“Pretty is as pretty does,” my grandma used to say. Admonishing to “stop acting ugly.” She promised to “cut a switch” more than once. Often, though, she would ask, “What are you …

Most weeks, a newspaper has a fairly short life on the kitchen table. You read it, perhaps pass it along to someone else, and eventually make room for the next one. But every so often, something in …

Every day, people across the country learn that they are being let go. Regardless the reason for being terminated, it is never a pleasant experience. The financial burden of losing a job is its most …

The autumn wind comes down Main Street, With banners bright and drums that beat, Our hometown colors rise once more. The marching band, the shining lights, The crowded stands on Friday …

Running for municipal office is more than placing a name on a ballot. A candidate for mayor or the Board of Aldermen in Camden must satisfy the law, understand the office, and earn the public’s …

Too many people are sitting on the sidelines of their own communities, watching life happen as if it is a sport for which they didn’t sign up. Sometimes we shrug and say, “Not my circus, not my …

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 …