Opinion Darke County News Online

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Broke Wife, Big City… My baby is better than your baby, By Aprill Brandon
I always said I would never be one of those parents that beamed with pride every time my kid did something, like fart. You know the parents I’m talking about. They show you their newborn and then regale you with endless tales about how the precious little lump can gurgle and spit up at a five-month-old level. And have you ever seen a more perfect poop? The kid can poop perfectly every single… read more.

Preserve and Protect, By Carla Surber, GCSD Treasurer
I was a child who was raised with core values in an agricultural community, and learned the importance of preserving what you have. I conduct my business in this way, both personally and professionally, regarding ownership and maintenance of property. “To preserve what you have for future generations” is a phrase that I hold as a truism. On May 6th, we have an opportunity to renew a permanent improvement levy. This will be the sixth time we can… read more.

Big bang meets the iron triangle, By Jim Surber
Do you ever wonder what influences people to believe some things and disbelieve others? I’m not referring to gossip, rumors, or even news reports; but specific universal beliefs or findings. Last month, an AP poll asked people to rate their confidence in several statements about science and medicine, and found broad acceptance of some statements and skepticism or outright disbelief in others. Of those polled, only 4 to… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. Ghandi’s “Seven Deadly Sins”, …The New American Way, By Joe Facinoli - There are times, it seems, when a man’s work is never quite done. It’s been sixty six years since Mahatma Mohandas Ghandi was assassinated in India, …over eighty years since he accomplished some of his most renowned work, in that country, …and over a century since he tried, in vain, to end apartheid in South Africa. But little did he know, that here and now (well into his prophetic future), he… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Reviewing State Budget to Maintain Ohio’s Momentum
Governor Kasich recently proposed his Mid-Biennial Budget Review, or MBR, which gives lawmakers a second look at the budget that was passed last year and allows us to determine where improvements can be made. Because of the vast size of the bill—surpassing 1,600 pages—the House rightfully decided to break it down into smaller components so that each separate issue can receive appropriate level of oversight… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Putting on my mom jeans one leg at a time, By Aprill Brandon
I’m not sure when it started. And quite frankly, it took me by surprise. I mean, I had always prided myself on having no life and thus was able to keep up with such things. But somewhere between entering my 30’s and having a baby, I became out of touch with pop culture. Granted, it’s not like I’m to the point where I’m wearing mom jeans and referring to Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack Gypsypants yet. But it is… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… Fighting on Behalf of Our Seniors
The president’s health care law continues to wreak havoc on the seniors, families, and small businesses in our area – the people who make our corner of Ohio so great. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that 122,000 people living in the Cincinnati region alone rely on the Medicare Advantage program. Nationwide, that number is in the millions. And because of ObamaCare, those seniors are paying higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs, as well as… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. Just 272 Words, …so Brilliant, …so Important, …but now, so Ignored, By Joe Facinoli - Which of these lines, from our history, is more important, or more relevant? “….certain unalienable rights, …life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Or, “….government of the people, by the people, for the people….” Yep, pretty tough to pick. Almost a “chicken or the egg” thing. The first, of course, from our Declaration of Independence, …that most purposeful and powerful of… read more.

Ohio Republican Party… Chairman Matt Borges Update
Greetings! It was another good week for Ohio Republicans. We saw major grassroots work in the field, more mishaps from the Democrats, we announced plans for our State Dinner on May 10th, and we saw more jobs coming to Ohio. Precinct Leaders in Franklin County. Yesterday was a national day of action for Republicans across the country and Ohio, as our precinct-level grassroots organization… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Conquering the Drug Problem
Drug addiction is something that harms everybody in the community. Families suffer emotional turmoil and taxpayers have to pay the brunt of rehabilitation programs and prevention. Recently, the drug problem that faces Ohio and the entire country has been made known, which is the first step in reducing its severity. Prevention is the best way to stop the spread of addiction. Unlike common belief, legal prescription drugs can… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Protecting Your Future: Stopping Credit Report Errors
Your credit report has an enormous impact on your financial future. Banks, credit card companies, and employers all reference credit reports when they decide whether to make a loan to a potential customer or offer a job to a prospective employee. That is why it’s critical that credit reporting agencies maintain and provide accurate credit information about consumers. Yet too often millions of Americans have errors – not of their own making – on their credit… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… A baby by any other name, By Aprill Brandon
I’ll never forget the first time I got the “Look.” In fact, I was still in the hospital, recovering from having a human being cut out of my abdomen, when it happened. The nursing shift was changing and the new night nurse came in to give me some more of those magical pain pills (that I’m pretty sure are made from unicorn manes and the sneezes of a baby panda). Nurse: “Aw, he’s adorable. What’s his… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Elections Reforms Promote Fairness and Continuity
A recurring focus in the Ohio House of Representatives since I returned in 2011 has been reforming the state’s election systems. We have enacted a number of reforms to try and bring more continuity and fairness to the way ballots are cast here in Ohio. Most recently, the House passed a series of bills directed specifically at issues like early voting and absentee ballots. The goal throughout the process was trying to find ways to maintain easy access for… read more.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted… Enact Online Voter Registration
COLUMBUS – Today the PEW Charitable Trusts released its 2012 Election Performance Index Study, an independent, non-partisan national report that highlights the significant progress Ohio has made in making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. All of the following may be attributed to Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted: “Here we have yet another independent and nonpartisan national group calling attention to significant… read more.

Hospital Event March-April 2014
The purpose of this effort is to make sure that all citizens (Darke County and Columbus) are fully aware that changes have occurred in the process of your health care effective January 1, 2014 (maybe everyone knew this but I sure did not) and to offer a series of events that lead to many new bits/bytes of knowledge you may find of value. With a very few exceptions, names have been omitted because of an inability… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. When We Choose Sides, ….THAT’S when the Trouble Starts, By Joe Facinoli - It seems that Humans, …People, …Everyone, …All of us, …have to Choose Sides to get through life, …or it doesn’t work for us, …somehow. Us vs. Them. Our brave boys, versus those godless monsters from that other team, …or country, …or group/cause of the day. Right vs. Left. Liberals vs. Conservatives. Dems vs. GOP. Catholics vs. Protestants. Christians vs. Jews. White People vs… read more.

