It was difficult getting out of bed Monday. And it wasn’t because we were worn out from watching the NFL Network until the wee hours of the morning.
The Colts lost 31-17 to New Orleans in Super Bowl XLIV Sunday night.
The story is both heartbreaking and infuriating. Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council recently wrote a column telling this painful account that is being completely and totally ignored by the mainstream press.
Back in September, we broke the news that Tipton County is courting a solar-panel maker to take over the vacant Getrag Transmission Manufacturing plant at U.S. 31 and Ind. 28.
Mike McCroskey, girls basketball coach at Carroll High School, sends this Cheer for everyone involved in Coaches Against Cancer:
THE ISSUE: Driving in bad weather.
OUR VIEW: Turn on your headlights so that others can see you.
THE ISSUE: Voter registration.
OUR VIEW: You have a stake in your community; register and vote May 4.
A new report gives evidence to those who say all 92 counties should have the option of using vote centers.
At first glance, the plan to hold back any third-grader who can’t read seems like a good idea. After all, a child who can’t read is unlikely to succeed in school. Passing such a child on to the next grade would seem to be asking for trouble.
Barack Obama’s first State of the Union address satisfied the Constitution’s requirement that the president recommend
Pastor Jeff Newton tells a story that causes one pause. After Deanna Ancil heard it, it broke her heart.
Man leaves a poor impression
Donald Henry of Kokomo sends this Jeer:
“This Jeer is addressed to the man I am glad I didn’t meet at The Waffle House on Jan. 23.
The days of texting and driving might be approaching an end.
The Indiana House Public Policy Committee this week unanimously approved a bill that would make it illegal to send text messages or e-mails while driving. The bill would make such uses of electronic devices while driving a class C infraction with a possible fine of $500.
THE ISSUE: Sports-car racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
OUR VIEW : Grand-Am series and Speedway officials should schedule a distance event in 2011.
THE ISSUE: Redistricting reform.
OUR VIEW: Indiana needs a constitutional amendment that would eliminate politics from the process.
As leaders of Kokomo-Center Schools (KCS), we want to inform the people of Kokomo of how KCS is responding to the recent announcement by Gov. Mitch Daniels to cut $300 million from Indiana’s public school districts’ general funds.
The devastation wrought on Haiti by last week’s earthquake continues to leave us in shock, leaving us wondering how much more the small country can absorb.
Indiana lawmakers have approved a measure that would add property tax caps to the state constitution. That’s unfortunate. Critics have suggested the measure is a wrong-headed approach that will hamstring local government and make it harder for future legislators to address the situation.
Those seeking to cut off access to information about gun permits are using misinformation to make their case.
Although it appears the number of those contracting the H1N1 flu is decreasing, Indiana health department officials are continuing to warn Hoosiers its important to be vaccinated.
Murray McKay of Kokomo sends this Cheer:
THE ISSUE:Sen. Jim Buck’s annexation bill.
OUR VIEW: Proposal encourages cities to annex sooner rather than later those areas receiving services.
Sports editor Dave Kitchell won’t be at his desk today. He retired Wednesday after 40 years at the Kokomo Tribune. We meant to publish an appropriate sendoff a few days earlier. Something humorous and heartfelt. Something his wife, Linda, might paste into a scrapbook for the grandkids.
Monday, more than a hundred people gathered at the UAW Local 685 union hall for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast – now in its seventh year.
A few apologists for the Indiana General Assembly – and there really aren’t many left these days – have asked why the Kokomo Tribune and 22 other Indiana newspapers have made such a fuss over lawmakers’ acceptance of gifts from lobbyists.
Indiana lawmakers will have another chance this year to consider abolishing the township level of government.
Indiana lawmakers will have another chance this year to consider abolishing the township level of government.
H1N1 CLINICS:
• JAN. 12: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment only, at the health department, 120 E. Mulberry St.
• JAN. 14: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment only, at the health department, 120 E. Mulberry St.
• JAN. 24: 1-3 p.m., walk-in clinic at Indiana University Kokomo.
THE ISSUE: Indiana government reform.
OUR VIEW: Kernan-Shepard recommendations deserve further consideration.
Eleven million people watched the season premiere of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” this past Sunday, the Nielsen ratings said Monday.
Now that we’ve put away the tree for another year, we’re already nostalgic for Christmas.
Gratitude multiplied
Here is a Cheer from Van C. Taylor, executive director of the Kokomo Rescue Mission, to the community for its help this Christmas:
A lot of us will be making New Year’s resolutions today. It’s a tradition that dates to ancient Rome.
THE ISSUE: A safe New Year’s Eve.
OUR VIEW: Have fun, but not too much alcohol.
It’s a good thing the Indianapolis Colts’ final regular-season game is in Buffalo Sunday. Were it at home, the game wouldn’t be a sellout.
