How to Survive Until Summer (Don’t Take My Word For It) By Ashley Nelson
Seniors, we have 10 school days left, hang in there. Everyone else, you have 25 (sorry not sorry). As we slowly become closer to the light of the end of the tunnel that is summer we start to lose focus on the fact that we still have tests to take, papers to write, and of course finals to pass. Here are a few simple ways to survive before we taste the sweet, sweet freedom of summer:
Keep a planner- Just found out when something is due? Write it in your planner. This not only helps with organization but it definitely makes things seem less overwhelming.
Find something to look forward to each day- it makes the days go by faster.
Don’t add unnecessary stress onto your plate- if it won’t have a long term effect on your life there’s no point in being upset over it.
Be proactive- if you know that you have things due soon, do them sooner rather than later to stay on top of things so you’re not cramming them last minute (We’ve all been there.).
Enjoy it while it lasts- as cheesy as it sounds, high school flies by which some of us may deem it as a good thing or a bad thing. Regardless, live in the moment rather than Snapchatting it.
All in all summer is almost here and we only have to survive for less than a month. Yay, go us!
*
The Shelby Tragedy By Kailee Barron
On Sunday, April 14 a tornado hit Shelby, Ohio and damaged multiple houses and some businesses. Luckily, there were no fatalities that occurred but there is still plenty of clean up that needs to be done. The tornado winds were rated an EF 2 and the winds were up to 120-125 mph, according to Zach Sefcovic, a meteorologist at the Cleveland Office of the National Weather Service. There were 30 estimated structures that were damaged or destroyed and 6-8 injuries reported. Many of the Shelby residents got alerts on their phone before the tornado sirens in Shelby went off. Their sirens are going to be reviewed and hopefully fixed soon. There was an estimated 3-5 minutes of notice before the tornado actually hit. If you or anyone you know would like to help Shelby with their clean up or donate money to help you can do so at the Ohio Responds Website. They have already begun cleaning up power lines, cleaning up debris, and working on getting all of Shelby’s power back on.
Summer is just around the corner and most of us have a bad case of the summer fever. With school being out in just over a month let’s take a look at all the fun things people are doing this summer. Some people can’t wait for the endless tanning on the beach or the sleeping in till’ noon. Here are a few things that your fellow peers are doing this summer. For junior Doni Hoeflich she can’t wait to do many things this summer including, going to lawyer camp at Ohio University, going on a cruise, and going to Alaska. Going to Alaska is what she is looking forward to the most because “I have never been to Alaska and I will be able to see places that I could only dream of” said Doni. Junior Savannah Wade cannot wait for summer because she is going to go to Punta Cana. She is thrilled because she can’t wait to go to the gorgeous beach and it’s super pretty. Freshman Kaleb Hollar is ready for summer because he gets to practice basketball, baseball, and football. He practices for the upcoming seasons and can't wait to play all summer long. Whether summer is your favorite season or not, the feeling of a stress-free 3 month vacation couldn’t be more exciting to look forward to. However, until then, keep working hard! *
Mock Crash By Samuel Brandes
This year, just like every year before, the Junior class attended the Mock Crash. Held annually at Richland County Fairgrounds, the Mock Crash has been preventing teen prom season car crashes since its start in 1990. The objective of the Mock Crash is to simulate a teen car crash involving drugs and alcohol. This year, the focus will be slightly more specific. Teens are stereotypically known for purchasing illegal drugs from dealers, but another issue, which is often overlooked, is the parents providing the drugs and alcohol. Some parents worry that they will not seem “cool” if they deny their children alcohol. They assume that as long as it’s within their home, their child will be fine. But what happens when the teen sneaks out? This was one of the main focuses of the Mock Crash this year. Ellie Seiter was one of the actors in the crash. This was her first time participating. “At first I was really nervous to be up in front of all those people, but I’m glad that I did it. It was a good experience and I really stepped out of my comfort zone. I met new people and the message was good, so that’s what matters,” said Seiter. The Mock Crash is something to look forward to, but also something to take seriously. The information to be learned at this event can often be the difference between life and death.
*
The End of an Era By Autumn Bailey The Village of Bellville says goodbye as demolition continues on the former elementary school. Originally built in 1894, the school welcomed its first students on August 31. Many people who had attended the school are saddened to have to say goodbye and watch it be taken apart piece by piece. Before the process could begin, several weeks were spent doing the abatement which involves safely removing asbestos, plumbing, electric, and anything else until basically the walls and concrete floors are left. Demolition started on the east side at the back of the gymnasium in late March. Complete removal of the gymnasium and the front of the school were completed by April 12th. Unable to reach the height of the original two story building with the existing equipment, the crew had to bring in a larger track hoe with an arm that could hydraulically extend as needed. The building and bell tower was carefully taken down while students were absent due to Spring Break. Currently the workers are cleaning up the rubble. The clean up process includes sorting anything that can be recycled such as the metal beams. In order to protect the new building during this process, especially around the office area which is closest in proximity, sheets of plywood were boarded up over the windows and straw bales stacked to protect the new building from fallout. Secretary, Carla Bailey, stated “ The demolition has been bittersweet. The old elementary stood for 125 years serving many generations of families in our community. However, it is very exciting to have our kindergartners with the rest of our students together at last to enjoy our new building and we look forward to many happy memories ahead.” Although this era has come to an end, the community is grateful to have had an opportunity to create a school that better adapts to the needs and future of its students.
*
Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire By Emma Hosey
On April 19 2019, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris caught on fire in the attic that was made up of ancient oak wood.The Notre-Dame Cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th century and was visited by many people from all over the world each year. The Cathedral, to many people, was an iconic structure. Benjamin Mouton was the architect that was responsible for the fire safety design of the Cathedral. He believed that the attic,if caught on fire, would burn slowly, however this was not the case on April 19. Despite the wrong estimate on the attic’s burning rate, one of the biggest reasons a lot of the roof was caught on fire has to do with the fire alarms not automatically going off. It wasn’t until a security guard found the fire that the fire department was called. The Cathedral is located in the town of Île de la Cité and was difficult for the fire department to reach it quickly. Five hundred firefighters worked on putting the fire out for over five hours. The roof was mostly destroyed but the two towers remained. Donations from all around the world came flooding in to save and rebuild the Cathedral. An estimated $950 million dollars in donations have been promised. All the saved artifacts were sent to Paris City Hall and the Louvre museum. One of the more famous objects that was saved was the opposed crown of thorns that Jesus wore, nail, and wood that was apart of the cross in the crucifiction.
Hauser, Christine.”A Guide to Our Notre-Dame Fire Coverage”.The New York Time.The New York Time Company.April 20 2019.Web.April 2019.
March Issue
How to Win Over a Prom Date By Kaitlin Wuertz
Want a prom date but are too shy to ask anyone? Don’t sweat anymore, here are some helpful tips to win over the girl/ boy that will make your prom night spectacular.
First off, what are your intentions? Are you not looking for a relationship, just someone to accompany you or complete the picture portion? Ask a friend!
Going with a friend can ease the pressure of finding someone who doesn’t already have a boyfriend/ girlfriend or “talking” to someone. You’ll already know if they have a date assuming you know what’s going on in that friend’s life. Throughout the night you’re not having to worry about what you look like or doing something embarrassing. Attending prom with a friend or group of friends, you’re sure to have blast. Who knows maybe you’ll even find a date at prom, someone else who came alone. The possibilities are endless.
If intentions are different and you’re looking for a relationship or asking your crush then we will have to handle this a little different. Ladies, you can ask guys too; don’t wait months for one boy to ask you, go out and get him! Boys don’t take hints well, they need a little push. With that being said, here is how you’re going to get a date to prom.
If you’re confident in yourself and want to go all out, find out what he/ she likes. Are they into sports, video games, fishing, makeup etc? Use that as a starter, build off of that, perhaps create a catchy pun or just do what most do and use Pinterest. Ask in front of a group of people, they are more likely to say yes due to public embarrassment. If you’re on the shy side, start talking to your specific person. Work up the courage to talk to them (not on the phone). Once you’re comfortable and think things are going smoothly. Ask them the big “will you go to prom with me?” question. One obstacle is getting them away from their friends. People act differently around friends, you’re more likely to get a direct answer when it's just you two. Don’t be scared of hearing the word no, have some grit. If they do say no, there is probably a good reason behind it. Just laugh it off, and stay positive. Obviously they weren’t the right one, that is when I’d resort to going with friends or your plan B, emergency date.