Your help needed… SSSF scholarship selection complete, By Bob Robinson
The Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund is pleased to announce it will be awarding scholarships to seven deserving students the end of April. These are sharp students! They come from different high schools and for the first time one helps a student in his continuing education goals. My eyes glazed over at the number of A’s I saw on transcripts. Huge thanks go to Darrell and Debbie Biddlestone, The Bistro Off Broadway, and the Early Bird, Blue Bag… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… College Affordability: Simplifying the Process for Ohio's Students
Last week, Ohio students started receiving their financial aid packages, containing information about the grants, scholarships, and loans available to them. The rising cost of college tuition means that more students will have to navigate the sometimes confusing process of applying for student loans. Many students end up graduating with costly student loans that prevent them from making other investments like buying homes, starting businesses… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… The baby who cried “WAH!” By Aprill Brandon
I don’t want to appear ageist or anything, but there’s probably a good reason why there are no baby CEO’s or babies currently seated in the Senate. And that reason is that babies are horrible communicators. I know, I know. That’s not a very politically correct thing to think in this day and age. But hey, someone had to say it. And, trust me, I would know. My very own baby just happens to be a baby. And most of… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. “….Happiness is the Truth!” By Joe Facinoli
Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, Aristotle, Buddha, and Pharrell Williams. Who knew ?? The “.…pursuit of Happiness”, is as old as the first humans. It is engrained within us all, as deeply as our most passionate need to be free. And it consumes us, at all times, whether we are even aware of it, …or not. Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha) first “enlightened” us about it, …2500 years ago, in Nepal. Aristotle preached of… read more.

Swarms of locusts… uh, tourists, From a County News Online reader
Hi there, Yep, the time of year lots of us dread is almost upon us: the appearance of those wretched, non-native Tidal Basin bloomers. With them comes the swarm of locusts, uh tourists, descending on Metro. If only some of them would heed the suggestions in the article below. Unfortunately, won’t happen. In addition, the noise level on the trains will increase substantially as groups of tourists try to figure out where they are in the system… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Jobs at the Greenville Whirlpool Plant
Last month, I was so excited to be joined by Senator Keith Faber and Governor John Kasich in Greenville to announce the expansion of the Greenville Whirlpool Plant. The Greenville Plant is truly a success story. The plant has been producing high quality stand mixers for as long as I have been alive, and longer. Recently, Whirlpool has even decided to begin producing hand mixers at the facility. These hand mixers were previously produced in a foreign country, but… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… Republican Budget Means More Jobs & More Security For Hardworking Americans - WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today welcomed Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) introduction of the fiscal year 2015 House Republican budget, The Path to Prosperity: “With this balanced budget, Republicans are continuing to build on our plan to get Americans working again. This fiscal blueprint helps people who work hard and do the right thing by promoting an… read more.

Ohio Issue 1 has earned your support, By Jim Surber
The capital improvements program of the Ohio Public Works Commission has been, and continues to be, the most efficient state program for the replacement of local infrastructure. Ohioans voted to create this highly successful program in 1987 and have overwhelmingly renewed it by their votes in 1995 and 2005. It will be up for renewal again on May 6. The program is funded by bonds sold by Ohio for capital… read more.

ORP Chairman Update, Matt Borges
First, I would like to extend my prayers and well wishes to Representative Ron Young and his family. Ron underwent kidney transplant surgery for his wife of 40 years Friday. Before the surgery Rep. Young joked that he's never been able to deny his wife anything. Reports are that the surgery went well and both are recovering. Please keep them in your thoughts today. Ohio Democrats expose their… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… The President’s Health Care Law Continues to Wreak Havoc
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) issued the following statement on the president’s health care law and its March 31 “deadline” for enrollment: “The president’s health care law continues to wreak havoc on the families, seniors, and small businesses in our area – the people who make our corner of Ohio so great. “I’ve said many times, the problem was never just about the website – it’s the whole law. Millions of Americans are… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… National Service: Strengthening Ohio’s Communities
Five years ago this month – during the height of the economic downturn – Democrats and Republicans came together to invest in a bedrock of the American spirit: serving others. Five years later and Ohioans have truly exemplified what it means to serve. 10,000 Ohioans work to improve their local communities by serving at one of our state's 1500 national service locations, made possible by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The CNCS… read more.

The White House… Obama Touts March 31 enrollment of 7.1 million
Hello everyone, Last night, the first open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act came to an end. And this afternoon, we announced that 7.1 million Americans have now signed up for private insurance plans through the new Health Insurance Marketplaces. 7.1 million. That doesn't count the more than 3 million young adults who have gained insurance under this law by staying on their families' plans. It doesn't count the millions more who have… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… The saga of the bald puppy, By Aprill Brandon
This is a story of how a puppy ruined my life. And not just any puppy. An ugly, wrinkled, bald puppy. An ugly, wrinkled, bald puppy who doesn’t even know proper butt sniffing etiquette. But I get ahead of myself. First allow me to introduce myself. Or re-introduce, as the case may be. You may remember me from the last time I took over Aprill’s column. I’m Buffy, her long-suffering male dog Oh yes… read more.

CPAC: Someone to lead us from the abyss, By Jana Kolling
I’ve never been to DC or a large political event, so March 6-8 was full of first-time experiences. I stumbled upon CPAC two years ago on C-Span, and decided I wanted to be there. The Conservative Political Action Conference was held at the Gaylord, an unbelievable resort on the Potomac, while its host the American Conservative Union was celebrating its 50th anniversary. This was the 41st conference, with Governor Reagan having… read more.

Commissioners Corner… Spring is coming, along with a plan to deal with drug problem
March is here and so far it looks like it is coming “in like a lion and out like a lamb.” Let us hope that the cold, miserable winter we have had is finally closing out. It will be nice to get back to “normal” weather, and normal electric and gas bills again! This winter has been tough on everyone’s pocketbooks, and really hurt some budgets, but we will survive I am sure. Darke County is one of the prettiest places to… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… Fix the VA Backlog Once and For All
The brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our country shouldn’t face a bureaucratic nightmare to get the benefits they have so rightfully earned. And when senior leaders in the Veterans Administration fail those who have put their lives on the line for our country, they deserve a pink slip – not a bonus. So imagine my disbelief when I learned that – despite the persistent backlog and other widespread problems identified by the VA’s… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. The Bill of Rights, ….an “Inconvenient Truth”, By Joe Facinoli
Al Gore may have had it right after all. Right pew, that is, …just the wrong church. Climate change is not the largest roadblock to individual, corporate, or even governmental growth and wellness in this country, …not nearly. Carbon emissions, ozone depletions, and melting icecaps have nothing on the real hindrance to our society moving forward, or even “back” to the future. Nope, …not even close. Quite simply… read more.

