By James Merrill, James Roberts, Michael Spencer, David Stuckwisch and Deran Whitney The Blueprint for the Future of Public Education is the vision of Virginia's public school superintendents for meaningful education reform. Unveiled nearly two months prior to the governor's K-12 plan, the 43-page document lays out five key goals: --Prepare all students to be college- and career-ready

Today, Mary Baldwin College announced the site on which we intend to construct facilities for our new graduate programs in health sciences, set to open in 2014 with doctoral programs in physical therapy and occupational therapy, and a master's degree program of physician assistant studies.

In response to the article "Parents driving coaches away from the game" dated Sunday, I've been involved in youth sports for 10 years in this area, which is my place of birth. I have been a baseball, football and basketball coach as well as a parent, step-parent, granddad and uncle of players. I've been assaulted, lied about. I've been a babysitter, counselor, medic, etc.

On Jan. 29, I read The News Leader's Our View ("Yancey fiasco didn't have to happen," published Jan. 19). No, this did not have to happen. One question that has to be answered in Augusta County is who is in charge of fire/EMS? I've written letters to Mr. John McGhee and Mr. Coefield on/about the Western part of Augusta County. Hope some changes can be made which I feel will improve coverage. What I'm asking is Churchville, Deerfield and Mount Solon be staffed with two paid staff from 6 a.m to 6 p.m. and one paid staff from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Mary Baldwin College's announcement that it is planning to build a new health sciences college in Fishersville is more evidence the local economy is finally moving out of its doldrums and marching ahead.

WASHINGTON -- One of Mitt Romney's favorite pitches on the campaign trail is recalling Barack Obama's comment early in his presidency that if the county, mired in recession, didn't recover by the next election, he would be a one-term president. The Republican frontrunner is still using the line, but without as much resonance as it has had until recently.

Seeking to quell continuing unrest, Egypt's military government has targeted 19 American pro-democracy advocates for prosecution, a move that has shaken the alliance between Washington and Cairo.

The garbage truck that killed sanitation worker Jerry Holton sits unused in a warehouse, a sinister reminder of an unanswered question.

Religious institutions receive extraordinary protections under the Constitution. Government must be exceptionally careful that its mandates don't impinge on the freedom of a religious institution to pursue its mission.

By Vivian J. Paige The name jumped out at me: Richard G.L. Paige.