One of the more intriguing concepts under consideration in city government is expansion of the city’s fiber optic network to provide cable television services to Bartow residents. There are a number of issues, both practical and philosophical, to be resolved, … read more.

Gov. Rick Scott isn’t what you’d call a subtle salesman. Suppose he were a Ford dealer. His ad campaign would feature a list of any flaws he could dig up on GM, Toyota and Chrysler. Camry brakes? Bad. Chevy transmissions? … read more.

I wish I have a smile on my face but knowing the chaotic situation we are facing as a nation I feel it is instead of a very sad smirk. From the beginning I felt Barack Obama and his political … read more.

Unlike some of our journalistic colleagues, we do not consider it the duty of newspapers to second guess every decision of government. For that reason, we kept our opinion of the Polk County School District’s decision to move Bartow High … read more.

The Viewpoint page is one of the most popular features of our, or any, newspaper. The exchange of ideas, the spleen-venting missives, even the occasional recognition of a random act of kindness or service that exceeded expectations reflects the mind … read more.

One of the better measures to come out of the 2013 session of the Florida Legislature is Senate Bill 50, popularly known as the Right To Speak Bill. We hope that local governments in Polk County will be quick to … read more.

Members of the Class of 2013 from Lake Wales and Bartow High Schools will reach a major milestone when they walk across the stage to accept their diplomas, signaling they are ready to step into the adult world. In addition … read more.

The approaching end of the 2012-13 school year also marks the end of long careers of two Bartow-based educators who have had a tremendous impact on the school system and the young people it serves. Ron Pritchard, principal of Bartow … read more.

Anyone who was around here on Aug. 13, 2004, can easily empathize with the feelings of loss and disorientation experienced this week in Moore, Okla. We also recognize the challenges that lay ahead for residents as they try to rebuild … read more.

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With hundreds of miles of roads that traverse neighborhoods and rural area, Polk County is a mecca for bicycle enthusiasts. Children ride on streets near their homes while more experienced riders can be seen pedaling great distances. Most area residents … read more.

To those interested and invested in education, we humbly respect all of the educators and support staff in our schools. We also feel there is not a better candidate for our next superintendent than David Lewis. Polk County Schools have … read more.

Few things make a parent prouder than to see a child or grandchild recognized as one of the top performers among his peers, be it for academics, athletics, artistic prowess, citizenship, or any of a host of other laudable achievements. … read more.

One thumb up for the new elections reform law that substantially returns Florida’s voting system to pre-2012-debacle levels and even adds some beneficial tweaks. The bill was approved by the Legislature late last week after one controversial passage was withdrawn … read more.

Forty years ago, when citizens band radio was all the rage, it was said that CB radio had given millions of people with nothing to say a forum on which to say it. Gimme a big 10-4 on that, Good … read more.