Rich: The surprise of Stan

There sat three of us around the kitchen island in a suburban home outside Nashville, swapping stories. As often happens, one story led to another.Something that was said reminded me of an old friend.“I have a friend of more than 35 years,” I began. “He was one of Hollywood’s top stuntmen.

Letter to the Editor: Addressing P&Z, BOC meetings

Dear Editor,This is an open letter to both the Putnam County Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission and the Putnam Board of Commissioners (BOC).

Yarbrough: Looking at a write-in campaign for governor

A number of you agreed with my description of the recent Republican gubernatorial runoff between billionaire businessman Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones as a mudslinging pig fight and told me you were turned off by both candidates.

Crane: So many missing Ms. Martha

I met Martha Zoller in a way similar to thousands of others.In my early days at WSB Radio, Scott Slade, the broadcast icon and longtime host of “Atlanta’s Morning News with Scott Slade,” launched a Sunday morning edition of his weekday program.

Yarbrough: Remembering a big brother and his big influence

This is going to be a bit up close and personal.For the first time in my life, I am without my big brother. Robert Earl Yarbrough Jr. has passed away, and it still feels surreal. He has always been there. Had he not been, I probably would not be here today.

Rich: Happy birthday to this great land

Across the rippling creek and over a bridge with rusty rails, I followed Mama, who was carrying a warm chocolate cake.Like any four-year-old, I stopped at the center of the bridge, watching the lazy water bubble toward the Chattahoochee.“Little ‘un, c’mon,” Mama called over her shoulder.

Greene: Familiarity breeds indifference

One of the more entertaining phenomena of 2026 is happening right now. Freddy, an anonymous German tourist, is traveling through the United States with two friends for World Cup matches. He is documenting the journey on X/Twitter.To be clear, Freddy isn’t awed by famous landmarks.

Yarbrough: Looking back, and ahead, in Georgia elections

The primaries are over, and it’s time to analyze the results in Georgia. Before I begin, it is important that you know Donald Trump has not commented on this column or its author.That is because he doesn’t know either exists. For that, let us give thanks.

Letter to the Editor: Questioning need for fire chief vehicle

Dear Editor,After reading about the Putnam County-Eatonton automatic aid agreement between the fire departments (The Eatonton Messenger, Page A2, June 11, 2026), I believe this is a good thing.

Rich: Gavin

From the oven, I pulled a peach cobbler that bubbled and popped beautifully. Outside, spring had come calling to resurrect what winter had lulled to sleep. The trees and shrubs were a lovely green and nearly in full bloom.