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Opinion

  • This New Year's Day: Merry...

    This New Year I want to wish you a Merry Christmas!

    I have this strange belief that Christmas can be celebrated every day of the year. I realize Christmas 2008 is a fading memory, but before you place it in your scrapbook of holidays, take a moment to reflect on how you can enjoy the best of Christmas every day of the year. When Christmas is in your heart, you can pull it up and savor the finest aspects of Christmas anytime. But we have to get beyond the nastiness of Christmas memories to the true meaning of the event.

  • Christmas Eve massacre was domestic

    When I first heard that a man in a Santa suit had gone on a murderous rampage in Montrose, Calif. on Christmas Eve, I did not know the full story. The first news reports did not tell us that this was in fact a domestic violence situation.

  • There's more to Girl Scouting...

    Often, when one hears the words "Girl Scouts," they think of cookies.

    But scouting is about much more than just cookies. Just ask a Girl Scout.

    For nearly 100 years, Girl Scouting has helped to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

    According to the organization's Web site, Girl Scouting is the world's leading organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, young ladies build character and skills for success in the real world.

  • A giving community

    Hundreds of children received Christmas presents this year thanks to the efforts of volunteers for Toys for Tots and Toys for Kids.

    Ours is a giving community. However, all the giving in the world does not necessarily compute to a good project, especially when the needs seem to increase each year.

    Up this year to 640 children, the Toys projects sponsored by our local emergency services agencies are second to none.

    Without great organization - in other words Sharon Dobson and Denise Gupton - no project of this scope would ever see the light of day.

  • Merry Christmas

    And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

    (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

    And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

    And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David.)

  • Reach out to those hurting during...

    The holiday season is supposed to be a time for good tidings and joy. But, as we all know, that is not always the case.

    All too often, the holidays bring sadness and depression. Those who have lost a loved one are often reminded of that pain as Christmas, a time for spending time with our families, draws near.

    To that end, local support group GriefShare is offering a "Surviving the Holidays" meeting tomorrow from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Andrew United Methodist Church. For more information on this program, see today's Calendar page.

  • Pricing fans out of the game

    Generations of Americans have enjoyed whiling away an afternoon or evening with friends and family at the ballpark, joining in the old sports tune, "Take me out to the ballgame." But if you're an average Joe or Jill today, you've been taken out of the ballgame by corporate owners who now cater to upscale customers, pricing the experience beyond the reach of regular folks.

  • Project shows kids police aren...

    Shoes. Clothing. School supplies. Even a toy or two. After several years' absence, the local Kentucky State Police "Shop with a Trooper" program is back. And we know of at least seven kids who are happy about that.

     

    On Thursday evening, about a dozen troopers hit Wal-Mart to shop with seven kids from Taylor, Green, Casey, Marion and Washington counties. It's part of an outreach program that not only helps kids meet some basic needs, but also shines a positive light on law enforcement.

     

  • What have you got to lose?

    Change can be a good thing. And Wanda Washington is looking for a change.

    Washington is the coordinator of Greater Campbellsville United, a local organization that seeks to promote equal opportunity, equity and positive relationships. GCU also focuses on racial, ethnic, socio-economic, religious, gender and political groups in the community and throughout the region.

  • Can two become one?

    Has the time finally come to merge the Campbellsville and Taylor County school districts into one unified district?

    With the retirement announcement from Gary Seaborne and the decision of Diane Woods-Ayers to not seek a new contract, do we actually need two superintendents? Both school districts have scheduled to meet with the Kentucky School Board Association for guidance.

    Will the KSBA work on behalf of both districts with one fee?

    These are the November 2008 school district facts from the Kentucky Department of Education:

  • This holiday season, remember the...

    These days, getting the entire family around the same table is a rarity. That's why the holiday season is a perfect time to sit down with loved ones and talk about the many issues that too often go ignored.

    One issue that's worthy of discussion? The importance of reading drug labels.

    Americans today have access to more cutting-edge pharmaceuticals than ever before. But medicines carry risks. Failing to pay attention to a drug's label - by taking more than the recommended dosage or mixing with the wrong medicines - can lead to serious side effects.

  • Nationwide slump hits home

    Well, it appears that the worst has begun to trickle down.

    Last week, the national news reported that our nation is now "officially" in a recession - and has been since last year. While that's not news to most of us, we really haven't felt it too sharply on a local basis.

    Yes, the high gas prices over the past year have affected us deeply. But we cut back and made adjustments in our budgets, and in past weeks the prices have finally fallen.

  • Give thanks by spreading your...

    Today is a day officially set aside as a time for gratitude. And those of us who live in Campbellsville and Taylor County have so much for which to be grateful.

    Most of us will sit down with family members and friends for a meal that can only be described as a feast. We can also be thankful that we have friends and neighbors and churches who will be there for those who don't have family and friends nearby or for those who don't have the resources to provide their own feasts.

  • Official holiday season begins

    And we're off. The official 2008 holiday season has begun. And there's certainly no shortage of events and activities to help put us in the holiday spirit.

    Last Wednesday, the annual Santa's Helper award was presented, and winner Doug Mullins turned on the lights at Miller Park. This year's Christmas lights extend the entire length of the park. It won't take a trip out of town anymore to see beautiful Christmas displays.

  • Consider all the aspects

    We've got a bit of an oxymoron between today's Front page and the Opinion page.

    On the one hand, we have a feature story about the animal shelter and its no-fee adoption policy. However, this page features a letter to the editor from a woman cautioning us about bringing home pets at this time of the year.

    Obviously, adopting a pet is a huge responsibility, and parents who plan to give their children a pet need to make sure they - and their children - are truly prepared for that extra responsibility.

  • Band teaches more than just music

    Campbellsville High School Band Director Zach Shelton is excited and willing to work hard to reestablish the CHS Marching Band. And we're excited, too.

    The CHS band was once a powerhouse, with many trips to semifinal and final competitions. Those accomplishments made our community proud, and we're looking forward to feeling that pride again.

  • Marijuana: A Clear and Present...

    Dealing a blow to years of work and recent gains in youth drug prevention, Massachusetts has joined a growing, but still short, list of states to decriminalize marijuana possession.

    At least that is the intention of some 65 percent of voters checking "Yes" on a ballot initiative that makes possession of an ounce or less of marijuana a civil offense (punishable by a ticket) as opposed to a criminal one. And this on the same day that the same voters approved a ban on greyhound racing.

    Protect the dogs but throw the kids under the bus. Go figure.

  • Do more than just walk past

    After 100 years, we should all be familiar with the distinctive red kettles and their purpose. But how many of us have tossed in our spare change or even a few dollars to help those who need it during the holidays?

    Or do you walk right by the white wooden shelter with the shiny red kettle, pretending it's not even there?

    Consider the various Salvation Army volunteers. They give hours of their time to stand in the chill of winter, ringing a bell to - hopefully - grab our attention for a few seconds ... at least long enough for us to donate to their cause.

  • Sleep for the stubborn

    I noticed that the Sleep Center is having a ribbon cutting [today]. Without exaggerating, I honestly believe Dr. Assar El-Atfy and his team of sleep technicians saved my life.

    I had not rested for decades. I can remember first having trouble falling asleep in class as a fourth grader. By high school, I slept a little in practically every class. I never felt rested. My eyes usually burned with the urge to sleep. I was never safe to drive out of town because of my constant sleepiness. This pattern grew worse over a 25-year period.

  • 'Tis the season to volunteer

    The holiday season will soon be upon us, which is synonymous with celebrations that joyfully include food, families and friends. The holidays are also known to bring a sense of community that people express by spend time helping others.