One must admit that probably the most important of a family is the mother who tends to the every need of her children.
To say the least, there has been a tremendous amount of discussion about annexation since the mayor announced his proposal.
We are “naturalized” Hoosiers. My wife and I were both born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, and arrived in Kokomo 25 years ago. Our children were born and grew up in this fair city. We consider ourselves Hoosiers and our move to Kokomo among life’s most fortunate events.
I have been a devout Republican from the first days in the late 1970s, when I was able to vote. As the years went by, the mindset of the Republican Party continued to fit what I believed was the best avenue for Americans.
I am among those who believe character counts; I also believe every person is a sinner and has evil inclinations that need to be kept in check. I am convinced every person makes mistakes, and I know we do not always say what we mean.
Anyone who knows me well, will say that I look forward to putting out a garden each spring. To me that is the goodbye to winter and hello spring.
The hard-hitting series in The Indianapolis Star exposing the problems of the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) was thoughtful and poignant. This writer has known the IPS superintendent for over 20 years on a professional and personal basis. He has achieved national distinction and is widely hailed for his many professional accomplishments.
Spring is a time for change. People-helping professionals and poets have long marveled at the human wonder called “Spring Fever.”
I remember when we had wars, and we had peace. I am not an authority of the actual events of those wars, but I am expressing my thoughts as they pertain to why we engaged in the wars of my time.
Today I am going to begin with Norman Clature. Do you know Norman? Well, I don’t. I meant “nomenclature.”
With the May primary coming up here in Indiana, I have to take notice of what we need to look for and need to know so that our vote will not be wasted and regretted for four-plus years.
Because Easter is such an important day, our elders’ board arrived at this determination: We should get a really special speaker for our Easter service.
Accountable for pastor’s remarks?
Politics and religion do not mix well. As Cal Thomas said, “Religion is about convictions, politics is about compromise.”
It’s just one of the stories safely ensconced in the archives of the Howard County Historical Society – a story of one school teacher in one small Indiana town.
Everyone is talking about gas. No, not the kind that can be treated by Beano, but the kind that runs your car.
It will soon be the 51st anniversary of Ray and Ramona, a couple who found love in the eyes of each other and have continued to find that love is still the company of each other as they blend into one being to live as one.
Many of us might prefer to think that we human beings are driven by reason, but such a conclusion misses the mark.
As time goes by and our memories start to fade, we remember how it was to live in the old days and how it was for those before us.
Can someone answer this rather simple question: Why is it that one day we read an article that states Howard County’s finances are at a critically low point (which we believe to be true) and that every expenditure, including those normally considered rather minimal, will be scrutinized, and a day or two later we read that the County Council has approved an appropriation in the amount of $15,000 for another reuse study of the Continental Steel site?
Since I voted no for additional tax dollars to be spent on another study for the Continental Steel site, I thought I would take a few moments and explain at least 10 of my reasons for the no vote.
As one who is always asking why things are done like they are, this week I am going to give you some of the things I find doubts about.
I am not a history buff, but I do appreciate the importance of history. Knowing how we arrived at our present location might guide us in aiming for the future. Being familiar with history makes us wiser, in my opinion.
Council president Kennedy, members of the Kokomo Common Council, elected officials, distinguished guests and citizens of Kokomo, thank you.
Last Friday, on a day when the General Assembly was not in session and no committee hearings were scheduled — the legislative equivalent of the dark of night — Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, with the blessing of Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, decided the General Assembly would not discuss Senate Joint Resolution 7, the Defense of Marriage Amendment.
Did you hear about the dyslexic, agnostic, insomniac?
This month, it has been 22 years since the day that we, at the steel mill, were told it was our last day. The mill was broke, and the people of Kokomo had no mill for steady work and to raise their families.
Let me lay three questions on you. (1) Why did Abe Lincoln grow a beard? Because he wanted to look like that man on the five-dollar bill! (2) Why did the man glue a beard on his Ford?
I like to go back in time to remember what and how it was to live in my time as a young child.
Valentine’s Day is the holiday that celebrates romantic love. But some people do not believe that any kind of love actually exists.
I don’t know who invented the grilled cheese sandwich, but I’m sure that if he’s been listening to the TV and radio lately, he’s turning over in his grave. Turning over is an important aspect of a grilled cheese sandwich, so if he is turning over, I’m sure he’s timing it exactly right.
Gov. Mitch Daniels was kind enough to stay after his Jan. 31 meeting with Kokomo-area residents to take questions one-on-one, and the Public Eye had one for him.
Ron Herrell considers himself a man of conviction. At least that’s what he told me in an interview back in the fall of 2006, when he discussed the Indiana Marriage Amendment.
