Friday Edition of the 2021 Hetuck, The Buckeye Boys State Newspaper

Volume 82, Issue 5

Friday, June 18, 2021

State Bank to Sue Saxton Administration Jack Wolf, Reporter

Legal action has been the focal point of the first two official business days at BBS. The attorney general has been drowning in cases from all over. Early on Thursday morning a lawsuit against the administration was filed on behalf of the BBS bank.

President of the bank Om Patel dealt with the attorneys and has been interviewed. The general tone of our conversation was lighthearted and comedic, suggesting minimal severity as seen in the eyes of Patel. Patel recalls the first day of business operations. Talking about standard operating procedures, he said, “During that first day our main focus was to open up and then get certified as a state bank.” The certification he mentions was acquired through the Secretary of State's office and Jahari via a 99-dollar fee.

filed a lawsuit against the administration. He intends to sue over wasting bank operating time as well as charging him funds already accounted for.

While not severe, the lawsuit serves as a statement

by Patel as to how he handles red tape.

This lawsuit has helped set Mr. Patel apart as a serious businessman who doesn’t like to deal with the often roundabout nature of bureaucracy. His battle axe approach to things that frustrate him should help to ensure that people trust him with their money and financial information. In the future it would behoove the politicians of Boys State to shoot straight with the president of the bank.

The following day, members from the Director of Commerce were sent to Patel’s office requesting $20,000 for an (already paid) operating license. Patel withheld the payment and sought counsel. Later on Patel once again would meet with Jahari, Secretary of State, attempting to clear up the confusion. He was then informed that the Governor had signed an executive order, ordering that Patel had to pay the $20,000. The order was signed without ever having formal interaction with Patel.

Resisting the order, Patel spoke with the Director of Commerce, threatening to sue.

Under pressure, the Director conceded saying that basic paperwork was all that needed to be filed. However the office did request that Patel pay a transfer fee of one dollar. Yes, one dollar.

This sent Patel over the edge as he officially

Cartoon drawing by: Adam Boogaard

2 The Hetuck

A Night With The Secretary Of State.

Isaac Jones, Reporter

The assembly began with the band, immaculate as always, as the accompaniment to Bishop's boisterous presence. The audience, more than usual, took aim at Bishop and definitely set the tone for the evening. The bell tolled, the flags were staked, and the speaker of the evening was presented.

Welcomed to the stage, as only Boys State can, was Frank LaRose, Ohio’s acting Secretary of State. Secretary LaRose has a meritorious and frankly incredible career that he ran through in order to frame the thesis of his speech. As a young man, LaRose was deeply inspired by a mentor in the scouts, Bill Miller, who, in his early adult life, enlisted in the military to help quell the Nazi scourge. Not only did this man survive the beaches of Normandy, but inspired a multitude of young men to adhere to patriotism and perhaps serve the country themselves. His message was centered on the importance of leadership and voting, interestingly postulating that in every election “we the people have the opportunity to peacefully overthrow the government.” In terms of leadership, he recounted a story about himself standing before a terrified throng of soldiers and a burly drill sergeant, and telling said sargeant that he was the leader of this enlistment. After his speech, a memorial service was held for the fallen State Highway Patrolman who died in the line of duty. Afterward, Secretary LaRose was made an official member of the American Legion accompanied by thunderous applause from the hundreds of delegates.

In a private interview with members of the Hetuck staff, Secretary LaRose answered a few questions. The first: “why has Boys State endured as a revered program nationwide?” He begins by lauding the program’s convivial atmosphere and the care with which the administrators insert fun aspects to the program. He then explains the legacy of the program and the jealousy his staff felt when he told them he’d be speaking to the assembled Boy’s State. Additionally, the Secretary said “it’s worthwhile and it creates lasting memories. But also, you learn a lot! Right? And that’s kinda the pointright?” The second: “Do you have any advice for the delegates Photo credits: William Sprague looking to make a difference in their community?” Secretary LaRose echoed his speech, noting the importance of voting and the outlet of civic duties such as pole working. Conversely, Secretary LaRose, with a wink and a nudge, urged more people to run for public office. As people of good moral fiber and resilience are a necessity. In turn, Secretary LaRose quoted Winston Churchill “Democracy is the worst form of government… except for all others.” In other words, to shelter our democracy, leaders must rise and take the mantle of public office, for better, or for worse. The final question: “How does it feel to be a part of the American Legion?” Secretary LaRose laughed, a massive smile spreading from ear to ear. “It’s great and it’s something I always thought about doing. Ya know, as a combat veteran- and I still serve in the reserves in the military. But it’s something I’ve always thought about doing.” He recalled his enchantment with the Legionnaires even at the age of five. He remembers “watching the guys with the funny hats walk by and wondering what that was all about.” A childhood dream come true and a lifelong commitment Boys State Secretary of State Jahari Henry (left) poses with to the United States and her conOhio Secretary of State Frank stitution.

LaRose (right)

The Hetuck 3

Congressman Davidson Looks Back Ryder Fried, Reporter

Warren Davidson, a conservative U.S Congressman from Ohio’s 8th Congressional District, rarely has time to reflect. However, despite his busy schedule, he was able to fit in a short interview with a member of The Hetuck staff.

In speaking to The Hetuck, Davidson outlined what got him to the position he is in today.

