Opinion

R.H. Black, Pocahontas attorney in the 1800’s, was a brother to John P. Black, the subject of last week’s article. He also grew up on the family farm at Black’s Ferry in Randolph County and secured his education in private schools of the county and at Shelbyville, Kentucky. He enlisted in the First Arkansas Cavalry, C.S.A. in 1861. He fought in the battles of Chickamaugua, Murfreesboro, and Richmond, Kentucky. He served until mid-1864, when, at the battle of Resaca, Georgia, he lost his right arm by a gunshot wound, which disabled him from further service. After being discharged, he came back to Pocahontas and began the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1866 and opened an office in Pocahontas. He married Miss Virginia L. Criddle, a native of Jackson, Missouri on November 14, 1867.

Just wanted to share a bit here, The Tractor Club had the first meeting of the New Year. On Tuesday January 4, 2022, at Dora’s Sale Barn Cafe. The vote was unanimous to start having our monthly meetings there. For the year of 2022. Meetings will be the First Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. The club has met here each and every Tuesday morning of the week for some time now. To enjoy visiting and a great breakfast to boot. Did you know they were voted the best burgers in town; must say they are crazy good, and the beef patties are handmade the oldfashioned way. Hat’s off to Emily who has welcomed us all with open arms. A great big thank you from all of the Tractor Cub!

Scrounging for a topic worthy of the erudition and eclectic experiences of Star Herald readers, we will begin with home remedies and folk beliefs. On a stream of consciousness basis, I will think of other stuff as we go along.

The other night we discovered we had to make a “late night” run to The Dollar General. We were already in our pajamas or what I call standard Walmart wear, so I threw on a long coat and boots to camouflage the pj’s and he drove. On the way we passed a house and he said “Well, they are still up.” Passed another and he said “Look at that house, all lit up.” I said “Baby, it’s 8pm.” We really need to get out more.

I’ve always heard that the first step in getting help for any issue is admitting that you have a problem. Well, I’ve got a problem, that I’m quite ashamed of, and I figure this safe space is the best way to bring it into the light. If I can’t share it with the folks reading my column, then honestly who can I share it with? Mom, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry for what I’m about to share.

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”-MLK, Jr

Risk and Reward We all have that one friend that is always trying to make us step out of our comfort zone. Sometimes that prodding is a good thing and sometimes we step too far out of our comfort zone and into a big pile of… RISK! Such as it is in investing.

The current covid 19 surge we’re experiencing here and nationally is of mixed results. Just as few weeks ago as the Delta surge waned, Randolph County’s number of active cases stood in the low 20s. This past Sunday the number of active cases was at 220. That’s an alarming increase.

As much as I love snow days (and I do love snow days - I think we could use about 10 more snow days this winter) I am anxiously awaiting spring. I love spring, planting flowers and cutting down shrubs. Cutting down shrubs is my stress reliever and my love language. I recently moved and my yard is full of weeds. I need to spray and do all the work that goes into a pretty lawn, but I would much rather plant flowers or cut down an unruly shrub.