July 13, 2026
Opinion
Keep data centers out
When data centers move into small counties, the immediate costs to citizens often manifest as spiked residential utility bills, severe strains on local water and sewer capacities, and diminished tax revenues from generous corporate exemptions.] The hidden costs borne by the local community include: 1. Soaring Utility Bills: Data centers consume massive amounts of power and require utilities to build costly new infrastructure. In areas with high concentrations of data centers, wholesale electricity prices have historically jumped by up to 267% as those grid upgrade costs are passed onto everyday consumers.
Empty Vessels
Are you at a place today where you feel as though your vessel is empty? Are you running on empty trying to be everything to everyone? In 2 Kings chapter 4 there is a miracle that happens for a widow woman and her two children behind closed doors. A miracle of endless oil flowing to fill up every empty vessel she had. A miracle that not only allowed this woman to save her precious children but blessed her family for years to come! In these 7 short verses you will see that by her obedience, diligence and faith she was able to pour out all the miracles God had in store for her through her emptiness.
More adventures in customer service
Ibelieve in the importance of customer service. A while back, I dropped my cable/internet provider after spending half my time battling their so-called customer service reps. I had many indecipherable conversations with guys in India who called themselves “Rick” or “Sam.” I finally switched to another provider. I should have done it years earlier. The new company’s customer service was excellent. Within days, my cholesterol level improved, my headaches disappeared, and I could leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Tips to prevent senior financial abuse
Financial fraud remains a growing concern, particularly for older adults. However, with awareness, preparation, and the right support, you and your loved ones can reduce the risk of becoming victims and stay safe. A trusted financial institution can be a valuable partner in this effort — monitoring for suspicious activity and offering tools that help protect your accounts and personal information.
Practice safe sun
Moderate sunlight exposure is essential for our health. It drives Vitamin D production for bone health, stimulates serotonin to support mood regulation, and resets the circadian rhythm for better sleep. The key word is “moderate”. Extended sun exposure can be harmful. In fact, sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. As we move into the summer months, be sure to protect yourself from the sun.
The state of the column
My fellow Americans. In recent months, you’ve been enlightened by political leaders, real and imagined, who have delivered the State of the Union, the State of the County, and the aptly named State of the State. When a governor recites that one, he or she should be greeted by Kenny Rogers’ classic hit, “I Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition is In.”
Has fishing gotten too high-tech for its own good?
You get a line and I’ll get a drone, honey / You get a line and I’ll get an app, babe…” Or something like that.