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The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
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Broke Wife, Big City… Wolverine vs. The Really Hyper Bunnies, By Aprill Brandon
Here’s a million dollar idea for all you budding entrepreneurial
wanna-be types: Invent a self-defense class for parents of small
children. Now, to be clear, I don’t mean for situations where you need
to protect your children. Pretty much every parent I know is capable of
murdering someone with a rattle if they catch that person even looking
at their... read
more.
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Know!
What a Healthy Dating Relationship Is, and What It Is Not
2/28/2017 - It is always important to focus attention on abuse in young
people’s relationships and provide information to help prevent it. In a
previous Know! tip, The Not-So-Innocent Side of Teen Romance, we
discussed the prevalence of physical, emotional and verbal dating abuse
that takes place among youth, as well as the long-lasting problems... read
more.
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A
day without a woman? By Susan Olling
A local commentator, whose opinions I respect, raised a good question
about what went on 08 Mar: who were women in this country trying to
educate? Any answers out there? If you want to hear
his excellent comments, follow this link and go to 08 Mar:
http://wtop.com/core-values-chris-core/. I read various articles about
a day without a woman... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The seven-year glitch, By
Aprill Brandon
It was our seventh wedding anniversary. Which is the baby wipe
anniversary, I believe. Or perhaps the Swiffer anniversary. Either way,
we had no money for gifts after Googling local preschool prices. But it
didn’t matter. The sun was shining. I was wearing a skirt AND
non-pregnancy underwear. And my mother-in-law was in town, happily
volunteering to... read
more.
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A
bit of this and a bit of that….. By Susan Olling
I love a good clear out. Not necessarily a whole room, but
clearing stuff, even out of a drawer, is always therapeutic. I
found a bag on the top shelf of a closet recently. The bag
contained a copy of the Washington Post. The Wednesday, September
12, 2001 edition. Needing a break, I spent some time going
through this piece of ancient history. There was...
read
more.
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The Learning Network… Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College
and Career Goals?
Student Opinion By Caroline Crosson Gilpin - Feb. 24, 2017 - Facebook,
Twitter and other social media sites have become an integral part of
teenage culture. Yet the snarky comment or inappropriate picture we
share with our friends just might not project the image we want the
rest of the world to see, especially as we get older. How careful are
you online? In this... read
more.
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Know!
The Not-So-Innocent Side of Teen Romance
2/14/2017 - The month of February is known as a time of “love,” where
secret-admirers and Valentines of all ages express their affection for
one another through candy hearts, red roses and love letters. In sharp
contrast, however, February has also become known as Teen Dating
Violence Awareness Month to focus attention on abuse in young people... read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… Commissioners Update for February
February has passed by very quickly, and with weather comparative to
what we have in March; some nice days, some rain, some snow. Well,
after all, this is the Great Miami Valley, and if you don’t like the
weather now, just wait 5 minutes and it will change! The year has
started out pretty well for the county. We continue to move forward on
some projects... read
more.
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The
Opioid Solution, By Mike Stegall
I heard an incredible statistic last week, one that makes you really
stop and think. It stated that the United States has 4% of the
world’s population, but 80% of the world’s opioid use! That is
just mind-numbingly awful. I also saw where Dayton, Ohio is the
#1 city in America from drug deaths per capita. That is just 35
miles south of us here in Darke County. This problem is not
exclusive to just us... read
more.
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A
Crisis of Self-Doubt, By Kate Burch
A little-noted recent event was the call by Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s
foreign minister, for a “post West world order.” He made his
remarks, also including denunciations of the current “post truth” state
of international relations, at the Munich Security Conference.
Does the failure of our media to remark or object imply their
agreement? The intellectual and... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… White lies I told my children this week*
By Aprill Brandon
*or possibly just today. The sun doesn’t like it when you wake up
before he does. Mommy can’t play cars with you until she drinks ALL her
coffee. It’s the law. I’ll come help you find the green car in five
minutes. No, it hasn’t been five minutes yet. I still have three
minutes. Maybe I’ll let you go play in the snow after breakfast. Nope,
we’re all out of yogurt... read
more.
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Know!
