When I was on active duty in the Air Force I had an opportunity to be stationed overseas in Germany near the French border. My family and I often visited the Lorraine American Cemetery in France. Staff Sgt. Andrew Miller is buried there. I will share with you his story while fighting near the French German Border during World War II. It comes from a citation he received.

As a “new deputy” to the Madison Sheriff’s Office and a “casualty of the last election in Culpeper,” I would like to address several of the issues brought up by Charles P. McDowell of Reva. First of all, Madison Sheriff Erik Weaver did not let anyone go after his re-election or the proper phrase is “not reappoint” anyone. I would venture to say that anyone who left did so because the opponent did not get elected.

Sheila and Scott Chadwick’s daughter, Rene, is getting serious with Larry Barnes. He’s 21. The families haven’t known each other, but they’ve known of each other. That’s the way it is in Bucksnort. You either know a person or know of them — sometimes a lot more than you wish you knew! 

If you haven’t checked out our Web site lately—www.madison-news.com—now is a good time to do so. It received a major revamp late last month and now has all sorts of new bells and whistles.

Thumbs up to 2008 James O. Clore Award winner Hunter Weaver, the Madison County Volunteer Fire Company’s longtime chaplain. Weaver received the award at the annual MCVFC banquet March 22 at the Madison fire hall.

In January, the Madison County Board of Supervisors, at a workshop meeting, raised the topic of possible “industrial uses” on a portion of the county-owned 242-acre site that currently houses the transfer station and the animal shelter.

Attention Madison County residents: Where does your money go?

On March 3, we received information about two cougar sightings along Route 689 near Ida in Page County. In both cases, the cat fled up the mountain towards Skyline Drive.

An economic downturn presents challenges, but it also offers opportunities – folks are forced to get creative. (More on the “creative” part later.)

In recent Eagle letters to the editor, Robert Legge and Mathew Keener say substantial public money goes to support my (and all U.S.) farm operations. I share their concern.

This is an update of a letter I wrote to The Madison County Eagle several years ago. I warned at the time that as the U.S. continued its weak-dollar policy, the price of oil and other imports would continue to rise.

As I write you, still filled with Mountaineer Pride, I think, wow, what an amazing year. It has been a true pleasure for our family not just to attend the games, but to see our young athletes develop in to young men.

“Madison Pride” has been the catch phrase of our community this year — especially in our athletic endeavors. It was never more evident in our basketball season as I saw so many people provide their support to our young men this year.

I wonder how many people in Madison County feel like they don’t pay enough taxes. Well, if that’s the case, then I suggest they just stay silent and they’ll get their wish.