Homefolks U.S.A.
Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
11:21 am Friday, March 20, 2020

Homefolks U.S.A.

Hi folks,

Today I heard a person make the remark that the health scare folks are experiencing today also happened many years ago when the polio epidemic hit our country.

That’s probably true. We know many people from right here in our county that contracted polio. Some cases were more severe than others.

The polio scare soon passed when the Salk vaccine invented by Dr. Jonas Salk was developed. Let us all hope and pray a cure will soon be available for the coronavirus as well.

So far no cases have been reported in Franklin County, but a lot of safety precautions are being made available.

The scare has brought out the selfish side of a lot of people. When folks will buy more than they can possibly use, it really shows their lack of respect for the person that really needs food and other products to help get them through these difficult times.

As a small boy in Rockwood, I can remember our neighbor Janet Gentle, who spent her life in an Iron Lung because she had contracted polio. She lived several years in Rockwood before moving to Birmingham.

When she passed away, the family was living in California.

Her sister Lillie also had polio, a mild case. Lillie went on to become a Hollywood star and starred in several movies.

The last report I heard, she was in a wheelchair, and the polio had taken a toll on her life in her late years.

With all the precautions our country is putting in place, maybe this terrible virus will be cured in the early stage. I hope and trust we will look to the Creator and ask for his guidance during this time in our country.

The sheep are animals that need guidance. They are always very nervous, afraid, and they see danger in everything they do. They have to have a shepherd to keep them in line.

Most all of us are like sheep, but the important thing we need to realize is, we have a shepherd who loves us and will see us through this difficult time.

We are told in the Bible, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal this land.” –II Chron. 7:14.

Let’s keep the faith.  It’s gonna be OK.

Til next time,

Your friend,

Bobby


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Wash your hands and say a prayer. Jesus and germs are everywhere!

Also on Franklin County Times
Hill addresses challenges before congressional panel
Main, News, Russellville, ...
SMALL WATER SYSTEM
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Eric Hill, general manager of the Russellville Water and Sewer Board, traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to speak before Congress ...
Phil Campbell adopts buildings ordinance
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — Town councilmembers have approved a buildings ordinance which establishes requirements for inspections, notices, hearings and enforcem...
Bendall takes regional role at UNA
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Dr. Natalie Bendall has accepted a regional in-service center director’s role at the University of North Alabama. In her new position a...
Tax season brings relief for workers
Columnists, Opinion
March 4, 2026
Americans across the country are preparing for tax season as W-2s make their way to everyone’s mailboxes. People often compare filling out their tax f...
GFWC clubs support parks system
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
March 4, 2026
When our GFWC Book Lovers Study Club met recently, we focused on something that belongs to all Americans -- the National Park Service. Patricia Cox, c...
Bishop, McCulloch lead RHS softball to 4-1 start
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville varsity softball team successfully opened the 2026 season with a 4-0 start before falling in the fifth game of the week. The Lady Gol...
Belgreen wins 4 of 5
Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Belgreen Bulldogs are off to a hot start under new veteran coach Jonathan Raper. After dropping their opener to Dora, the Bulldogs won four straig...
RHS loses 4 in Showdown
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville High baseball team defeated the Hatton Hornets in the home opener, then lost four games in the PB South Alabama Showdown. RHS hosted ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *