April 24, 2019

A fond farewell to true royalty...

The 2019 Jackson Apple Festival Queens Contest was conducted last Saturday evening at the Jackson Middle School Auditorium and the spotlight and headlines rightfully belonged to the newly crowned royalty -- Queen Madison Strawser, First Attendant Brynna Boggs and Second Attendant Jayden Webb.
The Leatherbacks are back…

It is now the middle of April, and the Leatherback Sea Turtles are starting to re-appear on our Atlantic beaches. I heard of one set of prints that measured seven feet across. The Leatherback is the largest species of turtle in the world. It is the fourth largest Reptilian, only beaten by three species of Crocodilians.
Candidate Eric Brown endorsed

I have known Eric Brown since childhood. He has served on the Jackson City Council for the last 16 years, the last 4 years as President of Council. IMHO, he has done an excellent job.
New Food Pantry a ‘crazy thing’

As I read in the paper, they are constructing a building for the Jackson Food Pantry Program. They are always needing money and food, but to build a new building at $300,000 dollars is one crazy thing.
To Dave Gill: ‘Fireman’ to many; ‘friend’ to all

Dave Gill was a man who loved McArthur and Vinton County and did his best to make his community and county a better place to live. Last Tuesday morning, the former long-time McArthur Fire Chief and Village Councilman was given a fitting tribute when he was laid to rest. It was made very clear on that day that Gill had many friends and admirers.
Editor’s Tidbits, Trivia and Tributes...

The big social happening of the school year at every high school -- the prom -- is coming up soon at our local high schools in Jackson and Vinton counties. Jackson and Vinton County will celebrate on Saturday, April 27 while the Wellston and Oak Hill events are set for Saturday, May 4.
Markay ranks as true downtown gem

Although the renovated auditorium of the Markay Cultural Arts Center will be marking its fourth-year anniversary this August, we should never take for granted this true gem of a facility we have to showcase live performances right here in Jackson County. Meanwhile, the front gallery hosts a wide variety of rotating art exhibits and related receptions to spotlight artistic talent and to please those who appreciate it.
Rainbows: Color my world...

A few days ago, we had a perfect rainbow in our backyard. It started to form a second rainbow, but it did not completely form before fading away. The thought then crossed my mind, “Why are rainbows curved?” It has been a long, frustrating journey but I now have an elementary understanding of why rainbows are curved.
Columnist shops at Spring Showcase – for information!

Shopping for information at the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Showcase:
To Jim: So long, dear friend, and thank you

With the right mindset, life is a continual learning process – from cradle to grave – and we should be eternally grateful for the people who come into our lives and show us how it should be done. For me, the late James E. (Jim) Price was such a person, and lately I have found myself reflecting on his positive influences, after he died last month at the age of 80 at his retirement home near Wilmington, North Carolina.