Opinion

'Poundings' were once commonplace

Marshall McClung
Thursday, April 16, 2026
I recently attended a "pounding" – the first one I had been to in years.Although quite common in earlier times, today, many people would think you were talking about a fist fight.

Online gambling dangerous for teens

Lynne Stevens
Thursday, April 16, 2026
The horses are all in the gate – and they're off!Going to Pimlico Race Track on Preakness Day – which is the second race of the coveted Triple Crown – was a long-time tradition in my home when I was a kid.

Automatic Social Security cuts loom

Lynne Stevens
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Everyone wants their parents to be safe and secure in their senior years.  Our children need the wisdom of grandparents and many are relied on to help care for young grandchildren. Our older generation are an integral part of our culture and what they bring to young families is priceless.

He is risen, indeed! What a Savior!

Eric Reece
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Easter: just to hear the word brings joy to my heart! Easter is more than a day and a holiday. Easter is a promise from God: death does not win in the end. Jesus has conquered death and His promise is, “I am the resurrection and the life.

What winter is this?

Marshall McClung
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Our recent series of cold spells – after a period of weather more like summer – has folks wondering what name goes with each one. Spring is an unpredictable time of year. You may have summer like weather one day and snow the next day.

Right is right and wrong is wrong

Scott Kamps
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
I’m unashamedly a “conservative Christian, right-wing Republican, straight, white, American male” who voted for Donald Trump.  While I’d reject the Leftists pigeonholing me as hateful, racist, bigoted, etc.

‘Baby Ben’ ran the house

Maeburl Tincher
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
This clock provides a callback to the writer’s childhood with “Baby Ben.” Daddy had a lot of children, but his favorite was Baby Ben. The youngest among us were Phyllis and Joe, but it was Baby Ben who ruled the roost – and he let us all know when it was time to roost.

500 years of Tyndale’s New Testament

Eric Reece
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The English-speaking world has a great anniversary to celebrate this year, as 2026 is the 500th anniversary of the publication of William Tyndale’s English New Testament.  Tyndale was a gifted, devoted and determined priest.
Members of the "Older American Program" learned it was never too late to obtain an education, or improve their life skills. All names are listed from left. Front row: Mildred Holder, Lillian Slaughter, Dina Wachacha Waldroup and Jura Mae Jordan. Back row: Chester Bradshaw, Oleta Nelms and Tri-County Community College GED Instructor Tonia Walsh. Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

Members of the "Older American Program" learned it was never too late to obtain an education, or improve their life skills. All names are listed from left. Front row: Mildred Holder, Lillian Slaughter, Dina Wachacha Waldroup and Jura Mae Jordan. Back row: Chester Bradshaw, Oleta Nelms and Tri-County Community College GED Instructor Tonia Walsh. Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

‘Older American Program’ gained national attention

Marshall McClung
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
* Conclusion of a 3-part series The “Older American Program” on the Cheoah Ranger District continued into the 1990s, while I was still with the U.S. Forest Service.  I have mentioned that the program ran smoothly, with only a few minor problems.