The reason Marianne Gingrich’s account of her ex-husband’s wanton behavior bounced off him like a quarter on an Army cot is that it's hard for a woman to win much sympathy when she helped a man cheat.
Marianne was Newt Gingrich’s second wife, but first, she was his mistress. The two were embroiled in an affair while he was married to his first wife, Jackie.
Last week, Marianne told ABC News she was shocked, shocked, when Newt asked her to accept his affair with his office aide Callista Bisek, a request that she self-righteously refused. Apparently, the only one who could hold Newt’s fidelity was Fannie Mae.
Dozens of Mortonites come before village governmental bodies every year. Some petition the Plan Commission for re-zoning or special use permits for residential and business property, while others seek variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals for building setbacks, sign sizes and locations, or other variances from the ordinances. Many come before the Village Board to support or oppose issues, to seek funding for civic events, or to make their cases for special needs or concerns.
Monday’s revelation about Bob Wraight’s passing caught me by surprise.
It has been about 15 years since Bob and I last spoke. That does not diminish the fact that he was a larger-than-life character in my tenure at the Tazewell News ( now the Morton Times-News) so many years ago.
Soft-spoken and quick to smile is what I remember most about Bob.
When I read the paper on Jan. 1, I saw an article “Morton Chamber to hold Annual Dinner Jan. 21.” It went on to say the Morton Chamber of Commerce would unveil the 2012 Pumpkin Festival theme and present volunteer of the year and distinguished service awards. Sounds great except they will do all this in East Peoria at Embassy Suites at the cost of $50 per plate.
The recommendation last week from the National Transportation Safety Board that states should ban the use of all cellphones, including hands-free models, while driving came about 10 years too late. Maybe 20 years.
I sometimes wonder where our leadership in Morton is. They always seem to have money for new projects they want, but fall short on other projects.
Our city officials wanted more money for a new pool, so they raised taxes and got it. They wanted $12 million for school additions, but taxpayers voted it down.
Then our school board votes “yes” on spending $3 million on three new classrooms. One new classroom at three different schools, $1 million a piece and they already own the land.
This week marks the official start to the 2012 primary elections as candidates must turn in their petitions for elected office. This is a rare election in which every elected representative office is up because of the once-a-decade redistricting process.
Here in Tazewell County, each citizen is represented by seven county board members. How many of you can name each one?
Over the years, the various local government bodies have done a pretty good job of cooperating on projects. Completion of the swimming pool is a recent example between the Village and the Park Board, and the Park Board cooperation with the School district on the new ball fields is another. The municipality and the township work together on various needs and tasks, and virtually everybody supports the library board.
Thoughts on the attacks on Pearl Harbor.
The Morton Times has taken complete responsibility for the advertisement which was printed in last Wednesday’s paper. Rocke’s did not approve or grant permission for this advertisement to be printed. Here at Rocke’s, we understand mistakes will be made - As quoted by Alexander Pope, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” Rocke’s encourages forgiveness throughout this Christmas season and look forward to serving the community and beyond this Christmas season as well as throughout the New Year!
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Rocke’s Meating Haus
Opposing viewpoints: Is a waiver from No Child Left Behind a benefit?
THE ISSUE: Penn State University has captured headlines across the country for its childhood sexual abuse scandal.
WHAT WE THINK: Everyone should learn from this scandal about the dangers of childhood sexual abuse and how to help victims.
THE ISSUE: Veterans Day is Friday.
WHAT WE THINK: Time is running out for many veterans, especially World War II veterans. They should not leave this world without knowing their service, their sacrifice, their bravery and their devotion were appreciated.
I have lived in Morton for 45 years and used to be a true Mortonite, but the town has let me down.
I live at 309 N. Bauman, next to the Lighthouse dealership.
I was on my way to Colorado to visit my daughter when I found out that they were going to close part of my street.
I called the zoning commissioner to voice my opinion, and to find out how that could happen when no one in the neighborhood was informed.
Jitterbugging was more than just a wiggle. It took a high stepper and dance band music. It was a move that you swung left and then swung right, and was more fun to watch than do. It was a secret weapon in World War II and a masquerade to a troubled world.
To get “in the mood,” it took a musical beat that would stir a sitting hen.
Morton villagers knew the moves, and when Glenn Miller blew the horn, it was “forget your troubles c’mon and be happy.”
Getting District 709 to be specific on any change to the current school distribution of students is ambiguous and we should just stay status quo. Getting an answer is like trying to catch a pig that’s covered with grease.
Almost 12 years into the 21st century, it is fairly obvious that we live in a digital world.
We’re probably all pretty sick of the political conflict in our nation’s capital. Perhaps like me, most folks wish they’d just “get it,” and make common sense decisions on cutting cost, limiting taxes, and managing programs. Then we could get on with our lives and rebuilding the economy.
Unfortunately, nothing is ever simple, and the arguments are polarized around two fundamentally opposed ideas about government. Neither are new; they go back to the Hamilton — Jefferson conflict over government in the late 1700s. They were at least as polarizing then, and generated at least as much hostility.
THE ISSUE: The problem of Driving Under the Influence receives a lot of press and law enforcement attention yet the problem still persists.
WHAT WE THINK: In a free country where drinking is legal this kind of problem is going to exist. It is not a law enforcement problem. It is a personal responsibility problem.
Opposing viewpoints: Is No Child Left Behind really serving our schools?
School Report Cards come out soon. No Child Left Behind will have an impact on what they say.