Hopefully these tips helped you become a little more confident in getting a prom date. Remember be confident, it really is the key to succeeding. Don’t over think these things, honey, it’s just high school. No matter if you’re going with friends or with a date it's going to be a good night.
Ohio is Alive . . . With the Sound of Music By Emily Schaller People tend to get caught up in wanting to go to the famous “Coachella,” but sometimes that can make them blind to the opportunities surrounding them. For some unknown reason - maybe it is because Ohio is so populated, but Ohio has a lot more music festivals than you would think. Everything from Jazz, Country, EDM, Emo, and Rock - Ohio has anything you could think of coming up this summer. Below you will find the names, locations, ticket prices, and some of the headliners for a few of these events.
SONIC TEMPLE ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL :The Sonic Temple Art and Music Festival is a three-day long rock music festival spanning from May 17 - May 19 at the Mapfre Stadium in Columbus. Some acts and headliners include the Foo Fighters, Bring Me The Horizon, Beartooth, and my personal favorites: YUNGBLUD and Badflower. General admission tickets for all three days range from $175 to $325 depending on if you would like to be on the lawn or in the stadium.
BUNBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL :This year the Bunbury Music Festival is taking place from May 31 - June 2 at Sawyer Point Park in Cincinnati. You can buy tickets per day for $79 or a three-day pass for $182, a good deal if you are asking me. Bunbury is not playing around this year with big-name bands like Fall Out Boy, MGK, AWOLNATION, Sublime (with Rome), The 1975, and lovelytheband, so it is sure to be a great show. If any of those bands catch your eye, I would buy those tickets quickly!
THE COUNTRY FEST :The 2019 Country Fest is taking place over three days (June 20 - June 22) in North Lawrence, Ohio at Clay’s Park Resort. Country artists such as Chris Young, Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Ashley McBryde, and Cassadee Pope will be showing up to blow the crowds away. Daily ticket prices can go from $69 to $89, or for a three-day pass, $125 to $220 depending on whether you plan on camping or commuting to the festival.
INKCARCERATION :Inkcarceration is a rock music festival that is practically in our backyard! This takes place at the Mansfield Reformatory and is a mixture of tattoo artists and live music. Taking place July 12 - 14, the Inkcarceration festival has a range of rock artists such as Shinedown, Taking Back Sunday, Motionless in White, I Prevail, and Seether. Tickets for all three days of music, art, and more music are $199 . . . go get your tickets!
SAD SUMMER : The Sad Summer Fest is a traveling festival - going around 17 different cities around the country. They will be holding it in Columbus, OH on July 20th at Express LIVE! Outdoors. Amazing bands like State Champs, The Maine, Mayday Parade, and the Wonder Years will be at all dates, plus a few special guests. And, the best part? The tickets are only $35, you better buy your tickets now before I beat you to it!
If you are looking for a little bit more of an adventure this summer, you could plan a road trip with your family or friends to go to Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL or the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in Watkins Glen, NY. No matter what you choose, make sure you have a great time!
March Madness By Reagan Marshall 68 teams, single-elimination, one tournament. If you don't follow college basketball you might find yourself asking what is all the hype about? You will find everybody around you competing to have the best bracket, watching the games all day, and nonstop talking about March Madness. Filled with upsets and dominating teams the tournament has everybody on their toes. Established in 1939 the NCAA has been hosting the tournament in competition for the trophy. Big contenders for the win this year are Duke, with powerhouse and projected NBA first round draft pick Zion Williamson, North Carolina, Gonzaga, and Virginia. Almost everybody is in on the tournament gambling their money or even just making a winning bracket for bragging rights. Around the country people follow the tournament as it progresses through the madness (literally), including games held in Columbus for the first and second round. Already several teams have been eliminated including Ohio State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Nevada. Breaking the norm, upsets occur, ruining everybody's brackets. Murray State(12) defeated Marquette(5), Liberty(12) defeated Mississippi State(5), Minnesota(10) defeated Louisville(7), and the list goes on. The teams advancing in the tournament into the "Sweet 16" are Duke, Virginia Tech, LSU, Michigan State, Gonzaga, Florida State, Texas Tech, Michigan, Virginia, Oregon, Purdue, Tennessee, North Carolina, Auburn, Houston, and Kentucky. If you find yourself out of place during March Madness make a bracket and get in on the excitement or maybe just watch a game or two. Below is the complete bracket of the tournament to follow for the rest of the madness!
Pros and Cons of Block Scheduling By Kylee Dettmer
The transition from middle school to high school is a big step already but it is even more compacted by the change in schedule. Adjusting to the block schedule is something that every freshman has to do.How is it possible to spend an hour and 20 minutes in one class and have enough to do? One of the biggest perks to running a block is that you get to finish a class in two quarters. That means half way through the year you get a whole new set of classes and fresh faces. Block scheduling also opens a door to a whole new world of opportunities. Finishing classes in half a year allows to you fit more into your schedule and allows for easier access to early graduation. Another great opportunity it presents is easy access to college credit plus classes. The 80 minute mods already reflect the time of a normal college class and being on a semester schedule, it lines up with many college schedules. It also gives kids an insight on the pace of college because most college classes are an hour at the minimum and block scheduling inherently pushes the pace of the courses. However every list of pros has its corresponding cons. One of these being the amount of time spent in a class. Everyone knows the saying, practice makes perfect, and it really does. Because the block schedule pushes the pace of the course overall, it may be difficult for some students to retain the information presented to them. Often times kids retain information better in all year courses. It also puts a large disadvantage on missing school. If you are sick one day you may miss up to what would have been two or even three days of work on a regular schedule. Yet another disadvantage would be to those students who transfer in at different times of the school year. If they are coming in from a school that runs a normal schedule, it would be extremely difficult for those students to catch up. The schedule also requires teachers to plan for more classes in a year than they would have to for a regular schedule. All year schedules also allow them to cover more material. Different schedules cater to different styles of learning so what may work for one school or student may not work for another. There are advantages to block scheduling but no schedule is perfect and there are many disadvantages to it as well. Here at Clear Fork we have enjoyed the benefits of block scheduling but change is coming. Everyone will be adjusting next year as we return to the normal 40 minute mods and we are ready to face this new change.
February Issue
Behind the Prom Dress Extravaganza! By Emma Hosey
At school, you might have seen the dress rack outside of the office and flyers in the hallways and wondered about the details that go into the sale. Here are some common questions that have been asked:
What are the dresses going to look like?
We have dresses for everyone, in all different colors, sizes and price ranges. The sale is targeted for prom dresses but there are lots of different styles of dresses that can be worn for many occasions including weddings, homecoming and formals. The dresses have been price accordingly to the quality of the dress based on discretion.
What’s going to be at the event?
Some things have also been added to the event, including a seamstress who will be there for easy access and will be taking names to make an appointment to alter your dress. Also you can enter a raffle for a pair of prom tickets by buying a dress from us! Dressing rooms for easy try on will be provided. Snacks including lemonade, cookies and cupcakes will also be there.
What payment options can I use?
We are only allowed to accept cash. We can hold dresses for up to an hour if you find something you want and don’t have cash with you.
Where is the sale at in the school and what day?
The sale will be held in the middle school gym. The date of the sale is March 2nd 11am until 3pm.
What will happen to the donated dresses after the sale is over?
We hope that all the dresses will sell, but if they don’t you can call 419-564-4631 to see if it sold and are welcome to come pick it up directly after the sale. If you don’t want your dress back they will be donated to Flying Horse Farms.
Dresses will be taken the whole month of February, If you’ve been on the fence about whether you should put your dress in the sale or if your still trying to sell your dress on social media, now is the time to do it! Here are the links to Richland Source and Mansfield News Journal articles written about the sale!
