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From The Rankin File by Virgil Rankin -  November 19, 2009
Yard care problems gone with the wind
There are times when you just get lucky, and this fall was one of those times for me.
A rare confluence of weather conditions combined to make my lawn care chores as easy as they could possibly be in October and November.
In a “normal” year, the leaves on my maple trees come down in flurries, resulting in piles too deep to run over with the lawn mower. That means that at least once and often two or three times, I have to rake my back yard before mowing.
This year, I never had to lift a rake.
When the leaves first started falling, they were scattered just right by the wind to allow me to mulch them into powder while I mowed my still green lawn.

Time Out With Tim by Time Miller - November 19, 2009
Former Richwood-NU coach had huge athletic legacy
Over the past couple of days, I’ve had a chance to peruse a bit of local football memorabilia.
Betty Drodofsky, the widow of former Richwood-North Union head coach Fritz Drodofsky, allowed sports writer Virg Rankin to borrow a scrapbook and ledger from her late husband’s coaching career that spanned from 1950 to 1972.
Virg, in turn, brought the items into the office.
For someone from the northern part of Union County, these items were a treasure of history.
As a kid, I remember reading about such names as Oman, Drake, Cowgill, Somerlot, Stout and Mannasmith and their exploits for the North Union Wildcats. (Sorry to some guys, but the era of the Richwood Tigers was just a little bit before my time of being interested in sports).
Drodofsky, who was born in Germany in 1925, came to the United States with his family at the age of two.

Editorial - November 13, 2009
Congratulations to NU and JA
For the first Friday night in 11 weeks, there will be no local high school football games to cover, and the Journal-Tribune sports department gets a breather.
The highlight of this season for Union County is, no doubt, the North Union Wildcats playing for the first time in school history in the playoffs. Jonathan Alder also made the post-season lineup, but has been there several times before. Both teams are to be congratulated, but the North Union accomplishment has a little more spice to it since this was their inaugural appearance.
Although both teams lost last weekend, it does not diminish one bit the accolades their teams and coaches deserve.

Hornucopia by Ryan Horns - November 13, 2009
Learn my name
I have a chip on my shoulder, Marysville.
This column has been years in the making, but its time has finally come.
Let’s get this straight for once and for all: My name is Ryan Horns. I have worked as a reporter for this newspaper since 2001.
On the other hand, photographer Patrick Dundr has worked for the paper since 2003.
I would like to stress that we look absolutely nothing alike, aside from the fact that we’re of similar height and are both prone to growing facial hair.
I spend my work hours walking around Marysville with a notepad, making daily visits to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Marysville Fire Department, The Marysville Police Department and more. I document Marysville and some county news, as well as breaking emergencies and crime reports every day.
Patrick spends his time driving and walking around Union County with his camera, documenting people and events.
The similarities end there. Yet for more than seven years now people have been prone to mix us up. Two or three times a week someone will call me “Patrick” as I pass by.

A Word To The Wise by Chad Williamson -  November 12, 2009
Heavy punching
When people ask me about the changing role of newspapers and where I see the business in 10 or even 20 years, I have to be realistic.
All I can say for certain is that the business will be very different.
In the past, when confronted with the occasional conversationalist who could envision the death of newspapers — and as such the worthlessness of my skill set — I had a ready answer.
“People will always want to know what is going on and as such news gatherers will always be needed.”
I reasoned that the only thing that would change in the future would be the vehicle by which the news was delivered. Whether it be in print, on computer or beamed into a phone, news needs to get to people so someone will always be needed to collect it.
But lately more than just the platform has changed in news gathering. The Internet has morphed reporting from the bottom up.

Editorial - November 6, 2009
Surprises mark local vote results
Another local election has gone into the record books, and as is the case so many times, there were surprises which demonstrate that sometimes it is very difficult to predict the outcome.
One observation which was made obvious by the results is that voters don’t like new taxes. Both the Marysville city income tax and Union County Mental Health issues were defeated, and both were additional taxes. Two others, the Marysville School District and Union County Developmental Disabilities issues, passed rather easily. Both of them were renewals and thus involved no new taxes.
One of the biggest surprises was the size of the vote against the mental health levy. Whereas defeat of the city income tax was by a narrow margin (just over 100 votes — 51 percent to 49 percent), the mental health issue went down by more than 3,400 votes, 61 percent to 38 percent.
That may be attributed somewhat to the difference in the two campaigns. Supporters of the city issue worked vigorously for approval of the income tax increase. The campaign for the mental health levy was almost non-existent.

Good to hear by Mac Cordell - November 6, 2009
Granny in a booster seat
I have a 3 year old. He is a good looking kid, smart, funny, fun to be around. Much, as I am sure, like I was.
I remember certain things about when I was his age.
I remember my father letting me stay up late with him to watch the World Series. I remember standing outside, a trash bag over my shoulders, rain pouring down as my father and I cheered for the Chambersburg Cardinals semi-pro football team.
I remember shooting a mechanical, wind-up rabbit with a double barrel gun that shot suction cups.
And I remember driving with my father. That’s right, driving with my dad.
My father would put me on his knee, perched between him and the steering wheel, and drive. We drove all around town that way. In our car, an automatic, my dad would even let me pull the car out of neutral and into reverse, then from reverse to drive.

