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.

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.The owner, Eatonton Councilwoman Janie Reid, who has coordinated Putnam County’s Women in History program for many years, is pleased to announce...

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.

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.In a room of strangers yet friends, because they know us through our publicized...

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.

Letter to the Editor: Remembering Charles Person

Dear Editor,There is probably history on steroids being made now, but another historic event took place this month that has not been covered by the press.

Smith: Coastal Georgia town of Darien

This charming coastal enclave is a banana split town. If that causes a mite of head scratching, just remember what was said about that tasty treat in years past — that one banana split was never enough.Likewise, one visit here is shortchanging oneself.