Opinion

Betty and Jerry Chilton and their children thank everyone who attended their 50th anniversary party or sent their blessings. I know my father especially enjoyed the occasion. Since his stroke in 1999, he has been unable to ambulate very well. I want to especially thank Barbara and Glen Gregory for attending. He too has had health issues in the last decade. Glen has been battling cancer and other ailments associated with this disease but thankfully is cancer free. I am glad he was well enough to attend. Our family received over $400 in cash gifts for Relay For Life.

The Judy Lea Memorial Henry County Children’s Fund committee would like to thank all who helped make this year’s benefit a success. Our 22nd benefit for the children of Henry County raised over $13,000.

In particular we would like to thank those individuals, businesses and organizations who donated goods and services for the theme baskets, auction items, homemade desserts and for the monetary gifts we received.

As gas and food prices continue to climb, it is critical that we effectively manage our budgets and personal finances to make ends meet. Juggling investments, tax returns and credit card bills can be difficult, so it is important to educate yourself on the best ways to save and invest in your future. Since April is Financial Literacy Month, I wanted to share with you some tools that will help you better understand your finances and protect yourself against identity theft.

On April 8 and 9, General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker testified before Congress about the current political and security situation in Iraq. According to both officials, progress in Iraq is significant, but reversible. As a senior Army commander told me recently, "We simply cannot walk out of the Middle East now."

Why is it that Henry County can't attract new businesses, so there can be local jobs for local people?

According to the Ky Deskbook of Economic Statistics, 59 percent of Henry County's workforce is employed out of the county, and 46.3 percent of them travel more than 30 minutes to get to their job destinations.

The cost of living is going up daily, due largely to the gas crisis. The spending power of a paycheck is dwindling, but just how much of it is going to the increased cost of just getting to work?

This pool issue has been something that our family and community has now heard of and been listening to for quite some time now. During the last city elections for Mayor and Council members, we had quite a few prospects, and current members stop by our home. The only constant issue that any of them talked about, was the pool. They all mentioned there was a great need for something for our young people to do in this city, let alone county.

"The worst things in history have happened when people stop thinking for themselves, especially when they allow themselves to be influenced by negative people. That's what gives rise to dictators. Avoid that at all costs. Stop it first on a personal level, and you will have contributed to world sanity as well as your own."

We believe Donald Trump said it best.

We are standing at a crossroad in history. This has been and will be a record-breaking presidential election, in more ways than one. And for the first time in a long time, Kentucky voters will play a crucial role in selecting the presidential nominees. The Republican presidential primary has already been decided and they have quite a formidable candidate in Senator John McCain. But it's the Democratic race that still has many people on the edge.

We would like to thank each and everyone who attended, worked, or contributed in any way to the Marilyn Moore Benefit held on March 21. The benefit was a huge success. Once again, the people of this county opened their arms and hearts and proved why this is the best county in the world to live in.