The ceremonies begin soon. We'll have full coverage online and in the paper. It's a good-sized crowd. The weather's fine. Stop by and say Hi. City Historian Dave Alvord says this is the 133rd consecutive Memorial Day (Decoration Day) observance.

When I get a chance, I'll let you know how it's going.

 Chelsea Phillips and Katie Lassiter visit me in the Girls' Gym

 More middle schoolers stop by to see me

 Now some of the high school students

The weather is wonderful. The crowd isn't huge, but it is substantial and everyone seems to be having a great time. The car-push was a bit disappointing. The Oneida Police didn't field a team this year. The Oneida firefighters won the trophy easily inasmuch as they had no competition. Anyone know why?

Jolene Cleaver joins our staff today.

She'll be taking over the schools and police beat.

You may remember her; she's been on our staff before, though at the time her last name was Walters.

After leaving The Dispatch (I think it was 2006 or so) she went to work for ARC, even did a bit of real estate sales.

ARC downsized (we all know a lot about that) and she was laid off last year.

Their loss is our gain, because she was a good reporter for us and a pleasure to work with.

She replaces Matt Powers, who's moving on to greener pastures.

Welcome, Jolene.