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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown…How Can My Office Help You?
Some of my office’s most critical work has nothing to do with votes
cast on the Senate floor. As your senator, my most important job is
serving you and helping constituents cut through red tape when dealing
with the federal government. That means helping seniors access the
Social Security benefits they have paid into, assisting veterans and
their families in obtaining veterans benefits and military medals that
they earned but never received, and helping … read
more. |
State Representative Jim Buchy… Labor Day Celebrates the Values That Make Our Country Great
Labor Day to most people marks the unofficial end to summer. Kids are
back to school, football season revs up and the days keep getting
shorter and shorter. Particularly here in west central Ohio, where
farming and other agricultural industries make up such a large part of
our economy, the end of summer is a perfect time to celebrate Labor
Day. There is so much more value to working than simply earning an
income. Work brings people together and instills… read
more. |
Trying to do the impossible, with the
inadequate, By Jim Surber
Although some people believe that everyone affiliated with government
is an irresponsible collector and spender of the taxpayers’ money, it
is not always the case. Managing public money is a lot like managing a
personal or family budget, when looking at it over a long time. There
are times when your available income meets or exceeds your need, and
times when it does not. It is the latter case where the similarities
between government and private finances… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…First
comes love, then comes (annoying, screaming) babies, By
Aprill Brandon
It's karma. That's what it is. I just wish I would have realized it
before now. Yes, now that I'm pregnant, my past is coming back to haunt
me. A past that I'm ashamed to admit includes some rather immature and
inconsiderate attitudes toward the youngest members of our society and
their caretakers. For example… read
more. |
State
Representative Jim Buchy… Lake
Facilities Authority-Moving Forward and Making Progress
For several years now, we have been monitoring Grand Lake St. Marys
water quality for improvement. Although it has been a slow
process with multiple approaches making marked improvements, the new
conservation efforts have made the water quality better than it was
three and four years ago. A long-term solution is needed and local
citizens are working to design a path for that long-term plan. In the
watershed, local citizens are working to reduce phosphorous… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of The Edge…. Moments
Matter... By Joe Facinoli
Often the smallest events, or chance happenings, can matter greatly in
someone’s life. Even if they don’t know it at the time. It was the
quarter finals of the playoffs, in the 11 and under spring baseball
league. The team, which had struggled a lot throughout the year, had
nonetheless put together enough wins late in the season to earn a spot
in the championship run. But this game had gone much like the rest of
the season: up and down, hot and cold… read
more. |
President
Barack Obama… College
Affordability
Hello, everybody -- Michelle and I know exactly how tough it can be to
pay for higher education. By the time we finished paying back the loans
we took out to go to college and grad school, I was on my way to being
a U.S. Senator. I believe that anyone who works hard should have the
same opportunities that our educations gave us. That's why, as
President, I've made it a personal mission to make higher education
more affordable -- and why I'm… read
more. |
Broke
Wife, Big City… But it will all
be worth it, trust me, By Aprill Brandon
It was on a Thursday afternoon. Or maybe it was a Wednesday morning.
Sunday night? Whatever. It doesn't matter. All the days are
running together now. Even my birthday, which was spent on the couch
trying not to die, much like how I've spent every other day for the
past two months. Anyway, it was during yet another face-to-face
conversation with Mr. Toilet that it hit me: Pregnancy sucks. Oh yeah.
You read me right. All that… read
more. |
Life
with Levi… Oh, what a night!
By Amanda Olson, Editor
I am glad that Levi is basically a healthy child. Because if I had
nights like last night very often, I think I’d end up in the funny
farm! The reason behind all of the fun we had last night is a tooth.
One little tooth. To be more specific, a molar. It’s halfway in at the
moment… And it better hurry up unless is wants to feel this Mommy’s
wrath! Levi has been cranky and WHINEY for the last week. And finally,
on Saturday, I got… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge… Of
Clowns,….Drug Dealers,…and Voting Rights…. By Joe Facinoli
Why aren’t they EMBARRASSED….???? It was a busy week for U.S. Attorney
General Eric Holder. What, with granting freedom to most of the low
level drug dealers and users now locked up, fielding demands that he
investigate that damnable Missouri clown, who dared to wear an Obama
mask, during a rodeo skit, and then sidestepping and defying (or
becoming) The Supreme Court, on voting rights laws, ….he was busy,
busy, busy. Busier than your… read
more. |
State
Rep. Jim Buchy… Property Tax
Changes Restores Fairness, Honesty to Ohio Taxpayers
Through talking to constituents and following various media sources
across the state, I have noticed that there seems to be some confusion
and questions regarding the changes in the budget affecting property
taxes. One provision in the budget effectively rolled back the state’s
12.5-percent property tax exemption. Basically, the state paid the
first 12.5 percent of a homeowner’s property taxes that were imposed
though local levies. That exemption is no… read
more. |
Grumpy
Side of 60… The little girl who
didn’t like me, By Bob Robinson
Callie Z. was a pistol. She was in kindergarten. Bright. Sharp. Did
well on her assignments… “Mr. Robinson, Callie pushed me.” “Callie,
come here, please. Why did you push her?” “I wanted to get a crayon and
she wouldn’t move.” “Do you think that is okay?” Callie shrugged. “She
wouldn’t move,” she said finally. “What if she’d lost her balance and
fell, hurting herself? Would that have been okay?” Callie just stood
there, looking down. “You don’t push… read
more. |
Ohio: On the Road Again to
Economic Recovery, By Jerry Wray
Governor John R. Kasich recently announced a Jobs and Transportation
Plan that includes more than 40 major road construction projects across
the state that the Ohio Department of Transportation plans to build
over the next six years. These projects will improve motorist safety,
reduce congestion on our highways, add capacity, and improve our
state’s economy. All told, ODOT plans to spend nearly $3 billion on
these projects. It is estimated… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…The first three letters in care is car,
By Aprill Brandon
I call her the Boop-mobile. She's small, has a sassy red chassis and
one heck of a pair of ample headlights (although she has also gone by
Please Baby Girl Please in my more desperate moments and Susan for that
one week in 2006 when I felt she needed a more dignified name). She's
my 2004 Hyundai and for eight years, she has put up with me and my
shenanigans. The countless coffee spills, the oopsie curbside hits,
the… read
more. |
Life with Levi…On Becoming the Big Sister,
By Amanda Olson Editor
Today is a very special day. 18 years ago today, on August 13, 1995 at
2:54 p.m., I became a big sister. And I remember the day like it was
just yesterday. It was a Sunday. I was at my Dad’s house when my
stepdad Tony called to say that they were headed to the hospital. I
swear that was the longest day of my life. I honestly can’t say how
long I waited, I just know it felt like FOREVER! The next time the
phone rang, I jumped from … read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge….The “Smallness” of the
Presidency Now…. By Joe Facinoli
Has it simply slipped away from us, ..…that time when the American
Presidency gave us something to be proud of ? Do you remember when
there was a certain dignity, nobility, and even “regalness” to it ?
When maturity, and experience, and professionalism were such sure
pre-requisites, that they were not even spoken about very much? When we
could look to this elected leader, regardless of our politics, and
expect him to be the one who spoke for … read
more. |
State Representative Jim Buchy…Medicaid
Reform – Multiple Options Forward
The issue of Medicaid reform has taken over the topic of Medicaid
expansion, which was hashed out in the spring. The Ohio legislature
made it clear that any long-term changes to Medicaid deserve extensive
deliberation and debate before moving ahead. From that discussion came
knowledge of failures present in Ohio’s Medicaid program. We will
continue to discuss Medicaid reform as a way to reduce our state budget
and provide better services for Ohioans… read
more. |
Now What Do We Do?
By Mike Stegall
Well, it is finally over! The months of hard work, the angry words, the
kind words, all the emotional responses, are done for a while. The
school levy has passed. The margin of victory was far greater than
anyone imagined, so it is fairly obvious that a majority of people
wanted this to happen. I for one was happy it passed. Now, after all
the hype and the celebration, the cheering, the tears, and the other
side feeling hollow and left out, I am reminded of what … read
more. |
Commissioners
Corner… Parades, festivals and
the Great Darke County Fair
July celebrations have come and gone, the parade season is winding
down, and families are completing their vacation time. It won’t
be long before football season is here, and of course, the Great Darke
County Fair heralds the end of summer. Let’s enjoy what’s left of
the good weather while we can. July has been a very busy month for the
Commissioners. We have had all of the 4th of July parades to
attend, and… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…Wondering Woman, By
Aprill Brandon
Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg... something, something,
something else, the Comic Con is here! Or, you know, whatever. I'm no
poet. The point is, it's the CON! Yes, as a junior Trekkie and Star
Warrior who grew up to be a card-carrying Browncoat with a dog named
Buffy and a husband who makes the fellas from "Big Bang Theory" look
like total comic book noobz, it truly 'tis the most magical time of the
year for this gal… read
more. |
Life
with Levi… It’s laundry time!
By Amanda Olson, Editor
For some reason I still have yet to understand, my son is obsessed with
laundry. Clean laundry, dirty laundry… Okay, guess there really isn’t
anything other than clean or dirty laundry. His biggest problem
at this point: knowing the difference between the two. He loves
to help, and sometimes, he is actually helpful. He will pull clothes
out of the dryer and hand them to me so I can fold them. Or he will
grab dirty clothes off the floor and give them… read
more. |
State
Representative Jim Buchy… Setting
up the tools for success in Ohio’s school systems
In west central Ohio, we have the best schools because of great
teachers and administrators as well as good parents and work ethic
present in our homes. Promoting these values that go hand in hand
with our agricultural way of life may benefit students in other parts
of the state by reducing the dropout rate and improving education in
the urban areas. It will be possible to expose young people in
urban Cleveland and Cincinnati to the work ethic and values found on… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge… Just
Leave Me Alone about it, …Already!! By Joe Facinoli
So,…..me and the Pope. Who knew??? This week, Pope Francis announced
that if gay priests felt that God had accepted them as they were, then
who was he (his Popeness) to judge them?? Finally. Common Sense. From
one of the least likely places on Earth, where one might expect it: The
Vatican,…of all places. Now both sides can go off, and posture, and
pontificate on how “enlightened” and magnificent they are, and why you
should drop… read
more. |
Hearing…
but not listening, By Mike Stegall
I had an interesting conversation with a good lady friend of mine the
other day. It reminded me of how hard it is to get through to
people on some subjects. This lady, who is a wonderful, smart
person whom I respect, started talking about the sales tax hike the
State has advanced. We talked about it a little bit, and then she said
that high taxes is why Darke County has lost so many businesses in the
last 3 years. SAY WHAT? I asked her what businesses and… read
more. |
U. S. Representative John Boehner…The
House Remains Focused on Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column: “Recently, I had an opportunity to sit
down with community and business leaders in West Chester and
Springfield to talk about the economy and jobs. These meetings are an
opportunity for me to listen to the concerns and priorities of families
and small businesses here in Ohio’s Eighth Congressional District. They
also allow me the chance to give … read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…I'm pretty sure it's a demon wizard,
By Aprill Brandon
You guys may remember when I wrote a few weeks ago about how I quit
smoking. If you don't remember, let me quickly sum it up for you: I
quit smoking. People got hurt. Property got destroyed. At one point,
the National Guard was called in to shoot me down off of a skyscraper.
The end. And I am happy to report that not only am I still 100 percent
cigarette-free today, but the casualities list has significantly
shortened thanks… read
more. |
Inspiring others to create positive change,
By Amy Barger, Main Street Greenville Intern
Being a part of Main Street Greenville has personally brought a lot of
awareness on who exactly "Amy Barger" is and what she will do
next. Everything I do I do to work for something bigger than
myself. I am not quite sure if I can define it in its entirety
because I believe it will become more defined as I keep growing as a
person. I think it can be understood best by understanding me.
All I know is that I care about this world. I care about life… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge…. The
“Light” Moves On….. By Joe Facinoli
The call came at 5 a.m. How fitting. It was her favorite
time of the day (or so she told us). An hour when she always
found the time to pack one more lunch, iron one more shirt, hang up one
more load of laundry on the clothes line (inside or outside, depending
on the weather, and the season), check over one more homework
assignment, or write one more check, just in time to beat the late fee.
It was the time when she got the coffee brewing every morning… read
more. |
The
Grumpy Side of 60… Thanking you
in advance, By Bob Robinson
Sarah is 11. She’s smart as a whip. Goes through her multiplication and
division tables with ease, has a good concept of how government works,
the weather cycles and, according to her teachers, is “street smart.”
Give her a logic problem beyond her age and she can usually figure out
how to address it. But first you have to read it to her. As smart as
she is, much of her time is spent in special education because the
fifth grader is at a first or second… read
more. |
Musings of a Senior Scribe…Of One Accord,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I hope you are all enjoying the cooler weather. Maybe I can
catch up on my spring cleaning before it turns into fall cleaning -
YUK! It is again time for another school levy. Signs are everywhere -
Vote Yes - Vote No. Letters are in the local papers. To whom do you
listen? Who has the truth? Where could you possible find the "real
deal?" Thoughts swirled in my brain. From my East Elementary School
days - the Three Little Pigs story appeared. Remember... read
more |
Greenville Schools Levy… Questions & Answers, Set 5
It seems that you are representing the $25,000 exclusion/reduction of
tax value for those past 65 or disabled. If so, I suggest this to be a
misrepresentation as those folks already receive this exclusion and
shall not see additional exclusions as part of an increase in tax
liability in support of schools. Correct? The Homestead Exemption
allows senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans to
reduce their property tax … read
more. |
U.S.
Rep. John Boehner… Now it’s up
to the Senate to Provide ObamaCare Fairness for All
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column discussing House-passed legislation
delaying ObamaCare’s mandates to give equal protection – and some basic
fairness – to individuals and families: "On July 16, 35 Democrats
joined Republicans in the House of Representatives in voting to delay
the employer mandate in the president’s health care law. In a
subsequent vote, 22 Democrats… read
more. |
State
Representative Jim Buchy… Tax
Reforms to Alleviate Stress on Household Budgets
Tax reforms in the new operating budget are meant to help alleviate
stress on our household budgets. In Ohio, we are committed
to improving the jobs climate and for that reason we took a series of
steps to simplify the tax code and increase transparency. As a
result Ohioans are receiving more than a $2.7 billion tax reduction.
The FY2014-15 state budget builds on previous successes such as
eliminating the Death Tax. The new package will provide… read
more. |
State
Representative Richard Adams… State
Budget Signed into Law
In May, Ohio experienced its highest monthly job creation numbers since
February 1999. Ohio was also the top job creator in the country that
month, creating more than 32,000 jobs. Those were part of the more than
170,000 private sector jobs that have been created inside our borders
in the last two-and-a-half years. With more people working and an
economy continuing to steadily improve, there was more money coming
into the state coffers at existing… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…My momma did raise a quitter,
By Aprill Brandon
Quitters get a bad reputation in American society. But I've always been
a bit of a rebel (I totally cut off that tag from my mattress even
though it explicitly states you shouldn't cut it off under penalty of
law...Ha Ha!). And so it is with great relish that I can announce that
my momma did, in fact, raise a quitter. After years of failed attempts,
I have officially been smoke-free for two weeks. Yes, I haven't had a
cigarette in 14 days. Needless… read
more. |
The
White House… President Obama's
Vision for America, By Dan Pfeiffer
Hey everyone, I don't usually write emails like this, and we don't
usually send messages like this to this list. But I just finished
reading the draft of a speech the President plans to deliver on
Wednesday, and I want to explain why it's one worth checking out. Eight
years ago, not long after he was elected to the United States Senate,
President Obama went to Knox College in his home state of Illinois
where he laid out his economic vision for the country. It's… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge…. VERDICT: America
Guilty….again, By Joe Facinoli
Race. The Ultimate Test for humankind. The one true and constant
challenge in life, the one which overtly presents itself to all of
us,….every day. And we fail every pop quiz that life springs on us. We
just can’t get past it. We just can’t get beyond the fact that not
everyone looks the same as us, nor acts the same, nor speaks the same
language, nor plays the same video games. And we never have,…..not even
close, really. We are no better now, than we… read
more. |
19
is a lucky number! Greenville’s
ONLY opportunity to avoid losing the state rollback
By Carla Surber, Treasurer, Greenville School District - The Governor’s
new law will not impact our upcoming Greenville Bond Issue. If you pass
Greenville’s Bond Issue on August 6, you will still receive the 12.5 %
rollback reduction. This is the district’s only opportunity to
have this advantage. All new and replacement levies in Ohio, after
November, 2013, will not receive this advantage. Nineteen Ohio
schools, including Greenville, made… read
more. |
State
Representative Jim Buchy… Lake
Facilities Authority- Authority for the Local Citizens
The restoration efforts at Grand Lake St. Marys continue as the
federal, state, and local governments contribute to the cause. The
people of the Grand Lake St. Marys have asked for more responsibility
for the efforts, and legislators have responded by helping locally
drafted legislation become law. The Lake Facilities Authority(LFA)
provides the local government exactly what the title says, authority to
help with lake restoration. The authority will be checked… read
more. |
Tax Payers Beware,
By Don Wright
Greenville School Superintendent Fries has used a full page in the
newspaper to answer some of our questions about the school bond levy.
Pay close attention to his answers. What he doesn’t say is as important
as what he says. Since most taxpayers can read and most people that
have acquired property aren’t stupid I’ll just skip through and make a
few comments. If the state condemns any school buildings it will be
because they were neglected… read
more. |
Greenville Schools Levy…Questions & Answers, Set 4
Where is the safe room for storms and shootings in the new school?
There are designated areas throughout the school that students/staff
will go in the event of a storm. We will work with EMA and local safety
agencies during the design process and during construction to designate
safe areas. The engineers will work with district administrators, local
fire and police to give security options. Security will be one of the
main topics when designing… read
more. |
Grumpy
Side of 60… The virtues of being
grumpy, By Bob Robinson
“Hey Grumpy, how are you?” “I’m having a ball! How about you?” Grumpy
greetings make my day. There have been a few. Some have asked why I
call this column the “Grumpy Side of 60.” It goes back to being a sub
at Woodland and trying to control a class of 20-plus 5- to 8-year-old
students. I tried everything. Cajoling, bribery, yelling… I have a loud
voice when I want to use it. In the morning it works great, but by
afternoon they know I’m a pushover… read
more. |
U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Ensuring
Ohio Workers Have the Skills Needed to Fill Open Jobs
Last week, I heard from Daniel Brewer, a Navy veteran from Cincinnati
who could not find a good paying job after returning from Afghanistan.
Though Daniel had substantial training in the Navy, moving home to
Ohio, he had trouble translating his skills into the civilian
workforce. Daniel’s experience is all too common. Time and time again
I’ve heard similar stories throughout Ohio: biotech firms, high-tech
manufacturers, and small businesses are… read
more. |
State Representative Jim Buchy…Budget
Bill Will Continue Ohio’s Economic Improvement
During discussion on the House floor regarding the tax cuts in the
state budget, a fellow state representative made a simple, but
important, point. While we might not always think of it in this way,
taxes and freedom share a strong link. The less money the government
takes out of our pockets, the more freedom we have to spend it the way
we want. His message seems especially appropriate this time of year, as
we just celebrated our nation’s independence… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…Some like it not, By
Aprill Brandon
I know what I'm about to say isn't going to be very popular. But hey,
you know what? Abraham Lincoln wasn't universally appreciated for his
views in his lifetime either. (Although, granted, in the end it didn't
turn out too well for him. However, anyone wishing to assassinate me
needs to get in line behind my ex-boyfriends, my ninth-grade English
teacher, Kim Kardashian, those Jehovah Witnesses that came to my door
last … read
more. |
Life
with Levi… Feeling insignificant
and unimportant is not an option, By Amanda Olson, Editor
As the new Editor of CNO, I’ve been reading all of the letters and
columns that come in regarding the Greenville Schools Levy. And I am
overjoyed to see the supportive members of the community that are
willing to give local students the new facility that they need and
deserve. I’ve also read the opinions of those who are opposed to giving
Greenville students a new school that they can be proud of. I know what
you’re probably thinking by… read
more. |
U.S.
