ASHLAND — Sam Piatt is ‘next great laureate’

The other day I sat down to read more of Sam Piatt’s tales of backwoodsmen and fishers of similar ilk. As I read with the jealously of a wish-I-could writer, he spun the story, wrapped it in fall foliage and brought another warm evening respite to the reader.

I thought how much Jesse Stuart would have enjoyed Sam’s work and might have been his best friend if he were still around. Lo and behold, near the end of Sam’s article, he also began to write of Jesse Stuart.

I never met “The Man With the Bull Tongue Plow,” but I met Sam once. He and other writers were recollecting and exaggerating down at Soc Clay’s shed. I may have drank a little too much of John and OC’s martinis, but I could have sworn Jesse was sitting between Soc and Sam laughing the laugh of an old worn friend.

I hope folks in the area realize as they read Sam’s work, they are living in the time of our next great laureate.

Douglas Lee Davis, Lucasville



New mayor needs Spriggs, Duley

I was glad to see that Thursday’s paper included some of the remarks by Mayor-elect Chuck Charles who set the stage for candidates to follow along the theme of “Ashland, the City of Choice”. Unfortunately, if the four incumbents are re-elected Charles’ goals for Ashland won’t not be achieved.

My impression of these four men was “la-la land” while I listened to their remarks. They want Main Street to overcome all of its obstacles to expand downtown business without allowing Sunday alcohol sales. They want promoters to schedule alcohol-free events in the Veterans Riverfront Park knowing none have done so in the two years it’s been open.

If Chuck Charles is to be a successful mayor with his goals set for the city, then voters must elect Cheryl Spriggs and Tim Duley as commissioners to support him. Otherwise Ashland will continue to languish.

William B. Secrest, Argentum     



Blazer invites vets to lunch Nov. 9

Paul G. Blazer High School cordially invites all military veterans and active-duty personnel for a Veterans Day appreciation lunch in your honor on Friday, Nov. 9. The luncheon will begin at 10:30 a.m. and take place in the gym lobby. There will be a brief ceremony of appreciation followed by lunch served by our JROTC instructors and cadets.

A display of past military weapons as well as military vehicles will be available for all to view throughout the day. All those who wish to attend are asked to contact the school at (606) 327-6040 to RSVP by Nov. 8.  An RSVP is not required to attend; it will simply be used to help us anticipate how many will be in attendance. We look forward to seeing all veterans and their families on Nov. 9.

Derek S. Runyon, Principal, Paul G. Blazer High School



Volunteer training openings available

Openings are still available for Community Hospice's Volunteer Orientation sessions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Reservations are required.

Volunteer opportunities include in-home respite care, caregiver time out, emotional support and visitation, nursing home and care center visits, companionship and reading, bereavement support, spiritual care, running errands, greeter/receptionist, hospitality cart attendants, delivery drivers, computer data entry and office clerical work and handyman services. All volunteers must complete the volunteer orientation to be certified. 

For more information or to reserve your space, please call LuAnn Vance, director of volunteers, at (606) 329-1890 or (800) 926-6184.

Elizabeth V. “Beth” Taylor, Marketing and community outreach, Community Hospice





Letters invited

The Independent invites readers to submit In Your View letters on public issues. Letters must not exceed 300 words and must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. Words of Thanks letters are limited to no more than 150 words. The Independent cannot guarantee a day of publication for letters, but makes an effort to publish letters in a timely manner. The Independent reserves the right to edit letters for length, spelling, grammar, accuracy and appropriateness of language. Letters that cannot be verified will not be published. Questions about letters should be directed to John Cannon, opinion page editor, at jcannon@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2649.