• Rory Ryan 29 October 2012

    'Who Owns America?'

    Gov. Hickel writes: "Real wealth is not money. It is productivity and taking care of the needs of people. Do a thing because people need it, and you will be wealthy. Do a thing just to make money, and you will eventually consider yourself a failure. … Success is not judged by material things acquired in a lifetime. It is based on those who gave, not just those who received. It is the giving and not the receiving that makes greatness."
  • Rory Ryan 23 October 2012
    When Bigfoot is the news, SCI responds
    Whenever the elusive Bigfoot is in the news, The Highland County Press stands erect and takes notice. Bigfoot sightings – those related to the Noble Sasquatch, if you please – are much rarer than Elvis sightings. And, let's be clear, Elvis sightings are only reported by those Tender Souls living in denial at Heartbreak Hotel.
  • Rory Ryan 23 October 2012
    When Bigfoot is the news, SCI responds
    Whenever the elusive Bigfoot is in the news, The Highland County Press stands erect and takes notice. Bigfoot sightings – those related to the Noble Sasquatch, if you please – are much rarer than Elvis sightings. And, let's be clear, Elvis sightings are only reported by those Tender Souls living in denial at Heartbreak Hotel.
  • Rory Ryan 20 October 2012
    Afghanistan's haunted battlefields
    As HCP columnist Jim Surber told me in a recent e-mail, if Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and the Soviet Union cannot tame Afghanistan – either what it was then, or what it is now – it's highly unlikely that the United States of America can accomplish the task.
  • Rory Ryan 19 October 2012
    Public records are just that
    The Ohio’s Public Records Act states: "Every public office must promptly prepare and make available for inspection and copying all public records at all reasonable times, during regular business hours." The Highland County commissioners' public records request form states: "A written request for records is not mandatory and you may decline to identify yourself."
  • Rory Ryan 16 October 2012
    HCP endorsements: Anneka Collins and Brad Wenstrup
    After considerable deliberation, The Highland County Press has committed to two political endorsements for the 2012 general election. They are: Highland County prosecuting attorney candidate Anneka Collins; and Second Congressional District candidate Lt. Col. Dr. Brad Wenstrup.
  • Rory Ryan 16 October 2012
    HCP endorsements: Anneka Collins and Brad Wenstrup
    After considerable deliberation, The Highland County Press has committed to two political endorsements for the 2012 general election. They are: Highland County prosecuting attorney candidate Anneka Collins; and Second Congressional District candidate Lt. Col. Dr. Brad Wenstrup.
  • Rory Ryan 14 October 2012
    Have you heard of Thomas Peterffy?
    In a self-funded political advertisement, Peterffy says: “I grew up in a socialist country and I have seen what that does to people. There is no hope, no freedom, no pride in achievement. The nation became poorer and poorer, and that’s what I see happening here (in the United States)."
  • Rory Ryan 9 October 2012
    The Morning After
    It is important that when it comes to your public office, you do your level best to avoid even the hint of impropriety. Sometimes, even the appearance of a potential conflict of interest is reason enough for public disclosure prior to any votes which may affect the relative public offices.
  • Rory Ryan 3 October 2012
    Chubby Howard plays a little travelin' music on Saturday mornings
    One of these Saturday mornings, I hope Chubby Howard will play Buck Owens' "They're Gonna Put Me in the Movies," and dedicate it to Colin Ryan. And all he's gotta do is "Act Naturally." OK. Maybe the song is actually "Act Naturally." I'm not sure.
  • Rory Ryan 3 October 2012
    Chubby Howard plays a little travelin' music on Saturday mornings
    One of these Saturday mornings, I hope Chubby Howard will play Buck Owens' "They're Gonna Put Me in the Movies," and dedicate it to Colin Ryan. And all he's gotta do is "Act Naturally." OK. Maybe the song is actually "Act Naturally." I'm not sure.
  • Rory Ryan 30 September 2012
    Commissioner's interest in Greenfield position poses no more conflict than other recent activity
    We have, in Highland County, at least one public official who stands to profit from entering into a recent private-public property agreement. Maybe this was negotiated at arm's length. I don't know. We have, in Highland County, current and former public officials who have – or had – private business partnerships with one another while serving as public officials.
  • Rory Ryan 30 September 2012
    Commissioner's interest in Greenfield position poses no more conflict than other recent activity
    We have, in Highland County, at least one public official who stands to profit from entering into a recent private-public property agreement. Maybe this was negotiated at arm's length. I don't know. We have, in Highland County, current and former public officials who have – or had – private business partnerships with one another while serving as public officials.
  • Rory Ryan 26 September 2012
    Gee whiz: Missing lunch money, million-dollar parties, and no charges on state superintendent
    No public official or employee shall solicit or accept anything of value that is of such a character as to manifest a substantial and improper influence upon him with respect to his duties. (Where have we heard this before? Anyone? The first caller with the correct answer wins a date with Sasquatch. Caller has to drive.)
  • Rory Ryan 23 September 2012
    Gerrymandering aside, vote 'no' on Issue 2 (or not)
    But if Ohio voters do make a statement on Nov. 6 and support Issue 2, I'll understand. Sometimes frustration with the system outweighs sound judgment. Partisan politics reaps what it sows. Just deserts, etc. etc.
  • Rory Ryan 20 September 2012
    Thank you for making us No. 1; er, No. 29,936...
    One day ago, I was perfectly satisfied in my lack of familiarity with a website that claims to be "The Global Leader in Analytics." One day ago, I was also equally content in my lack of knowledge of the phrase "Global Leader in Analytics." But, as John Lennon might say, That was Yesterday.
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