E-Edition

County Wrestles With Wheel Tax

County officials are looking at tweaking the wheel tax.
Put Down Your Phones And Give God Some Face Time

My mother, who has since gone to be with the Lord, believed in old-school face time.
The Blame Game

Editor, Times-Union:

This last week it was popular for Democrats to blame President Trump and Attorney General Barr for a constitutional crisis. But they are the ones to blame for that and more evils.
Social Media Has Problems Of Its Own

Well, we made it though the election despite all the social media hoopla surrounding the mayor’s race.
Fecal Implants Proving Effective

Could anyone imagine a medical condition that would warrant a patient receiving a stool specimen from a donor to help treat a disease?
When Truth Becomes A Casualty

Tuesday, voters in Warsaw go to the polls to choose the Republican nominee for mayor.
Cry For Our World, Then Pray

We live in sin-sick world that is bent on destruction. People are divided and we don’t listen to one another any more.
The Day The Dinosaurs Died

The discovery of a new fossil site in North Dakota marked the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
Declaring Sanctuary Over Guns

On March 31, 2017, I wrote a column about immigration under presidents Trump and Obama.
Supports Shoemaker For Mayor

Editor, Times-Union:

I have come to loath election season because it seems like there is no escaping all of its signs, like elected officials racing to get things done and passed through their committees. Then there is the rhetoric that we all have to put up with from candidates claiming they are going to save us and the planet in their next term.
Democrat Crybabies

Editor, Times-Union:

I sometimes think the biggest babies in the world work in the Capitol building. Democrats are a bunch of crybabies that pitch hissy fits if they don't get their way.
Sewer Overflow

Editor, Times-Union:

Due to recent power outage, the City of Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Facility at 794 W. Center Street has experienced a combined sewer overflow, sending untreated wastewater into the Walnut Creek. The overflow point is marked with a warning sign.
Howard Schultz Campaign

Editor, Times-Union:

Former Starbucks CEO and possible independent presidential candidate Howard Schultz and the backlash against that possible candidacy with a boycott of Starbucks highlights a common criticism of third-party or independent candidates.
Supports Mayor Thallemer

Editor, Times-Union:

I wanted to reach out to your readers to advocate for my friend and colleague, Mayor Joe Thallemer.
Falls Leading Cause Of Death For Those 65 And Older

Both my mother and mother-in-law were almost 100 years of age when they fell and suffered hip fractures. Neither event was unexpected as fall rates are extremely high for this age group.
Northern Ireland Woman Brings Others Together Through Music

When you spend time with Marie Lacey you are introduced to someone who just loves life.
Liberals Asked For It

Editor, Times-Union:

When President Trump said he would send illegal aliens to sanctuary cities, you would have thought the mayors of those cities would be promoting their cities as future homes for those who came to America illegally.
Wilhite Keeps Open Mind Wilhite Keeps Open Mind

Editor, Times-Union:

We are fortunate to have three good candidates for Warsaw City Council at large. I know and respect all three candidates. All three would make great members of our city council.
Phages Could Help Solve Antibiotic Resistance

Long before there were antibiotics, researchers envisioned using viruses to seek out and destroy bacteria.
Seems Like No One Is Held To Account xx Seems Like No On Is Held Accoountable

So U.S. Attorney General Robert Barr was testifying the other day in front of a U.S. Senate panel.
Inventor Of Meteorology Had Many Bold Ideas

Francis Galton is widely regarded as the originator of the early 20th century eugenics movement.
Base Policy On Facts
Grocery Business In Warsaw Has Become A?Complex Issue

The sudden closure of Owens Supermarket last month created a void that nobody wanted. The grocery business has always served our Warsaw downtown neighbors and work force well for many decades.
The Church Can Be As Disjointed As Our Culture

One thing I know we need for sure is a “A United Church For A Divided World.”
Periodic Table Illustrates Progress Of Science

Anyone who studied chemistry likely reluctantly remembers the periodic table. It is one of science's greatest creations and became 150 years old this month.
Media Have Some Explaining To Do, But Won’t

