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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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The Year that Was, By Susan Olling
‘Tis the season to look back on the year that was. With your
indulgence, here are a few tongue-in-cheek awards to those who
made 2015 so, um, interesting. And gave me things to write about.
Cue the kazoo fanfare, and please hold your applause until the end. The
Overdone Gesture Resulting in the Fingernails-on-a-Blackboard...
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more.
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From the Other Side of the Edge…. “My very un-PC, Company Christmas Party,”
By Joe Facinoli
Just had my first company CHRISTMAS party (for Unified Cleaning &
Construction Services, ...first one ever, after 5 years! ), on Sat.
12-19-15, and there was not a single complaint about the season, the
reason for the season, nor anything else! Wonder
why? Had it at "La Chiquita", an El Salvadoran restaurant in
Langley Park, MD (near DC, where...
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Celebrating this Season of Giving
As another year comes to a close, and many of us gather with loved ones
to celebrate holidays important to our faiths and filled with
traditions dear to our families, I’m reminded of the incredible spirit
of giving that I witness throughout our state. Across Ohio, volunteers
and dedicated staff members work at organizations like the Joseph House
in...
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more.
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Commissioners Corner… Merry Christmas!
. . . In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the
world should be registered. This was the first registration when
Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered,
each to his own town. And Joseph went up from Galilee, from the
town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David...
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more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… I’m sorry, Mom. Really, really sorry.
By Aprill Brandon
There’s nothing quite like the end of the year to make you look around
and take stock of your life. And as I sit here with little green Army
men imbedded (probably permanently) in my hair, in a house that looks
like my toddler is the world’s youngest demolitions expert, while
trying not to vomit because the 10-week-old fetus inside me is pumping
me full of high-octane, weapons-grade hormones...
read
more.
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The Ongoing Assault, By Kate
Burch
In the midst of pervasive turmoil: the terrorist massacre in San
Bernardino, potential rioting in Baltimore over the Freddie Gray
matter, bomb threats and active shooter situations on the news nearly
every day, it is too easy to neglect attending to last Saturday’s Paris
climate agreement and its potential for extreme economic harm to the
United States...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Christmas through the ages, By
Aprill Brandon
I don’t know about you, but this year I want to celebrate Christmas the
way it was always meant to be celebrated: opening presents and then
getting day drunk and then eating a huge dinner I did NOT prepare and
then dozing off on the couch to the sounds of “A Christmas Story” as
someone else does the dishes. Sounds perfect, no? Except I can’t. I
can’t because I’m an adult...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… President Obama’s Energy Mandates Threaten
Ohio’s Economic Growth
- President Obama’s emissions and clean energy mandates will slow our
economy and raise electric bills. The price tag for the President’s
mandates will plague Americans even after President Obama becomes
distant memory. A majority of the energy requirements that make up the
Environmental Protection Agency’s 111d section will require...
read
more.
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Child
tantrums and adult tantrums, Dr. Melissa Martin,
Ph.D.
Do you have a temper tantrum over your child’s temper tantrum? When
your child is rolling around on the floor and crying, the main thing is
for the parent or guardian to stay unruffled. Take a few deep breaths.
Check your emotions and your reactions. Is this a tantrum that can be
ignored? It is less difficult to ignore a tantrum at home as opposed to
being in the middle of a busy grocery store...
read
more.
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The White House… Finally a fix to No Child Left Behind
If you’re like me, you probably dread an overdue notice, whether it’s
for registering your car or returning a library book. For nearly a
decade, our national K-12 education law has been overdue for revision,
and parents, teachers, and students across the country have made it
clear that it is time for a reboot. Over that period of time, America’s
fourth graders became today’s high school seniors...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… All I want Christmas is world peace…and
eggnog, By Aprill Brandon
Dear Santa, Hey there, big guy. I know it's been a long time since I've
written to you and for that I apologize. I just figured I should
probably lay low for about a decade or so after that infamous
"incident" in 1989. But you'll be happy to hear that I've finally
learned my lesson and my probation, which forbids me from going within
1,000 feet of any and all reindeer, ends in just a few days...
read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… November started the appropriations process
The Holiday Season is now officially underway! November ushers in the
start with Thanksgiving, and ending in January with the New Year. If
you are like most of us, we started the season with eating way too much
for Thanksgiving! Of course, the purpose is to give thanks for our many
blessings, and that includes a bountiful harvest. We...
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more.
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An action followed by a reaction,
By Susan Olling
This year has seen a number of “speed limit” anniversaries of historic
events. It’s been 800 years since the Magna Carta was signed in
Runnymede, England. It’s been 600 years since the Battle of
Agincourt (the next cross-channel invasion would occur over 500 years
later). It’s been seventy years since the end of World War Two
and fifty years since the U.S. pulled out of Vietnam. Another event...