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the dresses that will be featured at the Sale:
“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local and that’s kinda the same thing” By Victoria Skoog
Shopping local is essential when it comes to communities sticking together and supporting each other. In Bellville alone, there is a variety of businesses just in town: Elzy’s Feed Mill, Hursh Drug, Stoodt’s Market, Smith’s Hardware, Valley Sportswear, The Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast, V&M Restaurant, Fast Eddie’s Pizza, The Clear Fork Dairy Belle, Brumby’s Pizza and Cafe, Elements of Home, Rainbow Antiques, and other various banks and various hair salons. These places provide just about every need one could have in the town of Bellville. Yes, there is a nearby Walmart 15 minutes up the road, but for everyday needs, Stoodt’s Market has most things available. Many people use excuses such as “well they charge too much, or they don't have this or that”... but if they had more business they wouldn’t have to price items so high. The chances are if Stoodts doesn't have the item needed, Smith’s Hardware or Hursh Drug will. Another reason why it is very important to support local businesses is because they do their best to give back to the community. I know that Stoodt’s Market, Fast Eddies and Brumby’s all took part in feeding the football team this past fall. Stoodt’s Market and Fast Eddie’s have also fed the basketball team this winter. Stoodt’s Market also provides other services such as plowing, catering and delivery. According to Stoodt’s Market employee Nash Bilbee, “we do have some better quality products and other things that sometimes Walmart doesn’t have. We also make killer donuts.” When asked his take on the topic, Mr. Riddle stated, “If prices are reasonable with the competition businesses, I think that people should shop local. The only problem is that with most people being in the middle class, they are forced to shop where it’s cheapest and that quite often seems to be the chain stores. As you can see, this article is slightly bias towards shopping local. I personally believe it is best to support the community wherein you live whenever you can. But I also lean towards the cheaper pricing options 95 percent of the time. No one wants to spend more than they have to on something. I’m always a bargain shopper and I think that this article raises awareness towards us who may overlook smaller businesses due to their availability and or pricing. Hopefully this helps you readers who may be bias towards big businesses.
No More Snooze Button? By Kaitlin Wuertz
There has been a lot of buzz lately about if next school year Clear Fork schools will start at a later time. Nearly everyday you hear one of your classmates complain about feeling tired for school. But is the reason behind feeling fatigued related to staying up late the night before or because of how early they had to wake up for school?
I’m sure students wouldn’t mind altering the time they have to arrive at the school. Studies show that every school should be starting at or later than 8:30 AM but 42 states in the US say 75% of their schools start earlier than that.
Pros of starting school later:
Students are more likely to get the recommended sleep hours (8-9 hours).
Teens are less likely to depend on caffeine.
More sleep can reduce sleep deprivation related health issues.
Teens would be more awake/ alert which can boost academic performances.
Cons of starting school later:
Students who participate in after school activities would get home much later.
Teens are more likely to stay up later in the night.
Impact scheduling issues for sports with surrounding schools.
Throw off family time schedules and also work schedules.
Senior AJ Blubaugh and I had a conversation about the topic. AJ shared that he felt that starting school later would be a bad idea especially in our school district. More than half of our athletic conference is a 45 minute to an hour drive. Student athletes who have a game on weekdays are already not getting home until 9 or 10pm. If school were to start at a later time then these games would be pushed back causing athletes and teachers who are coaches to not arrive home until at least 11pm to 12am. This would cause conflict with getting homework done, studying, students who have jobs, and hobbies that students enjoy.
One of the teachers who wishes to remain anonymous spoke up on the topic. Most students are too irresponsible to show up to school on time as it is right now. Even if school were to start at noon, students after running late a couple times would make that into a habit and then everyday show up late. These habits include snoozing alarms until they have no time to get ready, doing homework in the morning, leaving late because of losing track of time, etc. Whatever it may be our students aren’t responsible enough to get out of bed and get to school on time.
Despite the technical difficulties, frantic running around backstage, and rescheduling conflicts due to snow days, the annual Talent Show was definitely a night to remember for not only the audience and performers but also for the Creative Publishing staff as well. Every year the Creative Publishing staff hosts and runs the Talent Show as a fundraiser and all of the proceeds go towards the publication of the yearbook. The night kicked off at 6:30 on Friday, February 15 with emcees Kaitlin Wuertz, Reagan Marshall, and Sam Brandes providing comedic relief and entertaining games that interacted with the audience in between acts. There was a wide variety of talent including Kylee Dettmer dancing with her own original choreography, Sylith Waltz playing drums to a classic Nirvana song, Hannah Pryor gracing us all with her beautiful voice, Sam’s very long cheesy jokes and other talents such as singing, dancing, guitar, and of course comedy. We’d like to thank all those whose attended for their contribution to the yearbook and for their patience through all of our technical difficulties as well as the tech department and Mr. Brasure for helping with lighting and audio
Not allowed Back By Kaitlyn Howell
A 19 year old women, originally from Alabama, named Huda Muthana, moved to Syria without telling her parents, to marry an ISIS fighter. She was said to not be a citizen of the United States because her passport got revoked, so the U.S is not allowing her to return back into the country. While she was to be born in the United States, she is unable to come back. Huda was married into ISIS and had a child, who is now 18 months old. She wants to return home because she saw the terrible effects of the war, and did not like seeing her closest friends, her husbands, and people she knew as family die in front of her. She said that she made a mistake ever going to Syria, but now it's too risky to allow her back in and she is a threat to Americans. Jackson Tedrow, however says that ¨She should be allowed back in unless she has a record, because she has grown up here her whole life¨.
January Issue
Don't Miss Out!
Talent Show
Friday, February 15
at 6:30 p.m. $5
Musical in the Making! By Samuel Brandes
In 2017, they flew a kite. In 2018, they cut Footloose. Now, in 2019, the Clear Fork High School Drama Club is putting on their Sunday clothes! Hello Dolly is the story of a matchmaker named Dolly Levi, who schemes to marry a wealthy, half-millionaire named Horrace Vandergelder. As these two parade through New York City, Vandergelder’s store clerks, Cornelius and Barnaby, skip work to have a city adventure of their own. While there, the clerks meet a hatmaker, Irene Malloy, and her assistant, Minnie Fay. By the end of the show, these wonderfully fun characters dance their way to the Harmonia Gardens restaurant for a big dance number and the title song.
When asked what she looks forward to most, Malorie Kinney, who plays Dolly, said, “Tech week, performances, and bonding with the cast.”
“The cast for this show is huge and very talented, leading to a powerful and truly fun show for the whole family!” said Sam Brandes, who plays Horrace Vandergelder.
Mr. Jancura, one of the musical directors for the show, said, “I look forward to the music. We are only a month into rehearsals, and the cast has made so much progress already. Ms. Swift, the elementary school music teacher, has been helping with vocals and that has been a huge benefit to everyone.”
Hello Dolly will open on April 5th and continue until the 7th for a matinee showing. Mark your calendars to come support this talented group of artists, musicians, and actors.
Prom Dress Extravaganza! By Autumn Bailey
Shelby High School student, Lindsey Gies has been an inspiration not only for her classmates but the community as well. On Thursday, January 3, Lindsey had a double below the knee amputation. She was transferred to Ohio Health Mansfield for inpatient rehabilitation but has recently been released to go home. In support for Lindsey and her family, Clear Fork High Schools National Honor Society will be hosting a dress sale on March 2, from 11am to 3pm at Clear Fork High School. There will be snacks, music, and affordable dresses available for purchase. All of the money received from this event will be donated to the Gies family to help soften the financial burden that the family had incurred. The National Honor Society will be accepting gently used formal wear the whole month of February! If you are interested in donating, there is a drop off rack outside of the High School’s main office.This will be a great opportunity to not only show your support for Lindsey, but to enjoy a fun time with your friends and family!
Top 7 Galentine's Day Ideas To Do With Your Friends By Kailee Barron
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and, if you have no one to spend it with, never fear! Although most people associate Valentine’s Day by spending it with their significant other, you can spend it with your best friends! Here are some great Galentine's Day date ideas to do with your best friends:
Visit a local pet shelter, nothing makes you feel more love than snuggling up with a cute puppy or kitten!
Have a karaoke night, have a night of laughter and singing with your best friends!
Treat yourselves to mani and pedis, you should always treat yourself and what better day to do it than on Valentine’s Day, show yourself some love!
Go out for lunch, good food and a full stomach is always a great idea!
Movie marathon, get your pj’s, favorite snacks, and favorite movies and watch the day away!
Have a potluck dessert party, Valentine’s Day is known for sweets and spending time with the people you love, get your dessert on with your closest friends!
Go shopping, if you don’t like getting manis or pedis go shopping and buy yourself something nice!
Calling All Seniors: Free Money! By Emily Schaller
It is finally 2019, and seniors you know what that means, we graduate! But you also know that if you are planning to take the college route, it can be quite the investment. Do not worry though, there are many different resources that you can refer to in order to help lessen the cost of furthering your education. First thing is first, if you have yet to fill out your FAFSA, get to it! All you need is a little help from your parent/guardian and this website. After that, there are many different types of scholarships that you can apply for, and not only are they free, but you could end up earning a great deal of money. Some local scholarships have just recently opened up on Mrs. Truex’s website; you can access the site by going to the school’s page and dropping down on the high school drop-down menu and clicking guidance, or you could simply click here.
Despite what many may think, not all scholarships require one to write a full page essay, some are simply like a lottery where all that has to be done is to click a button. Others may be more in depth, but free money is free money! I encourage all students that are looking to go on the college path after graduation to use these links and apply for whatever suits you, and hopefully, it will benefit you!
Stampeding through the first half of the season, the Clear Fork boys basketball team are showing some true promise going into the end of the season. After losing the first game to Lexington, the Colts posted a 9 game winning streak until being defeated by Triway at "The Pit." The Colts then went on a 6 game winning streak until falling to Ontario during a MOAC match up. The Colts are not only capable of winning and putting up big numbers but they are also seen as a threat from all positions on the court. All players at all times can come in clutch with impressive offensive and defensive plays. Seniors Jared Schaefer, AJ Blubaugh, Jay Swainhart, and Gannon Seifert are having a successful final season as they lead the Colts to an astounding 17-3 record, while holding first place in the MOAC. The Colts still have big games coming up including Galion, Loudonville, Pleasant, and Marion Harding. Making flashy dish passes, fancy layups, and draining 3's the Colts are a team to watch.
The Sad Super Bowl By Kylee Dettmer It’s the biggest game of the year! There are parties and bets and lots of pizza! It’s the Super Bowl! This is how everyone usually feels. Everyone loves the commercials and halftime show but the game is what it’s all about. This year however, the commercials and halftime were the best part. This year there were records broken, but not the good kind. The game between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams became the lowest scoring Super Bowl of all time. All it took to clench the victory was a score of 13. With one field goal by the Patriots made in the second quarter and the winning touchdown in the fourth. The Rams scored their only points with a field goal made in the third quarter. There were many more records records to be broken with the completion of this game no matter the outcome. Had the Rams won, their head coach, Sean McVay, would become the youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl and is currently the youngest coach to reach the Super Bowl. On the opposite end, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has become the oldest coach to win a Super Bowl. With this win they also tied the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins of all time. Though this game was a dry game for a championship, it still broke many records and is one for the history books.
December Issue
MOAC Interview By Kaitlin Wuertz
2017 was a big year for Clear Fork athletics, this was the transition year into a new conference. The Colts who were previously in the Ohio Cardinal Conference (OCC) moved on to what they believed was their gateway to find a better matchup in size, the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference (MOAC). This change in competition worked out in the Colts favor seeing that the school’s football team has gone back to back 10-0 regular seasons, with two playoff runs in the last two years.
Looking behind the scenes of Clear Forks’ success the past two seasons, there is suspicion building that the only reason for the Colts’ path to state is because the moving of the conferences. But a question that is stuck in this reporter’s head is, how can the moving of a conference measure the success in numerous playoff games? Talent, hardwork, and dedication to the love of the game is being put into question by students within the school, some adults, and old OCC rivals. I asked Mr. Brown, our principal, a few background questions on the OCC to put it into a better perspective.
Me: How long were we in the OCC?
Mr Brown: 12 years
Me: What was the process like; transitioning from the OCC to the MOAC?
Mr. Brown: It was seamless. They had an immediate opening and we were able to leave the OCC.
Me: Do you believe that this move was the best for all sports or was this just for football?
Mr. Brown: It was best for all sports. It was the best for all athletic programs overall.
Me: Do you regret leaving the OCC?
Mr. Brown: Not once. What people don't realize when we went into the OCC, originally there was supposed to be a big school and small school division, but not enough small schools would join. Schools like Ashland, Mount Vernon, and Wooster are double our size. Let me ask you this, are people questioning Steubenville, another DⅣ school and respected program playing schools their size? No one is ripping on them saying they need to play DⅡ teams.
Clear Fork didn’t have too many season with “winning" records within the 12 years of being in the OCC. But one year sticks out in that jumble, a year that Clear Fork dominated. In 2010, the Colts went 9-1 in the regular season, blowing out the OCC. Proving that the underdog can come out on top. This happens all the time even at the college and NFL level. Think about Week 3 of the 2018 NFL season when the winless Buffalo Bills upset the undefeated Vikings by 17 whole points! A huge lesson can be taught to never count out any team no matter their history or record because anything can boost adrenaline or change a team’s outlook.
Statistically looking at the leaders of the two conferences; Wooster who was undefeated in their conference and 8-2 in the regular season averaged 28 more points than their opponents. Clear Fork went undefeated in both the conference and regular season averaging 35 more points. Looking into the OCC, all teams in the conference are DⅡ and DⅢ schools. Yet many people are claiming that Clear Fork should still be in that conference, when they’re only a Division Ⅳ school. Looking earlier into the regular season, Wooster playing a DⅤ school, Orrville and winning but when they played teams in their division like Dover and Wadsworth, they lost. So is Wooster’s success solely off of playing smaller schools? No, that’s not the case. They are a powerhouse team on the line of scrimmage that is going against competition suitable for them and sometimes that results in a few loses along the road. Mansfield News Sports Journalist, Jake Furr, who has been a sports reporter for six years and has first hand experience watching the colts this year shared his thoughts on the subject with me.
Me: You have been around the Mansfield area sports for quite some time, so you’ve seen Clear Fork in both conferences. Do you believe that the winning streaks are from an easier conference or that Coach Carrol has raised a strong playoff team?
Jake Furr: Winning streaks are formed from a number of different aspects. As for Clear Fork, theirs formed from playing similar sized teams. I wouldn’t say the MOAC is an “easier conference”, but I would say it is a conference that fits Clear Fork better than the OCC. I also believe the Colts’ current win streak is a huge testament to what coach Carroll has done with that program. It is a once-in-a-generation kind of team in the Clear Fork football program and the number speak for themselves. The first back-to-back 10-0 seasons in program history and now, the most single-season wins in program history. Coach Carrol is a main reason why.
Me: If Clear Fork would have stayed in the OCC would their record be the same?
Jake Furr: This question is a sports reporter’s dream because we always love to look at the what-if scenarios and try to become the expert. So I would say the Colts would likely be right near the top of the OCC in 2018, but it would be incredibly tough to compete against schools nearly two divisions higher. I honestly do believe there would be a loss along that road somewhere in there, but I do believe Clear Fork has the talent and coaching to compete for an OCC title.
Me: Looking at the other teams in the area like Lexington, who lost to Ontario 7-14 (Clear Fork beat 54-14) but went to week 12 of playoffs or Wooster who won the OCC title, how does Clear Fork compare to them?
Jake Furr: I did not have the chance to see Wooster play, but just judging by the numbers and scores it’s hard to pick any team from the area over the Generals. As for Lexington, I do believe that would be a great game with Clear Fork and I wish it would have happened this season. Even if I didn’t get in games for free, I would have bought a ticket to see that one. The thing that makes Clear Fork different from a lot of teams is their ability to adapt in the moment. The Colts do so many different things offensively with the run game and the pass game and they do those things well. Just look at the Buckeye Valley game where they broke the school record for passing yards then look at the playoff game against Clearview where they ran for nearly 300 yards. They take what the defense gives them and most teams and coaches are too stubborn to change their plan of attack. Not Clear Fork.
