by design | Sep 10, 2023 | Columnist, Hill, Ray Hill's Archives, Stories In This Week's Focus:
E. W. Marland of Oklahoma By Ray Hill The life story of Ernest Whitworth Marland is a tale of the rise and fall of an American businessman and politician like a Hollywood movie. It is the story of rising to amazing heights and falling just as far. Marland made an...
by design | Sep 5, 2023 | Columnist, Mattingly
‘He wanted to report the games and the people involved’ By Tom Mattingly During Ben Byrd’s career at the Knoxville Journal and in his other published works, there were precious few wasted words. He made his point clearly and moved on. He was a tenacious defender of...
by design | Sep 5, 2023 | Columnist, Major
The Gibbs Eagles Marching Band at Neyland By Ralphine Major ralphine3@yahoo.com The title was intriguing—‘No Stadium Tour.’ I was unaware that the Gibbs football team did not play any of their games on the home field in 2022. I have been a Focus writer since...
by design | Sep 5, 2023 | Columnist, Rector
Dark to light By Joe Rector One wonderful thing about retirement is being able to stay up late without having to face work the next day. Some of us who love those late nights also have part-time jobs that require us to hit the floor early. On my workdays, the alarm...
by design | Sep 5, 2023 | Columnist, Ferguson
Stages of Life Our days may come to 70 years, or 80, if our strength endures. Psalm 90:10 By Dr. Jim Ferguson When I heard of my friend’s diagnosis and hospitalization, I thought, “I might never see him again.” There is no satisfaction knowing my prognostication...
by design | Sep 5, 2023 | Black, Columnist
Justice Has Never Been Blind By Dr. Harold A. Black blackh@knoxfocus.com haroldblackphd.com Brenda Russell’s “Against the Law” (see the video) brings back some unpleasant memories of growing up black in the segregated south. I knew of no one under the illusion that...
