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The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
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Broke Wife, Big City… Stupider things, By Aprill Brandon
Here is the thing they never tell you about being a parent (or at least
not in an official pamphlet form): Once you get to a certain point,
past the “oh god, I just really need both of us to survive this” stage,
you will spend the majority of your parenting time arguing. Arguing
about very stupid things. For example, say you buy your small child a
sprinkled donut. Because... read
more.
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Start Talking – Drug Prevention Resources for Schools
The number of reported drug-related incidents in school and drug use by
school-aged kids has risen sharply this school year. We encourage
you to take some proactive steps to help curb any drug activity that
may be occurring at your school. The Start Talking! initiative
was created to assist parents, educators, and community members in
talking to students... read
more.
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NPR… Hey, New Teachers, It's OK To Cry In Your
Car, Meg Anderson
Like many first-year teachers, Luisana Regidor has a lot on her mind.
There are lesson plans to write and papers to grade as well as a dozen
other things: evaluations, observations, fundraisers, class trips. It's
overwhelming. "Last Wednesday, I left here and I got in my car and I
just cried," says Regidor, who teaches U.S. history at Schurz High... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Keep It Safe this Holiday Season –
Adults and Alcohol
11/16/2017 - The holiday season is upon us, which means more adults
will consume alcoholic drinks and in higher quantities. This time of
year also puts more people on the roads, as they travel to see family
and friends, near and far. It makes sense, then, that this season
becomes one of the most dangerous times of the year for alcohol-related
accidents and... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… What I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving,
By Aprill Brandon
I don’t know about you guys but, for me, this has been one doozy of a
year. Trying to juggle two small children and marriage and jobs and
deadlines and ever-rising bills and the tattered remains of my social
life, all while being chronically sleep deprived and all while the
outside world appears to be crumbling around us, has taken its toll.
I’m tired, ya’ll. And... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! What’s Hidden in Plain Sight – Part II
11/7/2017 - This Know! Tip reveals some of the tools and tactics teens
may use to hide drug use. If you suspect your child is using drugs, you
should contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662- HELP (4357). Hidden in
Plain Sight is a substance misuse awareness program for parents and
other... read
more.
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Diminishing
Returns, By Kate Burch
I have lived in the same medium-size rust-belt city almost all of my
life, and I have been amazed to observe, over the last couple of
decades, the growth of the physical structures of the area’s two
universities. Along with the remarkable enlargement of these
facilities has been an increase in amenities and improved
esthetics. And this has happened concurrently...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… How to get your kids to eat Thanksgiving
dinner, By Aprill Brandon
I have mentioned many times in this particular column of mine that I
love Thanksgiving. The holiday that asks nothing of you besides
gluttony and drunkenness. I don’t even mind that I’m now the one in
charge of the cooking, because in the end it all leads to the gluttony
and drunkenness. Plus, I found a recipe for deep-fried stuffing balls
that has... read
more.
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“Jesus
Wept” By Will McCabe
I believe those are the two most powerful words in the entire Bible.
Yes, that’s a big claim, but that’s because of the context and what
those words mean. See, when we look at John 11:35, the shortest verse
in the Bible, we sometimes overlook what it means for Jesus to weep.
First, let’s look back to the beginning of John 11. We learn about a
man named Lazarus who... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! The Big Sibling Effect!
10/30/2017 - There is a unique and special connection between siblings
that cannot be denied nor duplicated. They are both tormentors and
protectors; a source of teasing one moment, the greatest ally the next.
Siblings are also likely to be one and other’s longest-lasting
relationship. Four out of five Americans get to experience the growing
years with a... read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… The Holiday Season has begun
October seems to be the official start of the Holiday season, with
Halloween being the first big event of the fall season. October is also
the month that traditionally we try to manipulate time once again by
turning our clocks back. This year we turn them back in the first
weekend of November. This month in the Commissioner’s office we have
done a lot of tidying up of some Grant paperwork...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… No, YOU go gentle into that good night,
By Aprill Brandon
So, I’ve been thinking a lot about death lately. Oh, sorry. That might
be a bit too heavy of a sentence right off the bat. This is meant to be
a “humor” column, after all. Let me start over. Good morning! How are
you? I’m fantastic. My toddler had a meltdown inside a store and I
dropped a meatball on my baby’s face. But Starbucks is now selling
their... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! What’s Hidden in Plain Sight – Part I
10/23/2017 - This Know! Tip reveals some of the tools and tactics teens
may use to hide drug use. If you suspect your child is using drugs,
contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Helpline at 1-800-662- HELP (4357). Would you know if your
child was experimenting with or using drugs? Would...
read
more.
