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Letters to the Editor

Fighting to save the Harman School, again

I’m writing concerning the closure of Harman and Pickens schools. We the people of this community and taxpayers are deeply concerned for these children. The hazardous and lengthy trip over these mountains — not only in the winter, but summer, too — with all the transit trucks running Route 33. If I was a bus driver I would quit before I would take this responsibility on. In one of the Board addendums, I read that there is nothing in Harman to sustain this school. Well, that’s truly wrong. We may not have a Walmart, but we have the Harman Presbyterian Church, the Harman ...

‘Pardon the turkey’ this Thanksgiving?

Later this month, President Biden will pardon two turkeys at the White House, a symbolic gesture of mercy. Yet, every year in the U.S., over 224 million turkeys endure a far grimmer fate. These gentle birds are raised in overcrowded sheds thick with toxic fumes, their beaks and toes clipped to prevent stress-related aggression. At just 16 weeks, they are slaughtered—throats slit, bodies dumped into boiling water for feather removal. Meanwhile, their meat, laden with cholesterol and saturated fat, poses health risks to consumers. But there’s promising news: U.S. turkey ...

Reader: BOE must keep winter roads in mind

My take on the possible consolidation of the two schools, Harman and Pickens. But first, a story.  My father, Carroll Martin, was on the Randolph County Board of Education in the late 60s into the early 70s.  The Superintendent of Schools at the time was Jason Meadows. Both men were local folks so they knew the territory. Mr. Meadows called my father to ask him if he could spend the day riding on a school bus in the Harman area. He told my father that the folks in the Harman area were complaining that their kids were getting home late and sometimes getting to the school late.  ...

Reader: Plant-based diets to the rescue?

There is a problem with our food systems. The recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has led to illness, hospitalization and even death. The CDC, FDA and other health agencies are investigating, with fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties as the suspected sources of contamination. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen outbreaks linked to meat-based products, and it underscores a larger issue with food safety in animal agriculture. There is a better way. By embracing a plant-based diet, we can avoid these risks and enjoy delicious ...

Residents urged to fight to keep Harman School

As a concerned member of the Randolph community, it has come to my attention that Dr. Dilley has yet to come up with a plan for Harman or Pickens School. He has pushed back the date of voting for the closing of schools, but has yet to meet and discuss with the community leaders of Harman and Pickens to find alternative ways to keep the school open. Is this because he, along with other board members, have made up their minds and want to make it look like they are doing all they can? We assume that other board members have the best interest at heart. If so, why would they want to ...

What if we demanded honesty of politicians?

Just once. Just one time before election day I would like to see an interviewer stand up and lean towards — but not into —  a politician’s face and say emphatically: “If you don’t stop your filibustering (i.e.word salad) and start answering my questions this interview is over!” Can you imagine what television would look like the next day? I can. Joe Scarborough’s head would be spinning so fast his wife would be screaming for help but no one could help because of the friction heat. The hair of the hens on “The View” would look like they just climbed off a ...