11 minute read
Letters to the Editor
| The Local Views
From the managing editor
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Don’t abuse free speech with wrong info By Melody Kinser and, depending on what newspaper (I advocate As I’ve said before, I am not anti-gun. I was ‘ve occasionally considered myself to be a bit of a conspiracy theorist. In reality, I guess the only event that I still question is the moon landing on July 20, 1969. I don’t lose any sleep over it and I certainly don’t argue with anyone as to whether the Eagle landed. My parents insisted I watch the historic event, which I didn’t question at the time. And let’s keep in mind I was five days shy of becoming a teenager. (Not always our most focused years.) Without being insensitive to the possible Managing Editor I for “Real News”) or news broadcasts, you’ve had at least a glimpse of what she “believes”. While I will share some of her comments, I want to start with what I consider heartless and without any sense of compassion. Before being elected to Congress, Greene followed and taunted David Hogg, a survivor of the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen people died and 17 more were injured. Greene says it was staged, and makes the same claim about Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty-six people were killed, including 20 chilraised by a man who was a marksman in the U.S. Army Air Corps (now Air Force) and a member of the NRA. Dad always had rifles and pistols. Several national newspaper websites refer to Greene’s comments as right-wing conspiracy theories, often noting she supports QAnon, makes anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim remarks. In the “What did she say?” category: Greene attributed the horrific California wildfire in 2018 to laser beams. The Los Angeles Times wrote that Greene “speculated that the blaze might have been started by a laser beam in space.” mental issues of those who publicly voice some dren between the ages of 6 and 7, and six adult A survivor watched her home go up in flames really far-reaching conspiracies, I try to keep my staff members. but did not see any laser beam strike the area. mouth shut, or, as it were, my fingers from typing The young man was en route to the U.S. Of course, I’m a strong advocate for free what’s running through my mind. Capitol to meet with senators as he is very speech, but don’t blatantly put out falsehoods in
So, today, let’s look at some of the comments involved in gun control. We can’t even imagine an attempt to bring more attention to yourself. that have been made by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor the horror that students, administrators, educa- There are so many sources available to learn Greene, R-Georgia. She has caused quite a stir tors and staff experienced that day. the truth. Take the time to go that route.
Glenn Turner dared to be great with the Challenge
By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist
Not many noticed the small obituary in the local newspaper in a small community in Florida, and fewer still knew of the man named in the listing. Glenn W. Turner passed away at his home on Jan. 8, 2020, the small article said.
I wondered if this could be the same Glenn Turner who swept the country like wild fire back in the 1970s and ‘80s with a motivational program called Dare to Be Great that engulfed thousands of Americans and became a lifestyle for hundreds of his followers.
I, too, would be unaware of this information if it had not been for a hearty group of my friends who got on the Turner train in the late ‘70s, and dedicated themselves to something called the Challenge to America.
As it turns out, the Challenge was Turner’s latest attempt to become a millionaire. The son of a sharecropper in rural Georgia, Turner had dropped out of school in the eighth grade after excessive bullying due to a
see DARED, pg. 8
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LETTERS
| Reader Views Questioning free and open government
A free and open government -- who’s kidding who? Anyone that attended the recent “Lobby Day” at the State Capitol knows better.
The show of force presented by various law enforcement agencies wasn’t there to prevent any violent protest. It had one purpose and one only – to intimidate those that showed up.
Both the governor and mayor of RVA did their parts by claiming, “The sky is falling”. Where were these “leaders” last year when rioters and looters were destroying public and private property in RVA? Where was this show of force?
Instead, they chose to present a show of force against people that were exercising their civil and constitutional rights to gather. They made downtown RVA look like central Europe in the 1950s and 1960s when we saw the Commies crushing protests in most violent ways.
More?
When Walmart was coming to Ashland it was a hot topic. Ashland Town Council gave the citizens lots of reasons to question their having an open government.
I believe the town stood at 9-1 in opposition to Walmart coming here. Town council held a town hall meeting to see what the citizens wanted.
I spoke and suggested that the town hold a referendum that would bind the council to follow the citizens’ mandate. The mayor said that was ridiculous and it would take too long, cost too much, etc.
How long could it possibly take to count a thousand votes? Less than the average number of voters in any election in Ashland.
Here was an excellent opportunity
see LETTERS, pg. 27
Continued from pg. 4 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Profane, threatening language over a public airway was reported in the 4200 block of Falling View
Lane, Mechanicsville.
Destruction of property, monument, value $1,000, was reported in the 8400 block of Times-Dispatch
Boulevard, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7400 block of
Sherwood Crossing Place,
Mechanicsville.
Violation of a protective order (general) was reported in the 8100 block of Angela
Nicole Lane, Mechanicsville.
