‘There are no insignificant stories’

By Tom Mattingly Whenever football fans get together, there’s always a story there for the taking. That’s why many sportswriters always have a notebook and pen or pencil to help punctuate and preserve the moment. In the cases that follow, the stories come quickly....

A look ahead to 2026 in sports

By Mark Nagi If you’ve read this column over the years, you might remember that this is the week when I make some bold calls as to what 2026 will look like in the world of sports locally, nationally and even internationally.  This is important work that I do not take...

The Return of Light

By Dr. Jim Ferguson Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10 I have been a stargazer all my adult life. Years ago, instead of a Red Ryder BB gun like Ralphie’s in the movie “A Christmas Story,” I asked Santa...

The Sacred In-Between

By Justin Pratt, Clear Springs Baptist Church Senior Pastor If you are like me, you are not particularly fond of the days between Christmas and New Year’s. The decorations remain, the songs still echo faintly, but the urgency, excitement, and expectation seem to have...