I am a pastor who writes columns, not a columnist who pastors. This is why I avoid concrete politics, but I do not feel inhibited about addressing political themes.
Sorry to disappoint the T.G.I. Friday’s lovers in Kokomo, but it appears that once more the rumors of the restaurant opening in Kokomo appear to be just that — a rumor.
One of my favorite infinitives in Spanish is “platicar.” It means “to chat.” It is a word that sounds like what it means. Inspired by a solitary infinitive, I am going to chat with you in today’s column.
Anyone who was alive in Indiana in 1978 has a story of coping with the blizzard that struck Jan. 25 and lasted three days.
You know, it really amazes me when I see some of the people on welfare of some sort, complaining about not getting enough money or food to live on.You know, it really amazes me when I see some of the people on welfare of some sort, complaining about not getting enough money or food to live on.
Occasionally I feel like putting a chip on my shoulder and then start doing some jawing about how things are running, and how they should be run.
My wife and I enjoy ballroom dancing, but she only allows me two turns per Swing dance (I can get by with more if we are dancing Cha Cha or Rumba). Because the pace of Swing dancing is typically fast, she gets dizzy if she makes too many rapid turns.
Mark Jan. 31 on your calendar as an important date: Gov. Mitch Daniels is coming to Kokomo to answer questions about his property tax reduction plan.
I enjoy writing about the old days, and about what is going on in the present.
The new year has brought each of us an opportunity like we have not had in recent years – the opportunity to affect a positive change on your tax bills in 2008
Some people live to eat, others eat to live. I am undoubtedly and most assuredly in the first category.
In this, my last day in office, I thank you for providing my team and me the opportunity to serve you. It has been an honor for all of us. Our community has made great strides over the last few years but much work remains.
I was visiting with my brother in the hospital the other day, and a friend came up to me and wondered how far back I could remember in my life.
Back when I was a boy, I would often watch old movies on the TV with my parents. In one film, a wealthy couple had a telephone in their car.
It is kind of funny, but even we grownups are frequently looking for permission. What do I mean by permission? Webster defines permission as “formal consent or authorization.” But there is another type of permission that I will call “sociological permission.”
In the last few days, articles have been written about city finances and hiring practices. The inaccurate comments they contain are creating unnecessary concern among the city’s hard-working employees and within our community.
For many of us, every Christmas season seems tighter (time wise) than Christmases past. Many of us are more absent-minded than we realize; the worst of us forget that we are forgetful.
In recent months, taxpayers across the state of Indiana have begun to experience the financial consequences of our state’s broken property tax system.
We all have life, regardless of wealth, race or religion. It is given us by our Creator to use and then taken back in favor of eternal life in heaven. That is my description of life as it was, and as it is.
It seems only yesterday that an extremely polite young quarter midget driver came up to me at the Kokomo Speedway, introduced himself and let it be known that one day he was going to drive a sprint car.
Although I do not always succeed, I try to write about a variety of subjects.
As times goes by and memories tend to be forgotten more than you want them to, you preserve your thoughts and memories so precious to you.
For open wheel racers, there are keystone events that help boost a résumé and go a long way toward making a career complete.
Got a call the other day from my 81-year-old buddy, wanting some help figuring out how to watch the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team’s game against Chattanooga.
A close relative of mine has a serious medical condition; she considered a specialty treatment hospital. Since her insurance coverage for such an institution was tenuous, she asked if she could have all costs upfront.
When I was a lad in the early and middle 1960s, school was not easy for me.
What has happened to the sporting world today? We, as kids, always had someone in sports that we sort of wanted to be like and to follow.
In the Oct. 27, 2007, “Sound Off,” a writer questioned the possibility of Kokomo ever again having the opportunity to claim another City of Firsts.
Let me start by welcoming the new mayor and newly elected or re-elected officials. Since I am composing the column Monday evening (the day before the election), I have no idea who will win.
As Americans, each and every one of us is able to enjoy the freedoms, liberties and security we do because of those who protect and defend our nation.
I love my office. As a matter of fact, I do not know anybody who has an office more suited to their personality than I do.
Today, I give to you some of my thoughts, and I hope you don’t think this old man has fallen off his rocker.
The philosopher said, “I think, therefore I am.” Ed Vasicek says, “I am confused, therefore I am.” Some things just don’t make sense to me.
If Gov. Mitch Daniels wants schools to open closer to Labor Day, he needs to enlist Hoosier parents for support. In other states that have rebelled against ever-earlier August start dates, parents have been the key lobbying group.
Having been through my first budgeting session as an elected official has me feeling like there is light at the end of the tunnel.