Indiana lawmakers next month will consider a resolution to add property tax caps to the state constitution. If the measure passes, the issue will go before voters next November.
THE ISSUE: Last-minute Christmas shopping.
OUR VIEW: By using a little caution in parking lots, you can avoid accidents and unintended repair bills.
My son came and sat on my lap the other day, with the Fisher-Price Christmas catalog in his hands.
It’s open to the Imaginext Batman page, full of Batman figurines, vehicles and play sets.
“Mommy,” he says, snuggling his head against my shoulder, “I want everything on this page for Christmas this year.”
I know what it’s like to yearn for shiny new shoes. When I was 6, and Sears was Sears & Roebuck, I poured over their catalog every day, daydreaming that I had a pair of black patent leather shoes. “Roman sandals,” the catalog called them. They had four straps and buckles that climbed up ankle-high.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce last week recognized nine high schools in the Kokomo area for providing a quality education while being outstanding stewards of the public’s money.
Republican leaders of the Indiana Senate have unveiled a package of reforms that include establishing an independent commission for drawing state legislative and congressional district boundaries.
Like many Americans, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays.
The Issue: House fires involving Christmas trees.
Our View: Take precautions to ensure safety.
THE ISSUE
Christmas kindness.
OUR VIEW
Holding onto the holiday spirit year-round is a New Year’s resolution worth the effort.
Indiana University hired Kelvin Sampson as its men’s basketball coach in 2006. The school signed him to a seven-year, $7.3 million contract.
Not everyone was happy when the gray wolf population in the Northern Rockies, near extinction in the mid-1970s, staged a remarkable comeback under the protections of the Endangered Species Act.
THE ISSUE: Favors from lobbyists
OUR VIEW: If you have an opinion on the practice, now would be a good time to let our legislators know.
Events support Urban Outreach
Jeff Newton, executive director of Kokomo Urban Outreach, sends this Cheer:
“What a wonderful day Saturday, Nov. 7, was for Kokomo Urban Outreach. Two events took place on that day which will support the programs offered by Kokomo Urban Outreach.
His supporters acknowledged the cold, hard truth even before Barack Obama began his speech on Tuesday.
The president had no good options.
Caston schools in Fulton this week will play host to a panel discussion on a proposal to make property tax caps part of the state constitution.
While politicians in Washington wrangle over the best way to reform health care, some area employers are taking matters into their own hands.
The issue: An campaign promoting the importance of newspapers is coming to a close.
Our view: Contrary to reports of our impending demise, newspapers aren’t going anywhere any time soon.
Thrifty earns trust, business
Sarah Scott of Kokomo sends this Cheer for a local business:
“Knowing for some time that I have needed brake repairs, and being unable to further tolerate the noise, I finally bit the bullet and began searching.
Though the Pilgrims shared a feast with the Wampanoag Indians at Plymouth Rock in 1621, some folks claim that the first Thanksgiving actually came two years earlier, in December 1619 in Berkeley Plantation, Va.
Thank you for the recognition
Charles A. Layne of Bunker Hill, a frequent letter-writer, sends this Cheer:
OK, so maybe today isn’t the perfect day to quit smoking. For years, the experts were preaching that any day was a good day to quit, and they had annual campaigns encouraging people to give up the habit.
THE ISSUE: Traffic safety.
OUR VIEW: Watch for mo-peds and motorcycles.
As you travel over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving, you’ll have company. More than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies will be patrolling Indiana streets and highways, the Indiana State Police report.
Efforts to push legislative ethics reform through the Indiana General Assembly have long faced an insurmountable obstacle in the person of House Speaker Pat Bauer.
State Rep. David Wolkins isn’t shy about what he likes: golf, basketball and football.
THE ISSUE: Statehouse lobbying reform
OUR VIEW: Lawmakers must strengthen Indiana’s lax lobbying standards.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a liberal lawmaker from San Francisco, faced some wrenching political choices going into Saturday’s vote on a health care reform bill.
Last year, the Town of Fishers formed a task force. The mission of the Hamilton County community’s six government employees: Find a way to reduce health care costs.
Some lessons come harder than others. A day after a Logansport 14-year-old suffered a severe head injury while performing a bicycle trick at the local skate park, kids were still performing tricks without a helmet.
On Wednesday – Nov. 11 – America will honor its military veterans, past and present. The tradition started in 1919.
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 a day of “solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory” in World War I.
Thanks for your support
Army Pfc. Christopher J. Wright sends this Cheer from Iraq:
THE ISSUE
Chrysler’s five-year business plan.
OUR VIEW
A new transmission line could be in Kokomo’s future.
THE ISSUE
Displaying the American flag.
OUR VIEW
Do so with dignity and respect.
In spite of an overwhelming endorsement from medical experts, some folks continue to be skeptical about the flu vaccine.
