What Independence Day is really all about

In honor of our nation’s 249th birthday, we present this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, issued on July 4, 1776: “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political...

Lots to observe and love in ‘country living’

The 7-year-old visitor wrinkled her nose. She had a question. “Is this what you call country living?” “Yes, ma’am.” “I like it,” she said. “Me, too.” And here’s why. Yogi Berra said, “You can observe a lot just by watching.

A victory in Okefenokee mining controversy but threat isn’t over

As you may be aware by now, a major victory has been declared in the fight to stop Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals from strip mining land adjacent to our Okefenokee National Wildlife Reserve in order that the world never run out of toothpaste whitener.

6 ways state policy affected your wallet in 2025

Georgia’s 2025 fiscal year will be remembered less for a single marquee bill than for a constellation of measured, taxpayer-focused changes that added up to real relief.

Community thankful to have resource like Choices

Rabun County is home to countless local nonprofits that support community members in many different ways whether it is advocacy; help with expenses after a diagnosis of cancer; assistance in caring for animals; or other important needed resources.

‘Do Your Best’ motto will help you reach ‘favorite’ ranking

It was once said that those with one child did not know the true complexities that can transpire when the parental unit goes into another room in the house. When you have just one child and not multiple, you know who broke Aunt Edna’s gifted crystal from a years-ago trip to Newark.

An outside look inside some major events

I know you expect me to be front and center of major news developments and to give you an exclusive account found nowhere else but on these pages. Alas, sometimes, despite my best efforts, I find myself on the outside looking in.

Federal funding for scientific research is critical to a strong America

I’m a Clayton native – some of you likely know my mom, who still lives in town – and a Rabun County High School graduate. I built upon the education provided by this community (thanks, RCHS teachers!) to become a research scientist and professor at Oregon State University (yes, it’s far from home!).

Homeschooling support for military families

The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced a formal review of how it supports military families who choose to homeschool their children—a move that could significantly benefit Georgia’s large and growing population of service members.

Slain pastor’s daughter wishes change of heart for killer

It’s June 17, 2025, as I write this. It’s the 10th anniversary of the night a white supremacist walked into a predominantly Black church in Charleston, S.C., pretended to pray with the parishioners and then shot and killed nine of them. Eliana Pinckney was 11 years old.