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Today's Opinions

  • Restoring a right to participate

    Thursday, State Sen. Jimmy Higdon, State Rep. Terry Mills and the Rev. Jim Graf greeted convicted felons at the Marion County Library. Only a few people showed up, but the reason they were there will likely have at least some interest to many in our community.

    Convicted felons lose their right to vote, but, after they have served their time and paid all their fines, fees and restitution, they may have that right restored.

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  • Be consistent on open government

    As both a former journalist and public official, I read with more than a passing interest the recent story, editorial, and column concerning the actions of the Marion County Board of Education.

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  • Happy meal trip yields unexpected golden prize

    As the economy goes to the dogs, many dogs end up discarded. The lucky ones either end up in a new home, a rescue group or end up at an animal shelter.  Such was not the case for one Golden Retriever, who found herself no longer the cute, golden-coated puppy with the large brown eyes adored by some family. As a “disposable” animal, she found herself on the road, alone, and finally ended up at the McDonalds in Springfield. You might not think it is such a bad place to be. There is, after all, plenty of food going out their door.

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  • A watchdog

    What would my dad do?

    I have asked myself that question many times within the past week and a half.

    Apparently, the stars have been out of whack or something because some unbelievably strange things have happened to me in the newspaper world lately. I have found myself scratching my head, in utter dismay, and wondering to myself, "What would my dad do?"

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  • Concrete support for cancer research

    If you thought you saw a cement truck with a big pink ribbon painted on it recently, you weren't hallucinating.

    Marion County Concrete has painted the ribbon on one of its trucks to convey a simple message: "Find a Cure."

    Jeremy Hodges, the owner and operator of Marion County Concrete, said they decided to paint the truck in memory of his mother-in-law, who died after being diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. He thought about how close his family was with his mother-in-law and with Relay for Life coming up, it seemed like a good time to do it.

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  • Open for debate

    The Marion County Board of Education and Superintendent Donald Smith speak often about their desire to be "transparent."

    However, a discussion that took place last week during an executive session would seem to contradict that. That discussion, which involved a redistricting issue that could potentially affect an entire neighborhood, should have taken place in open session. But, instead, it was discussed behind closed doors.

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  • Calling for help

    They say the best time to fix a leaky roof is when the sun is shining.

    Something similar could be said for building a cellular tower where there is no service.

    Bradfordsville area residents have known for a long time that cellular service has been virtually non-existent in the southeastern part of Marion County. This is an issue that affects those residents, obviously, but it also affects anyone who crosses through that part of the county, whether to visit friends and family or even if they are just passing through to get somewhere else.

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  • Ride for Relay

    My name is Debbie Drury and I am an 11-year breast cancer survivor.

    With all the horrible things I had heard about this disease, I was absolutely petrified of what I had to look forward to. After a mastectomy (which made me feel so ugly), six months of chemo (which made me so sick) and six surgeries later, including another mastectomy, I was so tired and worn out I didn't know if I was gonna make it or not but I did and I'm here now.

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