The week in review, more or less

Leading off, an additional comment or two may be worthwhile given the popularity of Jim Thompson's recent column: "What if the U.S. is defenseless?"

As of this morning, the column has received 55 comments and tens of thousands of views. And this was just online. The 15,000-plus HCP print edition also includes Jim's columns.

"We have a commander in chief who is highly reluctant if not incapable of deploying the military," Jim writes.

He adds: "On the evening of Aug. 6, President Obama gave a press conference at the end of his African summit. Earlier that day, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel stated that Russian troops were massing on the Ukraine border, apparently preparing for an invasion."

Let's recall, too, that earlier this year Defense Secretary Hagel submitted a proposed Defense Department budget with even more cuts than those which have already been in place since Obama took office – more than half a trillion dollars worth.

Arthur Herman explains in the March 24, 2014 National Review. "These cuts deliver a lasting blow to our force structure and ensure that our military won't be able to fight any conflicts larger than Iraq or Afghanistan anytime soon – perhaps ever – unless we see a massive shift in political will to rebuild an American military that Obama has been steadily tearing down.

"Hagel himself admits he is 'diminishing our global readiness' in a 'world that is growing more volatile, more unpredictable, and more threatening to the United States.'"

If you are among the few who haven't read Jim's column, you should. Feel free to join the online discussion at: http://www.highlandcountypress.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=328&ArticleID=23950&TM=32254.23

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Since last week's anniversary column referencing our start-up business venture from five years ago, I've had discussions with two friends who happen to be retired bank executives.

One said he would have hated to make such a decision. Another said the decision-making process today isn't quite like it was 25 or 30 years ago.

I can appreciate both sentiments.

And I probably ought to add that we weren't asking the banks to risk anything in 2009. The prospective loan was 100-percent secure. (Granted, experienced bankers will say there's no such thing!)

My family and I assumed all the risks. Really.

Be that as it may, I offered this observation to a friend from the financial industry.

I believe the days of the start-up family businesses are waning. I suspect the United States had more sustainable family start-up businesses from 1950-2000 than it will have from 2001-2051. I hope not.

On a brighter note, The Highland County Press has been asked by business groups in Adams, Clinton, Clermont and Fayette counties to consider bringing a similar publication to their respective communities. (Maybe we're doing something right, after all!)

Under current contractual obligations and because of our great working relationships with The Clermont Sun, there will be no such endeavors in Clermont County, as I told one of the groups. As for other communities … who knows?

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Yes, the Highland County Fair really sneaked up on us this year.

Yes, the county fair is open. Right now!

The fair began this weekend and continues through Saturday, Sept. 6.

On Saturday morning, Aug. 30, Kaylee Achor was crowned as the 2014 Highland County Junior Fair Queen. (See www.highlandcountypress.com)

Her attendants are Courtney Cummings, Kylie Douglas, Cheyanne Miller and Natalie Stanley.

Kaylee is the daughter of Phillip and Ronna Achor of Hillsboro. She attends Hillsboro High School and is representing the Fab Five 4-H Club.

Congratulations to all the candidates.

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Not only did the Highland County Fair sneak up on us, so did the 2014 high school football season.

Pam and I covered the Hillsboro Indians' season-opener at Western Brown High School Friday, Aug. 29.

Prior to kickoff, we said hello to Western Brown Athletics Director (and Fairfield High School graduate) Tim Cook. Tim is a great guy and it's always good to see him cruising around on his Gator while the rest of us walk the sidelines!

We also visited with Mt. Orab Chief of Police Bryan Mount. Chief Mount may be taller than WVNU GM Pat Hays. It'd be close.

The chief told us he has twin 10-year-old sons. I can only imagine how quickly they out-grow their gym shoes.

I mentioned to the chief that Tim Cook and I used to work together "way back when." He asked if Tim's dad, Jim Cook, was still mayor of Leesburg. I said no, that's Danny Daulton.

Then, I asked Bryan if he knew former Southern State Community College Board of Trustees member Ben Houser.

Boy, Howdy! Did Bryan know Ben!

He said "I always called him a 'practicing' attorney – with the emphasis on practicing," Bryan joked. We shared a few other good stories about Ben just before kickoff.

It was really good to talk about Ben with one of Mt. Orab's finest. Thanks, Chief.

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Oh, yes, there was a football game to be played.

As we reported, the Western Brown Broncos, coming off a 10-0 season, defeated Hillsboro, 42-6.

There were, however, some bright spots for Coach Matt Hodge and the Indians.

Quarterback Toby Warrington is a year older and more experienced behind center Curran Butler. Skylar Murphy and Jordan Mosley are forces to be reckoned with. Braden Wildey played well on offense and on special teams. He reminded me of his dad, Brad Wildey, who I covered many years ago for the Indians.)

The Indians' fourth-quarter touchdown was an interesting play when Warrington passed to Latrell Haithcock, who was covered in the corner of the end zone. The ball was deflected, then caught by Haithcock for six points.

Unfortunately, Ashley Purtee's extra-point attempt fell just inches below the uprights.

All in all, against a solid Western Brown squad, the Indians showed some improvements. Still, they have a very tough 2014 schedule ahead and will have to play at their best week in and week out.

Here's hoping they do. They are a good team with a very competitive schedule. But they are indeed worthy of fans' support.

Rory Ryan is publisher and owner of The Highland County Press.