A Nation Addicted to Violence

In a country that once prided itself on moral clarity and civic virtue, America now seems increasingly comfortable with chaos. From glorified violence in entertainment to real-world bloodshed on city streets, the culture has shifted, and not for the better. Hollywood blockbusters, video games, and streaming series routinely celebrate violence as thrilling, heroic, or even humorous. Murder is no longer shocking, it’s stylized. Mayhem is no longer tragic, it’s marketable. When the most popular franchises…

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Why a Regional Police Force for Small Towns Is a Bad Idea

In an era of tightening budgets and calls for efficiency, the idea of consolidating small-town police departments into a regional force can seem appealing. Proponents argue it could save money, streamline resources, and standardize training. But beneath the surface, this shift threatens to unravel the very fabric that makes small-town policing effective. For rural communities, a regional police force isn’t a solution—it’s a step backward. The Loss of Local Connection Small towns aren’t just dots…

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The Sign Wars and the Small-Town Takeover

In small towns across the country, election season brings a familiar sight: a forest of campaign signs sprouting up on every corner, lawn, and roadside. But when it comes to incumbent politicians, this display often veers into overkill — especially in tight-knit communities where everyone already knows who’s who. Take a drive through any quaint Main Street during a local election, and you’re likely to see the same name plastered on dozens of signs, screaming…

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Are You Ready for the 250th?

In the spirit of independence and unity, we the residents of Scottdale, should prepare to honor this historic milestone. I’m making a public ‘call to action’ to all of our government, churches, non-profits, schools, and businesses to develop an event during 2026 to celebrate this once-in our-lifetime event. The vision is to make Scottdale the ‘most patriotic small town’ in America. All or our current town events (fall festival, concerts, picnic in the park, etc.)…

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Why Young People Should Step Up and Run for Local Office

Local government…..think city councils, school boards, and mayoral office, is the heartbeat of a community. Decisions made here directly impact schools, parks, housing, and even how your garbage gets picked up. Yet, these critical roles are often filled by people who may not reflect the diversity of age, perspective, or lived experience in their community. It’s time for younger generations to change that. Why Younger Voices Matter Young people bring fresh energy, new ideas, and…

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