Apples, oranges, and sour grapes
      Wherever the confusion came, the Bath County schools are stuck with a tall order: Find a half million dollars to cut from the school budget — another 5 percent from where things stand now. Officials have shown us myriad perspectives and philosophies lately — a good sign leaders are trying to tackle the economic challenges before them some way, some how.
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Pictorial
     Saturday night, Bath County High School played host to the seventh annual Allegheny Mountain Radio Bluegrass Jamboree. Local band 220 South started the toes tapping and were followed by the heavenly harmonies of the Gold sisters from the gospel-bluegrass group Gold Heart. The Salem-based Bluegrass Brothers (l-r) Billy Hurt Jr., Robert Dowdy, Victor Dowdy, Steve Dowdy, Donald Dowdy kept to the family theme and closed the show with some traditional picking and grinning. DJ Willie Smith and "Uncle" Norris Long emceed the benefit show. During an encore version of the Orange Blossom Special, Smith delighted the crowd with his high-stepping flatfoot action. Hats off to AMR for providing such a great source of local music for its worthy cause. The event continues to promote public radio, and serve as a reminder that despite our lower population numbers, the Allegheny Highlands communities generate a wealth of talent. (Recorder photo by Geoff Cox)
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Do you believe your own eyes?
Conversations
By Jim Jacenich
      Longer and warmer days brought baby crocuses above ground since Maple Festival. The pale, dead grass of winter's frosts is giving way to a tidal flow of green across our landscape. Trees are bursting with buds. Birdsongs are once again played in our yards, fields and forests. And the forests are turning red with the bloom of new life.
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