There’s a major political event approaching this fall, and though I have no doubt it will be overshadowed by the elections, I hope you’ll carve out some time for it anyway.
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Editorial/Opinion
Guest editorial: The broken branch
Editorial: Nobody to kick around anymore?
When I was in high school, I briefly dated a girl who went to Chatham Hall, just north of Danville near the North Carolina line. That part of Virginia is known as Southside, and it always felt like a foreign country. Except for its rural roots, it has very little in common with Rappahannock...
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Letter: Get the lead out of hunting ammunition
Last week’s article on the bald eagle killed by lead poisoning in Fauquier County – as well as news of a second eagle in Manassas that died of the same cause – is a sharp reminder of the need to get the lead out of hunting ammunition. Lead left in the gut piles of...
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Letter: Jackson House treated Dad like their own
My dad, John William “Billy” Jenkins, passed away after spending more than six years as a resident at Jackson House Assisted Living in Boston, Va. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Charity and Violet Sillero and their kind, compassionate staff. You do not know how wonderful it is to have peace of mind and know that...
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Letter: Your care, generosity changed everything
During my wife’s struggle with cancer, which extended through the holiday season, my family was bestowed with an explosive outpouring of generosity and compassion. Such was this outpouring that my cynical view of people’s care for their fellow person has been forever altered. On behalf of a humbled and grateful Bane family, I am...
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Letter: If it’s hunters’ lead, why no dead vultures?
Regarding your Jan. 12 article reprinted from the Fauquier Times-Democrat: I find it to be a long stretch to blame hunters for the problem. The article, in quoting the Wildlife Center senior executives, makes it sound as if hunters are such a sorry lot that large amounts of...
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Editorial: Citizen of the Year?
Last Friday marked the first of what we hope will be many open-to-the-public editorial meetings. Most of the “citizen journalists” and interested community members attending said they thought the newspaper was doing a pretty good job but offered some useful suggestions about how it could do even better. Among the questions posed was: “What...
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Letter: Plan to attend Benevolent Fund’s ‘Plan B’
For the last two years, the Rappahannock Benevolent Fund’s fundraising committee held a “Celebrity Waiter Dinner” to help raise money to aid residents in the county who are experiencing financial needs they are unable to handle on their own. However, due to the unfortunate circumstance of a fire at the Sperryville School House (formerly the...
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Letter: Experts needed for Wakefield theses
A classical education at Wakefield Country Day School (WCDS) means that students from the beginning are taught to be critical thinkers, to gain a deeper understanding of what they study. These years of study – learning to think, read, write and speak effectively – culminate in an important graduation requirement: all students research, publish,...
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Letter: The angels behind the Angel Tree — you
To all the precious folks of Rappahannock County: Now that the holidays have passed and things have settled down, I would like to sincerely thank the many people throughout the county who took their time, money, energy and love to go shopping for a senior from the Senior Angel Tree. With the wonderful assistance of the...
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Letter: Thanks for giving the gift of life
Thank you to all who came out to donate blood Jan. 4 at the Red Cross Bloodmobile at the Washington fire hall. We had 35 people attempt to make a donation, which resulted in 32 useful pints of blood. We appreciate all who took the time at the beginning of the new year to give the gift of life. You may be gratified...
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Letter: Column inspired me to try even harder
In her Washington column last week, Jan Clatterbuck wrote something that really struck me and I want to say “thanks.” She wrote: “If you are asking yourself how do you get your resolutions to work this year, the most important thing is you must believe that you can do it.” I have slowly added...
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The solace of Christmas past
I was a middle child, growing up, with sufficient space between my older sisters and younger brother that I enjoyed my own experience of the world. I was neither the object of vigilance by inexperienced parents nor the focus of longing my brother would be, as the last child and only boy. “Birth to graduation on...
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Editorial: A new year
Two years ago, this newspaper’s longtime publisher, the late Arthur “Nick” Arundel, who loved the Rappahannock News because he loved Rappahannock County, decided it was time to sell. At about the same time, he sold another rural, county-seat-based paper, the Clarke Courier in Berryville. Today, the Courier no longer exists, but the Rappahannock News...
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Letter: Arrestingly lovely
I have been visiting relatives in the Sperryville area for holidays for the past five years. I am told of how Massies Corner, where you get from Lee Highway to Front Royal, has had a high number of car accidents. I think I know why. It is because the view, when you arrive at...
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Letter: ‘This is not hunting — this is killing’
I have been a resident of Rappahannock County for eight years now and I love being here; I love waking up in the morning to take my dogs for a walk, smelling the fresh air, hearing the geese fly overhead and seeing the many wild animals that grace this beautiful countryside. I have a...
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Letter: Farming is the credential to consider
In the 1930s, during the pit of the great depression, an ecologically disastrous event occurred in the heartland of America. Soil from barren, dry fields began blowing away and created what we now call the Dust Bowl. In the wake of this disaster, soil and water conservation districts were formed as a way to...
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A letter FROM the editor
Links to all campaign-related letters we printed — and didn't print — in the Oct. 3 edition of the Rappahannock News.
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Letter-writer McCracken apologizes
I would like to sincerely apologize to Ms. Rosa Crocker and the readers of the Rappahannock News. I let my emotions and a negative rumor influence my opinion and get the better of me. All that I can say is that I am very sorry to Ms. Crocker as well as Chris Ubben for...
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Letter: Rosa Crocker has the dedication — and the experience
As a retired teacher with 30 years experience I wish to express my support for the reelection of Rosa Crocker for school board representative from Wakefield district. My late husband, Paul Nichols, served for 40 years on the Rappahannock County school board, thus I understand the requirements of a board member quite well....
