The Herald opinion page has enjoyed a good semester so far. It has seen strong commentaries on problems both local and national, and the editorials have examined issues crucial to Western students. Unfortunately, we have received fewer letters than expected from our readers.

As the academic year begins, the Herald would like students to know that we value their voices. Our newspaper plans on publishing a wide range of ideas and opinions on this page. Any student can write to us with a letter to the editor or a commentary. These can be about any topic the reader finds worthy of discussion and can be sent to herald@wkuherald.

The mid-term election year is upon us, and the media so far has focused on the elections for the Senate and House of Representatives. But the races to watch this November have nothing to do with Congress. Thirty-six states will be electing or re-electing governors.

Environmental issues will come to light when two Kentucky filmmakers present their films at Western. “Sludge” and “Thoughts in the Presence of Fear,” two 30-minute films produced by Appalshop, a cultural center based in Whitesburg will be screened at 6 p.m.