Editorial
October is National Bullying Prevention month, too
I had already decided what I was going to write my column about this week before I settled into bed, turned on my Kindle and started an episode of One Tree Hill. In the show a five-year-old boy named Jamie was dealing with being picked on at school. You see, Jamie wears a red cape to... »
Columnist at a crossroads over issues in election
I realized the other morning that as a woman, I stand to play a huge role in the upcoming election. Every time I listen to NPR, tune into a debate, read an article in the paper or stumble across an editorial online someone is asking about or talking about the importance of women’s issues... »
Shooting of young Pakistani girl prompts some soul searching
I don’t know when I have ever been more moved by the bravery of anyone than when I heard about the 14-year old girl from Pakistan who was shot in the head last week for speaking out against the Taliban’s ban on education for girls. She’s been an activist since she was 11. Malala... »
‘Grown ups’ could learn a little from kindness of kids
Simply put, sometimes grown-ups can be pretty mean. I know I can be a real jerk sometimes and my angry outbursts are usually directed at the people I care the most about. My poor boyfriend spends more time with me than anyone. This means he gets more fussing, bickering and anxiety-induced rants from me. We might not... »
Celebrating community, country style
Close-knit communities are everywhere, and they’re not always found in small towns or big cities. Sometimes they’re found way out in the “middle of nowhere.” The truth is, way out in the middle of nowhere is usually somewhere important to somebody. Take the old Rosses’ Creek one room school, for example. More than 200... »
October is breast cancer awareness month
Information released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that, “aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States.” The CDC also revealed that in 2008, the most recent year numbers were available, 210,203 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,589 women... »
Soft drink limit in NYC serves up some super-sized controversy
While there has been some local outcry against the upcoming vote on legalizing the sale of alcohol in Estill County, there’s been reaction from all over the country to the news that the New York City Board of Health has approved a ban to limit the size of sugary soft drinks to 16 ounces. The... »
Drug recovery is now a community effort
I was driving through Danville with my boyfriend the other day and noticed a banner stretched across one street promoting Recovery Month. I was happy to find out Judge-Executive Wallace Taylor issued a proclamation declaring September National Recovery Month in Estill County, too. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Recovery Month... »
Now is the time to build good journalists
I recently had a conversation with a new friend about how blessed I feel at my job. I am one of the lucky few who can say they are pursuing the career they have always wanted. My passion for writing began when I was younger just keeping journals. Initially my interest was sparked by my love... »
House fire shows little respect for property, feelings of others
Last week I took a photo of the house that burned at Wagersville which was only a mile or so up the road from where I live. There was no one else around at the time, and as I stood there on that hill beside the smoking ruins of the old house that was... »