back to top

Columnists

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, and it has been hard to figure out where and how to jump back...

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...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Sometimes President Trump Needs To Think Before He Speaks – Part II

Contrary to what President Trump believes, I think that Lakanwal was adequately vetted before September 2021,...

MIKE KEELER: A Messenger God?

Perhaps you've already heard. About a celestial body who is hot, fast and magnetic. He's emotional and moody, ranging from -280 to +800 degrees...

DICK BAYNTON: Two Nations

Politicians, government officials and many others have noted that our nation is divided; some believe by race, some think it’s politics while others believe...

DICK BAYNTON: The Clash of Crises

When we attend high school, we are under the tutelage of a principal, teachers, coaches and at home we have the backup of family...

JOHNNY ROBINSON: Another Miserable Hike with James

     “Looks good, James. You first!” We’re facing a shallow sea of cold muddy water. We’ve just hiked down off of Kelly's Knob to...

DICK BAYNTON: Corruption, Disruption, Dysfunction

Let’s start this treatise with commentary about Rahm Emanuel, the current and 44th Mayor of Chicago since 2011. Mr. Emanuel has been dedicated to...

MIKE KEELER: Where Eagles Dare (Or Not)

On the afternoon of July 4, 1776, right after signing the Declaration, the Continental Congress appointed three men - John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and...