Me: What would your prediction be if those teams played against each other? (Clear Fork vs Lex and Clear Fork vs Wooster)
Jake Furr: I think Clear Fork and Lex would be a very, very low scoring game. I am talking like 14-7 or even 10-7 kind of defensive battle much like the Pleasant contest. I would be hesitant to pick a winner, but because Lexington was basically two different teams this season, If Clear Fork played them in the first five weeks, I would say Colts no doubt, but if it was towards the end of the season, Lexington was playing like the best team in the area. As for Wooster, again, I didn’t get to see them play, but looking at the scores, I couldn’t pick against them if I had any stake in it, but I would never count the Colts out on any given night. I think they would find something that works offensively and exploit that and then keep playing that hard-nosed defense that will keep them in any game.
OH Reporter, Brian Skowronski shared his opinion on the matchup between Clear Fork vs Lexington and also Clear Fork vs Wooster.
Brian Skowronski: Having seen both Lexington and Wooster play this season, I do feel as though Clear Fork would matchup favorably with both programs. The Colts boast more dangerous athletes than the Minutemen from top to bottom and have the same quality of speedy players as the Generals, so they would definitely compete with both school’s had they went head-to-head. I would favor Clear Fork to beat Lexington and give Wooster a slight edge over the Colts given their depth of talent and veteran players.
Going off of what our local sports’ analysts said, Clear Fork is generally coming up with some talented athletes. Just off the 2018 season, four Colt athletes earned All-Ohio honors. This doesn’t just happen every year in a small town. Coach Carroll has done an excellent job building what could be the start of a new winning tradition. Spectators of these games have seen the momentum build from that 2016 season in the OCC to now. Senior, Hunter Tollison (4-year letterman for the Colts) summarized the transition, “we went through some rough times but we had a lot of size and talent coming up my junior year and we just stuck our feet in the ground and went after it.” No matter the thought of anyone doubting the Colts, stats and talent outshines any criticism thrown their way. Keep a lookout for Clear Fork in seasons to come. They have a potential to keep up with past successes and prove their fight to any school in Division Ⅳ.
No More Salting Back Roads? By:Sadie Woodward-Page
Winter is approaching rapidly and so are icy roads. Lately there have been many rumors going around about how there will not be anymore salt trucks going on the backroads this winter. The city of Mansfield has confirmed that they are in fact changing their salt policies but that doesn’t include Clear Fork. Clear fork Valley Local School District is included in district 3 which receives salt services from ODOT and not the city of Mansfield, so the policy for Clear Fork Valley should not be changing. The city of Mansfield is changing their policy though, instead of covering all the roads in the area, the salt trucks will be focusing on the main and most traveled roads, intersections and inclines. Usually there is 10,000 to 12,000 tons of salt used every year and roads and this year the current stock of salt is only 9,000 tons for this winter. There has also been a very large increase in the salt prices from the lack of salt, though Mansfield city claims that has nothing to do with the shortage of salt. High school drivers range from ages 16-19, so most of them are inexperienced and makes it even more dangerous to travel on roads. Schools have to think about this because if there is no salt on an icy roads, in the morning for school, it is a major risk to continue school as planned. Hopefully there will not be much more need for salt this winter, especially since the Clear Fork Valley is very spread out, but salt or no salt, drive safe out there!
Singh, Sartaj. “City of Mansfield Provides Statement On Snow, Salting Policy.” WMFD. Mid-State Television Inc. <https://wmfd.com/news/single.asp?story=77599>. Accessed 12/03/18.
Save Pando! By Samuel Brandes
What is Pando?
Plain and simple, like my mom’s gravy, Pando is the largest organism on Earth (by weight). Less simply put, it is a colony of quaking aspen trees that spans 106 acres of Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Each tree in the colony shares a common root system making them each and identical clone of all the other trees in the colony. Unfortunately, this marvel of nature is dying, and it is kind of our fault. Surprise surprise, right? Humans have caused another environmental travesty! Due to our elimination of the wolf population across the country, the deer population has exploded. Deer and cattle are now grazing all over Pando, eating its sprouts before they have a chance to grow into maturity. Also, these deer and cattle are protected by state hunting regulations, so they don’t have to quickly move from one location to another. They can stay in Pando as long as they want, slowly munching away at all its little saplings. Now, all of the trees that encompass Pando are 100 to 130 years old, the average lifespan of a quaking aspen. This means that Pando consists of only dying trees. With no new trees to replace the old, Pando could be dead in by the end of the century. The fact that this majestic organism is dying might seem like enough of a travesty, but it gets worse. Pando is what is know as a “keystone species.” This means that other creatures are dependent on it. Fortunately, aspens are hardy organisms and might flourish again someday, but that will only happen if we stop messing everything up and actually try to save the environment.
Be Focal Buy Local (Holiday Edition) By Ashley Nelson
With the holiday season in full swing there are numerous different places to cut down your own living Christmas tree and also support local businesses. So, what’s the hype about a real tree? I mean besides the obvious fact that a real tree is more festive and and will leave your house smelling fresh, buying a tree from a local nursery will help out the economy in our community and the ones around us. Obviously real trees are more high maintenance. Depending on what species of tree you get you will need to water it often and it’s always good to get rid of the dying or already dead branches. Here are three places to get the perfect tree and enjoy holiday festivities without going too far.
Wade and Gatton Nurseries: They have a wide variety of tree species! Address: 1288 Gatton Rock Rd, Bellville Phone: (419) 883-3191 Hours: Monday-Saturday: 8am-5pm Sunday: Closed
Sugar Grove Tree Farm Inc: Free cookies and hot chocolate are provided and for every tree you purchase a tree is sent overseas to troops who cannot spend the holidays with their families! Address: 1619 Township Rd 1455, Ashland Phone: (419) 282-5151 Hours: Sun-Tue: Closed Wed-Fri: 12–5PM Sat: 11AM–4PM
Kleerview Farm: Lots of family fun with real reindeer and activities for kids such as Santa’s Barnyard Express! Address: 2454 Baughman Rd, Bellville Phone: (419) 886-2029 Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 9AM–5PM Monday-Friday: 1pm-5pm
Be sure to visit one of these local nurseries for the perfect Christmas tree and to show your support of small businesses!
Don't Be a Grinch . . . Go see this Movie . . . You know you want to! By Victoria Skoog
On November 9th, 2018 the New Grinch movie hit theaters. Many of us know the story to Dr. Seuss´s, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and many of us have even seen a rendition of the classic movie starring Jim Carey as the Grinch. This new animated film serves as a cute, modern day form of the story for viewers of all ages. Whether it be date night or girls night, this movie is a great example of how to get into the Christmas spirit. Even for those who may be a “grinch” themselves, this movie is great because the Grinch portrays as such a fun and sarcastic character during the story. There is a good narration carried throughout it by singer/songwriter, Pharrell Williams and even some music by singer/songwriter, Tyler The Creator. New characters such as Cindy Lou Who´s mom, Donna; her twin brothers, Buster and Bean; the Grinch´s frenemy, Mr. Bricklebaum; and others give the story a fun new perspective. Several reviews from students have seemed positive. Freshman Jackson Tedrow thought this grinch movie was better than the two before it and freshman Jahslyn Hicks thought that this movie was cool because they changed the plot line but it was a good twist! To anyone who is looking to enjoy a fun holiday filled film, showtimes are listed below for the upcoming week!
"The American Dream means giving it your all, trying your hardest, accomplishing something. And then I'd like to add to that, giving something back. No definition of a successful life can do anything but include serving others." A message so proudly stated by the late George Herbert Walker Bush. A man of his words and actions will never be forgotten. As a country mourns the death of the proud 41st President of The United States of America, that shouldn't stop the remembrance of a man marked in history.
George H.W. Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts on June 12, 1924. As he turned 18 he enlisted into the Armed Forces going into the Navy. Flying 58 combat missions during WWII and being shot down by the Japanese, he would go on to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross for Bravery.