Karlyn's Korner By Karlyn Byers - November 5, 2009
A little bit of this, a dab of that
This and that
I remember writing in a previous column that I label e-mail messages to my family “this ‘n’ that” when I’m writing about a variety of subjects.
Well, this column is a little like that, as I muse about a couple things.
First off, I want to offer congratulations to Marysville High School band members Doug Dafler, Matt Nelson, Hannah Gleckler, Isaac Young, Macy Henault and Alyssa Demchak. The six will march in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band.
I’d also like to congratulate the Fairbanks High School Marching Band for securing a spot in this year’s OMEA State Marching Band Contest Saturday at Dublin Coffman High School. It’s the first time a band from the rural school district has qualified for state competition. The band will perform at 1 p.m. Awards are at 3 p.m.

Time Out With Tim by Time Miller - November 4, 2009
North Union football: You’ve come a long way, baby!
The northern part of Union County has come down with a case of football fever as the North Union Wildcats get set for their first-ever state playoff game.
There is so much to say about this year’s Wildcats that it’s difficult to know where to begin.
You can start with a 10-0 record that marks the first time any NU football team has gone unbeaten.
You can continue with an MOAC championship, which hasn’t happened very often in the history of the program.
Of course, there is the first berth in the state playoffs and the fact the Wildcats will be hosting that game when St. Henry comes to town Friday evening.
All of the above are very important but the biggest factor  not only encompasses this year’s team but what the Wildcats have been able to do for the past few years.
Under head coach Mike Loparo, the Wildcats went 12-8 in two years. With current coach Jesse Miller at the helm, NU has posted a 17-3 mark.
Let that sink in for a minute. Over the past four seasons, the Wildcats have won 29 games and lost only 11. That’s quite an accomplishment for a program that had been, frankly, downtrodden for the better part of three decades.

Editorial - October 30, 2009
City voters must decide important tax issue
Much has been said during the recent campaign, for and against the city income tax issue. The measure on the ballot this election would increase the tax one-half percent if approved.
Those who favor the increase point to the fact that there has been no more voted tax money in more than 40 years, when a one percent tax was first approved. They add that during that period of time, the population of Marysville has grown substantially, bringing the city from a largely rural town to a bustling community with new industry and big businesses.
They also underscore the need for better accommodations for the Marysville Police Department and the Marysville Municipal Court, both housed in the current City Hall at the corner of East Sixth and South Plum streets. This building, they say, was once a seed production facility of O.M. Scott & Sons, and has experienced many problems over the years being converted into the seat of Marysville’s government.

From The Rankin File by Virgil Rankin -  October 30, 2009
Washington, D.C. revisited 
If you read my last column, you know that my wife and I spent a three day weekend in our nation’s capital city two weeks ago.
In case anybody is interested, here is my report on the journey.
First of all, let me give our newly purchased GPS device an A . The smooth, calm, feminine voice gave us perfect instructions all the way out and all the way back.
That doesn’t mean I never made a wrong turn. In the rain and gloom on Thursday night, I misinterpreted her directions and departed the George Washington Parkway one exit early. Instead of being three blocks from our motel, we faced the entrance at Arlington National Cemetery.
I also goofed up leaving our motel. I refused to take the Richmond exit because I knew my destination was north, not south. Actually, I did need to take the Richmond exit, because it was the shortest route to the outerbelt. The beauty of the GPS is that it quickly told us when and where to turn and we were back on track in no time after both mistakes.
Earlier, I mentioned rain and gloom. Let me simply say that it rained on us every minute, from the time we left home on Thursday afternoon, until we were out of the D.C. area on Sunday and the temperature never rose above 43 degrees until we were nearly half way home. For the record, the average temperature in Washington in mid-October is nearly 70 degrees.

Hornucopia by Ryan Horns - October 29, 2009
Healthy debate
As some politicians and CEOs balk over President Obama’s proposed public insurance option, I am cheering it on.
I can’t wait for some action. The state of health care in this country is embarrassing at best. We’re the only industrialized county that still leaves its public twisting in the proverbial wind.
Unfortunately, a lot of the rich politicians wagging their fists at Obama don’t seem to realize this. Maybe it is because they are free to come and go with great health care — funded by our tax dollars.
While many millions of Americans remain uninsured and millions more can’t afford it, members of Congress receive health-related services that many of us will never see.
As soon as they are sworn in, they may opt into the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). The program offers an assortment of health plans they can pick and choose from, including fee-for-service, point-of-service, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). They can insure their wives and their children. They have their own pharmacy on Capitol Hill, complete with a team of doctors, nurses and technicians at their beck and call. Our tax dollars even foot 75 percent of their premiums.
We generously pay members of Congress anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000 a year in salaries. We also allow them to give themselves raises every year to keep up with inflation. Remember that old-fashioned idea of keeping up with inflation? Yeah, me neither.

Editorial - October 23, 2009
Vote yes on DD, school levies
Two renewal levies on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 ballot are for operation of both the Marysville School System and Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The issue for the school, still called Marysville Exempted Village School District, is for 6.56 mills over five years. There is no increase in taxes for homeowners.
We feel it is important for voters of the district to approve the measure. We would not wish to see the schools go through another period of upheaval as was the case a few years ago.
In addition, and perhaps the most important reason, Marysville, under superintendent Larry Zimmerman, provides a quality education for its students. It’s difficult to put a dollar value on that. We also want this excellence to continue.

