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Christmas: Fact or fiction

Editorial

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.   Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  ...

New Year’s resolution: Give to the Red Cross

Editorial

If your New Year’s resolutions included finding small ways to do good more frequently, the American Red Cross has some ideas for you. You — yes, you — are needed, right now. A glance at the organization’s website reveals an alert that there is an “EMERGENCY NEED for type O blood” because winter weather has caused a decline in donations. There’s even a pitch that if you donate by Jan. 4, you will receive a Red Cross long-sleeved t-shirt; and if you give blood before Jan. 31, you can earn points to be used toward rewards. Local opportunities abound. To find one go to ...

Concerns about Ohio EPA’s data centers draft permit

Editorial

Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency has extended the public comment period to Jan. 16 as it considers fast-tracking a general wastewater permit for new data centers in the state. Right now, the state EPA’s draft permit includes “a lowering of water quality of various waters of the state associated with granting coverage under this permit necessary to accommodate important social and economic development in the state of Ohio.” But among the questions such a statement raises are why it is necessary? WCMH spoke to water quality advocate Amy Swank, of Dublin, who said the ...

The Biblical story of Christmas Day

Editorial

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and ...

‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus’

Editorial

As has become this newspaper’s holiday tradition, today our editorial board once again offers readers a belated gift in the form of what we believe is the best Christmas editorial ever written. It initially appeared not in December, but in September 1897, in the New York Sun, after 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon asked her now famous question: “Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus … Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?” We believe no one has answered the question better, nor has anyone better described the spirit of Christmas. In fact, the Sun’s ...

Have yourself a wonderful Christmas and holiday season

Editorial

The original version of the following piece appeared in the Salem News way back in 2004. The response created back then and each and every year is truly appreciated. It is presented having undergone a tweak, nip and a tug over the Christmas seasons. Thank you for your kindness! Merry Christmas to kids everywhere who tonight will squeeze tightly their eyes and strain to hear reindeer footsteps on the rooftop. They will finally fall asleep in a bed full of warmth and full of dreams. And Merry Christmas to all of us who wish we could still believe in a Santa Claus. Merry Christmas to ...