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Today's Opinions

  • Duckett family has a new friend in pursuit of killer

    There has been a lot of emotional response to last week’s column, which dealt with the murder of Jim Duckett and how his family was trying social networking and other Internet options in their efforts to help find his killer.

    Some members of his extended family felt I was somehow making light of this effort. Sadly, that was far from the message I wanted to convey.

    Writing about the victims of heinous crimes can be touchy. Privacy and grief can be tremendous obstacles on the path of good intentions.

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  • What we think: Change is not a 1-person deal

     

    The theme of today – and for the year so far – is change.

    You hear it everywhere. The public seems hungry – almost desperate – for it.

    And new President Barack Obama has promised it.

    Tuesday was a day of change, with Obama’s inauguration and his remarks,  when he focused on “hope over fear, unity and purpose over discord….”

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  • Dads, dogs and the unbending law of the universe

    “Don’t forget to change your oil.”  My dad gave me this pearl of wisdom more than once, often adding “You can drive your car without gas all you want, but don’t try to drive it without oil” to make sure I understood the importance of maintaining the car.

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  • EARLIER: Duckett's family using Facebook to solve his murder

     

    From the day Brittney Claycomb came to our office and tearfully told us the story of her uncle Jim Duckett and the terrible tragedy that had befallen him, my heart has gone out to Duckett's family.

    Claycomb painfully painted a loving picture of a beloved man cut down in a heinous and frustrating crime right in the heart of Shelby County. She asked for privacy and sensitivity, and we understood.

    By her accounts - and those of others who knew him - Duckett was a random, senseless victim just at the point in his life where he was getting some traction.

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  • What we think: School plan recess is good idea

    The Shelby County School Board is doing the right thing by taking another look at its rollout plans for its new campus West of Shelbyville.

    The design of the schools and the long-range concept are excellent. The green facilities will be an example for all future construction in the county.

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  • What we think: Why can't bypass construction continue?

    It must be frustrating if you live on the west end of Shelbyville to drive by the intersection of U.S. 60 and Ky. 55 and look to the north and see a clean, open expanse of concrete roadway that comes to an abrupt end scant yards from where you are passing.

    This is the Shelbyville Bypass, as most of you know, and you realize that it seems within a few feet of being rendered useful on at least that side of town.

    And those who live on the northeast side must feel somewhat the same as they see the near connection with Ky. 55.

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  • We congratulate: Shelburne, Vowels on their service

     Tuesday night was Dottie Shelburne's last meeting as a commissioner for the city of Simpsonville.

    After six years of service, Ms. Shelburne, a lifelong resident of the community, has decided to retire. She cites flagging health, but she also is moved by having won November's election by one vote, an election that was tainted because some voters outside the city limits received incorrect ballots.

    Cary Vowels, the veteran commissioner who finished just behind Ms. Shelburne, will assume her seat and continue his valuable service.

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  • Out With the Old, In With the New

    Welcoming another New Year means different things to different people.  Some are just glad to put the month-long season of gluttony behind them and still fit into their wardrobe (the clothes, not the furniture).

    Although I do agree with the wise-guy who said, “People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.” 

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