Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplecute By now, you’ve learned much about my grandmother’s second career as a community newspaper reporter. As such, you’ve learned how much her work, in our profession, influenced me and the direction my life would take. What I have not discussed much, though, was her first career. She wasContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer The Pledge of Allegiance ends with six memorable words: “With Liberty and Justice for All.” As we say these words, we are setting a standard for our own behavior. We will fight for liberty and justice for all. These are very powerful words also embody my ChristianContinue Reading
Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplecute We just celebrated another Easter without her. Not having her for the holidays hearkens back to the words of an old Willie Nelson song: “And I still can’t believe you’re gone. But you’re gone. And I’m alone. And I’m still livin’. I don’t like it. But I’llContinue Reading
Scott Stebbins/VSA The most important document a veteran should have is their DD214. Your military discharge papers are officially known as DD Form 214. All veterans receive this Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty once they are out of the military. The DD214 is proof of your militaryContinue Reading
Ken Bridges James Throckmorton was a pioneer, doctor, lawyer, congressman, and governor. In spite of an impressive career, he often found himself caught between the great forces of history that were tearing the nation apart. Throckmorton was born in 1825 in Sparta in central Tennessee. His father was a physician and moved often. Eventually, the Throckmortons made their wayContinue Reading
Devlyn Brooks/Contributing writer My wife and I recently visited a new “super” Asian market here in town. We’d been talking about the “date” for a couple of weeks, as the opening of this large ethnic grocery store is a big step forward in the diversity of our food sources hereContinue Reading
Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplecute Along with her directness, my grandmother was poetic. This came from her astute study of the people, but people were not all she studied. Granny was also a student of animals. She once told me she couldn’t remember a time that her and my grandfather didn’t have pets. Continue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer On July 25 2022, Daniel Perry shot and killed Garret Foster. Perry went to trial, and a jury of his peers found him guilty of murder. Texas Governor Greg Abbott wants this murderer to walk free. Foster had been part of a lawful assembly in Austin. HeContinue Reading
By Hunter Bonner/Contributing Writer House Bill 5089 Is Bad For Jefferson and Marion County This is not being overdramatic. This is not playing politics. Before we get into the explanation of HB5089, I urge Democrats and Republicans in our county to read what is in this article, because it affectsContinue Reading
Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplecute Last week, I told you about my grandmother’s directness. She told it like it was. But she did so with such an eloquence that, oftentimes, you did not realize she was actually getting on to you. Then there were the times that you knew, without a doubt, sheContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer Reading the Gospel of John on Easter provides a great insight into “Christian Leadership” and “Christian Citizenship.” John expresses in clear, unequivocal language the call to service and self-sacrifice. The mystery of Easter starts in John 13. Jesus is sitting down with his disciples for his “LastContinue Reading
Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplecute My grandmother became my trusted adviser long before we worked together at the hometown newspaper. As is the case with most extended, generational families, she blessed us with her wisdom from an early age. She was an intellectual and a literary critic, but that didn’t mean she couldn’tContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer On March 27, 2023, a shooter blasted their way into Covenant School in Nashville. In a matter of minutes the shooter killed three nine year old children and three adults. Armed with two military style assault rifles the shooter then took up a sniper position on theContinue Reading
Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplecute Some folks think it odd when I tell them my grandmother was my best friend. Some think nothing of it. She was. She passed away in 2015, after a graceful bout with cancer, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. We had muchContinue Reading
Dear editor, Is minding your own business blasting other people on a large electronic billboard at a major highway intersection? Is minding your own business attacking people personally because you don’t like what they said? Asking for a friend. Francene DePrez Rainey Jefferson, TexasContinue Reading
Ashley Granby/Contributing writer In a small town, it can be tempting to get caught up in others’ lives. From social media to gossiping with a neighbor, or at our organizational meetings, we can easily stay updated with one another’s lives. Unfortunately, some conversations aren’t positive. Rather, full of gossip, rumors,Continue Reading
Devlyn Brooks/Contributing writer I think our efforts as faithful people would ring a whole lot more genuine with those who are skeptical of religion if we spent more time trying to “convert” ourselves versus others. Yes, our scriptures do preach to us that we are to bring the “good news” toContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/ Contributing writer Saint Patrick’s Day has become a beloved American holiday. Whether that means pinching someone for not wearing green, drinking green beer, or eating corned beef and cabbage, the holiday has made it into our popular culture. Saint Patrick himself is a Roman Catholic saint. The Church grants theContinue Reading