Today's News

City of Bedford School Board member Mickey VanDerwerker asked the most relevant question during last Thursday’s Bedford County School Board meeting to discuss a long-range facilities plan for the school system: “What are we going to do about the gymnasium at Bedford Primary now?”

    But instead of answers, there are still only questions. And the sad news is the students at Bedford Primary are the ones suffering. It’s time for the county and school board to stop putting a decision off and to take steps to solve this problem.

Last week, a new version of health care reform legislation was unveiled in the U.S. House. I was pleased to see major changes in the bill that move us in the right direction. Though I was unsatisfied with the original bill, I’ve been working hard for reforms that I can support, because doing nothing would mean that premiums would double over the next decade for the middle class and small business owners. I argued that we could reduce skyrocketing premiums, bring the uninsured into the system, and reduce the federal deficit through an emphasis on prevention and increasing competition.

    The holiday season is upon us, starting with last month’s Halloween candy-consuming event to the traditional New Year’s feast.  If you find yourself indulging in tasty, rich holiday fare, don’t dispair! Steps to Healthy Holidays will guide you in maintaining healthy habits.   During the coming weeks, this eight-article series will be discussing in more detail the following topics in an effort to keep you physically and emotionally healthy.

    I voted yesterday, as I hope you did.

    Actually, I wrote the above statement considering the fact that our paper comes out the day after election day. In reality, with deadlines in mind, I’m writing this before I’ve actually had a chance to go to my polling place and cast my ballot for Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli. I’m assuming that I don’t get run over by a big truck, shot by an irate “Democrat,” fall off a ladder or croak from natural causes before I get there.