Reducing business restrictions a move in right direction

Politicians like to talk about “getting government out of the way.” What does that mean, exactly? Taxes probably come to mind first among ways the government inhibits the private sector.

If I were running for president, you’d want to know about my boyhood

When I was a little guy, I would lie on my back in the yard and look up at the clouds or the trees, searching for an answer to the question of the day. God, do you want me to start raising worms now so that when I open my bait shop, I’ll be ready?

Touch-A-Truck touches lives

The opportunities are endless for children to be anything they want when they grow up. Whether it’s a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, tow truck driver, crane operator, or anything in between, every community needs people in these jobs to make it successful. Every job is important.

Some random thoughts on some random subjects

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost. And you know the rest. That familiar proverb is my way of saying that for want of a word, a critical fact got botched.

Will NIMBYs prevail when it comes to construction of more affordable housing?

When one of our sons was a preschooler, my wife dutifully signed him up for swimming lessons. He soon joined the long tradition of kids really not wanting to take swimming lessons. Like many kids, his struggle was as much psychological as physical.

Still time to be a write-in

It’s already August so the Nov. 5 General Election is getting closer as voters will be able to make important decisions on the local, state and federal levels. The deadline to run as a qualified write-in candidate for any office is Tuesday, Sept.

Nothing artificial about Southern intelligence

RING! RING! RING! “Hello. This is Dick Yarbrough, your modest and much-beloved columnist speaking. How may I help you? “Dickie, it’s your old pal, Artie!” “Artie? Artie who?” “Artie Fishel, of Artie Fishel Intelligence. Surely, you remember me.” “Ah, yes.

Please hold your applause for someone who deserves credit

Have you ever felt like you received more credit for something than you deserved? Well, I have. About 15 years ago, I came across a recipe for pancakes in a little book of breakfast specialties. I made those pancakes for my family. Everybody loved them, and I’ve been making them ever since.

It’s The Law: The most important letter you may write

Many of my clients have asked, if they can, in any way personalize their estate plan. Estate planning is not just about legal documents and financial assets; it’s also about leaving behind your wishes, values, and guidance for your loved ones.

We would get along better if we disagreed better

The conversations you never anticipated can be some of the most challenging. They also, I learned the other day, can be the most rewarding. This particular dialogue didn’t begin with much promise. It only happened because no one came to a community event where I was scheduled to speak.