Columns

Christmas on the courthouse lawn
I have to admit, I love living in a community where the county courthouse is so politically incorrect that its front lawn features both a Nativity sce...

Sometimes you just never know
I do not remember it well, but for some reason there is a scene from that very first day that is burned into my memory. It was my first day working fo...

A piece of childhood slips away
The Tooth Fairy has made her last official visit to our home, at least for now.The Shepherd household being off her visit list at the present time is ...

We can be right, or happy
I completely empathize with Todd Wilkin. I once had a very similar experience.In 2001, I was hired by the new chairman of the West Virginia Republican...
November 28th, 2016 updated: November 28th, 2016. |

Time to focus on next 4 years
Exhale America.The most divisive election in history is over and we can all get back to our normal lives. Hopefully.I’ve not seen such nastiness...

In praise of Clinton & Obama
Today, the story of how a Hillsboro native’s thoughtful gesture reminds me just how much President Obama means to millions of Americans. But fir...
November 21st, 2016 updated: November 21st, 2016. |

How could I forget that one?
In this space a week ago I wrote about some of my misadventures with the snow and ice while driving. You’d think the ones I mentioned would be e...

Is there not enough hate already?
It is a practical question, that one up there in the headline for this column.I think a lot of us would agree that there is enough hate already, so le...

Trump’s win shocks media & elites
Before discussing Donald Trump’s astounding victory, another quick observation from the Drew Hastings trial.Because of conflicting testimony, th...
November 14th, 2016 updated: November 14th, 2016. |

I hope it doesn’t snow much
It was a winter Saturday evening like many during high school years. I was warm and snug in my Chevy Vega, had a date by my side, and with nothing els...