THE ISSUE: Saturday’s marching band state finals
OUR VIEW: Western, Lewis Cass and Eastern deserve every accolade.
Even when she isn’t feeling the best due to her own problems, 12-year-old Kori Brown keeps planning, raising funds and working for others, especially those stricken with cancer.
Thanks for supporting Haven
Robert Croll, president of the Friends of Howard Haven, sends this Cheer:
Here’s another reminder that trick-or-treaters will be out in force Saturday night, so be careful out there.
Unfortunately, Logansport got a real-life reminder of the danger that goes along with the fun when two children ran in front of a pickup truck on the first night of trick-or-treating there two years ago. One of the youngsters wound up in a Fort Wayne hospital, and what had been an evening of fun turned into a nightmare for one family.
THE ISSUE
Wednesday’s announcement that Zuna Infotech has selected Kokomo as its headquarters.
OUR VIEW
We encourage company officials to spread the word that Kokomo is a fine place to do business.
Gov. Mitch Daniels will be remembered for his eagerness to try new things. From the lease of the Indiana Toll Road to the privatization of the welfare system, he has always looked for new approaches to the administration of state government.
Last month, we told you about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “FluView” – its weekly findings of influenza indicators across the U.S.
The Cowan-Brown family today continues its all-expenses-paid vacation at Disneyland, as skilled workers, community volunteers and the crew of TV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” labor to complete a new home for the Bunker Hill residents.
Caught in act of kindness
Andrea Robertson of Russiaville sends this Cheer:
“Cheers to the sweet, older gentleman who quietly paid for breakfast at IHOP for my two little sons and I. He told his waitress that too often a ‘good mother’ goes unnoticed, but HE noticed. I am very humbled. It made my day, and it wasn’t lost on me.
Kokomo Gas & Fuel sent us an encouraging e-mail. The utility, serving 36,000 natural gas customers in a six-county area, expects home-heating bills to decrease more than 20 percent this winter.
This is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and the message is simple: Talking to your teen about safe driving can make a difference.
THE ISSUE: Braxton Shelton’s magical football season.
OUR VIEW: Tailback is a better person than a football player.
President must get priorities in order
President Obama, where are your priorities? You have trashed us to other nations. You spent nearly a million dollars flying to Denmark to try to obtain Chicago for the 2016 Olympics, and what a defeat you were handed! The U.S. was eliminated in the first round!
Throughout 2009, bad news regarding the economy has bombarded America.
Joanne Main of Kokomo sends this Cheer:
“Our family and 4-year-old grandson would like to say thank you very much to everyone who put an effort into finding our sheltie named Harley. We would like you all to know that he was returned to us on Oct. 10.
Dog’s return cheers family
Joanne Main of Kokomo sends this Cheer:
“Our family and 4-year-old grandson would like to say thank you very much to everyone who put an effort into finding our sheltie named Harley. We would like you all to know that he was returned to us on Oct. 10.
Players, coaches and fans got a scare recently when a Marion football player suffered a head injury during a game against Logansport.
President Barack Obama sounded just the right tone last week in reacting to news that he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Indiana State Police have issued a reminder to motorists to keep an eye out for farm machinery.
KHS blood drive wins challenge
Suzy Wells of Kokomo-Center Schools sends this Cheer:
“I am so proud of the overwhelming support we received for Kokomo High School’s Indianapolis Colts Invitational Blood Drive Challenge. When we began organizing the event, we never imagined we would gain so much support.
Like many expectant parents, Hannah Harrell’s mother and father likely prayed for their baby’s health.
On Oct. 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire broke out, killing more than 250 people and leaving 100,000 homeless.
Newspapers can be forgiven for borrowing a line from Mark Twain: The report of our death has been greatly exaggerated.
A first public hearing on the City of Kokomo’s West Side Annexation plan could happen some time in November – a year and a half after Mayor Greg Goodnight proposed adding approximately 14,000 people and 14.2 square miles to the city.
Rae Ann Panther of Peru sends this Cheer:
“With a grateful heart and fond memories,
With the recent beating of a Greentown resident in her own home, I feel the need to let others know why and how to protect yourself and family whenever needed.
One year and two weeks ago, Taylor Johnson was slowing her vehicle for the four-way stop at Markland and Park avenues – and lost consciousness.
THE ISSUE: Flu season.
OUR VIEW: By using common sense, we’ll get through it with the least amount of pain possible.
Sunday, we broke the news that Tipton County is courting a solar-panel maker to take over the vacant Getrag Transmission Manufacturing plant at U.S. 31 and Ind. 28.
Attention, motorists: Harvest is about to begin in earnest, and the activities of farmers will force deer into other areas.
We know, it’s just September. Corn and beans remain in the fields, and many gardeners still are picking ripe tomatoes each day.
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