Today's News

On the way to a meeting last week, I stopped to talk with some farmers. One of them was quick to point out how to improve our economy. “We don’t need a check in the mail,” he said, adding, “We need to bring down the cost of gasoline.” I agree.

Ernie Banks, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle.

When Bob Humphreys, of Bedford, reflects back on his professional baseball career, he recalls pitching to the likes of that trio of Hall of Famers, as well as many others.

Humphreys' big league playing career began in 1962 and extended until 1970. During that period, Humphreys pitched for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Senators and Milwaukee Brewers. During his time in St. Louis, he threw for the World Series champion Cardinal team of 1964.

I used to take the position that a player deserves to make whatever the market will bear. If a team owner wants to pay $5 million a year for a second baseman with a career batting average of .240, that's his call.

I figure that the fans and the sponsors are picking up the tab. It's a market decision. If you can afford forty bucks for a marginal seat at the ballpark, that's your call. If the good folks at Minute Maid want to shell out naming rights for the stadium in Houston, that's swell.

A new business has opened at in the Smith Mountain Lake area that offers a personal touch to fitness.

"It's our passion," commented Dwight Ward who, with Rob Jordan, opened Smith Mountain Lake Wellness and Fitness this month.

The business, located on U. S. 122, a short distance from Hales Ford Bridge on the Bedford County side of the lake, offers personal fitness training. The goal is to help people develop healthy lifestyles.