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
Text message signaled return to state
High School Sports, Main, Red Bay Tigers, ...
AHSAA NW REGIONAL FINAL RED BAY 64, COLD SPRINGS 52
David Glovach For the FCT 
February 25, 2026
HANCEVILLE — It was a simple text message, one sent by a mom of a former player. It was a six-year-old picture of Red Bay huddled together outside Leg...
An emotional loss for senior Fisher
Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports, Main, ...
COLD SPRINGS 45, BELGREEN 42
David Glovach For the FCT 
February 25, 2026
HANCEVILLE — Their hands found their faces quickly — something, anything, to absorb the tears. It only worked so well. “It’s hard,” Makenna Fisher sai...
Court asked to halt lot sales
Franklin County, Main, News, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
February 25, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County commissioners are seeking a court order to halt future sales of lots for the Lightning Ridge subdivision. Colbert Count...
Tellish named Rural Teacher of the Year
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
February 25, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Middle school teacher Carley Andrews Tellish has been named the 2026 Spezzini Rural Teacher of the Year, an honor that recognizes one K...
Students compete in annual beef cook-off
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
February 25, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE -- The annual Franklin County Cattlemen’s beef cookoff took place recently at Triple H Barn with students from Russellville, Red Bay, Bel...
Garden club revisits Lewis and Clark expedition
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
February 25, 2026
As the 250th celebration of the United States approaches, members of the Cultura Garden club have been revisiting American history through a series of...
Medicare Advantage must be funded
Columnists, Opinion
February 25, 2026
In a few short months, policymakers will decide the financial fate of the Medicare Advantage program and its millions of members. While the program is...
Guntersville ends season for RHS girls basketball
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
February 25, 2026
The memorable and successful 2025-26 girls basketball season came to an end for the Russellville Golden Tigers at the AHSAA Class 5A Northwest Regiona...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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