Davidson recalled the impact of his high school guidance counselor, Dorothy Franklin, as a major influence in his life. Before heading off to the army, Franklin sat down with the future Congressman to talk to him about college and his future. This conversation is one that Davidson still remembers to this day.

As for his Congressional career, there have been multiple proposed bills that are stuck inside Davidson’s brain, like a piece of gum inside of a school desk. No proposed piece of legislation, however, sticks out to Davidson as much as the proposed healthcare reforms of the first two years of the Trump presidency. After much debate between House Republicans, where factions of moderates and conservatives were lashing out at each other, the House had finally narrowly passed a reform of Obamacare. The bill, however, did not pass the Senate. Davidson remembers this moment vividly, telling the Hetuck, “It was painful to watch it fail in the Senate and then us not take it back up and deliver on the promise Republicans had made for a long time.” Davidson is still disappointed over the lack of delivering on the promises to repeal Obamacare.

As for recent events, Davidson is happy about the further teachings of the Tulsa Massacre. However, he has problems with the way some of America’s darkest moments have been taught. Davidson has great issues with the 1619 Project, he told The Hetuck, “The 1619 Project takes that grain of truth [America's Darkest Moments] and introduces an element of critical theory. [The New York Times] just puts race in between it and the purpose of [The 1619 Project] is to divide, it’s not to unite or heal” One of the more controversial votes throughout Davidson’s career on Capitol Hill came a couple of days ago, when he voted to not award Congressional Gold Medals to the police defending the Capitol on January 6th. Due to this bill being the second version of the same act of legislation, and the fact that this bill included a police officer who died on April 2nd, as opposed to January 6th, Davidson said, “The re vote was political by Democrats … they just blurred [the death of the officer on April 2nd] with the events of January 6th .. it wasn’t related to January 6th.”

Education Seeks Outside Funding Elijah Schmit, Reporter

It’s no secret that education is low on funds. An entire county was dissolved due to a contract trying to get funding for a college. In an attempt to solve these problems, the Lottery Commission is selling lottery tickets to raise money for education. Michael D Stauffer of Jordan supplied answers to the people’s questions.

The Lottery Commission has raised over $750,000 in just two business days and plans to hit

$1,000,000 by noon today. There are 5 people working in the Lottery Commission. Mr. Stauffer promised that the lottery is not a scam and that the price is reasonable. The price for tickets is $10,000. All of the proceeds will go to the state which is expected to use the funds to help out education. Please buy tickets so that the education sector has proper funding and can carry out their jobs.

4 The Hetuck

Opinion: Miami U. Food to Die For Victor Kallon, Reporter

“See that right there! That is exactly what I’m talking about,” I said to my grandmother leaving the dining hall in a hurry.

“I just want the school to serve some food that I can actually look forward to eating! That’s all I ask! Is that too much to ask? I don’t think so, and as a matter of fact, it would probably benefit performance, seriously!”

I think it is safe to say that the Miami food staff takes their task of serving the BBS community seriously. From the very first day, they set quite the standard and have not let up since. Their diligence in the kitchen is beyond commendable and I can’t speak for everyone, but I know I do my best to not waste a grain of rice. Seriously, that Jasmine rice is bussin bussin.

I spoke with Blake Jennings, manager of the Miami staff, on Thursday in an attempt to share his perspective on the program. I wanted to know how they have experienced Buckeye Boys through a limited perspective, the legionnaires, and the counselors.

I spoke with Mr. Jennings, to give me an idea of what that experience may contain. He told me the program was commendable in its efforts to produce an environment that exposes young men to a true hands on experience instead of a scant explanation. Jennings said “This truly gives you something to take away with you that is applicable everywhere. That’s a great thing.” Jennings reflected a good report of the guys in attendance, stating, “ From what I’ve seen, you guys appear very upstanding. It seems you have a strong focus which is directing you to where you want to go in the future.”

I thank Mr. Jennings for his time and his service. He and his team are a reminder of the hard work and dedication devoted to this program.

Highway Patrol Demonstrates at Thursday Evening Assembly Elijah Schmit, Reporter

Texas is the state where the State Highway Patrol was started in 1923. Ohio then adopted this new agency 10 years later. Since the founding of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 42 Troopers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. The purpose of the demonstration was to honor those lost in service to the great state of Ohio.

To begin the ceremony, the recently graduated State Troopers marched into Millet Arena together.

They assembled in a block next to the stage. Then, a color guard composed entirely of Troopers presented the colors and posted them. A pair of boots, a belt, and a rose were presented as well. The polished boots and belt represented the last step that a Trooper takes before going on patrol. There was a reading of the 42 names with a ring of a bell after every name. While this was going on, the jumbotron presented pictures of the fallen along with their end of watch. The end of watch dates spanned from almost the very beginning of the Patrol to current day.

Also at the evening assembly, the Ohio Secretary of State made an appearance. He even met up with our Secretary of State for the Boys State program, and even got a picture. Mr. LaRose presented Mr. Henry with a pin from his lapel and congratulated him on winning his position. Mr. LaRose proceded to give an excellent speech about leadership and things he has learned along the way. He spoke on his basic training and told a story with the lesson that without leadership, there is confusion, suffering, and pain. He reminded us that the pain we endure will serve us in the future, “You sweat in training so you don’t bleed in battle”. At the end of the assembly, it was revealed that he would be officially joining the American Legion. Mr. LaRose is a beacon of leadership and is a perfect example of how just stepping up as a leader even once can and will change your life.