It's a sickening sight to see our local businesses struggle and some not make it. We all can count off numerous businesses that not so long ago seemed to be doing fine, and now their buildings are empty. ...more

November 14, 2008

James Adkins says if he doesn't win a county commission seat this time, he's hanging up his political aspirations for good. ...more

October 19, 2008

Dear Abby: I recently lost my wife to a long illness. When she could no longer work, I tried to give her the best quality of life I could. It took a toll. I worked long hours to give her everything she needed. The medical bills were astronomical. All she ever wanted was me. ...more

September 28, 2008

Sebring voters will have four choices in the Aug. 26 primary: Former commissioner Jeri Canale is running against psychologist Bruce Borkosky for the Democratic nomination, and former city councilor Jeff Carlson is challenging incumbent Andrew Jackson in the Republican primary. ...more

August 18, 2008

permanently. With the county facing the most challenging budget preparation exercise in recent history, the subject of saving tax dollars by eliminating the $600,000-plus the county spends annually on this adventure is long overdue. ...more

July 1, 2008

Saturday is my day to shop for food and other household supplies. ...more

June 4, 2008

SEBRING — Pastor Mike Karl fell down a glacier last week, but considering he did it while on a cruise to Alaska, he doesn't mind the bruise. The cruise is just one of the perks Mike and Pat Karl received after being chosen as the 2007 recipients of the Judge Clifton Kelly Champion for Children Award. The Karls have run New Testament Church and Mission for 31 years and have served people more than one million meals and housing to get them back on their feet. Now the Children's Services Council and Foundation are looking for their next "Champion for Children," whose name will be announced at the ninth annual gala, Sept. 25. ...more

June 2, 2008

Mr. Jackson: I find your articles regarding Progress Energy's proposed and now defeated plan to route lines along Highway 54 to be a one-sided attack on the homeowners and residents living in this area. ...more

May 27, 2008

I was appointed to the Tampa City Council in 2006 to finish a term for a departing council member. My term ended about a year ago. It was a tremendous experience, and I wish more people interested in government could have the opportunity to sit on the other side of the podium. ...more

May 25, 2008

The National Civic League was founded in 1894 by Theodore Roosevelt and Louis Brandeis to address widespread municipal corruption. The organization sought to "raise the popular standards of political morality" and is still at work, seeking to help communities adopt practices that will empower people and improve their quality of life. ...more

May 19, 2008