Today's News

I have a confession. I absolutely loathe politics. Yes, I loathe politics. I love leadership. But I don’t like the politics that so often comes with it.

Since before I was old enough to cast my first vote, I’ve had no love for the mud slinging that’s become an unfortunate side dish at election time.

Sometimes, the candidates are slinging a little more than mud. But it was four years ago, when George Bush, John Kerry and the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth that I discovered my favorite election time Web site is Factcheck.org.

Staff writer/photographer

Traci Robertson is at the heart of  TJ’s, a bright red storefront in the picturesque village of Smithfield. The sound of wind chimes urges browsers to come in and have a look around while seasonal decorations and bright yellow mums keep company with locals gathered on the front porch sipping sodas and swapping stories.

Executive Director

Do you know the signs?

Signs are everywhere in our lives. We live by them so that we have more order and less chaos. When we see a red light, we know to stop; when we see a “do not enter sign,” we know the area is forbidden; and when we see ice and snow on the roads, we know that we should proceed with caution. Signs give us a sense of control which makes living a little easier.

I would like to thank everyone who called my house this summer and asked me to run for city council.

I did not want to be in this mess. I wanted nothing to do with it. But for some unknown reason, I have been targeted by some candidates. I have been called “poor white trash.” Well I am poor, I am white but I never thought of myself as trash.

Some of my friends have been called on the phone and intimidated or they tried to intimidate them. They were unsuccessful. Friends are a blessing and I do have wonderful friends.