Representative John Boehner… Protecting
All Americans From ObamaCare's Mandates
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column discussing the president's unworkable
health care law: "After months of insisting that things were ‘on track’
and ‘fabulous,’ the Obama administration and its allies have finally
acknowledged what Ohio families and job creators already know: the
president’s health care law is unworkable. "In delaying ObamaCare’s
flawed employer mandate for one… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge… Abortion
is a Choice… Not a Budget Item, By Joe Facinoli
By its nature, the complicated issue of Abortion, after all of the
heated discussions, religious and righteous posturing, and hate-filled
politics, really comes down to only two basic components. One is
Personal,....the other Financial. The Personal element, really the only
one, in many people’s hearts and minds, involves a woman’s choice, and
her course of action, based on her thoughts at the time of “need”, her
spirituality and religious beliefs or guidance, her… read
more. |
Greenville Schools Levy… Questions & Answers, Set 3: Harmon Field
Why was Harmon Field renamed? Greenville City Schools was approached
over a year ago by Good Samaritan Hospital and Wayne Health Care to
sponsor Greenville City Schools. Good Samaritan and Wayne Health
Care will provide compensation to the district in the amount of
$230,000 from 2012-2016 for advertising in athletic areas. Harmon Field
was renamed, “Good Samaritan Stadium at Harmon Field” for the length of
the… read
more. |
Smoke filled back rooms and the First
Amendment, By Bob Robinson
On June 24 I went to the Lighthouse Christian Center to see what the
ruckus was about and made an interesting discovery… It was about
nothing that had anything to do with Darke County. The topic was
fracking. Fracking is a misnomer about how we get our oil and gas out
of the ground, currently along the Utica Shale. It’s actually called
horizontal fracturing. Nothing new. We’d been doing vertical fracturing
for 150 years; now we can do it… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…Waiting for the other shoe to drop,
By Aprill Brandon
My husband generally gets home from work every day at around 7 p.m.
(note the “generally” and “around”). However, by 7:03 p.m. every day, I
am convinced he was mugged. Or had an aneurysm. Or got hit by a car and
is lying in a ditch somewhere. Or was a victim of a sadistic serial
killer named Meat Claw. Or actually finally did meet Keira Knightley,
who agreed to run off with him to Aruba (which, per our informal
pre-nup, is permissible… read
more. |
Life
with Levi… A wedding and two
Lambies, By Amanda Olson, Editor
Wow! What a weekend! For a number of reasons… First off, I took Levi to
my friend Nikki’s wedding. I was worried about it for weeks before,
hoping that Aaron would have the day off to go with us. But he
didn’t. Bummer. So I decided to go ahead and try to take him by myself.
Not necessarily a bad thing… Unless you take into account the fact that
the wedding happened to be during Levi’s nap time. But he took an extra
long nap that… read
more. |
U.S.
Senator Rob Portman… Ohio
Families, Russian Children: International Heartbreak
We’ll come back for you. That’s the promise made by five Ohio
families to their children, orphans in Russia, as they said goodbye for
one last time before they were supposed to bring the children home with
them. But for the last six months, that sacred commitment has
been put in jeopardy by forces beyond the control of these loving
parents. Since the Russian government imposed a ban on the
adoption of children by Americans, these families have… read
more. |
Dayton
Business Journal… Kasich Guest
Column: A budget that celebrates the freedom to succeed
Editor's Note: The following is a guest column by Ohio Gov. John Kasich
about the new state budget. This week we honor the birth of our great
nation and the freedoms for which generations of Americans have fought
and—sometimes—given their lives. It’s a time to spend with friends and
family and celebrate the liberty and opportunity that continues to make
the United States a force for good in the world. As a fitting companion
to Independence Day, I recently signed… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge…. Times
Change… Common Sense, Does Not, By Joe Facinoli
Times, in the growth of a nation or a society, will change.
Due to necessity, progress, and eventuality. But as we encounter, and
then move through these different times, some things should never
change. Things like Common Standards, by which we measure all our
growth,….everyone’s; Common Sense, by which we all should
be clearly guided, during these times of growth and change;
Common Decency, by which we should all interact… read
more. |
Lessons from the Victorian Internet,
By Jim Surber
My last writing about government electronic espionage mentioned the
telegraph, which by the 1870’s was under monopolistic control by
Western Union. This company’s alliance with the Associated Press and
the Republican Party played a major role in picking the winner of the
hotly-contested 1876 Presidential election. This story of the telegraph
is fascinating. Not just for the history, but for the lessons it can
provide in current debates surrounding… read
more. |
U.S.
Congressman John Boehner… Unlocking
America’s Resources is Key to Growth & Jobs
“Scrolling through the morning news a few days ago, two stories on
Cincinnati’s Channel 9 caught my attention. First, the price of gas is
up 14 cents over this time last year. Second, a recent study
found that 27 percent of Americans have no emergency savings. “Sadly,
these are just two byproducts of the president’s policies – including
his efforts to block development of American energy – that are
resulting in rising prices, sluggish growth, and stagnant wages… read
more. |
Greenville
Schools Levy… Questions &
Answers, Set 2
If the Levy doesn’t pass, how will the district pay for the cost of all
the upgrades that need to be done at the existing buildings just to get
through day-to-day problems until it does eventually pass? Do we have
an estimate of the cost of all of these upgrades? Currently, the
district uses the permanent IMPROVEMENT Levy that is in place and
general fund dollars to get the day to day problems
addressed. We do not have a cost to do all of the… read
more. |
U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Helping
Graduates Pay Down Debt and Plan for the Future
Last week, I heard from Lynsay Spratlen, a Macedonia native and Ashland
University graduate who is currently working at a tech firm in Summit
County. Like many recent college graduates who see most of their income
going to pay off high-interest private student loans, Lynsay lives with
her parents. Even though new graduates are entering into a better
economic climate and better job prospects, their heavy debt burden
means that fewer of them can afford… read
more. |
Commissioners Corner…Added budget pressure to fight crime
a priority
Summertime in Darke County is always a fun time. The kids are out of
school, almost every village, town or city has a festival or something
going on, swimming pools and swimming spots are busy, the crops are
planted and looking pretty good, and best of all the sun is shining. So
far, the weather seems to be really co-operating with us, so let’s pray
it continues for a few more months, anyway. Summertime… read
more. |
State Representative Jim Buchy... Reforming Medicaid to Reduce Government
Dependency
Ronald Reagan was addressing the National FFA when he said, “The ten
most dangerous words in the English language are, ‘Hi, I’m from the
government and I’m here to help.’ In a way, he was poking fun at the
inability of government to properly handle everyday situations better
handled by individuals. But the more serious implication is that we, as
Americans, prefer to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps in the tough
times. That’s why Medicaid … read
more. |
A day to honor,
By George Starks
Today, we will celebrate our Day of Independence. The day a lot of
people declared our freedom from England. Many people, over the years,
have served and died to keep this a free nation. Even though we do not
have the same freedoms we once had (in my opinion). Today many of us
will celebrate in different ways. We will have cook-outs and be with
friends and family. Weather permitting, the kids will play in pools and
when the sun goes down a fireworks… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…Veggie Tales of Horror,
By Aprill Brandon
I blame ice cream. You ever have ice cream? Of course you have. You're
not dead. Or stupid. So you can probably understand where I'm coming
from when I blame ice cream for my hatred of vegetables. You feed my
3-year-old mouth that magical creamy substance made from unicorn
laughter and puppy dreams and then a few hours later expect me to be
happy when you shove some green beans in there? Yeah. Nice try, Mom.
Yes, my… read
more. |
Life
with Levi… Welcome
Back, Lambie
(#1)! By Amanda Olson, Editor
I was ripped from my sound slumber Saturday morning by Aaron calling my
name. Not a good sign. So I got out of bed and followed the sound of
his voice to the bathroom. Levi is happily playing in the bathtub, but
Daddy’s expression wasn’t so happy. Apparently Levi threw up. Yay.
Leaving Daddy and Levi in the bathroom, I went out to assess the
damage. It didn’t look too bad, all things considered. Until I looked
next to the bookcase… read
more. |
Greenville
Schools Levy… Questions
&
Answers, Set 1
If the levy fails, is it possible that the state could come in and
condemn some or all of our old buildings? Repairs are more likely to be
required prior to a building being condemned. However, at any
time a major safety issue could cause a building to be condemned or
shut down. School buildings have many ongoing inspections that must
meet certain requirements. These inspections are done to
maintain
safety for all people using the buildings… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge…. Global
Laugh-ing… By Joe Facinoli
While the earth’s climate may, or may not be warming up, either
permanently or as part of a cycle, there is one very specific, and
equally important thing that is most definitely changing, worldwide.
And that would be the political perception of the once all-powerful
United States of America. There may, in fact, be some sort of global
warming going on, but for certain, there is also a non-stop global
laughing taking place, as well. And the planet is laughing… read
more. |
Grumpy
side of 60… Papau’s
new earrings,
By Bob Robinson
Last fall I had a tough time hearing my students. Kindergartners and
first graders especially. “Mr. Rob… in… s…” “What did you say? Speak
up, sweety.” “I have to… (fade out)” I had to lean down close and turn
my ear toward the student. That usually worked, but not always. I
didn’t really understand it. I mean when I was a kid nobody ever had
any trouble hearing me. Or anyone else in my class for that matter.
Have kids changed that much or… read
more. |
A letter to all GCSD
residents,
By Bob Rhoades
Over a period of time such as 100 years, lots of things happen in a
town. In 1911 when the South Elementary School was constructed
electricity had not yet been brought to Greenville. It was a state of
the art school for its day, large enough for the enrollment of the day
and some growth in the district. Forty years later, around 1950 the
monstrous East building gave way to the current East School and the
South and North buildings were added… read
more. |
Life with Levi…Levi the Chatterbox,
By Amanda Olson, Editor
Way back when my sister Brittany was a baby, I remember wishing that
she would she would start walking and talking. As soon as possible.
Well, I learned my lesson then because after what was not quite as long
of a wait as I’d thought, she started talking and wouldn’t shut up.
(And she still hasn’t… Still talks a lot! Love ya Brittany!!!) Well, I
knew that it was inevitable that Levi, too, would eventually start
talking. And he has been for a … read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…You never forget your
first time, By Aprill Brandon
This is a bit embarrassing but up until a few days ago, I was a
31-year-old virgin. Yes, I had never been officially “F”-ed. I told
myself it was because I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t prepared for the way it
would change my life. But the truth is, I was ready. More than ready.
Hell, I had been ready since the day I moved to Boston over two years
ago, all bright-eyed and innocent, ready to shed my small town girl
image for a sophisticated city gal … read
more. |
U.S. Representative John Boehner…We are a
Nation of Builders
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the office of Congressman John Boehner (R-West
Chester) released the following column comprised of excerpts from
Boehner’s June 20th remarks to the National Association of
Manufacturers’ 2013 Summit in Washington, DC: “When you look at where
[our economy is today], we’re still not seeing real growth. A lot of
this has to do with policies that are holding us back, but it isn’t
just that. “In America, the people have always had… read
more. |
Spies
like us, By Jim Surber
“I’m shocked, shocked, to find that gambling is going on in here,”
declares Police Captain Renault as he orders the closing of Rick’s
Nightclub in Casablanca, before replying “Oh, thank you very much,” to
a croupier handing him a pile of cash saying, “Your winnings, sir.”
This memorable scene is relevant to everyday life for reasons that can
be as different as the movie’s watchers. I think of it as I read and
hear current protests and indignation equivalent to… read
more. |
Greenville
will do the right thing, By Bob Robinson
I was substituting in a second grade class when the storm hit.
Lightning, thunder, rain coming down in sheets. A couple of the
children got scared, started crying. I got them calmed down, but then
two others had to go to the bathroom. Woodland, to handle overcrowding,
uses modules to provide classroom space to the student population.
Second grade students are in modules that don’t have bathrooms inside
the units. The bathrooms are only a few feet… read
more. |
From the Other Side of the Edge… “I
am NOT Darth Vader….” By Joe Facinoli
He got elected, the first time, on the bold promise that he would bring
glorious Hope to the desolate and the downtrodden, those who had all
but given up; and that miraculous Change would come, to a country which
desperately needed it. And, oh by the way, because he wasn’t George
Bush, ….as he reminded us, again and again. So what did we get,
instead? For all the bluster, and words, and promises, all we got was a
remake of none other than Richard Nixon… read
more. |
Taxpayers
can’t trust the Greenville School Board, By
Don Wright
I received a letter that reminded me in detail why we can’t trust this
school board. In 2009 there was an emergency levy for three years that
passed. In a 5-0 vote the board agreed not to ask for a renewal. Then
they dishonestly put it back on the ballot. They not only lied but
changed it to ten years. The extra seven years will cost us taxpayers
eleven million four hundred thousand dollars. This is approximately
equal to one fourth of the total cost of the proposed… read
more. |
State Representative Jim Buchy…Bold Proposals
Moving Ohio
in Right Direction
During my time in the state legislature, I have had the privilege to
work with 11 state budgets. Each one was unique in its own ways and
each one presented its own set of challenges. But the last two—both
proposed by Governor Kasich—have probably had the most substance and
included the biggest issues of any of the budgets I’ve been involved
in. Of course, the one signed into law in 2011 effectively closed an $8
billion budget gap, which was desperately needed if… read
more. |
The Grumpy Side of 60…They made me proud,
By Bob Robinson
“Take a look around you, son. We all fought in World War II. Now… how
in the (blank) do you think we ever managed to win that war?” I’m not
going to swear to those exact words. I was sitting in a bus full of
veterans. I didn’t take notes, but I knew I had to share this veteran’s
comment. Then… “Be careful what you say, folks. We have a reporter
onboard!” More laughter. These are fantastic people. Quality people.
They are the American Legion Honor Guard… read
more. |
Representative Richard Adams…House Continues
to
Commemorate Fallen Soldiers
Honoring past and present members of our armed forces has continually
been a high priority in the House of Representatives. Recently, we
passed House Concurrent Resolution 15, which I co-sponsored,
recognizing the Fortieth Anniversary of Operation Homecoming during the
Vietnam War.
On May 21st, the House presented the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction
to families of fallen soldiers. Sixteen men were remembered at the
ceremony… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…The 32 Things I've
Learned in 32 Years, By Aprill Brandon
Well, despite my attempts to thwart it once again, my birthday is right
around the corner. And so in honor of this very important day that only
I and my mother really care about, I've decided to impart some of the
wisdom I've gained over the years. Here are the 32 things I've learned
in my 32 years on Earth: 1. The book is always better than the movie.
2. Everything tastes better with bacon. Everything. 3. It's not
drinking alone if you're on the phone… read
more. |
House Representative John Boehner…Why is the
White House Still Stonewalling Delphi Retirees?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – "The IRS remains under fire today for singling out
conservative groups and the president’s political opponents, and
rightly so. Americans should never be targeted by their government for
partisan purposes. "The Obama administration was quick to suggest this
was the work of two 'rogue agents' in the Cincinnati office, but we now
know the harassment of conservative donors began in Washington. Many
other questions, like 'how did… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge…. Border
Security vs. Welfare
Checks…. By Joe Facinoli
If we are going to make our Borders secure, ….then we will first need
to end all Welfare Checks, and other government handouts, or else the
whole thing just won’t work. What??? That’s right, ….and the reasons
why are probably not what you’re thinking. Sometimes, two completely
disparate things, or concepts, can come together in a way which
initially defies all logic, but once examined, absolutely belong in the
same place and time where they have found… read
more. |
Darke
County Commissioner… Perception
vs. Reality, By Mike Stegall
I was given the opportunity on Tuesday night, June 11th, to get a tour
of the new Hospice facility at Wayne Healthcare. This is a
fantastic addition to Darke County, and is a much needed facility that
will make things a lot easier for the families that need the use of the
State of the Heart services. The person who will run the facility,
Heather Wogoman, gave me the tour, and you could see the pride she has
in this facility. Pam Bowman has done an… read
more. |
An
exercise in thinking, or futility? By Jim
Surber
While reading another community’s newspaper online, I was impressed by
one reader’s comment to an opinion writer. The gist of his statement
was that the constant slamming of specific political ideology or people
turns him off, as he considers himself to be a moderate. Good for him.
There is a lot more sense near the middle than on either side (my
opinion). His comment was thought-provoking, and my first impression is
that ideologies of all forms, whether… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City… May
showers brings Desperatember, By Aprill Brandon
It's almost summer, people. And I think we all know what that means:
Sneaking out the back window every time you leave the house in order to
avoid your neighbors, who are none-too-happy with your knee-high grass
that you're too lazy to mow. But summer also means family vacation
time. And just like millions of other Americans, yours truly is
planning on battling all those other Americans for a spot on the
overcrowded "open" road and the… read
more. |
U.S. Representative John Boehner… House
Student Loan Fix Will Strengthen the Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column discussing the House-passed Smarter
Solutions for Students Act: “While pitching its ‘stimulus’ in 2009, the
Obama administration predicted it could bring unemployment down to
roughly five percent by May of 2013. Today, wages are
stagnant,
millions of Americans remain out of work, and unemployment remains far
higher than promised. “Some… read
more. |
State Representative Jim Buchy…Lake Facilities
Authority-
A Structure of Local Decision Making
For the past three years, the state of Ohio and local citizens of the
Grand Lake St. Marys region have been working tirelessly to improve the
condition of the lake and watershed. To-date, many measures have been
taken, both by the state and federal governments and the people in the
impacted areas of the lake and watershed. The state government is
committed to restoring the lake and improving the watershed. It is no
accident that Governor… read
more. |
Life with Levi…He did it for the nim-nims,
By Amanda Olson, Editor
It’s potty time. A while back, Aaron (Daddy) and I decided that we
would go ahead and get Levi a potty chair, just in case the mood to
potty train struck our little boy. And it has. And it still is. Nearly
every twenty minutes is seems. At first, he started out slowly. He
wanted to sit on his potty chair every now and again, with his pants
still on. Then he slowly progressed to wanting to sit on it, sans
pants. Now he is doing his business … read
more. |
From the Other Side of the Edge… Big
Brother’s Indignation…. By Joe Facinoli
1984 came and went twenty nine years ago. George Orwell died sixty
three years ago. But “Big Brother” is alive and well. He’s not some
futuristic concept anymore. He’s not down the road, on the way, nor
even just around the corner. He’s here, and he’s sitting at your table,
and he’s already eaten your lunch, and wanting to know what’s for
dinner. And He’s pissed. He can’t believe that a bunch of totally
unappreciative, disrespectful inferiors are questioning Him… read
more. |
The Grumpy Side of 60… The
time
of my life, By Bob Robinson
If I were having any more fun there would be two of me. Not sure I
understand exactly what that means but I’ve heard it often enough by
people having a good time, so I guess it fits. I was on assignment for
the Early Bird when I attended Greenville High School’s Senior Awards
Program, Pursue Excellence. More than 40 members of the Class of 2013
hit the steps – some several times – to go on stage for recognition and
a scholarship award for their… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City…This one is dedicated to
all of you,
By Aprill Brandon
Hey, you know how when you have really, really good news and you want
to tell everyone you know about it? For that matter, everyone you don't
know? In fact, you want to practically shout it in their faces because
you're so excited? Because it's just the best news ever? A dream come
true? But then you're not quite sure how to do that without looking
like you're a bragging stuck-up snob? So instead you just sort of
downplay the whole … read
more. |
Life
with Levi… Levi
and his Party
Wagon, By Amanda Olson, Editor
Even though it was a few weeks ago now, I still feel like Levi’s second
birthday party is worth a mention. In comparison to his first, it was
laid back and simple. For his first birthday, I rented out the
fellowship hall of the Ansonia United Methodist Church, made elaborate
invitations, and Aunt Beej made a homemade 3D duck cake, just for him.
This time around, we had the party at our house, I bought the
invitations and decorations… read
more. |
Rep.
Jim Buchy… Balancing
Ohio’s
Education Dollars by Introducing Values to the Classroom
In west central Ohio, values play an important role in our
lives.
On Sundays we go to church, Monday through Saturday we go to work, and
our children witness the values we have in our homes, and make no
mistake they carry those values for the remainder of life.
Values
is part of what makes educating our children in west central Ohio less
expensive compared to urban school districts. On the farm, children
learn about hard work… read
more. |
From
the Other Side of the Edge… “…Let
your Conscience Approve your Conduct…”
(Thomas
Paine
Nails Obama) -
By Joe Facinoli - There are times, when we feel particularly
discouraged with the ways of the current world, that we just need a
little help. We watch, in disbelief, with shaking heads and mouths
agape. We listen, forlornly, with growing despair. And we wait, for our
tormenting “usual suspects” to give us even the smallest break, …..or
just a crumb or two. But we always seem to go home disappointed, if not
hungry. During these… read
more. |
Darke
County Park District Board of Commissioners Pass Resolution
By Park District Director Roger M. Van Frank - On March 13, 2013 the
Darke County Park District Board of Commissioners passed a resolution
stating the necessity to request a 1⁄2 mill
replacement
levy be placed on the November 5, 2013 general election ballot for the
purposes of (a) maintaining, upgrading, improving, and/or expanding the
Darke County Park District’s parks for conserving their natural
resources and to benefit the general public… read
more. |
Commissioners Corner… Parade
and
festival season begins
May has been a very interesting month. It started out a lot
like
April, wet and cool, and now it is warm and humid, and setting up for
bad weather. The good news is the farmers have had a chance
to
get the planting done, and it is finally feeling like summer.
