Redistricting has twice disrupted Emmett Hanger’s 37-year tenure in the General Assembly. He had served nine years as a Republican member of the House of Delegates when, in 1991, redistricting removed him from a strongly Republican district and placed him in a district more friendly to Democrats. That November, Hanger lost to Democratic challenger Creigh Deeds.
April 7, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Ben Cline, did you know a grand jury determines whether there is cause to pursue felony charges. This jury does not convict an individual, only hands down an indictment. They must find reasonable cause to indict.
Recently I was confronted with one of my pet peeves – the inability, or at least, the difficulty of repairing something. I’m a tinkerer by nature, and also cheap, and I hate to toss something that I think could be fixed, if parts or some sort of repair manual were available. But the ever-accelerating “throw-away economy” makes fixing anything a real chore. Add to that the fact that so many things made today are of poor quality, and are designed for a relatively short useful life, so you’re forced to buy one again.
The Rockbridge-Buena Vista Mental Health Association launched a public fund campaign to raise $25,000 to construct a new clinic building adjacent to the health department building on White Street.
March 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: How can we continue to remain silent after the last school shooting? Three 9-year-olds just died in their school room near Nashville, the state next door to Virginia. Every one of the murderer’s seven weapons were legally purchased.
The Community Table of Rockbridge was founded on the simple premise that everyone deserves a nourishing meal, regardless of socioeconomic status, and that bringing together folks representing diverse backgrounds to enjoy such a meal has benefits for everyone in our community. Known as the “restaurant without a cash register,” CTR offers its meals free of charge, though donations are accepted from those who can afford it and choose to do so.
When first lady Jill Biden was asked in a CNN interview this week what she thinks of Nikki Haley’s call for “mandatory mental competency tests” for candidates older than 75, she didn’t hesitate. “That’s ridiculous,” she snapped. Would her husband, inquired the interviewer, consider taking such a test? “We would never even discuss something like that,” said Biden.
April 3, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: The weather is warming up and the spring flowers are out. If you’re anything like me, your thoughts are turning to gardening! Have you considered planting a tree? In addition to adding interest, flowers, and shade to your yard, trees can help remove excess water, feed pollinators, and shelter birds.
March 30, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Kudos to the entire cast and crew of “Chicago,” performed last weekend to crowds at Rockbridge County High School.