While in Texas George H.W. Bush found his drive for politics. Prior to his time as president he was the Director of the CIA, Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office on the People's Republic of China, Ambassador to the UN, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and he spent two terms as a Representative to Congress from Texas.
Running for president in 1980, he fell to Ronald Reagan but was chosen as his running mate during his time as the 40th president. Never giving up, George H.W. Bush won the presidential election in 1988.
In early 2018 on April 21st not only did the wife of George H.W Bush pass away but also the founder of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. They were married from 1945-2018 and she was laid to rest at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Texas at the age of 92. Not long after her death former president George H.W. Bush passed away on November 30th at the age of 94. His final months were spent with his family members ensuring he wasn’t alone after the death of his wife.
In the process of honoring the prior president several memorials took place the week following his passing. December 3rd through December 5th George H.W. Bush laid in peace in the rotunda allowing the public to pay their respects. A memorial service was initiated on Wednesday, December 5th at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C, allowing close friends and family members to honor the life of George H.W. Bush. President Donald Trump recognized December 5th as a national day of mourning, shutting down the post offices, stock markets, and other federal run organizations for the day. Memorials will take place in Texas where he will be buried by his wife and late daughter Robin at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
In respects to the Bush family and honoring all George H.W. Bush has done they ask that in replacement of flowers, donate to the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. The nonprofit foundation, created by George H.W. Bush, Points of Light, asks in memory of the former president to give a day of service to the community.
BNOC: Helping the Community One Card at a Time By Kaitlyn Howell
This is the season for giving, giving all that you can to others and the community. Families don't always have the essentials for Christmas, including gifts, clothes, and food. Sometimes all things that we have and receive this time of year, can be taken for granted. As the Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center (BNOC) takes on Christmas, they plan to give as much as they possibly can. The BNOC gives goods and clothing to more that 500 people in a month. To give as much as they can, they plan to partner with Meijer. The idea of partnering with Meijer, includes Meijer customers buying a $10 simply give donation card. Meijer shoppers can buy these cards while shopping and then they get turned into $10 food only gift cards, money from these cards will then go towards the BNOC. The BNOC and Meijer encourages you to help out the community this season. Help give to help others in need by helping during canned food drives, collect food, shopping at Meijer or even volunteering at the BNOC. Help to be a part of the community, and let's all do something bigger than ourselves.
On November 27, 2018 Misty Houghton, who works at the Richland County Humane Society got a call from a dispatcher saying a cat got shot with an arrow. Misty ran to the scene on Ankneytown Road in Bellville and grabbed the orange and white domestic shorthaired cat named, Oliver Queen. The arrow missed Oliver’s heart by 2 inches, immediately he was taken to the Phillips Animal Hospital and sedated to have the arrow removed and had to be inserted with draining tubes.
The arrow entered through the cat’s back and he is currently in recovery. He is trying to cope with digestion issues, his draining tubes were supposed to be taken out on December 3rd. Unfortunately, Oliver had to wait till Friday, December 7 and will be available for adoption in 3-4 weeks minimum. Misty says Oliver is still hanging on and just wants to be left alone, he seems to be in discomfort but he lets the vets take care of him as needed.
If you are looking to adopt other pets and/or want to help Oliver you can go to the Richland County Humane Society to donate money for Oliver’s medical bills. While you’re there you can stop and look at all of the other wonderful dogs and cats they have up for adoption. You can visit their website for more information, https://adoptourstrays.com/.
The Ground Rages in Anchorage By Kylee Dettmer On Friday November 30, the State of Alaska was rocked, quite literally, by one of the largest earthquakes of the century. Tremors are not uncommon to the people of Alaska due to the fact that there are nine active fault lines in the state. Over the last century, 3 of the top ten most powerful earthquakes have occurred there. On March 27, 1964, a 9.2 magnitude earthquake struck Prince William Sound, Alaska, the second strongest recorded earthquake in history. The epicenter of this quake was a mere 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, stemming from the Denali Fault Line. Due to the vast expanse of the state and small population, had there been more distance between the epicenter and the major city the destruction would have been far less. The earthquake stuck the city destroying roads and shaking buildings. However, the fear was not over at the conclusion of the earthquake. It was so strong that there was a tsunami warning for a period of time after the shaking had ceased. Aftershocks persisted through the following days; around 350 have been felt but there have been over 1,000 recorded. The quake was so strong that reports of it being felt came from up to 400 miles away from Anchorage. Fortunately there were no deaths or serious injuries reported and major destruction was limited. Utilities are back up and running and roads are being fixed in a timely manner. Since tremors and quakes are so common, the citizens are prepared for them, recovery is quick, and life continues as normal. Their resilience was shown in their ability to recover quickly and their determination to keep the quake from winning.
Sanchez, Ray. “More Than 1000 Aftershocks Rock Region After Big Earthquake in Anchorage.” CNN, 2 Dec. 2018. https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/02/us/alaska-earthquake/index.html, Accessed 7 Dec. 2018.
New Graduation Requirement for Seniors By Emma Hosey
Having a well-written and thought out resume has always been critical to getting a job in the workforce. This year the state is adding a new requirement for seniors to graduate, adding a resume to your portfolio.You might think… How do I start writing a resume? Why is this important for me to have? I’m only a senior, I haven't even had a job yet! During the English AIR testing, students not taking the tests had the opportunity to start writing their resume through a google program called google applied digital skills. Although that was a good place to start both Mrs. Vaughn and Mr. Beans plan on meeting with every upperclassman to help maneuver their way to making a well written resume. “Writing a resume in high school helps to prepare you for the real world.It’s the first steps to any hiring process at any major place of employment and helps students begin to think about their future job” expressed Vaughn. Having a correctly spelled resume that clearly lists your accomplishments and past job experience will help make you stand out from the rest of the resumes employers might receive. Throughout the years as you gain job experience you can update your resume with current information, but for now writing things like babysitting jobs and accomplishments from a sport team will do. The goal at the end of writing a resume now, before you graduate is to have experience doing so for your future.
First Winter Storm of the Year Hits the U.S By Autumn Bailey
On November 25, 2018, the first major snow storm of the year, named Bruce, arose from Racine County, Wisconsin. This storm spread from the Rockies to the upper Northeast. Bruce caused around 2 inches of heavy snow to fall across Richland County. Due to the weather, the roadways were backed up and dangerous to drive on, also nearly 3,000 flights were canceled. This snow storm caused four total deaths and many injuries throughout the country. It is a reminder that winter is here and precautions need to be taken in order to be safe and prepared while on the roads! Here are some important items to keep in your vehicle during the winter; a sturdy snow scraper, extra winter clothing, blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, a cell phone charger, water and non-perishable snacks. To be extra safe be sure to put snow tires on your vehicle, check the wiper blades to make sure they are working well, and keep the tank halfway full of gas!
Over the past couple years climate change has been an important topic. Some people are still not accepting the fact that this is happening within our world.
There is a significant amount of evidence proving that climate change is indeed upon us. What most people are blinded to is that the Earth has gone through many small climate changes within the past 700,000 years. This falls back on the tiny variations of Earth’s orbit, it causes us to receive differing amounts of solar energy. Due to the higher levels of solar energy you will notice the raising rates of temperatures, warmer oceans, shrinking ice sheets/ less snow covered, sea level rising, and extreme events like the numerous hurricanes in recent years.
But what is causing this? Human activity is changing the natural greenhouse by burning fossil fuels, releasing harmful chemicals into the air, and clearing forests that put the good chemicals back into the air (eliminating those good chemicals). In the long run the Earth will become warmer in most regions, this will lead to more precipitation and evaporation. Sea levels will continue to rise with the melting of glaciers and other ice. Lastly, areas where some crops grow may shift causing them to have to find a new area to grow, throwing off the natural plant communities. As you can tell, climate change is not in our favor.
As a high school student you may be wondering how this affects you. Think about it, your generation and the generations yet to come are the future of this society. These are the people that will take steps to scientifically slow down climate change, to innovate cleaner air through different systems, and overall help make the Earth last longer.