So I fired up my laptop Sunday and the headlines on the Drudge Report were giant and red.
Isaac Newton Truly Was One Of A?Kind

In the spring and summer of 1665 England suffered from an outbreak of Bubonic Plague; it spread from parish to parish until thousands died.
Electoral College Serves A Purpose
Innocent Lives Are Ruined By Lying Tongues

In this era of the 24-hour news cycle and social media, people are not just implicated of something, they are indicted before all the evidence is in.
Harvey Washington Wiley – An Indiana Hero

There have been a number of celebrities born in Indiana, but from the aspect of good health no one matches the accomplishments of Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley.
Internet Turns 30

The World Wide Web turned 30 this week.

Woo hoo.
Oxytocin – A Surprisingly Versatile Hormone

New studies have shown that oxytocin can affect maternal behavior, social bonding and even sexual pleasure.
Symphony Of The Skies Reminds Us God Is In Control

Dr. Don DeYoung, recently retired professor from Grace College and president of the Creation Research Society, has a passion for sharing God through science.
A Look At Upcoming Road Projects

The beginning of spring training is a sure sign that we may be looking at winter in our rear-view mirror! I know I’m being a little optimistic, but I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t welcome an early spring after the wild winter we have endured.
Forgoing Vaccinations Contributes To Measles Outbreaks

Measles was declared eliminated in 2000 in the United States, but for some strange reason there have been five recent outbreaks, for a total of more than 120 cases.
Are Potatoes Becoming Endangered Species?

According to a recent article in Science, potato farmers are facing an uncertain future.
Kessler’s Faith In Action Defines His Legacy

Grace College's Coach K is more than statistics and accomplishments as he “retires.”
Fish Therapy Has Many Possible Applications For Skin Diseases

In previous columns I have discussed insects, bacteria and animals that have a medical application. There is another aquatic species to add, a small fish called Garra rufa, now being used in an experiment to treat individuals with skin diseases like psoriasis.
News Views: Yellowstone Is Not About To Blow

I was reading about the Yellowstone supervolcano the other day.
If Philosophy Fascinates You, Get To Know Montaigne

I did not have the opportunity in college to study philosophy or learn about philosophers and therefore had little interest in the subject. This recently changed after I discovered a small book titled “Montaigne” written by Stephan Zweig — it captured the essence of Michel de Montaigne's life and accomplishments.
God Judges Abortion, But He Also Has Mercy

My more and I were in the living room watching the news when there was a report about abortion. “How can anyone kill a child?” she lamented as tears rolled down her cheeks.
U.S. Polio-Free Since 1979, But Vaccine Still Necessary

When I was young, many years ago, my parents did not allow my brother or me to go swimming at our local pool because it was thought to be the source of infantile paralysis.
From The Mayor: Process In Place For Selecting Vendors And Contracted Services

The city often enters into contracts for the acquisition of goods and services and public works projects. Let’s talk about how the city handles the selection of vendors and contracted services.
Mysterious Diseases Have Baffled Doctors Throughout History

I am fascinated by historical mysterious diseases that appear suddenly and then strangely disappear.
All The News That Fits The Narrative

How about those high school students from Covington Catholic High School in Kentucky, eh?
Touch – The Unsung Sense

Touch, according to the author, has become a new science, and neuroscientists continue to learn more about how skin is busily sensing our relationships to others.
Hate Crime Law Isn't A Bad Idea

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb is urging Republicans in the state legislature to pass a hate crimes law.
Two More For The Intelligence Hall Of Fame

Last year I wrote a column about two of the smartest men who lived in the modern era (1700 to the present). On further deliberation and careful thought I nominate two others to consider.
TCU Offering Help To Members During Government Shutdown

As the partial government shutdown drags on, Teachers Credit Union has announced a package of relief measures available to members who are being affected.
It’s Certainly Not About The Money

Now that Democrats have dug in on their refusal to spend $5.7 billion on some sort of border barrier, I thought it might be fun to point out some expensive things that do get approved.
Tuberculosis Is A Major Challenge To Global Health

In a “Remember When” column written a few months ago, Kristina Smiley described an event that occurred 50 years ago pertaining to required tuberculosis (TB) testing in Warsaw Community Schools.
Not Sure People Want Electric Cars
Column: City Of Warsaw Happy With Results Of 2019 Tax Rate

Two weeks ago, at the last city council meeting of 2018, the final municipal property tax rate for 2019 was approved.

