New transportation options, elimination of funding gaps would help eduation

There is a disparity among Georgia schools when it comes to transporting students to and from their homes. Rural areas with sparse populations deal with long ride times, urban areas frequently have overcrowded school buses, and a nationwide shortage of bus drivers affects everyone.

Foster parents heroes, too, for their sacrifices

We are blessed to live in Rabun County where there are numerous fundraisers for important causes such as advocating for mental health care, bringing awareness and stopping domestic violence, helping those battling cancer and even supporting the local no-kill shelter.

Happy to be living in such a happy state of mind

Are you happy? If so, I am happy. But you and I might be exceptions. I just read a report by WalletHub, a personal finance company, that ranks the 50 states on a number of metrics to determine which states are the happiest. Georgia is listed as the 20th happy state.

A newspaper worth its salt prints stories without favors

Remember The Waltons on TV? It was a long-running yarn following the lives of a struggling, Depression-era, God-loving family in the mountains of Virginia. It might have been a bit too syrupy for some, but we thought it was a nice break from some of the crime shows of the 1970s.

Georgians moving away from state’s populous counties

People vote with their feet, as numerous studies about migration among the states have shown. But they don’t only do this by crossing state lines. The IRS publishes data every year about migration not only from state to state, but from county to county.

What can I do today?

I’m going to try to look out on the world that is unfolding before me and see what I can feel happy about right now. In reading the book, The Secret by Rhonda Bryne, I am encouraged in my moments of doubt to focus my thoughts on things that I hope to accomplish.

We support all of our Rabun first responders

Rabun County is filled with many heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty to render aid to those in need and keep the community safe. As a ‘thank you’ for their dedication, first responders were honored with a banquet on Friday, Aug. 30.

Drill continues in Okefenokee Drag-Mining controversy

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.

Looks like free speech diminishing on college campuses

Free speech and college are supposed to go together like chips and salsa, or cake and ice cream. But lately, it’s more like someone poured picante on your rocky road. Two events – the Oct. 7 anniversary of Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel, and the U.S. presidential election on Nov.

Leaders meet more leaders

F ifty-three years ago, the notion of a Georgia leadership development program was initially proposed during a casual conversation between major Georgia Chamber of Commerce business leaders.