To Role Model RESPECT for the Rx
2/7/2017 - Why focus on prescription drugs? Research shows that more
deaths are now occurring each year from accidental drug overdoses than
from car accidents. Someone in the U.S. dies every 15 minutes from an
accidental overdose. Nearly half of the drug overdose deaths are due to
prescription drugs. Parents are powerful influencers when... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Confessions of a “Threenage” Drama King,
By Aprill Brandon
He’s moody. He’s disrespectful. He hates everything I do. Yup, my
little boy is growing up. I can’t believe he’s a teenager already. Oh
wait. Sorry. That was a typo. I meant to type threenager. He’s three.
THREE. I always thought people were exaggerating when they talked about
the Terrible Twos. My angel was just that when he was two. An angel.
He... read
more.
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NPR Ed… Not All Fun And Games: New Guidelines Urge
Schools To Rethink Recess,
Sophia Boyd - February 1, 2017 - What's the best time for students to
have recess? Before lunch, or after? What happens if it rains? If
students are misbehaving, is it a good idea to punish them by making
them sit out recess? Those are just a few of the issues addressed in
new guidelines designed to help schools have good recess. The
recommendations... read
more.
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Musings
on Social Media, By Jim Surber
“If I were to run, I’d run as a Republican. They are the dumbest group
of voters in the country. They believe anything on Fox News. I could
lie and they’d still eat it up. I bet my numbers would be terrific.”
Millions of people read this quote on their Facebook news feed,
attributed to Donald Trump in a 1998 interview in People magazine. It
was, no doubt, received with... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… But where’s my gold star? By
Aprill Brandon
The one thing I probably hear the most since having children? (Besides
“whoa, you look tired”). “You are so lucky you get to stay home with
your kids.” There are different versions of this, of course. All with
fun varying degrees of passive-aggressiveness. “I’d love to spend all
day in my pajamas doing nothing.” “I hope you appreciate it. I die a
little... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Am I a lazy mom? By Aprill
Brandon
You know those brief moments in time when, as a parent, you finally
feel like you have it all together? All the balls are in the air and
you feel oddly confident you can keep them there? Maybe even have a
whole extra second to use one of your hands to gulp down a glass of
wine because you are a parenting goddess and you’ve earned it, dammit.
This... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! January 23-29 is National Drug &
Alcohol Facts Week
1/18/2017 - When it comes to alcohol and other drugs, there are
opinions and then there are facts. It’s hard enough for adults to
distinguish between the two; it is even more challenging for youth, who
get much of their information from the internet, TV, movies, music or
from friends. With that in mind, parents and other caregivers are
encouraged to... read
more.
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Hey
Everyone! Whew. It’s been a busy week
Let's start with Betsy DeVos' Senate confirmation hearing — all three
hours and change. We finally know a little more about Donald Trump's
pick to be the next education secretary. At the hearing, DeVos faced
questions on a range of issues, from private school vouchers and
charter school oversight to guns in schools. "The answer is local... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Why I went to the women’s march,
By Aprill Brandon
I’ve been trying to write this godforsaken article for hours now. So
much of my social media feed is cluttered with people demanding to know
why women across this country felt the need to protest and, as someone
who participated, I felt it was my duty to explain. To respond.
To…ugh…get a dialogue going. I started a bunch of sentences. About
how... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Get YOUR Cell Phone Use in Check
1/10/2017 - Teens spend an average of nine hours a day on their
smartphones. Yes - you say - you’ve heard it before, you know it’s
unhealthy for them for a number of reasons, and you have rules in place
to reduce their screen time. Very good; you’ve got your child’s phone
use in check, but how about yours? According to Common Sense... read
more.
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Yes!
I Want to Know, By Kate Burch
Governor Kasich, who more and more is exposed as a practitioner of the
kind of cronyism and authoritarian rule we have seen in Washington
these past eight years, is refusing to support or enforce a 2015 law
providing for transparency in the prices of health care services and
procedures. The law would provide that when a patient requests an
estimate of the total cost of a non-emergency...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… How much no is too much no? By
Aprill Brandon
Is there anything more surreal than being a parent? I can’t tell you
how many times I have been in the midst of some hardcore parenting and
thought to myself “is this real life?” Pretty much every day of my life
is the ultimate performance in the theater of the absurd. Take, for
instance, when I’m arguing with my almost 3-year-old about something... read
more.
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No place to be on Jan 20, By
Susan Olling
Every four years, January 20 is a day on the National Mall just like
the 04 Jul. There are a few differences, but the result’s the
same: the Mall is no place to be. Before continuing, I would like
to say a few things related to the upcoming festivities. The
local fish wrapper didn’t and still doesn’t have much positive to say
about the upcoming administration change. Mind you... read
more.