A Word To The Wise by Chad Williamson - October 23, 2009
Fooled by Falcon
OK Falcon, you got me.
Killers, politicians and scam artists don’t usually pull one over on me. But you Falcon, little innocent home-schooled Falcon, you and your goofy family had me sucked in.
I was drawn in by the wonder of it all as I returned to the newsroom last Thursday to see a UFO dancing across the TV screen mounted on a J-T wall. Moving closer to read the caption I learned that a child was in the helium-filled craft.
I quickly deactivated the mute feature on the TV because I wanted to hear all about this drama.
For the next hour I was captivated by the possibility that a tot was floating along on the ride of his life. The newscasters dangled nuggets like 8,500 feet, freezing temperatures, airports, mountains and thunderstorms.
I was into it. A brother had witnessed adventuresome Falcon climb into the craft and that was good enough for me. I had a rundown of questions and possible resolutions. Had he already plunged to his death? Was he frozen up like a little Falconsicle? Would he hit a mountain? Would he drift on into the night and on to Taipei?
Happy ending or sad, I was ready. The end didn’t matter to me really, because the ride itself and how it happened was the story.

Good to hear by Mac Cordell - October 22, 2009
Constitutional tinkering
I am voting “no”... I think.
This is my opinion and only mine. I make no assertion that it is anyone’s other than mine, but I think I am voting “no” on all three statewide ballot issues in November. My reason? This isn’t the way to get things done.
The problem is, I agree with Issue 2 and I think I agree with Issue 1. ( I definitely disagree with Issue 3).
More than that, however, I disagree with the way they are trying to pass the initiatives. All three issues are proposed as amendments to the state constitution. I believe that a constitution, whether federal, state or of an organization, should provide the general framework for government. It should offer philosophical direction for government in order to best protect the interests of the constituency. I have nothing to back this up of course. I have looked, but can’t find any official-like definition of a Constitution

Editorial - October 16, 2009
UCF doing job of  preserving footprints well
A countywide charitable organization which has been experiencing an ever-increasing asset base is the Community Foundation of Union County (UCF).
UCF officially came into being in 1993. Before that there were some smaller foundations, such as the Morey Foundation, which existed to provide funds for local charitable groups and community endeavors.
Over the 16 years of its existence, UCF assets have grown to a total of nearly $5 million. That amount is greater than the same time last year in spite of deplorable economic conditions throughout the nation and area, says UCF Executive Director Dave Vollrath.
What is more impressive is the fact that there are now nearly 60 individual funds which the foundation administers and oversees investment of their money. Nine of those funds were added just since the beginning of 2009.

Karlyn's Korner By Karlyn Byers - October 1, 2009
Collecting past treasures
Very few of the farms I pass as I travel to and from work and go about my daily activities could be classified as pristine.
Most have tractors and implements parked about the place, odd piles of trash and debris and barns and outbuildings chock full of stuff.
While I admire, indeed, aspire to, the tidiness of a nice looking farm, the reality is, most farmers hate to part with anything that might possibly be recycled or re-purposed into something useful.
Farmers are a thrifty, practical bunch. My husband and late father-in-law were especially adept at coming up with new innovations re-manufactured from something else. Whether a study fence-post driver welded together out of odd parts of steel or an old furnace motor refashioned into a garage fan, they always seemed to be able to make something out of nothing.

Editorial - October 9, 2009
Newspapers still firm in duty as watchdog
IOne of the fears is that these reductions will take away from the news media’s traditional responsibility of acting as a watchdog of government at all levels and doing investigative reporting.
We can assure our readers that the Journal-Tribune will not shirk from that duty.
Going back to the early days of the country, newspapers have been hailed as the fourth estate, the other three being the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. News organizations were seen as an important cog in running the nation, and early on given the job of keeping a watchful eye on those in elected positions and other high posts.
Officials of the news industry insist that recent cutbacks have not diminished this work, and we join them in that statement.
Although we do not consider the Journal-Tribune a wild-eyed crusading publication as some are, we take our job as watchdog very seriously. We try very hard to be supportive of the community and those who call the shots. Basically, officials are very dedicated in their work and perform their duties in a quality, lawful manner. But we will not hesitate to blow the whistle if we think something is out of line.

Hornucopia by Ryan Horns - October 9, 2009
Cholesterol here to stay
For almost an entire year I tried to turn over a new leaf. I was so proud of myself.
Thursday those efforts came full circle as I sat eating fried chicken strips and greasy thick French fries at 10 p.m.
After 15 years of not going to a doctor, last year I finally decided to bite the bullet and get my cholesterol checked out. High levels run in the family. But then again, my parents aren’t exactly the pictures of healthy eating. My dad once told me he ate butter as a snack when he was a kid.
So I was understandably dumbfounded with the results of my blood tests. My cholesterol levels were much higher than I imagined.
But first you have to understand my history.
My friends spent most of their lives eating three cheeseburgers a day, stuffing fists full of bacon down their gullets and smearing butter on anything that moved.

A Word To The Wise by Chad Williamson - October 8, 2009
Restful vacations ?
Having returned this week from an extended weekend vacation, I've come to realize why I take fewer and fewer getaways as I get older.
A stressful week before and after the trip really don't make a vacation very restful.
Prior to my trip, which centered around a softball tournament, I found myself living a Spartan existence. I didn't really want to leave a full refrigerator upon my departure, so my daughter and I ate whatever foodstuffs happened to have not caught our eyes previously. This resulted in a lot of food from cans with a smattering of microwavables thrown in and a couple of frozen mysteries for good measure.
Also the week before, I made sure every piece of laundry was clean so that any possible garment would be at my disposal to cram into the suitcase. I then spent the week trying to find clothes in the back of the closet I wouldn't take on vacation, but also didn't look too dated.

