To the Editor, Floridian disaster Simplicity of rain Water flows Things grow Streams trickle Rivers flood Disaster happens Tears shed Sun shines Rebuilding begins Oh to be back home in John Denver’s “Almost Heaven, West Virginia.” Country roads, take me home to the place I belong. Steve Kopa Weirton
To the Editor, Autumn deepens, temperatures cool; Halloween draws nigh. Like vampires at dusk, the religious dogmatists begin to stir. Internet posts appear from these cheerless killjoys, warning spooky merrymakers of dangers presented to their eternal souls, by All Hallow’s E’en, having nothing to do with ghosts or monsters. “Satanism!” they charge, in baleful warning. “Pagan celebration! If it doesn’t glorify God,” they scowl, “…it glorifies Satan! Witchcraft!” From that perspective, they’re absolutely right. Our Halloween indeed draws its origins from ...
To the Editor, As a child of 6, I had four other brothers, and a sister. Being that my parents were on a right budget, we couldn’t afford a house pet. Well as my Dad was tending to the backyard, planting flowers for my Mom. As he was digging holes for the flowers, I seen with my delight... earthworms. YES! Pets to have. And they’re free! I then asked my Dad if I could have one. Dad said okay. But to my surprise, there were two more earthworms. Another yippee for me. So I found a little wooden crate in the garage. I filled it with fresh dirt. And then I placed my new Friends ...
To the Editor, In June 2016, the Hancock County Commission would not renew the standard animal shelter operation contract with a nonprofit that had operated the shelter for 20 years. The nonprofit had accumulated over $300,000 in Animal Shelter Excess Levy funds from the 2008 and 2012 Animal Shelter Excess levies. Both levies had language stating the funds were being raised to provide financial support for the nonprofit, not the Commission. The levies mandated funds raised could only be used to pay shelter operation expenses. The 2012 levy included an additional clause stating 20% ...
To the Editor, The 2022 Fall Riverfest is in the books and everything turned out perfectly. Everyone did their jobs to ensure that this event was safe and enjoyable. There’s so much more involved then the public realizes with so many people working behind the scenes. When this seemingly “chaotic mess” actually pulls together and goes off without a snag, it’s a bewildering moment for all. Thanks to the Riverfest/Parade Committee chaired by Chick Skinner and totally coordinated by Tammy Jenkins. Members included: Betty Skinner, Diane Wells, Maureen Vulgamore, Jim Ewing, Trisha ...
To the Editor, October has been officially named Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For almost 40, years pink ribbons and pink decor have been seen at local businesses in support of this month. In women, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death. No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Currently there is no known cure for breast cancer and its early detection is critical to survival. Early detection can be found in annual mammograms. Do not worry about the cost, because many ...