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Columnists

BOB BROWN: “Portraits of the Human Person”

On the night of June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump said all seven B2 Bombers had safely returned from an unprecedented successful attack on Iran’s fortresses of nuclear weapon...

BECKY MAUPIN: The After Bedtime Search

Picture this: You manage to get everyone fed and the dinner aftermath cleaned up. Then...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Israel’s Second Sum Of All Fears

I first heard about a dirty bomb in early September 1993 when an IBM coworker,...

BOB BROWN: What Happened to Happiness?

We can quibble about the origin, even the definition or meaning of “happiness,” but I’m...

FRED FIRST: Homeward Bound

It would happen: the trip back to Floyd. And then it wouldn’t. And then it...

SCOT BELLAVIA: A Proposal for Meaningful Legislation

If you’ve been reading my articles since I started writing for The Roanoke Star, you’ll know I usually stick to more serious topics. In-person,...

SCOTT DREYER: What is Biden Hidin’?

The support group Alcoholics Anonymous has helped numerous people over the years with its 12 step program, and Step 1--the crucial foundation to all...

SCOTT DREYER: “[…] Do Justly […]”

“ Do justly ” - ]  -Micah 6:8 Law enforcement has been at the top of our national conversation for the past five months, and...

MELINDA MYERS: Homegrown Garnishes Add Flavor, Nutrition and Eye Appeal to Meals

Make your meals just a bit more special with homegrown garnishes.  You invest time and money growing, purchasing, and preparing quality ingredients. But do...

MIKE KEELER: Covid Cuisine Idea #276-12

But first, why couldn’t you sleep last night? It was probably the Harvest Moon, the full moon of Autumn marking the end of the...

SCOT BELLAVIA: It Takes a Village

When I was in school, teachers each considered their class the most important. They thought themselves astute to load their students with as much...