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Washington Post… Why surging high school graduation rates
might be a mirage,
By Jay Mathews - U.S. high school graduation rates are soaring.
President Obama announced in October that the 2014-2015 rate was up to
83 percent in a fifth straight record-setting year. The D.C. public
schools’ increase was the greatest anywhere, from 53 percent to 69
percent. Sadly, as impressive as these numbers seem, there is no
research indicating they... read
more.
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Unqualified???? By Kate Burch
Many on the Left are outraged by the election of a hugely successful
businessman as our new President.
Some decry his lack of experience in government, implying that
unfamiliarity with the arcana of Washington renders him ineffective as
the chief executive of our country. Others—those who believe that it is
fundamentally unfair that some... read
more.
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Start Talking… Know! To Set Family Goals for the New Year
1/5/2017 - January rolls in like a breath of fresh air. The calendar is
reset and, in many regards, it is a chance to begin anew and an
opportunity to do things “better” moving forward. The new year is also
an ideal occasion for parents and children to come together to set
fresh goals as both a family unit and as individuals. As you consider... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Surviving winter, By Aprill
Brandon
Well, Christmas is over. Meaning life is basically over. Nothing to
look forward to now except a bleak, never-ending winter and easily
getting all my cardio in with the Herculean exertion it takes to stuff
two squirmy tiny humans into snow suits and winter coats and mittens
and hats and snow boots that were designed by engineers who have... read
more.
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Start Talking… Know! How to Even the Playing Field for
Your Child
12/28/2016 - The NFL and its advertisers are gearing up for the Super
Bowl, set to kickoff Sunday, Feb. 5. About 111.9 million viewers tuned
in for last year’s Super Bowl, making it the third highest watched U.S.
broadcast in history. The upcoming Super Bowl is expected to catch just
as much attention for the commercials as much as the...
read
more.
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Greenville Schools: Looking Back… Looking
Ahead, By Bob Robinson
“I got memories,” he said. “I went to school there.” He rode up on his
bicycle while I was taking pictures of East school. Nice guy, late
twenties or early thirties. “Don’t know if I really want anything from
there, but I got my memories.” He was referring to the announced
auction sign in front of the school. The resident wanted to know if the
high... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I’m a Fitbit person now, By
Aprill Brandon
Guys, it’s been nice knowing you. You’re all swell, really. But
eventually all good things must come to an end. So, while I enjoyed our
time together, it’s a new year and time for me to move on. Time for me
to leave you in the dust as I walk exactly…*checks wrist* …6,101 steps
away from you. I’m a Fitbit person now. Yes, dear readers, thanks to my
husband... read
more.
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Sticks and Stones, By Kate
Burch
Living or working on today’s college campus must be, for one who is not
a member of a protected group, something like navigating a mine
field. One may, while totally lacking malevolent intent, commit a
“microaggression” or otherwise be guilty of insulting or disparaging,
or even “harassing” another by simply offering a compliment or
remarking... read
more.
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Social Media: A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?
By Jonathan Holman, Edison DCC Comp 1 Student - Social media is one of
the most argued subjects of today. From parents, teachers, and
reporters, to kids, students, and entertainers. It seems as though
everyone has a strong opinion on the subject in one way or another. But
this is all recent. The concept of social media has been around for
centuries. It wasn’t until now that people are starting to question its
methods... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Interact with Tact with these
Smartphone Tips!
12/14/2016 - Is your son or daughter among the many youth begging for a
smartphone this holiday season? And are you among the many parents
considering the buy? Smartphones certainly have their advantages. The
number one reason parents cite for purchasing their child’s first
cellphone is that it provides location tracking and makes it easier to
communicate... read
more.
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After School Program at Edison… Making a Difference in the World,
Jim Kildow, Edison Student Volunteer - I have put in over 60 hours at
the afterschool program. As a result I like to consider myself fairly
knowledgeable about the mechanics of the program – how it works, why it
works, and what needs fixing. Originally I had assumed this option for
the final was provided only as an easy way to get more tutors for the
program. By the end of my first day... read
more.
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After School Program at Edison… The Program a Positive Reinforcement to the
Students,
By Samantha Buchy, Edison Student Volunteer - The after school program
was a great addition to our schools, and our students. This program was
designed to open a free after school program for students, which
provided tutoring and companionship for these young students. The
workers help the students with homework or understanding new lessons. I
feel like... read
more.
