There are some thorny issues among our roses this week.
Thorn: To the Allen County commissioners, who still don’t have a plan for Memorial Hall, which has been closed since 2014. We appreciate it’s a beautiful, historic structure in our community. Still, if no one stepped forward with a viable option for it in the past eight years, why would the commissioners pay for a new roof on it? Every day it’s left unused, it becomes more of an eyesore. If there’s no plan, it should be demolished. If there is a plan, sell the building, and let the new owners take responsibility.
Rose: To the Allen County Fair, which saw its showcase entertainer, Hardy, sell out in less than 15 minutes. The bold selection of an entertainer appealing to a younger crowd will bring in a diverse audience from throughout the region. It’s our community’s opportunity to show them our hospitality and give them a reason to come back.
Thorn: To Sonya Gage, who will spend 29 days in jail and three years on community control for sexual conduct with a 14-year-old boy. Such a light sentence makes us wonder about our community’s priorities in protecting children from predators, even if Gage struggles with mental illness. The attorney, Carol Creighton, said the boy “applied pressure” in the situation, which sure sounds like victim-blaming to us.
Rose: To area law enforcement and school officials, who delayed the start of classes earlier this week when a car chase became a crash on the Bluelick Road ramp, a bit too close to the Bath schools’ campus near Interstate 75. It’s appreciated that you put the kids first.
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