BY J.R. HOEFT Every year at this time, I invariably think of the Founding Fathers. Moreover, it is very easy for Benjamin Franklin to be one of the first who comes to mind. Franklin – a publisher, legislator, scientist, ambassador… Continue Reading
BY BILL DESTEPH Two months ago, I joined over 300 members of our law enforcement community on a 250-mile bicycle ride across Virginia. The journey raised money for an incredible organization, Law Enforcement United, which supports the children and families… Continue Reading
BY TERRY KING KNOTTS ISLAND, N.C. — My friends and neighbors removed me from my family when I was about 25 years old – they drafted me – and changed my life. Once I was in the Army, it became… Continue Reading
BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE VIRGINIA BEACH — In its first season, Virginia Beach United, a new soccer club playing in the United Soccer League’s League Two has brought a high level of play to the Virginia Beach Sportsplex, and the team hopes… Continue Reading
BY AMANDA VELA VIRGINIA BEACH — Lessons — where would we be without them? Where would I be without them? Throughout my life, I have found that lessons come from many places and are learned from many different experiences. I went… Continue Reading
BY JAMES ALLEN VIRGINIA BEACH — I write this as we approach another Memorial Day, when service men and women are putting their lives on the line for all of us, and I am reminded of one thing that stays… Continue Reading
BY MARK THOMAS MAHMOD NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA — One important lesson I’ve learned through my short time of military service is to never quit. Occasionally, I find myself thinking, “I don’t know where I’d be today if it wasn’t for… Continue Reading
BY CHAD VINCELETTE NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA — During a counseling session when I was a young naval officer, my commanding officer told me that in order to lead a successful organization you have to have a “servant’s mindset.” At first… Continue Reading
BY SHELLY SLOCUM RED MILL — Charlie and Shannon Cohen have opened a bagel shop in Red Mill Commons called Brooklyn Bagels, and they aim to deliver the taste of a New York bagel. The Independent News spoke with Shannon Cohen… Continue Reading
BY SHELLY SLOCUM COURTHOUSE — At lunchtime on Monday, June 3, dozens of people dressed in blue gathered at Courthouse Community United Methodist Church to remember the 12 people who died in the mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.… Continue Reading