Summer always makes people feel better, and with the sunshine and
warmth, it is a good time to complete those projects we thought about
last winter. Here in… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City… The
Credit
Card Twilight Zone, By Aprill Brandon
By reading this, you’re traveling through another dimension. A
dimension, not only of sight and sound, but of the contents of your
wallet. A journey into a heinous land whose boundaries are only those
of your credit limit. Next stop-the Credit Card Zone. The place is
here. The time? Now. Street scene: Summer. A woman is on the sidewalk,
pacing back and forth as she talks on her cell phone. Age: 31.
Occupation: Hack writer who steals… read
more. |
Life with Levi… My
first
favorite baby, By Amanda Olson, Editor
If I said Levi wasn’t my favorite baby in the whole world, I’d be a bad
mom. But there was a time, long before Levi, that I had a different
favorite baby. And that’s my baby sister, Brittany Jo Ulman. You’ve
heard about Brittany before but probably know her as Levi’s Aunt Beej
or Aunt Beejy. And from the things I’ve written, you can also probably
tell that she’s no longer a baby. Far from it, actually. This past
weekend I had the immense pleasure of… read
more. |
Strong Schools, Strong Community… Survey
Results for the Upcoming Bond Issue
By Doug Fries, Superintendent - Recently the Greenville School District
conducted a survey about the upcoming August 6th bond issue to
construct a new K-8 school building facility and renovating the high
school. The survey was communicated through various news
media
outlets and school district evening events. Here are the results of the
community members who participated in the survey. 761people
took
the survey in which 91.8% were… read
more. |
From the Other Side of the Edge…It’s
Time…..Flat Tax, Term
Limits, Amnesty, End Welfare…. By Joe
Facinoli
Times have changed, so it’s about time that we dealt with it. The time
for making everything just oh so perfect, for every, single,
body,…..has passed. We need to go back to the start, before we can go
on to the future. Re-set, rewind, re-boot, do over, do not pass “Go”
this time. Do it again, similarly, but different. Change it, by
restoring it. Return… read
more. |
U.S. Representative John Boehner… Americans
Deserve Answers & Accountability
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column: “Americans need common-sense solutions
to help create jobs, and they need accountability from their
government. In the House of Representatives, we’re working to
deliver both. “With millions of Americans still struggling to find
work, our top priority is jobs, and putting in place policies that
create sustained economic growth and job creation. We cannot… read
more. |
Grumpy Side of 60… Back
in the
saddle again, By Bob Robinson
(Note: The Grumpy Side of 60 is a bi-weekly column for The Early Bird.
It is reprinted here by permission and will contain occasional comments
published in previous CNO columns. The author can assure you, however,
that he offers something new for those interested in spending a couple
minutes on it). “I love working with old people,” a young lady told me
recently. “That’s my career goal, to take care of old people.” “You
mean like me?”… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City… When
Nature Attacks, Part 2, By Aprill Brandon
Being a newspaper columnist is a huge privilege. Not only that, it's a
huge privilege that comes with a whole lot of responsibility. Like
Spiderman-level of responsibility. And those of us lucky enough to get
this public mouthpiece gig have to use it wisely to shed light on
important issues. Which is why I'd like to take this opportunity to
continue my saga of the bumblebee and the wasp who won't let me hang
out on my back porch… read
more. |
Life with Levi… Levi’s
big day,
By Amanda Olson, Editor
It’s official… My baby is a two-year-old. And Mom-Mom and Daddy made
sure that his birthday was special. Before Levi was born, Aaron and I
made the decision that no matter what, we would always spend Levi’s
birthday together and do things as a family. Last year, we took Levi to
the park. This year we decided to take him to the Newport Aquarium
since he loves our aquarium and he gets a kick out of looking at the
fish at Wal-Mart… read
more. |
From the Other Side of the Edge…Is Anyone
Wearing Big Boy
Pants? By Joe
Facinoli
“….a government OF the Grownups,….BY the Grownups,….and FOR the
Grownups…..” I’m pretty sure that’s what Mr. Lincoln actually meant, at
Gettysburg, in 1863. But how long has it been since we’ve had that,
going on? Ever?? Maybe Abe was the last one. Or Truman. Maybe Reagan.
Responsibility, accountability, mature decision making, understanding
the rubrics and mechanics of the process, providing clear direction,
knowing the consequences of and… read
more. |
State Representative Jim Buchy… A
School Funding Plan that is Fair to Rural Schools
The Ohio House of Representatives made some significant changes to the
governor’s original school funding plan, which in many ways will
benefit the schools in the 84th House District. While I commend the
governor for his ideas and leadership, the original version was not as
friendly as it could have been—or should have been—to area schools. But
that is why the legislative procedure is so important. Discussion with…
read
more. |
OSU Extension, Darke County … Tips
to get the most out of pesticides, By Sam
Custer
This is the time of the year you will get busy with spraying. Just take
a moment to review some common sense ideas to get the most out of those
expensive pesticides you will be spraying. Achieving satisfactory
results from pesticides depends on five major factors: a) positive
identification of the pest, b) choosing the least persistent and lowest
toxicity pesticide that will work, c) selecting the right equipment,
particularly… read
more. |
Impeach
Obama? By Bob Robinson
Well, the media’s at it again. Just when I thought they were finally
beginning to take Obama to task, they are lauding him for firing IRS
Acting Commissioner Steven Miller when he would have been out of the
office in two weeks anyway. Under the law as I understand it, Miller
had to be appointed Commissioner, or removed by June 1 and a new acting
commissioner appointed. It was all over CBS News Thursday… read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City… When
nature attacks, By Aprill Brandon
I've lived in a variety of places. The mid-West, South Texas, Boston.
And each place has its own unique set of pros and cons. For example,
the Ohio countryside where I grew up has some of the most spectacular
sunsets on the the planet. On the downside, every single road in that
state is currently under construction and will continue to be under
construction until the end of the world (and even then the roaches that
survive will still have to deal… read
more. |
Life with Levi… My
second
Mom-Mom’s Day, By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson,
Editor
For me, Mother’s Day has always taken a long time to get here.
Literally. My first Mother’s Day came after waiting what seemed like
forever. Since Levi was born at 11:09 a.m. the day AFTER Mother’s Day
in 2011, I literally had to wait a full year to get my first Mother’s
Day. And since I went into labor at 12:03 a.m., I couldn’t even claim
that he was my Mother’s Day gift, just a little late. No, leave it to
my son to be stubborn… read
more. |
U.S. Representative John Boehner… Building
a Stronger Economy for New Graduates
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column: “Earlier this month President Obama
delivered the commencement address at Ohio State University. It was a
fine speech, and I join the president in congratulating the Class of
2013. “But while the president used his address to highlight the noble
aspects of service and citizenship, he missed a chance to focus on the
opportunities our government… read
more. |
U.S. Representative John Boehner…Carney Claims
on Changing
Benghazi Talking Points at Odds With the Facts
May 8, 2013–It’s well documented that in the days and weeks following
the attack on the American consulate in Benghazi on September 11, 2012,
the Obama administration conveyed to the American people a wholly
inaccurate account of the events. The talking points used by senior
administration officials, including U.N… read
more. |
From the Other Side of the Edge….The “Fog of
War”….?
By Joe Facinol
How stupid do they think we are??? On how many levels? Truth,…..or
Spin?? Do the “Right Thing”,…..or get re-elected? And why do those two
have to be mutually exclusive?? Defend the Country, its honor, and the
people who were willing to give their lives for it,…..or, go for a bump
in the polls, with misdirection and falsehoods, made of whole cloth? A
“Faustian” deal, with Satan his ownself, to secure a bogus legacy and
their jobs, on our dole for another four year… read
more. |
Vote YES for Strong Schools Strong Community… You Become Your Choices - Make
Good Ones!
By Doug Fries, Superintendent - As a young man growing up I recall my
parents instilling in me a phrase I have never forgotten. That phrase
was "You become your choices so make good ones." This is a phrase I
have used to guide my own personal life and career as an educator. Of
course, making the best choices often involves taking the hand you were
dealt, identifying the alternatives, evaluating the options and doing
what makes the most sense… read
more. |
The Greenville Levy… It’s
really
about the kids, By Bob Robinson
“Why won’t Greenville support us?” Two sharp, talented Greenville High
School students asked that question a few years back… it was after
voters had defeated an earlier attempt to approve a new school
facility. I didn’t have an answer for them. I’d heard “reasons.”
They’ve been discussed ad-nauseam. The question these two seniors asked
has haunted me over the years. Not one of the “reasons” was about the
kids, but how to make them… read
more.
|
Broke Wife, Big City… 10
Reasons
Why Whatever You Got Your Mom For Mother's Day Isn't Good Enough,
By Aprill Brandon
1. You puked on her as a baby. Repeatedly. And I guarantee that at
least once, she managed to catch your vomit in her bare hands when you
got sick in public. 2. That
gerbil/bunny/kitty/puppy/fish/hamster/bird/ferret you just couldn't
LIVE without? She's the reason it didn't die within three days. 3. No
matter how hard Dad or anybody… read
more.
|
Broke Wife, Big City… Diary
of a
Wimpy Adult, By Aprill Brandon
Pssst...kids...hey...PSSST...kiiiiiiids... Wanna know a secret? About
being a grown-up? You do! Well... us adults? We're really just big kids
with bank accounts. (Some with...ahem...smaller bank accounts than
others). I know! I was as shocked as you are to learn this. As I got
older, I kept waiting to finally, officially feel like an adult. But lo
and behold, the years kept passing by... 18... 22... 26... 29... 29
again... the second anniversary of turning… read
more.
|
State Representative Richard Adams… Performance Audit Bill Identifies
State
Spending Reductions
A bill passed during the previous General Assembly is responsible for
revealing huge savings for Ohio this year. The legislation was a joint
effort between the House and Senate, and ultimately, Senate Bill 4
became law. It requires performance audits of most state
agencies, and was passed in April 2011. The goal of this
legislation was to make spending by the state more resourceful and
accountable by conducting performance audits. This year… read
more.
|
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted… Graduating Seniors Equal First
Time Voters
One of the most rewarding aspects of being Secretary of State is
traveling around Ohio to meet with high school students as part of my
Grads Vote program. Through Grads Vote, we provide high school seniors
with information about registering to vote for the first time and work
to instill in them the importance of being active participants in our
democracy. This year, the Grads Vote program holds special meaning for
me as my son Alex, is turning… read
more.
|
State Representative Jim Buchy…Expanding
Budget Options for Local Governments
In an effort to assist local governments and school districts, the
state legislature last year passed a bill that established an
innovative program called STAR Plus. The program gave Ohio’s local
governments and school districts the ability to deposit funds into
FDIC-approved banks in Ohio, which, after earning interest, would
generate more money in the future. The money that would be deposited
into banks comes from reserve funds as a way to provide public… read
more.
|
From the Other Side of the Edge….Who
Do You Trust? By Joe Facinoli
Who would you trust with your Rights? Who would you trust with your
individual liberties, and your Rights?? Who would you trust with your
Rights, your individual liberties, and with approval over all the
personal choices you make in your everyday life??? If you were given
such a option, just who would you allow to hold power over your daily
actions, movements, and decisions? And would it be anyone ?? Would you
choose a group of men who had just… read
more
|
U.S. Representative John Boehner....Leading by Example, Creating a
Better
Environment for Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column:
“Three years ago I and my fellow House Republicans made a pledge to
rein in government spending, starting with Congress’ own budget.
“From the very first vote of our new majority in the House, we’ve
worked to keep that promise. Currently we’re on track to save taxpayers
more than $400 million by the end of the fiscal year.
“At a time when… read
more.
|
CO2 sequestration
group
reorganizes... Western
Ohio
Fracking Awareness Coalition,
By Anne Vehre
In
2009, the Citizens Against CO2 Sequestration organized to stop a carbon
dioxide sequestration project proposed for Greenville’s Industrial
Park. Soon that group grew to encompass thousands of citizens
throughout the county who were willing to stand up and speak out for
their rights.
It was because of their numbers that the project was stopped - - a
project which not only threatened the lives and livelihoods of many
Darke County residents but also the area’s soil and sole-source aquifer
in one of
… read
more.
|
To
enroll or not to enroll: that is the question,
By Donna Kemp, Premier Senior Insurance
Enrolling in Medicare Part B if you are age 65 or older, still working
(or spouse is still working) and have insurance coverage from that job.
First things first, you should know that your Initial Enrollment Period
begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months
after your 65th birthday. Then you need to consider if you or your
spouse will continue to keep working after this time and if either will
be receiving health insurance from that current… read
more.
|
Broke Wife, Big City... All
I
want to do is sit down, By Aprill Brandon
I remember once hearing a teacher say something along the lines of "an
object in motion tends to stay in motion and an object at rest tends to
stay at rest, especially if that object is a person sitting in a
coffeeshop and you want their seat." Or something like that. I don't
know. I was too busy sending professional-grade orgami-esque folded
notes to my best friend about very important topics, such as what fast
food restaurant parking lot we were… read
more.
|
State Representative Jim Buchy… Voting
for a Balanced Budget
The U.S. National Debt is now over $16.8 trillion, and our children and
grandchildren are each in debt over $53,000. We owe China too
much money, and that is something I think could be agreed upon by both
sides. In the Ohio House of Representatives, we passed a
balanced
budget with bi-partisan support. It seems that Uncle Sam is
always looking for ways to influence state government and all too often
his preferred method is by way of cash with strings… read
more.
|
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Connecting
Ohio Consumers with Ohio Producers
Buy local, eat local? - Despite the fact that agriculture and food is
Ohio’s largest industry, too many Ohio consumers struggle to access
fresh, affordable food and too many Ohio farmers need help selling
their products locally. Time and time again, I’ve heard the same
message from farmers across the state: connecting Ohio farmers with
Ohio consumers just makes sense. Yet, during my most recent
“Grown-in-Ohio” tour, I heard from many people about… read
more.
|
Life with Levi… Lambie’s
bad luck,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
It happened. The one thing that Mommy and Daddy had been dreading. Levi
puked on Lambie. The most depressing thing was that Mommy was just
getting ready to put Lambie into the Lamb Protection Program and
relocate him/her/it to a safer location (like Mommy and Daddy’s
closet). But alas, Mommy was not quick enough. It all started Friday
evening when Mommy and Levi both started to show symptoms of a cold.
And when I say cold… read
more.
|
Commissioners Corner… Budget
time again, courthouse remodeling almost complete
April has certainly lived up to the phrase, “April showers” this
year. April has continued to hold onto wintery weather, along
with ample amounts of rain for the month. Although, the rain has been
appreciated, it has delayed our farmers from doing work in the
fields. We need a good week for things to dry out, along with
warmer temperatures, for our agri- business people to start their heavy
work for the year… read
more.
|
From the Other Side of the Edge…The “Cry Baby”-in-Chief,
By
Joe Facinoli
So,….he finally lost one. But I guess that 158 to one, just ain’t quite
good enough for our President, now is it? Of the people, by the people,
and for the people,….eh?? Not so fast
there
“Constitution Lips”, that’s only if it’s HIS way, thank you very much.
Yeah, the Prez lost a big one last week, and man, is he ever a poor
loser!! You’d have thought that someone had gone and cut up all his
favorite blue ties, bent all his Calloway golf clubs in half, and made…
read
more.
|
GAO
says ‘Thumbs Up’… The
F-35
fighter jet – Protecting American freedom and Ohio jobs
By Harry Prestanski - A recent report by the Government Accountability
Office (GAO), an independent, non-partisan arm of Congress, held good
news for the American servicemen and women tasked with protecting our
freedom in hostile skies. The new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter,
the
most advanced jet fighter the world has ever seen, is on track and
making exceptional progress toward the day when all branches of the
U.S. military can feature this cutting-edge… read
more.
|
U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown…Equal
Pay
for Equal Work
As parents, we all want our daughters to have the same opportunities as
our sons. As a father of two girls, I'm tired of seeing Ohio women lose
$16 billion in income each year because they still don't earn equal pay
for an equal day's work. Ohioans work hard and hard work deserves fair
pay, regardless of gender. Yet, according to a new report from the
National Partnership for Women & Families, Ohio women who are
employed full time are paid just 77… read
more.
|
Commentary…An Amazing Night,
By Sharon
Hopper
April 23, 2013–I went to a concert last night presented by the
Tabernacle Christian Center featuring Brad Lazadda. I happened to read
in the paper that this man was going to do a concert and normally I do
not really pay much attention to most of the gospel concerts at
churches. But this one got my attention when the article said that he
had sung in 28 countries, and performed in all 50 states. So I marked
my calendar and told my husband we were going… read
more.
|
Broke
Wife, Big City… Spring
Cleaning
for Lazy Dummies, By Aprill Brandon
Guys. Guys. GUYS. Spring officially arrived this week. And not that
manic-depressive spring we've been having that's been
passive-aggressively toying with our emotions because it wasn't hugged
enough as a child by Father Winter. No, I'm talking about happily
hopped up on pills and booze spring. Or at least it has in my neck of
the woods. Sunny, breezy, mid-60's perfect spring. For the first time
in SIX MONTHS I was able to open… read
more.
|
Life
with Levi… Stay
little,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
To most, last Tuesday, April 16th was just another day. And
to
me, it really didn’t hold much significance at first glance.
But
once I stopped for a minute and thought about it, it finally hit me.
Last Tuesday, April 16th was exactly one month before Levi’s second
birthday. I know, I’m probably being overly dramatic. But for a new (or
newer) Mommy like me, it was a big deal! Levi has only celebrated one
birthday so far, so it’s not exactly a… read
more.
|
State
Representative Jim Buchy… Cutting
Taxes for Ohioans—Long Overdue
In 1983, shortly after I started my first term in the Ohio House of
Representatives, Governor Dick Celeste proposed a biennial budget that
made an income tax hike permanent and increased government
spending. At that time the legislature was made up of a
majority
of Democrats in the House and in the Senate who went along with
Governor Celeste’s tax increase. As a result Ohio’s economy
has
struggled since and many young people have followed a trail… read
more.
|
Apparently, big government isn’t
always bad,
By Jim Surber
When some things leave you scratching your head, you can usually learn
from them. One of our nation’s largest continuing debates has been
whether government involvement in business is good or bad. At the risk
of oversimplification, one side professes to limit government’s role
for the benefit of the people, while the other side maintains that the
same objective is accomplished with more government involvement. An
event of the… read
more.
|
U.S.
Congressman John Boehner...Carrying
on in the American Spirit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column: “With the tragedies in Boston and West,
Texas, that took the lives of a number of our fellow Americans, the
week of April 14th was a difficult time for the country. My
heart
goes out to the victims. Thankfully, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports
that no runners or spectators from the Tri-State area were harmed in
Boston. “Meanwhile, in the nation’s capital… read
more.
|
From the Other Side of the Edge…The
End of Innocence, By Joe Facinoli
When did the Innocence end? Was it at the finish line in Boston?
September 11, 2001? Earlier? When??? Was there one, single event or
time, when the innocence of this country simply disappeared? Or did it
gradually drift away from us, under the weight of too many gut
wrenching shocks, and mind numbing tragedies, for us to endure? Did it
happen on November 22, 1963? On that sunswept street in Dallas, when
the cheering stopped, ….so suddenly? Or… read
more.
|
The
President's Remarks...Preventing
Gun Violence
A few months ago, in response to too many tragedies -- including the
shootings of a United States Congresswoman, Gabby Giffords, who's here
today, and the murder of 20 innocent schoolchildren and their teachers
-- this country took up the cause of protecting more of our people from
gun violence. Families that know unspeakable grief summoned the courage
to petition their elected leaders -- not just to honor the memory of
their children, but to protect… read
more.
|
U.S.
Congressman John Boehner… A
Fairer, Simpler Tax Code will Create Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column discussing comprehensive tax reform:
“Every morning, one of the first things I do is check Facebook on my
iPad to see what people are posting. One graphic I noticed recently
shows a woman sitting at a computer asking ‘I wonder if I can claim
Uncle Sam as a dependent on my tax return this year?’ “There’s no
question that Americans continue… read
more.
|
Life
with Levi… He
said yes!
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
The wait is finally over. Levi said yes! He says it quite often,
too. And not always when he means it. It all started a couple
weeks ago. Everything was no, no, no, no, no. Then, one morning, he
woke up and just started saying yes. No rhyme or reason, just
yes. So finally, when I ask him if he’s hungry, he says yes.
