Each day in the U.S. approximately 100 people take their own lives, leaving behind loved ones to struggle with the loss, grief and all of those questions that begin with "Why ...?"

Worldwide approximately 2,700 people take their own lives each day, leaving behind loved ones to struggle with the loss, grief and all of those questions that begin with "Why ... ?"

Too often survivors of suicide loss believe the death of their loved one is somehow shameful or that they or their family are to blame. But research shows that more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying, although not always diagnosed, psychiatric illness at the time of their death, most often depression.

The holiday season can be particularly difficult for survivors. To help, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's International Survivors of Suicide Day will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, in more than 300 cities around the world, including here in Bellefontaine at the Hillcrest Baptist Church, 1505 S. Main St. from noon to 3:30 p.m. The program is also available on line. For more information visit www.afsp.org.

Mary Giannola
West Liberty

I am writing on behalf of the village of Quincy council. This article is just to remind everyone in the village of Quincy Corporation that we are a part of Logan County and village residents vote at the Quincy Community Building, 503 Carlisle St. in Quincy.

Village residents have two levies on the ballot this year. Both are five-year, 3.2 levies that are replacement levies and have been in place for several years. They are part of the base of operational funds in the village of Quincy. These levies each produce approximately $17,000 per year and support the General Fund and Street Fund. Small communities have lost so much state and federal funding and the basic support levies are vital to operating our communities.

The General Fund supports all operations in the village, while the Street Levy supports all aspects of repairs, matching funds, leaf pickup, snow removal and maintenance to the streets. These services are important to all village residents. I am asking for residents' support by voting yes to replace the levies for another five years. This will help provide street lighting, maintaining the parks, hours of patrolling, fire and rescue support and maintaining village streets.

Anyone with a question, concern, or would like to look at financial information should contact me with those issues and I will be glad to help and provide the most accurate information I can. I am in the office Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Please remember this is for the entire village, our families, our neighbors, our friends and ourselves. Please support the village of Quincy and vote yes on the two levies on Nov. 6.

Sandra S. Ward
Fiscal Officer
Quincy

If you want truth, justice and equity, Bridget Hawkins for judge! Ms. Hawkins has been an active part of this community for many years. She is a self-employed business woman who is a true leader in her office, home and community. As a single working woman she raised her nephew from second grade through high school so her sister who was active in the military could serve her country. The well-being of the people and especially the children in our community has been her focus for many years. She has been a Boy Scout leader, foster mother, guardian ad litem and has served or is actively serving agencies in different capacities to help our community achieve its full potential and resolve issues. We don't need a commander in the courthouse, we need a leader! We need a judge that is in it for the people not the paycheck. Bridget is a leader who will move our court in a new and constructive direction to enable our citizens to be served in a proper and equitable manner.

Patricia Leslie
Bellefontaine

To the persons who stole my sign saying Vote no on West Liberty School Levy property tax goes up.

I thought we still lived in America, where we still have free speech to say what we want. When is taxing the property owner going to stop? I will make a prediction in five years the school will want a 9.5 mill levy.
I also made a sign that said:

Vote no on Macochee Ambulance Service property taxes go up.

That sign at least made it five days before somebody kicked the sign in and just totally destroyed the sign. With both levies passing my property tax will go up almost $400 in one year. That's crazy! I need somebody to explain to me why do renters get to vote on these levies. They pay no property tax. My money tree in the back yard isn't growing anymore money.

Mike Miller
West Liberty

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet two of the candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court during a campaign trip by both of them through Logan County. I know many people are unsure of who even serves on the highest court in Ohio or who may be on the ballot for election to Ohio's highest court this November, so I wanted to make sure citizens are aware of this information.

As a practicing attorney for more than 35 years, and having reviewed the records of the candidates, I believe that the incumbent sitting Justice Robert Cupp, and candidate, Judge Sharon Kennedy, have the integrity and personal record that I want to see in someone who sits on the bench of the highest court in Ohio. As a practicing attorney and business owner, I am well aware of the decisions the court can make impacting the business climate and employment opportunities across Ohio. Both Justice Cupp and Judge Kennedy believe they should not legislate from the bench, but allow the Ohio Legislature to do its job and rule only on the constitutionality of the laws passed and proper application of such laws to the facts of individual cases. I believe in the separation of powers in the branches of government and so do Justice Robert Cupp and Judge Sharon Kennedy. Please join me in voting for these two superior candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court.

Thank you.

Howard A. Traul II
Bellefontaine

What kind of Supreme Court do we want for the future, a progressive one or a severely conservative one? The next president will likely appoint one, maybe two Supreme Court justices. This, in my opinion, is the number one consideration, rather than the economy, in choosing which presidential candidate to vote for this year.

The economy, often cited as the most important issue, is improving and is expected to continue, no matter who is elected. In his article entitled, "Indicators suggest next president will enjoy strong economy," Fareed Zakaria states, "This is partly because of the dynamism of the U.S. economy but also because of the timely and intelligent actions of the Fed and the Obama administration."

The issue of abortion is likely to come up with the next Supreme Court. Although I do not like abortion, I don't want to see it criminalized. I think providing free birth control to women is the best way to keep the numbers down, yet still keep it legal for those who really need it. A recent study found that up to two thirds of U.S. abortions could be prevented with free access to birth control.

I urge your support for Barack Obama.

Karen Kennedy
Bellefontaine

I endorse Ann Jacobs for 1st District Representative to the state board of education. I have served with Ann for the past four years, and greatly admire the seriousness and diligence with which she has performed her responsibilities and the many principled stands she has taken on several issues, in order to look out for the interests of schools and students and to protect the independent, non-partisan nature of the state board. We need Ann Jacobs at the board table to continue her good work on behalf of students and citizens.

Robin C. Hovis
5th District Representative
State Board of Education of Ohio
Millersburg