Those that know me, know I have a love for older music, preferably classic country and rock from the 60s and 70s. Probably much to wife’s announce, I know and can sing along to almost every song that comes on the radio or iPod (when I’m the vehicle DJ). The Story family has a history and love for music, going back at least five generations. Naturally, I married one of the best singers from McKenzie. more

I believe it was 1958. But don’t hold me to that. A tad of water has slipped under the bridge since then. And I was way more into hide-and-go-seek, finding the key to my roller skates and Little League baseball than I was new city fire trucks. more

Leon had a birthday this week. It might seem odd to you but I still celebrate it. I call Paula and we cry. And we laugh. And we remember. And we thank our lucky stars. more

Every week since 1870, The McKenzie Banner has churned out local news. Since the late 1930s, each edition has been bound and preserved in our archives serving as a rich recording of local and national history. more

As many of our readers know, it has been a very busy couple of months for the family. We said good-bye to the Washburn family matriarch, Brittany and I purchased a new home (still living out of cardboard boxes), I stepped down from the McKenzie City Council and then last week I turn 40. So this morning, between my morning cup of coffee and the daily battle of dressing two toddlers I was reflecting on 38 years of living in McKenzie, most of which was lived in the Richardson subdivision. more

It seems that America is about to run out of money. Again! I know what you are thinking... How can that be? What are they doing with the billions and billions we send in every week in income, luxury, estate, sin, gift, corporate, property, fuel, capital gains, pay roll deductions and various and sundry other taxes, including tariffs. And don’t forget the penalties and interest they collect if you are 10 minutes late... more

Outside of Dr. James Potts, Mary Ruth Devault may have been the most knowledgeable of local history in Carroll County. Indirectly, either through her research or curation, she was a treasure trove of knowledge in my work on the Weekly 150. more

It was with joy and excitement to have visited McKenzie the Tea Festival weekend. The city looked vibrant and fresh. Both the business and residential areas visually looked well cared for. more

Temple Watson reminded me a lot of Mr. Ed Wiley. Both were fairly quiet. Both were very thoughtful. Both knew a lot more than I did. Both were remarkable Christian men. And to my everlasting good fortune, both took “a liking” to me…and both had a profound impact on my life! more

Dear Editor We take this opportunity to thank all who allowed us to celebrate MHS Homecoming 2021 in such a special way. A successful program requires so many components and they are all working together for this year’s Rebels. more

It’s not uncommon to watch restaurants come and go over time for whatever reason, but Sunday’s fire at Carmack’s Fish Barn in Cottage Grove is heartbreaking. Since opening its doors in 1984, the restaurant has been a staple of Henry County cuisine. more

Once upon a time Mr. Bill Thompson delivered our mail. He drove all the way out to the house everyday except Sunday. Without fail. Some of the mail was addressed to Leon Colbert at 1162 N. Stonewall. Some was addressed General Delivery. And sometimes it was simply Leon Colbert, McKenzie. more

Coach J.C. Popplewell was considered a “true teacher” by his colleagues and his students who long recalled their admiration for the former coach. A narrative in the 1987-88 Henry County Elementary School yearbook reads of Popplewell, “He is well-liked and much respected by his students as well as by his peers in the education field. He gives us his all every day in the P.E. classes he teaches. He is always there to lend a kind word, to give a little one an extra smile on their first day of school, to loan 50 cents for a Coke, to encourage or just to care. more

Can anyone tell me how it came to be that our government can mandate employers (with 100 employees or more) be vaccinated or tested weekly for COVID while thousands are coming across our southern borders wearing no masks and showing no proof of vaccination? more

Mother didn’t actually lie to us. I don’t think. She said it was mayonnaise. We called it mayonnaise. It wasn’t all that complicated. Besides, it was white and creamy…like you expected mayonnaise to be. more

I think every kid in school got excited about getting a substitute teacher back in the day. It was usually a guaranteed movie day or possibly a day with extended recess, at least in the elementary school days and before common core or standardized tests with repercussions. But there is always an exception to every rule, it was not going to be a free day if Miss Ruth showed up. more

Transfer Portal. more

Max called. With questions. I leaned in a little. He is sometimes hard to understand over the phone. “KK, what was the name of your second grade teacher?” more

For the last couple weeks, the Banner staff has been hunkered down prepping for the upcoming football season. Each year we publish our gridiron guide along with a host of football programs for area schools. While it is a painstaking process, we take pride in what we do and feel honored to help the schools. more

One of the most important reasons for teaching history is to allow our young people to learn about the past. more