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Jesus
wasn’t Nice, By Will McCabe
Do you remember hearing from your parents to be nice if you wanted
gifts from Santa? How he discerns between those who are naughty and
nice? As a result, we are impressed early on with the notion that we
are supposed to be nice. But what if I told you that’s not Biblical?
Yeah, what if I told you that nowhere in the Bible are we asked to be
nice to one another? There... read
more.
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Are
We Having Fun Yet? By Kate Burch
In the early days of the flood of stories about Harvey Weinstein’s
sexual predation we read that fashion designer Donna Karan, an old
friend of the Weinsteins defended him, suggesting that some of the
young women he targeted might have been “asking for it” by dressing and
behaving seductively. She quickly was harassed and shamed into
apologizing for her remarks by accusations that she...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… It’s the season of the sick,
By Aprill Brandon
It’s almost Halloween, guys! The candy! The costumes! The cocktails!
And most importantly, the release of season two of “Stranger Things”!
Truly, it’s the best time of the year. Ahem... If you’re single.
But if you happen to be a parent, October really does live up to its
reputation as the scariest month (and not just because your kids won’t
let you binge... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Foster Empathy for Bullying
Prevention
10/18/2017 - In a previous tip, Know! The End of Bullying Begins With
YOU, we learned that in 2016, more than one in five students reported
being bullied. Regardless of what position a child is in - a target,
bully, or bystander – they are at an increased risk for a variety of
mental health and behavioral problems, including substance abuse. In
addition to positive... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! The End of Bullying Begins With YOU
October is Bullying Prevention Month - 10/11/2017 - Wondering why we
hear so much about bullying? Because there’s way too much of it going
on and it’s a huge problem for everyone involved. Students report
getting bullied most often because of looks, body shape, race and
sexual orientation. While every child is at risk for being the target... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… This is my face, By Aprill
Brandon
My son has spent approximately 1,277 days on this Earth. My daughter,
roughly 455. Counting the ones I took today, I have exactly 18 billion
photos of them. Oops. Sorry. 18 billion and one. They just did the
cutest thing, you guys. And they look amazing in every single one of
these photos, even including the newborn “Benjamin Button” ones. (No,
YOU’RE bias... read
more.
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As
the NFL Turns, By Susan Olling
I’ve been trying to ignore the continuing soap opera involving
NFL players, the NFL Commissioner, and the knee thing. However,
this drama seems to be everywhere. Since it’s been hard to
ignore, here are my two cents. It seems that somewhere in the mists of
time, the playing of Mr. Key’s little ditty, along with standing
while it’s played, became customary... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! How Your Parenting Style Measures Up
for Success
10/4/2017 - In a previous parent tip, Know! – What Kind of Parent Are
You? we broke down the four basic parenting styles. Based on the
descriptions, you were hopefully able to determine your overall
parenting style. Now is your chance to see how your parenting style
measures up for your child’s success. To review, the four basic
parenting... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Becoming human again, By
Aprill Brandon
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a married woman in
possession of a few children must be in want of a life. It took me 23
minutes to come up with that line. I regret nothing. My amazing
literary pun skills aside, I’m not kidding about that truth. Because we
do. Oh, how we do. We want (and need) a full life. Not that we moms
don’t live for our kids... read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… Medicaid funding to hurt counties statewide
The fall season has officially appeared. Although one wouldn’t have
known it the last week or so of September with temperatures in the
80’s. Now at the end things are more back to normal weather wise. It is
now starting to look and feel like fall with the temperatures, and
farmers starting to harvest beans and some corn. Sad to say, but it
won’t be long till winter rears its ugly head. This month... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Why does Hollywood keep breaking my heart?
By Aprill Brandon
I don’t remember the first time it happened. I’m sure I was young
though. Youth is the time when idol worship is at its peak. But I do
know that since then it has happened on a fairly regular basis and yet
I never grow any wiser. No matter how many times they rip my heart out
of my chest and stomp on it and then run over its tattered remains with
their super... read
more.
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Support
the MVCTC Levy, Jim Buchy
The Miami Valley Career Technology Center services 27 local school
districts across a nine county area. For almost 50 years
thousands of students have been educated there and are successful,
productive workers in the Miami Valley and beyond. There is a great
need for physical updates and infrastructure need for the
buildings. On November 7, the voters of the Miami Valley... read
more.
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Know!
To create an after school prevention plan
9/20/2017 -- Heading back to school is a time of transition, especially
for students entering middle or high school or students attending a new
school. Studies show that times of transition increase a child’s risk
for substance use. For some students it is the stress of having to
navigate through a new school building and seeing so many new faces;
for others it is the new or increased peer pressure to fit in and
belong... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The difference between raising boys and
girls, By Aprill Brandon
Here’s a fun fact you might not know: Strangers love talking to
parents. I mean, LOVE it. Every time I leave my house with my kids, we
are bombarded by strangers who ask all kinds of totally appropriate
questions, like, “Are those gingers!? Carol, look, she’s got two
gingers!” and “How did YOU end up with redheads? You don’t have red
hair. Tell me your family’s... read
more.