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After School Program at Edison… This Program has Rededicated my Commitment
to Learning,
By Courtney Toops, Edison Student Volunteer - The program in my opinion
was effective throughout the weeks. I think the children began to have
fun learning, made new friends, learned respect. Some of the students
are less than eager to leave when being told they are being picked up.
The age group is appropriate as well, since K-4th...
read
more.
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After School Program at Edison… This may change their future,
By Seth Phillippi, Edison Student Volunteer - I believe I have made a
good choice in choosing to do the after school program. This is one of
the best ways I can spend my free time. I enjoy coming and helping the
kids. I am thinking about helping out even after the semester is over.
I think the after school program has a good benefit from being in
communication class. I have used my own critical thinking during... read
more.
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After School Program at Edison… A Valuable Experience I’ll need later in
Life,
By Makenzie Stucky, Edison student volunteer - I feel as if I have
gained valuable skills that will benefit me later in life through
helping with this program. As I plan to be a teacher I believe that
this experience has been very valuable to me because it has shown me
some of the things I will have to deal with when I do become a teacher.
I think it was extra valuable because... read
more.
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After School Program at Edison… Helping kids become better students,
By Bryce Filbrun, Edison Student Volunteer - I have gained a lot from
participating in the after school program. By participating in the
program, I have gained a lot of respect for my parents. I have learned
that my parents have raised me in a way that I respect my schooling and
my grades. I have learned how to be more patient. When working with the
little kids, you have to be... read
more.
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After School Program at Edison… An experience I’ll remember forever,
By Kinsey Goins, Edison Student Volunteer - The After School Program
was a very unique, fulfilling, and satisfying experience. At first I
wasn't sure if I was going to like the program since I didn't know any
of the kids, or have any previous experience working in that type of
environment. All of the Edison core values were used over the course of
my participation in the program... read
more.
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State Rep. Jim Buchy … To the Residents of the 84th House
District, Farewell
As the year and my term of office wind down, I want to take a minute to
thank you for the privilege of serving in the Ohio House of
Representatives for 24 years. There is no better place in which to live
than west-central Ohio. We have the best families, schools, and places
to work. A very high percentage of our families have a strong belief in
God and are active in... read
more.
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Tips to
make the holidays happy and bright—and safe
(Dec.22, 2016) — According to the song, this is the most
wonderful time of the year. It’s also one of the busiest—and most
dangerous. With last-minute gifts to buy, social events to attend and
family and friends to visit, there are a lot of distractions that may
keep you from having that wonderful time. So the American Red Cross is
offering 12 health and... read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… Merry Christmas
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing
was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be
taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of
David... read
more.
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Edison State Community College… Giving back to the community,
By Shayna Emrick, Edison Student Volunteer - I have chosen to do the
After School Program at Edison. It is very valuable to me. I have
always valued knowledge and school, so this program is an excellent way
to get me involved with the community more. Also, there are benefits
from every side. The volunteer benefits from the satisfaction of giving
back to the community and making... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Dear Virginia, where the hell is Santa
Claus? By Aprill Brandon
There’s a famous (at least for me) story from my childhood where I
looked at my mom one day and just bluntly said “Santa Claus isn’t real,
is he?” “No, he’s not, sweetie,” my mom replied. And that was that. But
the famous (infamous) part came next. Because I went to school the
following day and felt it was my duty to kindly inform several of my
fellow 2nd... read
more.
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Representative Jim Buchy… Celebrating the Christmas Spirit
‘Tis the season for Christmas trees, holiday wreaths, gifts, and
enjoying the company of our loved ones as we sit by the fire. But most
importantly, Christmas is a time to join together to celebrate Christ’s
birth. In the hustle and bustle of shopping and decorating Christmas
trees, we often forget the true meaning of the holiday and the faith
upon which our nation was built... read
more.
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Empowering After School Program… Some are great; some are little rascals,
By Cade McGlinch, Edison Volunteer - The After School Program is a
program to help students with their homework after school. I
learned many things from various kids during the program. I also
thought that there were a few things that could have gone better.
Some kids were great; on the other hand, some kids were little
rascals. One of the things that I learned from...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Safeguard Your Home for the
Holidays
12/8/2016 - You happily agreed to host this year’s holiday gathering.