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more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Economic
Growth During the Holidays
Every year, Ohioans anticipate the busy holiday shopping season and the
great deals that come with it. What many don’t consider is the
impact that this shopping season has on the state’s economy. Since
2010, Christmas sales have gone up 15.2% according to the Ohio
Department of Taxation, growing at a rate of 3.7% each year. Last
Christmas alone, Ohio brought in $240 million in sales taxes...
read
more.
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Biting kids,
Dr. Melissa Martin, Ph.D.
Why do children bite? Biting is a phase of child development. Babies
bite when they are teething to relieve gum pain. Toddlers use their
mouths to explore the world. What do children bite others? It may be
due to frustration or to get instant attention. Biting a person gets an
intense reaction. Parents need to discourage biting at an early age by
saying, “Please use your words to tell me when you...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Deer Season in Ohio
For motorists, a deer hunter is the best defense between you and an
auto insurance claim. In Ohio, hunters are a critical part of managing
the deer population and this deer season will be no exception. Archery
season in Ohio for deer hunters began on September 26th and will run
through February 7th, while deer gun season will begin on November 30th
and...
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more.
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Coffee
with the Commissioner… A Thank You
Next Coffee Jan. 9, Wayne Lakes - Before I became Commissioner, I
decided I would go out once a month and try and meet people over coffee
and breakfast to let them know what I thought, and let people tell me
what they thought a commissioner should be. I called those events
“Coffee with the Candidate”. They were always entertaining, and let me...
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Giving Thanks
As families come together across Ohio this week to celebrate
Thanksgiving, Connie and I are reminded of all that we have to be
grateful for this year. We welcomed a new granddaughter — with another
grandchild on the way — and we will have the joy and privilege of
gathering with our friends and family this Thursday to share good food
and to give thanks for our blessings. But during this week, we also...
read
more.
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State Rep. Jim Buchy… Local Agriculture Helps Put Food on the
Table this Thanksgiving
In this turkey carving season we often forget our role in putting the
Thanksgiving meal on the table. In western Ohio, we are blessed with so
many fine farming families, and many working individuals who help to
export our agricultural products to the world. The truth is this
Thanksgiving that much of the food got its start on our farms in
western Ohio. Ohio is an agricultural leader in the United States...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Being thankful for the crappy stuff,
By Aprill Brandon
Every year around this time, I like to make a list of all the things
I’m thankful for. One, because I think it’s an important tradition of
the Thanksgiving holiday (in fact, I’d say it’s almost as important as
the tradition of drinking wine all day while you cook). And two, it’s
the easiest column I write all year. The list just grows and grows the
older I get. Loving husband, wonderful child...
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… No One Who Works Full Time Should Live in
Poverty
Last week, workers in Ohio and across the country participated in a
National Day of Action, demanding a living wage for the millions of
Americans who are working hard but struggling to get by on the minimum
wage. Forty-two percent of American workers — and 45 percent of Ohio
workers — make less than $15 per hour. Among African-American workers,
more than half earn less than $15 an hour...
read
more.
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Who Would Have Imagined…? By
Kate Burch
It may well happen that the demonstration of spine by French President
Hollande following the terrorist murders of 132 in Paris will lose
popular support shortly. Look what happened to George W. Bush,
initially cheered by all Americans for his strong response to the
attacks of 9/11, but eventually and predictably demonized by the Left
for the...
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more.
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Government
by Commuters, Governing by Crisis, By Susan Olling
The late David Brinkley wrote a wonderful book in the late 1980’s
called Washington Goes to War. He described, in his great
journalistic style, how unprepared Washington, D.C. was to assume the
leadership role needed to win World War Two and how that transformation
took place. Hint, it wasn’t easy. In one chapter, Mr. Brinkley
described Congress in the years before the war. Legislative
sessions...
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more.
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The White House… Serving the brave men and women who serve us,
By Rob Diamond
It was just over nine years ago that I wore the uniform of a United
States Naval Officer for the last time. It seems like it was just
yesterday. After four years at the U.S. Naval Academy and nearly seven
years of active duty service, including a wartime deployment to the
Middle East in 2004, I gained what I would argue is the most important
and meaningful title I have ever been afforded...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Happy HalloChristGiving, Charlie Brown!
By Aprill Brandon
Hey, you know what the world needs more of? (Warning! Warning! Sarcasm
bomb about to detonate!) People complaining about how Christmas comes
earlier and earlier every year. We just don’t see enough of that, you
know? And I bet if we did complain more, it would totally change
things. Just like how complaining about politics and cold weather and
people who think Instagram...
