Columns
Latest Columns
Column – Entire state parole board should resign
Last week I told you how the parole board was under investigation by the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG). The investigation was set ... Read more
3 days ago by Tommy Wright.
The strangest year as a sports editor continues
In the spring when the COVID-19 pandemic led to the shutdown of all spring sports and then when the shutdown extended to Dixie all-star season, ... Read more
3 days ago by Titus Mohler.
Column – Lockboxes would undermine election
Sadly, in the dark of the night, this governor’s administration is trying to undermine our democracy as we know it. Last week, the Department of ... Read more
3 days ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Democrats want to abolish mandatory minimum sentencing
Last Wednesday, House Democrats had their second hearing on criminal justice reform. The testimony by speakers invited by House Democrats should concern any Virginian who ... Read more
6 days ago by Tommy Wright.
COLUMN — I ordered groceries online, here’s how it went
Before the pandemic, grocery shopping was one of my favorite stress relievers. I could spend hours going down every aisle, planning out dinner or just ... Read more
6 days ago by Alexa Massey.
Medicare-X would provide low-cost health insurance for all
On Jan. 15, 1940, the Richmond Times-Dispatch ran a quarter-page photo of a professionally dressed, bespectacled man signing some seemingly unceremonious clerical papers. Such a ... Read more
1 week ago by Guest Columnist.
Welcome back students by wearing a mask
For the first time since March, Farmville will return to its status as a two-college town with the reopening of Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College ... Read more
1 week ago by Roger Watson.
Column – Death rates from virus are very low
by wearing a mask W e have been inundated with data about the coronavirus since March. The news media has covered the issue relentlessly for ... Read more
1 week ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Democrats’ policy is symbolism over substance
As you may have already heard, last Thursday, under cover of darkness, Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn had a number of Confederate busts along with the Robert ... Read more
2 weeks ago by Tommy Wright.
COLUMN — STEPS says ‘thank you’
Thank you, Prince Edward County’s Board of Supervisors! Thank you for caring. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your taking your time to weigh ... Read more
2 weeks ago by Guest Columnist.
COLUMN — Broadband solution is over our heads
This email is about your editorial dated July 2, entitled “Broadband has become a necessity.” I agree with you that the divide between “have” and ... Read more
2 weeks ago by Guest Columnist.
Column – Trying to stay positive
All of us have been challenged by the events in the news this year. It was heartbreaking enough when our lives were flipped on end ... Read more
2 weeks ago by Frank Ruff.
Democrats’ policy is symbolism over substance
As you may have already heard, last Thursday, under cover of darkness, Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn had a number of Confederate busts along with the Robert ... Read more
2 weeks ago by Tommy Wright.
Column – Remote learning is the right decision
Area school officials are making the right decision by moving to online classes for the fall. As sad as it is to think there will ... Read more
2 weeks ago by Roger Watson.
COLUMN — There is no debate, seat belts save lives
I’m old, but sometimes the news still amazes me, especially these days. The latest news story to amaze me was a sad statistic from a ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Roger Watson.
COLUMN – Public hearing is the right option for statue resolution
The Farmville Town Council, much maligned for its handling of the removal of the Confederate statue, got it right earlier this month when it decided ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Roger Watson.
Child care funding requested
As Virginia continues to reopen we need to make sure our children are cared for safely. Earlier this week I sent a letter to Speaker ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Guest Columnist.
Students should return to the classroom
Gov. Ralph Northam has finally called legislators back to Richmond for the special session to work on the budget. The General Assembly will convene August ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Matt Fariss.
Law enforcement to be topic of discussion in special session
I appreciate all the calls and emails I have received over the past couple of months from my constituents regarding the current school reopening situation. ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Tommy Wright.
Trying to understand school reopening plans
Let me begin with this statement — we all should be cautious during this period of COVID-19. We should all wear masks when we are ... Read more
3 weeks ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Bill would provide computers for veterans, students
This week I was proud to sponsor the Computers for Veterans and Students Act with Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), and Congresswoman ... Read more
4 weeks ago by Guest Columnist.
COLUMN — Warner discusses $100 billion broadband proposal
Access to high-speed internet is a necessity in our digital economy. Especially now, during this global health crisis, broadband internet is essential for individuals applying ... Read more
4 weeks ago by Guest Columnist.
Governor’s school plan presents many challenges
Business is not the only thing that has changed this year because of the COVID-19 issues. In mid-March, Gov. Ralph Northam made the decision to ... Read more
4 weeks ago by Frank Ruff.
Law enforcement curriculum to be examined
In recent months, our nation has struggled with its responses to two diseases, COVID-19 and racism. One stems from a viral threat, and the other ... Read more
4 weeks ago by Guest Columnist.
COLUMN: Less law enforcement means more crime
Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn has decided to convene a joint meeting of the Public Safety and Court of Justice committees to consider “reforms” ... Read more
1 month ago by Tommy Wright.
COLUMN – School plan presents many challenges
Business is not the only thing that has changed this year because of the COVID-19 issues. In mid-March, Gov. Ralph Northam made the decision to ... Read more
1 month ago by Frank Ruff.
Column – Law enforcement curriculum to be examined
In recent months, our nation has struggled with its responses to two diseases, COVID-19 and racism. One stems from a viral threat, and the other ... Read more