The statewide signature petition drive does not change anything in Ohio. If successful, it simply gives Ohio voters a voice if they prefer a different direction. It reminds me of the many times I covered county commission meetings in Highland and other counties. Almost without fail, when a county agency such as Children Services or another office approached commissioners for their "blessing" to place a levy or levy renewal on the ballot, commissioners acquiesced.

The protest party never ceases to amuse. The protest party leaders of the "no kings" nonsense ilk just this week stood and cheered in the U.S. Congress for, of all things, a king. No kings, indeed, Chuck U. Schumer. Why were you celebrating a king? Never mind. It's a rhetorical question.

Kathryn Hapner is more than competent to serve as Common Pleas Court judge. She has the experience, integrity and commitment to seeking justice that the office demands. She is most familiar with the court system, and has no doubt added to that considerable experience – even if by osmosis and the absorption of jurisprudence – through years of litigating before Honorable Judges like Kevin L. Greer and Rocky A. Coss.

As I've long written in four decades of newspaper work: All politics would be a lot cleaner if each party would police its own house. If that were to ever happen – instead of each party playing whataboutism – we'd have better public servants. For some reason, it reminds me of the Ohio General Assembly Code of Ethics.

Pray tell how an American president ought to address a hostile regime of global terrorists? Bow down? Surrender? Transfer $1.7 billion in cash as a former POTUS gave Iran in 2016? Wait for the terrorist to have a launch-ready nuke aimed at our allies? Or worse, us?

In spite of the unfortunate ending to this column, my thoughts and appreciation go to young Kayde, our neighbors who stopped by to help, and the deputy from the Adams County Sheriff's Office. You all should be commended for trying. I thank you.

March 4, 2026 is a day that will live in infamy. And already bad things are happening. Legendary football coach Lou Holtz died today around the time my wife bought a cheap Tracfone for me. Don't ask me for the number. I do not know it, nor do I want to.

As a dear and departed legal friend and adviser liked to ask me about such arrangements: Does it pass the smell test? It does not. Local taxpayers with good memories may recall similar arrangements with public officials and public contracts. We already plowed that ground, so I won't go over it again.

While a majority of Americans – including Democrats, Republicans and Independents – support a photo ID as proof of citizenship, the House Democrats overwhelmingly rejected the idea. Why? It's either because of their severe anti-Trump affliction or they realize an awful lot of noncitizens are likely to vote for the party that promises open borders and more freebies for illegals. (Probably both.)

Some days in this business do two things, both of which are personal: Urinate me off and waste my time. This is one such day. This is simply beyond the pale for anyone, much less a U.S. president.

Former Democrat President Barack Hussein Obama was often called the "Deporter-in-Chief," as the Obama administration removed more than 3 million illegal aliens over eight years, the highest number in U.S. history. I cannot recall much of anything even discussed about Obama's millions and millions of deportations of illegal aliens. No protests. No riots against law enforcement.

The crux of matter remains: How to ensure adequate funding for local schools, fire, police, EMS, libraries and developmental disabilities, should Ohio’s property taxes be abolished.

Unlike a sizable number of his congressional colleagues, Sen. John Kennedy does, indeed, possess the common horse sense that God gave a goose. (OK, sorry for the poor mixed metaphor.)

For the record, I have been in printing and publishing for 46 consecutive years; and in each and every one of those years, at least someone has said to me, "Print is dead." Somehow, I've made it for almost five decades. But today, in 2026, I almost – almost – believe print really is dead. OK. Close the casket, already. Let's make it a happy wake. Otherwise, prove me wrong.

One of the telltale signs of a bad meeting is food. If you walk into a conference room and there are donuts or bagels, coffee, juices and soft drinks, you're in for a long meeting. It's even worse when the dimwit who demanded the meeting orders sandwiches around noon. You can kiss productivity goodbye for that entire day.