Recently, The Banner has received feedback that the point size of the text in the newspaper is too small and too hard to read. So, how’s this? I increased the point size and changed the typeface to one seemingly more readable, but that may be up for debate. Truthfully, it has been on my list of things to do this year, to update the look of the newspaper and upsize the text at least one point for those struggling to read it at its former size. more

William Shakespeare’s line from King Henry IV, “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,” sums up the first five months as co-owner of Tri-County Publishing. Now, I’m not calling myself the king or stating we have an empire, that is far from the truth. But when you own a business, you have to beware of a constant barrage of possible threats and shortfalls. more

People have been so kind to me about these little stories over the years. And I certainly appreciate that. I have said from the beginning that I am not a writer. You think about Edgar Allan Poe, Ambrose Bierce, Will Rogers, Jon Meacham...those guys could turn a blank page into a moving picture show... more

I’m teaching a class at Gulf Coast State entitled, “Will You Know Where You Are When You Get Where You’re Going.” I did not think up that moniker. I “borrowed” it from a guy taller, smarter, and funnier than I am. He explained his version to a laughing “Grand Ole Opry” crowd. more

My brothers and sisters in the Middle East are suffering. Therefore, I am advocating for the following six actions. more

W.E.B. Du Bois was a towering figure in American history, renowned for his intellectual prowess, tireless activism. From his early life in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, to his pioneering work in sociology, his time at Fisk University in Tennessee, his prolific publications, and his pivotal role in the founding of the NAACP, Du Bois left an indelible mark on the struggle for racial equality and social justice in the United States. more

One of the things I appreciated as a kid growing up in a small town in the 1950s was, I could understand the rules. Don’t lie, cheat, or steal, respect your elders, close the gate, and be home by supper. more

With all the local celebration of Patrick Willis being selected to the NFL Hall of Fame, I wanted take a little print space to rerun a feature on Carroll County’s other NFL Hall of Famer, Gene Hickerson. more

McKenzie was all abuzz in May of 1975 with the anticipated arrival of Hollywood Legend Bob Hope. The film icon was scheduled for a stage performance at Bethel College on Sunday, May 31 in order to raise much needed funds for the financially distressed McKenzie institution. Hope’s presence left the school with over $100,000 and the community with a life time of memories. more

I had my first taste of chewing tobacco when I was 15 years old. Warren County Twist should have had a warning label on it plainly stating, “Take two aspirins before inserting.” This was back in 1962. I reckon you chewed at your own risk in those days…. more

Shel Silverstein wrote a song made famous by Johnny Cash in 1969 entitled “A Boy Named Sue.” It lays out the chronology of a young man struggling through life burdened with such a misfit name…. “Some gal would giggle and I’d turn red, And some guy’d laugh and I’d bust his head, I tell you, life ain’t easy for a boy named Sue.” more

When you think about big businesses headquartered in Tennessee most folks think of FedEx, Dollar Store, Bridgestone or Cracker Barrel. There was one up until 2010 that I had no clue was headquartered in Tennessee; that little gem is Pilot Flying J. Until January 16, 2024, the company was headquartered out of Knoxville and headed by the Haslam family. Yes, former Governor Bill Haslam along with his brother Jimmy, owner of the Cleveland Browns, made their fortune through the company founded by their father. more

Sunday night, Brittany and I had the opportunity to see Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in Nashville. It was an amazing concert and the first time I’ve ever been to the Opry House. I’m not a regular concertgoer because let’s be honest, how can anyone afford the expense, but last night was something special. more

Daddy didn’t cook. Ever! He farmed a mite and drove a truck for a living. He was always working. Maybe he didn’t have time to take up the culinary arts. But more probably, he left it up to Mother because it was easier for him and she was way much better at it than he was. more

The recent clash of winter is some of the worst in my memory. With arctic blasts and subzero windchills, these temperatures aren’t for everyone. The snow and ice only compounded the headache. Then you have to add the fact that almost every school in the state hasn’t had school in over a week. more

I first started running when I said something, or did something, to make Leon mad. He was the older brother. By five years! I couldn’t stand and fight. He’d beat the living daylights out of me! more

Like most jobs, at least high-profile positions, there is usually something that resembles a job search to fill the void. In August Dr. Walter Butler announced his plans to retire on December 31, 2023. It’s extremely important to put the right person in the position of President. more

In the late 1960s and into the early 1980s, the Nashville Sound began to evolve into a much smoother and richer sound. The twangy classic sound was still popular on some fronts but to keep up with the growth of rock n’ roll, rhythm and blues, and ever-changing pop sound the Nashville Sound gave birth to what many country music historians or enthusiasts refer to as Countrypolitan. more

Over Christmas dinner, my eldest granddaughter seemingly intrigued about the possibilities, asked what I thought of the rapidly growing popularity of A.I. I was caught off guard, with a fork full of sweet potato casserole suspended halfway to my mouth. It took me a second— more

Politics is destroying everything we know and love. Families, friendships, reputations… nations, the planet… nothing is spared from its wrath. more