Opinion & Editorial

The Hartwell Sun

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Valentine’s Day can be tricky, but here are some ideas

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Phil Hudgins- CNI Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so, guys, what are you going to do for your beloved wife on Feb. 14th? I have asked myself that question every February for 59 years, so obviously I have experience. I have learned things through trial and error.
The Hartwell Sun

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2026 Legislative Newsletter – Week 5

News Staff
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Alan Powell- State Rep.  Last week, the Georgia House of Representatives returned to the Gold Dome on legislative day 10 and we are now more than a quarter of the way through session. The days and weeks ahead will get busier as we continue working on key policies and priorities for our state.
The Hartwell Sun

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Thanking those who were prepared for the worst

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
While a forecast of snow brings excitement here in the south, the irregularity of the occurrence leaves our area of the country ill-equipped to handle the affects of the often-accompanying ice accumulation.
Among all of our pasture “pets,” Maggie is the queen. More than 20 years ago, I bought the red mule with black stockings from my friend and farrier, Eddy McFarlin. This week, Maggie got dusted with snow. And when I called her, the queen trotted to the barn for a handful of sweet-feed reward. Photo by Dink NeSmith.

Among all of our pasture “pets,” Maggie is the queen. More than 20 years ago, I bought the red mule with black stockings from my friend and farrier, Eddy McFarlin. This week, Maggie got dusted with snow. And when I called her, the queen trotted to the barn for a handful of sweet-feed reward. Photo by Dink NeSmith.

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Be careful when arguing with a mule man

Dink NeSmith
Thursday, January 29, 2026
By Dink NeSmith CNI Many of my citified friends chuckle when they find me in the barn, trimming Maggie’s mane or cleaning her hooves. Few could distinguish among a mule, a horse and a donkey. Over the past 30 years, I have kept a variety of all three in our pastures.
The Hartwell Sun

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2026 Legislative Newsletter – Week 3

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
By Alan Powell State Rep. On Tuesday, Jan. 20, my colleagues and I returned to the Georgia State Capitol for the second week of the legislative session, kicking off “budget week.
The Hartwell Sun

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Celebrating our local businesses

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
As you flip through the 12 pages that make up the B-section in this week’s edition, take special note of the right and left sides of a majority of the pages. The small advertisements that line the paper are an ode to this community’s history and should be properly celebrated.
The Hartwell Sun

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Honk and wave

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”  – Augustine of Hippo By Lorin Sinn-Clark- Local columnist “Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the shoes.