A Short Story by Jack Mint William unfolded the buck knife and knelt in the grass behind his family’s homestead. He meant to carve the initials of the woman walking through his sixteen-year-old dreams. However, his knife could not cut the bark of the tree. He tried to start again the first initial of the girl he thought was the prettiest in his tiny, rural school. The bark seemed hard as stone. William went to the neighboring tree and carved Sue Ellen’s initials next to his without any problem. He thought it was strange but went to bed to dream…

Dear Editor, Several news outlets have reported that my bill to provide parents more access and information on sexual education courses also prohibits the inclusion of homosexuality as part of any chosen curricula. They are misinterpreting the language. That was absolutely not my intention. I regret that it has diverted attention from the main goal of the bill, which is to assist parents with more access and transparency, so that they could make informed decisions about the health and welfare of their children.  I will post an amendment today [Jan. 9] that removes the provision that has raised concerns. With…