Cottrel: 2022 a better year for Clark County

Strong winds prevented the inflatable holiday characters from being in the New Carlisle Christmas Parade but the holiday spirit was still felt throughout the city Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. The Tecumseh Band marched in the parade with several characters, who passed out candy along the parade route. Santa was on hand and visited with children and posed for pictures at the New Carlisle Fire Station. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Strong winds prevented the inflatable holiday characters from being in the New Carlisle Christmas Parade but the holiday spirit was still felt throughout the city Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. The Tecumseh Band marched in the parade with several characters, who passed out candy along the parade route. Santa was on hand and visited with children and posed for pictures at the New Carlisle Fire Station. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

The most important thing to remember about 2022 is that it was a big improvement over 2020 and 2021.

Special events reclaimed their traditional dates in 2022. Normal graduations were so appreciated.

In 2022 the Fish Fries at the Sacred Heart Church were back. Over the warmer months, I think every community had a yard sale.

The parades in western Clark County were all back in 2022. Memorial Day and the Fourth of July parades in Enon were fantastic. New Carlisle’s Heritage of Flight and Santa Christmas parades were as much fun as ever.

VFWs and American Legions were back to normal, looking after veterans, holding great fundraisers and serving the communities.

The Fair at New Boston, Heritage of Flight and Apple Butter festivals were back to their original strength and size. High schools celebrated Homecomings again.

The Christmas Cold Snap of 2022 will not be forgotten. I can’t remember so many people having issues with frozen pipes before this.

We did have a White Christmas for those who think snow is necessary to celebrate. It doesn’t always happen, but it’s enjoyable when it does.

We bid farewell to the old Greenon High School, and Possum Middle School. The landscaped lots look so empty now.

Businesses have changed too.

Speedway has a new owner, but the signs are still the same. Speedway Drive is a welcome addition to the traffic pattern in Enon.

Evans Ranch has replaced Studebakers. I miss Studebakers’ rows of beautiful blooming trees along Ohio 571 in the spring, but Evans Ranch is doing some fantastic things for the community too.

Looking to the future, we see lots of construction going on.

Enon traffic patterns will be in chaos for a few months while Enon-Xenia from Mud Run bridge to Green Vista Drive is being torn up for new storm sewer and drainage construction, sanitary sewer work, water main and gas line work, and roadway and sidewalk construction.

There is no convenient way to do all this. It’s going to take 10 months, so please be patient. Please watch out for workers, pedestrians and new detours.

The City of New Carlisle has been awarded three different grants that will be used to make big improvements with minimal costs to the city.

The Fenwick Drive Reconstruction Phase II Improvement Project will go on in the spring. Carlisle Park will get a full-sized basketball court and ADA accessible swing. Three gazebos and new concrete pad will improve the swimming pool area. No dates yet for these projects.

To close out 2022, New Carlisle is having its annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in beautiful downtown New Carlisle. Starting at 9 p.m. this event is free. Even the hot dogs and hot chocolate are free while supplies last. DJ Tommy will provide the music. And the crazy Cold Hard Cash Giveaway will also take place. Downtown stores will be open. Dress warm and expect to have a great time bringing in 2023.

Wishing you all a blessed and happy 2023.

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