Tocher: Canada is not a state

I’ve told many people before that I’m a true Son of the South; it just happens to be from Southern Ontario, about a hundred miles east of Toronto. I could see Lake Ontario from my bedroom window growing up as a proud Canadian while getting all my U.S. news and shows from TV stations in Rochester, N.

Benjamin-Smith: History and happiness are all around us

I have been wandering, wandering, wandering.The past few weeks have been exciting. Let me slow down and tell you about them. First, in February, we celebrated, celebrated, and celebrated because it was Black History Month. I celebrate each and every month.

Rich: A friend named Walt

Perhaps I’ll never forget the lilting sound of his beautiful Southern accent.I hope not. Right now, it’s ringing in my ears, forcing tears into my eyes. Walt Ehmer was one of the best friends I ever had. He possessed a quick wit that couldn’t be outrun.

Letter to the Editor: Honoring an Eatonton centenarian

Dear Editor, I am writing to The Eatonton Messenger to share information about a special event at Sips Coffee Cafe, which officially opened on March 1.

Letter to the Editor: Lane changer for Putnam development?

Dear Editor,I attended a recent County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, where the requirement that a residential developer construct a “passing” lane on Harmony Road was discussed.

Letter to the Editor: Appreciating Sylvia’s influence

Dear Editor,In this day and age, few are surprised by much of anything. However, if you look more closely at what is right in your own community, you just might be surprised.

Rich: Kris Kristofferson

A friend and I were discussing which version of the movie “A Star Is Born” was our favorite.It has been remade four times — each one terrific — and is based on the original 1932 film, “What Price Hollywood?

Yarbough: Legislators propose bills to address Okefenokee mining controversy

Don’t get your hopes up, but a couple of bills have surfaced in the Legislature addressing the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (insert oxymoron here), approving Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals to mine a 584-acre tract of Trail Ridge on the eastern flank of our Okefenokee National...

Rich: When schools close

 At an invitation-only reception before my speaking engagement, Tink and I were surrounded by lovely people who came one at a time for introductions and then to talk about our work, either individually or separately.

Yarbrough: Joining those saying goodbye to DEI

Uh oh, this column, as you read it, may never be the same again. I’m not talking about finally figuring out where commas go. That will never change. No, I am talking about my Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.I am afraid I am going to have to dismantle that sucker.