I’m a career firefighter/paramedic from Martinsville, Va., but I’m originally from the mountains. I grew up in Asheville, traveled the world and worked in restaurants most of my life, eventually coming back to manage Canyon... — Updated 4/7/2020

On Feb. 29, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams tweeted, “Seriously people – STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if health care providers can’t get them to... — Updated 4/6/2020

April was proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983 and continues to be celebrated each April. The purpose of Child Abuse Prevention Month is to increase public awareness to help protect children and prevent maltreatment.... — Updated 4/6/2020

In these days of a global pandemic and over a million infected around the world, one major issue for families comes up that is similar to what our ancestors faced a couple of generations ago: how to deal with the deceased and the... — Updated 4/6/2020

During the past couple of weeks several letters have demeaned the president’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The latest was by Ms. D’Alessandro on March 30. Her letter contained the usual hateful words to describe the... — Updated 4/6/2020

Lauren D’Alessandro opened her March 30 letter to the editor with this: “Mr. Grodnik’s letter inspires me to ask how any Trump supporter can continue to defend a president whose actions are indefensible?” Ms.... — Updated 4/6/2020

We’ve all been bombarded with information (and disinformation, too) in the current COVID-19 crisis, but I think for those of us in western North Carolina, what has come into view is that health care is awfully important. And... — Updated 4/6/2020

A quote from H. L. Mencken: “A good politician is quite as unthinkable as an honest burglar.”  Does that remind you of a N.C. senator?  However, he is thoughtful – of himself and his pocketbook. -- Carolyn Winchester,... — Updated 4/6/2020

This is the first major, nationwide crisis for the majority of Americans. Certainly there have been events since 1960 that have had a tremendous impact on this nation – the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, the seemingly... — Updated 4/1/2020

In this time of fear, uncertainty and caution, we all hold dear our loved ones and our friends. Fear of being around others, uncertainty of what will come next and caution concerning where we can go or not go should not destroy our... — Updated 4/1/2020

At this time when our lives are being seriously affected by current medical concerns beyond our control, I want to express my personal thanks for the excellent medical care I received during a recent surgical procedure at Pardee... — Updated 4/1/2020

King of chaos and serial misleader Donald J. Trump reigns supreme and is in his element. Trump, his administration and the members of his tribe are reaping the rewards of their principles of leadership: Deny expert scientific... — Updated 4/1/2020

My husband and I have so appreciated walking in the forest during this time when we are all sheltering at home. We have become conscious of how important it is to maintain social distancing in order to prevent the spread of this... — Updated 4/1/2020

These are difficult times indeed. This virus was unexpected and has washed over the world like a tsunami. Everyone is feeling the effects no matter what race, creed or bank balance. Yet for those of us who manage to weather this st... — Updated 4/1/2020

A few months ago when the COVID-19 outbreak began, many Americans wondered why it was receiving so much attention when the regular flu killed approximately 32,000 Americans last year. It was a legitimate question. Since that time,... — Updated 3/31/2020

This is a time of great testing for Congress. As it considers responses to the nation’s health and economic crises, it faces close scrutiny by ordinary Americans, financial markets and businesses large and small across the... — Updated 3/30/2020

Mr. Mandel suggests I am confusing socialism and communism. In his piece in the second paragraph, he says, “Communism, on the other hand, is a failed branch of socialism.” Could it be that socialism is in a category with... — Updated 3/30/2020

Mr. Grodnik’s letter inspires me to ask: How can any Trump supporter continue to defend a president whose actions are indefensible? Trump’s ignorance, incompetence and narcissism defy all reason. Now – during the biggest... — Updated 3/30/2020

Every cloud has a silver lining, even our COVID-19 crisis. I read in Monday’s paper that Sheriff Mahoney wants to work with the community rather than against it. Speaking of limiting gatherings to certain sizes, he said, “I... — Updated 3/30/2020

It appears that many of us will be receiving relief checks of $1,200 sometime in the weeks or months ahead. For some of us it will be a godsend. For others of us it will be icing on an already substantial cake. If and when a check... — Updated 3/30/2020

I am writing to urge everyone to vote for Sam Edney to represent us in N.C. House District 113. These are trying times as we all do what we can to shield ourselves from the raging coronavirus, but it is also a time to contemplate... — Updated 3/30/2020

(Editor’s Note: At this time it is crucial for residents to listen to the advice of medical professionals. The following information is from local doctor Ray Dunkelberg.) Facts 1. COVID-19 is a new virus. No one on the planet... — Updated 3/26/2020

Peggy A. (Bowman) Nissen, 86, of Appleton, Wis., former resident of Brevard, passed away at home March 17, 2020. The only daughter of Ernest and Anna Mae (Hall) Walker, she was born Feb. 17, 1934 in Sidney, Mont. She was raised by... — Updated 3/25/2020

As we’ve seen at our local stores and businesses, we’re navigating in uncharted health waters. For years, scientists warned us of a possible pandemic. And here in western North Carolina, it’s happening. While we watch as the... — Updated 3/25/2020