You have the house beautifully decorated, the dinner table is set, and
your many guests are arriving. You have everything in place and your
celebration appears to be nicely unfolding, as planned. But what about
the young lady who just disappeared into the upstairs bathroom, where... read
more.
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Empowering After School Program… Tiny smiles when something ‘clicks’,
By Madisyn Pieper, Edison Volunteer - I completed over 24 hours of
volunteering for the After School Program. During that time I had some
great conversations and moments with the children. In reflection I wish
that I could have given more time to the program but it was hard to
find time while being a full time college student with two jobs. In my
personal opinion I believe... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I don’t know if I can do this,
By Aprill Brandon
Raising babies is wonderful work. It’s also hard. But mostly, it’s
extremely isolating. Which is why last week, when it all just became
too much, I decided to scream my frustration out into the void. What
with this being 2016, the void meant I took to my Facebook page and
furiously scribbled out the following: “Today I cried into my son’s
peanut butter sandwich. There’s no punchline. I was crying so hard... read
more.
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Empowering After School Program… The experience has been an eye-opener,
By Mac Kirk, Edison Volunteer -- Choosing the After School Program for
my communications final gave me great trepidation. I understood that
participating in a community service activity would be beneficial on my
resume, but then there were the little people. I had zero experience
with children and it gave me anxiety to think about the prospect.
Growing up, I dealt with one older brother. I have no first cousins... read
more.
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After School Program benefits students,
teachers and parents,
By Macy Godown, Edison Volunteer - The value of The After School
Program is significant. Students who may not have gone home and done
their homework in previous years are now getting home in the evenings
with all their work already completed. This is not only beneficial to
the students, but also to the teachers who now have students completing
their work and to the... read
more.
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Edison students speak out about After
School Program, By Bob Robinson
“This program was a phenomenal experience. It helped me grow as a
person; some days I didn't want to be there or had a bad day and I
would have to put all that aside because some of the kids could be
having a rough day and I’d need to be there for them.” “In my personal
opinion I believe that the After School Program could make the
difference for a child who...
read
more.
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Quack, Quack, By Kate Burch
The word, “canard” in French, means “a duck.” In English, the
word means a baseless rumor. Since Donald Trump’s election, we
have heard much quacking from those who object to his being the
President-elect. These people say that they fear that Muslims,
people of color, and people with sexual proclivities that are out of
the mainstream are going...
read
more.
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My Christmas Wishes,
By
Bob Robinson
I had just received a letter from Jim Neely wishing my friends and
family a Merry Christmas from Vietnam. I knew that was impossible; I
was dreaming… my Texas A&M buddy lost his life Aug. 23, 1968. I
pictured dad with his cigar, sitting back in his armchair, a half smile
on his face. Every once in a while I’d pause from tearing open presents
and glance...
read
more.
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Start
Talking! Know! Positive
Relationships Build Character
12/1/2016 - One of the greatest gifts you can give your children cannot
be bought online or in-store. While it is not likely to be on their
holiday wish list, this gift is likely to bring your children greater
happiness with lifelong benefits. We are talking about the gift of
positive relationships and character development. Search Institute
began a multi-year...
read
more.
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Broke
Wife, Big City… What we really
want for Christmas, By Aprill Brandon
Christmas is great, isn’t it? Magical when you’re a kid. A celebration
of the beautiful life and beautiful lives you’ve created when you’re a
grandparent. And a red and green tinged tsunami that destroys your
home, your finances and your sanity when you’re a parent. Ah, yes, ‘tis
truly the most wonderful time of the year. Of course, don’t get me
wrong. I still love Christmas. The endless excuses to drink booze...
read
more.
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It’s time
once again for ‘A Christmas Carol’, By Susan Olling
Charles Dickens, the author of more than one Victorian-era novel,
penned a “Ghostly (sic) little book” in 1843. It’s been adapted
for radio, television, movies, and theater. Some characters
appeared in Sherlock Holmes stories in the late twentieth century. ‘Tis
the season for us to enjoy A Christmas Carol. Mr. Dickens’s first
public reading of A Christmas...
read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… Darke County has a lot to be thankful for
November is now over and hopefully, all of the leftover turkey is gone
too. Thanksgiving is always a special time for families and friends to
get together and give thanks for all the blessings we have received.
This year, Darke County has a lot to be thankful for, and we hope all
of you do too! The year 2016 has turned out to be very good...
read
more.