If I
ask him if he wants water or a snack, he says yes. And if I ask him if
he’s ready to go night-night, he still says no. But it’s a step in… read
more.
|
Ohio Republican Party...Greetings!
I want to give you a special update about an initiative
underway
at the Ohio Republican Party to expand our grassroots organization
through a new Coalitions Program.From elections for the White House to
Courthouse voters share their specific interests about important issues
that unite us. These key issues drive support for our Republican
candidates. And every election cycle both national and state campaigns
spend precious time and resources hastily recreating grassroots
outreach programs that... read
more. |
State
Representative Jim Buchy...How
the Proposed Budget Changes in the Legislative Process
In my time as a legislator, I have never voted for a budget identical
to the introduced version In the legislature, it is our job to
scrutinize bills and make considerations on the impact they will have
on the lives of Ohioans. Changing those bills is a normal process that
generally is guided by an attempt to gain broad support for
legislation. This is no different for the biennial budget, which can
change as many as six times from the introduced version before becoming
law.… read
more.
|
From
the Other Side of the Edge….It’s
John Kennedy’s Fault, By Joe Facinoli
"......Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a
spot,
for one brief shining moment, known
as............Camelot." Who could ever forget it,.....or him?
If
you were alive then,......you will remember.
Always.
Camelot. That smile. That charisma and persona. That accent. That hair.
The sense of humor. Those bright and twinkling eyes. That wit, so
quick, so direct, so on point. Hyannis Port. The "Compound". Touch
football by the Cape. The endless family of… read
more.
|
Did God make you?
By
Bob Robinson
It is a little after 2:30 and I’m leaving Greenville Junior High or
South, or 15 minutes later and I’m carefully leaving the high school
amongst what seems like hundreds of cars trying to fit through two
exits from the high school parking lot. Or it could be an hour later
and I’m getting ready to leave Woodland or East. I head to my next
“job” as Secretary for Greenville Eagles 2177. On a full sub day, it is
usually just a quick stop to drop off mail, get… read
more.
|
U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown…Providing
Ohio Workers with a Fair Wage
With too many Ohioans working harder than ever and barely getting by,
it’s well past time to raise the minimum wage in our country. Recently,
I visited four Ohio businesses that are supportive of an increase in
the federal minimum wage. These businesses and their owners know that
treating their employees right isn’t just good for them, it’s good for
business. President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards
Act into law 75 years ago. This …
read
more.
|
Darke County Commissioner Mike Stegall… Hometown Opportunity
On Sunday April 7th, I was invited to the Marion Community Development
Organizations annual meeting held in Maria Stein at the American
Legion. This event was well attended, and two of the Mercer
County Commissioners attended as well. After the
meal was
served, the guest speaker was Jared Ebbing, the Mercer County Economic
Development Director. As a quick aside, I think that Darke and Mercer
County have two of the best Economic… read
more.
|
Ohio
Republican Chairman Bob Bennett Update
Greetings! While Democrats in Washington are pushing for a $1-Trillion
tax increase and an unbalanced budget, the March jobs report was
another reminder that the Democrats have no plan for jobs. An analysis
by the Dayton Daily News found that Ohio's personal income rose at one
of the fastest rates in the nation last year. Perhaps this should be
another lesson for Ohio Democrats to stop opposing the Republican
reforms and growth friendly policies that are making Ohio a better
place for families to... read
more. |
Broke Wife, Big City… If
you
give a wife a mouse... By Aprill Brandon
For the past nine years, ever since I rescued my dog Buffy, I've been
in engaged in a never-ending battle with his fur. In fact, I have
suspicions that the fur is now asexually reproducing and has become
self-aware, which has lead to rogue hair armies that are slowly taking
over my house in an Alexander-the-Great-esque manner. But now, the
battle has just been taken to the next level. I'm not quite sure how it
managed it, but somehow… read
more.
|
U.S. Senator Rob Portman… Weekly
Column: Our Right to Bear Arms
The United States Senate is likely to take up gun control legislation
later this month in response to the tragic school shooting in Newtown,
Connecticut. Unfortunately, the majority of the proposals
that
have surfaced would do nothing to prevent these types of horrific acts
of violence from happening in the future. They would,
however,
infringe on Second Amendment rights guaranteed by the Constitution. I
am a gun owner and avid hunter. Whether for… read
more.
|
U.S. Representative John Boehner...Policies
Making it Harder for Americans to Find Work
WASHINGTON, D.C. – "After a long delay, the White House has announced
that President Obama will finally release his budget on April 10. So
far the preview we’re getting is not good. "With millions of American
families struggling in this weak economy, I had hoped that President
Obama would use this opportunity -- like President Clinton did -- to
work across the aisle and balance the budget. Sadly, media reports
indicate the president’s budget will not… read
more.
|
From the Other Side of the Edge…A
Tale of Two Immigrants, By Joe Facinoli
My Grandfather Francesco came through Ellis Island in 1892, with his
three younger brothers, on his way to the “New World” from his beloved
Italy. He never went back, nor ever had a reason to. Having endured the
long and arduous Atlantic crossing, on a less than palatial vessel, he
was then faced with the interminably long lines and endless inspection
stations at this famous Port of Entry. Passing all
the
medical and physical tests, and having all his… read
more.
|
State Representative Jim Buchy...Turnpike
Bonding Promises a Bright Future in Ohio
In a state like Ohio, where snow, ice and salt over time cause damage
to roadways, it is especially important that we try to stay on top of
our infrastructure needs. Governor Kasich recently signed into law a
bill that puts in place a plan to fund road projects in Ohio.House Bill
51 lays out Ohio’s transportation budget for the coming two years. A
big part of the bill involves using toll revenues collected from the
Ohio Turnpike to fund future infrastructure projects. The state will
use…
read
more.
|
Broke
Wife, Big City… A
writer by any
other name, By Aprill Brandon
When I was in college, I once got into a fight with a boyfriend because
I said if we ever got married, I was keeping my maiden name. To him,
apparently this statement meant I was some sort of scary nutjob
closeted hippie feminist that ate pieces of the Constitution for
breakfast. But my reasoning was much more simple. My decision was
merely motivated by the fact that I'm the last one in my large extended
family that still has my biological…
read
more.
|
Life
with Levi… A
not-so-hoppy Easter,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
All of last week, I was envisioning an Easter day filled with family,
laughter and lots of memories to hold on to until next year. But
unfortunately, all I got was a sick husband, a sick baby and a migraine
that just wouldn’t quit. So instead of heading to my Aunt Carolyn’s for
lunch, then my mother-in-law’s for an awesome Easter egg hunt, we all
stayed home in our sick little bubble so as not to infect all of the
healthy people that we love…
read
more.
|
Commissioners
Corner… Economy
Kicking Along at
Good Pace
As this is written, Darke County has been officially in Spring for 5
days. Right now, there is 7 inches of snow on the ground, and
still falling! Hopefully, this is old man winter’s last gasp,
and
soon it will warm up and we can all enjoy the outdoors again.
This has not been a particularly hard winter in the County, but I am
sure all of us are ready for a steady dose of sunshine. This month has
been a mix once…
read
more.
|
State Representative Jim Buchy...Freedom
to Make Our Own Healthcare Decisions
When President Obama forced government run healthcare through Congress
he started a multiple year process of steadily increasing the size of
government and increasing government spending. In west central Ohio,
there is a consensus that Obamacare is bad for our households and bad
for this country. Over the course of the past two years, I have joined
the fight a number of times to put a fork in President Obama’s plan.
Every step of the way I have maintained…
read
more.
|
From the Other Side of the Edge...Arrogance
and Ignorance, Both Make Bad Law, By Joe
Facinoli
Marriage does not need to be defended. It is ingrained within the human
spirit, in our hearts, and deep inside our souls.
Marriage doesn’t need to be justified by law, although every state in
the U.S. has claimed that authority. It doesn’t need religion, either,
even though every organized church will claim it as their God given
“right” to bestow. And every high book of scripture, in every major
faith, carefully lists detailed instructions, requirements, and
rubrics, as to how… read
more.
|
Grumpy
Old Men, By Bob Robinson
Probably one of the most rejuvenating things a 68-year-old can do is
try to manage and teach a class of 20-plus 5, 6 or 7-year-olds.
They put new life into you… take you back more than six decades. Were
we ever like that?
I’ve had that privilege. I’ve taught spelling and reading, math,
science and history; even music and dance (no comments please). All to
kindergartners, first graders and second graders. Come to think of it,
third through sixth graders… read
more.
|
U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Speeding
up Home Sales
One sure way to reduce the deficit is to strengthen the economy—so more
Americans have good-paying jobs and can support themselves and their
families rather than relying upon the safety net to make ends meet. We
have grown our way out of past recessions through a strong
manufacturing sector and a robust housing market. But when empty homes
are scattered from Cleveland Heights to Kennedy Heights, we know that
the housing market still has… read
more.
|
Broke
Wife, Big City… Liar,
Liar,
Bigger Pants Than You'd Like On Fire, By
Aprill Brandon
Now that it's getting warmer (and then colder...and then warmer
again...and then snowing...and then slightly warmer again before a cold
front comes in around 3 p.m. and makes it hail), all our collective
thoughts are slowly turning toward spring and summer. And as such, all
the things we'll finally be able to do again now that winter is over
(like the ability to go outside without looking like the little brother
from "A Christmas Story")… read
more.
|
Life
with Levi… Levi’s
little lamb,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
As many of you may remember, I wrote a column about the Great Lambie
Swap of 2012. I still get asked about how the new Lambie is getting
along, so I figured that I’d fill you in. Levi still has no idea that
Lambie was even swapped out. He still loves his lamb just as much as he
ever did. Even more it seems sometimes. Levi and Lambie are nearly
inseparable now. Everywhere Levi goes, Lambie goes too. Even
to
the babysitter’s house. And the… read
more.
|
U.S. Representative John Boehner...A
Balanced Budget Would Create Jobs and Expand Opportunity
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column discussing House Republicans’ plan to
balance the budget in 10 years: “Recently I had a chance to meet with
several employers in Butler County. It’s always great to
gather
feedback, listen to concerns, and talk about ways to help job creators
grow and hire. “In contrast to what the White House and Democrats in
Congress are saying, I know – and I hear… read
more.
|
From the Other Side of the Edge….Gun
Control? ……or just CONTROL???
By Joe Facinoli
The Second Amendment to our Constitution guarantees and allows any
citizen of the United States of America the right to possess and own
Black Hawk helicopter gunships, machine gun turrets, and any Sherman
Tank which they can find, if they so desire, and can afford them. And a
half million rounds of ammo, too, if they want. Really. Find and show
me anything to the contrary. “A well regulated militia, being necessary
to the security of a free State, the right… read
more.
|
On
Fracking Controversy...Just
one
little detail, By Lyn Bliss
The League of Women Voters (LWV) was formed with a purpose they
declared to be, “helping women carry out their new responsibilities as
voters”. What a great and noble cause… except for one detail. “From the
spirit of the suffrage movement and the shock of the First World War
came a great idea - that a nonpartisan civic organization could provide
the education and experience the public needed to assure the success of
democracy. The League... read
more.
|
State
Representative Jim Buchy… The
Common Sense Initiative a Benefit to all Ohioans
Two years ago, I began talking with constituents about the Common Sense
Initiative (CSI). The Common Sense Initiative is the brain
child
of Lt. Governor Mary Taylor. The core principle is providing
a
government watchdog to ensure bureaucracy makes doing business in Ohio
less challenging and as a result increases job opportunities in this
state. The office of the Common Sense Initiative examines all
administrative rules before they are approved and… read
more.
|
Broke
Wife, Big City… To
the tax
break(ing) point, By Aprill Brandon
You guys, I feel so bad. I can't believe I have been so selfish and
near-sighted. Not to mention, so utterly unfair. I mean, to think! That
I could possibly be the cause of so much financial strife and anguish.
I am so so deeply ashamed right now. Yes, dear readers, it is with a
heavy heart that I inform you my husband and I just finished our taxes
and as it turns out, we have cheated our poor government out of their
hard-earned money. To… read
more.
|
U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown... Reducing
Prescription Drug Costs for Consumers, Saving Money for the Government
Right now, everyone in Washington is focused on fiscal issues – getting
our financial house in order. This is something families in Ohio have
been dealing with for some time. We know how to do this. We can improve
health outcomes and simultaneously save money for our consumers and for
the federal government. A couple of years… read
more.
|
Life
with Levi… Speaking
Minion,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
Levi is bilingual. He can speak English a little, but his first
language seems to be Minion. I know I’ve mentioned it in a previous
column, but for those of you who missed it, or who don’t remember, the
minions I speak of are the little yellow guys in the movie, Despicable
Me. And they speak some form of gibberish that I can’t fully
understand. This is the language my son speaks fluently. Or at least I
figure that must be the language that he’s speaking… read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Responsible
Budgeting Key to Ohio’s Success
You don’t have to watch the news for very long to realize the federal
government is in disarray. The national debt is approaching $17
trillion and there seems to be no sign of slowing down. Taxpayers of
future generations will be on the hook for the excessive spending of
today, which is unsustainable by anyone’s estimation. Not long ago,
Ohio was acting in much the same way as the federal government. By the
end of 2010, the state was staring at an $8… read
more.
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State
Representative Richard Adams… Transparency
Integral to Democracy
A democracy is defined as a “government by the people; a form of
government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and
exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free
electoral system.” To me it seems that the United States was built upon
the idea that the people and government are interlinked to form a
great, free nation. This means the government should be held
accountable and also should be transparent. I’m happy to say… read
more.
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U.S
Representative John Boehner…The
President’s Sequester Still Needs to Be Replaced
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column discussing the president’s sequester:
“For two weeks now, President Obama’s sequester has been in place. And
for two weeks, the White House has rightly faced criticism for its
implementation of the sequester’s across-the-board cuts. “From shutting
down White House tours to spreading fear of long lines at airports, I’m
disappointed in the way that the… read
more.
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From
the Other Side of the Edge…Blinded
by the Wrong Light..., By Joe Facinoli
The wide and wonderful, political and cultural diversity in this
country should be celebrated. The abuse, misuse, and overuse of
it,…..should not. With so many people, from so many different and
varied groups, desperately seeking some sort of Light, some source of
fulfillment, of hope and opportunity, or motivation, it has become far
too easy for them to find, accept, and ultimately settle for and
believe in, …..the “truth as we say it is” pretenders. Enter…
read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Perhaps
it's
lupus, By Aprill Brandon
So, I've been sick the past few days. Or at least, I think I have. It
could be that I'm dying. To tell the truth, even though I've
"technically" never died before, it feels pretty similar to what I
imagine dying is like. The only thing missing is a tunnel, a bright
light and the ability to legally obtain morphine. Yes, now that I've
entered my 30's, getting sick is a whole new ball game. A horrible,
horrible new ball game composed of hulked up… read
more.
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Life
with Levi… Levi’s
snowy day,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
Even though Levi is nearing his second birthday, he has never
experienced snow. Or at least playing in it. He’s seen his share of
snow over the last couple of winters, but the poor little guy has
always been too sick to go out and play in it. And of course Mommy
isn’t going to send her sick baby boy outside in the cold even if it is
for a little fun. So finally, last week when we got what will turn out
to be our last big snow before spring, Levi got to go… read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Protecting
Our Local Bingo Halls
Currently, the General Assembly is reviewing House Bill 7, which would
change current law as it relates to sweepstakes terminals and games of
chance. This bill is a culmination of two years of work to
ensure
illegal gaming is eliminated and charitable gaming is protected. This
legislation is supported by Attorney General Mike Dewine, who told the
Policy and Legislative Oversight Committee that “40 percent of the
people seeking help for problem gambling at … read
more.
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From
the Other Side of the Edge...Hiding
From the Light..., By Joe Facinoli
There is still a Light out there, and it is not dimming, nor dying, nor
going anywhere. It is always shining, sometimes
brighter
than in other moments, has many varied sources, but is a constant. And
most politicians spend a lifetime trying to hide from it. Leaving
religious thoughts aside, for the purpose of a more politically based
discussion, this Light is indeed what we are about as a country, and a
culture, and where we are from. And where… read
more.
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Ensuring
Ohio Taxpayers Don’t Pay for Wall Street’s Failures
Most Ohioans would be surprised to know that the same Wall Street
megabanks which received bailouts from taxpayers in 2009 also receive
taxpayer-funded advantages today simply because of their “too big to
fail” status. This taxpayer- supplied subsidy is wrong, and it puts
community banks in Ohio at a competitive disadvantage. This gives them
access to cheaper funding and more favorable borrowing terms than
dependable Main Street institutions - like… read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Pills
and
creams! Pills and creams! By Aprill Brandon
Last night, my husband and I had a small dinner party. Just a few
friends, some good music, a delicious meal and a few (dozen) bottles of
wine. It was a wonderful time had by all. Cut to this morning, when we
woke up exhausted and suffering from indigestion, a major headache, and
sore muscles (from the effort of cooking...COOKING!). All of which we
remedied by swallowing a ridiculous amount of pills with two gallons of
black coffee… read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Legislation
Aimed at Getting Ohioans Back to Work
Since JobsOhio was signed into law two years ago, businesses have had
more confidence to invest and expand, resulting in the creation of more
than 120,000 Ohio jobs. The unemployment rate has fallen by nearly 2.5
percent, and with the national unemployment rate increasing last month,
Ohio’s rate now stands more than a point lower than the national
average. In Mercer and neighboring counties, we have the lowest
unemployment rate in Ohio thanks in large… read
more.
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Commissioners
Corner… Proposed
Sales Tax,
Wellness Program & More
February has been a mixed bag weather-wise this year. One day
it
is 50 and sunny, then in the afternoon we have snow showers.
Hopefully, as February closes, the weather will even out and we will
have an early spring for everyone. February has been an up
and
down month in the Commissioner’s office as well. We have many
things we are working on, but once we get things set, we have to wait
on a… read
more.
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The Other Side of the Edge…“Stepping
on the Throat….”, By Joe Facinoli
Military leaders have a saying. Coaches in all sports use it as well.
When your enemy, or your opponent, is down, and nearly out, “Step on
their throat!” Nearing victory, or close to imposing a stinging defeat,
they will exhort to their underlings: “Don’t let them up!,…..Don’t give
them the chance to breathe again.” The idea being, that if you “let
them up”, then they could possibly get new life, have time to regroup,
and… read
more.
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Helping
Ohio Workers Compete in a Global Economy
At the President’s State of the Union address, I was joined by Cookie
Hall, a second-generation Cleveland steelworker who knows from
experience that American workers are the most productive in the world.
Cookie works at Cleveland Works, a steel plant owned by ArcelorMittal
North America. Workers at this plant produce one ton of steel per each
man hour of work – making it the most efficient steel plant in the
world. There is no disputing that our workers… read
more.
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The
Other Side of the Edge… Live
Each Moment, By Joe Facinoli
He is 92, she is 88. Until five years ago, he was married to the
wonderful woman who had been his bride, for sixty one years. Until six
years ago, she was the very happy wife of the charming man she had
married, fifty nine years before. Both the wonderful woman and the
charming man have passed on now. Until three years ago, the survivors
of these long, well lived lives, had not met. Until two years ago, both
thought that they would never again know… read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Happy
National
De-Hair Your Body Day, By Aprill Brandon
So, Valentine's Day is coming up. Or, as I like to call it for us
women, National De-Hair Your Entire Body Day. Yes, every morning on
February 14, or perhaps the night before (or for those of us who are in
longer-term relationships, five days before followed by a brief shower
inspection followed by the sentiment "screw it, the stubble isn't that
bad"), women across this great nation of ours will waste countless
hours and hard-earned money… read
more.
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From
The Other Side of the Edge… The
Role Reversal, By Joe Facinoli
There they were, all cutesy, and so giddy with excitement and
anticipation, trying not to be too obvious about anything, as if they
hadn't passed that point already, and as if their smile plastered faces
wouldn't totally give something away. They had strategically taken the
two seats opposite the couch, leaving that for me, there in the modest
sized living room. The chosen chairs, overstuffed
platform
rockers actually, were separated by a small table, which… read
more.
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Life
with Levi… No,
no and… no,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
So I knew it was coming, but I still wasn’t quite prepared for it. Ok,
I was flat-out dreading it, but the time has come… NO! The work above
is the only word in the English language that my son likes to use on a
regular basis. Even when it’s not the word he’s looking for… He uses it
anyway. He worked up to it slowly, but over the past couple of weeks,
he’s been abusing that two-letter word that Mommy now despises above
all else… read
more.
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U.S.
Representative John Boehner… It’s
Time for President Obama to Get Serious About Replacing his Sequester
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester)
released the following column discussing the president’s sequester:
“Over the past 10 years, more than $100 million in EPA grants have gone
to foreign countries. The IRS spends $4 million annually to run its own
full-service television studio. And I could go on. “With… read
more.