Editorial - October 2, 2009
Readers’ Choice survey a gratifying success
The Marysville Journal-Tribune has just completed its inaugural Readers’ Choice survey to see what are Union Countians favorites with regard to various local businesses. The results were very gratifying.
The main reason we conducted the survey is to highlight the many quality business ventures located right here within our county’s borders. Winners in each of the 66 categories were declared favorites, but many others received votes indicating how well readers and consumers regard most of the companies and individuals they deal with on a regular basis.
In very important to the life of a community such as Marysville/Union County for its residents to keep their dollars at home — for retail purchases, banking, services, restaurants, recreation, and a number of other areas. In today’s difficult economy, it is even more critical to do so.

Good to hear by Mac Cordell - October 2, 2009
Whatever happened to civility?
Last month, a large national newspaper posed the question to America, “What happened to civility?
The question came after a particularly tumultuous two weeks for Miss Manners.
Perhaps you recall Kanye West cutting off a fellow artist so he could tell her and the whole world that she didn’t deserve an award, but that another performer should have won. In an instant of selfishness, he stole from the winner a once-in-a-lifetime moment, that no matter how much he apologizes, she will never get back.
Our President, in response, called West a dirty name.
Barack Obama was also on the receiving end.
South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson interrupted a speech in front of Congress by the President, yelling, “You lie!”
Wilson’s wasn’t the only disruption, though it was the most disruptive.
Moments after the President’s speech, Wilson issued an apology. He also called Obama to apologize again.
Rep. John Dingell, the Michigan Democrat for whom the health care bill is named, did not accept Wilson’s apology, though it was not he who had been wronged. Dingell fired back that he expects this behavior from anyone who doesn’t espouse the Democrats’ viewpoint.

Karlyn's Korner By Karlyn Byers - October 1, 2009
Good advice can come from unlikely sources
Sometimes we receive the most amazing advice in the most unlikely places.
Such was the case at the Sept. 21 market hog contest at the Delaware County Fair. Throughout the show, Judge Darrrell Furlong, a hog producer and 4-H advisor from Wilmington, dispersed little nuggets of wisdom along with his comments about the various hogs that were being exhibited. 
“I like how that young lady is dressed,” he said as a juvenile exhibitor calmly moved her animal around the arena. 
In particular, the young competitor was dressed in a very business-like long-sleeved plaid shirt, jeans and boots and had her long hair neatly braided.
Lest he sound like a chauvinist, the judge further explained that the show was a serious competition, and it should be treated as such. It was not the time or place to be sloppy or wear attire that was immodest, he said.
This earned a round of applause from the many parents, grandparents, 4-H advisors and other spectators in the audience, as did several other comments from the father and grandfather.

Time Out With Tim by Time Miller - September 29, 2009
NU grid seniors have made history with 5-0 start
OK readers, here’s a really easy exercise for you.
Direct your eyes to the column just to the right of what you’re reading and go down about half the page.
What do you see?
That’s right, you’re reading the current state high school football poll and you’ve reached the Division V level.
Go down a bit further and what name do you see?
Right again ... Richwood North Union, which is ranked No. 11 in the state poll.
The football program that has had a long history of struggle is rightfully getting its share of accolades these days.
For a number of years from the mid 1970s and into the new millenium, the Wildcats, quite frankly, were the whipping boy of high school football.
During that span, North Union went through seven coaches and posted a dismal winning percentage of .289.

Editorial - September 25, 2009
City looks to fix bad intersection
When the streets of Marysville were laid out years ago, there were several intersections which today continue to cause engineers to scratch their heads.
Three of the worst are those at what is called Five Points on the east side of town, the one at West Fourth, West Fifth and Grove Street, and the one at the conjunction of South Maple Street and Milford Avenue. The first two have been corrected to a large degree with traffic lights (although some residents would disagree). The third one is still a problem and was the subject of discussion this week at the city public services meeting.

Hornucopia by Ryan Horns - September 25, 2009
The laser litmus test
A novelty laser is kind of like knowledge. It depends on what you do with it that defines who you are.
This little three-inch device shoots a small red beam of light, capable of reaching hundreds of yards away.
I learned over the weekend that not only can these lasers help separate the species; they are also a bit of a litmus test for intelligence.
Many people may have heard about the rising trend of people shining lasers into the cockpits of passing airplanes. There were even several incidents of people shining them into the cockpits of passing helicopters. I learned it’s actually a felony crime.
The reason why I bring this up is because I went to a national rock band’s show in Columbus last Friday. No news reports have mentioned it, but during the show the band handed out at least a thousand of these novelty lasers. The point was to have as many people in the audience in charge of the “light show” as possible. As performance art, it was pretty fascinating to watch.

Editorial - September 18, 2009
Mass. bill smacks of ugly politics
Politics has raised its ugly head in an unbelievable manner in Massachusetts.
The state House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday to allow Gov. Deval Patrick, a Democrat, to name a temporary successor to the U.S. Senate seat of Edward Kennedy who died of brain cancer last month. The bill now goes to the state senate for its approval.
Current law requires that a special election be held in January to name a replacement. In and of itself, this all doesn’t sound so bad.
But let’s look at all the facts.
The current statute was itself a change, passed five years ago to prevent Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, from naming a Republican interim successor to the U.S. Senate seat held by John Kerry, a Democrat, in case he was elected president and his Senate seat would become vacant. Of course he lost the presidential election, but the change was still put into effect.