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Safer Schools Ohio… National Bullying Prevention
To ensure safe and supportive learning environments for Ohio’s
students, Ohio Revised Code 3313.666 requires all school districts that
receive federal funding have a policy prohibiting student-to-student
incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying in Ohio schools.
Ohio’s Anti-Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) model policy...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… My online life is a hot mess,
By Aprill Brandon
You know, it used to be back in my day (oh yes, I’m officially old
enough to use that phrase unironically now) that you were only in
charge of keeping one life in order. Or at least keeping it from
turning into a major dumpster fire. All you had to do was keep a roof
over your head (with only small-to-medium leaks tops), food in your
fridge (30 plus containers of old takeout completely qualifying)...
read
more.
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The Food
Police Just Don’t Get It, By Susan Olling
We have two rules when it comes to food. First, everything in
moderation. Second, all numbers go out the window during the
period between Thanksgiving and Christmas (and vacations, too).
Mind you, we’ll still get on the exercise bike, and I’ll also take my
daily walk. Unfortunately, this festive time of year brings out the
food police with their lists of holiday...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Thanksgiving 2016, By Aprill
Brandon
Hey, have I mentioned how much I love Thanksgiving? Because I do. Oh,
so much. And not just because it’s a holiday where it’s acceptable to
drink all day. This year in particular I’m looking forward to because
it’s the first Thanksgiving where our whole family is complete. Both
kids are now officially out of my uterus and I plan on having no other...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Focus on Positive Prevention
Strategies
11/9/2016 - As a parent or other caring adult, when we look to prevent
or change particular behaviors in children, we sometimes do so by
attempting to instill fear (scare tactics). When it comes to
anti-substance use scare tactics, messages delivered may go something
like this: • See that mock crash, if you drink and drive, you will
crash and...
read
more.
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NPR… Hi all. What a week!
The Trump presidency, and the massive change it brings, is a huge new
story for all of us at NPR. In the coming weeks and months it’ll be our
job to make sense of it all. Our role as journalists has never been
more important: to report the facts and put developments in context.
For the nation’s schools – and teachers, students...
read
more.
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Start Talking… Know! To Recognize and Respond to Bullying
10/25/2016 - Bullying touches the lives of at least one out of every
four children in the U.S. In this year alone, approximately 13 million
youth, from preschool to high school, will experience it. Yet, many
parents do not even know their child is a victim. One study revealed
that as many as 64 percent of youth who were bullied did not tell a...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… In defense of Thanksgiving, By
Aprill Brandon
Guys, I love analogies. I love analogies like how bad writers love a
good cheap gimmick. Which is why I want to begin this particular column
about my love of Thanksgiving with the following cheap gimmicky
analogy: You guys have turned Thanksgiving into the classic middle
child of the major holidays. At one time it was a big deal in America.
But now, jammed in-between Halloween...
read
more.
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Isn't it about time? By George
Starks
I've never been one to get deep into the political scene but I have
noticed lately that I am paying more attention to the news. How many of
you noticed how the liberal media was trying to drag Hillary Clinton
across the finish line? CBS was holding out in hopes Clinton would turn
Pennsylvania and Michigan blue while the western media had already
projected Donald...
read
more.
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State Senator Bill Beagle… Honoring Ohio's Veterans
Veterans Day is a time to pay special tribute to the courageous
military men and women who have answered the call to defend the
principles of freedom, liberty and democracy. Originally established as
Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of the First World War,
the day was later changed to Veterans Day to honor all American service
members. Among...
read
more.
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A Sigh of Relief, By Kate Burch
To my mind, Democrat-party leadership in general, and the actions of
the Obama administration in particular, have meant erosion of our most
fundamental rights as American citizens: life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness. The womb has become a parlous place under
Democrats. Frank encouragement of elective abortion is a national...
read
more.
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Start Talking… Know! the Facts and Respect the Meds
10/26/2016 - Did you know teen medicine abuse is on the rise?According
to the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), there was a 33
percent increase in American teens abusing prescription drugs over a
five-year period. Prescription meds now rank in the top three most
popular drugs of choice among youth, just after marijuana...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… This part is hard, By Aprill
Brandon
Now before I say what I’m getting ready to say, let me say first that I
realize I am hardly the first person to ever say this. Thousands,
perhaps hundreds of thousands, or hell, maybe even millions of other
people have not only said this, but they probably said it much more
eloquently and with far less booger jokes than I ever could. But after
the week I had, I feel one more time is absolutely...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Still Plenty of Work To Do As The 131st
General Assembly Winds Down
- This fall, the Ohio Legislature moves into “lame duck session”: the
period between the election of our new legislators and the beginning of
the next General Assembly, when they will be sworn into office.
