At times I hold the self-proclaimed title of The King of Useless Information. One such example comes with Mother’s Day. The individual who was the ramrod for the creation of the holiday was Anna Jarvis. The interesting part of the story is that not long after her holiday created momentum, she turned against the holiday requesting it be rescinded because of its commercialism. While this story has very little to do directly with Tennessee history, I can’t help but share some of my useless knowledge. more

We were a motley looking crew. Our foreman, Louis, was built like a fire hydrant dressed in overalls with an ever-present plug of home-grown chewing tobacco in his cheek. He was in charge of the tar wagon, mainly because he was the only one living who knew how to operate the ancient machine. more

I thought this writing business for me was over forever…and then Pam Collins died. more

The 2023 Weakley County School graduates crossed stages, received diplomas, and took their next steps on paths that may prove to be challenging and we hope will be successful. Before the month is out, a gentleman who crossed the same stage as me back in 1979 will successfully conclude a career in education. Randy Frazier has more than proven he was up for the challenge of serving as teacher, principal, coach and director of schools. When he closes the door at the Board of Education in Dresden for the last time in that role and assumes his well-earned mantle of retiree, if he stays true to his nature, it will be without fanfare. But, I, for one among what I believe are many, want to at least express my appreciation for all he has brought to the school system and the county. more

Recently, The Banner has received feedback that the point size of the text in the newspaper is too small and too hard to read. So, how’s this? I increased the point size and changed the typeface to one seemingly more readable, but that may be up for debate. Truthfully, it has been on my list of things to do this year, to update the look of the newspaper and upsize the text at least one point for those struggling to read it at its former size. more

A few months back, I came across a Facebook post about “Weakley County’s notorious gangster of the 1940s.” I had never heard of Earl David Birchem, but his crime spree and subsequent capture were very intriguing. This story may be a little longer than most, but it is well worth the read. I would also like to take a second and thank Shawn M. Herron and The Courier-Journal for supplying the research for the story. more

This one comes courtesy from historian and author Bill Carey. more

Well, time has claimed another music legend. This time it’s a more local legend, Tina Turner. I can’t honestly say she was one of my favorites but her music catalog is impressive. Songs like “Proud Mary,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” “Private Dancer” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It” are probably on my playlist somewhere in my iTunes. For me, when you say Tina Turner the first thing that comes to mind is her role as Auntie Entity in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, and yes, as I write this synopsis on the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, Thunderdome is playing on my television. more

10 Years Ago — The Huntington Cross Country Team Partnered with the Baptist Memorial Hospital to put on a 5k Rabbit Color run. more

Ray Blanton’s term as governor ranks as one of the most controversial in Tennessee’s history. Despite the corruption that surrounded his administration, there were also numerous accomplishments. He created the Department of Tourism, the first in the nation. Blanton traveled extensively for the state, making numerous trips to Washington, D.C., and three overseas trips to recruit foreign investment. more

Forty-four years. That’s how long I have attended and reported from government meetings. At some meetings, I walk in with an agenda that was mailed, emailed, hand-delivered, or faxed to me in advance. Those are city government agencies with a desire to inform constituents. more

We were practicing democracy before we could spell it. Miss Katie would give us the opportunity right after lunch to vote on whether we wanted to go outside and play, or would we rather stay in and eat some ice cream. We never thought about doing both. Time was of the essence in our kindergarten class….and let me tell you, Miss Katie ran a tight ship! more

It is a sad situation for the area. Henry County Medical Center plans to close its obstetrics department. That means, no more babies will be delivered at the local hospital, the one with the most advanced OB care in the region. Add that to no labor and delivery services in Carroll County nor Stewart County. That leaves soon-to-be mothers with the necessity to travel farther and risk their lives in case of a time-sensitive emergency. more

In the early 20th century, amidst the backdrop of racial tensions and social upheaval in the American South, a man by the name of Thomas Sigismund Stribling emerged as a prominent figure. Born on March 4, 1881, in Clifton, Tennessee, Stribling would go on to become a renowned author, capturing the essence of Southern life through his insightful and thought-provoking works. This is the story of Ts Stribling and his enduring impact on American literature. more

I don’t want to hear any talk of being a scrooge. And no, my Mother didn’t drop me on my head when I was a child. My Father never abandoned us. I didn’t get left in the parking lot at Junior’s J&J Grocery Store...and have recurring nightmares of no one coming to look for me. more

After last week’s tutorial on the Ryman Auditorium, I just can’t help myself dedicating this week to the Grand Ole Opry. The two entities go hand-in-hand and their legacy is so intertwined it is nearly impossible to talk about one without the other.  more

 I never dated a homecoming queen. And I have wondered over the years why. Then, just yesterday, in a moment of complete honesty, it hit me like a thunderbolt out of the past: homecoming queens are always very pretty! more

I missed Black Friday completely. I must have been one of the few. Most accounts put the total amount of purchases for this year’s most famous “shopping day” over the nine billion dollar mark. It is easily a new Black Friday record! ’Course, I wonder if it is truly “shopping” in every sense of the word when you never leave the friendly confines of your own home... more

On September 12, I was told by the Veterans Administration Community Care to go to Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic for treatment of my elbow after injury in a fall.  Upon arrival, I was told by the receptionist they would not accept my Veterans Administration Insurance.  I ultimately ended up going to Baptist Memorial Hospital Emergency Room for diagnosis and treatment. more

I sometimes feel sorry for people who live in large cities. Actually, I feel sorry for them most of the time because they will never get to experience what the small town I live in just experienced. more