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Your
Opinion, Please!
Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 - County News Online readers are terrific! You’ve
helped us to grow from a January 2011 Page View count of about 7,000 to
a high of 186,000 page views in December. Our specialties have been
George Starks’ unique approach to sports, complete photo coverage of
community events, offering a simple and easy way to find out what’s
happening in Darke County, and… Opinions! We have lots… read
more.
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From the Other Side of the Edge... "Stupid is, ....as Stupid Does"
By Joe Facinoli
The Sequester needs to happen. But first, ....who knew that Forrest
Gump is so much smarter than Congress?? Not to
mention all
of the White House acolytes and hand wringers who surround this
President. And as well, the entire lapdog mainstream media,
which
buys all the fear mongering and doomsday scenarios,
wholesale. Who knew? We have come to this
kind of
comparison, because all previous standards… read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Achievement
Everywhere in Ohio
Recently, we were able to take a first look at Governor
Kasich’s
plan to increase funding for Ohio’s school children. The plan
will be one part of his budget, which is subject to legislative
changes. As of now the plan pulls Ohio school funding back
into
line with the DeRolph ruling, increases school funding and establishes
the Straight A fund to reward schools that are dedicated to improving
educational strategies in their district… read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… If
you catch my
(snow) drift, By Aprill Brandon
I now have a new reason to look forward to getting old. That reason?
Future Aprill now gets to be that old person who sits her grandkids
down and forces them to listen to the story of how I survived the Great
Blizzard of 2013. Yes, dear reader, yours truly has finally joined the
ranks of the privileged few (million) who have lived through a historic
storm and therefore have earned the indisputable right to bore those
who didn't experience it… read
more.
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Standing
Up for Ohio Manufacturers
We know Ohio workers and Ohio manufacturers can compete with anyone. We
have skilled, productive workers and world-class infrastructure. But
for years, we’ve seen evidence of unfair trade practices – like
currency manipulation – costing Americans jobs. Currency manipulation
occurs when a country undervalues its currency to effectively subsidize
its exports. This allows countries—like China—to sell their exports for
cheaper, which is why so many… read
more.
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Life
with Levi… Man
of the House,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
This past weekend, my husband Aaron went out of town for Advocare
Success School in Dallas, Texas, which meant that me and Levi were home
by ourselves from Thursday night until Sunday. When Daddy left on
Thursday, I told Levi that he was the man of the house for the weekend.
And he took full advantage of the situation. He made sure to make as
many messes as possible, and flush the toilet in Daddy’s absence. He
also tried to help… read
more.
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U.S. Representative John Boehner… Serving
Ohio's 8th District is all about the People
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the
following column discussing his Ohio guests for the 2013 State of the
Union Address: “Recently, several blogs used a Flickr photo of me in my
U.S. Capitol office to compile lists of the ‘most interesting things’
on my desk. Clearly, it must have been a slow news day. “My daily
devotional made one list, as did a miniature statue of St. Peter, my
copy… read
more.
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The Other Side of the Edge.... The "Campaigner-In-Chief"
By
Joe Facinoli
When did the revered and august House of Representatives Chamber, in
the world recognized and historic U.S. Capitol Building, in Washington,
D.C., the nation's capitol, become nothing more than the end of a train
"whistle stop", on the latest "sling it fast and heavy, and then get
out of town before anyone asks you questions" medicine show and
campaign tour?? When did the President of the United States,
fulfilling his… read
more.
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Ensuring
Ohioans Have the Paid Sick Days They Deserve
This has been a particularly tough flu-season – for Ohioans of all
ages. To put it into perspective, as of January 19, more than 3,000
flu-associated hospitalizations were reported to the Ohio Department of
Health. During this same period last year, there were fewer than 100
flu-associated hospitalizations. With extensive hospitalizations and a
few deaths, it’s clear that the flu is widespread throughout our state.
And while it’s important to be aware of the steps you… read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Governor
Kasich to Deliver State of the State Address in Lima
This coming Tuesday, Governor Kasich will deliver the
traditional
State of the State Address in Lima at the Veterans’ Memorial Civic
Center. We are fortunate that Governor Kasich has selected this part of
Ohio to highlight our job growth and the efforts of west central Ohio
to get our economy moving again. I look forward to welcoming the 132
members of the Ohio General Assembly to Lima, which I feel resembles an
economic hub of the prosperous… read
more.
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That’s My Opinion...They
Tell Me
I’m Nuts, By Bob Robinson
This was originally written in 2003 and is a chapter from my book, God
Don’t Make Junk, from Ramblings of an Old Man. While parties in power
may change, the ideologies between the left and the right don’t. If
anything, the divide between these two forces have intensified…
Three California professors, plus one in Maryland, conducted an
exhaustive study – at taxpayer expense – and have now published their
results.
Conservatives are nuts.
… read
more.
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An
Open Apology, Darke County Commissioner Mike
Stegall
Monday evening I was invited to speak to the Darke County Fire Chiefs
Association. I was offered the chance to explain my article
on
joint fire districts for Darke County. Yes, I knew when it
was
written it would cause concern with some entities, especially our local
fire chiefs and firemen. Yes, I expected a hostile
audience. Yes, I figured there would be some rough patches in
the
meeting, but, a lot of firemen voted for… read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… My
Yearly Report to Ohioans
Fellow Ohioan, No matter where I travel throughout our state, I never
fail to be impressed by what people from all walks of life are doing to
strengthen the place we call home. I’d like to present to you my 2012
Report to Ohioans, which chronicles our work together last year.
Citizens of all 88 counties – farmers and firefighters, teachers and
truck drivers, scientists and service members, manufacturers and all
middle… read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Having
daddy
issues with Father Winter, By Aprill Brandon
So, I don't know who came up with this whole "four seasons that are
equal in length" concept, but they should be fired. Or better yet,
fired and then punched in the throat. Or, ideally, fired and then
punched in the throat and then stabbed, then shot, then stabbed again,
then kicked in the junk, then given a series of purple nurples, then
drawn and quartered, and then made to listen to Macy Gray albums over
and over again until their ears… read
more.
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Life
with Levi… Smarty
diaper,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant Editor
It’s official. Levi is too smart for his own good. As long as he’s been
mobile, he has been curious about everything around him. He loves
messing with things, trying to figure out how they work. And he loves
trying new things to see if they work. Last week, Levi figured out that
bologna sticks to things. It sticks to his highchair that he eats in.
It sticks to the VCR. And it sticks to the wall. It sticks so well, in
fact, that if you wanted to, you could eat it off… read
more.
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U.S.
Senator Rob Portman… Despite
Washington's Dysfunction, We're Fighting For Ohio
January 25, 2013 - On the big issues, Washington is broken.
With
a chronically weak economy and record debt and deficits, unfortunately
Democrats and Republicans simply aren’t coming together to tackle big
challenges the nation faces. Yet I am pleased to report that even in
Washington’s partisan environment, my team and I have remained focused
on producing results and we’ve had some important successes for Ohio.
In fact, even as a freshman… read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Committee
Assignments Will Impact Us in West Central Ohio
Recently, appointments were made for standing committees for the 130th
General Assembly. This term there are 17 standing committees
and
6 sub committees in the Ohio House and each member sits on
approximately three committees. This term I will serve on
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rules and Reference, and the new
Policy and Legislative Oversight. For as long as I have been a
legislator I have… read
more.
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From the Other Side of the Edge… “Disagreeing”
with a Liberal….. a Primer, By Joe Facinoli
Disagreeing with a Liberal, or arguing with them, as those discussions
so often deteriorate into anyway, can be problematic for clearer
thinking souls, or at least those of a more conservative
stripe. So, a quick lesson, or Primer, if you will,
may be
in order for a more successful understanding of the process. Card
carrying Liberal Democrats, and their fellow Libs of all shapes and
sizes, especially those of certain broadcast… read
more.
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Kasich
Communication Department… Canton Repository - Finally, a real response to
DeRolph:
editorial
The issue: School funding reform - Our view: 22 years after lawsuit was
filed, plan would minimize local property wealth - Mountains of number
crunching will necessarily follow the unveiling of Gov. John Kasich’s
school funding plan Thursday. But it was immediately clear that for the
first time, the state is directly addressing the disparities that led
to the Ohio Supreme Court’s rulings that the way the state funds
schools is unconstitutional. There is much more to… read
more.
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The
White House… Obama's
four points
on Immigration Reform
Dear friends -- Our immigration system is broken. It has been for some
time. Right now, there are 11 million people living in a shadow
economy. There are Americans waiting in long lines to reunite with
their families. There are employers who are exploiting the system by
hiring undocumented workers, and that threatens the wages and working
conditions of American workers. None of this is good for the economy,
and it isn’t fair for the middle class… read
more.
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What Does it Mean to Be a Leader
on Your
Farm? By Sam Custer
Stan Moore from Michigan State University Extension recently addressed
the topic of leadership on farms. This is a topic many farm managers
struggle with, but is one of the critical functions that all farm
managers must perform well. Below is the article Moore wrote for the
Michigan State University Extension News. What does it mean
to be
a leader? According to John Maxwell, “leadership is influence”. Being a
leader means that your influence causes… read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Butt
fur the
grace of God, By Aprill Brandon
There are many distinct advantages to having a dog vs. having a child.
For instance, when your child is misbehaving and you just can't take it
anymore, sticking them in a crate for six hours while you get some much
needed "me" time usually results in "jail" time. Likewise, it is
frowned upon by authorities to hit your kid with a newspaper (and/or a
September Vogue when they've been a VERY BAD BOY!) or to rub their face
in… read
more.
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Life
with Levi… Levi’s
favorite
teacher, By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson
I love my son, and I love my husband. But I hate leaving them alone
together! Seems like every time Mommy comes home after a father-son
bonding day, Levi has learned some new trick that Mommy really wishes
that he hadn’t learned. For example, Aaron had a day off last week so
he and Levi got to stay home together. I walk in the door from a long
day at work and Daddy says, “Levi! Show Mommy what you learned today!”…
read
more.
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From the Other Side of the Edge: Lady
Macbeth.... by Joe Facinoli
I have never really been an ardent follower of "The Bard", but enough
of one to recognize a true, tragically Shakespearean-type character,
albeit in modern form, when I see one. And, as with so many of The
Great One's leading figures, this current edition has taken on a
caricature-like life of her own, following closely to his descriptions,
but then rising from the pages (or the I-Pad screen) to become so much
more… read
more.
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New CNO columnist… Meet
Joe
Facinoli
“I'm getting back in the mood more now, after the shock and numbness
has started to wear off from last fall's results, so I'm anticipating
there will be a few more thoughts, hopefully readable, on ‘just a few’
current and pertinent topics, to clutter up cyberspace a bit more.” “I
was heartsick, depressed and felt like I had been physically kicked in
the gut! Am just now starting to dust myself off, unruffle my… read
more.
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Commissioners
Corner... Ahead
of the curve in
Workforce Development
The New Year is underway, it is our typical January in the Miami
Valley, and everyone is ready for spring to begin. The New Year always
brings new hope for better things, and Darke County is also looking to
improve on a very impressive 2012. We are looking forward to keeping
Darke County headed in a positive direction. Darke County Auditor Carol
Ginn submitted the County’s General Fund Appropriations.… read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Securing
a Better Deal for Ohio Homeowners
In 2011, Jeanne Brigner reached out to my office after her mortgage
servicer misapplied her monthly mortgage payment – an action which led
her into foreclosure. Unlike many Ohioans, Jeanne was able to keep her
home, but only after paying thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees.
Unfortunately, the state of mortgage servicing is so bad that Jeanne is
considered one of the lucky ones.
Last week, in Columbus, Youngstown, and Toledo, I heard from… read
more.
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Quality
People, By Bob Robinson
They keep talking about “The Golden Years.” I’m not sure who came up
with the phrase, but I don’t think it was anyone in their “golden
years.” According to Sandra Snider, faithwriters.com, it was strictly
economic. Financial service providers and retirement community builders
coined it to spin the myth that old age is a lot like childhood… no
more responsibilities. Sit back and enjoy! “The life you’ve waited
your… read
more.
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State Representative Richard Adams… Ohio House Will Continue Focusing
on Jobs,
Education
It is custom at the beginning of every legislative term for
the
legislature to lay out goals, as well as ideas for how best to achieve
them. These ideas focus on issues that are most important for the
state. Often, while other issues obviously surface along the way, the
top policy issues that are established at the beginning of the General
Assembly require the most time and attention. The biggest priority of
House Republicans under Speaker… read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… But
white girls
are always on a diet, aren't they? By Aprill
Brandon
You guys...I don't know. Is it just me or does this new year just
seem...I don't know...a bit lackluster? A bit blah? I mean, 2013?
Thirteen itself is just a crappy number. Unlucky, even. And was anyone
happy when they turned 13? Of course not. You had acne and hair
sprouting in weird places and were the very definition of awkward and
everyone hated you because you were SUPER annoying. Even the end of the
world Mayan prediction… read
more.
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Life
with Levi… Levi’s
first hotel
stay, By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant
Editor
This
past weekend, our little family ventured to the big city of
Indianapolis to visit my grandmother, aunt and uncle.
Normally,
we would have stayed overnight with them, but since this was Levi’s
first official night away from home, we opted for a hotel instead. When
we first arrived at the hotel, Levi thought the elevator ride was cool.
He giggled when it took off and again when it stopped on our floor.
Next was the hallway. For… read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Death
Tax Now a Part of Ohio History
A few weeks ago, while people around the world counted down the end of
2012, around here the celebration could have been counting down the
elimination of Ohio’s death tax. The estate tax, or “death tax,” in
Ohio dates back to the late 19th century, when it was first adopted.
This regressive and outdated taxing method has become a major
impediment to economic growth and has cost companies and family farms a
great deal of money, sometimes forcing… read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… The
Pizza Principle, By Aprill Brandon
You know, I often wonder what it'll be like when I'm old. You know,
like, when I'm 35. Ha! I kid. Thirty-five is now the new 12. You're not
technically old until 44. Everyone knows that. But seriously, I do
often wonder how things will be when I'm in my 70's and I'm (hopefully)
a grandmother to grandkids who are way less messed up than my actual
kids. And they all gather around their Ninja Gammy
(<-----trademarked) and ask "What was it like… read
more.
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Life
with Levi… Lambie
goes into
hiding, By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson, Assistant
Editor
It finally happened. The dreaded flu bug has finally made it’s way into
our house. We’ve all been getting by pretty well. Had some sniffles,
coughs, and a couple of colds, but nothing as bad as this. And, of
course, the baby would have to get it first. Poor little Levi. He went
to bed last night just fine, and woke up this morning with tummy
troubles. And poor Daddy was home alone with the baby when the flu bug
reared its ugly head… read
more.
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U.S.
Representative John Boehner… A
Simple Principle: No Budget, No Pay
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the
following column discussing legislation that will require both the
House and Senate to pass a budget, and withhold member pay if they
fail: “When I and my Republican colleagues were entrusted with the
majority in the House of Representatives in 2010, we committed
ourselves to addressing our nation's debt problem and re-establishing
trust between the American people… read
more
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A Darke County Editorial Icon… Paul
Ackley joins CNO
Paul Ackley has been an active Editorial Cartoonist for over thirty
years. In 2009 and 2010, he was awarded ‘Best Editorial Cartoonist' by
the Ohio Associated Press. Ackley has a drawing displayed in House
Speaker John Boehner's Washington D.C. office... Click below for the
complete biography. Paul will be joining CNO each Monday. You never
know what he has on his mind, so you won’t want to miss a single post… click
here.
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Modern
Day Pied Piper,
That’s My Opinion By Bob Robinson
The so-called “Fiscal Cliff” was averted on Tuesday, January 1, 2013.
The Senate passed the legislation in the early hours. The House, after
much groaning and complaining, passed it just before midnight. Income
tax was raised on those the Democrats referred to as “the rich” from 36
percent to 39.6 percent. “The rich,” by Dem definition, were single
income filers earning $400K a year and joint filers earning $450K a… read
more
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Staying
Healthy During Flu Season
Following tragic reports of deaths from the flu in Ohio, Connie and I
send our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who have lost a
loved one to this terrible and sudden illness. At the same time, we
must actively take steps to prevent the illness from spreading. My
office has been briefed by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) on new information about this season’s flu and the
preventive steps Ohioans can take. Through sharing… read
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Two
Years of Targeting more Gun Rights and Freedoms
The issue of our gun possession rights remains paramount in this state.
The importance of protecting the Second Amendment and improving
concealed carry laws was a key topic of the Ohio General Assembly over
the last two years. In west central Ohio, we know it is a matter of
freedom. To our benefit the Ohio government passed three pieces of
legislation in the gun owner’s favor. In the past two years, we fought
tirelessly to enact laws that keep… read
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Broke Wife, Big City… I
don't know how she doesn't do it, By Aprill
Brandon
Once upon a time (2010), in a land far, far away (exotic South Texas),
there lived a woman (for lack of a better term) who was an expert at
juggling many balls (not as dirty as it sounds). From dawn to dusk, the
woman ran around (in a most elegant woman-like style), like a giant
chicken with its head cut off (albeit in stylish and really, really
painful heels). And then, suddenly one day, the woman… read
more
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Life
with
Levi… The
life of the party,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson
On Sunday afternoon, I hosted a Thirty-One party. Or should I say, Levi
hosted a Thirty-One party. When I decided a few weeks back to host this
party at my house, I knew that Levi would be at it, and I figured that
he would be pretty good since my mom and sister would be there. For
those of you who aren’t familiar, Thirty-One is a company that sells
purses, bags and storage containers in cute, colorful patterns that can
be personalized (and for… read
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Magic
coins in
wonderland? By Jim Surber
I’ve decided that it is unfortunate that Lewis Carroll wasn’t born a
century or so later than he was. Think of how much more inspiration he
could have gleaned for his satirical works from our modern US
government than from Victorian England. Consider this conversation
between Alice and the Cheshire cat in his “Alice in Wonderland.” “But I
don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked. “Oh, you can’t help
that,” said… read
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State Representative Jim Buchy... Two
Years of Steps Forward in the Pro-Life Movement
The issue of life remains paramount in this state. Governor
Kasich and state leaders have made protecting and enhancing life an
emphasis during the past two years. While our team worked to
balance a budget that included an $8 billion hole and put Ohioans back
to work, we continued to provide a focus on the issue of life
concurrently. That focus was driven by the pro-life
community,
which has played a… read
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Life’s
Challenges,
By Kathy Magoto
Life is busy and it seems that we all walk a thin line in
life.
It’s a constant balancing act between our civic responsibilities, our
personal and physical well being, as well as our spiritual
growth. For most of us we lose our peace when we struggle to
find
enough time, energy or money to accomplish the goals we deem important.
For example, a friend of mine has been working lots of overtime, they
have no personal… read
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Removing
Obstacles to Quality Education in Ohio
In the past two years you have heard a lot about changes to Ohio’s
education system. Through a cooperative effort
between
lawmakers, teachers, parents, and students, we have passed several
bills that increase and improve educational opportunities for young
Ohioans. As we near the end of this General Assembly, I am
proud
to look back at everything the Ohio House has accomplished to
strengthen Ohio’s schools… read
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Broke Wife, Big City… It's
the
end of the world as the Mayans know it, By
Aprill Brandon
Even though technically I'm writing this before the supposed end of the
world on Dec. 21, I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that we
didn't all meet our fiery doom simply because the Mayans got lazy with
their math homework. And if I'm wrong, well, pffft... what are you
going to do about it? Judge me? Shove it in my face? You're freaking
dead. But even though this prophecy is complete bunk… read
more
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Life
with Levi… The
Great Lambie Swap
of 2012, By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson
Meet Lambie. Lambie is Levi’s bestest friend in the whole wide world.
If he were allowed, Levi would take Lambie everywhere! Lambie is a must
at bedtime, and when Levi is sick. This poor lamb has been through it
all… He’s been puked on, peed on, but thankfully never pooped on. And
after a half dozen washes (even though the tag strictly forbids machine
washing), Lambie stinks! Here’s a little background on Levi’s little
lamb… read
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Key to our
success: Youth, Family & Community,
By Bob
Robinson
An Editor’s Perspective: Sports photos, Letters to Santa, Student
Accomplishments & More
County News Online was “conceived” as a fundraising project for the
Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. Net proceeds from CNO are used to
provide scholarships to help our young people reach their college
goals. We’ve made no bones about the fact that our purpose is unique…
our goal is not to compete with other information sources… read
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Darke
County Commissioner Mike
Stegall… Joint
Fire/EMS
Districts: Are we Ready?
