In the purest sense of laws, our 50 states cannot prevent the federal government from enforcing federal law. End of story, period. Probably not without a debate of the 10th Amendment concerning Reserved Powers — The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibite…
“Oh my, what a cute baby!” the older woman in the checkout line from Walmart says, as she inches closer to the infant in my arms. Before I can think to do anything, she grabs him by the hands and starts to coo about how much a handsome boy he is. What should seem as a form of endearment and …
We are officially in root vegetable season ... they are something enjoyed across the country as sweet potatoes and parsnips make their way onto menus and into family dinners for the winter. There is something about the earthiness of root vegetables’ connection to the land in which they were …
One of our county commissioners is truly paranoid that a Democratic president will be elected and will use their " executive order" privilege and enact gun control. There is time to change the Dec. 17th meeting agenda and spend more time on important concerns.
Americans are having fewer babies and dying younger. That grim reality should be part of the conversation as this country tries to get past the wall of political intransigence that has prevented it from constructing a saner immigration policy and better health care system.
I took a drive on the new Parkway Sunday morning. The road itself is very nice, however, the roundabouts are another thing. The approach signs are too small and not that clear. The markings on the road itself can be confusing. Also, the approach signs could be placed back further.
While I don't dispute the importance of the Second Amendment, it seems that there are so many other ways in which Highlands can set ourselves apart as a sanctuary county. We could become an intentional place of refuge for veterans, especially for those living with PTSD, or for retiring first…
Let me start by writing this: In no way, shape or form am I for the abolishment of the Second Amendment and the freedoms it comes with, nor am I for responsible gun owners having their firearms taken away. However, the attempt made by Commissioner Arlene Tuck to make Highlands County a Secon…
Years and years of listening to the various debates regarding the Tampa Bay Rays, new stadium, split seasons with Montreal. moving to Tampa, owners and politicians bloviating, it seems endless and inconclusive. If there is a contract to stay where they are through the 2027 season, they best …
Florida’s prison system is a ticking time bomb, and “the status quo is not sustainable.” That dire warning is not from some outside reformer but the state official who runs Florida’s correctional system. Lawmakers need to heed these alarms and invest more heavily for the sake of public safety.
The letters to the editor in the Dec. 7, 2019 Highlands News-Sun opposing declaring Highlands County a Second Amendment Sanctuary were over the top. The breathless hyperbole by one letter writer tried to make the case that if you support the Second Amendment you are somehow unconcerned about…
Recently I read an article about a Pew survey about Christianity.
On the left, a snowy egret in breeding plumage, while on the right is another white heron, the great egret.
Even when not in breeding plumage, the beauty of the snowy egret is reflected in their elegant appearance.
An adult snowy egret is a stunning white beauty with black legs ending in bright yellow feet.
A snowy egret will use its bright yellow feet to stir up crustaceans while skimming for a meal.
Once you’ve taken note of our snowy-white herons in Florida, you’ll start to notice a difference between the various species. My personal favorite is the absolutely gorgeous Snowy egret. Smaller than the heron of last week’s feature, the snowy is almost three feet tall to the four-foot heigh…
WASHINGTON — America’s political culture is dominated by fear. For some, it is fear that the triumph of progressivism would bring anti-religious persecution and fundamentally alter the American way of life. For others, it is fear that the reelection of President Trump would remove the last r…
I don’t blame millennials and Gen Z for mocking baby boomers with the trending “OK boomer” meme.
Over the next few weeks, children will be shaking boxes under the Christmas tree to see what might be hidden away for them. Others will be attending Christmas parties and having the chance to stand under the mistletoe with someone special.
During visits to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, on Sunday, Pope Francis pronounced that, “The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral.” He added, “As is the possession of atomic weapons.”
Warning: This column is full of road trips, fun times with family, and grandbaby stories. If you’re not into that, you might want to skip this week’s offering.
One of the least discussed but more expensive legislative initiatives coming out of last year’s session was a plan/scheme to add 330 miles of toll roads to the state transportation system.
Two young women have dropped their federal lawsuit against Kansas State University, and in a limited sense that makes complete sense to us. Their case — which alleged that K-State should bear some of the blame for rapes that happened off-campus — never really added up, in legal terms.
