The Hetuck - 2024 - Volume 85, Issue 5 - Friday

Volume 85, Issue 5

Friday, June 14, 2024

SoS: Fine Frenzy at BBS

By Jacob Dougherty

gered by the fines and looks to further education During recreation time Wednesday after- on process to avoid in the future.

“I really want to see my town happy, and noon, delegates across American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) were shocked to see fines [it is unfair] seeing these unnecessarily put fines ranging from $50 to $150 from the Secretary of that could have been regulated better, and we could State (SoS) office. This fine was a result of im- have been shown the steps in a more efficient way. properly filling out the campaign funding form, a We really could have been taught better,” Salazar form used to track donations to one’s campaign to said.

However, not all delegates are angered by ensure no legal violations or fraud.

While some delegates found the fines fair, the fines. Mitchell Velazquez of Dieringer City had and an unfortunate result of negligence on their this to say about the fine he received: “At first I own part, others were outraged by the fines, find- was angry about it because I did not see a flaw in ing the strict guidelines and harsh penalties unfair. [my form], but [the SoS] explained the violation As so many are financially recovering from their and I think that’s fair…I acknowledge that I did campaigns, they feel the fine is just an extra strain not ask anyone about it…that’s on me for not pursuing knowledge on how to [complete the form]” on their savings.

SoS Sadhil Mehta of Dieringer City adJeffery Barhorst of Favreau City was given a minor offense and a $50 fine as a result of his dressed the concerns and tried to quell the outrage amongst the citizenry. campaign for House of Representatives.

“I am sorry, but it is our department’s job “If it is such a ‘minor error’ why does it cost me $50…I think [the SoS] should have only to make sure all those campaign funding sheets [given fines] with major [errors] like complete ab- were in order, and it is under our jurisdiction to sence of papers or certain information,” Barhorst fine those whose sheets were not in order. Whether they had a minor mistake or a major mistake it said. cannot be exHe was cused…It is by law, also angered by we have to do this,” what he believes to Mehta said. be a lack of clarity.

Whether the deleBarhorst said that gates agree or disathe fine did not, gree with the fines, “clearly line out all concur that the what [was] messed fines have caused up in the campaign huge tremors across paper, [the SoS] ALBBS. Delegates should explain what are waiting to see if I did before I pay the fines will blow $50.”

Photo by: Max Shank over, or if deleSantiago The Secretary of State, Sadhil Mehta, of Dieringer City, gates’ threats of Salazar of Favreau City was also an- listening to a member of his office give a status update dur- legal action will ing a meeting. come to fruition.

The Hetuck

Page 2

Learning the 9 to 5

By Jeremy King While delegates always want to win their electoral races, many simply aren’t that lucky and end up finding themselves on Tuesday night without a job. Given the required one hundred percent employment rate at American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS), all remaining delegates must go to the job fair to get hired to various state positions.

One such delegate is Mitchell Peters of Pennell City. Peters was originally hoping to be a state senator, but didn’t win his election. Now he is the director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which he described as “Awesome!”

“I really like the environment and I didn’t think this is the kind of position I would end up in at all,” Peters said.

Two days later, Peters still had the same enthusiasm as when he first became director.

“It’s been going pretty well. I’ve been constantly busy, but I think that's a good thing,” said Peters.

Under his direction, since the opening of state government on Wednesday, the EPA has worked to carry out the people’s business.

“We’ve been working with the department of higher education, to train people in trade schools how to manufacture in a good way that won’t harm the environment. Also, we were notified about an issue with the overpopulation of geese, and we’re trying to figure out a way to get rid of them humanely,” Peters said.

Another delegate, Jared Boucher of Dieringer City, said, “When I came here, I didn’t have [a plan] set, but I just had a vague idea of wanting to do public safety.”

He tried out for multiple different positions, such as Highway Patrol, but didn’t end up getting any of them. He eventually settled on becoming the director of operations for the Department of Disaster Services (DDS).

“I think it's gonna be pretty interesting.

