» It’s sad that our state has to enact common-sense laws to protect us from a) ourselves and b) overzealous bureaucrats.

I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend and were able to spend some part of it outdoors in downtown Culpeper.

Let’s look at the recent performance of Congress as it relates to you, the American citizen.

Editorial Cartoon, July 6

It’s exciting to see that many Americans are seeking government reform. Some organizations rally around voting incumbents from office in large numbers.

Our sons Joshua and Matthew Prince, of Remington, received their juris doctor degrees in commencement ceremonies held during the weekend of May 15.

FutureGen. Now isn’t that name a grabber? FutureGen — I expect to see Yul Brynner coming around the corner at any moment — is the name of an alliance (the complete name is FutureGen Industrial Alliance) between the Department of Energy and private companies to demonstrate “carbon capture and storage at a commercial scale.”

» The town of Culpeper is right to explore changing its policy on the reservation of water and sewer tap connections.

Editorial cartoon, July 5

» A number of area residents and organizations recently have been recognized for their efforts.

Editorial cartoon, July 4

As I read Tuesday’s article “Sewage runneth over,” it appears that the municipal organizations and public employees involved in this situation are being “excused” for their failures and lack of appropriate actions in designating this service as critical to the power company.

To correct any misconceptions, we wish to respond to the “Our View” editorial from June 22 advocating public access for Lake Catalpa.

This year’s Tri-County Track Meet takes place at Culpeper’s Eastern View High School Sept. 12.

A few days ago, I had the occasion to refill my Synthroid prescription by transferring it from one pharmacy to another to take advantage of a gift card promotion.

Editorial cartoon, July 3

I swore I was not going to beat this dead horse, but, lo and behold, here goes. Yes, folks, Michael Jackson is gone.

In response to S.L. Brown’s letter in the Star-Exponent June 24 (“Community service supervision lacking”), we use the landfill almost daily and have nothing but the highest praise for the work of the county staff and those providing community service.

Those lobbying against the Employee Free Choice Act intentionally confuse what workers face in union elections with how we vote in civic elections.

» The men who run Pop’s Pizza and Horizon Funeral Home have fascinating stories and hope to carve out a niche in Culpeper.

Tuesday’s front-page story “Illegal immigration costs Va. $625 per household” doesn’t fully explain the serious flaws in a recent report by the Federation for American Immigration Reform claiming that “Virginia’s illegal immigrant population costs the state’s taxpayers nearly $1.7 billion per year for education, medical care and incarceration.”

In response to a request from school superintendents seeking ways to reduce testing requirements, the state superintendent proposed dropping the third-grade history and social sciences SOL test. The curriculum would still be taught but not tested under the proposal.

My sons and I wish to thank the Culpeper County Rescue Squad, paid and volunteer, and the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office.

Editorial Cartoon, July 2

The Museum of Culpeper History is hosting its second annual Camp Culley, a fun-filled learning experience for local kids — ranging from rising kindergarteners to fifth-graders — over a two-week span.

Our granddaughter Katelyn Hall, EMT/firefighter, just graduated Colonial Beach High School on June 14.

» Shirley Gray’s decision to retire from coaching leaves a void at Culpeper County High School, other athletic news is promising

It would be a major blow if Culpeper’s largest private school is forced to close due to funding.

Editorial Cartoon, July 1

With many families traveling over the summer, it is timely to report on the commonwealth’s transportation system.