Life

When dinosaurs roamed the land

Life December 2, 2023

There was a time not that long ago that dinosaurs roamed our land, and I was lucky enough to spot them in the wild a few times. I even got to ride one once. They had names like Big Muskie and the Gem of Egypt, and they towered over everything around them. The dinosaurs I speak of were not living animals, but man-made giants that moved around southeastern Ohio to get to the coal buried deep underground. One of the interesting things about being a journalist is you get to do things and see things that most people, at most jobs, never get the chance to do. A freelance assignment for the ...

Right must always be right, wrong always wrong

Life December 2, 2023

Wisconsin takes its cheese very seriously. In Wisconsin, by law, “state-certified cheeses, like Muenster, cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack, must be “highly pleasing.” Idaho maintains different culinary standards. In Idaho, cannibalism is illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison, unless the cannibalism occurs under “life-threatening conditions as the only apparent means of survival.” In Indiana, one must choose carefully when thirsty; liquor stores there are not allowed to sell refrigerated water or sodas. Ohio and Oregon focus on the other end. You’ll be glad to ...

Jesus is coming back

Life December 2, 2023

Whenever we see an Advent wreath this season, we are reminded that Jesus Christ will return to earth. His Second Coming is one of the most encouraging truths in the Bible. Just as Jesus foretold His own death and resurrection, He also proclaimed that one day He would return. However, God the Father is the only one who knows the exact day and hour. We do know, according to Acts 1:9-11, that His return will be personal and visible, and He will be recognizable. There will be heavenly activity we can only imagine as we read the prophecy. It was important for the disciples to see Jesus ...

Entertain by local musicians

Life December 2, 2023

If you can imagine, a time before radio and television, how did people entertain themselves? Well, they sang and played instruments. Upon the arrival of Gen. Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the North West Territory, in 1788, he was received with a chorus of voices. Marietta College had a band and Mozart Society that gave concerts by the 1840s. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church claimed to have the first organ in 1843 and the first musical club. The Little German Band led Washington County recruits in parade as they departed for the Civil War in 1861. Music, concerts, and parades were common ...

Waterford teen finds success in FFA and on the field

Features December 2, 2023

WATERFORD — Waterford High School sophomore Kaylie McCutcheon loves trying new experiences and exploring the great outdoors. McCutcheon is one of two new members of Waterford’s Parliamentary Procedure Team through Future Farmers of America. The event teaches students how to conduct a ...

Let us be delighted in the Lord

Life November 25, 2023

So what is new about Thanksgiving? Just saying the word starts the traditional holiday engine. When we start thinking about this day, we can almost smell the turkey and pumpkin pie in the oven. Preparing for Thanksgiving connotes family gatherings around crowded tables, and memories mixed with the expectation of recreating another pretty holiday. The prayers given at Thanksgiving tables are pointed directly at our blessings, our love, our gratitude for our harvests, for this life we have been given that includes so much. But is there any room at the tables for something new for ...