If a person is suspected of committing a crime, they are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. There’s an investigation; if there’s enough evidence, it goes to trial. Even then, the guilt or innocence of the person is determined only after thorough examination and questioning of ...

Every day people are dying from infection of HIV due to sharing contaminated needles with others. Every single day people find an easy place to shoot up quickly in fear of being caught causing them to leave any evidence of their presence behind. This is causing our streets to be filled with ...

In the Sunday, Nov. 24 newspaper, there was an excellent letter about climate change written by Charles Lawrence. He stated there were many things, at least 12, that affected our climate and that to just pick out CO2 emissions is very much misguided. In the Sunday, Dec. 1 newspaper, I expected ...

(Nov. 27)’s political cartoon reached a new low. The AP has managed to slap in the face every brave military man and woman who serves and has served. To ever, EVER call our best of the best, a “war criminal” is beyond disgusting. It is a sad reminder of when I came home after one tour in ...

My great-grandmother once said that “having knowledge is important to better understand our world.” Sadly, she is no longer here to share her wisdom. That’s why when I read letters from Eric Engle and others like him who share their knowledge on topics that are important, I admire them ...

As we approach the holidays, I reflect on the reason for Thanksgiving. Yes, in school we were taught the Pilgrims gathered to eat the food the native inhabitants taught them to grow. So, the gathering was more of a harvest feast. What is Thanksgiving like today? Hours of shopping, cooking, ...

Only God knows when life begins ... or when it should end. They shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and daughters. (Psalms 106:38) I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19) The total ...

Over the last few years, I have noticed that many of the festivals, fairs, homecomings and holiday lighting programs have been begging for help. Many posts have come out they need more board members and people willing to do set up and take down. Most people do not realize events like ...

A new report out Tuesday, Nov. 26, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that global greenhouse gas emissions must fall by 7.6 percent every year from now until 2030 in order to stay within the 1.5 degree centigrade (1.5C) ceiling that scientists say is necessary to avoid ...

Schools that work are rooted in the natural principles explained by Mortimer Adler and the Paideia Group in their three books. The application of these principles is what we need to turn our failing schools into schools that work. First, in schools that work the curriculum follows three ...

I am not easily shocked. I am well aware of the “evil” that engulfs our current world — evil that is growing at a rate so “rapid” it almost boggles the brain. And yet, I was aghast by the current article in the Nov. 16 The Parkersburg News and Sentinel regarding the “Harry ...

Why would University of London professor emeritus of biogeography Philip Scott rebut the notion that CO2 is a main climate driver? In many instances, he has proclaimed “The fundamental point has EVER been — climate change is governed by literally hundreds of factors or variables and the ...

I want Karen Ashbury and others to know how I feel about “Long Tom” being moved from City Park. My husband’s great-grandfather built the cabin, so it’s a part of many people’s lives, but Long Tom was special. We could climb and wonder about all it had done. I like Fort Boreman. We ...

I had a motorcycle stolen recently and Officer Sanchez came to take my statement. He took copious notes related to the motorcycle’s specifics and distinguishing features. And a week later, he successfully recovered it. I certainly didn’t expect to see it again, So, here’s a big ...

Unfortunately, our new Bishop, Mark Brennan doesn’t get it. He was sent to our state after the betrayal of the Diocese by former Bishop Michael Bransfield. Bransfield took $21 million from the Diocese and Wheeling Hospital to spend on an extravagant lifestyle and gifts for high ranking ...

Having refereed football, basketball, track and field and soccer at the local, state, regional, national and some international level, I have had contact with hundreds if not thousands of coaches at every level. With the retirement of Don Fosselman as head boys soccer coach at Parkersburg High ...

I recently had the misadventure of falling on black ice at a Vienna store parking lot. Once I got my bearings, all I saw and heard were the kindness of strangers. Hands handing me tissues and wipes to clean up the awful mess from my busted nose. Words of encouragement and offers of assistance ...

“Keeping Score” by Steven Allen Adams was front page news Sept. 15. The article made plain the schools are not making the grade. Dr. Paine, the state superintendent of schools said “We need to talk about how we work with local school boards but step up our efforts to hold districts ...

I can visualize the headlines now: Joe Biden and Hunter Biden are two corrupt Democratic politicians who put a computer server in Ukraine to hack Republican election plans. Folks, studies, investigations, and research will not change the political narrative because some have determined that ...

I would like to express my pleasure upon visiting the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park during the month of October. My compliments to all the volunteers and employees for their outstanding dedication in promoting and preserving this great asset in our community. I had the opportunity ...