Harrison Republicans welcome judge at Ox Roast
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SCIO -- The Harrison County Republican Party gave a warm welcome to a 7th District Court of Appeals judge at its annual fundraiser.
The organization held its annual Ox Roast dinner and fundraiser at the fire hall in Scio, inviting Republicans from across the county to attend, mingle and enjoy themselves while helping to benefit the local party. The event brought 115 people into the fire hall, filling the room with conversation and laughter. Those in attendance Thursday were treated to a home-cooked meal, and guests could register for a 50/50 raffle and a chance to win a new rifle in a drawing. They could also bid on a number of silent auction items donated to help raise funds for the party.
After the meal was finished, John Jones, chairman of the Harrison County Republican Party, recognized several local Republican officials who were at the meeting, including county Commissioners Paul Coffland and Don Bethel, Judges Mark Beetham and Shawn Hervey, Prosecutor Owen Beetham and others. Jones then welcomed the keynote speaker of the night, Judge Carol Ann Robb.
Robb was elected to the 7th District Court of Appeals in 2015 and has spoken at several events for the party. The native of Columbiana County made the main topic of her speech about "political courage" -- putting country above self for the good of all. Robb gave examples from history of men and women who followed their political beliefs, even when it could have cost them their livelihoods or their lives. One examples she cited was the Founding Fathers deciding to sign the Declaration of Independence in defiance of the English crown.
"Each man there knew what he risked," Robb said.
Other examples she gave included Abraham Lincoln standing against slavery and Gerald Ford pardoning Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal. She encouraged everyone in attendance to show political courage whenever they could and worked together to help make the county and country a better place.
"I always love to come to this area," Robb said after her speech. She added that she always finds a very welcoming and energetic crowd in Harrison County when she comes, and was glad to have the chance to visit again. "I hope people leave having learned something and feeling encouraged."