If memory serves, when the Hillsboro City Schools vacated its former school buildings, public auctions were held and the schools enjoyed a bit of much-needed revenue without going to the taxpayers. The county sheriff held an auction of items confiscated by his department this past August. If it works for the state, the county and for the schools, why not the city – which reportedly could use the money?

If the new Congress cannot find meaningful ways to rein in government spending and limit bureaucratic intrusions in the ensuing two years, voters should send the incumbents packing again. Turn the rascals out. If that doesn’t work, then, turn ’em out again.

As much as I like chili, it’s become a Saturday-only thing for me. It takes me a minimum of 48 hours to “recover” from a chili day. Maybe it’s the cayenne pepper. Maybe it’s the Habanero sauce. Maybe it’s the combination of spices that I’d otherwise avoid, yet feel compelled to include in my chili – and foist on an unsuspecting public...

One of the things I’ve learned about choosing a political candidate is this: Talk to people from opposing political parties. In the cases of Rob Portman, David Daniels, Gary Heaton and Bill Horne, I’ve done that. Even those in the opposite parties generally agree that these are good people. The same holds true for their Nov. 2 opponents.

As the father of two daughters who earned college degrees prior to graduating high school – one at age 17, and one at 16 – I have great admiration for those who respect higher education. Apparently, Mr. Deters does. My hunch is that his parents do, too.

Some forewarn that this Sunday is 10-10-10 and that that may be a bad omen. Of course, the same was said four years ago on June 6, 2006 (666). Supposedly, Nov. 11 of next year (11-11-11) could be another targeted date, and we all know about Dec. 12, 2012 (the dreaded, end-of-the-world 12-12-12 (or is it 12-21-12?)

If you haven’t noticed, it’s that time of year again. Turning the calendar to October doesn’t just usher in postseason baseball or NFL football. No, October is more than the games of the diamond or gridiron. It’s also the crucial month for the Game of Politics. Yes, the 2010 midterm political season has arrived in all its autumn glory.

We are fortunate to have many bloggers who are in possession of sufficient self confidence to use their own name. For starters, there's Jim Moore - of course! I swear, Jim would comment on a hound dog jaywalking in front of the Parker House.

Remember when the city of Hillsboro's biggest problem was Stray Cats? No, not THE Stray Cats, as in "Rock This Town," but real stray cats. No kidding. All hair balls aside, it wasn't that many years ago when I reported on a city council meeting and the biggest concern was cats running at large.

And though nine years have passed since that fateful day, its memory remains vivid.

I can’t say if Coach Spicer is a Lou Holtz fan and, frankly, I’m almost afraid to ask. If he’s not, the rest of this column might be rather pointless. Coach Holtz, of course, grew up in another eastern Ohio town (East Liverpool) on the banks of the Ohio River.

As we continue to follow in Mr. William Latham's footsteps by publishing a real, local community newspaper, we can't thank you enough for letting us be a small part of your week. We do appreciate it. Thanks.

While business owners have verbal assurances that these inspections “are not about citations and fines,” previous city actions, such as the attempt to impose fees for the inspections, suggest otherwise.

Westside Steve is now one of my heroes. He’s not quite up there with John Wayne, Ted Williams, Audie Murphy and Bill Lange. But he’s in the hunt. Not to be confused with the real Southside Johnny, Westside Steve is a musician in his own right. He’s even shared a few of the same stages with Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny (the musician, not the local HCP blogger by the same name).

Council owes the city auditor an apology and the assurance that such an accusatory tone will not become commonplace at future meetings.