Several months ago I ask the question “Is now the time for joint fire
and EMS districts in Darke County?” I wanted to set up a group to study
the situation, but since this was such a hot button issue, I decided to
do the research myself. I want to restate that I have no dog in this
fight one way or the other. I was just trying to figure out if we are
doing everything we can in the County to save lives and dollars. I do
not hate firemen, (I helped start a fire department… read
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Time to
Fight Back, By Jana Kolling
There comes a time occasionally when a “tipping point” is reached and
something has to happen. It’s here. 26 people were
killed
in Connecticut, and the media spent 2 weeks up there uncovering the
most gruesome details possible. All the usual leftwing
suspects
go on their tiresome tirades about racism, hate, fear, guns and our
despicable nation. Now, any well-schooled conservative
already
knows the ends to their means. Liberals MUST perpetuate
racial… read
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Speaker
John Boehner… 2013
Must Be About Cutting Spending and
Reforming the Tax Code
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the
following statement following passage of the Senate agreement on the
fiscal cliff:
“The federal government has a spending problem that has led to a $16
trillion national debt that threatens our country’s future. On the day
after the election, I proposed that both parties work together to avert
the fiscal cliff in a manner that would ensure 2013 is the year we
finally enact entitlement reform and… read
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Broke
Wife, Big City… The
10 Canine Commandments, By
Aprill Brandon
There comes a time in your relationship with your pet where you have to
lay down the law. For me, that time was last week, when my dog, Buffy,
almost ripped my arm out of its socket because he saw a SQUIRREL!
Ignoring my pleas of "Stop it! Now! You are so grounded!" as I
half-stumbled/half-ran behind him, Buffy broke the silent agreement we
had (or at least I thought we had) that he would obey… read
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2012: A Year of Good Times and
Not so Good
Times, That’s My Opinion By Bob Robinson
Good times. Where do I start? Family first. Always. Those of us who are
so blessed need to remember that not everyone is so fortunate. Be
grateful for the loved ones who surround you, and be compassionate
toward those who may be suffering. County News Online. Nearly two and a
half years ago this month, three Senior Scribes – Lyn Bliss, Kurt
Fritsch and yours truly – sat at a table in the BRC cafeteria having a…
read
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Thoughts for the New Year… Share
your time and your talents,
By Kathy Magoto
Happy Holidays! How did this phrase go from being preferred
to
barely acceptable? This is just another example of
the
pendulum swinging too far left before it heads toward the
right. Personally I have nothing against the “all
encompassing terminology. We have Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New
Years closely together and these are the holidays that affect the
majority of us locally, but perhaps we know or… read
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Life
with Levi… Daddy’s
Little Helper, By
Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson
Well, we survived the “Blizzard” of 2012. Mommy and Levi didn’t leave
the house until Thursday after the level 3 was dropped, but just
because we didn’t leave the house doesn’t mean we didn’t have any fun!
Since we got snowed in on the day after Christmas, that meant that Levi
still had a few Christmas gifts that still hadn’t come out of the box
(some assembly required). So once Daddy got home… read
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That’s My Opinion… Lives
would
be saved, By Bob Robinson
“I know it is opinion. I also know that you are perceived to be ‘above
the average’”…
I’ve seen ‘backhanded’ compliments before – perceived? This one was
obvious enough, delivered by an acquaintance as he asked to be removed
from CNO’s Nightly Update.
He didn’t like my “rant” at the time, an opinion piece entitled
‘Obama’s America.’
It surprised me. While I knew that we didn’t always agree – we had
talked many… read
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Commissioners Corner… Give
thanks to God for our Blessings
As this is written, it is in the middle of the Holiday season.
Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is just a week away, and soon the New
Year will be upon us. The year has gone by more quickly than any of us
would like, but time marches on and we must march with it. This past
weekend the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut reminded all of us all that
life is precious, fleeting, and to be enjoyed to it’s fullest every
day… read
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Broke
Wife, Big City… 'Twas
the month before Christmas, By Aprill Brandon
‘Twas a month before Christmas, when all through the house - Not a
creature was stirring, except for my husband (who was hunting a mouse).
The traps were all placed in the kitchen with care - In the hopes that
a dead rodent soon would be there. I was nestled all snug and a ‘lil
drunk in my bed - While visions of sexy fun times danced in my head -
But Ryan in his PJ’s, armed with those silly traps - Refused… read
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Life
with Levi… Merry
‘Melt Down Free’ Christmas,
By Amanda Rodeheffer-Olson
By the time most of you read this, all of Levi’s presents will be open
and our second Christmas morning as a family will have
passed.
And Levi (and Mommy!) will be hoping that Christmas is over! His first
Christmas gathering came at my grandparents house on the 15th. He only
had a few presents to open, and we all had a blast. So far, so good.
But for his second Christmas with my… read
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State
Representative Buchy… Commitment
Remains to Restoring Grand Lake
St. Marys
The past three summers in the Grand Lake St. Marys region have not been
an ideal situation for our local communities. The constant
question on our minds during these winter months is; will the algae be
back next year; and will it be less troublesome or more than the past
few years? Each year at the lake has been slightly
different. However; local and state commitment to working on
this
issue has never… read
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What if
we stopped for one day?... May I
suggest a sacred day
devoted to the
children of the world?,
By Beverly Hughes - So many are crying, shocked and crying, angry and
crying, praying while crying. American flags were ordered at
half-mast. A football team held a moment of
silence. A
movie premier was canceled. Some, shuddering, have taken down
their festive holiday lights. We are shaken and saddened.
However, most people will go on to finish their holiday shopping and
enjoy their parties. We probably should… read
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State
Representative Richard
Adams... Paying
Tribute to
Ohio’s Fallen Military Heroes
On November 15th, I had the privilege of attending a ceremony at the
Statehouse that honored men and women from all over Ohio who lost their
lives fighting for our country during 2011. Since 2009, the Ohio
Military Medal of Distinction has been given to the families that have
had to endure the tragedy of a loved one killed in the line of duty.
The members of the legislature conduct this event each year. It is
truly remarkable to think about individuals willingly… read
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A time of mourning,
By Bob Robinson
If there was one thing that upset me more than the President of the
United States on Sunday evening – a little over 48 hours after a
national tragedy – getting on network television and alluding to a
decades-long partisan debate, it’s the national media jumping on it
like a jackal on its first meal in days.
I expected President Obama’s message to be one of mourning and
consoling on behalf of 20 children who lost their lives in a little
town in Connecticut, and… read
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Life
with Levi: Meet
Levi… And Levi’s Mommy, By Amanda
Rodeheffer-Olson
Welcome to life with Levi! It’s been a while since many of you have
heard from me (yes, I’m the Amanda Rodeheffer from the Advocate) and a
lot has happened since then. Obviously, I am now married, and I have a
little boy named Levi. He’s a year and a half (19 months to be exact)
and he keeps Mommy and Daddy on our toes! He is Levi when he’s good,
Levi Gideon when he’s pushing… read
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Oh
yes, this Christmas WILL be different,
By Aprill Brandon
It never fails. Every single December, I tell myself “Yes, this year
WILL be different. This year will be the year I have the most perfect
Christmas ever! So perfect I'll make Mrs. Claus look like a chump!” And
then, every single December, my plans crumble like the crappy
store-bought Christmas cookies I got in lieu of actually baking some
from scratch like I planned because I ran out of time. I can… read
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Hold your
babies tight, By Bob Robinson
I, along with millions of others, saw a horrible tragedy unfold Friday…
and continue into Saturday… and Sunday… and beyond. One that will
likely stay with us through Christmas and the Holiday season, and well
into the New Year. To many of us, it is so horrible to contemplate, it
had to be a nightmare… one that will go away in the morning. It didn’t
go away. “I was devastated over what happened on Sept. 11. I believe
this is worse,” said one local mother… read
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Speaker
John Boehner… Washington
Has a Spending Problem that
Can’t Be Fixed with Tax Hikes
Dec 13, 2012 - Washington-At his weekly press conference today, House
Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) underscored the need for serious spending
cuts to avert the fiscal cliff, begin addressing our staggering debt,
and support economic growth. Speaker Boehner highlighted a
new
chart by the House Budget Committee showing that America has a spending
problem – not a revenue problem – that can only be addressed by cutting
spending, not raising… read
more
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Claiming
Tax Refunds, Protecting Tax Cuts
Good communication is important, and poor communication can be costly.
Unfortunately, miscommunication between Washington and Ohio could cost
families in Wilmington and Orville up to $3,700 next year. As the New
Year quickly approaches, it’s critical that Ohio families are aware of
the unclaimed tax refunds that may be owed to them by the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Often times, inaccurate addresses… read
more
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Snow
You Didn’t, By Aprill
Brandon
I don't even want to say it. Because the second I say it, I'll just
jinx it. So, I'm not going to say it. Except I'm going to say it. One,
because this would be one heck of a short article if I didn't. And two,
it's only honorable to let the rest of you fine residents know who to
blame when this all blows up in my face. So...here goes... I want a
white Christmas. I know, I KNOW! You don't wish for snow here. That's
like… read
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U.S.
Representative John Boehner… A
Balanced Approach to Averting
the Fiscal
Cliff
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the
following column discussing Congressional Republicans’ support of a
balanced approach to averting the fiscal cliff: “Just weeks away looms
the ‘fiscal cliff,’ a combination of automatic tax increases and
spending cuts that everybody in Washington claims they want to avoid.
“Republicans want to work with the president to steer our economy… read
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Senator
Sherrod Brown… Extending
Middle Class Tax Cuts, Protecting
Middle Class Families
Ohioans have been hearing about the fiscal cliff a lot lately. The
"cliff" applies to a January 1st deadline when the law, enacted by a
bipartisan majority of both houses of Congress, requires a mix of
spending cuts and tax increases. This sudden dose of austerity will put
us on a long-term path to budget stability, but it will also send our
nation into a recession for the better part of next year. Fortunately,
there is an… read
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Republicans
Can Solve the Fiscal Cliff, By
Charles &
Rebecca Reier
Republicans can quickly and easily solve the Fiscal Cliff problem by
taking the following small steps for the benefit of mankind. First,
insist that China abide by FAIR trade rules and return jobs to
deserving Americans. Bi-partisan support already exists for this
mandate. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney stated
that he would label China as a currency manipulator and an UNFAIR trade
partner. On the other side of the aisle the Senior Democratic Senator
from New York, Charles Schumer… read
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Broke
Wife, Big City… The
grown-up
side of Christmas, By Aprill Brandon
Something very strange has been going on these past few weeks. The
month of December is finally upon us. Which means it's almost
Christmas. And I don't even care. I haven't started decorating, I
haven't annoyed my husband by belting out my dirty version of "Carol of
the Bells" and I haven't even had a sip of eggnog yet. It's my favorite
holiday and I haven't even acknowledged it. But I think I know why.
See, depending on your age, the holiday… read
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Commissioners
Corner… November
good to Ohio and Darke County
The best part of November is when all the political ads are over, all
the election rhetoric is finally finished, and all of us can start
thinking about Thanksgiving and family. Congratulations to
all
the local elected officials and continued good fortune in their next
terms. The current Commissioners are still intact, and we
look
forward to working together and continuing the progress that has been
done in the last… read
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Over the cliff… or the Grover?
By Jim Surber
The U.S. debt ceiling and its surrounding debate was becoming passé, so
federal leaders created the “fiscal cliff.” Last year, not wanting to
let trivial matters such as the national debt and deficit interfere
with their re-election campaigns; the lawmakers and President set a
bomb with a time-delayed fuse that has almost reached the explosive
charge. Simply put, this is a potentially destructive combination of
tax hikes on just about everyone and spending cuts on just…
read
more
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Musings
of a Senior
Scribe... The
Truth and The Goal,
By
Mona Lease
Hi, all! It's that time of year. Relatives are in town for the
holidays, students are home from college, and friends are getting
together for vacations. New recipes, games, music, and drinks are the
party favorites. I spoke with law enforcement officials from the Darke
County Sheriff's Office and the Greenville Police Department. Ohio has
no Public Intoxication Law - as such. You may walk down the
street legally "drunk." You may not walk… read
more
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A Modern Day Tale
By Lyn
Bliss, Assistant Editor
There once was a golden haired, blue-eyed little apple of her parents’
eyes. She was raised knowing she lived in the greatest country in the
world and thinking that whatever she wanted to do, if she worked hard
enough she would be able to achieve it.
She went to school, studied hard and sure enough – she graduated with
grades that allowed her to go on to college. Where again, she worked
hard, got good grades and graduated at the top of her class.
… read
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Do
your ears hang low? By Aprill Brandon
When I was a kid, I had a penpal. Even better, it was a FOREIGN penpal.
Every day after school, I'd run to the mailbox, quivering with
anticipation, to see if Penelope's letter had arrived from exotic
Canada (where they put gravy on their French fries...GRAVY!). In fact,
there were days I was so excited, I'd sit outside and actually wait for
the mailman to come. Unfortunately, as I grew older, my enthusiasm for
my daily trips to the mailbox… read
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New Teaching Standards:
Compartmentalize or
“think” deeply?
That’s My Opinion, By Bob Robinson - “The goal is to go from ‘knowing’
something to ‘deeply understanding’ something… it is a totally
different way of teaching.” I found that statement fascinating. Dave
Shelhaas used it when he told Darke County Chamber of Commerce board
members recently about the new standards and accountability set to kick
in for Ohio Schools in 2014. Color me naive (again). While I… read
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Giving
Thanks
My mother, a schoolteacher in Mansfield, taught her sons that no matter
what our station in life, no one is too important or too busy to serve.
This holiday season, I’m grateful for that lesson – and for the example
set each day by so many in their communities. And I am most heartened
by the sacrifices of hardworking Ohioans who struggle to make ends meet
yet still make time to give to others.
A couple of years ago, I met an Ohio family who was bagging… read
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Broke
Wife, Big City… How
to succeed in business without really tweeting,
By Aprill Brandon
Wanna know what I've been doing for the past three hours? Heh. No. I
wish. You dirty birdie, you. No, sadly, what I've been doing for the
past three is hours much less likely to land me in jail. Instead, I've
been trying to log into my old LinkedIn account. Unfortunately, since
it's been four years since I've actually logged on, none of my old
standby passwords ("mrsryanreynolds," "BornAgainJedi,"
"Boozy_McBoozerson") were working. So, I ended… read
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Tea Party - Republican Party
friend or foe? By Dr. Charles &
Rebecca Reier
The Tea Party may be serving the Republican Party a poisonous brew by
insisting on “no new taxes”. The Middle Class, now including
millionaires, has seen their assets decline over the last decade, while
the Bush policy of “don’t tax the rich” has billionaires happy. So
happy that many, such as George Soros and Warren Buffet, recognize and
admit the unfairness. They support increased taxes on high income
earners and… read
more
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Same question-different answers,
By Jim Surber
The 2012 Presidential election came and went, though it seemed like an
eternity before it was finally over. The residents of battleground Ohio
were subjected to countless nasty media ads, repeated irritating phone
calls, and enough political junk mail to burn a tobacco bed. The two
candidates spent nearly $2 billion, much of it coming from a few very
large donors. Ultimately, we ended up with the same GOP-controlled
House, the same Democratic-controlled… read
more
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Honoring
Ohio’s Veterans
On Veterans Day, and every day, we must remember to express our
gratitude to the men and women that have served our country in uniform.
In a ceremony on Veterans Day, more than 67 years after his service in
World War II, North Olmsted resident U.S. Army Corporal (Ret.) Dewey
Limpert received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star along with several
other overdue medals. After being contacted by Mr. Limpert’s… read
more
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U.S. Rep. Boehner… State
leadership, Congressional oversight key to stopping ObamaCare
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) released the
following column discussing Governor John Kasich’s decision to not
implement a government-run “exchange” under the president’s health care
law and resisting a federal takeover of health insurance regulations in
Ohio: “President Obama has won re-election, but his health care law is
still driving up costs and making it harder for… read
more
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Making Lemonade…
That’s
My Opinion, By Bob Robinson
Inside every cloud is a silver lining. I’ve heard that phrase, or
something similar to it, since I was a child. I’d come home from school
complaining about something. I’d go to grampa complaining that one of
my cousins was mean to me (or sometimes Grampa would give me a
tongue-lashing when one of my cousins complained I was mean to him).
I’d go to Mom or Gramma with a skinned knee. Or I’d moan around the
house if it was raining… read
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State
Rep Jim
Buchy… Voters
Want Smaller
Government; So Why Don’t We Listen?
Many days have passed since Election Day, now we have had an
opportunity to reflect on the results and strategize our next steps
forward. As I traveled the district in the last few months it
is
clear people want jobs, and they want smaller government that
encourages economic growth. I will work to remove the noose
that
government red tape and bureaucracy have placed over our lives in this
state. This week… read
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That’s
My
Opinion… Obama’s
America,
By Bob Robinson
“Re: Election stolen. Give it up, Bob. And yes, Taxes are the way to
raise revenue. Have a great day.” He’s right about one thing… the
election is over. I should give it up. That doesn’t mean, of course,
that I will ignore the opinions of others who wish to pontificate over
what they think happened. As I indicated in my Editor’s Notes on
Monday, I do think it strange that the Republican turnout was
supposedly down 10 percent from 2008. Don’t you?… read
more
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Broke
Wife,
Big City… Adventures
in
puppy-sitting, By Aprill Brandon
It is 2:30 on Thursday afternoon. I am sitting at the computer,
attempting to type this around my almost 40-pound dog, who is
struggling to sit on my not-nearly-big-enough lap. I am still in the
sweatpants I slept in, hair in the same messy bun I went to bed in and
my face still has the remnants of yesterday’s eyeliner. To my left is
an 11-pound puppy who is desperately and energetically trying to also
jump on my lap. And to my immediate right… read
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China
Trade Issues
underlie Local Business Problems, Dr. Charles
&
Rebecca Reier
Had local business leaders been listening to CNBC Worldwide Exchange
between 4:00 and 4:20 am this morning, they would have heard an
extensive discussion of the problem of making free trade FAIR TRADE
with China. They have missed the prime cause of their business
frustrations and a weak economy. They blame partisan issues for the
problems they face that are related directly to our two… read
more
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What
happened?
That’s My Opinion, By Bob Robinson
Demographics and the ground game happened! Stunned disbelief would
probably best sum up the results of Tuesday’s presidential election.
Reactions ranged from anger to shock to a decision to shake it off with
a wisecrack or joke. “Welcome to the United Socialistic States of
America!” I saw an American flag flying upside down at half staff on
the way into town Wednesday. I was saddened by the sight. On… read
more
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Pass
the Jobs Bill
NOW! By Truman Scott
With the east coast devastated, now is the time to begin putting people
back to work re-building our infrastructure. This process
could
begin on both coasts with one working east while the other works
west. We could have a 21st Century “Driving of the Golden
Spike”
somewhere in the middle of the U.S. when the job is complete. This
would immediately begin the lowering the unemployment rate and we
could… read
more
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Broke
Wife, Big City… The
five stages
of panic, By Aprill Brandon
There are a lot of firsts when it comes to marriage. The first time you
kiss as husband and wife. The first dance. The first fight. The first
time you lose your first fight. The first time you bring back up the
original fight a few months later in a vain effort to try to win this
time. And, it's inevitable: The first time you lose your wedding ring.
Luckily, I managed to make it a whole year and a handful of months
before the latter finally happened to me… read
more
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State
Senator Keith Faber… Working
Hard for the Citizens of Our District
A Public Servant’s Perspective - Ohio, like most of the nation, has
been no stranger to the economic rollercoaster that has spanned the
beginning of the 21st Century. Beginning with the recession caused by
the warrantless attacks that our nation faced on September 11, 2001 and
the recovery that followed, all the way to the sub-prime mortgage
crisis and the recession of 2008, Ohioans have been tossed… read
more
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Romney/Ryan
team in
Celina… it’s about the jobs, by Kurt Fritsch
After having had the opportunity to attend a rally with Mitt Romney on
Oct. 10 in Sydney, Ohio, which was a great event that had drawn a huge
number of people, I was informed about a rally on Oct 28 with Paul Ryan
in Celina and thought that it might be a good idea to meet him as well.
So I signed up online and printed my ticket and was ready for the next
political event in this campaign, which hopefully… read
more
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Project
Ducky Wip,
By Aprill Brandon
This past weekend, my husband left me for four days. Alas, it's not
what you're thinking. Although granted, that would make for a much
better column, the whole troubled marriage thing and "two people who
love each other but grew apart and are trying to find their way back to
each other." But no, my stupid husband is perfect. Which
makes
for very boring writing on my part. In fact, if we ever do get
divorced, it's because he's single-handedly… read
more
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That’s
My Opinion… One
child at a time,
By Bob Robinson
The Darke Knight commented in one of his columns that because I was no
longer writing “biting” political rhetoric, he/she thought I’d moved
onto other things, or something like that. It was in response to a
reader’s comment. Yes and no. While I still have strong opinions about
right and wrong, whether it’s in politics or in any other area, time
and life-altering events have changed my perspective. Many of you may
remember my bout with shingles… read
more
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Commissioners
Corner… Darke
County Economic
Development Leader
October in Darke County might be the prettiest time of the
year.
