The "road" less traveled.

I drive around 60 miles every day as I commute between taking classes in Findlay and my job and home in Kenton. Usually, I commute on state route 68 as it’s the most direct route to take. Driving this every day can, at times, be mind numbing as you see the same things each and every day, so to counter this, at times I try to change it up and find a different route. A road less traveled, if you will.

While doing so is not always best depending on how soon you need to get where you need to be, if you have time, you’d be amazed at what you can find. When I lived in southern Ohio, I used to take a regular Sunday afternoon drive just to see what I would find. You would never know where you’d end up, or what you’d find. But I wonder sometimes, in our haste to get from place to place, we miss so much right under our noses.

The majority of my drive each day

Take my drive from Findlay to Kenton each day. While farmland isn’t the most appealing to many people, you cannot help but appreciate the feel of a place like this.

I usually drive around noon, which is an ideal time. The sun is high in the sky, very little shadow, morning is over, but the afternoon has yet to begin. At this time of the year, a common sight will be farmers out in the fields, either planting or working the ground getting it ready to plant.

Another sight is an old country church. This particular one is located off a side road near 68. To look at any of them, one building is not much different than any other, but they each have their own story to tell. Imagine the number of individuals, who have worshiped there, were baptized, married, or attended funerals at any one of these churches. There’s an old saying that if a building could talk, imagine the stories it would tell.

As you move into Arlington, you’ll notice Markey Moes. This is a small establishment which serves all kinds of food. When I was younger, I can remember Terry’s BBQ Chicken being here, and I also know it’s been a stop for the elder President Bush and President Clinton when they both campaigned in the area.

Driving through Arlington, you’ll also notice painting on the road in front of the school. This fall, it’s been fun to drive through this community because both their girls and boys basketball teams were able to make it to the state finals. There were signs and streamers, showing support to the program all over town, and these markings on the road in front of the school are what remain.

Driving south of Arlington, I usually pass a friend of mine who is also talking classes in Findlay. She has classes later in the day so drives up later. I don’t usually see her but if I do, I try to wave.

A small community, Williamstown, is also south of Arlington, and if you continue south, you’ll end up in Dunkirk. You’ll know it because the road going into Dunkirk is in need of paving and is not the most comfortable ride. 

Once you get downtown you’ll notice the Dunkirk Dairy Dream. I sometimes stop here for lunch on my drive because the food is great, and they make the best chocolate milkshakes in Hardin County. Highly recommend.

Just down from the Dairy Dream is Rodabaughs Meat Shop. This opened a couple of years ago, run by some people who I grew up with. They usually have a good selection of quality cuts, and can supply just about anything you'd want from a meat shop.

As you travel to the south end of Dunkirk you’ll pass another old church. This was a Methodist church but it wasn’t like many old churches. This particular church was disbanded and the property sold to someone. We used to joke about someone buying it and turning it into a house. (I think that may be happening but who knows. It’d be interesting to see)

Southside Six is also located on the south end of Dunkirk and is also a good stop to make, especially if you are looking for a great slice of pizza. Southside Six is one of the best places in the area for pizza. (and in a county with over a dozen pizza places, that's saying something)

This house is also one that I pass every day. Its south of Dunkirk and has looked abandoned for years. Although you wouldn't know it from the outside (save for the lawn). I don’t know, but I wonder what happened to this house because (again from the outside) it looks like it’s alright and would be a good house for someone, but you have to think that inside, it would be a different matter. In any case I think about this house when I pass it each day.

A bit further south is the Hi Road Drive In. This is a rarity in this part of the country as you don’t see many drive-in theaters in operation anymore. It’s not the only one in the area (I believe there is one in Bluffton) but nevertheless, is another sight to see and destination along St Rt 68.

After that, you’ll end up in Kenton, which is where my drive usually ends, at my office downtown. 

Again, many times, in our haste to get from place to place, we miss so much along the way. If given the chance, think about all the places located along your drive each day, and think about the places, the history, and the stories that can be found in each of those places. I know, you’d be amazed at what you'd find.

Do Mock Crashes Really Drive The Point Home?

This past week I had the opportunity to cover a specific type of news story. At this time of the year, you see schools and towns all across the country put on what are called mock accidents. For those of you not familiar with the concept, basically, it is a demonstration as to what happens when emergency services respond to car crashes that involve kids. I have covered many of these over the years and they all have the same basic premise.

The usual setup, a drunk driver, and another car. Two guys and two girls.

The mock accident begins with four high school students who are placed into two vehicles that are positioned as if they just were involved in a head on collision. Each student involved in the crash has a specific purpose. There is the drunk driver, his friend, a dead girl, and her friend.

