Opinion

From the Humane Society….

Recent research tells us that many backyard breeders are breeding pit bulls repeatedly – then dumping them. By the way, what is commonly termed a “pit bull” is NOT a breed; it is a combination of breeds evolving over many years and may include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Bulldog, the Miniature Bull Terrier, and the Bull Terrier are also sometimes included. It is a TYPE of dog versus a breed.

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Speaking French

with John Allen French, Star Herald Editor Well, Presley and I decided to allow Pamela (my mother) to join in our weekend adventure. So, needless to say, I had my hands full with two children.

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Confessions of a Constitutionalist

I am taking a different approach this week. Perhaps something a little more personal is in order. All my life, I heard that my sister had gone to Girls State. As a child, that did not mean much to me except that it was something good and a high achievement. As I got older, I learned that Girls State was an event held in the summers for girls, and Boys State for boys, that taught those selected to go about civics and the political process in our state. At the time, I really didn’t understand the selection process, but I did know that it was something you wanted on your resume. By the time I reached high school, students were skeptical about wanting to attend. It did not matter that it was a high accolade and desirable on a resume. However, in my junior year in high school, I was chosen to be a delegate to Girls State. I suspect some were jealous they were not chosen, but it was not the popular thing to do. While to my friends, I was lackadaisical about attending, I was secretly happy to be chosen. I was excited to learn more about how things worked in our state political system. Looking back, it was critical in the creation of who I am today.

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Here & There

Downtown Pocahontas is a 17 block National Historic District–the state’s largest such. Last time I pondered how much it’s changed since I was a boy. I thought of how the businesses had changed and the characters who once were found there. I left off last time at the corner of Everett and Bettis streets.

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Life is a Journey

School is back in session once more and it made me think back across the years to when the granddaughters were young. It was a summer of great fun and adventures, and long bike riding days. In fact, just two days ago Brie and I went exploring with flashlights into the very back end of a large dark metal storage trailer. Then too, school had started back, vacation was over and there would be no more bike rides. Now there would be homework, school functions, and friends to keep them busy. Alas, the bikes were stored away and out of the weather. Through the many years and layers of dust, they appeared still almost new. And still waiting on us believe me, when I tell you this, we three are far more changed than they! They could be like having money in the bank, with these gas prices, we all may have to ride bikes soon.

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Mark on Markets

As discussed in our previous column, The US Senate and House of Representatives recently passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. President Biden signed the act into law on August 16th. There are many facets to this new law, some pros, and some cons. We are going to stick to our agenda for the Mark on Markets column and continue to look at the opportunity for investors that may be possible under the scope of this specific legislation.

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Looking Back…

with Allison Schaechtel More on Erasmus D. Looney He was engaged in a number of battles, notably Prairie Grove, Fredericktown, Brownville, Pilot Knob, Lexington, Jefferson City, Glasgow, Independence and quite a number of minor engagements.

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The Maynard Gang

Bereft of any engaging topics of local significance, I am searching my memory for quotations worthy of the perusal of cognoscenti such as the readership of the Star Herald. Those quoted will range from classic Randolph County rednecks to world renowned leaders and scholars.

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Pat on the Back

School has begun. Today’s kindergarteners are tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, lawyers, physical therapists, librarians, teachers, military, police officers, firefighters, veterinarians, and preachers! They must start somewhere. Learning their ABC’s and 123’s along with their colors is only the beginning of their future lives. Soon they will be learning all those things that will help them with their future careers. I get excited during the first week of school. Not because I have children of my own but when I think of the potential of each child, I am excited for our future. Today’s students may find a cure for cancer or Parkinson’s disease. A student attending Pocahontas school system may be the first astronaut to walk on Mars.

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