However, there is still plenty of work to be done for the people of
Ohio between now and then. We must continue to fight the opioid
epidemic, reform...
read
more.
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Baseball, Hogs, Politics & Rashes,
By
Susan Olling
This may be a bit of a meandering installment. But it’s not a bad
thing to put observations in writing. Mr. History is very happy.
The Cubs won the World Series. We watched the standings all
season. I, quite frankly, was impressed each Sunday to see the
North Side team’s record: the best in baseball. Mr. History
can’t carry a tune, but he...
read
more.
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Checklist
for road tripping with small children, By Aprill
Brandon
1. Run to the store to buy juice boxes, goldfish crackers, raisins,
assorted cheaply made toys designed to be hurled into the backseat at
the first sign of a tantrum. 2. Eat all the leftovers in the fridge,
even the questionable ones, over the three days leading up to the trip.
The ancient pizza, the fossilized Chinese food, the milk on the verge
of going bad, the giant vat of bean soup everyone hates...
read
more.
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Representative Buchy… The EpiPen: How Big Government Hurts the
Drug Market
In recent weeks, much concern has been raised about the EpiPen, an
epinephrine auto injector produced by the pharmaceutical company,
Mylan. Epinephrine is an inexpensive means of counteracting potentially
life-threatening allergic reactions. If administered quickly,
epinephrine saves lives. However, despite the low cost of epinephrine,
the EpiPen has...
read
more.
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State Senator Bill Beagle… Has Ohio Conquered The Third Frontier?
Transforming Ohio's Economy for the 21st Century: What's Possible?
Initially authorized by Ohio voters in 2002 with a $1.6 billion state
investment and reauthorized in 2010 with an additional $700 million,
the Ohio Third Frontier continues to foster an "innovation ecosystem"
that allows companies to transition great ideas from the laboratory to
the marketplace...
read
more.
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The predictable scandal and the
schizophrenic box of chocolates, By Mike Stegall
As this election season goes on, it seems to me that this is getting
more and more clear that our nation is so torn between the two major
candidates that it is actually tearing at the very fabric of our
nation. I do not remember any election where friends have fought
and argued more about candidates they will support than this
year. I have a good friend...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Deer Season in Ohio
For motorists, a deer hunter is the best defense between you and an
auto insurance claim. In Ohio, hunters are a critical part of managing
the deer population and this deer season will be no exception. Archery
season in Ohio for deer hunters began on September 24th and will run
through February 5th, while deer gun season will begin on November 28th
and end...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I’m running away from home, By
Aprill Brandon
If you would have asked me 10 years ago what I saw myself doing in the
future, arguing for 23 minutes with a toddler about appropriate places
to poop would have been fairly low on the list (which, by the way, the
bathtub, Momma’s bed and the dairy aisle at the grocery store all equal
Not Appropriate for any of you toddlers out there reading this).
Winning the Pulitzer Prize, divorcing...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Ensuring Responsible Driving, Saving Lives
Drunk driving remains one of the top reasons for traffic fatalities in
the nation and within our state. In 2013, 28.7 million people admitted
to driving under the influence of alcohol, an alarming number that
shows just how far reaching this issue is. It is clear that as a
society we must find a better way to reduce drunk driving on our
roadways. For that...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Rawhide bones double as binkies, right?
By Aprill Brandon
Everyone tells you. Everyone. But of course you don’t believe them. You
didn’t believe them about breastfeeding hurting so bad it made you want
to shoot yourself in the face. Why would you believe them about this?
But it turns out they’re right. (On both accounts. I can’t be around
any weapons until my nipples are mine again. I like my face too much).
And when it comes to having kids...
read
more.
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Know! Family Support for Prevention
9/30/2016 - Research Institute has identified 40 developmental assets
for adolescents; a specific set of skills, experiences, relationships
and behaviors that help young people flourish and mature into
successful and contributing adults. Studies of more than five million
children of all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds consistently
show...
read
more.
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Buchy… Increasing the Monetary Limit for Small
Claims Courts
Small businesses make up a large pillar of our western Ohio economy.
