Columns

An exciting and long awaited day brought a large crowd to Abbeville Monday for the official announcement of Pea River Electric Cooperative’s roll-out of the utility’s new high speed, fiberbased broadband subsidiary.

I love the book of John, especially chapter 3. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus is wonderful to read and I am always touched by this, especially the truth of John 3:16. My question is this: why does Nicodemus not understand what Jesus is saying? Do you have any suggestions?

The cooler mornings have been very pleasant but we are still facing drought conditions. Predictions are for some rain this week so maybe the showers will help. We still need to continue using caution with forest fires that easily spread. This time of year also brings a wonderful fragrance in the air with farmers harvesting crops. For those who do not live in peanut country, the smell of peanuts being turned and harvested is unique. Thanks to our farmers who are in the fields harvesting crops that feed and clothe many people.

Television subscribers who have Dish satellites were not very happy Saturday. They discovered that all football games that were televised on ESPN were blocked and offered as “Pay Per View” only. This is because ESPN and Dish had not reached an agreement but, as we understand, coverage was restored by Monday. That’s too late for all the football fans who were ready for some good games to watch Saturday. There were a lot of disgruntled people to say the least! ****** Do not burn outside without a permit! We are under a Red Flag warning. This occurs when we have warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds that produce an increased risk of fire. While we are enjoying the nice and comfortable weather with lower temperatures and less humidity, they don’t make conditions good for forest and grass fires. Please take precautions! ****** Friday’s homecoming parade in downtown Clayton was great. We commend the organizers and participants who made it a success. It was a fun day with good food and entertainment.

It’s been a busy hurricane season so far and all eyes were on the various paths predicted for Ian at press time Tuesday. Some models predicted landfall in the Florida Panhandle while others called for landfall in the Tampa area. Just last week Fiona caused devastation in Costa Rico and worked its way to Nova Scotia. We are thankful to the meteorologists who give us plenty of warnings about inclement weather and we pray for those who are directly

A columnist with the Alabama Political Reporter, a news outlet that does a fantastic job of informing the public about a wide range of subjects, has written informative information about broadband funding and American Rescue Plan Act monies that state and county officials are receiving. John Holmes is correct when he said these are unprecedented times for governmental bodies to receive a windfall of money that came as a result of COVID-19.

The opening of college football season for the state’s two SEC teams lacked a lot of excitement. The most excitement at the Auburn-Mercer game was the 90-minute game delay due to lightning and flooding at the stadium. The Tigers won the game 42-16 before a practically empty stadium after most fans left due to the game delay. The Crimson Tide shut out Utah State 55-0 for the Tide’s season opener. Next week the Tide plays the Longhorns at Texas A&M while Auburn plays San Jose State at home. Maybe the weather will be better and field play will be more challenging this Saturday.