Volume 76, Issue 5 Friday, June 13 2014Tyler Timko

By: Caleb Welch of DieringerIt is nationally known that

the Buckeye Boys State truly is a week to shape a lifetime. Not only do attendees learn about state and local level governments, they also learn valuable life lessons and skills. For one young man this experience has had an even greater effect on his life. From an early age Tyler Timko had an interest in astronomy and space travel. He always wanted to be an aerospace engineer but his plans soon changed. “People told me I could never do it so I eventually just gave up.” As Tyler grew older he became more and more anti-social to the point that he didn’t even want to talk to his own family. Playing Xbox became one of his only hobbies. Tyler soon installed a life plan and intended to graduate, collect his inheritance, buy a house, and board himself up in it. Recently Tyler was approached by a guidance counselor and asked if he had any interest in attending Buckeye Boys State. Tyler then went to have a conversation with one of the Boys State alumni which sparked his interest in the program. He soon got on the internet and did some research which convinced him that Boys State was something that he wanted to do. Tyler applied and was accepted because he is one of the top three students in his class.

“At first I was skeptical of the program but I have changed my mind.” said Tyler of the Buckeye Boys State program. “Everyone in my city is friendly and the counselors are extremely helpful.” Tyler is now a city engineer for the City of Downing and seems to really enjoy his job. He no longer wants to pursue his life plan and has decided that he

wants to resume perusing his goal of becoming an aerospace engineer again and continue his scientific research. When asked what about boys state brought about this change in his life he concluded that it “promoted teamwork.” This was something that Tyler had never really experienced much of before and has really changed his whole attitude on life. Tyler also added that his friends from his city have truly been an inspiration to him. “I’m really proud of you. A lot of times kids keep stuff like this bottled up inside of them and it’s really neat of you to share this with us.” said public relations head Bill Strong. Buckeye Boys State can have a huge impact on a life and public relations head Bill Strong says, “We hear stories like this a lot and I am always amazed at the effect Boys State has on these young men.” We Boys State attendees will all learn a lot and have our lives shaped, but for Tyler Timko this program has truly been a week to shape a lifetime.

Photo By: Carter Adams of Garrity

City Twitter PagesBy: Caleb Welch of Dieringer

This year’s 2014 Buckeye Boys State has been one of the highest tech Boys States in history with more counselors using social media sites, primarily Twitter, to communicate with their cities. Using Twitter to communicate has proven to be faster and more effective method for counselors to relay

information to their cities without even having to gather the attendees. Phillip LaHue, a counselor from Waite City, is one such counselor that has decided to take advantage of the convenience of using Twitter to communicate with his city. His Twitter page, @WaiteCityBBS14, seems to be a success and the delegates from his city who check it regularly. Some would argue that using Twitter would be ineffective because not everyone has a Twitter account, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem. Those members who don’t have a twitter account are responsible for informing those few attendees who do not. “One of the main advantages to using Twitter as opposed to other communication forms, such as texting, is that it’s great for back and forth communication and keeps it public so that everyone’s questions can be answered by one tweet.” says LaHue. Twitter allows questions to be asked even when he isn’t present. Phillip LaHues favorite hashtag is #BuckeyeBrownState, named in honor of Counselor Matt Brown, and he encourages everyone to use it. Nathaniel Diekman is another counselor that has expressed interest in creating a Twitter page for his city. “It’s a better way to communicate.” says counselor Diekman. “Moving forward with technology is good because a majority of delegates have smartphones and with Twitter being the most popular social media site is a good way to communicate.” Using technology to communicate is becoming more and more popular as it’s easier for delegates and counselors alike. In the fast paced environment of Buckeye Boys State, Twitter and other social media sites truly

can be a better way to communicate.

2 The HetuckOhio Governor Speaks to

Buckeye Boy StateBy: Adam Kubicki of Madaffer

The governor of Ohio came to the delegates of Buckeye Boys State on June 12 to encourage us with his words of wisdom and sign a bill of higher education bill. He is considered one of the best governors of Ohio because of his outstanding work during his three-year term. His accomplishments include cutting the unemployment rate in half and decreasing the deficit. In his speech to the delegates he discussed the power of education and purpose. He believes that higher education is the key to understanding ones purpose in life and can forge a better future generation. During his speech, he discussed the importance of purpose and that everyone has a purpose and as one goes through life they find out what their purpose is through experience. Kasich explained how the lord makes everyone special and the idea of that is overwhelming. In addition to education and purpose, he exclaimed “you don’t just need integrity, character, and purpose and drive in politics, but in everything”. Finally, the Ohio Governor spoke about the rising drug problem in Ohio and urged the Buckeye Boys State that drugs are the ultimate cause of keeping someone from realizing their purpose. Afterwards, he signed the Higher Education Bill that makes college funding solely based on course completion and college funding. To end his speech, the Governor left us with words to encourage our plight for success, “You can be the next generation to build a much stronger Ohio and a much stronger America.”

