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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...

SCOT BELLAVIA: You Know What Happens When You Assume?

Some things in life shape our interpretation of it. There are fixed realities we can’t get around. We can have a worldview, a religious...

SCOTT DREYER: The Best Solution

Stop judging by outward appearance! Instead, judge correctly. - John 7:24 (GWT) Happy New Year! For many years when I taught an honors world cultures class...

MELINDA MYERS: Save Time and Increase Success by Creating a Garden Calendar

Ringing in the New Year is filled with resolutions that usually involve dieting and exercise.  Gardening is a great way to help accomplish those...

JEFF ELL: You’re Only Allowed One Truly Great Dog

There is an immutable law of the universe that not many people care to talk about. An incontrovertible principle that we all quietly accept,...

SCOTT DREYER: The World needs a STABLE influence

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the...

MELINDA MYERS: Winter Care for Houseplants

Holidays are filled with new plants and decorations that often find our houseplants relegated to any out of the way available space. Be sure...