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Columnists

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Is Phase Two Of Trump‘s Peace Plan In The Gaza Strip Doomed To Fail? – Part I

Phase one of Trump‘s twenty-point peace plan in the Gaza Strip, which began on October 9, called for a ceasefire, cessation of military operations, along with a hostage and prisoner...

FRED FIRST: Approaching the Longest Night

Yes, you’re right—if you’ve even noticed—that this space has been neglected for some weeks now,...

A Life Well-Lived: Shirley Padgett Lester (1947-2025)

Shirley Padgett Lester of Vinton went to her heavenly reward October 4. Below is the...

BOB BROWN: How the White House Functioned With a Diminished Biden “Presidency”

Permit me to think out loud as an old-fashioned person who respects authority, history, and...

JOHNNY ROBINSON: The Gratitude Perch

On the old road up Mill Mountain, part of Roanoke’s fabulous greenway system, there’s a...

MELINDA MYERS: Planting Tips for Growing Success

Increase your growing success by giving your transplants a good start with a few simple planting techniques. Preparing them for the transition outdoors and...

STUART REVERCOMB: Why Not Just Listen To The Officer?

You see flashing blue lights behind you so you take the time to find a good, safe, well-lit spot to finally pull over. Two...

SCOTT DREYER: Make A Plan To Get Debt Free

“Go, sell the oil and pay your debts.” --2 Kings 4:7a In a recent column “Use what you have,” we saw how a desperate widow about...

MELINDA MYERS: Cool and Refreshing – Cucumbers

Add a cool refreshing twist to your meals, beverages, appetizers, and snacks with cucumbers.  These popular vegetables are grown worldwide, adding anti-inflammatory vitamin K,...

SCOTT DREYER: Use What You Have 

“Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”   --2...

SCOT BELLAVIA: People in Suits and Human Nature

During my quarter-life crisis, a phase from which I still carry residual angst, I developed a hatred of authority. Professors and employers alike were...