Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was born on March 15, 1767, in the Waxhaws region, which straddled the border between North and South Carolina. His life unfolded during a tumultuous period in American history, marked by revolutionary fervor, westward expansion, and the shaping of a new nation. more

You people never cease to amaze me! I wrote a simple story about liking Coca-Colas. It really wasn’t all that great. Real newspaper people would call it “filler” material. I promise I have done better…. more

There are individuals whose stories transcend the limitations of time, resonating with unyielding determination and fortitude. One such remarkable figure is Mary Fields, famously known as “Stagecoach Mary.” Born into the shackles of slavery in Hickman County, Tennessee, Mary’s life journey traversed the spectrum of human experience, encompassing struggle, resilience, and triumph. Her tale, like a beacon of inspiration, illuminates the path of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and forge ahead into the unknown. more

The year was 1982 and I had just been elected District Attorney. One of the counties in my district was my home county of Carroll. I was in the court house for some reason or another when I was a approached by a very nice and polite young lady. She said she was from one of the schools in the western part of the county and that they would be holding a womanless beauty review soon and she wanted me to be in it. Womanless beauty reviews were common in those days and politicians and other men who were considered of some prominence were recruited to participate. more

Aggravated Burglary — Zheng Xiufeng of Stonewall Street, McKenzie reported his home had been vandalized and items stolen on September 8. more

This is one of those “you would have had to been there” stories. We were not used to many frills out at the end of Stonewall Street. Daddy worked hard every day just to provide the necessities of life. more

Certain moments stand as monumental milestones, marking the evolution of societies and the ideals they uphold. The passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote, is undeniably one such moment. The journey to its ratification was marked by tenacity, courage, and political maneuvering. At the heart of this journey lies the state of Tennessee and the pivotal role played by a young legislator named Harry Burn. The significance of Tennessee’s unexpected yet decisive role in passing the 19th Amendment cannot be overstated. more

Someone told me the United States is 32 trillion dollars in debt. That doesn’t hardly seem possible. A lot of government people would have to be working day and night, with both hands, to spend that much money! more

David Crockett emerged as a larger-than-life figure whose exploits would become the stuff of legend. Crockett would rise from humble beginnings to become a frontiersman, politician, and ultimately, a martyr in the fight for Texas’ independence. more

What’s that old adage about not missing the water till the well runs dry…. It came to life when I woke up from the operation and couldn’t see jack squat out of my right eye. A detached retina is not a thing of beauty. more

Three years ago I wrote a letter to the editor about a CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) of two wean-to-finish hog barns that were proposed to be built in the Big Buck Community northwest of Huntingdon. more

Get out that old record player and join the current revolution of listening to music. more

In the rugged and majestic embrace of East Tennessee’s untamed wilderness, a saga of courage, resilience, and determination began to unfold, with the Crockett family at its core. At the center of this narrative stood David Crockett, a legend in the making. Born on a balmy August day in 1786, within the rustic confines of a cabin aptly named “Limestone,” David’s arrival marked the dawn of an era defined by exploration, hardship, and triumph. more

I have been accused of living in the past. Boy howdy, what a bum rap! I write about growing up “back then” for sure. I share some memories of those thrilling days of yesteryear, hopefully to refresh the minds of older folks and to enlighten the younger crowd as to what they have missed. more

In the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a musical revolution was brewing that would leave an indelible mark on the world of soul music. What began as Satellite Records would soon evolve into Stax Records, becoming a pivotal force in shaping the cultural and musical landscape of its time. The story of Stax Records is one of triumph over adversity, of a close-knit community that defied social norms, and of the artists who turned their struggles into soulful melodies that continue to resonate to this day. more

The trouble with going back to school each August was….well, going back to school! It didn’t cause heart failure. It wasn’t a matter of life and death. And even Buddy and Robert Earl understood the necessity of the situation. But, still, it sure interrupted summer…. more

In the heart of the American South, a wrestling revolution was brewing that would forever etch its mark on sports entertainment history. The city of Memphis became a battleground for larger-than-life personalities, intense rivalries, and a wrestling legacy that would capture the hearts of generations. At the center of it all were two titans of the ring: Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jerry Jarrett. Their story, intertwined with the iconic Mid-South Coliseum and the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA), stands as a testament to the power of passion, showmanship, and the enduring spirit of professional wrestling. more

General George Armstrong Custer peered intently through the early morning mist. He couldn’t see any Indians. The Crow scouts insisted they were there, camped on the bank of the Little Bighorn River some fifteen miles away. more

There are few tales as compelling as that of René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, a French explorer whose intrepid spirit led him to forge a path into the uncharted wilderness of North America. Amidst the late 17th century’s backdrop of colonial expansion and fierce territorial rivalries, La Salle’s vision and determination laid the foundation for one of the earliest European settlements in the Mississippi Valley—the enigmatic Fort Prudhomme. This week’s story delves into the remarkable story of La Salle and the founding of Fort Prudhomme, a momentous chapter in the early history of Memphis and west Tennessee. more

In this part of the state, few achievements are as awe-inspiring as the construction of Kentucky Lake. Nestled amidst the picturesque Tennessee Valley, this colossal man-made reservoir stands as a testament to human ingenuity, foresight and determination. Not only was it an ambitious project but it is essential to remember the challenges overcome and the impact it has had on the lives of countless citizens, the region’s economy, and the prosperity of the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. more