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Trying to stay cool during the hot days of summer
It looks like the temperatures have gotten very hot the last few days as we officially start summer. We have actually had some mild weather before this heat wave began. I have always liked summer, especially when I was younger and more active. But now that I have gotten older, it is tougher to take…
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A preventable tragedy at Pontiki/Excel coal tipple
The collapse of the Pontiki/Excel coal preparation plant last fall in Martin County, which resulted in the deaths of Alvin Nees and Billy Joe “Bo” Daniels, was a catastrophic consequence of negligence, flagrant disregard for safety regulations and the lack of moral and legal responsibilities. A litany of failures As a report by Kentucky Lantern…
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Want money? Work and save some
The average stock market return has been about 10% every year for nearly the last century, as measured by the S&P 500 index. In some years, the market returns more than that, and in other years it returns less. Talk to a stockbroker or someone who works with Individual Retirement Accounts, or do internet research…
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Remembering West Virginia legend Jerry West
Jerry West, perhaps the most famous person and athlete ever from the state of West Virginia, passed away last week at the age of 86. A native of rural Kanawha County and hailing from Cheylan, he led East Bank High School to a state title back in 1956. West is the most decorated athlete ever…
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‘The sun shines bright’
BY GARY WAYNE COX I believe all Kentuckians have heard that song and like it. It is the most recognized state song in America. Just about everyone who has been to a Kentucky basketball or football game feels a certain amount of pride standing for our state anthem just before the national anthem. Most people…
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Wear good shoes inside your house
It is better to work a job you enjoy than a job you hate. You will eventually fail at the job you hate. If you love your work, you don’t mind making less money, but chances are more money will eventually be made from the work you love than from the work you hate. Save…
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Remembering my dad for Father’s Day
As I pondered what topic to write my column on this week, I asked my wife Vicki for her input. She reminded me that Father’s Day was coming up. Bingo! I love being a father to three and a grandfather (Pawpaw) to five young ladies. That is one of the most important things I’ve done…
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Trump and Daniels – more levels and devils to come
What are some things we have learned from the Stormy Daniels, former President Trump saga? Sin will take you farther than you want to go. Keep you longer than you want to stay. Make you pay more than you want to pay. You cannot win at the game of sin. Some people will forgive you.…
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We are spoiled without internet, cable TV and phones
The recent thunderstorms that moved through the region on Memorial Day weekend knocked out the internet, cable television and land phone lines for our neighborhood. It made me think about what society did before we had social networks like Facebook, hundreds of television channels to pick from and, for many, even a telephone. Growing up,…
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Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal
The proud halls of Martin County High School bore witness to the achievements of its graduating class last week. On May 24, students adorned in caps and gowns crossed the stage with diplomas in hand, marking the end of their high school journey and the beginning of the next chapter of their lives. As these…