Rory Ryan | The Highland County Press

Rory Ryan 30 October 2016

Happy 80th birthday, Jim Graham

This, without question, is a poor attempt to wish Jim Graham a happy 80th birthday. But I do know this: He has been a great grandfather to his six grandchildren, and a great father-in-law to his two sons-in-law. (I think John Cozine would agree.) Jim, you are one of the very special people who has come into my life. (Your daughter’s OK, too.)

Rory Ryan 25 October 2016

Who’s going to pay the taxes?

The money trail leads to Columbus. Do the honorable thing and send it back. Local taxpayers are doing all they can. Of course, the Republicans who control the governor’s office, the House, the Senate, the Supreme Court and most state offices are wise to all of this. But they don’t care. They know that taxpayers and voters aren’t always one and the same. As long as they can persuade more voters than taxpayers, they can maintain their cozy arrangements.

Rory Ryan 11 October 2016

‘Hillbilly Elegy:’ If you’ve lived it, you understand

Growing up in southern Highland County and living in upper Adams County, the term “hillbilly” was never taken as an insult. Not by me. And not by most of my friends and coworkers. Frankly, I’ve always preferred “ridgerunner” to “hillbilly,” but either way, when the work boots fit, I was taught to wear ‘em.

Rory Ryan 25 May 2016

The world needs one more lawyer

As Shakespeare once said – or maybe it was Tom Tepe – the world needs more lawyers.

Rory Ryan 14 March 2016

UPDATED: A generation apart, many connections from 1993 Mustangs to 2016 Final Four Lynchburg-Clay team

It was bound to happen. And we should be glad. It’s a good thing. It’s also a Lynchburg thing. And a Clay Township thing. “It” refers to the inevitable discussions that began Saturday evening after Coach Matt Carson’s Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs captured the second boys basketball regional championship in school history.

Rory Ryan 14 March 2016

UPDATED: A generation apart, many connections from 1993 Mustangs to 2016 Final Four Lynchburg-Clay team

It was bound to happen. And we should be glad. It’s a good thing. It’s also a Lynchburg thing. And a Clay Township thing. “It” refers to the inevitable discussions that began Saturday evening after Coach Matt Carson’s Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs captured the second boys basketball regional championship in school history.

Rory Ryan 14 March 2016

UPDATED: A generation apart, many connections from 1993 Mustangs to 2016 Final Four Lynchburg-Clay team

It was bound to happen. And we should be glad. It’s a good thing. It’s also a Lynchburg thing. And a Clay Township thing. “It” refers to the inevitable discussions that began Saturday evening after Coach Matt Carson’s Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs captured the second boys basketball regional championship in school history.

Rory Ryan 13 January 2016

Now we know: It's time for City Council to address the two-year secrecy of $78,168.64

In fact, the only person worthy of any admiration whatsoever in Hillsboro city government is the mayor. At least this local version of an insignificant Trump-ette accomplishes what he seeks to accomplish. It’s more than can be said for the council president and his council minions.

Rory Ryan 20 December 2015

Major step to improve integrity in Hillsboro city government?

“’A nation of laws’ means that laws, not people, rule. Everyone is to be governed by the same laws, regardless of their station; whether it is the most common American or members of Congress, high-ranking bureaucrats or the president of the United States; all must be held to the just laws of America. No one is, or can be allowed to be, above the law.” – James Shott

Rory Ryan 20 December 2015

Major step to improve integrity in Hillsboro city government?

“’A nation of laws’ means that laws, not people, rule. Everyone is to be governed by the same laws, regardless of their station; whether it is the most common American or members of Congress, high-ranking bureaucrats or the president of the United States; all must be held to the just laws of America. No one is, or can be allowed to be, above the law.” – James Shott

Rory Ryan 20 December 2015

Major step to improve integrity in Hillsboro city government?

“’A nation of laws’ means that laws, not people, rule. Everyone is to be governed by the same laws, regardless of their station; whether it is the most common American or members of Congress, high-ranking bureaucrats or the president of the United States; all must be held to the just laws of America. No one is, or can be allowed to be, above the law.” – James Shott

Rory Ryan 23 November 2015

Ohio: If you can't find it here...

Voters do not want to hear about sound policy and tough decisions. No, they want promises (however empty) and amusement (however unfulfilled). Who better to satisfy these simpleton wants than Trump and Sanders? In fact, if they’d team up, a Trump/Sanders ticket could carry the day on Nov. 8, 2016.

Rory Ryan 5 November 2015

Honoring families of fallen heroes

Mr. Williams is a retired United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. He is the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle. And he was once rejected for military service for being too short.

Rory Ryan 18 August 2015

Godspeed, Jerry Pruitt (1936-2015)

Thanks, Jerry. We will miss you. But we will also take comfort in knowing that you are writing history in a much better place. Your friends and family also must take comfort in knowing just how many of our readers have loved your columns. To be continued, I hope.

Rory Ryan 18 August 2015

Godspeed, Jerry Pruitt (1936-2015)

Thanks, Jerry. We will miss you. But we will also take comfort in knowing that you are writing history in a much better place. Your friends and family also must take comfort in knowing just how many of our readers have loved your columns. To be continued, I hope.

Rory Ryan 30 May 2015

Ink in my veins, Part 5

Prior to the start of the 1992 football season, I predicted in my newspaper column that Jim Horne’s Indians would finish the regular season at 9-1. Two people immediately challenged that prediction: Coach Horne, who thought I was putting unnecessary pressure on his team; and longtime youth sports coach Lonnie Burns, who stopped by my desk and made his own prediction. “Hillsboro will go 10-0,” Lonnie said. He was right.