From The Rankin File by Virgil Rankin -  September 18, 2009
School days
For most area youngsters, the school year is now into its fourth week.
The older I get, the more I realize what a wide range of opinions there are about our school systems.
When I was growing up, I liked school and so did my two brothers and two sisters. That doesn’t mean I liked every class or every teacher or that I didn’t have an occasional bad day or days. And I never liked homework.
But overall, I enjoyed learning and the social nature of the setting. In fact, several of my teachers would have readily said I enjoyed the social part way too much.
I eventually became a teacher and spent 33 years teaching secondary social studies. I never regretted my career choice and almost never dreaded going to work.
I’m recounting this personal history for a reason. Because I realize how terrific it can be, I find it terribly disappointing when school is a bad experience, as it is for many students.
Some youngsters never like school because they don’t like structure or taking orders. They want to operate on a  free-lance basis but schools seldom operate that way. There are other well-known reasons why kids hate school and they seem to be impossible to eliminate. Here are some that existed when I was a grade schooler and are still going strong.
• Learning difficulties. There are always the bright kids, those who struggle and those in the middle. Those traits tend to define status and groups and it is no surprise that school is not fun for those who are perceived by themselves and others as being on the bottom.
Many changes have been made in the system over the years but those changes have not eliminated the feeling of failure among those who try hard and still struggle to pass.

Good to hear by Mac Cordell - September 11, 2009
Language landmines
I received a letter in the mail today. I don’t get much mail, either here or at home, but today, I got a letter.
A plain white envelope with my name, a stamp and a Columbus postmark.
Inside was a simple, handwritten note on white lined paper, each letter of every word, a capital.
“MAC CORDELL,
LOVE YOUR WRITING, BUT CANNOT TAKE THE MISTAKES ON EFFECT AND AFFECT ONE MORE TIME! (effect and affect both circled)
THE “EFFECT” OF THE EVENT “AFFECTED” EVERYONE. (effect and affect both underlined twice)
EFFECT — NOUN AFFECT — VERB (effect and affect both underlined twice)
IT “AFFECTED” THEM. THE “EFFECT” WAS REAL. (effect and affect both underlined twice)
PLEASE NOTE DIFFERENCE! PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS!
Thanks
A FAN”
No, no, thank you. While it initially may seem like I am being sarcastic, I really did appreciate the letter. The note’s author, I am certain, has no idea how I struggle with this. I am actually surprised to get the letter because usually I avoid both “effect” and “affect.” I try to substitute something, usually “impact,” for both.

Editorial -September 18, 2009
Labor Day 2009 has special meaning
Labor Day, which is celebrated Monday, is the last main holiday before colder temperatures set in. It is technically still in the summer season which continues until Sept. 22.
This year’s holiday takes on a little different meaning since, with the economic woes of the country, there are so many unemployed persons. The roles of working men and women being honored for their labor should also include the nearly 10 percent who have been laid off work through no fault of their own because of the recession and who are seeking jobs.

Karlyn's Korner By Karlyn Byers - September 4, 2009
Flying Old Glory
has the distinction of featuring more opportunities for flying the flag than any other month of the year?
Neither did I, until I received an e-mail message earlier this week from the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA). The non-profit trade association established in 2003 and “dedicated to educating and promoting the quality, variety and proper use of flags manufactured in the United States,” urges Americans to fly the stars and stripes on five September holidays — Labor Day, Patriot Day, Constitution Day, POW/MIA Recognition Day and Gold Star Mother’s Day.
We’re all familiar with Labor Day, which is celebrated on Sept. 7 this year. A federal holiday, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions made by America’s workforce. What makes it unique, according to the FMAA, is that it honors the daily efforts and accomplishments of America’s people. Other national holidays commemorate victories or defeats in battle or remember lives sacrificed in the name of our country.

Hornucopia by Ryan Horns - September 3, 2009
Old folks gone wild
The annual Lake Erie camping trip came and went with little fanfare. There were no people falling off cliffs. There was no horrendous hurricane weather. I didn’t even have trouble getting the fire lit — don’t ask.
In fact, the only real surprise was that apparently when you go to Put-in-Bay during the weekdays instead of the weekend, you find the entire island has been overrun with retired folks. I’m not talking “young” retired folks, which I consider those in their 60s or 70s. I’m talking about the ones ranging in the late 80s and onwards.
Don’t get me wrong, at first I thought it would be great. I was looking forward to a quiet weekend and the younger generation has a way of bringing drama wherever they go.
Little did I realize that something in the Put-in-Bay air turned these pleasant retired people into animals.
It started simple enough. There was a very pleasant retired man camping next to me. He kept saying his family was coming to meet him. Then he pulled up a chair and began talking — telling great stories about being a postal worker for 37 years.

Editorial - August 28, 2009
Tragedy kept Kennedy from run for president
Sen. Ted Kennedy, who died this week at the age of 77 from brain cancer, is being eulogized by many in the news media as “the liberal lion of the U.S. Senate.” He served in that chamber of Congress representing the state of Massachusetts for nearly 47 years.
He was the last son of the storied family of Joe Kennedy which produced a U.S. president and two senators, and has been the subject of American political lore for more than 70 years. But for two tragic moments, there could have been two or even three presidents from that family.
A few years after the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Bobby, a U.S. Senator, threw his hat in the ring for the top job. But in 1968, an assassin’s bullet also cut his life short.
The focus then fell on brother Ted’s shoulders if the nation was to have another Kennedy in the White House. It was not to be. The very next year after Bobby’s death - 40 years ago last month - tragedy struck again, but not in the form of a bullet. This time it was the result of an auto accident which claimed the life of Mary Jo Kopechne in a car immersed in the channel off Dike Bridge on Chappaquiddick Island. Kennedy, who had been a U.S. Senator since 1962, had put her there when he ran off the bridge while driving from a party where the two had been.
Kennedy escaped from the vehicle and swam to safety. Sadly, Mary Jo didn’t make it.