A recent Kokomo Tribune article featured a story about a couple who had been married in church but later participated in a traditional Miami Indian wedding. After the ceremony, the couple paddled away in a canoe as man and wife. They were married — and glad about it.
The theme of my campaign is “Investing in People,” and nowhere is that more important than education. Make no mistake: When I say we should invest in people, I mean just that. I expect the city to see a definite and perceivable return on its investment down the road.
The City of Kokomo has been and will continue to be involved in areas of education in our community. There is no better way for most people to become better off economically than by getting a good education.
Taxation is constantly in the news. And why not? After all, back in 1776, America’s battle cry for independence was, “No taxation without representation.”
THE ISSUE: Municipal debates.
OUR VIEW: Join us in the coming weeks and learn more about the candidates.
The Kokomo Tribune editorial “A reasonable compromise” acknowledges that there are several issues that must be addressed and negotiated if a successful economic development “umbrella” group is to be created.
The media has highlighted my concerns regarding elected officials turning over the responsibility for spending tax dollars to an unelected group.
This is the third of four “position papers” on issues that we and The Kokomo Perspective believe will dominate the fall mayoral campaign. Coming next Wednesday: Education.
This is the third of four “position papers” on issues that we and The Kokomo Perspective believe will dominate the fall mayoral campaign. Coming next Wednesday: Education.
It is encouraging that seven of the eight economic development groups are attempting to organize into an agency that would be more beneficial to the Kokomo-Howard County community.
I took a little trip to Arkansas — The Natural State — a couple years ago to visit a friend, and during my visit, I made a grocery run.
Sometimes the latest news is nothing more than an exposition of a kid’s jingle. You don’t believe me? OK, let me demonstrate.
This is the second of four “position papers” on issues that we and The Kokomo Perspective believe will dominate the fall mayoral campaign. Coming next Wednesday: Crime and safety.
This is the second of four “position papers” on issues that we and The Kokomo Perspective believe will dominate the fall mayoral campaign. Coming next Wednesday: Crime and safety.
This is the first of four “position papers” on issues that we and The Kokomo Perspective believe will dominate the fall mayoral campaign. Coming next Wednesday: economic development.
This is the first of four “position papers” on issues that we and The Kokomo Perspective believe will dominate the fall mayoral campaign. Coming next Wednesday: economic development.
When it comes to religion, church and values, America is polarizing into camps; we are quickly losing “middle ground.”
My first year in Kokomo is etched firmly in my mind. We had a new home, a new city, a new church, and a new community to explore. We also had a new social life to develop.
Like a painful tooth successfully extracted, the small viaduct on Markland Avenue (just west of Berkley) is wonderfully absent. Most Tribune readers had experienced driver’s angst because of it.
INDIANAPOLIS – Perhaps Congress should reconsider the very dangerous territory it has entered by voting to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
I love the comedy shows of the early and mid-1960s: “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Get Smart,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Green Acres,” “F-Troop,” “Gilligan’s Island” ... and on and on.
Kokomo Police Department administrators have spent a couple of decades re-evaluating the need to keep a unit of officers on full-time assignments in what is referred to as the school resource officer program
Who was the first president of the United States of America? The simplest answer would be John Hanson. Hanson served as president under the Articles of Confederation.
INDIANAPOLIS — Conversation over lunch on Sunday at the Brickyard 400 was centered around recent major announcements at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The most lively conversation was regarding the termination of the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix.
It gets old. Something is good for you, now it’s bad for you, then it’s good again and then it’s bad again.
Nearly six years after 9/11 and our invasion of Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden and his terror network remain a top threat to our national security.
The United Auto Workers’ leadership claimed a 68 percent approval vote for a new Delphi contract that drops top-tier wages and benefits to the lowest of the previous two-tier arrangement.
America has no shortage of heroes. Our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are risking life and limb in an attempt to help bring peace to that chaotic nation.
One big issue in the settlement between Delphi and GM involved the cost of retiree health insurance benefits.
My daughter kept tempting me to open my Father’s Day gift early, but I resisted with little effort. My son and wife had pitched in with her to purchase this surprise, but I could think of nothing I wanted. I had zero curiosity.
I love the comical songs of Alan Sherman. Sherman’s most famous hit was probably “Camp Grenada” (Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah). My favorite line is: “Dearest faddah, darling muddah, How’s my precious little bruddah? Let me come home, if you miss me.
For men wishing to make a name in coaching college football, Ann Arbor is a destination point, so is Columbus, Gainesville, Happy Valley and South Bend. These are football havens where great players, huge stadiums and fat contracts are a way of life.
The announcement from the United States Auto Club (USAC) that the organization was severing all ties to tracks owned or promoted by Dave Allison shook things up for the upcoming Indiana Sprint Week.
