News

D ebbie Petty and Renee Vines live in Lewisburg, Tenn., have various career backgrounds, and have come together to write children’s books as part of their ministry to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Here’s their story: Debbie worked in news for 24 years before deciding to become a stay at home mom in 2020. Most days since then, she spends her time with small children she keeps for families from church. “Writing a children’s book was never something I thought I would do,” said Debbie. “Other than reading children’s stories to my littles, I don’t even like to read,” she continued while laughing. Renee on Lhe other hand, taught school for many years. She loves to read all types of books and journals regularly. However, writing a children’s book was never something these Sisters in Christ and in-laws ever discussed. “It wasn’t really planned, because we had a lot going on last year,” remarked Renee. It was a busy season with the Petty’s daughter marrying one of the Vines’ sons. “One day while refl ecting on the goodness of God, a description of Him came to my mind,” Debbie said thoughtfully. “God is so good, so loving and kind, full of mercy and grace He is simply divine.” It would later become the first page of their children’s book, “God is Simply Divine.” It is told through rhyme, lays out the Gospel of Jesus, and is dedicated to three of the littles who are very special to them. “Debbie started it, but I added to the story and finalized it…this is usually how things work,” Renee said in jest. “Debbie sent me all that she had written. She told me that we were writing a children’s book.” She said, “This is what I’ve written, but you have to finish it!” At first, Renee was a little skeptical, but she said that as she read what Debbie wrote and they prayed about the possibility of a book, the Lord began to show them how this book should be finished. Renee added, “Since then, we’ve felt as if the Lord has given us opportunities to write more and show how He is ‘Simply Divine.’” The second book came shortly after their first release. For this story, Renee began writing and took the lead. The book is titled, “Bo has Questions, Do You?” It came directly from questions that children asked after hearing and/ or reading the first book, “God is Simply Divine.” The book tells the story of Bo and the things he ponders about God as he asks his Papa Jay while his grandfather gets ready to tuck him in for the night. Bo’s curiosity is pretty deep as he asks about who God is. The authors want to answer these difficult questions in a way that is simple enough for not just the character to understand, but children everywhere to be able to grasp who Jesus really is.

O n Saturday, March 28, starting at 4:00 p.m., there will be a fundraiser to support Emmy Bruce who is battling breast cancer. BBQ plates $15, Kids’ plates $8. Easter Bunny photos can be taken and there will be a Silent and Dessert Auction. This fundraiser will take place at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 304 N Main Street in Chapel Hill.

Opening & Ribbon Cutting

B elfast Volunteer Fire Department, Station 53, and Marshall County OEM were dispatched to the area of 129 and Railroad Street in Petersburg on Thursday, March 19, at8:i7a.m. Asemi-truck, hauling empty chicken crates, overturned off the roadway. The accident resulted in the driver having minor injuries.

M ayor Jim Bingham proclaimed March 11, 2026, as “Arbor Day” in Lewisburg. This is to recognize that in 1872, a special day was set aside for the planting of trees. The holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees and now this day is observed throughout the nation and the world.

14 days.