Award-winning author Randall Franks joins long-time Ringgold Georgia Mayor Joe Barger in writing his autobiography Testing the Metal of Life (The Joe Barger Story) by Joe Barger with Randall Franks is released in October 2023. “Former Mayor Joe Barger called me several months ago and asked me to come over to his home,” Franks […]
As Labor Day passes by this is the first one that I actually recall being on strike on the day we acknowledge the contributions of American workers. I am part of the film and television industry and earlier this year, the screenwriters went on strike, and shortly thereafter the actors followed suit. While I am […]
It is only through paying attention that we can save our hometowns. In big cities, its often difficult to understand who does what, and how they are spending our money. In a small town though, it’s your city council that is responsible for deciding what is spent annually within its budget, or bi-weekly if the […]
Sometimes you just got to be hit on the head with a sledge hammer, a five iron or an iron skillet to realize something that has been staring you in the face all your life. I recently went to a One Book One Community event in my hometown where we welcomed a Georgia author who […]
As I awake, I turn off the alarm, I turn and plant my two feet firmly upon the floor. It is another day, I thank the Lord for another chance to serve Him. This day will be a blessing to someone, maybe God will use me to me a tool in that blessing. If not, […]
Across our country we are coming to the time when cities will host elections for the council members and mayors. Often, as Americans, we look towards the big races taking folks to Washington or the state capitols around the country but we forget about those positions that are closest to us. We forget those that […]
I pedaled as hard as I could up the hill. I was headed to my best friends house hoping to get a group together to head to the pool. I wasn’t much of a swimmer but in the heat of the summer, spending some time there on a hot day broke up the heat. As […]
Have you ever sought a particular outcome in any particular situation? Perhaps you have a dream job that you are working to reach. You have studied, gotten the education required. Then applied and achieved an interview and are awaiting a response. You are hopeful. The doctors have said you are facing a tough battle ahead […]
From my earliest memories of music emanating from our mahogany cabinet phonograph, there was always an album or two from one of gospel music’s longest running acts – the Chuck Wagon Gang. Their sound and history were unique; growing in much the same way other acts did from the Depression era, radio stations, […]
When I reflect upon my life, some of my greatest joy came upon the grounds and on stages of bluegrass festivals across the country. My youthful days brought a desire to throw an instrument in the car, a tent, sleeping bag and enough clothes and food to get by while I took in day and […]
