Columns

Times are tough out there for a lot of folks. There is no doubt about that. There is no shortage of stress and anxiety as the cost of living only ever seems to go up, and with so much uncertainty concerning the future. Because of this, I think it is important, especially at this time of year, to really try to find joy everywhere that we possibly can in the here-and-now. Those who know me well may find me saying this a bit surprising. I have never been what you would call an eternal optimist, but as I get older, I am learning that just about the only thing that...

Here we go again… Another election season is just about here, as the filing deadline for candidates seeking office in 2026 is set to expire on January 9. We here at the News Journal have been keeping a close eye on who is filing for which seats in recent weeks, and we have been making a concerted effort to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date contact information for each of these individuals as we go along. This is imperative, as we will soon begin reaching out to inform candidates about important opportunities for advertising and future chances to participate in Q&A’s. If you have filed to run for office in 2026...

Buddy the Elf famously said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” If you haven’t made time to attend a concert, enjoy a Christmas play, or even just watch a holiday movie with your family, especially one filled with music, you might be missing out on the true spirit of the season. I was convinced my band days were over when I graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in May of 2024. I was so surprised and excited when I saw they were doing a community band for Christmas. That meant I didn’t have to be a student to play music with them. I...

Wow. The organizers and participants of this year’s Williamsburg Feels Like Home Christmas Parade out did themselves Saturday night. While I haven’t been to all the Williamsburg Christmas parades over the past 30 years, I have been to most, and this was one of, if not the best one that I have personally witnessed. There were numerous floats with varying themes, antique vehicles, emergency service vehicles and various groups marching down Main Street. Hundreds braved the cold to turn out and watch the parade. Great job everyone. Also, Williamsburg’s Hanging of the Green celebration on Dec. 6 has turned into a nice little festive way to start the holidays. This is a simple 30-minute...

There is an old saying that there are only two certainties in life, death and taxes. I think we probably need to add a third one to that list. Change. After all, it is inevitable. Some are big and some are small. Some are good and some are bad, but no matter how hard we might try to fight it, change is going to happen. Publisher Trevor Sherman, reporter Leeann Fragosa and myself spent some time talking about upcoming change at the News Journal this past week. Fortunately, it is nothing too major. For instance, we have been discussing getting new computers office-wide for the first time in several years. I have had my current...

I was left with a very optimistic feeling last week after chatting with Assistant City Manager Jacob Roan about plans for the City of Corbin to begin the work of developing a brand new comprehensive plan. You can read the story about this effort, and the grant funding that is making it possible, elsewhere in this week’s edition. What I’d like to do here, however, is share a few of my own personal opinions on the matter. First of all, it was refreshing to hear what Roan had to say about plans to engage with the community in order to gain insight that will ultimately help make this new comprehensive...

Written by Diane Taylor Roberts Cemeteries can be a place to find comfort and often times they can give us a sense of connection that is often hard to find elsewhere. They have a peaceful atmosphere, with a stillness that surrounds the rows of headstones, allowing us to spend time with lingering memories without feeling rushed or judged. One of the most beautiful cemeteries I have been to is the Highland Park Cemetery where my parents are buried. Having grown up in Whitley County, I have a kinship to this sacred ground. As you walk among the graves, you see the headstones of the parents of your friends, neighbors and...

I was both sad and happy to learn two weeks ago that Whitley County Clerk Carolyn Willis has decided not to seek re-election and will retire at the end of her term in office next year. I am sad in the sense that I will miss my friend. I usually see Carolyn once or twice a week when I go to the county clerk’s office to type in deeds and marriage licenses for our public records page. Carolyn and I will often get into discussions about the latest happenings in the county, politics and life while I am down there. We are both fond of travelling and will get into discussions...

The month of November is a time to express gratitude and recognize the dedication and hard work people put in. The week of Nov. 17 – 21 was American Education Week. American Education Week is a time when the community pauses to give thanks and recognize the hard work educators put into ensuring a quality education for all students. As a former educator, I have personal connections and experiences to this week. I recently read an op-ed titled “The Unseen Heart of Public Education,” written by Rhonda Caldwell, CEO of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators. It’s a great article, and I highly encourage everyone to read it. Caldwell’s article illustrated the weight...

Before I start, you need to go read the game recap story in this week’s edition. Go ahead, I’ll wait… Did you read it? Okay, well, that fumble that was mentioned in there? It was totally a fumble. No question about it. I was standing right there, along with hundreds of other people, and I clearly saw what happened. I have seen some gut-wrenching moments while covering local athletics for the past dozen years, but this? I believe this takes the cake, folks. It was bad, and I mean BAD. Honestly, I don’t know what to say about the situation that hasn’t already been said. Go back and watch the video clips...