Archive | Opinion RSS feed for this section

Opinion of the Monroe County Journal

Thanks, I needed that

I’ve heard all my life that we meet Jesus in the most unexpected places and in the most unexpected people. I believe that’s true. I also believe God slaps me across the face now and again – just because I need it. Now, before you think I’m blaspheming, hold on just a second. You know [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

OUR OPINION: Welcome Dr. Woods

  One of the biggest decisions for the future of education in Okolona and Chickasaw County was made Sunday with the naming of Dr. Jerry Woods as the Superintendent of Okolona School District. Dr. Woods’ education and professional experience lead us to believe at this early stage he is the right man for the job. [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

Looking at the future

It’s cliché but today’s young people really are the future. Take a long hard look at today’s youth and you will quickly see what Chickasaw County, Mississippi and this country will look like in 10 or 15 years. It’s easy to get all riled up over kids that wear their pants too low or have [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

Who deserves your vote?

The deadline to qualify to run for a spot in city government in Okolona, Houston, Houlka and Woodland was Friday. The candidates have stepped up and filed the appropriate paperwork, paid their fees and tossed their hat in the ring. Let us be the first to say we thank every candidate for the courage and [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

LETTER TO EDITOR: Chloe

Dear Readers, Hi! My name is Chloe S. I am a fifth grade student at Harlan Intermediate School in Harlan, Iowa. My class is studying the history and geography of the United States. I am so excited I picked your state. I would really appreciate it if you would send me pictures, maps and a [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

The cost of crime

  When I sit down to plan my budget at home, I start with the things I cannot avoid paying. The light bill, the phone bill, the water bill, the mortgage – and of course my taxes. It’s the same with sitting down to figure out the budget for city and county government. They start [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

Volunteer and make a difference

On Page One of this week’s Chickasaw Journal you will find a photo and story about the Upward Youth Basketball program that just recently wrapped up another successful season. Kids gathered at Houston First United Methodist Church each Saturday this winter to play a little basketball, learn a little about sportsmanship and have a little [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

Spring forward

From spring sports to state testing, time is about to fly! Just a few days ago one of my teachers said, “Okay, everyone pull out your group assignments from August.”. Not only had I thrown mine away, but I was shocked by how fast time has flown. It seems like just yesterday we were all [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

The Wisdom of Potatoes

Years ago, I heard how Dad and his father would fill the back of the old pick-up truck with Irish potatoes for market.  On the way to town, which was 30 miles away, they would take the longest, roughest road to get there.  By the time they got to market, the potatoes had sorted themselves [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

All politics is local

A wise old politician once told me all politics is local. After watching campaigns, elections and political shenanigans for 25 years, I’ve come to the conclusion this is true. When you look at the national picture, you have to remember that it all filters down to a particular region or community heading to the polls [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

Driving legislation

Consider this predicament: For a Chickasaw County resident to get a license to drive on the state’s highways they have to drive out of the county to be tested and photographed to obtain that privilege. But a bill before the Mississippi Legislature may soon require the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to have a driver’s [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

Tidy up the Trail

Tanglefoot Trail will officially open later this year with a steady flow of people walking, hiking and biking this path too and from Houston. Trail advocates have estimated it could see up to 100,000 users each year as word of this tourism draw spreads. That same study estimates Tanglefoot Trail could have an estimated economic [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

EDITORIAL: Positive numbers in the local economy

It is not spring yet but it looks like the local economy is growing. Job market data in this week’s paper shows while we still have a lot of people out of work, the number of jobs in the county has grown. And while the most recent numbers indicate more people are claiming to be [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Henry Weir, Jr.

God control, not gun control Dear Editor, As we enter the new year we can’t get Sandy Hook out of our mind and therefore there seems to be no way to distance ourselves from the old year. We simply wait for the next mass murder, each one wanting to out-do the others. Gun control isn’t [...]

Continue Reading · Comments { 0 }