A tough watch
By the end of the 90-minute debacle, few could feel good about what they’d witnessed and heard from the men running for the highest elected office in the country.
Tuesday’s debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden left many Americans shaking their heads in frustration.
Personal attacks were hurled by both sides, and a majority of the debate consisted of the candidates interrupting each other rather than discussing their visions for the future of the country.
Moving forward, the candidates need to adhere to the debate guidelines they agreed to before stepping to the podium.
Whether a voter has decided on their pick or not, all Americans deserve to know where both candidates stand on key issues. Anything less is a disservice to the country’s citizens.
Scout’s honor(ed)
Not one, but two local Boy Scouts have now been credited with saving the lives of young people in Bartholomew County over the past year.
On Sept. 24, Christian VanSickle, of Troop 559, was recognized for helping save his cousin’s life after a rope tangled around the boy’s neck while playing outdoors. After removing the rope, VanSickle located his mother — knowing she could administer CPR — who was able to revive the boy. Doctors have said that without the scout’s quick actions, the boy would likely not be alive today.
VanSickle was awarded the Medal of Merit, which honors Scouts, Venturers and Scouters that have performed an act of meritorious service above and beyond what is normally expected of a youth or adult member of the Boy Scouts of America.
The same award was given to a local scout in 2019. Last year, as a Webelo 2 Cub Scout, Sam Roberts saved the life of a young girl from drowning.
Both VanSickle and Roberts are tremendous examples of the positive impact local youth can have in the community. Their heroic actions were rightfully recognized, and should inspire all.
Ordinance gets the OK
There’s no need to worry — the neighborhood-based businesses currently in operation aren’t in danger of closing up due to new zoning regulations.
The Bartholomew County commissioners approved an ordinance earlier this week to address zoning for retail or services like business centers, nightclubs, bars, athletic complexes and liquor stores operating in residential areas.
The intent of the ordinance was not to place additional regulations on existing businesses, but help better define the rules moving forward. Established businesses have essentially been “grandfathered” in, so the new ordinance won’t apply to them.
The Columbus City Council approved an almost identical ordinance on Aug. 18.
It’s not easy to be business-friendly while also protecting residents, but both were taken into consideration for the ordinance.
While not all city and county zoning should be identical, the decision by the commissioners should provide greater clarity for all business owners and residents moving forward.
