Opinion - Newton County Times

October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is officially marked as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. This creates an opportunity to shed light on the most common learning disability in the United States, one that affects millions of … more

By CONG. BRUCE WESTERMAN Arkansas's Fourth District | 10/9/24

State Capitol Week in Review

LITTLE ROCK – A subcommittee of legislators is close to finishing its year-long study of Arkansas gun laws. The study includes a package of bills to clarify the rights and restrictions of … more

From SEN. BRYAN B. KING | 10/6/24

Vance sends Walz back to the minors

Tim Walz did a lot better than I thought he would in his debate with J.D. Vance on Tuesday night. Walz didn’t knock himself out of the race like Joe Biden. And he flashed some of the human … more

By MICHAEL REAGAN | 10/6/24

The moment Tim Walz exposed JD Vance’s totalitarianism

We all know vice presidential debates rarely move the public opinion needle. In 2020 Donald Trump was thrown out of office by a record 81 million voters because he was Donald Trump, not because a fly … more

By DICK POLMAN | 10/6/24

Canoeing doesn’t float my boat

When the weather turns damp and horrible and all I want to do is curl up by the radiator, my coworkers always get the bright and chirpy idea of going canoeing together. Lake temperatures tend to be … more

By ALEXANDRA PASKHAVER | 10/6/24

Ready for some National Newspaper Week revelations?

“Telling Our Stories.” That’s the 2024 theme of National Newspaper Week (October 6-12). Newspaper employees are being encouraged to share with the readers exactly why they chose the … more

By DANNY TYREE | 10/6/24

My father, the crook and the British sports car

I’ll never forget the look on my father’s face when he learned about the crook who stole my British sports car. It was the spring of 1988 and I was a senseless 26 year old. I’d just … more

By TOM PURCELL | 10/6/24

Budget hearings to begin Oct. 8

The state budget profoundly influences our daily lives, affecting everything from education to healthcare. As the legislative session approaches, the General Assembly takes the time to assess the … more

From REP. STEVEN WALKER | 10/6/24

State Capitol Week in Review

LITTLE ROCK — When the legislature convenes in regular session in January, lawmakers will consider changing how district courts are funded. The outcome will be important throughout the judicial … more

From SEN. BRYAN B. KING | 9/29/24

Johnny Cash immortalized in the U.S. Capitol

The halls of the U.S. Capitol are no stranger to legends of American history. Statues of influential figures line various halls and the Capitol Visitor Center to honor those who have embodied the … more

CONG. BRUCE WESTERMAN Arkansas's Fourth District | 9/29/24

Tightening my belt till it hurts

In the current economy, when a visit to the grocery store requires a long-term financing plan, it has become clear that our family must find ways to spend less. This is especially challenging for us … more

By JASE GRAVES | 9/29/24

Every dog has his day

There are many ways to stay calm. Try meditation. Or deep breathing. Or horse tranquilizer. I need all three to get through a vet appointment. And I don’t mean to calm down my dog. I need the … more

By ALEXANDRA PASKHAVER | 9/29/24

What’s the lowdown on your town’s downtown?

My parents used to talk about the county’s farmers streaming into town on Saturday and shopping until midnight. From my own childhood, I still remember Petula Clark’s then-new song … more

By DANNY TYREE | 9/29/24

Farm to School Month

As we enter the month of October, Arkansas gears up to celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month – a time dedicated to connecting schools, early childhood education sites, and various … more

From REP. STEVEN WALKER 28th District | 9/29/24

Bringing the Man in Black to Washington

Arkansas has made a monumental impact on the nation’s capital this year outside of the usual policy debates among the legislative and executive branches or landmark Supreme Court cases. … more

By US SEN. JOHN BOOZMAN | 9/29/24

State Capitol Week in Review

LITTLE ROCK – Most of the universities in Arkansas reported increases in enrollment for the fall semester. The state’s funding formula for higher education no longer emphasizes … more

From SEN. BRYAN B. KING | 9/22/24

In politics, the pursuit of purism is for losers

It’s usually good to be a purist, but not in politics. Purism in politics is not feasible. The Republicans in the House proved that for the millionth time this week when they tried to pass the … more

By MICHAEL REAGAN | 9/22/24

The show on the road

My neighborhood is being torn down, and my mood is going up. Or maybe it’s the other way around. My city ran a surplus this year, so the municipal council took a good look at their spending … more

By ALEXANDRA PASKHAVER | 9/22/24

Do I know where you live?

I confess to employing the occasional half-truth. In order to keep conversations moving (and save face), I sometimes mumble, “Sort of” when someone queries, “You know where … more

By DANNY TYREE | 9/22/24

Offering some tax advice

As a self-employed writer, I’ve become knowledgeable about how high my income taxes really are. Every now and then I like to reply to readers with tax advice. Q: Dear Tom, they say the only … more

By TOM PURCELL | 9/22/24