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Veterans Day
As we take time this week to pay tribute to the millions of heroes who
have put their lives on the line for our country, we must remember that
we owe our veterans more than our gratitude. We must work to ensure
that they receive the benefits they deserve. Too many veterans face
challenges related to healthcare, housing, and employment. Veterans
transitioning from time in service to civilian...
read
more.
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The White House… Let's reinvent high school
We want to talk to you about our nation’s high schools for a moment. In
2008, the Department of Education required all states, for the first
time, to use the same calculation for their high school graduation rate
-- a key accountability measure that this administration has embraced.
In 2010, President Obama and Secretary Duncan joined the America’s
Promise Alliance at the U.S. Chamber...
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Protecting the Finances of Ohioans Serving
in Uniform
Thousands of Ohioans are deployed overseas serving in our nation’s
military, according to a recent count. Not only do these Ohioans put
their lives on the line to defend our nation, but they also often face
significant risks to their personal finances while they are on
deployment. The challenges include difficulty managing accounts from
abroad, identity theft...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Veterans Day: Legislation and Initiatives
to Honor those who Served Locally
-- America is the greatest country on earth and we live in the greatest
state in this country. Our values and lifestyle could not be sustained
without the sacrifice of the men and woman of our armed forces. The
presence of the American military is felt in every community from Main
Street to Wall Street. Those who serve and protect the United States
should be supported and recognized for their efforts...
read
more.
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What Lives Matter, Really? By
Kate Burch
We were recently shocked and dismayed to learn that over the
fifteen-year period, 1999-2014, the death rate for U.S. whites, ages 45
to 54 with no more than a high school education increased by 25
percent! During the same period, death rates for the same age
range in other groups in America and other wealthy countries
declined. Economists attribute...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… If Schrodinger’s cat was trying to get
pregnant, By Aprill Brandon
You guys remember learning about Schrodinger’s cat? Yeah, me either. I
mean, I vaguely recall something about a dead cat in a box but as for
the rest…well, college is a hell of a time, kids. Luckily, college is
pointless now that we have Google and as it turns out, a quick search
unearthed that Schrodinger’s cat is indeed a dead cat in box that is
also simultaneously alive. Due to something...
read
more.
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The White House… Trans-Pacific Partnership,
From President Barack Obama
When we have a level playing field, Americans out-compete anyone in the
world. That’s a fundamental truth about our country. But right now, the
rules of global trade put our workers, our businesses, and our values
at a disadvantage. If you’re an autoworker in Michigan, the cars you
build face taxes as high as 70 percent in Vietnam. If you’re a worker
in Oregon, you’re forced to compete...
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Increasing Access to Timely, Quality
Prenatal Care
Each year, more than one million babies are born to mothers who did not
receive adequate prenatal care. These babies are three times more
likely to be low birth weight and five times more likely to die as
infants. This is a particular problem in Ohio, which ranks 45th in the
nation when it comes to infant mortality. And maternal mortality rates
are also three-to-four times higher for women who don’t receive
prenatal care...
read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… Preparing for budget time
October is now in the history books, and all in all, it was a pretty
good month here in Darke County. We finally got some much needed rain,
the weather has been very mild with temperatures above normal, and
school football games and town festivals are winding down. Let’s hope
that the temperatures especially...
read
more.
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Rep. Jim Buchy… Making Sure Charter Schools Serve the Best
Interest of Our Kids
In western Ohio, we have some of the best teachers and families, who
provide our students superior educational achievement. That’s
why, every year, our public schools rank in the top when compared to
the other schools in the state. For areas where that is not the
case, it is important that families have access to other options. Over
the past couple...
read
more.
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What House Bill 116 does about bullying,
Melissa Martin, Ph.D.
In 2012, Governor Kasich signed into law House Bill 116 (also known as
the "Jessica Logan Act") in memory of a student who committed suicide
due to bullying via texting and sexting. Jessica Logan was an
18-year-old student at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati. She sent a
nude photo of herself to her boyfriend. When their relationship ended...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… Dear Mommy, life is not a series of memes,
By Aprill Brandon
The one piece of advice you get the most when you’re a parent (and, not
so coincidentally, the one I hate the most) is that the housework can
wait, your children can’t. Leave the dishes and spend time with them!
They’re only young once! They won’t want to snuggle on your lap long! A
dirty house means happy kids! When they look back on their childhood,
they won’t remember how clean...
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Health Insurance Open Enrollment Begins
Sunday
Since 2013, more than 800,000 Ohioans have obtained insurance coverage
through the health law — many for the first time. And starting on
Sunday, November 1st, you can enroll in a new plan or change your
coverage on the health exchange. It is clear that the Affordable Care
Act (ACA) is working. Because of the health law: Insurance companies
can no longer...
read
more.
