I'm not prone to writing letters to the editor, unless I see or read something in the paper that really "cheeses me off." What has gotten my "knickers in a twist" this time is not something from the paper, but what our "County Mounties" are doing. Don't get me wrong, I highly respect our sheriff's deputies, it's what some of them have been doing by parking in a handicap spot that is upsetting. Once a week I have my hair done at a beauty salon on North Main Street in Lake Placid. Having a legitimate handicap sticker, it is most helpful for me to be able to park in a handicap zone. ...more

December 2, 2007

Well, Christmas is just around the corner. I made a Christmas wish last year, in the Highlands Today, and I am making the same wish for this Christmas. I would like to see more fair-minded men and women, who are dedicated to their jobs of governing this great country. As yet, I haven't seen much progress being made, still seeing the same disagreements among our political leaders. They all must put our great country first; as we all know "Together we stand, divided we fall." We are all Americans regardless of our politics, whether it be Democrat or Republican. ...more

December 1, 2007

An article about Ron Paul stated there are a few Ron Paul supporters who send out inappropriate e-mails. This may have some validity. But how much - since it's their opinion of the situation and no one knows what is taken into consideration while they are forming their opinions. ...more

November 23, 2007

This Thanksgiving there is much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the men and women of the armed forces who defend this great country. ...more

November 22, 2007

SEBRING — One big question was raised Tuesday as Highlands County commissioners began discussions on a proposal to provide financial aid to the county's military personnel serving in combat zones in the war on terrorism. That question: Should this proposed county grant — up to a maximum $900 per year — be awarded only to homesteaded home owners, or to all service personnel from the county in harm's way overseas? Two of the five commissioners, Don Bates and Edgar Stokes, supported making the grant available to all men and women from the county serving in combat zones, whether they own or rent. "Their exposure to harm really doesn't depend on whether or not they own property," Bates said. He added, "Who serves right now? Mostly it's the young people, 21- 22-, 23-years old, who are the ones out on the front line." Few people at that age own a home, he said. If the intent is to support troops fighting the war on terrorism, he said, the aid should not depend on a person's status as a homeowner or renter. "They're both taking the same chances when they're out there," Bates said. ...more

November 14, 2007

Today is Veterans Day and plenty of activities are going on to honor the men and women who have worn our country's uniform. But do most Americans really know how to thank veterans? Even veterans probably disagree, but it's reasonable to say that the best way to honor them is by being good Americans. Sometimes being a good American draws the ire of our fellow countrymen, but that's fine, because freedom is what it's all about. Obviously we should tell veterans "thank you" for serving our country and keeping us free. But most veterans don't need a public pat on the back. They served for many reasons and too often people get caught up in patriotic fervor that really doesn't honor them, it just makes the person doing all the fawning feel good about it. But that's fine, too. ...more

November 11, 2007

Camp Brorein will celebrate its 85th anniversary as a Boy Scout camp Saturday with an afternoon of fun, food and story-swapping. ...more

November 8, 2007

Art Sicard of Port Richey says enough of war, which is horrible. ...more

November 7, 2007

It continues to amaze me how much effort my neighbors put forth in preparing their yards for such events as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. This week my neighborhood was filled with ghosts and goblins hanging from trees, tombstones, witches and monsters. In a few weeks time, there will be reindeer, beautifully lit homes and Santa Claus waving to you as you walk by. The effort people expend is truly remarkable! ...more

November 2, 2007

Nov. 11 is a day to remember. All Americans everywhere should proclaim Veterans Day (formerly known as Armistice Day) and should be willing to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. ...more

November 1, 2007