Rich: Our beloved Diane

In addition to being one of the greatest states in the South, Mississippi has made many contributions to America.William Faulkner.Elvis Presley. Archie Manning. Morgan Freeman. Eudora Welty.Zig Ziglar. Jerry Clower.The only one I ever met was Mr. Clower.

Yarbrough: A few thoughts on love – and loving well

A change of pace today.I am going to give politics and those who practice it the week off. They aren’t going anywhere, and I am tired of them and their blather. Instead, let’s talk about love. Love? Yes, love.Dr.

Crane: Remember customer service?

I am a good and loyal customer. If I receive a good product or service at a fair price from a retailer, vendor, or contractor, I keep coming back for more.

Letter to the Editor: Do it while Hank Thomas is still alive

Dear Editor,Hank Thomas is the only remaining American hero of the original 13 Freedom Riders — seven Black and six white — who left Washington, D.C., on buses together 65 years ago this past May to expose the Jim Crow laws of the South and the systemic racism that existed.

Letter to the Editor: A litany of public service

Dear Editor,Experience really does matter — now more than ever.

Rich: That cold, frosty morning

The year or month has now slipped from my memory. It wasn’t many years ago that I do remember.It was winter, the kind of season when dawn creeps in with dull, gray light. Having long been frugal, I keep the temperature moderate during the day, adding extra layers of clothing.

Tocher: The news that really matters

You are holding in your hands right now a very important, consequential, personal, and public documentation of the world you live in.For years, we have been told print is dying. The future, we have been assured, is digital, where news can move faster, reach farther and cost less.

Benjamin-Smith: Wandering and wondering

Again, I am wandering and wondering. I think it is the largest ingredient in my life, and I really enjoy every day of it.July and the beginning of August have been busy, busy, busy. The sad time was when Bryant (“Benji”) went back to school on July 10.

Letter to the Editor: Pickens confirms commission candidacy

Dear Editor,I want to say, “Thank you,” to the more than 1,000 people who signed my nomination petition. Your support has helped place me on the ballot this November as a candidate for chairman of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners.I will bring a servant’s heart to this position.

Letter to the Editor: Earthquake or quarry blast?

Dear Editor,On Wednesday, July 29, the U.S. Geological Survey initially reported that an earthquake had occurred around 11 a.m. near Lilburn. The event was later determined to have been a quarry blast rather than an earthquake.