From The Rankin File by Virgil Rankin - August 28, 2009
From new building to green space
What some would call progress, others would call destroying history.
Behind a protective fence on the east side of Richwood, big backhoes demolished in the past four days what a previous generation had proudly built as the jewel of its education system 70 years earlier.
In September of 1939, Richwood High School was opened, featuring terrazzo hallways, hardwood parquet floors in the classrooms and gymnasium and plenty of big windows to let in the light.  It served in that role until consolidation and the opening of the new  North Union High School on the north side of town forty years later. For the next thirty years, it was North Union Middle School.  In a matter of days, it will be green space.

Editorial - August 21, 2009
It’s that time: School bells ring
School bells ring next week for most students in Union County.
Although summer technically has another month before the season ends, the start of classes signals, in a traditional way, its close. Fall sports, including football, volleyball, golf, soccer and cross country, begin. And normal summertime activities such as swimming, boating, outdoor games and others are relegated to the weekends and later to the thoughts of next summer.
Just as business and industry have faced tough economic times this past year or more, schools have the same problem. But that problem seems to be a constant one as the state changes its way of funding education and voters find it more and more difficult to approve levies.

A word to the wise by Chad Williamson - August 21, 2009
Remembering the art of Hughes
For everything that Michael Jackson may have represented to individuals of my generation, I’d wager that John Hughes may have meant more.
And people don’t even realize it.
While Jackson’s face was on every video, commercial and magazine cover in early and mid 80s, Hughes to this day is a bit of mystery. The writer, director, producer lived a solitary lifestyle, shunning interviews and red carpets until his death at a young age a couple of weeks ago.

Time Out With Tim by Time Miller - August 15, 2009
My apologies to a good friend
Today, I’m going to use my column to publicly issue an apology to a very good friend of mine.
A few days ago, I wrote a story about Marysville boys golf coach Bob Ludwin and his years of service to Monarch linksmen.
Ludwin has been with the program since 1987 and has been head coach since 1990.
Some people have commented on what a nice story it was about Bob.

Editorial - August 14, 2009
Come and enjoy Balloon Fest
The All Ohio Balloon Fest, which is the last local hurrah before the beginning of school less than two weeks from now, opens this evening and continues Saturday at the Union County Airport.
It represents a ballooning tradition which dates back to 1975, the first year that a balloon rally was held in Marysville. It is an opportunity to showcase the community and its fine airport, to provide fun for young and old alike and all members of the family, and enjoy good music, food and drink, and entertainment.
On both Friday and Saturday, the gates open at 5 p.m. after which the festivities begin. Kid City, a large, supervised recreation area for youngsters, opens at 6 p.m., the same time the 21 balloons are scheduled to launch. Weather, of course, plays a part in the launching. A balloon glow is set for 9 p.m.

Karlyn's Korner By Karlyn Byers - August 14, 2009
Back to the future
I am eagerly looking forward to a day trip my husband and I have planned next week.
We plan to scoot up to Holmes County, visit my favorite bulk food stores and bakeries, catch a good meal at the Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot and finish up by purchasing some Guissiberg Baby Swiss cheese in Charm.
In between, we’ll travel the byways of Ohio’s largest Amish community.
What makes this trip so special is my husband suggested it. Usually one loathe to tag along while I stroll through “knicky-knack” stores, as he calls them, he suggested we do that very thing a couple weeks ago when he sensed I needed a breather.
And because my sweetie of 43 years was so sensitive to my emotional needs, I don’t plan to include any of those stores that he so detests on our journey. (OK. To be truthful, we may hit one or two.)

From The Rankin File by Virgil Rankin- August 13, 2009
Sports and history in Louisville
From a very young age, I have loved sports and I have loved history.
I took four days of vacation last week and spent three of them in Louisville, Kentucky. While I was there, I got a fix on both of my favorite things at the same time. I visited two sports shrines, Churchill Downs and the Louisville Slugger factory and museum. I was impressed by Churchill Downs but I literally got chills at the bat factory.
Although baseball was never my favorite sport to play, it has been a big part of my life. It is without a rival as the best sport for radio and I have listened to the Reds since I was in grade school in the 1950s. Although not an expert, I have always been fascinated by the history of the game.
The factory/museum was just a few blocks from our hotel so we got there on foot. As we got within two blocks of our destination, the experience began. At intervals along the sidewalk were bronze replicas of bat models used by the likes of Rogers Hornsby, Jimmy Foxx, Lou Gehrig, Roberto Clemente, Henry Aaron, Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench.  

Editorial - August 7, 2009
A quick look back at the 2009 Union County Fair
The annual Union County Fair has concluded its 163rd run and fair officials have expressed a general feeling that they were pleased with the results.
For the second year, it was an eight-day exposition, beginning Sunday, July 26 and ending Sunday, Aug. 2. But it was the first time the Ohio State Fair, which began Wednesday, July 29, competed with the county fair.
The Journal-Tribune had its familiar booth under the grandstand, something we have enjoyed doing for many years. From our observation, it seemed the crowds were heavier during the earlier part of the fair and before the state fair began.

