Articles

Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: When we lived in Northern Virginia, my wife and I joked that neighbors might call Child Protective Services on us for letting our girls play in the front yard without us. That’s a sad sort of gallows humor for simply fostering independence in our kids.

Jan. 19, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: America is now a tale of tails wagging the dog.

Jan. 19, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Sing this to the tune, “Mary Did You Know …” Ben Cline: did you know $600 billion in taxes has gone uncollected?

Jan. 22, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: After enjoying the full coverage of the community’s Martin Luther King Parade in last week’s paper, it was surprising to turn the page and see a massive spread devoted to a step back in history. Apparently, The News-Gazette never received the news that our commonwealth abolished Lee-Jackson Day in 2020.

Jan. 22, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Since I was not able to attend the MLK march on the 16th, I really enjoyed your photographic coverage of the event. The pictures really told the story: a huge turnout of local folks celebrating the progress toward justice we’ve made so far and committed to the ongoing work of righting age-old and persistent wrongs. It is great to see a full page of good news! Thanks to all those who organized these events. ANNE HANSEN Rockbridge Baths

Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: When Ben Cline was our Virginia state delegate, I met with him several times requesting his support of antigerrymandering legislation in Richmond. Although he acknowledged the tacit unfairness of politicians selecting their own voters, and claimed he would work to find a compromise, he never followed through. Instead, he fell in line with his political party and opposed any efforts to establish fair redistricting rules. Despite their stonewalling, a groundbreaking anti-gerrymandering law was passed by our state legislature, which now serves as a template for other states.

Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News Gazette: I am writing in response to a letter to the editor in the Jan. 18 edition from Cynthia Atkins regarding a polling precinct being located in a religious facility. On behalf of the Rockbridge Electoral Board, I would like to address several concerns Ms. Atkins expressed in her letter.

Doris Ruby Porterfield, 92, of Lexington was born Sept. 7, 1930, in Washington, D.C., to the late James and Bernice Jones.

Phyllis Withrow Fitzgerald, 78, of Lexington was welcomed home Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023.

Joseph Boyd Thompson, age 85, passed away Jan. 20, 2023, in the Benjamin Borden Health Center at Kendal at Lexington.

Mark Lee Braford, 63 of Natural Bridge Station died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.

Carl Preston Deacon Sr., 68, of Fairfield went to be with the Lord on Dec. 22, 2022, at his residence.

In the early morning hours of Jan. 20, 2023, Clarence Burton “CB” Potter passed away peacefully surrounded by family. CB was 66 years old.

Richard “Calvin” Fridley Sr., age 77, of 2316 Kanawha Trail, Covington, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at 341 Grande Road in Covington.

Bonnie Jane Painter Clements, 76, of Fairfield, gained her angel wings on Jan. 16, 2023.

Robbie Lynn McBride, 65, of Vesuvius, passed away Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023.

With great sadness, the family of Mary Marlene Mason announce her passing on Jan. 11, 2023, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

In Memory Of

Jacob Wolfe “Jake” Piersol died suddenly at his home in Hacksneck on Jan. 15, 2023. He was 79.

IN MEMORY OF RUSSELL H COFFEY who God called home January 23rd Though we have been apart for a while Memories of you still make us smile We recall things you would say or do and the values you taught us as we grew We remember family times we had Some funny sometimes sad So, daddy with these memories deep in our heart You are always here and we are never apart Love Mama & Family

Bonnie Jean Jackson Slater, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 12, 2023.