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Roses&Thorns

Roses for honest sales associates, clerks and cashiers. That is, all the many of those who upon finding personal property belonging to a customer that was lost or misplaced — like cash lost in a shopping basket by a certain (blush) editor — do the right gesture by putting it away until properly claimed. Granted, most of us would do the right thing too. Then again, there are those who would not. Thank you to Salem Sparkle Market. It was a relief.

Thorns for this reflection of the world we now live in. We are all familiar with the drug abuse escalation in our parts. Thorns for pharmacies — one earlier in Salem and one this past week in Calcutta — getting robbed. Which means bold drug freaks, sometimes in broad daylight, are now going directly to viable sources for their needs. Where else are so many opioids and other coveted drugs kept than at pharmacies? And why is it that many cops must carry and routinely dispense Narcan spray to treat overdoses but aren’t equipped with EpiPens to treat someone — a child, maybe — on the spot in an emergency situation requiring that specific medication? That is a lament we heard recently made by a local law enforcement officer for whom we have utmost respect. This is not to dismiss the on-scene dispensing of Narcan. It certainly has its place. But does it bother anyone else out there when you hear or read about the same person getting dose after dose after dose time and time again? That’s almost like feeding the monster, isn’t it? It got so bad late spring that the county health dept. — which dispenses Narcan — ran out of its supply.

Thorns for state report cards. Something is amiss when just about every school in the state looks bad and underachieving. We all know better than that. Take Salem. Straight down the line: dedicated and conscientious administrators, teachers and non-teaching staffs. Same goes for West Branch, Sebring, United Local, Lisbon, Southern Local, East Palestine, Beaver Local, Columbiana, Crestview, Leetonia, Western Reserve and South Range. Yes, all of the districts in our readership area. Our districts produce hundreds of graduates each year who are educated and ready for the next level their respective lives take them. A reader who was at the Salem Homecoming was remarking about how plain cool it was to see generations of SHS grads — parents and court members — being presented that night. Not to mention beaming grandparents and other family members in the stands. All connected by that Salem thread. That was an example of the many good things that do not show in state report cards. Remember that.

Thorns, passed along, by a reader for those who walk in roadways, often at night, and sometimes wearing dark clothing. It’s tragedy waiting to happen. Streets and roads are made for cars and trucks. Sidewalks — even the crumbling ones — are for walkers and joggers. It’s all about common sense.

Thorns, while on the roadways topic, for the inconsiderates who will start pushing and raking their leaves onto roadways creating problems for drivers, especially during rainy times with slippery conditions. Don’t be stupid or selfish. Get rid of your leaves the right way. Home Depot will be distributing free enviro-friendly paper leaf bags from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Salem location for city and township residents. Take advantage of it.

Roses for the Cleveland Indians for a historic season. Roses for the Cavs for getting past Cryie Irving and positioning themselves with strategic moves for another Finals push. Roses for the Browns for, ummm let’s see…. Aw, just forget it!

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