Mark’s Musings – August 29, 2018

Mark Fortune

There is much positive happening in the community – businesses are expanding, renovating and trying new things. From restaurants to General stores to the first ever Sunflower Festival people in Coshocton County are willing to make an investment in the place they call home. There is a lot more happening than that but these are top of mind right now. Coming next week is the annual Job Fair at the Lake Park Pavilion. There is a lot of hard work involved to put this event on.

It was a great thing to see the River View Black Bears football team get the season off to a good start with a win – way to go boys and coaches! Persistence and hard work does pay off.

The Ohio State Buckeyes hit the gridiron this Saturday without head coach Urban Meyer at the helm – facing Oregon State in a contest that kicks off in the ‘shoe at noon. The Buckeyes head into the season opener ranked fifth – and as always – there are various polls that you can watch. A key ingredient to the season is the fact that the wide receiver corps has all seven returning lettermen. This will be only the third contest between the two schools and the first game for new Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith. The Beavers are loaded with returning lettermen on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. It could be a good one but the Buckeyes will prevail – 35 to 21.

School is now pretty much in full swing across Coshocton County with new students, new teachers, new administrators and new staff throughout the districts. Let’s wish all area students, teachers, faculty, staff, bus drivers, administrators and parents a successful and happy school year.

This week’s Beacon contains our annual Fall Sports section with photos, schedules and rosters for Coshocton, Ridgewood, River View and Newcomerstown soccer, volleyball and cross country teams. Thanks to Lenzo and Seibert Studios for contributing the wonderful photos of the teams! The Beacon appreciates you!

Could the Cleveland Browns win some games this season? Based on pre-season – which is usually somewhat suspect – they should. Let’s hope so. The quarterback position is in better shape than in past years certainly. If the Browns can keep injuries to a minimum we should see some solid wins.

As we celebrate Labor Day this coming Monday let’s pause to remember all those that show up for work every day to keep us safe, healthy, fed, groomed, free, clothed, transported, informed, housed and able to live in the greatest nation on earth. The American work force is an example of what people can do when they are working as much for themselves as they are for someone else. The American worker is second to none in the world, producing more goods, food and innovation than anywhere else on earth. Thank you American labor for your hard work.

Do you agree with the University of North Carolina students that tore down the statue of a Confederate soldier? Is this a means to grab attention or a sincere effort to recognize a part of America’s past that represented something that we, as a nation, don’t stand for? Do we start removing anything from the history books that we don’t agree with? Do we rewrite history to reflect our own views or the views of certain groups? I would like to hear your thoughts.

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion