Editor, Times-Union: The actions of elected officials should not be measured by their standing within a party, but by the moral barometer of our shared ethical standards and convictions.

Editor, Times-Union: I’m writing to express my disapproval and disappointment of the many delays and specifically closings this winter. I’ve been a permanent resident since 1991 in the Wawasee school district. Over the past years we’ve had much worse snow, ice and cold issues than this morning, February 23, 2026.

Editor, Times-Union: During last week’s Munich Security Conference, several familiar faces were seen from the Democrat Party. The conference is held every year bringing sitting heads of state and other dignitary’s together to discuss the present security posture of NATO and other European countries not yet in NATO. The faces I referred to are Gov. Gavin Newsom, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Cortez and failed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The first two came for some face time on a foreign platform so they can check the box when they campaign for president in a couple years, but neither of them got what they expected. Hillary Clinton went there to, well, to feel relevant again I guess. The three of them thought they could field some softball questions, try to network with some billionaires and eat some good food but what they experienced was anything but that.

Editor, Times-Union: We can all agree that state Rep. Craig Snow is a really nice guy. However, does he represent the things that voters in our area value? We want local control of land development. Craig Snow has been on the wrong side of this issue.

Editor, Times-Union: I am proud of the North Manchester community which shows such love and grace for everyone. That Clayton and his friend feel safe and welcome in North Manchester is affirming our tolerance and respect for each of God’s creation, who are to be His “image-bearers.” (Gen. 1:26) (We are not all God’s “children” - Jn. 8:41, 44; 3:7; Mt. 13.38; 1 Jn 3:8-19).

Editor, Times-Union: Following is the 2026 “Working Hoosiers Agenda” as outlined by the Indiana House Democrats:

Editor, Times-Union: I read the article this morning concerning some students leaving the school grounds to protest illegal immigration enforcement.

Editor, Times-Union: Over a century ago there was a group of anti-government rebels that wanted to overthrow the government of their nation. They viewed the head of their nation as a threat that needed to be eliminated and were willing to sacrifice themselves to overthrow the government and many did. They were eventually successful and plunged their nation into chaos and tyranny that has continued to some extent today. They were the Bolsheviks. I fear the same thing will happen in America if the New Bolsheviks are successful.

Editor, Times-Union: Indiana has been under a one-party rule (Republican) for at least 20 years. Under that rule and according to the World Population Review, Indiana ranks third in mother mortality rate. Also, U.S. News and World Report and CNBC both report that Indiana ranked number 46 in 2025 with significant challenges in education and quality of life — the latter deficiency was attributed to crime, child care access, and environmental quality.

Editor, Times-Union: I am a North Manchester native and graduate of Manchester Jr.-Sr. High School. During my school years and a bit beyond, I volunteered countless hours in service of the Firehouse. I did so with pleasure and pride as I understood the Firehouse for what it was: an invaluable, inviting place for the entire region to experience art, music, culture and community. Free culture for all who want it regardless of who you are or where you come from. It was a special place rarely afforded to towns of our size 25 years ago, and the kind of place that is rapidly becoming extinct across the nation.

Editor, Times-Union: Somehow the recent unrest in Minneapolis brings me back to a similar event that occurred in the same city almost six years ago.

Editor, Times-Union: I agree with the governor on the need for affordable housing.

Editor, Times-Union: The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation honored its 12th class of Tippecanoe Valley Distinguished Alumni on Jan. 29 and 30 by inducting seven new members into the Class of …

Editor, Times-Union: When George Will wrote an editorial about wanting Democrats to take back control of the House and Senate, I sent him an email in response. The Democrat Party is not like it used to be half a century ago when reasonable people controlled the insane members. He wants to balance President Trump with a Democrat Congress.

Editor, Times-Union: Americans, whether Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, American First or Progressive, should be willing to endorse some form of term limits for the U.S. House of Representatives. Term limits for the U.S. House of Representatives should include the following:

Editor, Times-Union: Watching political headlines over the past few months, many of us have been left with one overriding question: When are clear-thinking Americans like ourselves going to starting speaking up for the country’s general welfare at a time when so many of us are downright uncomfortable - and at times embarrassed or even ashamed - by the words and actions of the country’s current presidential administration?

Editor, Times-Union: Despite Indiana weather, the Leesburg Candelaria was a wonderful time for the whole community to celebrate the Christmas season. The event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and MANY volunteers.

Editor, Times-Union: When you play with fire, expect to get burnt. Democrats seem to love juggling flaming torches and set themselves on fire before they complain about the flaming torches.

Editor, Times-Union: As world leaders gather for climate talks, one major contributor to climate change continues to be sidelined: industrial animal agriculture. While energy and transportation dominate the conversation, factory farming remains a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Editor, Times-Union: The loss of memory can be a temporary condition, but in the case of the far left it would seem to be permanent.

Editor, Times-Union: I reflect back on 2025, and so many blessings. Faith, family, friends, health, time. Spending it well, or at least making an effort to spend it well. So much to be thankful for. Looking also forward to the beginning of a new year.

Editor, Times-Union: Rumors are currently strong around the Akron area, there have been recent talks that a data center is being planned very close to the west of downtown Akron. There was a recent anonymous post on the Akron Community page where the current projected location is set to be between the locations of 1000 east and 1075 east, just north of State Road 14.

Editor, Times-Union: There is a popular social activity among groups of family members, friends and neighbors called “never have I ever …” during which participants in turn reveal “secrets” about themselves in answer to this phrase. The revelations typically evoke laughter, surprise and maybe even embarrassment while also drawing the participants closer in their understanding, support and acceptance of each other.

Editor, Times-Union: Forward: About half of all men over 50 have benign prostate enlargement (BPE/BPH). The prevalence rises steadily with age, reaching ~50% between ages 51–60, ~70% between 60–69, and ~80–90% in men over 70. Source: Harvard and Yale Health.

Editor, Times-Union: Donald J. Trump ran for president as the “Peace President.” Trump saw to it that the U.S. Institute of Peace was renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. Trump was given a made up peace prize by FIFA late last year. Trump says he ended at least eight global wars, but close scrutiny and research reveals otherwise. Trump said he would end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, but Putin continues his relentless quest to overtake the country. Trump said he ended the war between Israel and Gaza, but no leaders from either country ever signed a peace agreement, and people are still starving and being killed while Gaza itself appears to be disappearing.