NEWS

May 17, 2013

Relay For Life raises dollars & lots of hope
Whether you have been personally affected by cancer or not, chances are you know someone who has. It's a frightening disease, but researchers have made great strides over the years in finding ways to fight it - and are working every day to find the cure.

May 17, 2013

Comfort in a cowboy kind of way
I have recently done something new in my life that I never really thought I would - buy a pair of "cowboy boots." The term, originally designated to cover those items of footwear that cowboys and cowgirls work in is now more politically correctly called "western boots."

May 17, 2013

To the Editor: Raising city taxes wrong way to fund government
It is with deep concern that I write this response to the article that was in The DPA on Tuesday's front page headlined, "Wrong way to go on Athens budget." The issue concerned the 2013-2014 Athens city budget which will have approximately a $350,000 revenue deficit with additional wage increases added for city workers (which, in my opinion, should be added).

May 16, 2013

Graduation not an end: It's the start to new life
It’s graduation weekend for seniors at McMinn, Central and Meigs High schools. That means cameras will snap, parents will grin and/or sigh and beach balls will sail. One thing the pomp and ceremony of graduation day does is reinforce that students in the Class of 2013 are poised to start a whole new chapter of their lives – that what lies ahead can be different from what, with a flip of a tassel, they’re leaving behind. Some will choose to get more education, whether in a two- or four-year school or an apprentice program, because the choice jobs will demand it. Others are looking to join the workforce and begin professional careers.

May 15, 2013

Yesterday in Etowah: Many memories of Etowah High School
Our group that meets daily at the Georgia Avenue City Hall Annex began to discuss various and sundry items that happened in Etowah. Some were unusual, some strange, some tragic and some funny.

May 15, 2013

Governor was right vetoing 'ag gag' bill

May 10, 2013

Grads: Be smart & celebrate sober
Over the past few weeks, students at both McMinn County, Central and Meigs County high schools were given up close and personal lesson in just how dangerous drinking and driving can be, especially for the younger and less experienced generation.

May 10, 2013

Here's a SMART music trivia test
This has been a musically interesting couple of weeks. George "Possum" Jones died, and, despite many personal problems, he was indeed one of the greatest country stars ever. Willie Nelson turned 80 years old, and does not appear to be slowing down. I may have mentioned in a previous column that I saw him in concert a few years ago, and he put on one of the most memorable shows I have ever seen.

May 10, 2013

Now you can print your own firearms, mags and ammo
Did you know it is now possible to print plastic firearms on a printer? It can actually print a working gun or rifle right there on your very own 3D printer.

May 10, 2013

To the Editor: DPA Thrive 2055 article 'superficial'

May 9, 2013

How you can help Stamp Out Hunger
Every day there are hundreds of people here in our community who face the reality of going hungry. Many of us may not even be aware of their plight, but they're our friends, our neighbors and, sometimes, even our family. Most often they don't want to be a burden to others or are too embarrassed to ask for help, so they suffer in silence.

May 9, 2013

This week in local history
1988 - In the news 25 years ago: Decatur would receive almost $10,000 a year in additional state revenue due to the results of a city-funded census, said Mayor Edgar Jewell at a Decatur Alderman meeting. The census, which cost the city about $600, revealed the city population had increased from 1,191 to 1,328 residents. The state granted $67 per person, resulting in $9,246 additional revenue per year, said Jewell. The revenue would increase even more, said Jewell, because the survey didn't include every city resident. There were still a few people who weren't home when the survey was taken, Jewell said, and once those were included, the total was expected to run up to 150 more residents. "One was just born yesterday," he added. Jewell also congratulated the volunteers who conducted the survey saying they did a good job and would be needed again for the 1990 census.

May 8, 2013

Supporting those who support you
The DPA prints many Letters to the Editor thanking people for their support of local fundraising events, public programs or making donations to worthy causes. If you read the paper in print or online, you have certainly seen the letters. They usually address a recent fundraiser or event and the important roles played by the organizers, volunteers, participants and donors. They often include a list of names of people or businesses who helped make the event a success.

May 8, 2013

To the Editor: Terror is homegrown, too

May 7, 2013

Keep an eye out for motorcycles

May 7, 2013

To the Editor: Looks & sounds like a rerun from 1930

May 3, 2013

Thumbs up salutes!
When Ashley and Daniel Pope realized they were "out of time" when their daughter, Katie Elizabeth, decided it was her time to enter the world on April 25th, her proud papa "freaked out" thinking he was going to have to deliver the baby by himself.

May 3, 2013

Huddled masses want to bury us
I've been thinking about "political correctness" and "racial profiling" and how, together, they affect the way we normally and naturally think. Our brains have little bells that go off all the time - they are designed to send signals to warn us of impending danger or other critical situations to ensure our safety. Doesn't always work, of course, but these little warnings help us avoid things that may harm us.

May 2, 2013

Meals on Wheels can use your help

May 2, 2013

To the Editor: Citizens should monitor government