Calamity Day Update for Greenville City Schools, By Doug Fries, Superintendent
March 27, 2014 - With Governor John Kasich signing Amended Substitute Bill 416, school districts can now finalize their contingency plans to address makeup days for the 2013-14 school year. One of the key provisions of Amended Substitute HB 416 was a local option for adding four calamity days to the current five days that do not need to be made up, only after districts have used four of their required contingency plan days. Greenville City Schools… read more.

The Grumpy Side of 60… Even grumpy old people need kudos, By Bob Robinson
Two weeks ago I was starting to get a complex. Feeling stupid at the science fair, finding out my brain power was going down the tubes, forgetting an appointment, and the ultimate insult… having an 8-year-old stick her tongue out at me. Not to mention never having any messages from my students in my message box. It was a tough two weeks. I’m happy to report the last two weeks have been better. Well, except for one of my grumpy buddies at… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Death Penalty Reform Needed to Reduce Costs and Make Justice More Efficient - Joy Stewart was a 22-year-old newlywed and was eight months pregnant with her first child in 1989 when she was brutally raped and stabbed, killing her and her unborn child. Because this killer acted in a way that was so heinous, he deserved to be punished with the most serious sentence our legal system allows. In the state of Ohio, this punishment is death. On January 16th, Joy Stewart’s killer was put to death. At his execution, the killer… read more.

Senator Sherrod Brown… LAST WEEK: Sign up for Health Care Before March 31st Deadline
Most people never plan to spend time in the hospital, but sometimes things happen. If you suddenly need medical care but do not have health insurance, you could be stuck paying for the entire bill on your own. With the average cost of a three-day hospital stay exceeding $30,000, it is no surprise that unexpected medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. Each year, nearly two million Americans find… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Day in the life of a new mom, By Aprill Brandon
For those of you in the betting pool who picked that I would fail as a mother within a month, bad news: Riker is still alive. Not even maimed yet. Or as far as I can tell, permanently psychologically damaged (granted, that might change once he finally learns to read and goes through all my old pregnancy columns…”Really, mom? My nickname in utero was Demon Wizard? Really?”). However, now that we have… read more.

RNC & ORP Work to Grow the Party in Ohio
One year ago this week, the Republican National Committee unveiled its Growth and Opportunity Project to expand and strengthen Republican engagement across the country. The Growth and Opportunity Project took input from over 52,000 people to generate a more effective way to connect with voters and grow the Republican Party. Based on these recommendations, a permanent, nationwide, and… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… We’re Holding the President Accountable
"As the weeks go by, I’m receiving more and more calls and emails from people in our local area sharing horror stories about their experiences with the president’s health care law. “Whether it’s families seeing their policies cancelled, seniors losing access to their doctors and other benefits because of ObamaCare’s cuts to Medicare Advantage, or higher premiums for small business workers, people can’t catch a break. “People like Tracy from Hamilton… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Creating a Clear Path to the Middle Class by Strengthening Ohio Manufacturing - In Ohio, we know manufacturing can create a path to the middle class. But during the Great Recession, that path became turbulent as plants across the country shuttered their doors and devastated local communities that depended on their jobs. But today, due to smart investments and a renewed effort in manufacturing, we are adding jobs in that sector for the first time since the 1990s. Since December 2009, the manufacturing… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. Playing with the Big Kids…. By Joe Facinoli
Diplomacy, in its most basic form, is the art of getting what you want, …while at the same time, not making yourself, nor your country, look too Stupid. To accomplish this, you sort of have to have some idea about what you’re doing, and perhaps a plan of some kind. Some experience in this arena would also be helpful, and absent that, some deference to those who do, most often provides a better result. Children, however… read more.

Governor John Kasich… Key Assets get priority in funding proposal
Ohio’s Renewed Fiscal Health Makes Increased Support of Local Projects Possible - COLUMBUS – Ohio’s 2014 Capital Budget, unveiled today by Gov. John R. Kasich, Senate President Keith Faber and House Speaker William G. Batchelder, includes significant new support for local communities’ construction priorities as part of an overall plan for needed improvements to Ohio’s public facilities, including local schools, colleges and universities, parks… read more.

Representative Jim Buchy… Ohio House Addressing Concerns with PARCC and Common Core
No matter how much legislators might disagree on the many important issues impacting our state, when it comes to education I know that every member of the Ohio House wants what is best for our young people and wants our schools to be as productive as possible. One of the most important issues facing education today—as many Ohioans are well aware—is the Common Core State Standards. One piece of legislation… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Investing in Local Communities Hit Hard by Manufacturing Job Loss
Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced legislation that would incentive manufacturing investment in local communities hit hard by major manufacturing job loss. Sen. Brown outlined details of the Manufacturing Communities Investment Act, new legislation which would build on the proven success of the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC). NMTC incentivizes community developers to invest in low income areas. Sen. Brown’s bill would spur local job… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Why women should run the world, By Aprill Brandon
There are a lot of reasons why women should run the world. For instance, most of us usually carry tissues with us at all times (in addition to the 52 other random items in our purse), which could come in handy when dealing with, say, a maniacal dictator who has a runny nose. Dictator: “I WILL BOMB YOUR COUNTRY! DEATH TO…(sniffle)…AMERICA!” Woman: “Would you like a tissue?” Dictator… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… Ohio’s Breakthrough Charter Schools Leading the Way in Education Reform - WASHINGTON, DC – Today, at a hearing entitled, “Raising the Bar: The Role of Charter Schools in K-12 Education,” Mr. Alan Rosskamm, Chief Executive Officer of the Breakthrough Charter Schools in Cleveland, OH, testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on the importance of the charter school movement. Congressman John Boehner (R- West Chester) released the following statement: “It’s… read more.

