible study for almost 30 years. Because of our fellowship, praying for each other, studying together and sharing experiences this special group of women has become my lifeline. Last week I had an appointment at Emory for an evaluation for surgery on my back.
Photo credit: Riccardo Annandale

Photo credit: Riccardo Annandale

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Hart businesses have staying power

Dan Hunt
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Last week we had the opportunity to feature one of our favorite annual sections, the business honor roll. Every year, it’s astounding to see the longevity of some of our local businesses.
Photo credit: GR Stocks

Photo credit: GR Stocks

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Beware the lobbyists

Dink NeSmith
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Right now, high-paid influence peddlers are working around the clock under the Gold Dome. Some of what they are “peddling” isn’t in Georgia’s best interest. Quite the opposite. Throughout the General Assembly, you can find evidence where special interests, rather than common sense, are the rule.