Off The Hook
February 19, 2016

Maybe you didn’t know …

By Melanie Behrens

Sometimes we use crazy expressions like riff raff, showboat and barge in without knowing where or how they originated. Recently I came across some definitions and some explanations for their origin. I found it really interesting.
Riff raff means to us, worthless, disreputable or trashy. Here’s an e...

Off The Hook
By Melanie Behrens 
September 25, 2020
Editor’s note: The last article J-T columnist Melanie Behrens was working on before her death April 30 was the following story about Werewolf Lane. The information was supplied by Leroy Cook, who coll...
Off The Hook
By Melanie Behrens 
May 1, 2020
Copper pennies are the smallest increment in our money. And now, monetarily, they’re actually worth almost nothing. Many times in stores and businesses you will see a little jar that says, “need a pen...
Off The Hook
By Melanie Behrens 
April 24, 2020
I came across some information of how a once great retailer got its start and was surprised at the name disclosure at the end. I hope you too will enjoy this. If you were in the market for a watch in ...
U.C. interest income could top $5M for 2026
Local News, News
By Michael Williamson 
November 7, 2026
The county is on track to make another $5 million in interest income by year’s end. During Union County’s third-quarter investment advisory committee meeting, Treasurer Andy Smarra told the commission...
Rezoning proposal draws opposition in Jerome Township
News, Plain City, Plain City News
The 165-acre farm that is looking to be brought into Jerome Township’s commerce district, identified above within the red border, is owned and operated by longtime farmer and township resident Carl Mitchell. With no heirs to pass the farm to, Mitchell is looking to sell the land to be developed under the township’s commerce district, which could open it up to many development uses including data centers if it is rezoned from rural residential district. (Graphic submitted)
Residents worry it could lead to a data center
By Kyle Meddles 
November 7, 2026
Jerome residents aired concerns about a map amendment that looks to rezone 165 acres of farmland into the township’s commerce district, which could open up the land for a litany of development uses in...
Officials explore best routes for farm vehicles in city
Local News, News
By Michael Williamson 
November 7, 2026
Marysville officials are hoping to work with the Union County Commissioners to find the best routes through the city for farm equipment. With many of the streetscape updates in recent years, everythin...
Staffing changes in Marysville lead to self-assessment
Local News, Marysville City Council, News
By Michael Williamson 
November 7, 2026
With all the staffing changes happening at the City of Marysville in recent months, officials are making an effort to pause and assess, to see what needs to happen to get back on track. Marysville Cit...
Marysville  FFA donates meat to Ohio food banks
Local News, News
November 6, 2026
Editor’s note: The following article was submitted by Marysville student William Ramge, class of 2028, on behalf the Marysville FFA program. ––– The Marysville FFA Chapter partnered with the Ohio Depa...
Keep your head down
Local News, News
By Kyle Meddles 
November 6, 2026
A hungry whitetail deer is pictured munching on some leaves just off the trail in Schwartzkopf Park recently. Deer begin to grow their winter coats this time of year, which can lead to some shaggy-loo...