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The approachable leader: How to let people in

Columnists

What makes a good supervisor? I have asked this question hundreds of times. The consistent answers when someone says they have a good leader are, “They are approachable,” “They are willing to work side by side with me,” and, “They don’t ask people to do things they do not do themselves.” This column is on approachability. My experience is the higher a person is on the organizational chart, the less approachable others assume they are. People are reluctant to ask questions, give suggestions, and share concerns when they perceive the person is in a powerful position. ...

Reader: The climate movement needs you

Letters to the Editor

So, you are concerned about the Climate Chrisi and are sure what to do about it. Know that you are not alone. Also know that the Climate Movement needs you, it needs everyone, to do everything we can to address this crisis. Here are some ideas: - Learn more about how our world is warming; the causes, consequences and actions that need to be taken to stop it. Start by visiting NASA’s website on climate - https://climate.nasa.gov - Talk about it, a lot, with friends, family, neighbors, everybody and anybody. - Get involved; join a climate group or two. Ask how you can help. You ...

Pulling a plumb out of the pie

Columnists

"The communists," the President blurted out, "already control the three major networks and forty major outlets of communication." But some of you believe Donald Trump said this, but actually, these words come from Lyndon Johnson's mouth in July 1965, reflecting his frustration with Vietnam. No doubt Trump has bandied around the Communist label when referring to the press and is equally frustrated by the fourth estate's coverage of Iran. Difference: LBJ said it in private, Trump tends to do it on Truth Social. Therein lies the rub. While visiting Xi Jinping, Trump has to be careful in ...

Pepperoni Roll Pop-up

Columnists

We never really know what creative ideas may pop up to help make learning activities available to more local students at Kump Education Center. The “Pepperoni Roll Pop-up” this Saturday was Laura Santmyer’s idea to help local students who might not have funding to pay full tuition for Spanish Camp. Pepperoni rolls from Gino’s Pizza will be on sale, Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm in the old IGA parking lot. This parking lot now serves the Randolph County Commission Annex where early voting has been taking place. The pepperoni roll lunches will include two sides, a cookie, and a ...

Harman leader stepping away

Letters to the Editor

Dear Members of the Harman community, It is with a full and grateful heart that I write to formally step down from my role as an advisor and advocate for Harman School and its future educational pathways. Serving in this capacity has been deeply meaningful to me. Harman is more than a place, it is a community defined by resilience, care, and an unwavering commitment to its children. I have been honored to contribute, even in a small way, to conversations about how we can best support the next generation and strengthen opportunities for students and families here. This decision has ...

Pedaling towards nowhere

Columnists

Donald Trump's second term has been marked by erratic and eccentric behavior. He no sooner took the oath of office than he proceeded with a campaign of revenge against his enemies. From shock and awe led by Elon Musk to his liberation day, introducing unpopular tariffs, Trump seemed more addicted to drama than governing. Add to that the suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state and Greenland be annexed, and he has succeeded in raising the national blood pressure by the second. Despite all this peripatetic action, Trump seemed furiously pedaling towards nowhere. Despite his ...