Toast Virginia Tech for putting on a graduation ceremony that, by all accounts, struck the right balance between celebration and mourning. It was an emotional weekend for the entire Hokie family, which still is coming to grips with the tragic shooting last month that claimed 33 lives. It was a class move by the college to award posthumous degrees to those killed in the April 16 attack our hearts go out to all those who are suffering. Roast the physical state of the Monroeville schools. A bond issue that would have raised money for renovations and the expansion of several school buildings was again rejected soundly last week. Whatever the reasons Monroeville voters have sent the levy down to defeat now five times in as many years it is the students who suffer the most, missing out on better technology and proper space to learn.

Innovation is all over the business press. It is the buzzword these days. It is even frequently the subject of this column. But in all our talk of innovation, it is easy to neglect the most important part of it. As it usually does when business tries to express itself, it sounds a little stupid. As if innovation itself is an innovation. Innovation is a long-standing tradition, dating well back into the late 1970s. Just kidding. Actually, it's even older consider the wheel and fire.

HIGHWAY PATROL Deontay L. Shaw, 23, of Detroit, Mich., was charged with failure to yield the right of way Thursday in the collision with the vehicle driven by Deborah A. Talbott, 41, of 471 Fitchville River Road, New London, at the intersection of U.S. 250 and Ohio 162.

MONROEVILLE- Village resident Jan Weltlin cooks with a cause. "It all started last winter when I had more time on my hands,' the 58-year-old said.

Home for Mother's Day weekend, Josh Devaney has taken the opportunity to bring a message of peace to Norwalk. Devaney, a native of Norwalk, and Elsa Mann, a friend from Columbus, protested the war in Iraq Saturday afternoon on the corner of Benedict and Main Street.

Norwalk Fire Chief Doug Coletta announced this morning that John Soisson, a full-time firefighter since April 1992, has been promoted to lieutenant. "John has a good head on his shoulders," Coletta said. "He's very enthusiastic about the department."

Here are some agri-business notes from the Huron and Erie County Farm Service Agency: CRP and CREP implementation prior to contract approval is at participant's own risk

Classy Clovers The club met April 29 at Tyler Baker's house. The pledges were led by secretary Carrie Hinckley. The roll call was taken by naming "a healthy snack."

MAY 12, 1925 The top stories in the Norwalk Reflector-Herald on this date 82 years ago: