Opinion
News Staff
Don’t let your Valentine wait for their mailDear Editor:Valentine’s Day is a small holiday with a big impact— especially for local families and small businesses in Kissimmee who count on timely deliveries.If you’re sending cards, gifts, or care packages, my best advice is simple: Don’t wait until...
Friday, February 6, 2026
LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Reaction to downtown Kissimmee police patrols
News Staff
Reaction to downtown Kissimmee police patrolsDear Editor:As a longtime lover of downtown Kissimmee, I want to extend kudos to the city leaders for addressing the alcohol and noise problem.I never remember police patrolling downtown on the weekends.
Friday, January 23, 2026
By a presidential proclamation, January has been designated as National Blood Donor Month in an effort to raise awareness about the constant demand for blood.
Giving blood was near and dear to his heart
Tom Germond
If I were granted one wish for 2026 it would be that everybody who gives blood would donate one more time.That would go a long way toward preventing blood shortages.Okay, I have another wish: Allow me to donate blood and platelets again.That’s not likely to happen.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
In 2026, residents will have some pretty big decisions to make—at the polls. This year features an extremely important election cycle that you’ll be hearing more about that in the coming weeks.
FROM THE EDITOR: 2025 was no joke—and ‘26 is a critical one for Osceola County
Ken Jackson
Since we had to send the Jan. 1 print edition to the press a bit early last week due to the midweek holiday, this edition truly feels like the first paper of 2026.So let me officially wish all of you loyal readers a Happy New Year.It’s a good time to discuss our resolutions.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The second most impressive change (following their extensive shift to EVs) was the extent China has finally moved from paper money and coins to digital payment methods.
Cashless China — when does it arrive here?
John Richard Schrock
While speaking in China, I noted the second most impressive change (following their extensive shift to EVs) was the extent China has finally moved from paper money and coins to digital payment methods.
Friday, December 26, 2025
From Chamber President Dirk Webb: "The older I get, the more I understand that every day is a gift and the people I love are the actual wrapping that makes each moment so special."
GUEST EDITORIAL — Maybe it IS the thought that counts
Dirk Webb
On this Christmas Day 2025, I’m aware we can find this time of year very stressful. We usually have extra events to attend, year end deadlines to meet and, of course, the shopping, wrapping and exchanging those Christmas presents.
Thursday, December 25, 2025
CAPITOL COLUMN, the finale — Keep the faith, MAGA true believers
Bill Cotterell
Editor’s Note: News Service of Florida columnist and longtime Florida journalism Bill Cotterell, who wrote about Florida government and politics for more than four decades, died Nov. 24 at age 82. Four days before his death, Cotterell filed this column.
Friday, December 12, 2025
LETTER TO THE EDITOR — ‘All Inclusive’ class plan should be reversed
News Staff
Dear Editor:It seems Osceola County has unilaterally decided to make it’s school classes “all inclusive,” in that all students will go to “regular” classes, regardless of their ability to do things like ascertain and learn the same material as their classmates, use restrooms as their classmates, be...
Friday, November 28, 2025
SLICES OF LIFE: Black Friday—which one?
Jill Pertler
I’m a Black Friday purist.All year long I see the ads and I’m torn. I love deals, but I also embrace tradition. And I don’t think I’m a gullible fool.
Thursday, November 27, 2025
GUEST EDITORIAL — A Thanksgiving message
Dirk Webb
Is it just me or is 2025 going by in a blur? It seems it was just last week that we turned the page on 2024!I wanted to pause for a moment and consider an attitude of gratitude before Nov. 27th comes.
Thursday, November 27, 2025