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History in the Hills: Giving thanks for wildlife

This past week was Thanksgiving, and we had a house full of people. My wife’s family was in town and despite being short on space at the dinner table, we enjoyed the visit. Thanksgiving at our house is always a busy affair. The few days prior to the holiday, I usually spend time with my dad, father-in-law and son out hunting. I am not the most successful in the woods, but spending time out of doors is good for one’s spirit. Sitting in the woods with no distractions is refreshing, and the longer you sit there in silence, you realize the woods aren’t quiet at all. Chipmunks, ...

Guest column/There are many things to be thankful for

We have just celebrated Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I think my favorite holiday in my adult life has been Thanksgiving. My family, including my brothers, their wives and children, gathered at Mom and dDad’s house, later at my husband’s and my house and now at my brother and sister-in-law’s home or the home of one of my children. Age has a little something to do with it, but there is the passing down of tradition to younger generations and hoping the traditions will continue when we have passed on. Why my favorite holiday? Because when we gathered for that delicious dinner and ...

Guest column/It’s time to deport the Biden border invasion

America’s southern border is wide open. With the lure of free health care and education, and assurances that the law will turn a blind eye, President Joe Biden’s weak policies are facilitating a flood of illegal immigration, human trafficking and drugs into Ohio. It is nothing short of an invasion. These policies are a flashing neon “vacancy” sign inviting a surge of more than 10 million illegal aliens since Biden took office in January of 2021. It’s a humanitarian crisis, a law enforcement crisis, and a national security crisis — and it’s entirely avoidable. Biden’s ...

Guest column/We must fund the science

In August of 2022, Congress and President Joe Biden culminated more than two years of arduous, bipartisan work with the passage and signing of the CHIPS and Science Act. The tech-catalyzing legislation was aimed at ensuring the United States remains the world’s leader in scientific research and discovery — but, while this law is already helping create high-tech jobs in Ohio and elsewhere, a new report shows we are already far behind on its broader goals for funding scientific research and building the workforce we need to continue competing in a fast-changing global environment. ...

Shop local, shop small

When it comes to the Christmas shopping season, there are a few dates that really stand out. One is Nov. 1 — for many years that always seemed to mark the unofficial opening of the season. That’s no longer the case, and we now see advertisements and in-store promotions popping up right alongside the displays for Halloween in the middle part of October. There are a couple of more dates that stand out, and they all will come during the next eight days or so — Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. All are important for businesses and consumers on different ...

Here are several things I am thankful for

This week, many of us will give thanks. If we are fortunate enough to be able to gather around our family’s or friend’s table for Thanksgiving dinner, most of us will probably even state aloud something in our lives for which we are thankful. I mean, after all, it is in the holiday’s title. It doesn’t always have to be the grandest, most-important things in life, either. We can be thankful for the smaller things, too. Like everyone, I am naturally thankful for my family. My children and grandson. For my mother and step-father, my brother, my dogs and most importantly, ...