Secretary of State Jon Husted… Voting Is Easy in Ohio
To all Ohio voters: There has been a lot of discussion about recent changes in the voting laws. Some of that discussion has informed and some of it has misled. As the chief elections official in our state I want you to have the facts about how easy it is to vote in Ohio. Please use it to guide your many choices in casting a ballot in General Election this November. Option 1 – Vote by Mail: Around Labor Day, my office will be sending all registered voters an… read more.

Boehner: House-Passed Bill Holds President Accountable for Enforcing the Law
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) issued the following statement today commending House passage of the Executive Needs to Faithfully Observe and Respect Congressional Enactments of the Law (ENFORCE the Law) Act (H.R. 4138) sponsored by Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC): “The president doesn’t get to decide which laws he’s going to enforce any more than Americans… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Senate Bill 150 Proposes Changes to Ohio’s Agriculture Industry To Improve Water Quality - Farmers are the backbone of our local economy, so it is important to provide them with tools to continue to prosper while protecting local waterways. Ohio agribusiness men have worked tirelessly to adapt to changing circumstances around them by adopting nutrient management plans in order to preserve our natural resources and protect the soil. One piece of legislation being considered… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. One Child’s “Perspective”, …so Simple, …so Pure, …so Profoundly Relevant, By Joe Facinoli - We fight all the battles, endure all the stresses, …but still, …too often we forget just why we do it. We work so hard at it, …every day. And yet, ...too many times we miss the “what for?”. Life, …in It’s purest form, …in It’s most joyous state, ….is supposed to be simple. We eat, we sleep, we provide for our families and do for ourselves, and help others when they need… read more.

Grumpy Side of 60… From ferrofluids to tongues, By Bob Robinson
“Ferrofluids contain nanoparticles of the chemical magnetite or similar iron compounds… My project used synthesis of a ferrofluid without the chemical tetramethylammonium hydroxide…” and so on. My eyes glazed over and I was afraid I was going into overload. So I stopped reading. I assumed this high school student knew what she was talking about. I took chemistry in college and certainly didn’t have a clue. I won’t try to detail it any further, primarily… read more.

U.S. Congressman John Boehner… Obamacare not gaining acceptance
Boehner: "I can tell you with confidence that the law is not gaining acceptance in our region" WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R- West Chester) issued the following statement in response to a news conference held today by Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley encouraging local residents to sign up for coverage under the president’s disastrous health care law: “From the thousands of comments, calls and emails I continue to receive… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Ensuring Ohio Workers Can Compete
We all know that Ohio workers and Ohio manufacturers can compete with anyone. But when a country purposefully manipulates its currency so that its exports are cheaper, that’s not competing – that’s cheating. The result? U.S. exports are more expensive and a deluge of cheap imports flood our markets, costing American manufacturing jobs. Currency manipulation has cost us between one million and five million jobs, and increased our trade deficit to $500… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… GOP Economic Solutions are Working in Ohio; Washington Should Take Note - Mar 7, 2014 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today welcomed reports showing Ohio has created 238,000 new private-sector jobs since January 2011 under Republican Gov. John Kasich’s policies of low taxes, balanced budgets and education reform – a stark contrast to the agenda of President Obama and his Democratic-controlled Senate in Washington… read more.

Greenville City Schools:NO NEW TAXES… Two Mill Permanent Improvement Levy Due for Renewal
Doug Fries, Superintendent - On both November 14, 2013 and December 12, 2013 the Greenville City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved resolutions to place a 2 mill permanent improvement renewal issue on the May 6, 2014 ballot. Greenville City Schools has utilized a permanent improvement levy since 1989 and successfully renewed the issue in the required five year cycle each time thereafter… read more.

It’s a team thing, Mike Stegall
I have been involved with sports most of my life. From playing football as a starter on the team since junior high, to college, and for 27 years officiating the sport. I also participated in other sports as well. The one thing you learn very quickly is this; it is not about you, It’s about the team. The team wins and loses as one. They work together as one, or they fail. No one is bigger than the team. This is a good life lesson for everybody. Sports are a great… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… A swamp demon is born, By Aprill Brandon
Well, folks, can you believe it? After a gestation befitting an elephant, I can now finally say I have a human. And not just any human. My very own human. Made from scratch, thank you very much. But it wasn’t easy to get here (here, of course, being an exhausted new mom with crazy witch hair and covered completely in bodily fluids of varying consistencies that are not her own). Then again, it wasn’t the… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Severe Winter Weather Prompts School Closings
While winters in Ohio often bring plentiful cold and snow, this year’s winter has been especially brutal. Heavy snowfalls and frigid temperatures have made this winter one of the harshest in recent memory. While we have all been affected by the weather, schools in particular have faced challenges during this winter season. Treacherous conditions caused by ice-covered roadways, blowing snow and extreme wind chills have caused many school districts to exceed… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. An Open Letter to my Cousin, ….Who Thinks I’m a Bigot and a Racist, By Joe Facinoli - On March 1 of this year, my dear cousin, who has been receiving my weekly columns for the past six months, by way of my personal email list, decided that he needed to be removed from that list, saying: “Please remove my name from the list of vacuous recipients who choose to endure these incessant ramblings of bigoted conjecture.” He’s not the first to forward such a request, nor… read more.

Boehner: The Case for Standing Up to Putin By Leveraging American Energy
WASHINGTON, DC – In a speech on the House floor today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) addressed the situation in Ukraine and made the case for standing up to Vladimir Putin by ending the Obama administration’s de facto ban on natural gas exports: “Mr. Speaker, my colleagues: I know the whole House is paying close attention to the crisis in Ukraine… read more.

Commissioner’s Corner… Sheriff vehicles, fighting drugs and flowers will bloom
February has finally come to a close, and with that the hopeful beginning of the end of winter. Yes, we still have March to contend with, but hopefully the old saying about March; “In like a lion, out like a lamb” will hold true. So far, this has been the 4th coldest winter on record for us, and I for one have had enough! Let’s get on with spring and the warmer weather! I hope for those who say they love the cold… read more.

