~a column by Colleen O’Brien I was a true believer into the middle of my grade school years—fourth grade—when it came to me that Christmas and Santa Clause were part of an extended play put on by my parents. I was 9 or so when I saw the presents hidden in the basement, and suddenly I put it together that…
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Letter to the editor – In support of Sean Sebourn for Jeff council
Dear editor, We congratulate the swearing in of our new mayor, Matt Gordon, and the re-election of councilmen Matt Wetrich and Dave Sloan. Now that our mayor’s council seat is open, the next person who will fill this vacancy will serve for the remainder of his two-year term. It is in the opinion of those signed below that the council…
Read MoreSharpened pencils
~a column by Colleen O’Brien As I sat at my friend’s dining room table waiting for her to get ready to go out, in front of me was a pilsner glass of pens and pencils. After staring them down for a while, I chose the one very sharp pencil with a big eraser.
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Residents support Sebourn for council
To the editor: With the election of a new mayor, there will be an empty seat on the council. It seems logical to have the new mayor appoint someone rather than spend money on a special election. We all support the appointment of Sean Seabourn to that vacancy. It just makes good common sense and fiscal sense. He obtained the…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Phyllis Crowder re: Jeff council appointment
To the editor, As we all know, Matt Gordon will soon assume his duties as our new mayor leaving his council seat to be filled. May I suggest Sean Sebourn to be appointed to this vacancy. In Sean’s first bid for public office this past general election he made a respectable showing while sharing the ballot with two well known…
Read MoreA sure cure
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I have a friend who, in a great depression, could not get off the couch. She could not read, take a shower, eat, even watch TV. And then the cleaning lady poured out the potpourri that had been stewing lightly in a crock pot for a week. Two problems: 1) one of the ingredients in…
Read MoreToo much, too little, just enough
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Thanksgiving once again. This has always been the simple holiday, the one to get together with family and friends to eat nostalgia. It’s often about eating too much.
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Dick Finch
To the editor, My thoughts on Greene County and Jefferson are as follows: Greene County is doing a good job of running our county with one exception- hog confinement building permits. We have enough stink as it is. I sympathize with farmers needing income with grain prices but enough is enough. Jefferson — Not as good of grades as the…
Read MoreMarc Daniels – Impeach our attitudes
Editor’s note – Marc Daniels of Springfield, IL, has driven to Jefferson three times to listen to and challenge presidential candidates. He heard Republican candidates Gov Chris Christy and Dr Ben Carson speak during the lead up to the 2016 caucus. He was in Jefferson again last May to hear Democrat Eric Swalwell speak. (Swalwell has since suspended his campaign…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Denny Lautner
To the editor, As I understand it, to graduate from Greene County High School, only one credit in finance is required. I think that is terribly inadequate preparation for 18-year-olds about to be turned loose in the world of monetary decisions that awaits them. I believe it would be wise for the school district to require four credits in finance…
Read MoreTo gruntle or not to gruntle…
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Having been in a disgruntled mood for more than three years now, I am delighted to learn that I can be gruntled. Disgruntle means put into a bad mood, made ill-humored or discontent. (“Current politics makes me disgruntled.”) Gruntle means put into a good mood, made at ease. (“The meal and the conversation made me…
Read More“Where are the adults?”
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Even straight-A teenagers accepted to Harvard are considered unworthy by many adults. After all, teenagers are teenagers; they have a lot to learn. Those teenagers heading to college are often the ones who become political and famous at their young age when trying to fix wrongs in the world created by, guess who? Many adults.…
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