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A message from the Ohio Attorney General
Good Afternoon, Early voting is in full swing here in Ohio. It is
critically important to get out and vote on November 3rd. In
addition to 1,700 local issues and races, there are three state issues
that voters are being asked to consider in this election that will have
a dramatic and lasting impact on Ohio's Constitution if passed. Issue 3
would legalize...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… PARCC Testing Results
The preliminary results from last school year’s PARCC math and language
arts examinations are in and things don’t look good for the common
core. According to this preliminary data, only 35-40% of
elementary and middle school students who took the online test
passed. By PARCC standards, students must meet or exceed
expectations set from the common core. In an attempt to offset
these...
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown… Ensuring Our Tax Dollars are Spent on
Education
Charter schools now serve 123,000 Ohio students and cost the state
approximately $1 billion a year. These schools are supposed to provide
new and innovative approaches to educating our children but, because of
mismanagement and a few bad apples, Ohio’s charter schools are becoming
a national scandal. Since 2001, state auditors have uncovered
more than $27 million in improperly spent funds...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The trick-or-treater always rings twice,
By Aprill Brandon
It was a dark and stormy night. Well, it was dark and sprinkling a
little bit. But that annoying kind of sprinkle that gets your clothes
all soggy. It was quiet inside the house. Perhaps a bit too quiet.
Well, not really too quiet. I mean, the TV was on. And for some reason
the fridge always emitted a high-pitch squeal that could be heard
throughout the rest of the house. (But everyone always...
read
more.
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State Rep. Jim Buchy… Ohioans Will Answer Some Important
Questions November 3rd
On November 3rd Ohioans have an important election. We will have
to wait several more months to have our voices heard on the fate of
Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Hillary Clinton, John Kasich, or Carly
Fiorina. But as you read this the votes are being cast in Ohio
for and against marijuana monopolies, a new redistricting model for
state level legislative districts, and the future of constitutional
monopolies...
read
more.
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Follow-up… Buckeye Nut U, Transit & More,
By Susan Olling
It’s been about six months since my contributions started appearing in
County News Online. Looking back on some of these, I noticed
openings for follow-up. With your indulgence, follow-up follows.
The Pope’s visit came and went without incident. People heeded
suggestions to stay off the roads, what a surprise in an area where
most people take...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Could New Marriage Laws be a Step toward
Civil Unions?
Since the Supreme Court overturned Ohio’s voter approved ban on
same-sex marriage, the rights of clergy members to refuse marriage on
religious grounds has been questioned. House Bill 286, known as
the Pastor Protection Act, aims to protect the clergy’s right to deny
marriage, but it falls short in many ways. House Bill 286 only provides
protection to clergy members. While this is an important step...
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… The most magical place on earth,
By Aprill Brandon
There are really only two things you can count on in this world. There
will always be a line at Starbucks. Everything changes (except there
always being a line at Starbucks). Yes, change truly is the one
constant in this world. Time marches on and on, dragging with it decay
and dust and the dying careers of B-list actors. But there is one
place, one magical place, where time has stood still...
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Improving the Future of Ohio Agriculture
The Toledo water problems of 2014 caused growing concerns over water
quality, especially in Lake Erie’s western basin. In order to
fully address the issues with nutrient loading in Lake Erie we must
address issues in our municipalities and in farm country. Understanding
that many farmers in northwestern Ohio have taken voluntary steps to
reduce their...
read
more.
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Memorial
Hall Renovation Open House Thank You
On behalf of Greenville City Schools Board of Education,
administration, staff and student body we would like to thank and
express our appreciation to Senator Keith Faber, Senator Bill Beagle,
Representative Jim Buchy and State Board of Education Member Darryl
Mehaffie for their leadership and behind the scenes work in allowing
this OFCC Legislative Grant to take place at Memorial Hall...
read
more.
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Attention Seniors…Beware of Sharks!
By Donna Kemp
A feeding frenzy is about to begin. No, I am not talking about
real sharks. I am referring to the Medicare Annual Enrollment
Period (AEP). The Annual Enrollment Period is the time of year,
set aside by Medicare, during which Medicare beneficiaries can enroll
in or change their Medicare Advantage or Prescription drug plans.
The AEP runs...
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more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… A mom by any other name, By
Aprill Brandon
My baby just said his first sentence. But let’s completely ignore that
for a minute. Yes, yes, I know. What a milestone! Ooh! Ah! What did he
say!? Blah, blah, blah. We’ll get to all that sentimental crap. But
first, we need to discuss what didn’t come before this milestone.
Because this is important. Because I’m important. Or at least I should
be. I mean, not only did I give the kid LIFE...
read
more.
