Opinions

Sept. 11, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: In the wake of the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe. Vs. Wade, 22 states have enacted restrictive or prohibitive antiabortion legislation.

Sept. 18, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Earlier this year, the county’s municipal finance consultant advised the Board of Supervisors that since our county has done a good job paying down its debt that we should “capture the decline” in debt payments so we could go into more debt.

Sept. 18, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: A big thanks to Ben Cline for voting for the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act.

Sept. 15, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Please vote for Lenna Ojure for the Buffalo District School Board position. She has taught at all levels of education during her 47 years here in Rockbridge County, including teaching teachers. She is currently training and guiding volunteers for the Rockbridge Regional Library’s Youth Literacy Program.

It’s always my objective to stick to the facts, making observations I think obvious and speculations I think reasonable.

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness month. This annual observance aims to raise awareness about prostate cancer, its risk factors, prevention strategies, the importance of early detection, and to generate support for those affected by the disease.

The Lexington Farmer’s Market will hold its first Apple Fest on Wednesday, Sept. 20, during the regular market hours of 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 6, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: In quiet grove of trees lie in repose those who gave their “the last full measure of devotion” for a cause which today many find repugnant.

50 Years Ago

I have been fascinated by beaches for as long as I can remember.

For anyone who is looking to welcome a new cat or dog into their home, now is an excellent time. The Rockbridge SPCA continues to be filled to capacity with cats and dogs and would love for anyone seeking a new pet to stop by the shelter and visit with the animals. An in-person encounter is the best way to find the right fit.

Sept. 3, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Matt Paxton told us in his column last week that the nationwide crisis regarding an informed citizenry has reached the Rockbridge area.

50 Years Ago

What do a large metro daily newspaper, a newspaper in a small New England town and an online news site in Southwestern Virginia have in common? They are all supported solely or in part by donations and grants.

One thing that Jean Clark has never done during her 43 years of promoting local tourism is rest on her laurels. Clark has been one of the most active and visible public officials in the Rockbridge area for decades, launching and overseeing numerous tourism initiatives while serving in various other roles, including being a member of the Rockbridge County School Board for a number of years.

Aug. 25, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: On a recent sweltering August day, I headed over to Goshen Pass to spend some time cooling down in Rockbridge County’s premier swimming pool. It is a natural wonder, large enough for one to swim super long laps, and to accommodate as many people as can line up their cars along Va. 39.

Aug. 25, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Plain and simple, President Trump’s mug shot shows him looking way more stronger than all the politicians put together.

Aug. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Will more dollars for our public schools produce better students? That’s the old “bucks for brains” question, one always answered by educators in the affirmative. They are always in the money chase. None of this is mentioned in your report of last week, “Officials Urge Action On JLARC Study.”

Aug. 25, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I have spent my summers in the same swimming hole on the Maury River since 1958 - upriver from the bridge in Rockbridge Baths. There was little change for the first 30 years: snails galore, turtles, frogs, tadpoles, healthy fish. The water was crystal clear.