Column Articles

Altar Call | You can still hear them laughing

BY WALT ALBRITTON OPINION — In one of the antique stores my wife loved to visit, Dean found a plaque with these words on it: “If you love somebody enough, you can still hear the laughter after they’re gone.” She paid $3 for it, brought it home and found a place for it...

On the Mark | July 24, 2025

OPINION — The 2025 Junior DBB Baseball World Series 13U kicks off July 25–29 at West Ridge Park, welcoming 11 state champions plus hometown team Opelika. This double-elimination tournament, hosted by the city of Opelika Parks and Recreation and Auburn-Opelika Tourism,...

Sean of the South | Last night at the Opry

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION — I arrive at the Opry House a few minutes before rehearsal. My guitar and fiddle cases trip the metal detector, so the security guard makes me open them.“You ain’t smuggling moonshine, are you?” says the guard with a watchful eye.“No,...

Sean of the South | Weird Al

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION — The boy didn’t have a lot going for him. At least, that’s what his parents first thought.His parents were concerned. The other children would not stop laughing at their son. The other kids had turned him into a joke.His name was Al. And...
Sean of the South | A Jigsaw Mother’s Day

Sean of the South | Dumpling

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION — I’m 5 years old. On Mama’s stove is a steaming stock pot, filling the world with the essence of chicken and dumplings.I’m...

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