THE SHELBY INDEPENDENT

By Ron Humphries | Contributing Columnist for The Sunday Column OPINION — Growing up in an era defined by black-and-white TV news broadcasts, I vividly recall the authoritative voice of Walter Cronkite, whose signature sign-off, "And that's the way it is," epitomized his commitment to pure journalism. The role of the Press was pivotal in shaping democracy, and the Founding Fathers understood this, viewing a free press as essential for an informed citizenry and a healthy gover

By Ron Humphries | Special Contributor to The Shelby Independent OPINION — In today's political landscape, local leaders often present themselves as knights in shining armor, swooping in to save their communities from crises. Their altruistic acts, like community outreach programs or fundraising initiatives, may seem genuine. Still, we must ask: what truly distinguishes authentic altruism from strategic self-promotion? Understanding this helps us critically evaluate their mo

While I was in South Dakota, I learned a lot I didn’t know about the eagle. Mostly what it represented to the Lakota people, one steeped in history, bravery and wisdom.