Columns

The American novelist Thomas Wolfe wrote, "You Can't Go Home Again." He was correct.  You can’t.  I tried it along with my friend, Philip. A near-fatal attack of sepsis has made driving an automobile a challenge for me and a firm no-no to my kids.  Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to Philip who has driven for some of the rich and famous and has been kind enough to … [Read more...] about March 29, 2026: Going Back to A Hometown That Is No Longer Home

I received a note from a reader last week chiding me for writing about the Okefenokee so much and that he and others were tired of it.  In fact, I have done only two columns on the Okefenokee this year, but I did allow mining proponents and opponents to express their positions on the subject.  So that’s four columns total. Is that overkill? Ironically, as I was mulling his … [Read more...] about March 22, 2026: A Eulogy To A Good Friend And Neighbor Who Made A Difference

Last week, Charlton County commissioner Drew Jones used this space to defend the actions of Toledo Manufacturing in the Okefenokee mining controversy. Comm. Jones, who also runs Toledo’s day-to-day operations, says Toledo has gotten a bad rap from me and others over their intentions and wished to clarify their position which includes how studies are done and by whom on whether … [Read more...] about March 15, 2026: Leading Okefenokee Mining Opponent Takes Issue With County Commissioner’s Rationale

My columns opposing the mining for titanium dioxide on Trail Ridge near our Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge have drawn a heavy reader response.  Almost all of it supporting a permanent ban on mining in the area. I also have received a rebuttal, asserting I have gotten my facts wrong. This from Drew Jones, a Charlton County commissioner.  It is in Charlton County wherein … [Read more...] about March 8, 2026: Toledo Manufacturing Gives Its Side Of Okefenokee Mining Issue