We were all very happy with the result.
Viruses Are Complex - And Essential - Life Forms

Viruses may be the most bizarre of all life forms, although they are not truly living.
News Views: The Politics Of The Wall

If you ever wondered what’s wrong with politics and government, look no further for evidence than “the wall.”
Zebrafish — An Amazing Tool For Biomedical Research

Those humble zebrafish swimming gracefully in your aquarium have become excellent models for studying childhood cancer and a host of other diseases.
Guest Column: Thought Crime Legislation Puts Your Liberties in Grave Danger

As the Indiana General Assembly prepares to convene in January, legislation is being proposed that seeks to criminalize the thoughts of Hoosiers.
Christmas Is Hollow Without Jesus

I’m sure the shepherds wondered why their celestial visitors came to them, lowly agricultural workers. They were instructed to go to Bethlehem and see this child who had been born.
Explosive E. Coli Bacteria Can Be Harmless, Even Beneficial

E. coli can double its population in less than two hours under the right conditions, which means that it has the potential to make people, especially children and the elderly, very sick.
Hold All Of Them Accountable
Old-Time Hokum Still Exists In Medical Field

The widespread availability of quack medical products was instrumental in the enactment of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 and the Medical Device Amendments in 1976.
The World Doesn’t Need Fake Religious Folks

I wonder if there are times when people look at followers of Jesus (I’m including myself) and see us being synthetic.
Why Trump?

News Views
State, National Organizations Work To Improve Services For Cities

The latest census estimate (July 2017) for Indiana puts our population at almost 6.7 million.

Of that total, 66.3 percent (over 4.4 million) live in a Hoosier city or town. The City of Warsaw population is estimated at 14,478.
Scorpions Are Scary, Nasty – And Have Much To Teach Us

Scorpions deserve multiple entries in the Guinness Book of Records; they are some of the biggest, meanest, longest-lived, most sensitive, most maternal, least fraternal, slowest and quickest creatures among the arachnids and insects.
As Bad As Things Seem In The World, Trust That God Knows The Future

One reporter was talking about the issues of our day and saying that this is one of the darkest moments in our history. I almost laughed out loud.
If You Weren’t Thankful This Year, Don’t Blame Your Body

If someone next Thanksgiving asks you what you are thankful for, I have a suggestion. Why not describe all the things your body does to keep you healthy and alive, the automatic processes you have no control over.
Madagascar Home To Priceless Biological Treasures

Madagascar, a huge island off the southeast coast of Africa, is primarily renowned for its high biodiversity. Proportionate to land area, there is no other zone in the world with higher concentrations of biotic endemism (restricted to a certain country of area) across different species.
Don’t Give Up – Jesus Can Reach The Darkest Soul

It seems at times when we pray the sky is built of brass and our prayers bounce off of its surface, not getting to heaven.
Snow’s Medical Genius Behind Many Modern Practices

One of the past unsung heroes in medicine is John Snow, a pioneer in a number of fields.
Veterans Deserve Our Thanks

This Sunday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. Please take a moment of silence to remember the sacrifice that has been given for liberty since the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918.
Ig Nobel Awards Spur Laughs, Then Scientific Curiosity

Anyone with a sense of humor and a predilection for science will enjoy a visit to the Annals of Improbable Research website and the annual list of Ig Nobel awards.
Looking For Glimmers Of Hope In Tragedy

No matter how many laws we pass, no matter how hard we try to keep people safe, bad things will happen.
Family Most Important Factor For Happiness

Only one of the seven dwarfs is Happy, which humorously tells us that many people are not.
Where We Are Is Not A Good Place

I’m surprised more unhinged individuals aren’t flipping out in this political environment.
Venom-Based Remedies Used For Centuries

Venomous reptiles, bugs and marine life have notorious reputations as dangerous or life-threatening creatures, but all can be sources of new classes of drugs capable of treating diabetes, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain and other conditions.
Termites Serve A Surprising Number Of Useful Purposes

Although known as "white ants," termites are not ants and their relationships with other insects remain unclear.
Where Are All Of The Conservatives?

