Today's Features

Ron Steele believes that New Year’s resolutions to get into shape are a waste of time.

For the 45-year-old Steele, who has lost more than 100 pounds since 2004 in a life-long struggle against diabetes, the word diet means very little. 

“I did not go on a diet,” he said. “I made a lifestyle change. To me, you fail because you go an a diet. I made up my mind to make a lifetime commitment. That’s the only way you’re going to succeed.”

HEATH SPRINGS – The staff at Springs Memorial Hospital knew exactly what was going on when the strains of Johannes Brahms’ “Lullaby” rang out over the intercom during the wee morning hours of Jan. 1.

It signaled the birth of Jayden Elijah Jacques Anthony.

Jayden arrived at 1:47 a.m. on New Year’s Day, making him the first baby born in 2009 in Lancaster County.

He weighed 5 pounds, 13 ounces and was 18 1/4 inches long.

From a courthouse fire and the nastiest local political race I can recall in my life (the state Senate 16 seat), to hard times, lost jobs and $4 a gallon gas, no one can deny that we had our share of serious issues to deal with in 2008.

But, we also saw circumstances that bring out the best in folks.

Randy Cook is a pretty good carpenter, as evidenced by the kitchen of the High Point Circle home he shares with his wife, Crystal, and their three children.

Spotless and neat, the kitchen walls bear new paint, cabinets have been repaired and new floor covering is down. Family photos hang on the refrigerator.

Randy has plenty of time on his hands these days to fix up the house that he moved his family into less than a month ago.

Just like many around Lancaster whose lives revolve around a shrinking housing and home repair market, Randy Cook can’t find a job.