Ways to help now:
Carpool with friends/ family to and from places
Making sure your using the least amount of energy possible
History Being Made In The Valley By Reagan Marshall For the first time ever, the Clear Fork Colts Football Team have advanced into the OHSAA Division IV Regional Final game with an undefeated record at 12-0.
On their journey of a record breaking season, they have defeated every team that has crossed them thanks to the astounding offense and defense the tough Colts have.
The Valley has followed the Colts all the way. Not one week has gone by with empty stands. With signs, cowbells, and pom poms the Colts fan base has been there every step of the way, including sending the boys off before playoff games.
The Colts continued their path to the State Final Four on Saturday, November 17 versus No. 2 ranked St. Mary's Memorial. Led by the Bellville Police and the Jefferson Township Fire Department, the Colts were escorted out of town.
The two hour drive raised the anticipation and made the crowd anxious for the game to start. From top to bottom the stands were filled by the supporters of the Colts. The Colts fought hard with the Valley behind them, unfortunately they fell short losing to St. Mary's 38-7.
The Clear Fork Colts Football Program this year was represented not only within the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference but also through district honors. Football is a team sport but that doesn't mean individuals can't shine.
MOAC Honors Michael Chillemi (1st Team Offense & 1st Team Defense), Jared Schaefer (1st Team Offense & 1st Team Defense), Hunter Tollison (1st Team Offense & 2nd Team Defense), Trevon Trammell (1st Team Offense & 1st Team Defense), James Watts (1st Team Offense), Jay Swainhart (1st Team Defense), Caden Flynn (2nd Team Defense & 2nd Team Offense), and AJ Blubaugh (Honorable Mention)
Northwest District Honors Hunter Tollison ( DIV Lineman of the Year & 1st Team Offensive Line), Caden Flynn ( 2nd Team : Receiver), James Watts (2nd Team : Offensive Line), Trevon Trammell (1st Team : Running Back), BrennanSouth (Honorable Mention : Quarterback), Gabe Blauser (2nd Team : Kicker), Michael Chillemi (1st Team : Defensive Line), Jay Swainhart (2nd Team : Defensive Line), and Jared Schaefer (1st Team : Defensive Back)
In Remembrance of: Tamara Lynn “Tammy” Craft By Autumn Bailey
The Clear Fork Valley is in mourning and will deeply miss an amazing woman, Tammy Craft. A pillar of strength, courage, and unconditional love, Tammy’s faith remained unwavering. She unexpectedly passed away Sunday, November 11, 2018 after a short illness.
Tammy graduated Clear Fork High School in 1982 and married her loving husband, Wes Craft, July 23, 1983. She was a lifelong resident of the valley having lived in the Butler area for the last 27 years.
Tammy served our school for 19 years. She will be remembered for her friendly spirit and contagious smile, having worked in the high school cafeteria and most recently as Assistant to the Treasurer at the Board Office.
Tammy was deeply devoted to her family and friends. She fully embraced the role of “mom” making many sacrifices to stay home during the early years to focus her time on raising three daughters: Savannah (Aaron) Hitchman, Megan (Zach) Schlosser, and Molly (David) Weyhmeller. Savannah stated, “My Mom enjoyed gardening, canning our food, playing with us, and reading to us. Even as teenagers, she would help us to read our novels just to spend time with us.” More recently, she loved spending time with her grandchildren: Leland, Everett, and Ivy Hitchman. The entire family spent vacation together at the beach this past summer which brought her much joy! Tammy never let her adversities slow her down, she fully embraced life!
She is survived by her parents, siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tammy would want us to remember her as a faithful servant of Christ. She fully believed and practiced the fruits of the spirit… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let us strive to continue her legacy of love!
National Honor Society By Sadie Woodward-Page
National Honor Society, a.k.a. NHS, is a national organization that recognizes students that show characteristics of Scholarship, Leadership, Character and Service. There are millions of members of NHS of which can be found all over the United States, Canada or even Puerto Rico. NHS does various community service projects and other school activities. In order for a student to be a potential member of NHS, there are many stages that they must go through before even being considered. For example, the student must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher, show all the characteristics, and be willing to put in the work required. Then comes “Tapping Day”, where the current members make their own creative hats, and “tap” the inductees while they’re in class, they have to wear the hats all day, sort of like an initiation of sorts. The final step is the Induction Ceremony, a formal ceremony where the new members are finally inducted into NHS. This year the induction ceremony was on November 8. All the current members sat on stage while the new members were inducted.
Returning (29): President Dalen Moore, Vice President Emily Schaller, Secretary Savanna Donaldson, Treasurer Jenna Hoffer, Student Delegation Grant Reed, Jordan Beahr, Brock Dettmer, Aaron Farnsworth, Makenzie Frontz, Megan Hadley, Hunter Hotz, Kaylee Krausman, Ashley Nelson, Victoria Skoog, Jay Swainhart, Katie Troyer, Ethan Whitehair, Chelsea Briar, Michael Ebert, Jaylynn Freeman, Valerie Golden, Bianca Hoffer, MacKenzie Klenk, Reagan Marshall, Bailey Romoser, Allison Studenmund, MacKenzie Thorne, Courtney Weekley and Kaitlin Wuertz.
New (32): Autumn Bailey, Sam Brandes, Lauryn Copeland, Lance Dillon, Doni Hoeflich, Connor McClenathan, Madeline Pack, Jacob Shenberger, Abby Willey, Kailee Barron, Alex Brown, Carson Crowner, Austin Fowler, Kaitlyn Howell, Lauren Mellott, Riley Peterson, Megan Steinman, Sadie Woodward-Page, Gabe Blauser, Kylee Colegrove, Kylee Dettmer, Sam Hahn, Ben Hutyera, Alysia Miller, Brooke Robinson, Savannah Wade, AJ Blubaugh, Alexus McDaniel, Kavern Delarwelle, Justice Stevens, Kylie Hoffer and Hunter Tilton.
Don’t Gather ‘Round This Camp Fire By Emily Schaller
While it seems that the snow, ice, and cold weather has just hit us hard, a state all the way to the west on the coast of the country is dealing with quite the opposite problem. California has always had problems with drought and wildfires, but this one, experts say, is the most deadly wildfire of the century. Camp Fire - as it has been named - originated just north of Sacramento and has been raging its ongoing flames since November 8. This massive and deadly fire has burned approximately 138,000 acres of land, killed 63 people, and has left 631 people “unaccounted” for. Many have fled and evacuated their homes to be held in safer places, but that is proving to be a challenge. With many people sharing one relatively small area, a virus known as the norovirus broke out infecting many people, causing quarantine and other special actions. No one knows what the exact cause for this extreme wildfire was, but many have their speculations; drought, global changes, and PG&E power company. PG&E has reportedly been the cause for about 12 other Northern California wildfires, giving people something to point fingers at and a possible explanation. The firefighters of Northern California believe that they will have the fire contained by November 30, but can not guarantee anything because one never knows what mother nature will throw at them. If you would like to learn more or get live updates, you can visit https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/fires-in-california-camp-woolsey-paradise-wildfire-evacuations-death-toll-map-2018-11-15-latest/
Great Power Used Responsibly By Samuel Brandes
Who was Stanley Martin Lieber? You have probably never heard him by this name, but I am almost positive you are familiar with his “secret identity.” Creator of heroes, writer of stories, and molder of children, Stan Lee has inspired many generations of children and adults alike.
Fresh out of high school at the young age of 16, Stanley acquired the job of editorial assistant for Timely Comics. By 1942, he was cranking out comic scripts faster than you can say “My Spidey-senses are tingling!” In 1961, Lee, along with an artist named Jack Kirby, started the beginning of an era with their creation of the Fantastic Four. Only a year later, Lee and the late Steve Ditko created “your friendly neighborhood Spiderman!” After that, Lee, Kirby, and Ditko created a system known as the “Marvel Method” which allowed them to produce astonishing new stories and artwork at an almost “superhuman” rate. Thanks to the Marvel Method, we have characters and groups such as Daredevil, Thor, the Avengers, The Hulk, Iron Man, and the X-Men.