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Toddler
Next Door, By Susan Olling
If every day’s a new adventure when you’re a toddler, according to Mr.
History, our little neighbor has been having quite a few
adventures. Oliver’s tall for his age: two-and-one-half but wears
clothing for four-year-olds. When he first started to make intelligible
sounds, Oliver learned to say “fork”. Well, he meant an eating
utensil. However, the “r” sound was missing...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! What Kind of a Parent Are You?
9/11/2017 - Did you know that depending on your parenting style, you
are likely increasing or decreasing your child’s odds for drinking,
smoking and using other drugs? In fact, your parenting style affects
everything from your child’s social skills and self-esteem to their
school performance and overall decision-making. A family’s parenting... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… (Kid)-free at last, (kid)-free at last,
By Aprill Brandon
Hey, do you guys remember what it was like before you had kids? Like,
what you used to do on a typical pre-spawn Saturday? What it felt like
to have a million hours stretched out in front of you where you could
do anything you wanted? And, most importantly, if candy tasted better
eaten out in the open instead of while huddled in a corner of a
locked... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Social anxiety increases substance
abuse risk
9/6/2017 - Many adults are known to drink alcohol at social functions
to “loosen up” and feel more comfortable interacting with others. Well,
guess what? Many of our teens are doing the exact same thing. It is
often referred to as “liquid courage” because, after a few drinks, a
person may no longer feel afraid to get out there and dance, to ask out
a love... read
more.
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St. Marys School… Easing into the School Year,
By Kathy Ayette
Hard to believe that summer vacation is now just a pleasant memory and
we are already in our third week of school. I should add
the third loooong week of school. We eased into the year with two
four-day weeks. Normally I complain about four-day weeks.
Yes, I can hear your gasps. The reason I really don’t like
four-day weeks is that most of the programs...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Putting a bird on brunch, By
Aprill Brandon
You know how people are afraid of turning a street corner and suddenly
realizing they are in the “bad” part of town? Or walking into a bar and
seeing that’s it’s filled with bikers and ruffians? Well, I have the
opposite fear. My fear is walking into a new place and realizing with
horror that it’s fancy. That they don’t have bartenders, they have
“mixologists.” That the... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! The Middle School Challenges and
Changes
8/28/2017 - 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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Football,
By Susan Olling
It’s that time of year again. Yes, when normally sane-looking
people have to make a pilgrimage to the nearest television or stadium
to watch a football game. Why? During a hotel stay recently, last
year’s Buckeye Nut U. vs. Ann Arbor Tech game was being repeated.
This Buckeye Nut U. alumna, who went to most of the home games during
her time at The... read
more.
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Bucket
Lists, By Bob Robinson
Several years ago – actually many more than I’d like to remember – a
young lady I mentored while editor at The Advocate, and her Ball State
roommate – met my wife, Susan, and me at the Great Darke County Fair.
She and her roommate had a “bucket list” – ten things they were going
to eat before the night was over. I don’t remember everything on the
list, but it was pretty extensive... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Oh, how time flies when you’re super annoyed,
By Aprill Brandon
I remember it like it was yesterday. But really it was this morning. I
think. It’s hard telling. When you’re the parent of small children,
roughly one thousand things happen between now and 30 minutes ago. Most
of them involving bodily fluids. So, time is fluid, to say the least.
(Shut up, I’m writing this on two hours sleep). Awful puns aside, the
other day I was... read
more.
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Commissioners’ Corner… More on MCO, CORSA and MARCS
August is gone and with it the official end of summer. That means
schools are back in session, High School football is in full swing,
swimming pools will be closing soon, and the weather will slowly get
cooler and less humid. It is hard to believe that this year is 2/3rds
gone already! This month is always a little slower than the others
because... read
more.
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Start Talking… Know! Transition Increases Risk
8/21/2017 - While there is much excitement about the start of a new
school year, there may be much apprehension and anxiety as well. This
may be especially so for youth entering their first year of middle or
high school, and for adolescents of any age transitioning to a new
school (because of a move or several other reasons). The thought of
unfamiliar... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… A funny thing happened on the way to New
Hampshire,
By Aprill Brandon - Family vacations are a funny thing. Essentially all
you are doing is taking a group of people who are together all the time
and plopping them down… Hi! Um...hi… Where was I? Oh yes, and plopping
them down into a new location. But this simple act of geography change
can… Hello! Uh...hello? That was weird. Anyway, as I was saying, this
simple act of taking you... read
more.
