August 16, 2026
Opinion
Different but never better
By complete accident, yet a pleasant surprise, I was recently able to spend a few minutes catching up with an old friend who I hadn’t seen in at least a decade but more than likely even longer.
Letter to the Editor
Once again Trump has sunk to a new low, he is comparing himself to our Lord Jesus Christ. To me this is an abomination of the highest order. I know that the Christian Nationalist have his back, God forbid that a woman has a voice or a vote. This morning, his minions are trying to backpedal and play this off. Please, somebody try to wrangle in the spoiled little rich boy before our country is totally ruined. I mean so far it’s our economy, healthcare, housing, affordability, fuel, illegal wars and now common sense. Do you realize that if you took half of what Elon Musk was paid, we could solve all of our above problems with change left over. And any Republicans say different, please fact check me on this if you guts!! Larry Bowen, Candidate for County Commission District 2
Here’s to live music in all shapes and forms
I’ve never been one of those people that dives deeply into the intricacies of music. I don’t know that I’ve ever read any album notes or ever cared much about the backstories of any songs or the recording processes that brought them to life.
Why We Love Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has been in the news a lot lately, and she appears to have overcome some health concerns. 2026 is a milestone year for Dolly, marking her 80th birthday, the 60th anniversary of her marriage to the late Carl Dean, the 40th anniversary of Dollywood, and the 30th anniversary of her Imagination Library. There is no better time to send a love letter to “our Dolly.”
A squeaky door’s a good sign
I recently had the pleasure of taking a day outing with my grandmother to Rockvale and Eagleville. Both were city names that I had heard all of my life but had never really spent any time in either. The main reason for picking that area of the state was to go and try the Fried Tater Café in Rockvale. It had popped up numerous occasions on social media over the last few months and so we figured why not give it a try.
This Column May Be Disturbing
As a TV news anchor, I try to avoid cliches, because they turn up on the news (local and national) a lot. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard, “The investigation is continuing,” I’d have some serious cash. I mean, that should be obvious. We all know that cops aren’t going to leave the scene and say, “You know what? I’m stumped. Let’s just go to Wendy’s and hope the whole thing blows over.”
A little league of its own
The sun barely peeked out from behind the horizon as it reflectively glistened off the still dew-covered grass at the town community center.
Letter to the Editor
My wife suffered a freak fall recently that fractured two vertebrae and broke her collarbone. The ambulance took her to the local hospital where she was treated, and then sent home.
I’ll Read You The Riot Act
Let’s explore the origin of some common sayings. After writing several columns about sayings like, “Not my cup of tea” and “The straw that broke the camel’s back,” many of you suggested a few others. How many times have you threatened to read someone “The Riot Act?” What is that act, and why is there a riot involved? I’m pretty sure I “read the riot act” to my sons when they were teenagers, and I’m equally certain they rolled their eyes when I did.