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Guilty Pleasures versus the Pleasures of
Guilt, By Kate Burch
Most of us succumb, at least occasionally, to the lure of a too-big
slice of flourless chocolate cake; or maybe for you it is marathon
watching of a TV series; playing video games for hours; perhaps smoking
an expensive cigar; or falling prey to the latest fad in shoes.
The kinds of things that we know aren’t really good for us, that we
don’t need, that waste time, or that others do not hold in high regard...
read
more.
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A taste of history… 234 Years,
By Susan Olling
While 1781 had not opened terribly well for the American cause, by the
summer and fall there were developments in tidewater Virginia.
Lieutenant General Charles, Lord Cornwallis, had moved his army from
Wilmington, North Carolina to Yorktown, Virginia. A smaller
garrison was posted across the river in Gloucester. General Washington
and the Comte de Rochambeau received news that a French fleet...
read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Defund
Planned Parenthood
We are all shocked by the videos of Planned Parenthood selling aborted
babies. This is an unconscionable act that should not be tolerated.
Governor Kasich led the legislature in opposing the work of Planned
Parenthood in Ohio long before these videos surfaced. Planned
Parenthood is the number one provider of abortions in America. They
operate under the facade of providing women’s healthcare. Since 2011,
in Ohio...
read
more.
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Public
temper tantrums,
Dr. Melissa Martin, Ph.D., LPCC-S
You have to stop at the store with your 3 year-old. He refuses to set
in the cart or hold your hand. You notice his changing expression and
red face. A temper tantrum is in the making! Two important words for
parents and caretakers – STAY CALM. Abstain from having a parent temper
tantrum! Do not mirror your child’s emotion because he will match your
emotion and the conflict is on. The louder...
read
more.
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Darke
County Commissioner… A Look at
Issue 3, By Mike Stegall
This November Ohioans will go to the polls to vote on issue 3, the
legalization of marijuana statewide. This is not the only issue to be
voted on, but by far is the most contentious. The County Commissioners
Association of Ohio (C.C.A.O.) has come out against it, Most county
Commissioners are against it, The National Federation of Independent
Business is against it, a lot of people I talk...
read
more.
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Air Force
to move National Security Education Programs to Wright Patt
-- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today applauded
news that the U.S. Air Force’s Air University (AU) will move two
professional continuing education programs to Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base. Wright-Patterson’s Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
will now serve as the home to the National Security Space Institute
(NSSI) and the Nuclear College segment of AU’s Center...
read
more.
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Commissioner's Corner… Employment
rate now below 4 percent
September is the time for falling leaves, bonfires, harvesting of
crops, cooler temperatures, and football games from Thursday until
Monday. Smaller Counties like Darke County also include a lot of local
festivals celebrating the harvest. Fall in our County is the prettiest
time of year with all the changing colors in the leaves. September...
read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Drug
Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients in Ohio
Ohio, like many other states, has seen an increase in drug abuse and
dependency. With this, we also see a correlation between drug abusers
and poverty. The Cincinnati Enquirer recently did a story on an 18
month investigation into a drug ring that benefited from tax payers’
hard earned money. The investigation uncovered 2 million dollars worth
of food stamps that were being exchanged for cash and drugs...
read
more.
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Special from BEAR’S MILL… Matt
the Miller visits Bear’s Mill
Greenville, Ohio August 2015. On a hot and sunny Saturday morning, I
set out from Loveland, heading north towards Greenville Ohio and Bear’s
Mill. This mill was chosen for two reasons: 1. It was the closest
working mill. 2. My favourite animal is the bear. It took just
under an hour and a half to drive the 80 miles, which obviously in
country...
read
more.
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Broke
Wife,
Big City… My husband is my
wingman, By Aprill Brandon
Of all the changes that happen when you have a baby (and there are A
LOT, like the never-ending stream of mysterious wet spots that
regularly appear on you, your baby and your home that you quickly learn
to stop questioning in order to preserve your sanity), perhaps one of
the biggest is the way it changes your relationship to your partner.
Some of these are good changes…
read
more.
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Obamacare and the Culture of Death,
By Kate Burch
A recently-developed, highly accurate, blood test that screens for the
presence of Down syndrome in the fetus is becoming more widely
used. It has great potential for good, in that it can help women
avoid more invasive and dangerous procedures such as amniocentesis and
chorionic villus sampling when there are risk factors for Down syndrome
present. It is also a good thing for…
read
more.
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Representative Buchy… The State
Budget Accomplishes Major Goals in Education
As school begins again across the state, I can say with confidence that
the state legislature has taken a positive step with House Bill 64.
With its passage in June, the state operating budget in Ohio achieved
some major goals in Ohio’s pathway to eliminating the Common Core
standards and improving education for Ohio’s students. The state budget
included a…
read
more.
