By Ronald B. Rise Councilmember Erin Rayner recently wrote that Purcellville’s downtown is “waiting” and needs to be brought back. I agree that our historic downtown should remain strong, attractive and economically healthy. Where I disagree is with the premise that a few blocks of North 21st Street represent a neglected center of town waiting…

By Purcellville Vice Mayor Ben Nett  Susan Khalil has resigned from the Purcellville Town Council, citing what she described as the extraordinary hostility and nastiness of the political opposition—and the toll that environment has taken on her health, personal life, and professional life. I’m disappointed by Susan’s decision, but I understand it. I’ve highlighted much…

By Ken Falke I was recently standing in a local grocery store when I overheard something that stuck with me. An older woman was talking to what appeared to be her adult daughter. At one point, the woman said, quite matter-of-factly, “I don’t give a s**t what people think.” I’ve heard older people say some…

By Charlie Houston Most of us do not remember this slogan from the late 1960s counterculture days. This was a dark time for the country, and “Power to the People” became a slogan for protesters against the Vietnam War, “the system,” and “the Man.” There were many iconic photographs of a protester raising a clenched…

By Valerie Cury Every election in Purcellville promises the same thing—protecting the town’s character while encouraging economic growth. The real differences are not found in campaign slogans. They are found in the decisions elected officials make once they take office.  The Loudoun Times-Mirror’s mid-July article appears to portray Purcellville’s current Town Council majority as opposed…

By Kwasi Fraser, Former Four Term Mayor of Purcellville Today, I remember and say farewell to my dear brother, my friend, my mentor, and one of the greatest keepers of Black history that Loudoun County has ever known. Louis, your transition from this earthly life leaves a void that cannot be filled, but your legacy…

By Ken Falke Recently, I spent several unforgettable days wandering through England and Ireland with a handful of close friends. We weren’t chasing business opportunities or checking items off a bucket list. We were simply spending time together. We laughed more than we slept, solved none of the world’s problems, and yet somehow returned home…

By Charlie Houston This is not about military sergeants, but about a mentality that’s ascribed to many of that rank. It’s also about homeowners who’re relatively new to western Loudoun and a few old-timers who share a too-common attitude. My topic is our network of unpaved roads and the unloved VDOT.   VDOT’s Duties Virginia…

By Vicky Hu Last June—on literal Friday the 13th—my phone rang with unimaginable news. A representative from Dominion Energy told me that one of the proposed routes for the new Golden to Mars 500-kilovolt transmission line could place a 185-foot transmission pole in my backyard. I remember driving home in a panicked rage, knocking on…