Remember the good old days when conservatives cared about debt?
I Gave Up On God. He Didn’t Give Up On Me

In 1994 a good friend of mine was totally mistreated by a congregation, which for me was the final straw. I quit going to church.
Elephants – Large, Leathery, Lumbering And Lovable

Elephants indeed are large, leathery, lumbering and loveable, a reminder of what prehistoric animals were like. But there is more to elephants than alliteration.
Election Shines Light On Role Of Townships

I have to be honest. I haven’t really thought a lot about township government throughout my career in the newspaper business.
Kavanaugh-Ford Conflict Illustrates Stench Of Sin In America

Two were thrown in the dust of the American stage on Sept. 27. People gathered with stones in their hands, ready to support their side and destroy the other.
Hospice – One Of Life's Most Valuable Services

The website for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, states that the term "hospice" can be traced back to medieval times when it referred to a place of shelter and rest for weary or ill travelers on a long journey.
Scientists Thrill To Unfamiliar Paths On ‘The Most Unknown’

I try not to spend too much time in front of the TV, but every once in a while I catch a program worth viewing.
#MeToo Comes To Confirmation Hearings

Wow, that whole Supreme Court nomination mess went off the rails, didn’t it?
Banner Of Life Carried Nearly Half A Century

Mary Louise Lowe has been fighting for life and the rights of the unborn for just under 45 years, when a Right to Life group was formed in Kosciusko County.
Gut Colonies Make Us Superorganisms

It is almost impossible to believe, but there are approximately 100 trillion micro-organisms (most of them bacteria, but also viruses, fungi and protozoa) living in the human gastrointestinal tract.
A Look At A Few Current Topics

Following are a few observations on current topics in the news.
The Mediterranean Diet Is Worth Adopting

The Mediterranean diet is known for its cardiovascular disease-fighting properties. The Mayo Clinic calls it the "heart healthy diet."
Assessing The Coming Blue Wave

I usually don’t make predictions with regard to politics.
Churches Need Higher Standard In Age Of Sexual Abuse

Children have been abused and targeted by priests, pastors and leaders. High-profile men in houses of worship have used their power to be sexually inappropriate with women. They are without excuse; their sin puts children and women in horrible situations.
Blood-Sucking ‘Medical Device’ Creeping Back Into U.S. Medicine

When I was much younger, it was not uncommon to purchase leeches at the local drug store and use them to treat a black eye. Modern medicine in the United States would generally find such use archaic and abhorrent. Not so in Russia.
If You Commit Crimes,You Should Be Punished

If you commit crimes, you should be punished.
Science Reveals Much About Ancient Iceman’s Life

Finding the body of a person who died 5,300 years ago would be most rare. But it happened in 1991 when a group of hikers found a frozen corpse and his belongings in the mountainous border between Austria and Italy.
News Views: Fake Letters And Politics Of Division

There is a man in Leesburg named Jacob Sprunger and the Times-Union owes him an apology.
Bees, The ‘Soul Of Summer,’ Helped Shape The Natural World

Bees evolved alongside the flowering plants, and their most remarkable traits all developed in the context of that relationship.
Relief Efforts After Tornado Show God In The Midst Of Life's Storms

The last column I wrote appeared in the Times-Union on July 19 — the same day an EF3 tornado went through the center of my hometown, Marshalltown, Iowa, causing massive destruction.
Doomsday Clock Marks Looming Apocalypse

The Doomsday Clock was conceived by University of Chicago scientists who had helped develop the first atomic weapons.