Senator Sherrod Brown… Cracking Down on Currency Manipulation Could Create Jobs in Ohio
This week, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped unveil a new report showing that cracking down on currency manipulation could create 5.8 million jobs in the U.S., including more than 250,000 jobs in Ohio alone. Sen. Brown, who is the lead sponsor of a bipartisan bill that would stand up for American manufacturers by punishing countries like China that cheat by manipulating currency, urged Congress and the Obama Administration to crack down on… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Hydraulic Fracturing chemicals Closely Managed, Similar to Household Items - Over the past few months, those opposed to hydraulic fracturing in Ohio have been misleading the families in Darke County. Hydraulic fracturing does not create more human health risks, and it is highly unlikely that injection wells would be built in Darke County for the disposal of wastewater from the hydraulic fracturing process. The misconception about the dangers to human health caused by… read more.

Ohio Senator Bill Beagle… Start Talking! to End Drug & Substance Abuse
As a father of three teenagers, I know firsthand the desire to protect my children from any danger or trial that may come their way. That is why I am joining the “Start Talking!” campaign, Ohio’s new drug-awareness initiative to encourage parents, like myself, to have conversations with our children about living drug-free lifestyles. Did you know that in 2011, drug overdoses were the leading cause of… read more.

U.S. Rep. Boehner… Recap of the 23rd annual 8th District Farm Forum
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today released the following column about the 23rd annual 8th District Farm Forum, which he hosted on Saturday, March 1, at Edison Community College in Piqua. Full text of the column is included below: "Each year for the past 23 years, I’ve hosted the 8th District Farm Forum, where agriculture experts from various sectors come together and discuss… read more.

U.S. Rep. Boehner… Obama Administration: Two-Thirds of Small Businesses to See Premiums Spike Under Obamacare - WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following statement in response to a previously unpublicized report from the non-partisan Office of the Chief Actuary at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the impact of Obamacare on employer-sponsored health care. CMS finds that two-thirds of Americans who work at small businesses will see premiums increase… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge…. Even a Full Drink, from Life’s Glass,….Won’t Leave It Empty, By Joe Facinoli - Half full,….or half empty? It’s up to each of us to decide,….how we will live. A friend of mine died in a plane crash in Atlanta last week, ….you may have seen it on the news. Another friend, who is much closer to our mutual buddy than I, understandably took it much harder. They were boyhood pals, and that singular relationship had lasted until the morning of that fateful accident, when they spoke by phone for… read more.

The Grumpy Side of 60… She couldn’t stop crying, By Bob Robinson
If somebody told you create an essay on some kind of theme or just a word or two… and you only had 20 minutes to write it, could you do it? I mean really do it? I’ve been writing for more than half a century; I know I could come up with something, but would it be quality? Probably not. Not unless I hit it by pot luck. So you might have some idea how I felt when two other judges and I read 78 essays in three and a half hours – written by 26 seventh and eighth… read more.

Legislating to legalize discrimination? By Jim Surber
Something happened in Arizona this past Thursday that should make us all think. On party-line votes, both houses of the state’s legislature passed a bill that must be either signed or vetoed before this coming Friday by the Governor, who is a member of the same party as the successful lawmakers. The bill, SB 1062, is designed to bolster a business owner’s right to refuse service to gays and others if the owner believes providing service violates the practice and… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Providing Ohio Workers with a Fair Wage
Last week, on February 13th, or 2-13, I introduced a resolution declaring the date as $2.13 Day. That’s because two dollars and thirteen cents is also the minimum wage for tipped workers. Two dollars and thirteen cents. Think about that. To add insult to injury, the tipped minimum wage has not changed for more than 20 years, and its value has fallen by 36 percent in real terms. It’s my hope that raising awareness on 2-13 will help remind people that it is past… read more.

State Rep. Buchy… Western Ohio Agriculture Benefitting From Economic Growth in Eastern Ohio
Without even being present in Darke County, oil and gas exploration in Ohio is improving our farms and agricultural industry. In Darke County we benefit as Appalachia is built up, the more people working in Appalachia the more of our food being consumed. In eastern Ohio, where there are Class II injection wells and hydraulic fracturing, the agricultural land is being used conservatively. The new technology of horizontal drilling results in less land being used to… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. Would You Trust a Neighbor, Who Behaved Like This…?
By Joe Facinoli - Ok, …so you’ve had this neighbor, for about 35 years. And during this time, you’ve witnessed a parade of “other women”, entering her house, to be with her husband, …and not just to play backgammon. But, you have also observed, that being the “dutiful” wife which she is, she’s not only looked the other way, but has told all in the neighborhood who’ve asked, that she was still madly in love with him, no matter… read more.

U. S. Congressman Boehner… We Can Become a Nation of Builders Once Again
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following column discussing House Republicans’ continued focus on jobs and the economy: “People are tired of the ‘new normal’ in the Obama Economy, which includes slow economic growth, not enough new jobs, and low wages for people who are trying to make a decent living. “The Obama administration’s disastrous… read more.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted… From Ohio, lessons in redistricting reform
More than six out of 10 Americans believe our nation is on the wrong track, according to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. Many factors contribute to the political dysfunction that fuels these numbers. There is no comprehensive quick fix, but done correctly, redistricting reform has the greatest potential to repair what is broken in our democracy. I am a conservative Republican, served as speaker of the Ohio House before becoming secretary of state… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge…. So Many Impressive Women, …and then there’s Michelle
By Joe Facinoli - I love women. I find them more interesting than men, …I communicate with them better (with some notable exceptions), …and I usually enjoy their company much more than most guys I know. And it has been my great pleasure to have been involved with so many of them (maybe someday, I’ll get one right) in my life, ….but that’s more than irrelevant, to this small thesis. I recently had the good fortune… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… The Truth about Gas and Oil Exploration Muddied by Misinformation and Innuendo - Over the past several months a lot of misinformation and innuendo has been used to detract from the economic success of increased oil and gas exploration in eastern Ohio. This information has misled the public and it is time that the record is set straight. First of all, experts say it is unlikely that class II injection wells will be placed in Darke County as part of the hydraulic fracturing… read more.

