The Republican reaction to a diplomatic resolution to the brief period when 10 U.S. soldiers were detained by Iran was unsettling. Why do Republicans seem so troubled by diplomacy? Why yearn for "macho" when "suave" is required? A near crisis was averted in short order, but conservatives didn't celebrate.

We keep hearing from the Republicans about how bad the economy is, but let's look at some of the real issues. When President Obama took office, the Dow Jones was at 6800. Now it moves between 17,000 and 18,000, and the unemployment numbers are significantly lower.

We would like to thank everyone responsible for the “Lake of Lights” display in Saulisberry Park. Our spirits were lifted as we drove through the wonderful layout.

Recently, we thinned our pine trees out and was able to have a Christmas tree giveaway. We gave 20 trees to families that were in need, and it warmed my heart to hear their stories and to see how grateful they were.

We wish to thank the church choirs, pastors, director Judge Scott Barrett, and all who made possible the wonderful Community Carol Sing held Sunday evening, Dec. 6 at Kenton First United Methodist Church. The church was beautifully decorated for the inspiring choral anthems and bell ringing, along with the enjoyable congregational carol singing.

I am writing to let people know that during the Veterans Day celebrations, I was at the Council on Aging dinner for veterans and their families. We had a beautiful meal catered by the Plaza.

On Jan. 10, 2016, the congregation of Alger First United Methodist Church will celebrate the 100th anniversary of our building at 9:30 a.m. While the church was founded around 1850, for the past 100 years, we have called our facility, located at 101 Montville St., home.

WANTED: Veterans of military service who have served overseas in all branches of the military to join William Britton VFW Post 6817. We are looking for new members, men and women alike, who wish to serve other veterans and their families in the strongest patriotic organization in the United States.

We are the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., Hardin County, Ohio, Chapter #32. We are a National organization of mothers, grandmothers, family and friends of loved ones that are serving or have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Dear citizens of Hardin County, We oppose state Issue 3, which if passed, would legalize marijuana in the state of Ohio.