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Opinion
256 results total, viewing 101 - 120
June 20, 2023 — The mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville has led to an extraordinary legal battle over the public records law and transparency of our criminal justice system. more
In the annals of country music history, one name stands out with a unique blend of talent, humor, and tragedy: David “Stringbean” Akeman. Born on June 17, 1915, in Annville, Kentucky, Akeman’s musical journey would take him to great heights, including performances on the Grand Ole Opry and the iconic television show Hee Haw. However, it is his untimely death and the subsequent events that would forever etch his name in the hearts of fans and musicians alike. more
Folks, next week will mark my 49th wedding anniversary. You see my dilemma right off. I have given my first wife a very special gift every year for the past 48 summers. I have about run out of ideas. more
In the heartland of America, where the sound of lonesome whistle and the rumble of a train echoes through the picturesque landscapes, a legend was born. His name was Casey Jones, and he would become a symbol of bravery and selflessness for generations to come. This is the story of a man who dedicated his life to the rails and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect those entrusted to his care. more
My seventeen year old grandson just took a job at Wendy’s. I was proud for him, and of him. A young man going into his senior year in high school ought to be holding down a steady job. Learning to “earn his way” so to speak. I called to congratulate….and encourage him. more
With the Vols headed to Omaha to compete in the College World Series, my wheels got turning about professional baseball players from Tennessee. Proudly, there is a great number from our state but surprisingly there is only one player in the Hall of Fame. That one player is Norman “Turkey’’ Stearnes who played in the Negro Leagues. So with the help of Google and every sports index online, Turkey Stearnes is this week’s Weekly 150 spotlight. more
John Wesley Crockett was born on August 10, 1807, in East Tennessee, to David and Mary Crockett. He came from a notable lineage, being the eldest son of the legendary frontiersman and former congressman. John Wesley Crockett would leave his mark on the world. more
What is below the pits? This can’t get much worse. I feel like I’m living on Elm Street. I’m so far down I can’t even see the underside of the bottom of the barrel! And there is not an end in sight. Not one ray of sunlight…. more
We used to explore the mysteries of the universe from the back booth of Frank’s Dairy Bar. As budding teenagers, over a cheeseburger, fries and a cherry coke, we’d discuss relevant and eye-opening topics. Looking back, my favorite might have been the single shoe theory. more
I was raised by my favorite WWII veteran, my father. His generation is often referred to as “The Greatest Generation”. Each of us, who is old enough, knows someone from that generation who made a significant impact on our lives. They were our teachers, our coaches, our pastors, our neighbors, friends, and our mentors. These men and women came home from war and started families and businesses and made this nation a great nation. more
After her separation from Ike, lawsuits for canceled shows compiled into a mountain of debt. To start paying the creditors, she resumed touring. In 1977, she re-emerged with a sexier image and costumes created by Bob Mackie. She headlined a series of cabaret shows at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and took her act to smaller venues in the United States. She then embarked on her first solo concert tour in Australia. more
Well, time has claimed another music legend. This time it’s a more local legend, Tina Turner. I can’t honestly say she was one of my favorites but her music catalog is impressive. Songs like “Proud Mary,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” “Private Dancer” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It” are probably on my playlist somewhere in my iTunes. For me, when you say Tina Turner the first thing that comes to mind is her role as Auntie Entity in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, and yes, as I write this synopsis on the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, Thunderdome is playing on my television. more
Forty-four years. That’s how long I have attended and reported from government meetings. At some meetings, I walk in with an agenda that was mailed, emailed, hand-delivered, or faxed to me in advance. Those are city government agencies with a desire to inform constituents. more
The 2023 Weakley County School graduates crossed stages, received diplomas, and took their next steps on paths that may prove to be challenging and we hope will be successful. Before the month is out, a gentleman who crossed the same stage as me back in 1979 will successfully conclude a career in education. Randy Frazier has more than proven he was up for the challenge of serving as teacher, principal, coach and director of schools. When he closes the door at the Board of Education in Dresden for the last time in that role and assumes his well-earned mantle of retiree, if he stays true to his nature, it will be without fanfare. But, I, for one among what I believe are many, want to at least express my appreciation for all he has brought to the school system and the county. more
As a little boy, my parents used Super Drugs as their pharmacy. I can remember walking in the front door and seeing all the little knick-knacks and other gift items which I was not allowed to touch. Barbara Ferguson was usually working the front register. more
We did not celebrate this holiday when I was a kid. And I really don’t know why we didn’t. Lord a’mercy, things moved at such a slow pace back then you’d a’thought nothing could get by us! more
Dad’s “formal” education ended with the third grade. He didn’t quit at that tender age by choice. His father decided he was needed at home more than he was down at the one-room schoolhouse beside Sugar Creek. more
At times I hold the self-proclaimed title of The King of Useless Information. One such example comes with Mother’s Day. The individual who was the ramrod for the creation of the holiday was Anna Jarvis. The interesting part of the story is that not long after her holiday created momentum, she turned against the holiday requesting it be rescinded because of its commercialism. While this story has very little to do directly with Tennessee history, I can’t help but share some of my useless knowledge. more
My Mother wasn’t too smart. Now, I know that is a harsh thing to say. But the facts are irrefutable! more
With time ticking away and deadline quickly approaching, I struggled to find a muse for this week’s story. Thank goodness for Google as a search of "on this date in history” turned up a quote from Tennessee’s Andrew Johnson. On May 9, 1865, President Johnson declared the Civil War “may be regarded as virtually at an end.” This opened the rabbit hole and away I went. more
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