Hornucopia by Ryan Horns - August 7, 2009
The Horns obsession
When my older brother turned 35 years old, I remember thinking how old that seemed. I made sure to tell him that, too.
There’s no turning back at that age. You’re officially not young anymore. That’s when you’re supposed to be raising children, going to the 9 to 5 job, or spending your nights watching Jay Leno — mostly because you don’t “understand” the other talk shows anymore.
At 35 myself now, this vision has changed to include people in their 50s — no offense to those afflicted. But it’s officially old. They don’t call it over the hill for nothing. But when I’m 50, it’ll probably be those people in their 70s.

Editorial - July 31, 2009
Honda profit report is welcome news
Good news outweighed the bad on the local economic front this week.
First, the bad news — Neff Co. announced that it will close its plant on Clymer Road near the Union County Airport by the end of the year. That will take about 90 jobs out of the local market. For several decades the firm, once known as Chenille Products, made varsity school letters for jackets and other items.
Now the good news — Honda Motor Co. reported Wednesday profits of nearly $80 million for the second quarter of this year, April through June. What was so pleasing about the announcement was that some analysts had predicted a loss. In addition, Honda was the only one of four large automakers worldwide which reported earnings this week to list a profit. The other three are Japanese competitor Nissan, Germany’s Daimler AG and France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen. Also, two more big companies, Japan’s Toyoto and Germany’s Porsche SE, are in the near future expected to announce huge losses.

A word to the wise by Chad Williamson - July 16, 2009
Child’s play
Last weekend in the middle of a softball tournament in Michigan, I was stuck in a game late in the day as the shadow lengthened and the temperature began to cool slightly.
I stood in the infield as a player on the other team, dirty from head to toe, stood in the batter’s box waiting to crush the ball. As the offering approached the plate the girl, who may have been 6 years old, planted her filthy bare foot on the ball and sent it skittering across the infield.
Somehow in the middle of a men’s tournament, a kids’ game of kickball had broken out on an unused diamond.

Good to hear by Mac Cordell - July 30, 2009
Midway musings
2:29 – Arrive at fair booth. I am stuffed from judging the cookie contest.
2:34 – Wonder what that smell is.
2:36 – How can I tell if the cross-eyed carney is staring at me?
2:40 – Co-worker asks if the seniors are still playing bingo. I continue to be amazed by their love for the game. I think their passion is great.
2:46 – Wish that kid would pull his pants up.
2:50 – Seriously, what is that smell?
2:52 – The seniors sure do love that bingo … and Sheriff Nelson.

Time Out With Tim by Time Miller - July 27, 2009
Fastpitch softball is a great game; hopefully it can get back on Olympic schedule for 2016
With the completion of the Final Fling over the weekend, another successful softball season has concluded in Union County.
From the start of the spring season in late March, through summer travel ball and into the winter indoor league, softball has become one of the more popular sports in the area.
Having covered fastpitch softball for many years and watched it on TV, I am very upset that the sport has been dropped from the Summer Olympic games. It’s a no-go for the 2012 Games in London.

Editorial - July 24, 2009
Factual reporting left when Cronkite retired
The death of former CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite a week ago closes the book on the golden era of news reporting.
Cronkite was the epitome of a broadcast journalist. For nearly 20 years - from 1962-1981 - he entered the homes of millions of television viewers every evening with accurate and fair reports of the news of the day. He was so good at being impartial that few had any idea what his politics were or whether he was liberal or conservative in his thinking. He kept his personal beliefs totally out of his nightly news broadcasts and kept them to himself even in his daily life.

Karlyn's Korner By Karlyn Byers - July 24, 2009
The downward skid
Here at the Journal-Tribune, we’ve begun what could be called the downward skid to fall.
The Union County Fair is breathing down our necks, and the J-T Fair Results Guide will follow right on its heels. That will be followed very quickly by the All Ohio Balloon Rally coverage, our back-to-school issue, which in turn will be followed by the fall sports tab and the beginning of another Pigskin Pickers season.
Where the heck did the summer go?
While I’m not convinced that the season has begun a slow slide into fall, I’m very much aware of the 30 minutes or so of daylight we have lost since the first day of summer in June. The sun now rises well after 6 a.m., and it sets several minutes before 9 p.m.
That means when the clock radio clicks on at 5:30 a.m., my body is even more loathe to get up because the bedroom is still gloomy and shadowy. And after supper when I take our golden Lab outside for a last-minute romp, the sun has already set.

From The Rankin File by Virg Rankin - July 23, 2009
And that’s  the way it was
Two of the best-known personalities of the last half century died in the past month.
Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop” died on June 25 and Walter Cronkite, “the most trusted man in America” on July 17.
For a while, the careers of the two media giants ran concurrently, although their greatest impact was on different stages and different generations.
Born in 1958, Jackson performed at the tender age of five as a member of the Jackson Five and recorded his first big hit single at age 11. Despite some occasional bizarre behavior, his talent was so incredible that he became an icon as big or bigger than Elvis or the Beatles.

Editorial - by Mac Cordell - July 17, 2009
Evil simply exists
It occurs to me that perhaps Indonesia does not get American news. Or that perhaps it is delayed several months. Perhaps they have not heard Barrack Obama is President.
I say that, because I woke this morning to news of a bombing in Jakarta, actually, two bombings and a third that didn’t manage to explode.
The bombs were targeted at American hotels, filled with Americans.
Now here is my problem. America was told that the reason Americans were attacked was not that evil exists, but that we were the evil ones. We, the American people, were promised that George W. Bush was the problem. We were told that the world hates Americans, because of our leader. We were told that Americans were targets worldwide because of Bush’s imperialist policies. We were told that Bush was the evil one, because he confronted people around the world and protected American interests at the expense of others. Americans were told, largely by other Americans, that the world would continue to attack Americans around the world until we came into line with the rest of the world.

