The sun is rising again above Rocky Fork Lake State Park. Recent cause for a renewed optimism and community spirit was followed by a glorious late February sunrise and 77-degree temperatures on Friday, Feb. 24. Thanks to all those – from the taxpayers to private businesses and residents to public officials – for lighting the way forward

The sun is rising again above Rocky Fork Lake State Park. Recent cause for a renewed optimism and community spirit was followed by a glorious late February sunrise and 77-degree temperatures on Friday, Feb. 24. Thanks to all those – from the taxpayers to private businesses and residents to public officials – for lighting the way forward

The sun is rising again above Rocky Fork Lake State Park. Recent cause for a renewed optimism and community spirit was followed by a glorious late February sunrise and 77-degree temperatures on Friday, Feb. 24. Thanks to all those – from the taxpayers to private businesses and residents to public officials – for lighting the way forward

The sun is rising again above Rocky Fork Lake State Park. Recent cause for a renewed optimism and community spirit was followed by a glorious late February sunrise and 77-degree temperatures on Friday, Feb. 24. Thanks to all those – from the taxpayers to private businesses and residents to public officials – for lighting the way forward

The sun is rising again above Rocky Fork Lake State Park. Recent cause for a renewed optimism and community spirit was followed by a glorious late February sunrise and 77-degree temperatures on Friday, Feb. 24. Thanks to all those – from the taxpayers to private businesses and residents to public officials – for lighting the way forward

Of all the villages and communities in Highland County, I suppose I have to admit that I’ve always held Fairfax as one of my favorites. There are many reasons. And there are many stories collected over the past half-century. (Not all of which are suitable for publication.) Kirk Dickey, a longtime Fairfax resident – and former pal of the late Oscar-winning actor John Wayne – recently stopped by The Highland County Press with a little bit of Fairfax history that was news to me.

Of all the villages and communities in Highland County, I suppose I have to admit that I’ve always held Fairfax as one of my favorites. There are many reasons. And there are many stories collected over the past half-century. (Not all of which are suitable for publication.) Kirk Dickey, a longtime Fairfax resident – and former pal of the late Oscar-winning actor John Wayne – recently stopped by The Highland County Press with a little bit of Fairfax history that was news to me.

Of all the villages and communities in Highland County, I suppose I have to admit that I’ve always held Fairfax as one of my favorites. There are many reasons. And there are many stories collected over the past half-century. (Not all of which are suitable for publication.) Kirk Dickey, a longtime Fairfax resident – and former pal of the late Oscar-winning actor John Wayne – recently stopped by The Highland County Press with a little bit of Fairfax history that was news to me.

Almost everyone has a Bill Bear story. Or two. Or 10. Surely, everyone in Pricetown and Buford has a Bill Bear story. What a true character. And what a personality.

Welcome to the Fourth Estate, Hayden Taylor. (A word to the wise: You might want to avoid the whiskey writers for at least a couple of decades.)

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the United States will observe the 75th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. One can hope that President Obama – and all Americans – will give this moment its full due respect and remembrance. The Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was one of those defining moments in world history.

This, without question, is a poor attempt to wish Jim Graham a happy 80th birthday. But I do know this: He has been a great grandfather to his six grandchildren, and a great father-in-law to his two sons-in-law. (I think John Cozine would agree.) Jim, you are one of the very special people who has come into my life. (Your daughter’s OK, too.)

The money trail leads to Columbus. Do the honorable thing and send it back. Local taxpayers are doing all they can. Of course, the Republicans who control the governor’s office, the House, the Senate, the Supreme Court and most state offices are wise to all of this. But they don’t care. They know that taxpayers and voters aren’t always one and the same. As long as they can persuade more voters than taxpayers, they can maintain their cozy arrangements.

Growing up in southern Highland County and living in upper Adams County, the term “hillbilly” was never taken as an insult. Not by me. And not by most of my friends and coworkers. Frankly, I’ve always preferred “ridgerunner” to “hillbilly,” but either way, when the work boots fit, I was taught to wear ‘em.

As Shakespeare once said – or maybe it was Tom Tepe – the world needs more lawyers.