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Prioritizing
Education As the New School Year Begins
It’s hard to believe, but another school term has begun. With summer
winding down and more school buses on the streets, students all across
Ohio are entering the classroom again or beginning a new chapter in
their educational journey. College students and those in vocational or
tech schools are also gearing up for a new school year. As state
legislators, one... read
more.
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The
Great Darke County Fair… Nothing else holds a candle, By
Bob Robinson
Rain or shine, excited or tired, happy or grumpy… we see it all at the
annual Great Darke County Fair. What I find so fascinating about this
annual 9-day event, is the bringing together and hard work of so many
diverse populations. Happy, grumpy or otherwise. There are local
vendors and those who travel the county fair circuits, offering
everything from... read
more.
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The Drug Epidemic… This Could Work! By Kate Burch
Probably no one above the age of ten is unaware that we are in the
midst of a “heroin epidemic.” That is actually a misnomer, as
heroin is no longer the most dangerous drug of abuse. Fentanyl, a
highly potent opioid, and the drug that killed the performer Prince, is
now the most circulated and most abused addictive drug. Its
derivative, carfentanil, is... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! The Trending Online Suicide Game:
Blue Whale Challenge
8/9/2017 -- There’s yet another online trend catching the attention of
tweens and teens around the world. It’s called the Blue Whale
Challenge. But unlike some of the fun, harmless challenges we’ve seen
in the past, the Blue Whale Challenge poses dire consequences. To win
this game is to take one’s own life. This social media game that is
being accessed through Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… It’s time we had the talk, By
Aprill Brandon
Hey. Hi. How are you doing? Busy? Yeah, me too. But if you have a
minute, could you come over here? *pats couch* Oh, you’d rather stay
there? Sure, no problem. We can just do this right here in the kitchen
then. Look, I know this won’t be easy. But it’s time. We’ve put this
off for long enough. I know, I know. I’ve been dreading it too.
But...sigh... We... read
more.
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The
legacy we leave to our kids, By Bob Robinson
Remember Art Linkletter’s “Kids Say the Darndest Things”? I thought the
comments were hilarious… or maybe it was just the looks Linkletter
panned for the camera. Don’t know… I just know I laughed a lot. The
show has been gone for decades; it’s been replaced by Internet
offerings from dozens of different sources. I checked some of them out.
Hmm… With only a few... read
more.
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Microsoft’s
Plan to Expand Broadband Would Benefit Rural Americans,
Alden Abbott - August 07, 2017 - The growth of “broadband” (or high
speed) internet access has bestowed enormous benefits on the American
economy. Roughly 300 million Americans have access to
broadband—increasingly on mobile devices—which enables them to buy and
sell goods and services; carry out business transactions; connect with
clients, friends, and relatives; and obtain...
read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Body Image Matters
8/1/2017 - Summer is a season of sleeveless tops, shorts and bathing
suits, so what better time than now to talk with youth about their body
image. Body Image is the way individuals think and feel about their own
body, as well as how they perceive others to think and feel about their
appearance. Heavily influenced by family, friends and media, one’s... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… What My Kids Did On My Summer Vacation,
By Aprill Brandon
Hey! Hi! How are you?! We are Aprill’s kids! And we want to tell you
all about what we did on our summer vacation. This summer was great! We
did so many fun things! And we did all those fun things for roughly an
hour and 15 minutes before having dual marathon meltdowns! Mommy said
this was because when we get overstimulated we turn into evil swamp... read
more.
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Darke County Commissioners… Perspective: Dispatch/9-1-1 Emergency
Services
In the last few months, there has been a tremendous amount of
misleading information concerning the proposal and the operation of the
dispatch/9-1-1 emergency service that was discussed between the County
and the City. During this time, there have been many opinions formed
based upon half information, tidbits of fact, and emotions... read
more.
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What
is Independence Day? By Abigail Bond, Edison
Communications Student
On July 4th 2017 I attended the annual parade on Miami Street in West
Milton, Ohio. I walked the street asking 12 children the same question,
“why are we here today?”. Many of the children would beam, saying
excitedly, “for the parade!” and others would say “for the candy!” They
were all very enthusiastic and were enjoying the celebratory
activities... read
more.
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Voters
to be asked for emergency communications levy
July has been a very busy month in the Commissioner’s office. We have
had parades, and festivals to attend, along with the regular business
of the County. The month started on the 1st with the Ansonia 4th of
July parade. Finally, the parade had excellent weather, and a good
crowd was on hand. The parades that we attend are always a fun time
for... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Pause, Breathe, Think, Act
7/26/2017 - In a previous Know! tip, the Effect of Peer Presence, we
discussed the fact that the mere presence of peers can lead a young
person to take risks he or she wouldn’t normally take on their own, and
that the main culprit is the adolescent brain and its underdeveloped
self-control center. In addition to parental supervision and extra... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Boogers: A love story, By
Aprill Brandon
There are a lot of mysteries in this world we have yet to solve. Why do
we all accept kale as food when clearly it’s gross? Why do we all
remember it as Berenstein Bears and not Berenstain Bears? Why do we all
hate Anne Hathaway and her stupid face so much? And then there’s black
holes and stuff. But while there are a million think pieces on Anne’s... read
more.