Grumpy Side of 60… Bring on the global warming, By Bob Robinson
I was flabbergasted. I had to ask him again to make sure I heard him right. He grinned and said, “Yep, I hope we get a really big one.” Big as in the blizzard of ’78? “Yep.” Big grin. “You know, I wasn’t here but I understand people were stranded for days, maybe weeks.” He nodded, grinning. “You couldn’t get around anywhere without a snowmobile. Power was out everywhere. Evacuations (by snowmobile) to safety areas in town… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Cheering for American Manufacturing on the Field and the Factory Floor - At the 2012 Summer Olympic opening ceremony, Team USA took the stage wearing foreign-made red, white, and blue uniforms. At a time when so many good jobs had disappeared overseas, the news that our Olympic team was being forced to wear uniforms made overseas was an outrage. It made no sense that an American organization would place a Chinese-made beret on the heads of our… read more.

Website to promote Darke County
Several businesses have been getting phone calls from a man named Jeff Rhodes. (no relation to Mike Rhoades, different spelling). Mr. Rhodes is calling businesses stating that in conjunction with the Commissioners, they are doing a video of Darke County. This is true. This is not a scam. CGI Communications, the name of the company is based in Rochester New York, and we were notified of this company by the NACO (National Association of Counties) and they checked out with the CCAO (County… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… Mr. President, What Are You Waiting For?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following column discussing House Republicans’ continued focus on jobs and the economy: “The State of the Union is a special tradition. It's the one night where every branch of our federal government gathers in the House of Representatives to talk about visions for the future of our country. “And as I lead Republicans in offering pro-growth solutions to get our economy… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Valentine's Day, Schmalentine's Day, By Aprill Brandon
If my husband was married to a different sort of woman, chances are he would dread the month of February every year. Not only is Valentine's Day coming up, but our wedding anniversary is on Feb. 28. In 'guy' world, that's like the ultimate double whammy. Luckily, however, he is married to me, a woman who hates V-Day and was perfectly OK with celebrating our first wedding anniversary last year by going… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Adoption Reform Providing a Choice of Life
Our current Ohio House of Representatives has made it a goal to discuss and pass numerous pro-life bills. The most recent of these bills is House Bill 307. House Bill 307 focuses on reforming the at-birth adoption process, and affords significant rights to mothers who are looking to give their children up for adoption at birth. The goal of the bill is to speed up and simplify the adoption process for expectant mothers in the hopes that these women will choose to… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge…. An Unforgettable Experience, with “Sir Paul”….. By Joe Facinoli
To honor the 50th anniversary, this week, of The Beatles first appearance on American television, I have reached back into the distant archives for a piece first written in 2009, which details my “experience” at an outdoor concert I attended with my son, on the occasion of his 20th birthday. I wasn't that thrilled about going, …at least not initially, …but as you will see, I soon changed my "tune". It was the Washington DC… read more.

Grumpy Side of 60… Mother Nature and today’s generation, By Bob Robinson
“It’s 32 degrees; feels like 22. Have a good day and enjoy the weather… that’s as warm as it’s going to get this week.” That was Monday. A quick glance at the 10-day outlook confirmed the radio report… and as late as Thursday it was no different. Snow. Cold. Wind chills. No relief in sight. And it’s only the end of January. We still have February and March ahead of us. One thing bothers me. Kids today don’t seem to enjoy Mother Nature’s white stuff like we… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Working Together and Fighting for the Middle Class
Middle-class Ohioans have always worked hard and taken responsibility. But for too long, Ohioans have been working harder than ever and barely getting by. In last week’s State of the Union address, the President laid out a plan to grow our economy by growing the middle class. By calling on Congress to raise the federal minimum wage, extend emergency unemployment insurance, train workers for high-growth industries, and pass my bipartisan bill to create a… read more.

U.S. Representative John Boehner… “Is the President Going to Stand Up & Lead?”
WASHINGTON, DC – At a press conference with Republican Leaders today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) addressed the Senate Majority Leader’s recent comments opposing Trade Promotion Authority, and called on President Obama “to stand up and lead on this issue” to help boost exports and create more American jobs. With the jobs of more than 1.4 million Ohioans depending on trade… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Top 10 Signs You’re Turning Into A Parent, By Aprill Brandon
It starts out innocently enough, usually with a conversation or two over cocktails about maybe, you know, having baby in the somewhat near-future. This goes on for awhile until one night on a whim you decide to forego birth control, even though you aren’t actively trying to get pregnant or anything. But if you did, it’d be, like, cool. And then nothing happens and now you are actively trying, having… read more.

State Senator Bill Beagle… Fighting Modern-Day Slavery Through Awareness
During the month of January, we remembered the remarkable and impactful service of Martin Luther King Jr. In that same spirit, we should also consider the human rights issues still plaguing our country and our state. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where predators profit by targeting vulnerable people and exploiting them for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud or coercion. In our state and our local communities, we must increase… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. Sgt. Cory Remsburg,...Cruel Joke,…or the Cruelest Irony?
By Joe Facinoli - He did his job. Clearly. With passion, determination,….and dignity. They did not. Clearly. They threw money and words, at a faraway conflict, then turned their backs. They said we must chase down terrorism to the ends of the Earth,…then told those they sent, not to fight too hard, nor be too impolite, during their search for it. And nearly 20,000 American men and women paid the… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Preventing Falls Among Ohio’s Elders
When we are young, we do not often think about our risk of falling or the consequences of a fall. If we fall, we get up knowing that any aches or pains are probably temporary. But for us elders, a fall can be a life-changing event. For seniors like me, the effects of a fall can mean the difference between independence and reliance upon others for assistance in the completion of daily activities. Falls are the number one cause of injuries leading to emergency room visits… read more.

Senior Scribe… Questions for you that need to be answered, by Al Bliss
January 12, 2014 - This started yesterday when I learned that four senior officers all involved with nuclear weapons were removed from the service for cause about last October – November. Did you know that three nuclear weapons were moverd without authorization from a specified facility in Texas to Charleston, North Carolina and one weapon can up missing? Did you know that the four officers disobeyed an order to release a nuclear weapon to… read more.