Proposed Law Promises Laughs

By: Ryan Shockling of Abele

Many delegates view the legislation passed with extreme seriousness when performing their mock political duties. Others choose to have fun with their political duties, attempting to pass laws and enforce policies while making them as entertaining as possible. The recently proposed “Weewoo Bill” is an amalgamation of both. The bill requires any law enforcer to “twirl his right index finger with vigorous energy” while imitating police sirens with their voice. From a more serious perspective, the “Weewoo Bill” is enforced for public safety. The screaming allows for other citizens to be alert for a potentially dangerous situation or person. The rule can also inform a delegate that he will soon be apprehended, making the entire process of ticketing safer and more efficient. From a humorous and more realistic point of view, the “Weewoo Bill” is hysterical. One may find it difficult to keep a straight face or serious tone when arriving at encounters with law enforcement officials which could cause trouble between citizens and law enforcement. In conclusion, although the Bill attempts to be beneficial for the officers, the actions required of the Buckeye Boys State police chiefs and Highway Patrol Officers are entertaining to say the very least.

Left and Middle Photo By: Travis Nienberg of Merritt

Right Photo By: Carter Adams of Garrity

COLLEGE FAIR COMES TO BOWLING GREENNathan Shively of Estepp

On my somewhat long walk to the Student Union, I did not expect an overwhelming amount of universities. I was utterly wrong. My intended major is somewhere between communications and journalism so I dashed to the Ohio University stand. This was my first choice because of their outstanding journalism program, the Scripps School of Journalism. After observing different college stands, I noticed an interesting aspect of Ashland University; the university provides an integrated journalism program which covers broadcast and writing. Entering the college fair, my mind was set on Ohio University; but, I left the fair considering multiple universities that made a great first impression on me.

Matt Oviatt of Estepp

I arrived around opening time, and it was already pretty busy. I walked down aisles of booths, each with photos of their respective colleges. Walking past Ohio University’s booth, my hometown’s local institution (go Bobcats, OU Oh Yeah!), I found Otterbein at the end of the room. Otterbein has a pre-Osteopathic medicine program in Dublin, a partnership with OU. If they can defer entrance into that guaranteed medical program, my college choice is set. Very few colleges in the nation have Osteopathic programs, and

The Hetuck 3to have a college offer a seven year, undergrad and guaranteed medical school program is unreal. Now, they only have ten spots per year. It’s a very competitive program, but I meet all of the academic requirements. My sole issue is if they can defer enrollment, as I plan to spend two years on a religious mission immediately following high school graduation.

Maxwell Hoover of Brady

When I entered the college fair on Thursday, I don’t think I was exactly ready for the great opportunities I would discover there. While strolling around the aisles of booths, I continued to speak with over fifteen college representatives. I’m now considering around five universities I’d like to attend, and for some of them, I’ve now spoken to a college admission advisor. I think the college fair was truly a once in a lifetime experience that benefits delegates futures.

Caleb Welch of Dieringer

At Thursdays College fair I spent a large portion of my time speaking to the United States Marine recruiters. Some of the largest and most interesting points the recruiters made had to do with the advantages of joining the military during what is becoming a peaceful period. The opportunities for working on a career for after military service are much greater during times of peace. Another point the recruiter made was that after 20 years of service soldiers can retire and receive 50 percent of the salary they made while working; retiring at such an early age often allows service members to start a second career after they retire. These were some of the interesting points I received from the Marine recruiter.

The Federalist Paper: History and Its Value

By: Ryan Shockling of Abele A number of people in today’s society find the topic of history boring and uninteresting. However, this is simply not the case. History not only teaches us lessons about past mistakes, it can be viewed as the story of the world retold in a very specific order. Historical figures can parallel characters in a book or a program on television. Additionally, history can be entertaining, with the occasional fact about someone provoking the laugher that one would never expect while learning something new. However, there exist some people that already see these qualities and view themselves as fans of history just as much as another person would view themselves as a fan of a sport of a genre of music. History and stories of one’s youth often share much in common. Much like a common fairy tale, history has a plot. Depending on the story or event, the listener can anticipate the next occurrence or wonder what may happen next. Each have a hero and a villain, though heroism and villainy spark more debate in regards to history than they ever have in fairy tales. None doubt that Hercules was a hero, but some question Abraham Lincoln decisions at times for his suspension of Constitutional laws during the Civil War. Thomas Jefferson may have written the Declaration of Independence, but he also defied his own strict interpretation of the Constitution when making the Louisiana Purchase. History also possesses the power to entertain, teaching people new facts every day that are undeniably funny. Andrew Jackson, America’s seventh president, won the Battle of New Orleans, becoming an American hero. Unbeknownst to many, this battle was fought after the War of 1812 had ended. Jackson was also one of the least educated presidents of all time, often struggling to spell simple words. In an attempt to make an excuse for his shortcomings, Jackson once said, “It is a... small mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.” When imagining a country in which the chief executive can spell no better than

