I am a teacher, and I have had enough. I have had enough of people basing my worth on public officials' opinions and scant knowledge of how I do my job. I have had enough of people demonizing and blaming public workers, unions, and our "plush" benefits for the ills of the economy....

FALL RIVER, Mass.--Maybe 25 years ago, I went to a wedding that was catered by Kentucky Fried Chicken. Well, it wasn't really catered, but they had the reception in the groom's mother's living room and kitchen, and one of the groom's brothers went out and got three or four buckets of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and I think some green beans. The guy got all white meat, too. That little wedding story is intended to provide what better writers call "context"--my way of letting the reader know that I think a $20 bill is a nice piece of money....

Cards lost; lesson learned This is for the person who took the time to turn in five gift cards he or she found to the manager at Dick's Sporting Goods at Spotsylvania Towne Centre on Jan. 22....

LAST YEAR, bills to place eminent domain reform in the Virginia Constitution sailed through the House of Delegates and the Senate. But now that last November's election is in their rearview mirror, some members of the General Assembly are wavering in their support. Property owners in the Old Dominion need to press the legislature to protect their rights. After the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London, Conn., Virginia did pass a law providing some protection against takings for economic development. After all, why should a city or county be allowed to exercise eminent domain and seize your property just because Bob the Developer can make "better" (defined as producing more tax revenue) use out of it?...

THE BOND between man and dog has existed for thousands of years. Forged initially from mutually beneficial survival activities, the link has evolved into a satisfying symbiosis involving food, love, protection, care, and, sometimes, sport, including, from time immemorial, hunting and chasing game. But when does "sport" cross the line and become cruelty? Right at the gate of the fox pen. The foxhound is the Virginia state dog, a noble breed born and bred for one thing: to chase foxes. Watching a fox hunt over free and open countryside with riders on galloping horses and hounds baying is a beautiful thing. Ol' Reynard is often crafty enough to find a tree stump, a hole, or a small nook in which to hide, and hounds return without prey, tongues lolling, happy just for the chase....

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.