Today's Opinions

In light of the recent untimely deaths, criminal activity in our community and the tragedy in the Connecticut elementary school, my 2013 New Year’s resolution is to take the lead in making our community a safer and more secure place to live. I want to begin by promoting character development in our children.

At some point, parents think about the kind of person their child will grow up to be. This is different from what they may do for a living. This involves issues of integrity, honesty and caring for others.

Christmastime brings lots of emotions, from the joy of seeing friends and family to the sadness of not seeing those who have died and aren't here anymore.

And while the sights of Christmas should bring jolliness and good tidings, for others it's just plain sad.

This Christmas was a first for me - the first I have had without any grandparents. There was no driving through the woods to get to grandmother's house.

For all the joy and hope Christmas brings to some, it can mean the searing pain of loneliness to others.

I had just pulled onto I-65 at the Franklin exit when I saw a hitchhiker holding a sign that said "Chicago."

My wife's words were echoing in my ears, "Don't pick up strangers when you're out on the road."

Wives are like that. But he looked too old to be much of a threat. Besides, there was a nasty looking cloud moving in from the west. I pulled over and stopped and he climbed in beside me.