average elementary school children, one cannot help but laugh. Fortunately, some people still appreciate history and see it for what it is. The allusion to the Federalist Papers originally written by James Madison, indicate that I am one of these people and as a member of the Federalist Party here at Buckeye Boys State, I could not help myself but entitle all of my papers with a similar heading in their original format in my notebook. Others who share this passion for the past appreciate the stories and the laughs given to them by history and do not see it as a boring class in which they learn names and dates they will never remember. One may ask how history relates to Buckeye Boys State, however. The reason history relates to BBS has to do with the people and topics we learn about. Just as they hear the story of the Three Little Pigs, children often hear the story of the American Revolution at a young age, and George Washington is as much a hero to any child as is Superman. The American Revolution founded the government that each delegate attends Buckeye Boys State to learn about. The rivalry of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton directly relate to the question of how the Constitution should be interpreted, a debate that still occurs to this day. The wealthy “robber barons” of America’s Golden Age, such as John Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and Cornelius Vanderbilt, bring up the distribution of wealth in America, a topic many passionately about 150 years later. Whether it seems like it or not, history relates to all things and can be used in a number of environments long after the events have occurred.

Both Photos By: Carter Adams of Garrity

4 The Hetuck Legislation: Changing the

RulesBy:Matt Oviatt of Estepp

Photo By: Travis Nienberg of Merritt Our legislators are hard at work, delegates. Day two on the job, and the Senate and House of Representatives discussed many important bills in the Student Union, ranging from helicopter licenses, hygiene, and minimum wage. When I arrived in room 201, the House of Representatives was divided into committees, each discussing a different piece of legislation. There was discussion of whether or not anything substantial could get passed by the end of the day, due to Governor Kasich’s visit and the college fair. A large group discussed a bill regarding helicopter licenses. “Are we going to pass this through? Our sheriff is yelling at us to pass this.” They also examined the price of obtaining a license, which, when I checked, was estimated at $25,000. Then there was debate on whether people would bother getting a license, as they would have limited days to use it by the time the legislation was passed. Outside, I asked a few members of the General Assembly about their opinion of the current process. “It’s going slowly.” Will they get anything accomplished today? “Not at all.” With limited time and plenty of debating, “It takes a lot of time to get anything through.” In the hallways, there was plenty of down-time chatter, mostly about the ongoing legislation. The majority agree that getting a bill passed takes significant time. “I feel like we should get one idea, vote on it, and sent it,” someone says. “Everybody was arguing on an issue

and we were getting nowhere,” someone else reports.

In the Senate meeting, multiple bills were discussed. A highway patrol bill is in the works, and they’re waiting for someone to compose a bill. They discuss extending jurisdiction, hours, and points are made and taken into consideration.

“This is where communication is very important, gentlemen,” the Senate president says. Contrastingly, the Senate takes about five minutes to vote on whether or not they should give five minutes of discussion on the issue of minimum wage. However, they agree to recess for a half hour. Our legislators are hard at work, delegates. It’s hard to put any blame on them. I don’t think it’s their inability to cooperate that is causing the hiatus. Thursday is a pretty jam-packed day, with very limited time to work, and it’s only day two. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

and the returned right of being able to text or drink while “driving” again. I believe that for the most part, delegates will be very satisfied if these bills pass. The final bill I’ve heard about is a bill about bills. This bill could potentially add a leniency of several days to all bill payments. Considering that we are only at Boys State for several more days, this would eliminate the need of paying bills at all! This would be something for all Boys State delegates to celebrate about. It just goes to show you that the Buckeye Boy State Government is committed to passing laws, no matter how ridiculous.

Top and Middle Column Photos By: Carter Adams of Garrity

Drawing By: Matthew Perry of Alberts

Law and DisorderBy: Matthew Wagner of Copeland

When it comes to lawmaking in a mock government, the ideas are full of creativity and variation. Having talked to a member of the senate and one of the house members I was able to learn some of the proposed laws that could be making their way into our Boys State lives. The senate is open to bills that concern serious matters such as fracking, public health and safety. The Fracking bill involves larger consequences for those who don’t obey the current fracking laws. While this could have a positive impact on the environment, it could also limit our energy independence that we are striving for. There are several bills being debated which concern our health and safety. One of these is the hygiene bill. If this is approved, there will be Purell stations in lobbies and the dining hall, along with educational signs to inform delegates of the dangers of various bacteria. A water bill is also being considered to help promote hydration throughout Boys State. Other bills in the making involve those that help provide all delegates with more rights. These include the allowance of gambling in Boys state casino facilities