The trees are in full color, and in the mornings, the sun on the fields
and foliage is spectacular. We are lucky to live in such a
beautiful part of the State. October also brings the cool
temperatures of Fall, High School football in full swing, and of
course, Halloween. As the year winds down, the Commissioners
are
wrapping up what we… read
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State Representative Jim Buchy...
Ohio District Maps Reflect
Democracy, Not
Gerrymandering
Once every 10 years, elected officials in Ohio are tasked with
re-drawing the maps for congressional, state senate, and state house
districts. This process, known as redistricting, has received a lot of
attention lately because new maps were drawn last year in response to
the results of the 2010 census. As a member of the Ohio redistricting
reform task force, I have been closely studying this issue. Several
interesting facts about the history of redistricting in Ohio… read
more
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Things to
consider on November 6,
By Jana Kolling
My friends, I have a lot to cover so I’ll try to keep this
concise. If you are an Obama supporter or undecided, you
either
think he has done well or if re-elected may do well. Let’s
first
review some stats from what he has done (with the first 2 years having
a Democratic majority in the House and Senate): Number of people on
food stamps increases from 32 million to 47 million. 10 million more
people on welfare. 1.5 million… read
more
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Broke
Wife, Big City… The
Truth About Cats and Dogs,
By Aprill Brandon
Owning a dog has a lot of benefits. For instance, you will always know
the precise moment the mail comes. You are always well aware of just
how good your human food smells considering it has compelled your dog
to crawl, military-style, across the floor until they are steathily
hidden underneath the table. And you will always know ahead of time the
answer to the question "What's that smell?"… read
more
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Representative
Richard Adams… Support
Structure Important to Beating
Breast Cancer
I am not a doctor, nor do I play one in the newspaper. But
nevertheless, I would like to remind you of the importance that the
month of October has each year in the medical community. October is
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” a month centered on increasing
acknowledgement and understanding of a disease that affects one in
eight women during their lifetimes. In fact, besides skin cancer,
breast… read
more
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Love
in the frozen food aisle,
By Aprill Brandon
There are a lot of ways to get to know your significant other. And
let's face it, no matter how much you think you know them, there are
always more things you can learn about them. Human beings are vastly
complicated creatures. That's why no one has yet been able to explain
why we like sodomizing dead birds with other dead birds in the form of
turducken or why we willingly inject poison into our faces so we
perpetually look… read
more
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Darke
County Commissioner… Comments,
I get Comments, By
Mike Stegall
Over a month ago I put forth the idea of Darke County looking into the
possibility of doing a joint Fire District, or EMA District, or
both. I stated that I thought that because of rising costs it
might be the time to check into the possibilities. I then
asked
for people’s comments, good or bad, and to let me know what they
thought. Boy, did I get comments! I knew that this was a hot
button issue, and that some of the… read
more
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Biden’s
Vaudeville Act, By The Darke
Knight
I read E-Bobs comments Friday night following the Biden-Ryan debate.
Disgusted is being generous. I vascillated between being ashamed and
wanting to throw up. This clown IS the sitting Vice President of the
United States of America. On Thursday night he put on a sideshow in a
contest discussing crucial topics of national importance. He made
faces, ogled the camera, rolled his eyes… read
more
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Romney
Rally in Sidney… Romney
Crowds exceed expectations,
By Al Bliss
On Wednesday October 10, 2012, I had been scheduled to participate in
the phone bank effort located on North Broadway but Cindy Pike offered
to take my place and set aside tickets to go to the Rally in
Sidney. She convinced me that this was the right thing to do
because I would have the opportunity to see my wife who was driving in
the Romney motorcade. I rapidly accepted Cindy’s offer and left for
Sidney at about… read
more
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Bad
humans! Very bad humans!,
By Aprill Brandon Buffy A. Summers Huddle Brandon
Greetings, worthless humans. In case you haven't figured it out yet
(which of course you haven't because you're worthless humans), this is
not Aprill. The quote, unquote "Alpha" is busy doing stupid human
stuff, like actually voluntarily taking a bath and going poo-poo in my
giant water bowl. So I, Buffy, her quote, unquote "pet dog," took this
opportunity to take over her column. Now mind you, I could have done
this at any time during… read
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Are
we smarter than I
thought? By The Darke Knight
Now isn’t that just too damn convenient! After a disasterous showing
against Romney Wednesday night, our president gets a break! Now he can
say he brought unemployment below 8%. Lets analyse that for a second (a
second is all we need). He FINALLY brought unemployment under 8%. It
only took him three and a half years. What really gets me is that 7.8%
is nothing to crow about… read
more
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State Senator Bill Beagle… Matching
Workers with Work
As your State Senator, one of the most rewarding things to do is to
travel through our district and meet with our neighbors and businesses.
This helps me to stay in touch with your needs so that I can
effectively represent our community in the Ohio Statehouse. As I make
my way across the Miami Valley, the main issue that I hear about is
jobs. Whether we are talking about displaced workers or recent college
graduates, our… read
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That’s
My Opinion… Have
we gotten the
message yet? By Bob Robinson
Oct. 1, 2012 - Sixty-eight years ago today, I was brought kicking and
screaming into a world at war. It was a conflict between two
ideologies… German Nazism and its sister Japanese and Italian despots
vs Freedom and Independence. According to Wikipedia, WWII resulted in
55 million deaths, the largest and most destructive conflict in
history. Fifty years ago today I was a “fish” in the Corps of Cadets at
The A&M College of Texas. In a few weeks… read
more
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Broke
Wife, Big City… Let's
just table
the issue, shall we? By Aprill Brandon
For years, my husband and I have harbored a shameful secret. A secret
so hideous, so horrifying, so wholly conducive to alliteration, we have
hardly dared to even whisper it out loud. And the worst part is we have
carried this secret with us from state to state, apartment to
apartment, every time we move, from Ohio to Texas to now Boston. Each
time, with each new set of friends and colleagues, our pain and
embarrassment only growing… read
more
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Commissioners
Corner… Tying
up loose ends
September is almost gone already, High School Football, College, and
the N.F.L. are in full swing, temperatures are cooler, and all of our
summer festivals are done. With the onset of fall and then
the
winter season, one would think that things would slow down for us here
in the County. Right now, we have a lot of projects in the
works,
and tying up loose ends is going to be the work for now. We have been… read
more
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State Representative Adams... Ohio’s
Economic Growth Outpacing Nation
Two Miami County businesses recently announced that they are expanding
their workforce. West Troy Tool & Machine, Inc. is adding 35
new
jobs, as well as boosting its annual payroll by nearly $437,000.
Industry Products Co., located in Piqua, has announced the creation of
50 jobs and almost $1.2 million in new annual payroll. Through their
work with JobsOhio, these companies were able to secure… read
more
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It
is what it is…
By the Darke Knight
I’ve had some interesting responses to my first two columns. The first
had to do with Editor Bob. The reader wrote… “I so appreciate Bob's
efforts, but I do miss his former "sock-it-to-'um"
editorials.
Perhaps you are the one to pick up where he left off.” Not sure if
that’s a compliment, but I appreciated her saying it. What I told her
was that I thought E-Bob was pretty much doing his own thing today… read
more
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A
fundamentally
different America, That’s My Opinion By Bob
Robinson
“One of our closest allies…” That’s our president speaking, not about
our neighbors to the north or south, or maybe England or one of the
other European countries. Nope. He’s referring to Israel as “one of”
our closest allies in the Middle East. Sure would like to know who else
is over there sticking his neck out amidst the riots and flag burnings
saying, “I am a close ally of the United States.” Israel is our closest
– and in… read
more
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Broke
Wife, Big City… The
Zombie
Apocalypse is worse than we thought, By Aprill
Brandon
I don’t want to alarm anyone, but the fact there has been an influx of
news stories about people eating other people’s faces and cooking their
roommate’s large intestine with onions and a nice herb butter is the
least of our worries. It has come to my attention that this whole
looming zombie war has taken on a thoroughly horrifying new turn. It
all started last week when upon innocently entering the kitchen, I was
assaulted by what can only be… read
more
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Help a
child’s eyes light up, By Bob
Robinson
The semester has only just begun and I’ve had the pleasure of working
with kindergartners, second, third and fourth graders, high school
juniors and seniors and adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. It’s
fascinating to observe the differences – and similarities – in the
various age groups. I think I mentioned once that a friend of mine
referred to kindergarten students as “popcorn” – they pop up and down
as the impulse hits them. The structured environment… read
more
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Paint a picture of America 50
years from
now , By The Darke Knight
“There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no
matter what,” Romney states. “All right, there are 47 percent who are
with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are
victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for
them, who believe that they are entitled to healthcare, to food, to
housing, to you name it.”
Wow. Color me astonished. A “true” moment from a politician… read
more
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Broke
Wife, Big City… An
open letter to my dishwasher, By Aprill Brandon
I hate you, dishwasher. I hate you so much. Seriously, so much. Like,
if you were on fire and I really had to pee, I'd still use the toilet.
Because you know what? The toilet doesn't constantly remind me what a
failure at housekeeping I am. Sure, it starts to murmur something after
too many weeks of neglect but you... oooooh... YOU. There you are,
everyday, just sitting there. Needing something. You always need
something. Need emptied. Need... read
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Late-night
musings… Economic
disasters are
inevitable, By Jim Surber
Many of us like to have money without effort and like to avoid dealing
with debts. It is simple human nature. We know that this attitude can
never be sustained, but that knowledge is never strong enough to quash
the allure and desire. That is why pyramid schemes, chain letters, and
Bernie Madoff-type investments come and go throughout our history. It
is always fascinating how so many people continue to become suckers
until a key fact is recognized: They... read
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The
Beneficiaries of
our Actions, That’s My Opinion By Bob Robinson
Ackley, the Community & Lessons to be Learned - “I was showing
the
frustration… the hard work… trying to get that elusive first win…” said
cartoonist and local artist Paul Ackley on Friday. It seems that many
members of the community missed his intent. For almost every person who
commented on it, there was a different opinion. “I thought it was right
on,” said one reader. “The game is about winning. They aren’t... read
more
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Constitution
Day and
the Constitution, By Darke County Commissioner
Mike Stegall
Today is Constitution day in America. This holiday way
established in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert
Byrd to the omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before this date,
September 17th was known as “Citizenship Day”. In addition to
the
name change, the act mandates that all publicly funded educational
institutions provide education on the history of the American
Constitution. In... read
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Reintroducing
Aprill,
By Bob Robinson
When I stop and think about my journey here in Darke County, Ohio, I
sometimes become overwhelmed at how fortunate I’ve been. I sat in the
editor’s chair of The Daily Advocate for seven years and led a talented
editorial department to many team and personal awards from Associated
Press and parent company Brown Publishing. Community support grew to
the point where the oft-heard term of Daily Aggrevate my... read
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Ensuring
a Top-Notch Education for All Ohioans
Sen. Brown believes that all Ohioans deserve access a top-notch
education. That’s why he has fought to promote early education, ensure
strong standards for public education, and improve college
affordability. Investing in Early Education… Helped secure nearly $70
million for Ohio in early childhood grant funding from the Race to the
Top Early Learning Challenge; Authored the Ready Schools Act to ensure
all schools are prepared to meet the needs of all... read
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That’s
My Opinion… Do
you want to make
a difference?, By Bob Robinson
The two individuals who had the most to do with my introduction to
substitute teaching at Woodland Heights Elementary – Susie Riegle and
Tammy Stritenburger – have moved on. But they left an indelible mark on
my life. They introduced me to the beauty and challenges of spending
the day with a group of five-, six- and seven-year-olds. Last year I
was nervous. I wasn’t sure I could handle it. Not only did I handle... read
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ORP Chairman Bob Bennett… Strickland
Should Apologize
COLUMBUS - Today, in response to Ted Strickland's attacks on Josh
Mandel to the Ohio DNC delegation, Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob
Bennett said Ted Strickland is simply trying to deflect attention from
his failure as Chairman of the DNC platform writing committee. "Last
time I checked it's the voters who decide what candidate is fit for
office. The voters of Ohio fired Ted in 2010 and hired Josh Mandel... read
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Will
the “Great
American Experiment” survive? That’s My
Opinion, By Bob
Robinson
The conventions are over; the latest jobs report shows yet another
devastating month for jobs. The Economic Populist says that although it
fluctuates some from month to month, we need a little over 100,000 new
jobs a month just to keep up with population growth. In August we
posted 91,000. Yet the national unemployment rate dropped from 8.3
percent to 8.1 percent. If I remember right, that’s 43 straight months
of... read
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Standing
Up for Ohio Seniors
As a father and a grandfather, I believe we must do everything we can
to improve the economy and reduce the deficit for our children and
grandchildren. But the way to do this is not at the expense of Medicare
and Social Security benefits that seniors have earned. Some politicians
in Washington refer to Social Security and Medicare as entitlements. I
don’t use that word—simply because they’re not. They are programs
that... read
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Take
the Easy Way Out,
By The Darke Knight
Whoa!! If you are reading this, it means I finally got to Editor Bob.
I’ve been reading “his” site for the past year and haven’t seen him
mention one single word about all the columns I’ve sent him that he has
refused to publish. Too edgy, he said. Or he doesn’t want County News
Online embroiled in a lawsuit. Or I’ve crossed the line. Or whatever!!
Well maybe it’s damn well time for someone to... read
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Fuzzy
Math is Alive
& Well, That’s My Opinion By Bob
Robinson
I was watching a talk/interview show on Fox last weekend. My schedule
permits about a half hour at night, and about a half hour early in the
morning when I wake up. Weekday choices are usually WHIO. Weekend
choices are usually the Fox channel. I was astonished to hear a Dem
strategist tout Obama’s creation of millions of jobs during his time in
office while the Bush administration devastated millions of... read
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Concerns about Aflatoxin in Ohio
Corn,
By Sam Custer, OSU Extension Educator
Last week I attended a meeting that discussed Aflatoxin in our 2012
corn crop. As of today, there have been no reports of
aflatoxin
affected corn being delivered to our local receipt points.
But
given our unusual year and an upcoming harvest of a very distressed
crop I would like to share with you an update from The Ohio State
University Extension and Pierce Paul, Associate Professor. Cereal
Pathology, Epidemiology. There have been a few reports of Aspergillus
ear rot in corn in... read
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Ohio
Sec of State Jon Husted… Voting
Will Be Uniform and Accessible for Hard-Working Ohioans
Labor Day marks the official end of summer and gives us an
opportunity to celebrate the enduring American work ethic. It also
means the election season is in full swing. This year, I am proud of
the steps we are taking in each of the state’s 88 counties to ensure
busy schedules won’t keep hard-working Ohioans from participating. In
fact, starting on October 2, you can vote any hour of the day and
without ever leaving your homes. Just after the Labor Day... read
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Farm
Science Review
Approaches, By Sam Custer
Farm Science Review – September 18-20, 2012, London, Ohio - Throughout
its history, Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review has been at
the forefront of showcasing the future of agriculture. The
review
will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Plan on
attending now. Tickets and golf cart rental information can
be
picked up in the OSU Extension, Darke County, office between 8:00 a.m.
and 4:00 p.m. For detailed information on the Farm Science Review, go
tohttp://fsr.osu.edu/... read
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U.S. Representative John Boehner… Mitt
Romney’s the “Perfect Guy at the Perfect Time” for America
In an interview with FOX News’ Bret Baier at the Republican National
Convention, Speaker John Boehner said Governor Romney has a “real
record of producing jobs,” making him “the perfect guy at the perfect
time” for families and small businesses struggling in President Obama’s
economy. Boehner also touted Paul Ryan and efforts by House Republicans
to remove government barriers to job growth and stop the president’s
small business tax hike... read
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That’s My Opinion... Our
American Uniqueness, By Bob Robinson
Every year I look forward to the Great Darke County Fair as the premier
event of the year. I scratch my head in wonder when I run into someone
who says they don’t (or won’t) go to the fair. Why? Dunno. Burned out,
I guess. Same ole’ same ole’… whatever! Maybe it’s because I’m a
“furiner and a snake in the grass” (once coined by a local official a
few years ago) and have only been fortunate enough to be around for the
last dozen years... read
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Stop
Sending Calls and Jobs Overseas
If you’ve had to call a major company for a service repair or to get an
answer to a question about your cable bill, chances are you’ve probably
spoken with a worker in a different time zone or on a different
continent. That’s because big companies have been shipping U.S. call
center jobs overseas for years. But when these companies send call
center jobs abroad, they don’t just frustrate consumers—they hurt our
economy as... read
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Darke
County
Commissioner Mike Stegall… Is
Now the Time?
Several months ago at my “Coffee with the Commissioner” gathering at
New Madison, I mentioned that someday I thought Darke County would have
to
take a look at going to a joint Fire district, and then maybe a joint
EMS district, or both. This was me just thinking out loud in light of
the current
and future economic conditions. Believe it or not, we elected officials
do think once in a while! I indicated that I would like to put a
committee together
to... read
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Commissioner’s
Corner… Record
crowds at the fair; great weather
The Great Darke County Fair is underway and with the cooler
temperatures and perfect weather, it seems as if the Fair could be in
for record crowds. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,
and
as of this writing, there have been very few incidents to report, and
so far, nothing major. It seems as though we have a lot more
visitors from in state and out of state this year... read
more
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Drought
Continues to
Affect Agriculture in Western Ohio, By Sam
Custer
OSU Extension, Darke County - While visiting with area farmers and
agriculture businesspersons at the great Darke County Fair this week it
is clear that we are looking at many surprises this fall.
Reported silage yields ranged from 7 to 19 tons per acre ranging from
35% to 90% of normal yields. These variations in yields can
be
found within a couple of miles of each other. For those of you who are
trying to determine your possible soybean yield this fall I share with
you this piece of information... read
more
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How
would the City
pay for Medics? By Bob Rhoades
Comparing Apples to Apples, Part 2 - In the August 23 edition of the
County News Online I wrote an article concerning Rod Hale’s suggestion
that city council visit other cities with comparable fire departments
citing Sidney and Celina. I actually found out since then that although
it was attributed to him, it wasn’t his idea. I related that was an
excellent idea as we finally would be able to compare Apples... read
more
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown... Ensuring
Ohio Workers Can Compete
More than 200 days ago, the Senate passed a bipartisan jobs bill that
could create or save two million jobs at no cost to taxpayers. Yet, the
House of Representatives has refused to consider this common-sense
legislation. Now is the time for the House of Representatives to act.
The bill addresses one of the biggest challenges facing Ohio
manufacturers – unfair competition from Chinese products that are
flooding our... read
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Representative Richard Adams… State’s
Job-Search Website is a Valuable Resource
If you have been actively looking for a job recently, you may have
heard of the website OhioMeansJobs.com. If not, then I encourage you to
check it out. The site is a great resource for employers and jobseekers
alike to find what they are looking for in the jobs market. This
service has been introduced in other states as well, the Ohio version
has existed for a couple years. It is becoming especially relevant now
that the... read
more
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Republican National Convention… Living
my Dream, Part 2, By Lyn Bliss
Email. What did we ever do without it?? Wish I would have
started
keeping track of all the emails I have received and sent regarding the
Republican National Convention. Well, maybe I don’t want to know…
Things are progressing. No, let me make that ‘they are flying’! The
date of departure seems to be coming toward me like a speeding bullet.
The list of things to do seems to grow and apprehension has set in... read
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Apples
to Apples: A firmly entrenched EMS system,
By Bob
Rhoades
Rod
Hale’s admonishment to compare Greenville to Sidney and Celina in the
recent Daily Advocate article is a welcome thought. Finally we’re
comparing apples to apples, well almost! Like always if we hang around
long enough, a good idea pops up. If and when the committee goes to
Sidney, the first thing they’ll see is one of the firefighters that
Greenville hired first. He left and went to Sidney because he said...
read
more
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Volunteer Fire
Departments…corrections and verifications By
Bob Robinson
Last week I posted an opinion from a reader on the City of Greenville /
Greenville Fire Department issue. Due to the individual’s
name recognition in the community, he requested I not use it. I checked
a couple of the items he sent; was satisfied; and published.
Big mistake. It seems there were errors. They were quickly pointed out
to me. I made the decision to publish the opinion… my responsibility.
