The New College Institute’s continued growth mirrors educational needs in the area.

The college announced two new degree programs on Thursday — a master’s degree in counseling and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The counseling degree will be offered through NCI’s partnership with Old Dominion University and the early childhood education degree will come through its partnership with Norfolk State University.

• Patrick Henry Community College for making changes in its fall class schedules so students can make less trips to campus, and save gas, if they choose. ...

• Arnold Terry of Collinsville, who recently was honored as a bluegrass pioneer by the International Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro, Ky. ...

• The council of the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Physicians for holding its summer retreat here last week. ...

Having devoted 40 out of the last 45 years of my life to education (in one capacity or another), I am naturally predisposed to thinking that education is important. In my opinion, there is a vital link between the quality of education a child receives and the economic development that takes place in a community. The relationship between the two is complex and evolving.

It was interesting to read Del. (Danny) Marshall’s defense of the Virginia GOP and attack on Gov. (Tim) Kaine last week. However, before I rush to concur with or counter his arguments, I have a few questions to ask him.

1. I cannot argue for or against Kaine’s attempted diversion of $180 million without knowing what it was diverted for. You didn’t tell us. Why not?