Column Articles

Sean Dietrich | The checkout lane

OPINION — He was loading my grocery bags. I’ll call him Michael. He was early twenties, wearing an apron. He has Down syndrome.“How are you today?” he said.“Pretty good,” said I.“So am I!” he said. “I’m doing pretty good, too!”I smiled. “How about that.”The cashier...

Making the grade: On the road to The Bright Star

OPINION — If you are my age or older, you probably remember the 1972 commercial which said: “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.”Well, when Chef Jim Sikes talks about great restaurants, Stacey listens. After all, Chef Jim is an expert in the culinary arts. He owned...

On the Mark | Bulldogs face tough test against Hoover

OPINION — The wait is finally over. After months of preparation, the Opelika Bulldogs (0-0) will kick off the 2026 season Thursday night when they host Hoover (1-0) at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.The Hoover Buccaneers arrive in Opelika fresh off a...

Kids talk about God | Why is it important to have eyewitnesses tell about Jesus?

OPINION — “If I told my teacher that a UFO landed on the playground during recess, she’d ask for video proof,” said Logan, 9. “Same thing if someone said Jesus rose from the dead. I’d want to see the evidence.”That’s a fair request. Fortunately, the Bible doesn’t ask...
Altar Call | The helper

Altar Call | The helper

OPINION — Help is a fascinating word. To help someone is to provide assistance or support, to lighten another’s load. It can be a noun as in “Thank...

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Altar Call | The helper

Altar Call | Remember to forget

OPINION —In my ninth decade, there are memories that are indeed precious to me. I think of them as holy moments when I was blessed with the presence...

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