Off The Hook
July 1, 2016

Fraud finds friends … and me

By Melanie Behrens

Almost every day we hear of a new fraudulent scheme on the telephone or the computer.
I have personally experienced the IRS phone call, about four times. In case you haven’t received this, it’s what we call a Robo call, a recorded message saying this is the IRS and you owe thousands of dollars on...

Off The Hook
The legend of Werewolf Lane
By Melanie Behrens 
September 25, 2020
Editor’s note: The last article J-T columnist Melanie Behrens was working on before her death April 30 was the following story about Werewolf Lane. The information was supplied by Leroy Cook, who coll...
Off The Hook
Take a penny, leave a penny
By Melanie Behrens 
May 1, 2020
Copper pennies are the smallest increment in our money. And now, monetarily, they’re actually worth almost nothing. Many times in stores and businesses you will see a little jar that says, “need a pen...
Off The Hook
Pocket watches gave them their start
By Melanie Behrens 
April 24, 2020
I came across some information of how a once great retailer got its start and was surprised at the name disclosure at the end. I hope you too will enjoy this. If you were in the market for a watch in ...
Other news
Three to seek commissioners seat
Local News, News
Three to seek commissioners seat
Filing deadline passes for May 5 primary
By Michael Williamson 
February 6, 2026
Union County voters now have a better idea of who will appear in the primary election this spring. The filing deadline for candidates and issues on the May 5 ballot ended Wednesday leaving local voter...
JA girls fall to Davidson
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s Caroline Timberlake (2) takes a shot while being guarded by an opposing Wildcat during the first half of play. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
JA girls fall to Davidson
By Aleksei Pavloff 
February 5, 2026
Jonathan Alder’s girls basketball team is now on a four-game skid after suffering a 49-30 loss to Hilliard Davidson. The Scarlet and Black fell to 4-16 overall following the result of the non-conferen...
Wildcats top Pioneers
Sports
Jonathan Alder’s Byron Byerly (32) scores inside the paint after getting past Wildcat defenders during the first half of action. The sophomore Pioneer accounted for eight points in the team’s loss to Hilliard Davidson. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
Wildcats top Pioneers
By Aleksei Pavloff 
February 5, 2026
Jonathan Alder’s boys basketball squad suffered a 52-44 setback to Hilliard Davidson. The loss puts the team at 14-5 overall with three more games left on the schedule before the postseason begins. Fo...
FHS hoopsters turn back KIPP; Raiders top Elgin
Sports
Fairbanks’ Alek Orders (0) drives to the basket in this file photo. Orders scored 12 points during FHS’ win over KIPP Columbus. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
FHS hoopsters turn back KIPP; Raiders top Elgin
By Tim Miller 
February 5, 2026
The Panthers of Fairbanks defeated KIPP Academy of Columbus 61-52 in non-conference boys basketball action on Tuesday. FHS, which upped its overall record to 17-2, held a 15-11 lead after the first qu...
Lady Monarchs down Eagles on Senior Night
Sports
Marysville senior Jovie Traucht (3) goes up for a basket against Bishop Watterson. Traucht helped lead the Lady Monarchs to a Senior Night victory. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
Lady Monarchs down Eagles on Senior Night
By Tim Miller 
February 5, 2026
Marysville High School’s girls basketball squad sent its trio of seniors out with a victory on Senior Night. Jovie Traucht, Val Brito and Kenzie Kempton were honored on Tuesday before the Lady Monarch...