2026 Legislative Session recap – Week 1

Alan PowellState Representative*Editor's note: Rep. Alan Powell's recap of many of the bills in this year's legislative session has been organized into categories and will be printed across several weeks, in alphabetical order by category.

A good man

By Lorin Sinn-Clark, Local columnistThey live forever in your broken heart…And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.” – Anne LamottI’m mourning a man I never met.

Make time for your civic duty: Go vote!

Georgia's Primary/Nonpartisan election, which includes local races in Districts 2 and 4, is now underway.Early voting began April 27 and will last until Friday, May 15. Election Day is Tuesday, May 19.

Health-care folks, like Miss Ann, deserve our thanks

By Phil Hudgins CNIAll of this talk about vaccines has a lot of people confused. Are they dangerous? Are they effective? Will we turn into toads?What do I do? Well, I listen to my doctor. He or she spent umpteen years in school studying medicine, so I figure he/she knows best.

Celebrating turning 27 with Charlotte Lucas

It may come as no surprise that one of my favorite movies is "Pride & Prejudice," specifically the 2005 adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.Not only does the English countryside make for stunningly beautiful scenery, but the love story between Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bennet and Mr.

Revival in America – just in time!

By Eugene Ashby- local columnistThis writer’s vision of America these past 20 years has been one of complete disappointment because of the destructive forces that have taken over the country that I deeply love.  The U.S.A.

Farmers should focus on safety and preparedness

As planting season begins and farmers head back into the fields, Country Financial is encouraging the agricultural community to prioritize safety and check on farm insurance coverages.

Ethics are always of utmost importance

Have you ever wondered what makes someone a journalist? In today's world, is anyone that posts information in a public forum – such as an online group, website or blog – a journalist? Is the information they are sharing considered "journalism?

Humor helps smooth bumps in life's road

"A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs-jolted by every pebble in the road." – Henry Ward BeecherThe Great Depression didn't just sprinkle pebbles in the road. It spread rocks of despair on almost every path.

Opinion: Lean or clean?

By Lorin Sinn-Clark Local Columnist “If you’ve got time to lean, you’ve got time to clean.” – Ray Kroc  I first heard this at Burger King - I was a teenager; it was my first job. The orange polyester uniform made me look like a sweet potato; I smelled like French fries; I didn’t last long.