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If
you could just learn how to behave, By Susan Olling
This piece runs the gamut. Fasten your seatbelts, and read on.
There are mystifying lists of the best you-fill-in-the-blank. Who
takes them seriously? Someone ranked the top twenty
expensive, overrated tourist destinations. Mount Rushmore made
the list. Really? Washington, D.C. did not. It
certainly isn’t cheap to visit here, and it’s very much
overrated. There... read
more.
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Great
memories to look back on, By Katie Hurd, Miss Annie Oakley
2016
This last year of 2016 was a roller coaster of events with the Miss
Annie Oakley contest. I had finally won after 3 years of trying, and
countless hours of practicing. This year was the best year for me
to win it. Why? I had just gotten my license, so my parents were happy
to not have to drive me everywhere and just let me go to the places I
needed to be at. The first three... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Summer Freedom and its Challenges!
7/18/2017 -- It is normal and healthy for adolescents to seek increased
independence as they grow and develop. It is also normal for parents to
have a hard time letting go. Naturally, we worry about our children’s
health and safety and quite frankly, their ability to make good
decisions. However, in order for our children to become mature,
responsible, self-disciplined young people...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… And the award for World’s Worst Soccer Mom
goes to...
By Aprill Brandon - My toddler just started playing on a soccer team.
Of course, by “soccer” I mean allegedly a sport in other parts of the
world, and by “team” I mean a loose configuration of tiny humans who
run around confused and desperately try to avoid playing anything that
resembles “soccer.” It’s super fun (she types wishing there was a
sarcasm font). No, no. Really, it is... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! The Effect of Peer Presence
7/16/2017 - We all know the heavy influence peer pressure can have on a
tween/teen, especially when it comes to risk-taking behaviors like
drinking, smoking and using other drugs. But are you aware of the
impact the mere presence of peers can have on an adolescent’s
decision-making, without any coercing or encouragement at all?
Psychologists... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… 25 Things I Won’t Feel Bad About For Anymore,
By Aprill Brandon
I don’t know about you but it seems that I am always feeling bad about
something. An awkward social interaction, losing my patience with my
kids, eating anything that is not kale. I mean, not even 15 minutes
ago, I was feeling awful because I spilled lukewarm coffee on my
toddler and then dropped a meatball on my baby’s face. But the
older I get, the more... read
more.
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Claws
are Better for Paws, By Paige Burns
The domestication of cats began about 12,000 years ago, and today cats
are one of the most popular animals to have as pets. Because cats are
natural predators, they are born with sharp claws that are used to
catch their prey. As domestic pets, cats don’t necessarily need their
claws because they don’t need to catch their food. Without the need... read
more.
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Start Talking… Know! To STOP Sexting in its Tracks
6/30/2017 - In a previous tip, Know! Your Child’s Risk for Sexting, we
talked about the prevalence of teen sexting, the problems it can cause
and the importance of making this topic a priority in your
conversations with your pre-teens and teens. In this tip, we provide
parents with ideas on taking those conversations beyond, “You better
never…” Sexting... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The Summer of Aprill! (And Hairy Russian
Bears!), By Aprill Brandon
This summer, you guys. This is the summer. The summer I will think back
on when I’m old in rosy, golden, Instagram hues. Full of sunsets and
ice cream on the porch and ridiculous neon-colored cocktails. My
husband and I, still somewhat youthful and virile, our two children
still small enough to be enchanted with bubbles and sprinklers; all of
us just... read
more.
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The birth of America,
By Bob Robinson
ANSONIA – “Why are you here?” I love asking that question… Memorial Day
Parade and Independence Day Parade. Beyond the usual – “it’s a parade”
or “the candy” – I never know what to expect. Lots of red, white and
blue. Adults and kids. Sunglasses, T-shirts, hair decorations! Big
smiles. Well… mostly. Got “the parade” a couple times, candy once;
even... read
more.
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Commissioner’s
Corner… Looking for a good
second half of 2017
The year is officially half over already. This first half of 2017 has
been a mix of either too wet, or too dry, and one day of 85, one day of
65. June though, overall has been good to Darke County. We hope that
the second half of 2017 is just as good. This month has been a little
slower in the Commissioner’s office compared to May. This scenario
seems to be the way it goes; not enough time...
read
more.
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The
Chance for Something Greater, by Will McCabe
“You are an incredible human being, you know that?” “You are one of a
kind.” “There is no one like you.” Those phrases ordinarily are said to
be uplifting. However, sometimes they can give the opposite effect.