Cincinnati Enquirer… Time to 'Start Talking' to kids about drugs, Karen Kasich
Jan. 24, 2014 - No family or neighborhood – affluent or disadvantaged, urban or rural – is immune to the dangers of drugs. It’s naïve to think that any of us can shield our children from peer pressure or the stresses of life. However, we can empower our children to handle those situations with confidence. We can educate ourselves, connect with our communities and start talking to our children about drugs. You may be surprised to learn what a powerful… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Give it a breast already, By Aprill Brandon
In case you guys haven't heard yet, I'm pretty much the best person on the planet. It's true. I mean, sure, Pope Francis had some good moments this year. But when it comes down to it, no one can compare to my pure and humble unselfishness. My pure, unadulterated courage. My pure and utter lack of pride in how completely amazing I am. In fact, I'm so amazing, I feel bad for everyone else. No… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. “Income Inequality”…..Self Perpetuated at the Lower End
By Joe Facinoli - It has been said…. that if all the money in the U. S. of A., …that belonging to everyone (rich, poor, and in between), was piled up in one huge stack, then re-distributed in equal portions to all the citizens of our beloved country,…. that within just a few short years (or less), the rich guys would have it all back, and the poor ones would have their hands out again, begging for yet another “second” chance… read more.

The Gilded Age of planet Earth? By Jim Surber
I’ve always had an interest in the relativity of numbers, and in the old saying, “figures don’t lie, but liars figure.” If Johnny mows one yard in a day for $10, can he make $70 per week if he mows every day? If two men can build a garage in fifty hours, can fifty men build the same garage in two hours? If a car has one mile to travel and covers the first half-mile in sixty seconds, why can it never average sixty mph for the trip no matter how fast it travels during the… read more.

Representative Jim Buchy… Keeping Oil and Gas Competitive; Reducing Taxes for Ohioans
When we think about Ohio’s oil and gas drilling, we most often focus on the eastern half of the state. There is, no doubt, good reason for this. Those of us in west central Ohio do not have this oil below our feet like our neighbors to the east. But that does not mean that our region is not affected by it, or that we cannot benefit from it. One aspect of oil and gas development that directly affects our region of the state is what is… read more.

A Miraculous Accident, By Jana Kolling
As you know, there has yet to be a definitive answer as to how people came to be. Evolutionists point to science books and creationists point to the bible. Intelligent scholars on both sides believe they’re right, and neither can fully prove their position. As a business major, taking biology was the last thing I wanted to do. But I’ve never forgotten the chapters about human cells. Now I know most people don’t want to read about this, and I’ll try not to be… read more.

Obamanomics vs the American Dream, By Bob Robinson
In 2008 then presidential candidate Barack Obama promised to fundamentally change America. Now, five years later, despite little cooperation from the right, President Obama seems to be well on his way toward accomplishing his goal. While naysayers have a long list of criticisms, ranging from IRS and NSA to Benghazi, it isn’t likely these complaints will have any impact on his presidency, or even the future… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… From waddle to swaddle, By Aprill Brandon
One month. That's it. That's all that's left on this prison sentence...er...glorious maternal journey of mine. Yes, it's only four weeks until my due date (meaning I'm destined to have this baby six weeks from now as payback for all the times I called this kid a demon wizard and dragon fetus). And I must confess, I'm getting downright giddy at the prospect of finally meeting the tiny human who has been using… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… National Mentoring Month
January is National Mentoring Month – a time to recognize the important role mentors play in our communities. Mentors serve our nation by providing thoughtful guidance and support that helps young people succeed both inside and outside the classroom. They serve as role models, instill confidence in young people, and ensure mentees have a stable and trusting relationship in their lives. Mentors often find that they benefit more than the young people, by… read more.

The White House
Hello, all -- Today, I met a young man named Troy. Troy comes from New Orleans, where his family lived through the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He couldn't read until he was twelve, and would regularly cut school because the other students would tease him. When he did attend, he'd shove desks, start fights -- anything to get him out of class. But then Troy saw his younger siblings start down a similar path. And he decided to make a change. He… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King
In his final speech, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. encouraged us to grapple with the problems America faces with a greater readiness. He posed a question in that speech the night before he died. He said, “The question is not if I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me? The question is if I do not stop to help this man in need, what will happen to him?” Dr. King’s words ring true today, and we must heed his call by… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. The Real ‘Best and Brightest’, ….from Street Level
By Joe Facinoli - Experience is the best teacher. It gives us affirmation, …and confirmation. I learned this, …again, on a recent walkabout amongst the “beautiful people”, in and around one of the most famous neighborhoods in our Nation’s Capital. Its official name is “Foggy Bottom”, which sounds like a meteorologist and a geologist couldn’t decide what to call it, …but it houses a “great” university, perhaps… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Solving Ohio’s Drug Abuse Problems Major Focus in 2014
When the Ohio House assembled a study committee last summer to travel around the state and research Ohio’s prescription drug abuse problem, our hope was that it would yield information that would ultimately lead to legislation to help solve the problem. I don’t know, however, if anyone expected the study committee to be as successful as it turned out to be. The feedback from healthcare experts as well as the… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Fighting the War on Poverty Fifty Years Later
Fifty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson declared a war on poverty in his State of the Union Address, saying “Many Americans live on the outskirts of hope – some because of their poverty, and our task is to help replace their despair with opportunity.” He later echoed those statements in May of 1964 while visiting Ohio University in Athens. Today, we’re still fighting the war on poverty, but our country took a small step… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Bad humans! Very bad humans! By Buffy Brandon
Greetings, worthless humans. In case you haven't figured it out yet (which of course you haven't because you're worthless humans), this is not Aprill. The quote, unquote "Alpha" is busy doing stupid human stuff, like actually voluntarily taking a bath and going poo-poo in my giant water bowl. So I, Buffy, her quote, unquote "pet dog," took this opportunity to take over her column. Now mind you… read more.

The Other Side of the Edge….. Hmmm, ….Which to Cover: A Murdered Ambassador,….or a Traffic Jam on a Bridge ? By Joe Facinoli - Media Fairness: Oxymoron. Journalistic Integrity: Another one. Let’s do some National Media, political math: What equals: Four brutally murdered Americans, all of them in public service to the United States government, One an Ambassador to a foreign nation, and Two of them superbly trained and devoted Navy Seals, ….plus, …2,000 Mexican nationals, all murdered… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Providing More Access and Integrity in the Voting Booth
Over the past year our state has taken a giant step in the right direction by reforming our elections process to enable more people to vote and increasing the integrity of this vital process. These efforts protect a fundamental part of our government and the rich history of freedom in this great country. The Ohio General Assembly passed three bills improving how Ohioans vote and making that vote more open… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… An open letter to my dishwasher, By Aprill Brandon
I hate you, dishwasher. I hate you so much. Seriously, so much. Like, if you were on fire and I really had to pee, I'd still use the toilet. Because you know what? The toilet doesn't constantly remind me what a failure at housekeeping I am. Sure, it starts to murmur something after too many weeks of neglect but you...oooooh...YOU. There you are, everyday, just sitting there. Needing something… read more.