I accept it. Since then, the individual has....
read
more
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Volunteer Fire Departments…
really? By Bob Rhoades
A
faithful CNO Reader’s article on Volunteer Fire Departments was very
good, not real accurate, but good. I actually sat down and researched
the departments he listed. Here is what I found and the citation for
each. 1. Pasadena, TX - It is the largest Volunteer Dept. 2.
Alexandria, VA - Key sentence on the first page of their webpage:
Today, the department employs more than 250 professional personnel...
read
more
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A Second look at the Vicious Cycle, By
Bob Rhoades
Vicious
Cycle Part 2
The possible Greenville City layoffs
The
announcement last week of possible layoffs in the city employee ranks
has stirred the ire of a few people. Others who can remember back
longer than six months have pushed a couple of questions...
read
more
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And the Vicious Cycle begins, By
Bob Rhoades
The
city of Greenville’s ill-advised decision to lay off fire department
personnel and cripple the ability of the Fire Department to defend the
city from fire is just the beginning of a vicious cycle
that, once
started, will be hard to stop. Total
proposed reductions in the fire department budget are $382,896. This
includes the elimination of the Asst. Chief Position, 4 firefighters
and the Secretary...
read
more
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The
other side of the story... A different perspective on the
Greenville Fire Department issue
Editing
and Comments by Bob Robinson -
One
of the things I love about an online news and information service is it
is not limited to a regimented format. I received a letter from a
reader regarding the City of Greenville Fire Department issue. After
reading it I felt it deserved more prominence than that of a letter to
the editor. It
was sent prior to Bob Rhoades’ column being posted, so it was not in
response to his... read
more
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Connecting Veterans with New
Employment Opportunities
Ohio
is home to more than 890,000 veterans, making our state the nation’s
sixth-largest population of veterans. Despite
their service, an unacceptably high number of veterans struggle to find
work. Just as we invest in our servicemembers while they’re on the
battlefield, we should do the same when they return home. That’s
why it’s imperative that we do a better job of connecting veterans with
the support...
read
more
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Obama's great quest,
By Bob Robinson
Well,
it was bound to happen. It took nearly 19 months of online publication
seven days a week, but my poor old computer finally rebelled. She will
be getting an internal face lift today. It will take a couple days to
get back to normal, but we'll be back on track shortly. That, however,
is not the reason for this opinion piece. Romney's pick of Paul Ryan as
his V.P. running mate is. Talk about an energized base... Read
More.
More Opinion.
|
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown... Fighting
for Ohio’s Farms
There’s a lot that farmers can plan for: the type of crops to grow, how
much acreage those crops will cover, and when to pick those crops. But
this year, a widespread drought has left many Ohio farmers with an
unplanned disaster: fields dry as a bone and minimal yields. According
to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research
Service, Ohio and most of the U.S. are in the midst of the most... read
more
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Mitt Romney Press... Memorandum:
Obama For America Ohio Lawsuit
August 5, 2012 - On July 17, 2012, Obama for America and the Democratic
National Committee filed suit against the Attorney General and
Secretary of State of Ohio. In their lawsuit, the Obama
campaign
and the DNC argue it is “arbitrary” and unconstitutional to provide
three extra days of early, in-person voting to military voters and
their families. At least 20 times in their legal papers, they
argue that there is no good... read
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New GTI facility in Winchester… Exploring
outside the fort… am I missing something?
By Bob Rhoades - Bill LaFramboise, the executive vice president of GTI
in Greenville, in a recent press release by Indiana Governor Mitch
Daniels said “This new plant is needed (in Anderson, Ind.) due to
capacity limitations and a tight labor market in Greenville,
Ohio,” If you look on CityData.com, it says Greenville has an
unemployment rate of around 10%. The loss of 325 jobs to
Anderson... read
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Congressman John Boehner… On
July Unemployment: “Private Sector still isn’t ‘doing fine’”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released
the following statement regarding the Department of Labor’s
unemployment report for July 2012: “Two years after the Obama
administration declared, ‘welcome to the recovery,’ this much is clear:
with 42 consecutive months of unemployment above eight percent, the
private sector still isn’t ‘doing fine’ and President Obama’s economic
plan... read
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What’s
Not to Like?
That’s My Opinion, By Bob Robinson
As the final comments, commentary and opinion filter in from Annie
Oakley Days and the community begins to prep for The Great Darke County
Fair, I thought about the trials, tribulations and successes of past
Annie Oakley celebrations and how they relate to seemingly similar
concerns today. I find it fascinating that people are still talking
about the demise of the Annie Oakley Days Festival... read
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown... Addressing
Wrongful Foreclosures
If you’re one of the thousands of Ohio families who has experienced the
pain of losing your home to a wrongful foreclosure, help could finally
be on the way. But you must act quickly. Before the reports of
widespread foreclosure fraud two years ago, Ohio had 14 consecutive
years of increased foreclosures. Then, we discovered that many of the
biggest banks in the country simply didn’t follow the law and give
people... read
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Senator Bill Beagle... Online
Employment Tool a Winner for Job Seekers and Employers
With unemployment at a four-year low and the addition of 111,300 new
jobs since January of last year, Ohio’s economic outlook is much
brighter now than in recent years. A cornerstone to this
progress
has been the attraction of outside businesses to our state and the new
opportunities that they bring. However, even with numerous
new
avenues for employment, searching for a job can prove to be a
daunting... read
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Commissioners Corner… County
to
get $46K, first check from casinos
It is hard to believe that as this is written, Annie Oakley Days, The
Gathering at Garst, and the Great Darke County Fair are just around the
corner. On Sunday, July 22nd, the Elected Officials attended
the
North Star parade, and then later, competed in a “Family Feud”
contest. The “Politicians,” (as we were called) consisted of
Scott Zumbrink, Jim Surber... read
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Congressman John Boehner… House
action to curb excessive regulations, stop small business tax hike
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a weekly press conference with Republican
leaders today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) highlighted
this week’s House vote to curb excessive government regulations and
next week’s vote to stop the small business tax hike – both part of
Republicans’ relentless focus on helping the private sector grow and
create jobs. As Congressman Boehner noted... read
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State Senator Keith Faber… Job
Growth Continues to Reshape Western Ohio
Ohio’s economic comeback showed no sign of slowing down in recent
months as our state added a total of 38,000 new jobs between May and
June. In the past year, companies have added more than
100,000
jobs in Ohio and have played a vital role in our unemployment level
dropping to its lowest point since September 2008. In fact,
for
the first time since January 1995, Ohio’s unemployment rate (7.2
percent... read
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The Business Journals... 4
reasons why “you didn’t build that” still haunts Obama,
by
Kent Hoover
Friday, July 20, 2012 - It’s been a week since President Barack Obama
made a remark that’s been haunting him ever since: “If you’ve got a
business -- you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.”
Many business owners felt insulted by this remark, despite attempts to
explain the context. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney
spent the week hammering Obama over this statement. He drove... read
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Ohio Representative Jim Buchy… Let’s
Celebrate at the County Fair
Late summer is one of my favorite times of the year because it’s when
we get to celebrate the accomplishments of our local farmers and the
agricultural community at our county fairs. The counties in West
Central Ohio will each be holding their county fairs over the coming
weeks, and I’m looking forward to attending them all, as each fair
offers unique and exciting attractions. During the months of July and
August, we... read
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Serving
the
sentiments of the people who elected them,
That’s My
Opinion By Bob Robinson
A strange thing happened Tuesday night at the Greenville City Council
Public Hearing for Trilogy Health Care. Despite overwhelming public
support for the company’s plan to move Village Green from its current
land-locked location on Chestnut Street to 6.41 acres, vacant for
years, at Russ Road and Hwy 121, a motion to prepare legislation for it
barely passed. It took a “yea” vote by... read
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Senator Sherrod Brown… Job
Opportunities for Ohio’s Veterans
Servicemembers – already armed with the discipline and skills needed to
strengthen the 21st century economy – should not have to struggle to
find a job when their military service ends. These heroes who fought
for our country shouldn’t have to fight for work when they come home.
And yet, unfortunately many do. As citizens, we have a responsibility
to do something about the thousands of older veterans who are
jobless... read
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U.S. Representative John Boehner… Obama
Tax Hike threatens jobs
Ernst & Young Study: President Obama’s Small Business Tax Hike
Threatens More Than 700,000 Jobs - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman
Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following statement today
regarding a new study by independent accounting firm Ernst &
Young
that shows President Obama’s small business tax hike will destroy more
than 700,000 American jobs: “This Ernst & Young... read
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The Heritage Network… Obama’s
Gutting of Welfare Reform Is Illegal
Todd Gaziano and Robert Alt - July 16, 2012 - Editor’s Note: I voted
for the Republican Majority who made this welfare reform requirement
part of the Contract with America in 1996. I am incensed and outraged
that any sitting president or his administration would take it upon
themselves to blatantly over-ride the requirements of a law written and
passed by the Legislative arm... read
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Ohio Representative Richard Adams… Guarding Public Money from
Private Purposes
Debates over campaign finance laws date back to the beginning of the
20th century when Teddy Roosevelt was running for president. Most of
these debates over time have focused on the issue of limiting campaign
contributions and increasing transparency. Regardless of where you
stand on those issues, just about everyone can agree that taxpayer
money should not be funneled into campaign activity. On June... read
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Huff Post... Mitt
Romney Bain
Mess Shows Stonewalling Consequences
07/13/2012 - WASHINGTON -- It takes perverse talent to turn a two-day
mini-story into a major three-week distraction. But that is precisely
what Mitt Romney’s campaign has done with a June 21 story in the
Washington Post. As a result, they’re losing valuable media time
playing defense when they should be using every waking second and news
cycle to remind voters about how crappy the economy is and why... read
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Market
Commentary,
By Art Cashin, Prepared by UBS Financial Services Inc.
The Obamacare Decision - We had originally intended to explore the
scholarly give and take of both the opinion and of the dissent. Both
have marvelous allusions to things like the Federalist papers and
“original intent”. A full reading is like a visit to the mind gym, a
mental workout of the first order. We were also hoping to revisit the
original Marbury vs. Madison decision, which we write about every... read
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Education:
Colleges
should pay kids; kids pay employers, That’s My
Opinion By
Bob Robinson
I’m a criminal and didn’t know it. That’s what I found out on “Stossel”
on Fox Saturday night. Actually, I saw the first 20 minutes as I was
winding down to go to sleep… then I saw the first 20 minutes again when
I woke up at 5 a.m. I never see a full program any more… it’s usually
15-20 minutes before I go to sleep and 15-20 minutes while I wake up
enough to start my morning coffee. I digress. I’m a criminal because I
use... read
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Dayton Business Journal... McGregor:
A New Outlook on Job Creation in Ohio
by Ohio Rep. Ross McGregor, Guest Column - Monday, July 9, 2012 - Job
creation is an ongoing process, one that requires sustained efforts and
innovative approaches. This fact has been reflected in the work of the
129th Ohio General Assembly since the very start of our current
legislative session. We have passed numerous bills to benefit Ohio’s
businesses, promote economic recovery and grow our job market.
Beginning... read
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Obama
has taken the
economy to a new low, That’s My Opinion By Bob
Robinson
Obama: Governor Romney exported American jobs to China. “He’s not the
solution. He’s the problem.” At best, it’s a tremendous stretch of the
truth; at worst it’s simply a lie. The reference is to Romney’s
affiliation with Bain Capital, an investment company that looks for
strong investments worldwide, including American companies such as
Staples. Nowhere could I find any verifiable information that Bain... read
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Congressman
John Boehner… Independence
Day Tribute... “Here’s to the Spirit of ‘76”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester), in a
message recorded in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, marks
Independence Day by paying tribute to the Declaration of Independence,
the brave patriots who conceived it, and the sacrifices that have been
made to preserve freedom and liberty: “If you’re like me, when you
enter the Capitol Rotunda, your eyes are drawn to Trumbull’s depiction
of the Declaration of Independence. And why not?
It’s
humbling to stop and think... read
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Exporting
American Products, Not American Jobs
There’s an old cliché that the definition of insanity is doing the same
thing over and over again, and expecting different results. Well, if
that’s the case, then our trade policy represents insanity. Though
NAFTA was signed nearly two decades ago, a trade deal with China was
inked about a dozen years ago, and CAFTA was signed some seven years
ago, we still haven’t seen any change. The time for a new direction... read
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The
Community
Independence Day Parade, That’s My Opinion By
Bob Robinson
I vaguely remember seeing an occasional fireworks display when I was a
kid… they weren’t that big in the 50s. It was usually a neighborhood
project. The celebrations I remember most were in Lincoln, Nebraska
when I was in junior high. We would block off our street for square
dancing (and other “square” stuff, like barbeque and beer; and pop,
sparklers, cherry bombs and snakes for the kids), divide... read
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State Representative Richard Adams... Commemorating Our Independence Day
As June begins to wrap up, it won’t be long before the citizens of the
79th Ohio House District put on red, white and blue attire
and hang stars and stripes from their homes. The patriotic spirit this
time of year is contagious, building up to our nation’s Independence
Day on July 4th. Apple pie, cookouts, firework displays, parades—there
are so many traditions that we associate with the Fourth of July. It
is a time for family, fun and community, and, this year,... read
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State
Representative
Jim Buchy... A Celebration of American Freedom
July 4th has always been a very special day for me personally, and for
all true Americans. It is a day for barbeques, family,
fireworks, and of course, patriotism. It is a day to celebrate the
freedoms we have as Americans and also to look back proudly
over the history of our great nation. On July 4th, 1776, the Second
Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence.
By doing so, The United States of America declared its independence... read
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State Senator Keith Faber... Taking
on the Threat of Human
Trafficking
The spring season was a busy time for the General Assembly as state
lawmakers took up a full slate of bills before entering the
summer. Reforms focused on education, job growth, energy
development and government efficiency took center stage at the
Statehouse in recent months, and I am happy to report that Ohio’s
economic success continues to pick up steam. While a great
deal
of our work is aimed at alleviating... read
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Protecting
the people from their choices, That’s My
Opinion By Bob Robinson
The most controversial issue of the Obama Administration is the
Affordable Care Act that was recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
There are other regulations coming out of Washington that are equally
destructive, but this one has been in the limelight since ex-House
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said “I guess we’ll find out what’s in it after we
pass it.” Now we know what’s in it. To set the record straight, I
believe as... read
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Hunger
Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation
More than 840,000 children in Ohio depend on school for more than an
education. For children living well-below the poverty line, schools
also provide a dependable source of food and nutrition. During the
school year, more than 840,000 Ohio children receive nutrition
assistance through free or reduced-price school lunches. So what
happens to these children during the summer months? While critical
lifelines – providing... read
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Commissioners Corner... Darke
County the place to locate and grow
Summer is in full swing in Darke County now. Once again, it
is
hot and humid, the children are out of school, and vacation time is
just around the corner for most people. It is hard to
believe,
but the Great Darke County Fair is less than 2 months away!
Where
has the time gone? Time is moving forward in the
Commissioner’s
Office also. By the time this is printed... read
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So
many talents in so
many areas, That’s My Opinion By Bob Robinson
I’ve been privileged in my personal and professional life. Not many
people can say they have two great families, some good friends, a wide
range of experiences, retired from a job he loved only to replace it
with another “job” he loves and the unique experience of sharing his
knowledge (and the mistakes to avoid) with younger generations.
Recently I attended two graduation parties. I’d had several... read
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Speaker Boehner Press Office... Rep.
Bill Cassidy, M.D. on Jobs
& Repealing ObamaCare
June 22, 2012 - Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Bill
Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) discusses Republicans’ focus on
jobs and fully repealing the president’s health care law, which is
making our economy worse by driving up costs and making
it harder for small businesses to hire new workers. “Unless the Court
throws out the entire law,” Dr. Cassidy says, “we should
repeal what is left and implement common-sense, step-by-step... read
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State Representative Richard Adams... Ohio Pension Reform Requires
Adequate Information
The issue of pension reform is in need of attention in Ohio. As a
recent Time magazine article pointed out, pension liabilities are now
35 percent of the state’s GDP. Ohio’s taxpayers, active members, and
retirees rely on a comprehensive solution. While a quick solution would
be ideal in everyone’s minds, it must also be done right. An actuarial
study is currently being conducted by the Ohio Retirement Council
(ORC)... read
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U.S. Congressman John Boehner... Republicans
Relentlessly Focused on Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At his weekly press briefing, Congressman John
Boehner (R-West Chester) highlighted today’s House vote on the Domestic
Energy & Jobs Act, next month’s vote to stop the small business
tax
hike, and Republicans’ commitment to repeal ObamaCare in its entirety –
all part of the continuing focus on helping the private sector create
jobs. Congressman Boehner also discussed operation Fast
&
Furious... read
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown... Farm
Policy that’s Better for Farmers, Fairer to Taxpayers
With one in seven Ohio jobs connected to agriculture, it’s obvious just
how vital farming is to our state. That’s one of the reasons I’m
honored to represent our state’s farmers, ranchers, and rural
communities as Ohio’s first senator on the Agriculture Committee in
more than four decades. Over the last year, as part of my “Grown in
Ohio” listening tour, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from
farmers, business leaders... read
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Take
the fox from the
henhouse? By Jim Surber
The upcoming November ballot will be so overcrowded that many Ohio
voters may just give up instead of having to make so many choices. This
fall, Ohio voters will choose the President, a U.S. Senator, some State
Senators, every U.S. and state House member, two state Supreme Court
justices, and a long list of county and local officials. If that isn’t
enough, they also will be faced with a growing number of state and... read
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A
Nice Place to Visit,
By Mike Stegall, Darke County Commissioner
Recently, I completed my “Bucket List” golf trip to Scotland and
Ireland with my wife Rosemary and our friends, the Breadens. We all had
a great time, saw some wonderful sights, and tried some new things that
I never thought I would. Have you ever heard of the Scottish national
dish called “haggis?” Haggis is basically the innards of a sheep,
cooked in a sheep’s stomach for about 4 hours. I know it sounds... read
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State
Senator Bill Beagle... Father’s
Day Reflections
My first year and a half as a state senator has been a whirlwind
education on some of the toughest issues facing our state and the
intricacies of the legislative process. This Father’s Day, as I pour
coffee into my “World’s Best Dad” mug and begin breakfast with my wife
and three children, I reflect upon one of the toughest issues
threatening the future: the growing absence of fathers in our
children’s lives. It is important to first recognize the many men who
take the responsibility of being a father... read
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown... Fighting
for Fair Pay
Ohioans work hard, and I believe their hard work deserves fair pay,
regardless of gender. But today in Ohio, women earn just 85 cents to
every dollar a man makes. According to the Joint Economic Committee,
that earnings gap means over the course of their working lives, women
lose more than $400,000. That’s unconscionable. Nearly fifty years ago,
Congress passed and President John F. Kennedy... read
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State Senator Bill Beagle... A
Special Father’s Day Message
Video - As families across Ohio prepare to celebrate Father’s Day this
Sunday, State Senator Bill Beagle (R - Tipp City) recently took a
moment to discuss how his role on the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood,
and past experience as a stay-at-home Dad, has motivated him to work on
behalf of Ohioans and provide our state’s children with a future filled
with opportunity. Senator Beagle’s Father... read
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown... Ensuring
Veterans Get the Care They Need
Last month, our country observed Memorial Day, a day when we take the
time to remember the servicemembers who sacrificed their lives for our
country. In remembering the servicemembers who paid the ultimate price
for their nation, we should also express our gratitude by honoring the
veterans with us today and making sure they have access to good-paying
jobs and are receiving the veterans’ benefits they’ve earned... read
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Communication
requires two, That’s My Opinion By Bob Robinson
In a perfect world, government functions much like a business… a
not-for-profit business. Shareholders or board members (taxpayers) hire
(elect) executives (public officials) to lead the organization
(government entity). They expect full disclosure of all actions and
moneys spent, then determine if those actions are appropriate and in
compliance with their expectations. If they are, all is well. If they
aren’t, the “employers... read
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A Bird in the Hand… Welcome
Trilogy with Open Arms, By Bob Robinson
There’s this tract of land on the north side of Russ Road, sandwiched
between State Hwy 121 and Kitchen Aid Way, that’s been vacant ever
since I can remember and I’ve been here for 11 years. According to
Dustin Leis, Leis Realty, it’s been vacant even longer than that. He’s
been trying to sell it for 15 years. He added that it was on the market
before he took over. No one... read
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State Representative Jim Buchy... BWC
Reform Efforts
Why Getting Ohioans Back to Work Boosts Our Economy? In the past two
years, we have been working in Ohio to lower the costs of doing
business and promote job growth. Thus far, we have
successfully
reduced taxes on family business owners, and turned the job of
attracting new businesses over to the private sector, where less red
tape and bureaucracy will allow Ohio to compete against other states
for companies... read
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