Hatchett: Weeks Two & Three Under the Gold Dome

The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has wrapped up, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first. Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down.

‘There’s Hope for the Hungry’ brings food, ministry to our community

Rabun County is blessed to have volunteers who provide food to those in need within our community. The monthly food distribution “There’s Hope for the Hungry” provides food but also hope and encouragement. It is an organization based out of Cumming, Ga.

Don’t put on airs … and other lessons from book interviews

Well, that’s over and done with. Donald John Trump, the 45th president of the United States has been officially sworn in as our 47th president, joining Grover Cleveland who was president #22 and #24 as in, then out, then back in office.

Personal responsibility and public policy can point the way

Childhood, and thus parenthood, has many milestones. Some of the most monumental of these involve motion: taking first steps, or walking through the schoolhouse door to begin kindergarten. For the child, these milestones represent moving forward. For the parent, moving away.

Don’t put on airs … and other lessons from book interviews

You can learn something from just about everybody, I believe. Jessica Phillips Henricks, a former Foxfire student, and I confirmed that belief when we interviewed scores of folks for a book titled “Travels with Foxfire: Stories of People, Passions, and Practices from Southern Appalachia.

Community participation is key in important decisions

It’s important to be involved in local community government. Our public officials work for us, so constituents need to know what’s going on in our local governments and hold public officials accountable.

Some Facts of Life for a new great-grandson

Dear Samuel Knox Wansley: Who are you and who am I? The answer is that you are the youngest member of the family still awaiting your first birthday and I am your great-grandfather who doesn’t have that many birthdays ahead of him.

Long slog ahead to bring scales of justice back into balance

The Georgia General Assembly began this past week with a bang – and I’m not referring to any scuffles involving senators disinvited from the House chamber. Gov.

Helping one another during winter storm

Rabun Countians have always been about helping one another in times of need. During Winter Storm Cora and its aftermath that sentiment continued to ring true.

Kemp finishing second term while eyeing future elected office

Teachers hear the morning bell ringing on the first day of school. Baseball players hear the thump of the first pitch hitting the catcher’s mitt on opening day. Public-policy folk hear the crack of the gavel slamming down to launch a new session.