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When bullying
is based on race, Dr. Melissa Martin, Ph.D.,
LPCC-S
Bullying is a form of aggression used to gain power and targeting peers
based on racial differences is another misuse of power. Biracial and
multiracial youth are more likely to be bullied than youth who identify
with a single race, according to the National Voices for Equality
Education and Enlightenment. Twice as many ethnic minority youth in…
read
more.
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Tri-County Board Adopts Position Opposing
Marijuana Legalization in Ohio
At its September 16 meeting, the Tri-County Board formally adopted a
position statement opposing efforts to legalize marijuana in Ohio. In
doing so, the Board joins an expanding list of public and private
organizations, including business owners, healthcare and behavioral
health professionals and law enforcement groups to oppose efforts to
legalize marijuana in Ohio. The full text of the position statement is…
read
more.
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Broke Wife, Big City… When stuff
turns into a whole, like, thing, By Aprill Brandon
I should have known better. As soon as I walked in, I had a bad
feeling. This was going to turn into a THING. It always does. “Hi. I
just need to get new eyeglasses. I have my old prescription right
here.” “OK, when was your last eye exam?” “Honestly, I just need new
glasses. No need for an exam.” “Ma’am, I need to know the date of your
last eye exam.” “Um…sigh…five years ago, I think.”…
read
more.
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What
Week Coming Up, Potentially, By Susan
Olling
Those of us in the greater D.C. environs have been hearing that there
will be traffic chaos with what appears to be a perfect storm of
activity occurring in a week or so. First, the Pope’s visiting.
Then, there’s a concert. Finally (yawn) the local MLB franchise
is playing what’s being called the Beltway Series against the Baltimore
Orioles. At National’s Park. Please note, the locals
are already looking…
read
more.
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The White House… Ahmed: We Stand with You
Yesterday, a 14-year-old student named Ahmed Mohamed was arrested for
bringing his engineering project (an electronic clock) to his high
school. Officials mistook it for a bomb. When I was growing up, my
friends and I were fortunate to know how to use soldiering irons,
circuit boards, and even a bit of duct tape when nothing else worked…
read
more.
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The White House… I went to community college (now I work at
the White House)
I spent more than half of 2005 in Iraq. I was four years into my
service in the Marine Corps, and as is the case with most of our young
enlisted military members, I had enormous responsibilities for a
twenty-two year-old. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, and
thankful for the experiences the Marine Corps gave to me, I left active
duty in 2006, excited at the prospect of new cities…
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod
Brown… Legislation increases
opportunities for people with felonies
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced the Fair
Chance Act – bipartisan legislation to expand job opportunities and
reduce recidivism by requiring federal contractors and federal agencies
to “ban the box” on job applications. Reforming hiring practices has
widespread support from both public and private institutions. Eighteen…
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more.
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And the stories keep coming,
By Susan Olling
Some of my contributions have been a bit, well, tongue-in-cheek about
tourists. I’m stepping back from that to share some of my early
volunteer experiences where I learned how much fun tourists can
provide. My first volunteer experience started almost thirty years
ago. The Washington National Cathedral (AKA the Big Church), the
seat of…
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more.
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Broke Wife, Big
City… This is why we don’t stick
our hand in the toaster, By Aprill Brandon
The pitter-patter of little feet. This is what is promised to you when
you become a parent. The sound that will fill your house, night and
day. And it truly is one of the greatest sounds in the world.
Unfortunately, this sound is accompanied by a whole orchestra of other
sounds that are much less talked about, let alone celebrated. And in
our house right now, that pitter-patter is followed by much…
read
more.
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The Dark Night of the Animas, By Kate
Burch
Around 1988, my husband and I took a road trip to the West. In
Colorado, we had the delightful experience of riding on the
narrow-gauge railway from Durango to Silverton, an old mining
town.
The train tracks for quite a while hugged a vertiginous cliff
overlooking the Animas River, and we could, scarily, look down and
watch kayakers on the rapidly moving waters. It struck me at the
time…
read
more.
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State Representative
Buchy… Raising Awareness of
Krabbe Disease
Krabbe disease is an often fatal degenerative disease that destroys the
protective coating on nerve cells in the brain and the nervous
system. This rare disease has effected several families locally
including that of Madison Layton who passed away after battling the
disease from birth to her second birthday. It is in Madison’s memory
that the second week in…
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more.
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The White House… Lessons to learn from Iraq War
This week, critics of the Iran deal -- including Former Vice President
Dick Cheney -- are gathering in Washington. It's a safe bet that they
will call for abandoning our diplomatic deal with Iran and the world,
and call for a dangerously simplistic vision of American "leadership"
based on unilateral action that would ultimately leave us…
read
more.
