Rich: The stories we own (part two)

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrote, “When I was a child, I thought as a child.” When I was a child, though, I was far older than my actual age. Quietly, I stood back and watched the adults. I observed as stories played out.

Letters to the Editor: Praying to end human trafficking

Dear Editor, The movie Sound of Freedom has recently shone a light on a problem we all need to care about, the worldwide trafficking of children. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (unodc.

Crane: No name? No way

A recent Quinnipiac University poll found only 47% of registered voters in America would even consider voting for a third-party candidate for president. That percentage quickly gets worse when you put a name on that third party or candidate.

Letters to the Editor: From coffee to kids, hats in between

Dear Editor, The past week was busy, busy, busy, and I enjoyed each and every moment of it. Our daughters from Macon came up at intervals to visit, to talk, and really just to check on us. I love the attention, but most of the time they have to call ahead to make sure I am in place.

Letters to the Editor: Benefits of newspaper advertising

Dear Editor, As a small business owner for 30 years, I applaud the bipartisan bill (Community News & Small Business Support Act) introduced by Claudia Tenney and Suzan DelBene and know of it only because I subscribe to and read The Eatonton Messenger (July 27, A4).

Rich: The stories we own (part one)

Everyone has a story. Or many stories. Every person, uniquely, owns a piece of history. A cherished friend of mine was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Twice, his helicopter was shot down in the midst of battles. As it is recorded, that was a horrendously uncivilized war.

Ridings: Local news is good for business

It’s no secret that recent years have been tough on small businesses and on newspapers. A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress, the Community News & Small Business Support Act, would offer relief to both newspapers and local businesses. For too many newspapers help can’t come soon enough.

Crane: Our governor – and we’d like to keep him

I first met Brian Kemp as a young state senator from Athens. He also was an agribusinessman, developer, and homebuilder. After four years in the state senate, Kemp ran in 2006 for agriculture commissioner, finishing second in the GOP primary to Gary Black, who won the general election that fall.

Yarbrough: Open letter to public school teachers

I can’t believe I am writing a back-to-school letter to you in July. That’s because I can’t believe you are starting a new school year in July. Somehow, that doesn’t seem right.

Rich: The biscuits

In our family, no food is held in higher esteem than the biscuit. Cornbread runs a close second but there’s an art to making a biscuit that the easy-going, non-frills cornbread does not require.