Opinions

A unique holiday is at hand Monday, for those who get off work or school for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I want to give you a quick update on some of the challenges we are experiencing in keeping our schools open. As I am sure you are aware, our community and nation have seen an increase in spread of the Omicron Variant of COVID-19.

Oh Betty, how we miss you. That mischievous laugh, perfect comedic timing, beautiful smile and funny zingers are just a few of the reasons why the whole world is in mourning.

I keep hearing and reading about all the arrests and prosecutions of people involved in the Jan.6 protest.

An idea with support from a cross-section of people is always worth serious consideration.

Julian was having a difficult day at work. Projects were due, and his boss had just made major changes to a spreadsheet that would mean a long night. Julian isn’t the type to get angry, but he does get withdrawn.

Total number of deaths in the United States, all causes

On a beautiful afternoon in October and again in November, my husband Rick and I were privileged to tour Cottonwood-Oak Creed School District’s two school campuses with Superintendent King. He was a great tour guide. Here’s what we discovered.

What do Americans really think about the First Amendment?

Brrrr, it’s been cold! Yes, even here in Arizona, it has been frosty.

On this day one year ago, I sat on the Floor of the House of Representatives preparing to speak in support of the validity of Arizona’s election results when armed insurrectionists breached the Capitol and staff and members were rushed from the chambers. All around me I saw people running, calling out to friends, and doing what they could to help one another, their faces full of fear.

I read with great interest the words from community leaders representing Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Jerome, Yavapai College, and Sedona in your New Year edition.

What a wonderful caring community we live in. Thank you to all the bell ringers that donated their time ringing the bells for The Salvation Army for the last five weeks in front of Camp Verde’s Bashas’ Store.

It’s wonderful to start the year off with so many people to thank. The Friends of Clark Memorial Library thank our amazing volunteer Jeannie Campbell who made our December Book Sale so successful.

America runs on petroleum, still, even as in-roads are made toward other fuel alternatives. It is especially true in Arizona and other wide-open western states, where even the most casual of errands can chew threw $10 worth of gas.

Dasia Taylor is your typical high school student, with one exception. She cares about the rest of the world — and she’s doing something about it.

A common theme emerges in talks about the present and future in Verde Valley communities. It’s an old theme but a goodie: Affordable housing.

I agree with Terri Nopp in her view regarding journalism. I, too, expected more from a small- town paper.

How naive of people who think that COVID has not been extinguished due to the vaxxers. It’s the other way around, people. If you read about history of vaccines, the top one that comes to mind is polio (a virus), which has been extinguished. How was that accomplished? Vaccines!

Another year. And another year older. It is my granddaughter, Bella’s birthday today. She is thrilled to be six years old. My husband, Doug’s birthday is Friday. He has little enthusiasm for being a year older, but Bella has enough excitement for all of us.

Gratitude!! Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude!! Three days ago I could not push a grocery cart without experiencing crushing chest pain and shortness of breath that made it impossible to speak. I was at death’s door.

Years from now, it may be instinctive to look back on 2021 with a cringe or, for many, a moan of mourning.

The story behind America’s first and only 10,000-meter Olympic champion.

I've observed opinions regarding Northern Arizona Healthcare’s vaccination policy with some amusement and sadness. I retired March 2021 from NAH after 24 years of employment as the lead medical laboratory scientist in charge of molecular diagnostics and infectious disease testing.

Once feeling ignored, the Verde Valley became the plaything for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission up to the 11th hour as it was deciding on the final draft maps for legislative and congressional districts for the next 10 years.