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Help
kids manage emotions, By Dr. Melissa
Martin
Television commercials shown during annual sports events are meant to
evoke emotions. Feelings help fuel our decisions to buy. Babies and
puppies promote warm and fuzzy feelings. Humorous commercials stir up
laughter. Brave soldier commercials move us to tears. Emotions are
powerful motivators for children, adolescents, and adults. An essential
life lesson is learning to manage…
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Sherrod
Brown… On Labor Day, Renewing
our Commitment to Ohio Workers
Labor Day is more than just a last hurrah of summer, a day for picnics
and barbeques for many families. It’s also an important time for us to
reflect on the labor movement’s proud history in Ohio, and to honor the
workers who paved the way for the worker protections we too often take
for granted. These workers built our strong middle class, and built our
country. They laid down the railroad tracks…
read
more.
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U.S. Senator Brown… Ensuring Taxpayer Dollars are Spent on
Education, Not Corporate PR
As the summer comes to a close, students across Ohio are crisscrossing
the state, heading back to campuses and settling into dorms. Set foot
on any college quad, and the excitement is palpable — young people
excited for their futures, which they hope will be even brighter thanks
to higher education. We know that education is one of the surest paths
to economic success. It’s one…
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more.
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Broke Wife, Big City…
My dad is in
the cheese business,
By Aprill Brandon
There I was. Just minding my own business. Looking like a hungover
Cruella de Ville with my gallon-sized black coffee and my big dark
sunglasses and my resting bitch face. Sitting at an outdoor table
quietly attempting to write a beautiful and heartfelt rant on why I
thought Blake Lively was the devil. When suddenly, the three of them
plopped down at the next table. A blur of bobbing…
read
more.
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Attorney General Mike
DeWine… DeWine Announces Support
for Child Credit Freeze Bill
HB 317 Would Help Parents Protect Children from Identity Theft
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced
support for Ohio House Bill 317, which would allow parents or guardians
to “freeze” a child’s credit record to help stop identity thieves from
opening accounts in the child’s name. The bill was introduced today by
Representative Ron Maag (R-Lebanon)…
read
more.
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More DC fodder… including an elevator
exorcism, By Susan Olling
While tourists unwittingly provide lots of stories, they didn’t provide
the only fodder for this installment. Metro, our little subway system,
has had something newsworthy on a number of occasions this year.
The most recent something newsworthy occurred in early August. A
train derailed in a tunnel between two stations in the middle of
downtown D.C. Fortunately, the train was empty.
Unfortunately…
read
more.
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The White House… One veteran's
perspective on the Iran deal
I was in the first company of Marines to enter Baghdad in 2003. As a
combat veteran, I know the cost of war. It is something I still carry
with me today in the U.S. House of Representatives, where I have the
privilege of representing the people of northeast Massachusetts. And I
am reminded of it every time the questions of war…
read
more.
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Commissioner’s Corner… Construction
has begun at South Industrial Park Drive
August has certainly been friendly to Darke County. It seems we have
had perfect weather most of the time, only a couple of really warm
days, and rain when needed. The Great Darke County Fair could not have
had any better weather! The Days were cool and mild, and the nights
were perfect. With High School football starting…
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Birth/Death
Certificates-Removing Red tape
A constituent brought to my attention the need to make access to Ohio’s
birth and death certificates easier and more affordable. In the past
the local County Boards of Health and the State Health Department have
had different policies on how to access these documents. Although
allowing local Boards to operate as they see fit is an optimal way to
govern, this…
read
more.
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Revolt or
revert? By Jim Surber
Six months ago, if someone had offered a wager that in late August the
two leading presidential candidates would be Donald Trump and Bernie
Sanders; I would have probably borrowed heavily to bet against it. Yes,
the breakout stars of 2015 are two old white guys from the outer
boroughs of New York. In the summer of America’s discontent, Sanders…
read
more.
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Broke Wife,
Big City… What I Did On My
Summer Vacation, By Aprill Brandon
We didn’t really have the money. Or it might be more accurate to say we
had the money but we knew we should probably save it like real
grown-ups do to put toward buying a house, or purchasing bookshelves
that aren’t held together with duct tape or funneling it into an
account to pay for our toddler son’s future therapy bills. But instead,
we said screw it and blew it all on a spur-of-the-moment…
read
more.
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Tourists,
tourists,
By
Susan Olling
The National Mall and Memorial Parks provide excellent examples of
tourists behaving, well, like tourists. Give them lots of room if you
can. I won’t even go into the indescribably bad fashion
statements that are seen down there. Some of the events below may
have involved locals, but it doesn’t matter. Comments from
“regular” visitors about the disrespectful behavior of school groups
were…
read
more.