Out for an afternoon stroll with friends on a path next to a river, you’re startled by a woman’s cries for help and you see her flailing arms in the water.
I watched the continued impeachment circus Wednesday and listened to a Harvard professor describe the danger to our “democracy.”
Representative (Greg) Steube glossed over an important distinction in his comments to the House Judiciary Committee today (Wednesday). He said that the Mueller report had absolved President Trump of collusion. This is incorrect.
Arlene Tuck needs to quit grandstanding, and get back to the real work of Highlands County. Trying to sneak through a resolution to declare Highlands County a Second Amendment Sanctuary county is not only not necessary, it's a waste of the county's time. It appears very juvenile, and creates…
My current main mode of transportation is a 6-year-old ¾ ton Chevy Suburban with a relatively low 114,320 miles for a Suburban. I just find Suburban very practical for what I do. I expect I’ll be keeping this current version for a long time. It is in great shape thanks to Yarbrough Tire main…
During the Holiday Season, which now stretches from Autumnal Equinox to New Year’s Day, it’s nearly impossible to turn on the radio or walk through a shopping mall without hearing the rich, mellifluous voice of Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives. Few people can place his name but in the coming weeks mil…
I was busy about my day job when I noticed a problem. Entering something called frequencies into a database, my screen kept popping up with December 25 as my three week date. Knowing this couldn’t possibly be correct, I tried again. Still, the computer kept populating Christmas Day. Tugging …
America’s veterans have contributed greatly to our nation’s success. Their service — and in many cases exceptional sacrifices — are a source of pride to all right-thinking citizens. It’s hard to believe that as aging veterans seek to avail themselves of the government benefits, earned throug…
Every person needs a place where they belong ... a place where they can feel safe and cared for ... a place where they matter. A place like the Sebring club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Highlands County. The Sebring club, located at 111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., has been part of the …
The breakdown in global recycling markets and the growing public alarm over plastic waste in the ocean has prompted appropriately consequential action across the globe.
I must admit I enjoy reading the guest opinions published in this newspaper. I’d also admit that while I do not always agree with the writer’s viewpoint, I try to be open to the viewpoint the individual is trying to convey. I do, however, draw the line when a writer spews forth false rhetori…
We have officially entered December and as such can say it’s time to start doling out holiday cheer and eggnog. Even though we are only in the first few days of December, some people have been itching to put up their tree since even weeks before Thanksgiving.
For almost 50 years, there’s been a debate about whether or not marijuana is a gateway drug.
The timing seems so distant. But we still have not reached the six-month anniversary of one of the deadliest workplace shootings in U.S. history.
What’s the best gift you ever received? Whatever it was, it surely wasn’t a material item bought in a store.
With the colder weather and Christmas decorations making their annual appearances comes the beginning of the high school soccer season. Multiple times a week, Highlands County soccer teams represent their respective cities across the state. Some matches may be as close to home as Frostproof,…
This year, a PGA golf tournament sponsored by FedEx paid the winner $15 million for the win. For those of you who don’t golf, a tournament consists of 18 holes of golf (four hours) each day for four consecutive days. The winner is the golfer that shoots the lowest total score for those four …
“There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened, and maintained.” — Winston Churchill.
By the time you read this, Thanksgiving will be leftovers in your fridge and Black Friday will be a memory (and probably a news story or two). If you haven’t done so already, you’re probably thinking about decorating for Christmas and shopping for gifts.
We’re becoming a country more to the liking of fictional Judge Elihu Smails.
It’s 4:30 a.m. and the 1800’s farmer is milking the cows. One ornery cow kicks over the bucket and now the milk will have to be rationed.
Del Smith, 98-year-old World War II dive bomber and fighter pilot, prepares to take a flight in a Cessna 172 at the EAA 1240 Aviation Development Center.
\From time to time I receive an e-mail, text, or a phone call from folks in the area asking about aviation or commenting on a recent article. The following e-mail from Fred Carino set in motion a very special day last Saturday morning at the EAA Chapter 1240 Aviation Development Center on th…