DWI, 3rd offense in 5 years, was reported in the 8800 block of Times-Dispatch Boulevard, Mechanicsville.
Feb. 2
Driver did not report an accident with damages, Driving after forfeiture of license, 3rd in 10 years, was reported in the 8000 block of Meadowbridge
Road/Shady Grove Road,
Mechanicsville.
Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road,
Mechanicsville.
Entering or setting in motion a vehicle was reported in the 9600 block of
Landcastle Drive, Ashland.
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 6300 block of
Mechanicsville Turnpike,
Mechanicsville.
Identity fraud use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 9300 block of Charter
Crossing, Mechanicsville.
False statement to obtain property or credit was reported in the 9300 block of North Rinker Drive,
Mechanicsville.
Continued from pg. 1
Where can I go to get my vaccine?
At this time those who are eligible to receive a vaccine under the Phase 1 campaign will need to sign up if they wish to receive the vaccine. In order to sign-up for the vaccine waiting list, you may visit the Chickahominy Department of Health’s online vaccine survey tool, which can be found here: https://forms.gle/oeEWfHEyGHu42tcH7
Or, if you prefer, you can call the Hanover County COVID-19 call center to signup by phone: 804-365-3240.
Someone from the health department will contact you to set up your vaccination appointment once it is your turn (based on the phase and vaccine supply).
If you have already signed up online or other the phone, there is no need to call or complete the survey again.
How do I register to get my COVID vaccine?
If you fall under Phase 1A or 1B of the COVID vaccination campaign, you can sign up in one of two ways. If you have not already through an online survey, you can sign up online through our local health department’s online survey tool. The link to that survey tool is https://forms. gle/oeEWfHEyGHu42tcH7. If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call and sign up over the phone by calling the Hanover County COVID- 19 call center. The telephone number for the Hanover County COVID-19 call center is 804-365-3240.
Will there be a choice of which COVID vaccine I get?
No. While there is currently more than one vaccine brand available to Americans, local health departments will likely have only one brand. Vaccine supplies are limited, and you should strongly consider accepting whichever
see COVID-19, pg. 20
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Continued from pg. 1 this. If not, you certainly saw him doing it. Whether it was sitting beachside with his bride or going after his goals, Tripp Hogg was definitely a man that was busy livin’.
Tripp was raised in Mechanicsville by his father, Woody Hogg (Oakley W. Hogg Jr.) and his mother, Susan Hogg, along with his sister Lizzy and brother Jonathan.
Tripp enjoyed hunting, fishing, and participating in sports. As a well-rounded man, he played basketball, baseball, and was especially talented when it came to tennis.
Throughout his youth he attended Battlefield Green Elementary, Stonewall Jackson Middle, and Lee-Davis High School.
Growing up, he gained many close friends and prioritized maintaining these friendships up until his very last day.
As the charismatic honor student he was, he touched the lives of both his peers and teachers. He was even elected “Most Likely to Succeed” by his classmates.
During his four years at his beloved East Carolina University, he earned his degree in finance while being an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and was even Class President ’91.
Tripp always carried ECU close to his heart. He and his dad held season tickets to the football games where he would flex his tailgating skills for anyone that would join him. Win or lose, he bled purple and gold.
Later the family legacy would continue as two of Tripp’s six kids attended and graduated from ECU.
Post-graduation, even with other opportunities, he decided to try his hand in the family business.
He joined ERA Woody Hogg and Associates and built
Photo submitted by Kathie Hogg
Kathie and Tripp Hogg, at the top of the stairs, are shown with their children on Christmas Day 2020. They are, at left, fi rst row, Elle Hogg and Josh Ratchford; second row, Delaney and Oakleigh Hogg; and third row, Mandy and Mary Beth Ratchford.
his team, which is still running today. Tripp loved working there with his dad and stepmother, Pam Hogg, as well as his sister, all three of his stepbrothers (Bryan, Bradley, and Kris Boykin) and their wives (Tatiana, Ashleigh, and Lauren).
Anyone that knows their business knows that once you are at ERA Woody Hogg, you ARE family.
In 1994, Tripp married his first wife, Patty, with whom he had three beautiful girls, Oakleigh, Delaney, and Elle. In raising these girls, he participated in swim meets, coached many sports, participated in Indian Princesses, and collected “Best Dad Ever” treasures from all three.
Later, Tripp married his second wife, Kathie, who added three more kids to his family, Mary Beth, Mandy, and Josh Ratchford.
Even with such a large household, Tripp always put his family first.
He made it a point to attend all events no matter what, especially Sunday family dinner featuring something special he made on the smoker.
Tripp lived for his family, his community, but most of all his God.
Tripp was always a faithful and loyal servant and a devoted member of Cool Spring Baptist Church.
Heaven gained an angel, and he is already serving oysters and throwing some party, sporting that big smile we all know and love.
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