Yarbrough: Remember what’s important – and what’s not

Have you ever read, seen, or heard something that sticks in your mind like glue and just won’t go away? I have. It was an article that appeared recently in The New York Times. (Yes, I do read The Times, but I don’t inhale.

Rich: One of the most famous men I ever knew

His name is Calvin.There will never be a monument, a bridge, or a dirt road named for him.But in this part of the South, his name, Calvin Stewart, will be engraved in our hearts forever.Calvin was a patrol officer for the local sheriff’s department.

America is already great; make it good again

Dear Mr. President, I am writing a letter you likely will never see or even know of its existence.So, why the effort? Just because I think it needs to be said.You won the election, no question about it. That makes you president. My president.

Letter to the Editor: Looking for loyal leadership

Dear Editor,I warmly welcome Richard Garrett and Tom McElhenney as our new county commissioners. I hoped their leadership would promote greater transparency, foster stronger engagement, and demonstrate respect for the citizens they were elected to serve.

Letter to the Editor: Questions and concerns about proposed development

Dear Editor,I have many questions and concerns about the 275 homes (the actual number keeps changing) residential rental development on Harmony Road connected to the Goodwill project.

Letter to the Editor: County may still reconsider HB 581

Dear Editor,I was mildly amused by Putnam County Commission Chairman Sharp’s reason for voting against holding public hearings on HB 581 (The Eatonton Messenger, A2, Jan. 30). Did Chairman Sharp not listen to any of the discussion? Did he not read the bill?

Letter to the Editor: Informed decisions require informed citizens

Dear Editor,In a Letter to the Editor last week, Commissioner Hersey expressed understandable concern about the draft agreement between Harmony Road GA LLC and the Putnam Development Authority (PDA) to build 275 houses (primarily for rent) in the Lake Oconee area.

Rich: The joy of the rain

It was in the gloaming of a hot, July evening. I was dressed in jeans, an Elvis tee shirt, and farm boots, cleaning weeds near the stream that runs under our driveway.A bristling wind suddenly lifted the leaves, and I saw the skies darkening further. I called to the dogs.“Y’all c’mon.

Yarbrough: Some random thoughts on random subjects

Well, that’s over and done with. Donald John Trump, the 45th president of the United States, has been officially sworn in as our 47th president, joining Grover Cleveland, who was president No. 22 and No. 24 as in, then out, then back in office.

Letter to the Editor: Remembering Charles Person

Dear Editor,We lost a great American hero earlier this month in Charles Person, one of the original Freedom Riders, back in 1961. He was one of the original 13 who came south to show the country and the world the racism in the South.