OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Finally, the rains came.
Probably not enough to pull us out of the drought, but enough to green-up lawns, fields and give farm crops a fighting chance to produce this year.
Out our way in Mapleville, we got nearly 3.5 inches of rain over the weekend as several thunderstorms rolled through, each contributing to the total.
Fortunately, the storms which looked nasty on approach, didn't feature much lightning and had very minor winds so, as far as I know, there were no major problems.

Once you reach a certain age and, quite frankly, well before that, you should never take your physical health for granted.
Tests, checkups and routine maintenance should certainly be part of the everyone's game plan when dealing with their health, or else, your 'check engine' light will start flashing and it won't be much that a mechanic, sorry, I mean doctor, can do for you.
The same is surely true for mental health, but I'd be lying if I told you I'm as conventionally diligent about my mental health as I am physical health.

Dear editor: This is why I enjoy a good community newspaper. Upon receiving my July 9, 2026 Franklin Times newspaper, on the front page, I noted a great photograph of a family/ group of friends observing a local Fourth of July fireworks display while on the right hand side of the front page I see the article titled "He's golden!"
Both articles brought a smile to my face. So much of the news that we see or read today is conflicting.