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Letter: ‘Amy Hitt will give 110 percent’
My vote is for Amy Hitt, for Jackson district school board member on Nov. 8. Amy and I have been friends and neighbors for more than 17 years and I have seen firsthand the amount of time and energy that she has given, and continues to give, to the children of not only Rappahannock...
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Letter: Elect ‘hard worker, go-getter’ Amy Hitt
I am writing in support of Amy Hitt for Jackson district school board member. I have known Amy for 15 years she is a hard worker and a go-getter. She has always had the best interest of the children of Rappahannock County first and foremost. I first met her when she was very involved...
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Letter: Reelect the current Soil and Water board members
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, we have the opportunity to vote for two candidates for the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District board. There are three candidates; two are incumbents and both deserve to be reelected to this very important board. John Gehno and Monira Rifaat are farmers and have the experience and sense of...
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Letter: Elect Steve Howell in Hampton district
I am writing to urge the voters of the Hampton district to elect Steve Howell as their next school board member. Steve has coached two of my children in the Rappahannock-Culpeper Baseball League. His patience and enthusiasm for the children he works with makes a beneficial impact on each of the players he coaches....
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Letter: Berry ‘ready for this new challenge’
I feel that I have to answer these questions presented by Angela Deavers . The last time I checked you had to know the criminal code to meet DCJS certifications to be a certified road deputy or police officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia....
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Letter: Williams supports Andy Berry
Support Andy Berry in his quest for the office of sheriff. Andy has expressed that his goals are to provide a better working environment for the men and women who work for the Sheriff’s Office and provide the citizens of Rappahannock County with quality law enforcement services through accountability and better community relations. I...
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Letter: Chief deputy’s considered opinion: Reelect Smith
I’ve been hesitant to write a letter of support for Sheriff Smith because people will sometimes feel the support is naturally expected from the chief deputy. I believe citizens should know that I have a unique experience serving with both sheriff candidates. I served with Sheriff Smith over 20 years ago when she first...
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Letter: Deputies say Smith has ‘excelled’ as sheriff
As Sheriff Smith’s employees, we believe it is necessary to publicly promote our current sheriff, Connie C. Smith, for a few simple reasons. First and foremost, Sheriff Smith is dedicated and passionate about her duties as the sheriff of Rappahannock County. Sheriff Smith has spent her whole career in Rappahannock with a long list of...
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Letter: ‘My goal is . . . to make a difference’
I am Bob Zwick and I am running for a seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates because I believe that my knowledge and experience will best serve the citizens of the 18th district. When I heard that Todd Benson was running, I was delighted. After he dropped out, I kept waiting for someone with...
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Editorial: Slick operator
No major engagements in the Civil War, the sesquicentennial anniversary of which is now being celebrated, took place here in Rappahannock County. But in what is today’s not-so-civil conflict in Big Washington, our very own congressional representative is leading the charge. Rappahannock residents don’t know whether to be proud, frustrated, embarrassed or outraged about...
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Editorial: Civil War remembrance
The July 21-24 Sesquicentennial of the First Battle of Manassas makes me feel old enough to be a Civil War veteran. In a way, I am.
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Editorial: A patriotic Fourth
“Liberty means responsibility. That’s why most men dread it.”
George Bernard Shaw’s famous quip came to mind this Fourth of July weekend as our elected representatives in Big Washington struggled to become fiscally responsible. Or at least pretended and postured that they were struggling.
Here in Little Washington and environs, our patriotism somehow seems more...
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Editorial: Blame the bears
From all accounts, the Earth Day litter cleanup, sponsored by the local Democratic Committee, was a great success (see Jed Duvall’s letter this week). Apparently there is now much less litter on Route 211. But is that a good thing? The question should be asked. For some of us, the colorful food packaging and...
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Letter: Special thanks due to 10K volunteers
Special thanks to all our volunteers who helped with our soggy Fodderstack 10K Race.
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Letter: ‘Proof’ and Peanuts — choice, not conflict
A neighborhood friend has pointed out that the RAAC Community Theater performance of “Proof” this Saturday night (April 30) will coincide with the performance of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the high school. Although they do coincide, happily they don’t conflict. “Charlie Brown” is a cheerful musical comedy based on the comic...
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Letter: This ‘Proof’ is proven
A most enjoyable experience; the story is clever, and humorous, with several interesting twists. The actors are terrific. Kudos to the director and stage managers. You have another opportunity to see this triumph at the RAAC Community Theatre at 8 Saturday (April 30). Call RAAC at 540-675-3193 or email RAACtheatre@yahoo.com for reservations. See the...
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Letter: From Wegmans, the milk (and eggs) of human kindness
The Rappahannock Food Pantry wants to give a tip of the hat, a round of applause and a big thank-you to Wegmans supermarket. This family-owned grocery chain based in New York opened its store in nearby Gainesville just two and a half years ago, and already Wegmans has shown a strong commitment to community....
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Letter: Earth Day cleanup
We had nine folks working in the wet morning on U.S. 211 on Saturday (April 23) for the Rappahannock County Democrats’ annual Earth Day cleanup project. At least one soldier carried on even though she had been cut by barbed wire. At least one other wore shoes and not boots and got his feet,...
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Editorial: Drugs in school?
This headline poses a hard question. It is a question common to just about all high schools across the nation, but no one in a position of authority at our own local high school wants to give a good answer. Why?
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Letter: Gratitude found along the road less . . . graveled
There are many reasons why I love living in Rappahannock County, of course. But this past weekend provided a vivid illustration of several. After the great rainfall (5.5 inches in less than 12 hours on Saturday), our newly planted lower kitchen garden was under muddy rushing water, our road (Mount Marshall Road) gone, taken...
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