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New
Newspeak,
By Kate
Burch
“1984,” George Orwell’s dystopian novel about a totalitarian state,
Oceania, described the language of this country, “Newspeak,”
which was devised as a means of limiting freedom of thought, and
squelching ideas that posed a threat to the regime, such as freedom,
self-expression, and individuality. This new language served to
shape the thinking of the populace and create a political orthodoxy…
read
more.
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Ohioans
Shouldn’t be Left in the Dark on Trade
Ohioans have seen first-hand what so-called free trade agreements have
done to our state and our economy. Bad deals have closed factories,
torn apart families, and devastated communities. Americans have every
right to be skeptical of new trade deals, particularly the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) — the largest trade deal ever
negotiated. We have heard “just trust me” from politicians too many…
read
more.
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State
Senator Bill Beagle… Fire Safety
for Off-Campus Housing
This week I joined State Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) and State
Representative Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek) to reintroduce legislation
aimed at protecting renters in the event of a fire. The bill requires a
separate means of egress for all dwelling areas above the second story
of a residential rental property. When a fire breaks out, you have only
moments to make a decision on how you will escape…
read
more.
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State Representative Jim Buchy… Mitochondrial
Disease Awareness
September is Mitochondrial disease awareness month in memory of western
Ohio’s own Corynna Strawser. Corynna dedicated her life to raising
awareness for this rare and devastating disease and in her honor Senate
Bill 300 was passed to allow us to carry on her fight. Mitochondrial
disease, Mito for short, is an inherited chronic illness in which…
read
more.
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Bullying
in Ohio,
By Melissa Martin, Child Therapist
How do agencies and organizations in Ohio prevent and intervene with
bullying? Do they help or hinder? What is the bullying policy at your
child’s school? What is a definition of bullying? “Bullying is
unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves
a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has
the potential to be repeated, over time,” according…
read
more.
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Broke Wife,
Big City… “Slummering” in Maine,
By Aprill Brandon
Guys, I don’t want to alienate any of my readers, but I can officially
say that I now “summer in Maine” like the rich people do. So please no
longer make direct eye contact when addressing me, peasants. Ok, ok,
busted. We’ll actually be slumming it in a small motel by the beach for
barely three days, so technically I guess you could say we’ll be
“slummering in Maine.” But you…
read
more.
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State
Representative Jim Buchy… Agritourism
is a Growing Trend in Ohio
When the Ohio winter ends and the warmer months come, you see many
people moving outdoors for entertainment. A growing trend in Ohio is
for Ohioans to take part in agritourism. Over the last 15 or so years,
this industry has really taken off and we in the state legislature are
doing our part to help it continue to be successful. Agritourism can be
defined as the crossroads between agriculture and tourism.…
read
more.
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Mr. History Wants…
By
Susan Olling
Some years ago, we went on a factory tour at the Harley-Davidson
assembly plant in York, PA. I thought that Mr. History’s
interest in this type of hog would go no further. However, one of
the toys on Mr. History’s wish list is a top-of-line
Harley. This list also includes a 1930s fire truck, among other
internal-combustion contraptions. I always ask him where he plans
to put all of these things…
read
more.
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Greenville
City Schools… Welcome to the
2015-2016 School Year, GCSD Superintendent Douglas Fries
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year. Our administration and
staff are eager to begin another year with the students, parents,
grandparents, and community members throughout our district. We
hope to have everyone work together to make this another successful
instructional and enjoyable year for all. I trust each of you have had
a relaxing and enjoyable summer with your family…
read
more.
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Ohio
Republican Party… ORP Update
Focusing on jobs and the taxpayers. That's a major difference between
Ohio Republicans and Ohio Democrats. A little over 4 years ago,
under Democrat Ted Strickland, our state faced massive job lost, tax
hikes, and an $8 billion budget hole. Now our Republican team has
delivered $5 billion in tax cuts, a $2 billion surplus and economic
growth. This week Ohio Republicans continued…
read
more.
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U.S.
Senator Sherrod Brown… Protecting
Ohio’s Drinking Water
Around this time last year, 500,000 Ohioans in the Toledo area were
forced to go without safe drinking water. They were warned they
couldn’t drink the tap water in their own homes. This is something no
family should have to go through, and that should not be happening in
our state. Cities and towns across Ohio need to have the best, most
up-to-date information on how to keep their drinking…
read
more.
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All Is Not Lost,
By Kate Burch
At our house, we joke about morning prayers consisting, at least in
part, of sitting with our coffee and the daily newspapers, saying
repeatedly, “Oh, God!” Yesterday, especial fervency was provoked by
some disheartening news about Voice of America. Started in 1942
as a means of countering Nazi propaganda, VOA is a taxpayer-funded…
read
more.
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