I went to Knoxville this past weekend hoping to come home with a Tennessee victory. Instead, I brought home a sunburn, some Greek baked goods and a reminder that a weekend with an old friend can …

The rushing currents of youth guide us. We trace our names in the dust or carve them in a tree. Impressionable our hearts are spread wide. The summer sun never ends. Romance is …

In every community, the future depends not only on the industries it attracts, but on the young people it prepares to lead, serve, and work there. That preparation begins early through programs that …

Didn’t we just start football season? It seems like I was just writing about opening night, looking forward to another season of packed stands, marching bands and hometown rivalries. Now Friday, …

Muddy waters swirl where a whiskered giant wakes. The scent of a tasty worm is a temptation for the mighty catfish. A sudden tug on the line and a fiercely fought battle ensues. As the …

Early morning driving dangers on rural roads and in small towns create serious safety risks. These risks could be due to a mix of speeds, poor lighting, poor weather conditions, and driver fatigue …

Does anyone really understand the college football ranking system? As a Tennessee fan, I am perennially frustrated by the preseason rankings. Of course, I also believe Tennessee is better than …

The heat of the day begins to lose its hold. The sun retreats a little more each day. The evening sky is painted in golden light. The shadows lengthen. The light filtering through …

A flag-lowering ceremony honoring those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks will be held at the Benton County Courthouse on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 8:46 a.m. Benton County Veterans will host the …

Pretty much anyone old enough to remember September 11, 2001, can tell you where they were when they first heard that something terrible was happening in New York. I was sitting in a …

The brave housecat steps past the open door. Dark shadows call from the quiet yard. Sharp claws test the cool nights grass. Bright eyes track a sudden movement near the fence. A …

Communication is one of the most important skills we use every day. It helps us share ideas, express needs, build relationships, solve problems, and work together. Proper communication matters …

It has been a pretty crazy week and a half in the newspaper world. Last Wednesday night, a storm blew through Huntingdon and knocked out power to our printing plant. The power outage lasted long …

Whether you're a highly paid executive or have a lower-level position, you still head out to your job each day and try to do your best. But is that job doing its best for you? While most of us …

In my arms, you softly slept, tiny fingers curled and kept, pride bloomed. Then came your steps, unsure but bright, your laughter dancing through the light, and I stood proud within your sight. …

For more than a decade, cursive writing seemed to be disappearing from American classrooms. As schools placed greater emphasis on keyboarding, digital literacy, and standardized testing, many …

There’s just something about the high school football season in Tennessee. The weather is still hot, the days are still long, and technically summer isn’t over yet. But once the lights come …

With the local election over, the fair all wrapped up, and the children back in school, it is time to get back to things as usual. Hopefully the local election signs will be removed quickly. We …

“Thank you for your vote” a winner’s grateful expression. Coming from hearts that were touched. A simple mark on a page an affirmation of trust. A quiet nod or a wave indicating …

Well, for better or worse, the election is behind us. First, congratulations to those who won. Running for public office—especially at the local level—is not easy. It takes a tremendous …