Yarbrough: Okefenokee drag-mining controversy continues

Since we last discussed efforts to drill in our Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for titanium dioxide so that mankind will never experience life without toothpaste whitener, nothing has changed – except a lot.What hasn’t changed?Gov.

Crane: Making a meal out of high-stakes debate

The Keystone State plays an outsized role in the 2024 presidential election. This week, it will host the only debate between the major party presidential contenders, former President Donald J. Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris.

Rich: The non-nomination

Perhaps it was two years into our marriage when my reality sank in. I, a country girl born of the purest of Appalachian folks, had married into one of America’s most admired, most well-known television families.

Letter to the Editor: Put policy and personality over Putnam politics

Dear Editor,A Putnam County resident recently returned home to find their “X-for-President” yard sign shot through with a bullet.Which candidate? That’s not the point. A higher principle is at stake.

Yarbrough: Sing a song to September

Oh, it’s a long, long while from May to December. But the days grow short when you reach September. Truer words were never spoken – or sung. I wish I had written those words, but they come from playwright Maxwell Anderson for the 1938 Broadway production of “Knickerbocker Holiday.

Letter to the Editor: Sheriff clarifies vehicle purchase policies

Dear Editor,I feel compelled to respond to Jennifer Ray’s letter to the editor about the SPLOST 10 published in the Aug. 29 edition of The Messenger.Ms. Ray wrote, “For instance, you don’t want the sheriff to buy 30 vehicles at once when buying five vehicles annually over six years makes more sense.

Rich: George Harrison

Tink and I have had a disagreement a couple of times. Not an argument, mind you. But a half-joking, half-serious disagreement.Upfront, know that it concerns former Beatle George Harrison and his only child, Dhani.

Crane: Lake life and livin’ large

My parents, Jerry and Lynn Crane, were born one week and five years apart (Dad on Aug. 30, 1938, and Mom on Sept. 7, 1943), both members of the“Greatest Generation.” As a family, we always celebrated their birthdays together. This will be the third year Mom can no longer join us.

Yarbrough: Presidential politics with Skeeter Skates

Uh-oh! The sound of the phone told me who was on the other end: Skeeter Skates, owner and operator of Skeeter Skates Tree Stump Removal and Plow Repair in Ryo, Georgia. When Skeeter calls, the phone doesn’t just ring. It jumps.Skeeter can do that to phones – and people.

Letter to the Editor: Irked by interaction with county officials

Dear Editor,The Aug. 20th meeting of the Putnam County Commission was an eye-opening experience.I intended to speak directly to the county manager (Paul Van Haute), but unfortunately, Adam (Nelson, county attorney) was not present, and a substitute county attorney attended in his place.