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	Enjoy the 4th, but do it sensibly If you attended the fireworks show last Saturday night at Effingham County High School, we hope you enjoyed it. And we hope you enjoy the annual Rincon 4th of July Parade and Festival scheduled for Saturday. Read Article »
	Killing the fatted pig There was once a time when this country was proud of its cornfields, wheatfields, cotton fields and every other kind of field that grows from sea to shining sea. Read Article »
	Signing away health care freedom Georgia’s Democratic Party is asking Georgians to sign its petition asking the state’s two senators to “support President Obama’s health care reform proposals, even if it means standing up to Republican leaders like Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney.” Pray it ain’t so. Read Article »
	July 1 brings new laws A number of new laws go into effect July 1 and here is a brief review. SB 14-Prohibits superintendent or school board members from serving with an immediate family member as principal, assistant principal or central staff. HB 149-Allows high school juniors and seniors to attend college and receive high school credit. (“Move on When Ready”) HB 243-Sunsets National Board Certification program, grandfathers in those already awarded or in pipeline HB 193-Allows local school boards ... Read Article »
	Not growing old gracefully So I’m taking my mother in-law to her annual doctor’s appointment the other day, and mind you, “doctor’s appointment” should be in all caps the way she treats it. Read Article »
	Base energy solutions on policy, not politics By the week’s end, the U.S. House of Representatives could vote on one of the most significant and potentially detrimental bills in recent history — one that will exponentially increase the cost of energy and threaten Georgia’s economic competitiveness while making only a negligible impact on global carbon emissions. Read Article »
	Daddy’s habits still linger “It’s funny to watch you do that,” said my wife. Deep in thought, I pulled my attention away from the computer screen and looked over at her. “What?” What could be funny about me sitting, staring at a blank screen, struggling for a word, a thought? “Your hands,” she said gently, making a kneading motion with hers. “You do it every time you’re lost in thought — just like your Daddy used to do.” She ... Read Article »
	A look at the new laws This week completes a review of legislation passed in the 2009 General Assembly. Department of Corrections legislation HB 464 — Provides for deductions from an inmates account for medical care and pharmaceuticals. Exempts severe mental health designation. Also limits reimbursements to hospitals for emergency care to the Medicaid rate if the hospital and DOC have no contract. Was effective when governor signed. Retirement SB 177 — All new state employees hired after July 1 are ... Read Article »
	Carter: And the survey says ... Every year after each session ends, I send a newsletter to the constituents in my district recapping the results of the session. In an attempt to gain input on certain issues, I also include a few questions and ask them to respond. Read Article »
	The comeback kid So I think I told y’all not too long ago about my Aunt Bea. She’s 99, has had a few minor falls and what not but keeps on keeping on…? Read Article »
	Hill: Waiting on your refund? Some have noted that they are experiencing delays this year in the receipt of refunds or even in the state cashing their payments. Georgians have the option to file their state tax returns either electronically (over the Internet) or using traditional paper forms. When returns are filed electronically, they do not need to be physically opened, nor do they require data entry. For this reason, the time required to process and to issue refunds for ... Read Article »
	Inching toward adulthood I remember once sidling up to my mother while she was comfortably sitting on the couch puffing on a cig and reading a book. Read Article »
	Forcing health care plan will kill jobs Congress is about to take up legislation that would have profound and long-lasting effects on 17 percent of our nation’s economy—our healthcare system. Read Article »