Call it courage



When you ask people why it is that they hate or distrust politicians, the usual answers, understandably so, are all about what gutless wonders most politicians are — addicted to their polls, determined to stay there at all costs. Campaign promises are about getting elected; once there, they are quickly forgotten. Courage is not a word you hear very often […]

Obama not gutless after all



The right accuses Barack Obama of dragging the country way left, and the left calls him gutless. The president is proving both of them wrong. From under that mild-mannered exterior has recently emerged a man of steel — though his flexibility speaks more of Spider Man than Superman. Whichever, he’s tackling problems that conservatives say only they have the gumption […]

Hospital workers asking for community’s support



To the Editor: I am proud to serve our community as an employee at Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s Whitesburg location. My co-workers and I strive to deliver excellent patient care day in and day out. I am also proud to serve as president of the United Steelworkers Union at USW Local 14568. Our local represents more than 200 hourly workers at […]

Highway departments performed remarkably



To the Editor: Between frigid temperatures and snowstorms, the winter of 2010 will be one we will not quickly forget. Snow and ice, compounded with the freezing temperatures day after day, have caused hazardous roads in most communities, including Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, and Letcher counties. However, the county and state road departments performed remarkably, working around the clock to keep […]

School thankful for track



To the Editor: The students, parents, community, and staff of Beckham Bates Elementary School would like to thank the Letcher County Fiscal Court and EQT (formerly Equitable Resources) for their generosity in making our dream of constructing a walking track on our grounds become reality. More than 500 tons of gravel was donated by EQT, and all labor was done […]

Services are held for Opal Burke



Opal Mae Burke, 82, died March 6, at her home in Charlestown, Ind. Formerly of Hemphill, she was the daughter of the late Clabe and Braska Hall Potter, the widow of Pallas H. Fleming, and was later married to M.V. Burke, who also preceded her in death. She was the mother of the late Ernest Fleming, and a member of […]

Services are held for Delma Banks



Delma Banks, 94, was buried March 2 in the Banks family cemetery at Cornettsville. She was a homemaker and helped make aviation parts during World War II. Survivors include three daughters, Marjanne Hamilton of Covington, Sherry Hagan of Gilbertsville, and Jeannine Hogg of Covington; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; a niece, Mary Helen Ivey; and two nephews, […]

Rites held for Heather Griffie



Heather Nicole Day Griffie, 25, of Cowan, died March 5 at Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital. A daughter of Francis and Virginia Ann Campbell Day of Cowan, she was the mother of the late McKenzie Rain Griffie, and a granddaughter of the late Hagel Campbell. Surviving in addition to her parents are her husband, Dwight David Griffie; a daughter, Alyssa Paige […]

Services are set for Jonell Maggard



Jonell Maggard, 73, died March 7 at her home at Fleming-Neon. A daughter of the late Ellis and Sabrina Craft Johnson, she was a sister of the late Donald L. Johnson and Ellis ‘Buddy’ Johnson, Jr., and a grandmother of the late Kelly C. ‘K.C.’ Jones. She was a member of the Moore’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church of McRoberts. Surviving […]

Volunteers needed



Hospice of the Bluegrass – Mountain Community will off er training for volunteers on Wednesday, March 17, beginning at 10 a.m. at the hospice office at 3115 N. Main Street in Hazard. Lunch will be provided. For more information or to pre-register, call Hospice of the Bluegrass at 439-2111 or (800) 560-1101.