Your uniqueness can overwhelm you, your differences stick out so much
so often that you feel isolated and alone. There is no one like you. As
a... read
more.
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Representative Steve Huffman… Addressing the Opioid Epidemic in Ohio
Ohio’s most pressing and urgent issue is the drug abuse and addiction
epidemic that is ravaging our families and communities. Because the
crisis threatens the health of our entire state and has the potential
to prevent future growth, the Ohio House has taken great strides
towards facing its many challenges with a multifaceted approach. In the
House-passed version of the state operating budget...
read
more.
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Start
Talking! at summer camps
6/20/2017 -- Kids who hear about the dangers of drugs from trusted
adults are up to 50 percent less likely to use. Mentors at summer
camps, or band and sport camps, can support Ohio’s youth in making
healthy choices. Camp leaders can lead a Start Talking!discussion and
share the facts about the dangers of alcohol, illegal drugs and the
misuse of prescription medications... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Preschool, By Aprill Brandon
There are a lot of private decisions you make as a parent that you hope
and pray never become public, else it makes you look like a bad parent.
Like, say, letting them wear the same clothes three days in a row. Or
giving them crackers and jelly beans for dinner because you can’t
handle one more tantrum. Or letting them watch that third “Sesame
Street” episode... read
more.
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Who
Are We, Anyway? By Kate Burch
I have a son whose job has required that he and his family live in
Europe for the past four years. I recently went for a visit, and
they took Grandma along for a family vacation to Israel. This was
an extremely generous gift and the fulfillment of a long-held wish to
see Jerusalem. I was profoundly moved to learn about and experience the
holy sites in Jerusalem. However... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Your Child's Risk for Sexting
6/15/2017 - As any parent or caregiver raising teenagers knows,
smartphones play a leading role in their daily lives. While social
media, apps and messaging provide a fun and highly accessible path to
connect and share with friends, such outlets also allow youth to
connect with those they should not be connecting with and share things
they should... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… 36 Things I’ve Learned in 36 Years,
By Aprill Brandon
1. Life is too short to waste time matching socks. 2. Small children
are the funniest people on the planet. 3. Humidity is dumb. 4. The best
thing you can save up your money for is a family vacation. I don’t
remember what gifts I got for my birthday three years ago or what I had
for breakfast yesterday or even where I set down my youngest child just
now... read
more.
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Message
to D.C. Visitors… Be Respectful, By Susan Olling
This contribution was intended to be about another topic, but something
from the Midwest changed it. For all tourists who drive to D.C. and
plan to park on the National Mall or the Tidal Basin, be warned.
The days of free parking will end on Monday, June 12. About
eleven hundred parking spaces on the Mall and the Tidal Basin will be
metered. Drivers will have to... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Bust Summer Boredom
6/7/2017 - Moving further into June, for many families, means that kids
are sitting around the house complaining of summer boredom. Annoying?
Yes. Potentially dangerous? You bet. While there is absolutely nothing
wrong with teens experiencing a little boredom, too much time on their
hands with “nothing to do” can lead to trouble, like experimenting... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Requiem for a nap, By Aprill
Brandon
It was all planned out. A perfect Friday. A beautiful summer day. A
much needed antidote to the stress and chaos of the four previous days.
All I needed to do was stick to the plan and we would slide easily into
the weekend. Just stick to the plan. Wake up. Breakfast. Episode of
“Sesame Street” to hypnotize the kids so I could squeeze in a
luxurious... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Talk Teen Stranger Danger
5/31/2017 - If you’re a parent or other caregiver of teens, you likely
have had repeated “stranger danger” talks with them when they were
younger. You taught them not to talk to strangers. You warned them not
to fall prey to the stereotypical child lure of being offered candy to
get into someone’s car, and so on. Those types of stranger danger
safety... read
more.
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Start Talking!... Know! What Your Kids Are Watching - 13
Reasons Why
5/23/2017 - Even if you haven’t heard of 13 Reasons Why, don’t assume
your pre-teen or teen hasn’t, and do approach this as if he/she may
have caught some, several or all 13 episodes. The controversy
surrounding this show is the subject matter and how it is being
addressed, including depression, bullying, emotional abuse, substance... read
more.
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Greenville
Police/Fire Dispatch
To the citizens of Greenville: The Greenville Police Department is in
full support of keeping the Police and Fire Dispatch center serving the
citizens of Greenville. We have a dedicated and well trained staff who
have the best interest of our citizens and businesses in mind. The GPD
is a nationally accredited police agency through CALEA (The
Commission... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Chores, By Aprill Brandon
I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. I’m guessing it has
something to do with a mother’s natural inclination to try to do
everything herself. I mean, it’s hard to juggle 37 things at once by
yourself. But it can often be harder to ask someone to jump in and
match your exact rhythm to help you keep all those balls in the air.
