Today's Opinion News

It’s time to sign up with Parks and Rec for spring and summer

Parks and Rec is not all about fitness. Other offerings range from an arts and crafts show to a kite festival to a fishing derby.Read more...

On Greece, the Dow and end of Mardi Gras

Greece did not appreciate that the nation’s reveling would be followed by a much longer period of fasting. Like it or not, their euro lenders would demand repentance. As for Wall Street’s financiers, it remains to be seen whether the lessons of overindulgence have been learned well enough to keep the slow-moving U.S. economy plugging along. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Schools make gains; credit the principals

The 2011 School Performance Charts released by the Education Consumers Foundation provide a generally upbeat assessment of schools in Alcoa, Blount County and Maryville. In a nutshell, of the 19 elementary schools in the three education systems, 10 rated A, four scored C, one was rated D and four received F. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Randy Lambert’s 600 MC basketball wins a major local event

While it has far more than local importance, Maryville College basketball coach Randy Lambert’s 600th victory Saturday has involved a lot of local people. It came in a 63-50 victory at LaGrange at the close of his 32nd regular season as head basketball coach at Maryville College. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

‘Progress Never Sleeps’ sections begin Tuesday

We realize many regular readers look forward to the annual special “progress” sections which The Times publishes each February, a custom which began in the late 1950s. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Class size decision is a valuable lesson

The decision by Gov. Bill Haslam to abandon his proposal to do away with average class size restrictions in Tennessee gets high marks. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Efforts made to keep voter rolls up to date despite inaccuracies

In Tennessee — and in Blount County in particular — procedures are in place to maintain the accuracy of voter registration. Election officials say they are confident the existing system works, but it does require constant vigilance. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Food is connection that binds the world

Being a congenial event, food will be provided at the FABulous Furniture Auction. Being an arts event, the featured fare will be hors d’oeuvres. Bon appétit. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated

Celebrities. World affairs. Gifts. Self-help advice. New technologies. Pathos. Oddities. Politics. Tragedies. Diets. This is love? Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

NCLB waiver for state is chance for reform

The decision by the U.S. Department of Education to grant Tennessee and nine other states a waiver from certain provisions under the federal No Child Left Behind Act will help improve education in U.S. schools. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Murray’s economic forecast for state optimistic — at last

The report is cautiously optimistic: Slowly and somewhat unsteadily, Tennessee and the U.S. are recovering from the Great Recession. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Nuclear plants should be built again in U.S.

It was right for Nuclear Regulatory Commission to grant approval to the first new U.S. nuclear power plant in a generation Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Deal with bullies in early grades

Research indicates the best time to deflect students from bad behavior is when they are most impressionable. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

FAA reauthorization was long overdue

Congratulations are due members of Congress who persevered over their recalcitrant colleagues. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Cyber assaults are serious security threat

Some are Internet enthusiasts. Some are pranksters. Others are activists with political and social agendas. Subscribe to our e-edition to read more. Only $1/mo. for print subscribers!

Your Voice

Wonderful people make Blount great

Ted Flickinger writes the editor thanking those who helped wife during accident Read more.

Truth is most effective motivator

Daniel Dotson writes the editor discussing support by children’s groups Read more.

Reader is unhappy with food stamps

Dan RunningBear writes the editor requesting a raise in food stamps Read more.

Obama’s energy policies confusing

William Buelow writes the editor to discuss Obama’s energy policies. Read more.

Ron Paul’s foreign policy is conservative

Tona Monroe writes the editor about Ron Paul’s foreign policy. Read more.