The Other Side of the Edge….. A Resolution, …Some Promises, ...and a Caveat, By Joe Facinoli
Anyone who read this column last week, knows that I’m not too crazy about New Year’s resolutions. They’re just so hollow, totally arbitrary, often capricious, and usually bogus. But other than those few trifles,…completely believable! Now, having said all that, I have at least one such pledge to put forth myself, which I will be whole heartedly determined to follow through on, during the coming year and beyond. And some… read more.

The White House… Health Insurance through the Affordable Care Act
Americans across the country have new health insurance that starts today, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Today, health reform is real in a new way for people like Daniel, a 22-year-old student who enrolled in a gold-level insurance plan and is paying just $70 a month after subsidies. It's real for Lucy, from Texas, whose deductible is dropping from $7,500 to $3,000 a year, and for Mark, a small business… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Pregnancy brain for dummies, By Aprill Brandon
Want to know the seven most terrifying words in the English language? "It doesn't matter, you won't remember this anyway." Wait...six...seven...eight...dammit... Want to know the eight most terrifying...OK, well, whatever...you get the point. Yes, dear reader, yours truly is currently living through her own version of the movie "Memento." (If you haven't seen the movie, it's basically about a guy… read more.

Commissioners Corner… Darke County is a great place to live
The end of another year is upon us. This has been a unique December weather- wise; surprising warmth at times, followed by freezing cold and blowing snow, followed by inches and inches of rain, and back to cold temperatures! Although the weather has been changeable this year, the County continued our success from the previous 3 years. As we all look back on… read more.

Ohio Senator Bill Beagle… Creating Equity in Ohio’s Adoption System
On any given day, we’re asked to fill out forms that detail some of our personal information. As a patient in a doctor’s office, you may be asked to describe your family medical history, or as a student applying for a scholarship, you may be asked to select a nationality. If you were adopted between January 1964 and September 1996, chances are you don’t know these answers and your original birth records that… read more.

Everybody loves the Constitution, By Jim Surber
If one bit of common ground exists today in this country’s polarized political climate, it’s that everybody loves the Constitution. “Conservative or Liberal, we are all constitutionalists,” wrote Pres. Barack Obama. “The Founding Fathers fought and bled for freedom and then crafted the most miraculous political document ever conceived, our Constitution,” said Sen. Ted Cruz. We proudly state that the US is governed by the world… read more.

Grumpy Side of 60… What’s Christmas really about? By Bob Robinson
“Dear Santa. I love you. Will you take some of my stuff and give it to all the other kids in the world?” “Can you bring a kindle for my dad so he’ll have something to do?” Kids are awesome. They can say and do some of the most fascinating and entertaining things. One of those times is with their letters to Santa. Take, for example, the concern over being naughty or nice… “Gove nottie kids toys too. They might not… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge….. When Purity, and “Perspective”,…..Cure Cynicism, By Joe Facinoli - Moments matter. And so do the Little Things. What else is there? This is a tough time of year to write anything political, and have it make any kind of sense, or be palatable in any sort of way. Nothing’s happening, of any real note, and everything’s mostly on hold, until Congress, the President, and all the state legislatures and governors get back from their 7 to 9 week winter “vacations” (on guess who’s dime… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Hydraulic Fracturing—A Safe and Reliable Source of Energy Leading Ohio’s Comeback - Hydraulic fracturing is the safest way to extract minerals from below the earth’s surface. The opportunities provided by the exploration of oil and natural gas in eastern Ohio will have a major impact on the economic sector in that part of the state. The continued use of the hydraulic fracturing process in eastern Ohio also helps western Ohio by providing more consumers for our agricultural products… read more.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Close to Our Hearts
As 2013 comes to a close, Connie and I want to wish you and your family a safe and blessed holiday season. For me, there’s no greater joy than spending the winter holidays with loved ones. Earlier this month, I visited Liberty at St. Clair, a facility in Cleveland serving veterans who have struggled with homelessness. One of the many dedicated staff members I met there wore a necklace with a ring and a… read more.

Broke Wife, Big City… Let's just table the issue, shall we? By Aprill Brandon
For years, my husband and I have harbored a shameful secret. A secret so hideous, so horrifying, so wholly conducive to alliteration, we have hardly dared to even whisper it out loud. And the worst part is we have carried this secret with us from state to state, apartment to apartment, every time we move, from Ohio to Texas to now Boston. Each time, with each new set of friends and… read more.

State Representative Jim Buchy… Generous Charitable Giving Brightens the Christmas Season for Everyone - It is hard to believe that another year is nearly in the books. This is certainly a fun time of year for a lot of people—especially young kids—as the anticipation of Christmas grows with each day. One of the many special things about being an American, and about being from west central Ohio in particular, is to witness just how charitable so many people are. With the festivities, family functions… read more.

The Grumpy Side of 60… Santa’s Helper No. 31278664, By Bob Robinson
Some of you may remember the conversations I’ve had with Santa over the years. He never gets my name right. It’s Joe, or Jake, or Ronald… Don’t think he’s ever called me by my given name. Makes me wonder how he ever gets the presents right. I forgot. He has something called Lightspeed Sonar. It not only allows him to zip around from town to town at lightning speed, it keeps track of all the kids in… read more.

From the Other Side of the Edge… “And So This is Christmas…..” By Joe Facinoli
So many Christmas songs are just schmaltzy commercial nonsense, even though a few are actually quite good musically, and some even deliver a real message. Still others are way too specifically directed, for me at least, to be able to wrap my little brain around their somewhat forced and contrived meanings. I have no problem with telling the story of Christmas, but my preference is for celebrating the overall "spirit" of this season. And for songs with… read more.

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