Mom: I need help!... read
more.
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Commissioners Corner… May brought student day, new hirings, new
businesses & more
May has certainly been a mixed bag of weather and happenings! One
day it is 40, followed by 70 the next day, then dumped on by rain,
followed by a day of sunshine, then more rain. I think May is
schizophrenic! We are hoping May will finally get its act
together so we can have some resemblance of a Spring! May has been very
busy here in the... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The real battle of the sexes,
By Aprill Brandon
No matter how strong your relationship is, there will come a time when
your love is put to the test. And this moment will come when you least
expect it. It could be next Tuesday. Or a Saturday two months from now.
But it will happen. And it will happen right before dinner time. And it
will go down just like this: MAN: What do you want to eat? WOMAN: Oh, I
don’t... read
more.
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Huffman… Honoring America’s Fallen Soldiers this
Memorial Day
What does being an American mean to you? Each of us has our own ideas
of what makes up the character of our great nation, but there are
certain indivisible principles that we all hold dear. We are a people
who subscribe to the values of freedom and equality. Our heritage is
rooted in the belief that all men and women are entitled to life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Prevent Huffing, Sniffing and
Bagging
5/17/2017 - What do nail polish, deodorant spray, permanent markers and
correction fluid all have in common? They are all items we would expect
to find in our children’s bedroom or study area, right? They certainly
are not products that would signal a red flag or cause us to question
their use - nor should they necessarily. However, each of... read
more.
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My
Love Note to Salewa, By Kate Young
“Nope do it again… No. Not like that. Again. Noooo.”
“Tell me what I’m doing wrong?!” “I need your foot in the middle of my
frame.” “Where’s the middle of your frame?!” “Move your foot
forward… A little more… Right there. Step right there.” “You’re a
dork”. If there was a mouse listening to my sister and me while
we filmed, this is the conversation he... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Focus On Mental Health
5/9/2017 -- If our pancreas has a chemical imbalance, we seek
treatment. If our kidneys are not physiologically working right, we
seek treatment. When our most complex organ, the brain, is not
physiologically working right or has a chemical imbalance, for some
reason we ignore or hide it. May is Mental Health Month; an opportunity
to break the negative stigma that surrounds mental illness... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I’m wearing these yoga pants ironically,
By Aprill Brandon
It’s no secret that when you become a mom, you go through a bit of an
identity crisis. It can be hard to remember who you were when it feels
like who you are now is someone who spends all of her time cleaning up
mystery stains. Is that poop or chocolate? Apple juice or pee? I used
to be on a first name basis with the mayor and win journalism awards... read
more.
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Just
Because You’re Paranoid… By Kate Burch
We read these days about the “conspiracy theorists” claiming falsely
that there exists a “deep state” composed mostly of Obama
administration holdovers who are busily undermining the attempts of the
Trump administration to realize its goals. According to the
pundits, who are hand-in-glove with the “resistance,” all
right-thinking people are outraged by... read
more.
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NPR Ed… A Public University Acquires A Big
For-Profit, And Raises Big Questions,
By Anya Kamenetz - In a move that's being called "bold" and "out of the
blue," Indiana's Purdue University is acquiring the for-profit Kaplan
University. In announcing the deal last week, Purdue President Mitch
Daniels said it was designed to open the university up to a vast new
pool of students nationwide. "We cannot honor our land-grant mission in
the 21st century without reaching... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Arm Them with Education,
Motivation, Expectations and the X-Plan
-- 5/2/2017 -- In previous Know! tips, we discussed the prevalence of
underage drinking and the many negative consequences that can go along
with it. We also shared an important fact; young people who begin
drinking before the age of 15 are six times more likely to develop
alcoholism or have problems with alcohol later in life, compared to
those who wait until turning 21... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Oh, the places you’ve been, By
Aprill Brandon
My little brother is graduating high school. And yes, if you’re doing
the math in your head, let me just stop you right there. There is a 17
year gap in our ages. I joke that my mom needed that long to recover
from my birth and let’s just leave it at that instead of getting into
the whole “she was a single mom for a long time and then finally found
love” story. Besides, this... read
more.
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Start Talking! Students Awarded for Drug Prevention Videos
4/23/2017 - Five students from Genoa Area High School in Ottawa County
were recognized on April 20 by representatives from Drug Free Action
Alliance, the Start Talking! program and Verizon for submitting the
winning video in the Start Recording/Start Talking statewide video
contest. The top three videos and the students who produced them were... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I called my kid a butthead in public,
By Aprill Brandon
There have been times in my writing career that I have slightly
exaggerated a story for comedic effect. Not much, mind you. Just a
detail or two, here or there. For instance, when my kids are driving me
insane, I don’t actually chug a whole bottle of whiskey. It’s half a
bottle, tops. So, with that said, let me assure you that what follows
below is not one... read
more.