In 1972, after roughly 30 years with Marvel, Stan “The Man” Lee was made publisher and editorial director. In later years, the works of Stan, Jack, and Steve were adapted into movies which led to epic multi-million dollar feature films. Starting with a cameo in “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk” in 1989 as a member of the jury, Lee has since had a cameo appearance in nearly every Marvel movie and one DC Comics movie (Teen Titans Go! To the Movies).
Unfortunately, Lee passed away on November 12th of this year. This legend inspired so many kids to pursue their dreams and not be ashamed of the things that make them different. He encouraged his readers to help others and do the right thing, but above all he showed us what it means to be a hero.
Honoring Veterans at Open-Mic Night By Kailee Barron
This year to honor all of the hard working men and women who fight for our freedom, the Speech Team and Art Club collaborated on making an open mic night to thank all of the Veterans. Open mic night was on Tuesday, November 13 from 6:30-8:00 p.m at local coffee shop, Brumby’s. Many students wrote poetry about family members based on memories or stories from the past. Last Tuesday night was filled with emotional and amazing performances from all of the students, “While honoring her grandpa, a fellow classmate started to cry, it was very emotional and sweet. Open-Mic night was an amazing opportunity and was very fun. I would definitely do it again” said Junior Laiken Johnson.
The Clear Fork High School Newspaper Staff would like to personally thank all of those who have served. We want everyone to remember that there are men and women fighting for not only their lives, but our lives, our safety and our country. They are the reason we have our freedom and have a great and free country.
The Buzz about Black Friday By Kaitlyn Howell
After Thanksgiving every year, there is a day to buy the best gifts, for the best price. This day is Black Friday, and it can get crazy. It consists of trampling, deals, and late night excitement. We might ask why? Why do people stand in the cold and wait all night to get deals that you could just get online? For junior Abby Willey, she goes Black Friday shopping because it's a family tradition every year after Thanksgiving dinner. Her and her family ¨love to shop, and it's a great time to get Christmas presents¨. For some it is the thrill and excitement for battling it out over the hottest prices. Whether you are planning to go Black Friday shopping, or stay cozy on Cyber Monday, over 74% of Americans plan to go Black Friday, and Cyber Monday shopping this year (McDermott). If you are planning to go out on Black Friday, stay warm, be safe, and find some great deals!
McDermott, Jennifer. “Black Friday Spending Statistics 2018.” Finder US, Finder US, 14 Nov. 2018, https://www.finder.com/black-friday-statistics.
New Year, New Buildings By Kylee Dettmer
Not long ago in March of 2016, the people of Bellville and Butler had an important decision to make; would there be two new schools built to replace the century-old schools that stand in the towns now. This decision was important because it would result in an one-percent income tax increase for a period of 20 years and determined the well-being of many generations of children. Not long after the proposal was made, the vote was cast and the decision had been made to go ahead with the construction of the schools, one for each town. The schools were to be built in close proximity to the location of already existing schools. They are scheduled to be finished during this years Christmas Break with teachers having time to set up their rooms over the extended break. Once settled the students will move to the building at the beginning of the new semester. The demolition of the old schools was also included in the cost. It is sad to see so much history be knocked down and disappear so easily but the memory of our schools and all of what happened there will live on on every person who walked the halls. From the time of the Butler Bulldogs and the Bellville Bluejays, to the Pride of the Valley we know today as the Clear Fork Colts, those schools will forever have a lasting impact on our community and the new schools are just another piece of the puzzle that is The Valley.
Winter Sports Preview By Ashley Nelson
As our fall sports come to an end there’s no reason to be sad, the Colts and Lady Colts of fall all had successful (and of course a historical season for football) seasons. Additionally, our anticipated winter sports are kicking off in the near future! Girls and boys basketball along with wrestling season and winter cheer is rapidly approaching. Here’s some warming insight from players and coaches as to what’s expected to come in this bitter winter.
Girls basketball: "This year the girl’s team returns three seniors; Reagan Marshall, Alli Studenmund, and myself. Also, we have other key players returning from the junior and sophomore classes. I’m really excited for this year, with a new coach [Coach Pore] we will have new routines and more success. As a team we have a really good bond together and understand each other” -Val Golden. The future of the Lady Colts is looking very bright.
Boys Basketball: “This years boys basketball team has four seniors; Gannon Seifert, AJ Blubaugh, Jay Swainhart, and myself. We have some returners from last year with experience that will help the team out tremendously. I am pretty excited about how the year will end up turning out due to last year’s success as well. The team had a great time last year and we should as well this year” -Jared Schaefer. The leadership displayed by our senior boys should lead the colts to a successful season.
Wrestling: “We have 3 returning juniors including Mike Morganstern, Blake Miller, and Kris Worner. Returning sophomores include Colton Campbell, Isaiah Thomas, and Brady Au. New to our team this year are junior Randall Crawford and a large freshman class. We graduated 2 quality seniors in John Witschi and Garrett Crowner, but with a very deep freshman class, I think we will be able to fill almost all of the weight classes. With increased numbers from the past couple years, I am very excited for this year and anticipate a successful year” -Coach Allerding. Our wrestling team is sure to make some waves this year.
Winter Cheer: “It should be really fun. Half of the squad is made up of freshmen, so it’ll be cool to be there for their first basketball season and my last. I’m hoping we can do as well in basketball as we did in football!” -Katie Troyer. This year’s seniors include Katie Troyer, Reagan Marshall, Tori Skoog, and Amaya Copeland.
As you can see our winter sports teams are putting in a lot of work and effort to better themselves and represent our school with everything they have. Be sure to show them as much support as possible! Here’s when their seasons start rolling:
Girls Basketball: December 1 @ H vs. Shelby Boys Basketball and Cheer: November 29 @ H vs. Lexington Wrestling: December 1 @ Madison, Tom Ellis Classic
Thanksgiving Traditions within the Valley By Victoria Skoog
Thanksgiving time is here or as some might say, a kick start into the holiday season! The weather is changing, the season of giving and cheer is rolling in. Many people have started listening to Christmas music and even started decorating! Thanksgiving to many people is a holiday where you can stuff your face with food, watch tv, spend time with family and just relax. Myself and a few others around the school have some annual traditions that we stick to every year. For me, my mom's side of the family always gets together and we go get our Christmas tree that morning at Kleerview Farms. Then we all meet at either my grandma’s house or our house. We watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade and eat “dinner” once the turkey is done which is normally around lunch time that day. All of my relatives bring different foods and we pile the table up! Everyone always eats so much and we have tons of leftovers. My favorite part of dinner is actually eating the second meal of leftovers later that day! Then our family just sits around the house and visits with each other for the rest of the afternoon. My aunt Dee-Dee always brings the Black Friday ads and we look through to see where we want to go shopping the next day.
Our Guidance Office staff, Mrs. Seifert and Mrs. Truex have some traditions of their own. Mrs. Seifert’s holiday entails not only eating all day, but travelling from one family’s house to another. Then they read the Black Friday ads and get a Christmas list going. They also do a name exchange between their family to see who has each other for gifts in the upcoming month. Mrs. Truex’s family actually doesn’t have an annual tradition. Last year they went on a weekend getaway to celebrate the holiday.
Here are some tidbits about how students around the school spend their holiday. Jay Swainhart’s family goes to their neighbors land, The Bailey’s, and shoot clay pigeons throughout the morning. Then they travel to his relative’s greenhouse where everyone on his grandpa’s side of the family gets together for lunch. Peyton Shaw has dinner at her house every year and then goes Black Friday shopping the next morning. Faith Hicks goes to her grandma’s to eat and then goes Black Friday shopping with her dad the next day. There are various Thanksgiving traditions throughout our school. This holiday is a time when staff and students alike, can spend time with their families. What a special time it is to celebrate the upcoming season of giving and cheer!
Unique Holiday Gift Guide By Emma Hosey
The holiday season is here! It seems like everyone starts getting Christmas presents and decorating earlier and earlier every year. Finding the perfect gift to get someone can be tricky. Most of the time we end up going to the store clueless and unsure of what that person would like. Here's a holiday gift guide to help you find the perfect gift for anyone in your life!