Now the accident usually begins right after the collision with the drunk driver being disoriented and the remaining participants all in various positions where they cannot move. The driver is usually the only one who can move around (and usually does). The police department arrives first on the scene to assess the situation and then pages the paramedics. When assessing the situation, the officer notices that the cars cannot be opened and then pages the fire department to bring out the Jaws of Life. Additionally, the helicopter squad from Lifeflight is called in to respond to the scene as well.

The drunk driver is interviewed

The whole affair ends with an appearance by the local funeral home and a hearse to take away the dead girl. While this is happening, remarks are played that were recorded by her basically talking about how she was too young to die or be in that position. Her mother also is involved in the accident, usually crying and being hysterical as she tries to get to her now dead daughter.

The mother of the dead girl is restrained

These mock accidents all follow the same basic setup. The guy is the drunk driver. A girl is dead, and the other two are taken away in an ambulance or a helicopter. All emergency crews respond as they would in a real situation and at the end, a hearse is brought in for the dead girl. (Which I would imagine rarely happens in a real event, if ever.)

Paramedics work on the drivers

The guy is always the drunk driver, and a girl always plays the dead girl. I suppose it’s because girls tend to be more emotional (a stereotype to be sure, but logical) than guys and this emotional response helps to drive home the point. But, given how this sort of thing is all too common today, one wonders if the roles were changed, would the emotional impact have the same effect? Would it have the same effect if the drunk driver were instead texting and driving? 

I don’t know, but I would like to see what kind of a response would result from a mock accident designed this way.

Paramedics work on the drivers

I am always struck by these mock accidents, not simply because of what is showcased, but also because I get the chance to look at the students who are watching as well. What I see is a mix of both terror, humor, and, for the vast majority, stoic expression. You watch them, and you wonder if any of the students really get it.

The dead girl is covered

Over the years I have known people who were involved in situations such as this. My sophomore year saw the death of a girl who was killed by falling off an ATV. Her death shook my school to its core. There’s not much I can remember about that week as the whole of it was simply a blur. I knew this girl. I wouldn't say she was a friend, but I knew her. I mean at that age, how often does the average student actually know the person involved?  I can remember thinking then how precious life can be and how easily it can be taken away.

Lifeflight is called in

Additionally, several years ago, when I was covering an event at our county fair, there was a high school student there who brought the house down on Saturday night during the Showmen of Showmen competition with his impressions of his livestock projects. As part of this contest, the Senior Showmen winners are sent around to show other animal projects. During this, in an effort to bring a bit of levity to the night, the kids are asked to do their best impressions of their animals. This particular student was the poultry winner and you couldn't have chosen a better kid. He brought the house down with his charm, humor, and the overall way that he carried himself. The following Sunday, as he was driving home late from the fair with a friend, he fell asleep at the wheel, ran off the road, and was killed.

The dead girl is taken away in the hearse

I thought about both of these examples as I watched the mock accident this year. The focus, as it is always, is on drinking and driving. However, I think that this emphasis is a bit misplaced. To be sure, drinking and driving is something that should be prevented, but what about simply driving impaired? 

Texting and driving, falling asleep at the wheel, or looking down to change the channel on the radio? All of these can potentially lead to serious disaster, and no one is immune to it. I am guilty of multiple offenses much like anyone else. Many's the time I can remember getting in my car to go home, and getting out of my car at home, with no memory of anything that has transpired in between. This is not something that anyone should take lightly.

An attempt at writing a blog.

Well, here it goes.

Whenever something becomes the "it" thing to do, I tend to be one who comes late to the party. I don't know why, but I think it stems from my belief in waiting to see if something becomes a trend before diving into it. Some people in this world openly embrace new changes whatever they may happen to be, while others tend to view trends with a large degree of skepticism. I think I fall somewhere in the middle.

I am also, frankly, the biggest dork you'll ever meet.

Those that know me know that blogging is not exactly something that comes natural to me simply because the blogger tends to be viewed as self centered and vain. I mean, it's the whole "Look at me and how awesome I am" attitude that many of the best bloggers posses. I am not a vain person, so the idea of writing a blog is rather out of character. But it is something that I've wanted to do in earnest for sometime.

Carly Simon, someone who knew something about those who are vain.

I will make an honest attempt to offer at least one posting a week, talking about any subject that comes to mind. My interests vary, from entertainment, to media, to technology, politics, history, sports, and social areas. I will however make one promise, I will never blog about Math (which can be banished to the darkest corners of hell as far as I am concerned.)

Seriously, why do they make it harder than it needs to be?

I work in the media, and am trying to finish up my degree at the same time, so you can imagine the kind of fodder that can result from such an experience. I hope this is well received, but at the very least, I hope that you come away with some insight into how my mind works, my sense of humor, and how I view the world.

Thanks.