I’m hoping to be a firefighter when I graduate [from high school], and I think it’ll help a little bit

with that,” Boucher explained.

Now that some time has passed, Boucher talked about what he’s doing in the DDS: “It’s fun.

Hectic, but fun.”

Lastly, Caleb Oehrtman of Favreau City also had an unexpected experience.

“Originally I wanted to run for the county commissioner of Konold, but instead I went in [the job fair] and got a job for the treasurer,” Oehrtman explained.

He says he is excited, as he had been originally going for a leadership role, and now gets to fulfill that as head cashier, the second in command to the state treasurer.

“It’s a fun job really, I get to run around all day and just do stuff. Mainly what I do is cash operations for the state treasury,” Oehrtman concluded.

Oehrtman works hard to make sure everything is filed correctly and so that money continues to flow throughout the state government.

While ALBBS teaches delegates a lot about civics and the workings of government, it also teaches them that failure is not necessarily the end, so long as you work hard and carry on.

Photo by: Max Shank

Delegates chatting about job possibilities at the State Government Job Fair. Opportunities ranged from jobs in the Parks and Recreation Department to Utilities.

Page 3

The Hetuck

Controversy Erupts as Drivers Licenses Make a Comeback Across the State

By Cole Farbizo State However, government opponents to officials of the the decision American Lehave exgion Buckeye pressed conBoys State cerns about (ALBBS) has the potential found itself distraction facing controand shift in versy in the focus that first hours of driver's licensfull operations. es may bring Following the to the proPhoto by: Elliot Wall reintroduction gram. of drivers liJackson Local law enforcement have been pulling over citizens who walk withcenses for delout their licenses. Tickets are written for anyone who do not have their Streets from licenses properly registered with the BBS Bureau of Motor Vehicles. egates for the Chapman, a first time durdelegate coning the 85th Session of ALBBS, many delegates victed for not having a license argues, “I think it's have spoke out against that possible government stupid…I have to go to court and I have to pay 50 overreach. dollars for it…who cares, I'm tired of all these The decision to implement driver's lirules.” censes has sparked a heated debate among particiAs the talks go on, the government will pants, organizers, and the delegate community as a aim to listen to any worries and make sure the prowhole. Some argue that this addition provides a gram keeps its important values while also meeting more realistic experience for the delegates, as rethe needs and hopes of the delegates. They hope to ceiving a drivers license is an important milestone make sure everyone feels included and that the for young adults. discussions are helpful for everyone involved.

The Director of Motor Vehicles Landon Ultimately, the controversy will serve as Wigfeild of Chapman City states, “it's important a reminder that implementing tradition into our because it gives the delegates another form of idengovernment requires careful consideration by the tification.” delegates and a commitment to the values that they were taught to uphold.

The Hetuck

Page 4

Bite-Sized City Tales

The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity and excitement for the delegates at American Legion Buckeye Boys State. In the sometimes overwhelming flood of work and papers, many delegates have become hyper-focused on their individual jobs. But many cities have stories to tell, and so some highlights from several cities have been compiled:

Ridenour City

Voices cry out in the night: Ridenour City begs for a bedtime story! The entirety of Ridenour has been heard requesting a bedtime story from their counselor following the conclusion of each nightly city meeting. So far, the pleas have been largely unsuccessful; only once has a bedtime story been granted.

Stockner City

You can’t read Stockner City’s poker face: During recreational hours, citizens of Stockner have been seen playing games of poker in their common areas. Thanks to the controversial gambling incident in Konold County, the question of whether Stockner is hosting an illegal casino has arisen. However, the citizens maintain that while poker chips have been used, no money has changed hands.

Peltier City

Peltier City pride is on the rise: The citizens of Peltier have steadily been growing louder and making their voices heard, proclaiming, “What do we fear? Peltier!” in a display of support and loyalty.

Delegates residing in Peltier say that their sights are set on bringing home an honor flag.

Opinion collection by staff of The Hetuck Aggregation of data by Julian Oconer

“Citation City” Cartoon by Olufemi Odiah