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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...

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

A recent reading I had for Sunday school talked about having gratitude for the gifts we are given and expressing that in prayer....

Unexpected Bonuses From Writing

I enjoy writing, so producing a column every other week has been more of a pleasure than a chore. So far my family has...

“Accidents of Fate” Seek Out Some More Than Others

Napoleon Bonaparte once said "There is no such thing as an accident, only fate misnamed." While I would like to agree with the...

The Lendy’s Hot Dog Incident

When I was growing up, Lendy’s on Franklin Road in Roanoke was definitely my favorite restaurant. I mean, how could it not be,...

If You Build It, Will They Come?

Field of Dreams, notwithstanding, the answer in Roanoke is “No.”  Twice we have been shown that.  First, under the stewardship of Bern Ewert...

Ill-Fitting Costume Wreaks Horror

Ever had a three foot tall princess chide you about your weight?  I have, and it happens almost every year. Halloween has become...