Hornucopia by Ryan Horns - July 17, 2009
The Legend of Deep Creek
It’s funny how life can come full circle in some of the smallest ways.
Sitting in a small tank in my house right now is a turtle.
The background story is that, when I was a boy growing up in Texas, all of us kids were told the story of the Deep Creek. It was a watering hole down the street that we all used to fish in.
Legend said that a teenage boy once tried to jump over the creek on his motorcycle (By “legend” I mean our parents told us.). But halfway across the creek, the boy’s bike took a dive and went straight down into the dark water. He went underneath and was then set upon by large snapping turtles. His body was never found. In fact, some people said the body was still down there. It was just too dark to find it.

A word to the wise by Chad Williamson - July 16, 2009
Ball cards
I give people no illusions that I have every really cared for cards. I think many are cold and people buy them just because they feel they have to. Some can be nice if the person includes a note, but most people spend as much time picking one out as the other person spends reading it.
However, I received a card recently that meant something to me, I think mostly because It caught me by surprise, which birthday or Christmas cards never do.
Let me back up to early spring. My daughter was beginning her second season of coach-pitch softball. The coach was the same as last year, so I knew him and he knew me. He had asked me to help out coaching bases last year but I didn’t want to. I tend to get too involved in the game and with 7 and 8 year olds, I wasn’t sure my act would be appreciated. I also tend to be too hard on my daughter so I wanted to kind of stay removed from the game.

Time Out With Tim by Time Miller - July 14, 2009
Explaining why my opinion supports softball coach
I got back from a couple of weeks of vacation on Monday to discover that the Tony Caldwell situation is still a hot topic in the Plain City area.
Before I left, I wrote a column in support of Caldwell against allegations that his coaching style is of an abusive nature.
I guess that column, which was strictly an opinion piece, ruffled the feathers of some folks in the Jonathan Alder school district. It even spurred a couple of Letters to the Editor while I was away.
The letters basically claimed that I hadn’t spent enough time around the coach or the program to know what I was talking about. In the column, I admitted to not covering JA softball as often as some other teams since we have so many teams in the spring.
However, I drew upon some instances of where I witnessed Caldwell’s interactions with students at other venues as well.

Good to hear by Mac Cordell - July 10, 2009
Please break the cycle of Michael
I don’t mean to be crass, but I hope Michael Jackson is soon buried.
And with him goes the incessant media coverage of his death.
I have never been a big fan of television news coverage. TV reporters will abandon a difficult but worthy story for a better, easier sound bite. I have often said that television reporters are not pretty enough to be real actors or smart enough to be real journalists. That said, we run CNN on a television in our newsroom. The Ted Turner owned Cable News Network has made something of a mockery of its middle name.
I noticed this about the time I first came to Marysville. That year, 2007, was a summer of fires and police chases, both high and low speed. CNN got a lot of mileage out of an event in Florida where university police Tasered a student who begged them not to (“Don’t Tase me, Bro!”).

Karlyn's Korner By Karlyn Byers - July 9, 2009
A diamond is enough
Although I occasionally give the guys in the newsroom a rough way to go about their leisure time pursuits, I have to admit I’m as fanatical as they are when it comes to my sport of choice, softball.
How else could I explain spending most of Saturday and all day Sunday watching our 15-year-old granddaughter play in the GAPSS (Great American Premier Softball Showcase)? (OK, I confess I’m also a devoted grandmother!)
Girls of all ages pitted their skills and determination against each other in the fast-ball tournament featuring 36 teams. It was held at Liberty Park in Delaware County near Powell, a beautiful setting for the three-day event.

Editorial - July 7, 2009
Jack Foust, a gentleman
Marysville and Union County lost one of its more accomplished and respected citizens several days ago with the death of Jack Foust.
He was a man who wore many hats throughout his life that took him from Plain City to Champaign County and finally to Marysville. He was a top-notch farmer who won many honors for his dairy cattle herd. He rose to the ranks of director of the Midwest area with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s ASCS after serving at the county level. He served as manager of the Ohio State Fair for nearly 10 years at a time when the fair was one of the top state expositions in the country. He served the Union County Democrat Party as its chairman and was involved in politics much of his life. He was a member of the Union County Board of Elections for several years, a position he held until his death.

From The Rankin File by Virg Rankin - July 7, 2009
Ants in my pants
When I was a kid, I was sometimes accused of having ants in my pants.
That was a phrase used about a boy who fidgets all the time and can’t sit still.
To the best of my recollection, I had never literally had ants in my pants until a couple of weeks ago and it was someone else’s fault.
Let me start at the beginning of this sordid tale.

Hornucopia by Ryan Horns - July 2, 2009
Gorillas in the midst
If women have ever wondered when exactly men start acting like human beings instead of grunting apes, my wife can tell you. It’s only at the threat of death.
I have often found the issue of male bravado is normally somewhere at the core. Yes, bravado gets us in trouble.
So when my wife and I went camping the other week we were greeted rather early in the day by a group of fellow campers — all men in their late 30s, and all intent on whopping it up now that they weren’t under the watchful eyes of their wives and families back home.