For that reason, I am always supportive of all proposed measures that
will help our local small businesses to grow and prosper far into the
future. One of these most recent pieces of legislation was House Bill
387, which doubles the monetary jurisdiction of a small claims court
from $3,000...
read
more.
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Who Profits? By Kate Burch
The recent closing of ITT Tech was the latest of a series of successful
assaults on for-profit colleges by the Obama administration. Our
benevolent leaders claim, of course, that they are simply trying to
protect students from predators in the marketplace who will charge high
tuition rates, leave the students with piles of debt, and provide less
chance...
read
more.
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A bit of sarcasm, By Susan
Olling
Be warned, this writer is a firm believer in the use of sarcasm on
occasion. If sarcasm isn’t your cup of tea, you don’t have to
continue reading. Thirty-six hours before the end of the federal
government’s fiscal year, the POTUS signed a continuing resolution (CR)
from the gang in the big, domed building. What does this
mean? Your federal government will be...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Death is the ultimate guilt trip,
By Aprill Brandon
Aprill “Danger” Brandon, age 35, a lifelong resident of stunted
adolescence, died Thursday in her Boston home (technically Somerville
but whatever, close enough). The cause of death was a brain aneurysm
brought on by being forced to watch what authorities suspect was too
many “Little Einsteins” episodes. The first documented case of “brain
suicide,” as the doctors are referring to it...
read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… “Aviation Day” and the official “Clayton
Murphy Day”
September 22nd is the official first day of Autumn. Autumn means cooler
weather, High School football is going strong, and it won’t be long
until leaves are falling, crops are coming off, bonfires, and
preparation for the 3 big holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving and
Christmas are getting underway. This year has really flown by, and in
some...
read
more.
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There Is No Such Thing as Greed,
By Jana Kolling
A lot of things separate our political parties, but the most noticeable
is economics. One side believes the government is the answer, the
other thinks businesses can do better. Public versus
private. And to prove their point, the left will always point to
corporate greed. This is how they try to persuade voters that
they care about them, and will protect them from...
read
more.
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State Senator Bill Beagle… Prevention is Key in Combating Ohio's
Growing Drug Addiction Epidemic
-- It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “An ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure.” Today in Ohio, we are spending an increasing amount
of state and local resources on the tragic problem of heroin addiction.
Sadly, much of our efforts are being devoted to those who are already
wrestling with the problem of addiction. For many Ohioans, addiction
begins when legitimately prescribed narcotics...
read
more.
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The Giant,
Sucking Maw, By Kate Burch
As one who was involved in the successful grassroots effort to achieve
repeal of Ohio’s Estate Tax in 2012, it is with consternation that I
read about Hillary Clinton’s plan, if elected, to raise the federal
“death tax” even more than she promised previously—to a maximum of 65%
on assets above $500 million. She would tax all estates over $10
million at 50%, and estates over $50 million at 55%...
read
more.
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State Representative Buchy… The Future of Ohio Agriculture
Last month, thousands of Ohioans from across the state flocked to their
annual county fairs and the Ohio State Fair to showcase the best in
agriculture. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for our youth
to be involved in Ohio’s strongest industry, and to gain valuable
experience for their futures. From our county fairs all the way to
Columbus...
read
more.
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NPR… Frustration. Burnout. Attrition. It's Time
To Address The National Teacher Shortage,
Eric Westervelt - The good news: There's an uptick in the hiring of new
teachers since the pink-slip frenzy in the wake of the Great Recession.
The bad news: The new hiring hasn't made up for the teacher shortfall.
Attrition is high, and enrollment in teacher preparation programs has
fallen some 35 percent over the past five years — a decrease...
read
more.
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Start Talking… Know! The Middle School Challenges and
Changes
9/8/2016 - The first day of middle school has come and gone. While your
child’s initial fears of navigating the hallways, using the combination
lock and finding someone to sit with at lunch may be officially behind
her, it doesn’t mean she’s got a peaceful, easy feeling about the rest
of her middle school experience. And as a parent, you must know...
read
more.
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The Star Beacon (Recommended by
Sam Custer, OSU Extension)… Sharing
the road safely,
By David Marrison -- Sep 11, 2016 -- With harvest season approaching,
it is important to remember large farm vehicles like these will soon be
not only out in the fields but on the roadways. As we approach the fall
season, there will be an increase of farm equipment traveling on the
roads. Road safety is especially important as farmers and motorists
share the road during harvest season. This is a good time...
read
more.
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