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Ramblings of an Old Man… Why Teachers Teach, By Bob
Robinson
“They cheered.” “Huh?” “They cheered,” said the teacher. “When they
heard you were subbing today, the whole class cheered. They didn’t even
know they’d be seeing you.” She grinned when she saw the expression on
my face. Confused? Uh… yeah! The students had entered the room and I
had to focus on settling them down long enough to learn what their
teacher... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! April is Alcohol Awareness Month
4/12/2017 - The media has done a good job bringing to light the
prevalence and severity of the use of heroin, prescription drugs and
marijuana among our nation’s youth. But what about alcohol? We don’t
hear much about it in the news anymore. Is underage drinking still that
widespread? And is it really that big of a deal? YES and YES. Alcohol
remains... read
more.
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State Senator Bill Beagle… Modernizing Ohio's Child Support Guidelines
As a parent myself, as well as the chairman of the Ohio Commission on
Fatherhood, I know firsthand that all children deserve the best
possible quality of life in order to prepare them for the future. Child
poverty’s devastating effects on families, education and eventually
one’s ability to work are well documented. Improving financial support
for Ohio’s children is why I introduced Senate Bill 125, which aims... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Guess who’s negotiating for dinner?
By Aprill Brandon
I’m not exactly sure when it happened. I have a feeling it was
something like when you go broke: gradually, then all at once. But
somehow our nightly family dinners have turned into a one big
negotiation (occasionally escalating into a full-blown hostage
situation). It doesn’t matter what I make. It doesn’t matter how many
options I give. It doesn’t matter that... read
more.
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What
I learned at the Senior Job Fair, By Mike Stegall
Tuesday April 12th at the Greenville High School, seniors from most of
the schools in the county came to visit with, interview, and to be
interviewed by 15 of our fine businesses. Lisa Wendel, our
workforce specialist, has done a great job organizing and putting on
this event along with Melanie Nealeigh, the office coordinator.
The Economic Development office has... read
more.
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Ramblings of an Old Man… Loss of Innocence, By Bob
Robinson
“How old are you, Mr. Robinson?” 72. “Aww… nobody’s that old!” “Yeah,
they are,” says another… “My grandma’s older than that!” I assure the
students that, yes, I am that old and, when necessary, remind them…
“I’m an old man, right?” Right! “Have you ever heard the term, Grumpy
Old Man?” A few say no, a few say yes… but quite a few have heard... read
more.
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College
Credit Plus… What does “College-Ready” mean?
Are you interested in College Credit Plus for your son or daughter, but
aren’t sure if he or she is ready for college? Many parents who have
students in grades 7 through 12 are excited for this option, and their
sons and daughters are academically ready, but it’s important to
consider all of the aspects of being “college ready.” Here are just a... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! Puberty is a Brain-Changer
4/5/2017 - Cracking voices, body odor and wild mood swings - all
indicators of the long-awaited and sometimes dreaded period in every
adolescents’ life. We’re talking puberty. Most youth are well-aware of
the physical changes they can expect their bodies to go through, but do
they know the impact of puberty on their brains? Are your children... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Rollercoaster of Love (and Anger and Guilt
and Exhaustion),
By Aprill Brandon - “So, how was your day?” Has there ever been a more
loaded question? Yes. But for my purposes here, I need you to ignore
that. Because I get asked this on a daily basis. Sometimes multiple
times during that daily basis. And it stumps me every single time. How
was my day? How was my whole, entire, day? Well, nothing is currently
on fire. That’s how my... read
more.
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Start Talking! Know! To Secure, Monitor and Properly
Dispose
3/29/2017 - Tis the season for spring cleaning. As you’re working hard
to get your home decluttered, organized, spotless and sparkling, be
sure to include the clearing out of old, unused or unwanted medicines –
it’s a vitally important task. Families are continuing to be devastated
and destroyed as children by medicine abuse. Kids end up in the ER... read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Free at last, free at last, By
Aprill Brandon
Hi. How’s your day going? I have cabbage leaves in my bra. And no, this
isn’t some fancy new way to make coleslaw I learned from Gwyneth
Paltrow on Goop (although I wouldn’t put it past her). Oh no. My bra is
stuffed with produce because it allegedly has healing powers. Which I
need because after nine long months, I am …(drum roll, please)… finally
weaning... read
more.
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Commissioner’s
Corner March 2017
Is it just me or should February have been March and March should have
been February? This weather has been completely confused! Seventy-
degree weather in February and 30’s in March was the norm this year.
Hopefully, now that we are at the end of the month, things will get
back to a more normal setting, and April will be a regular April! March
has been... read
more.
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