### 1. Key Excerpts and Observations
The author, Bob Batzenheimer, explores the charm and humor found in the names of small American towns, contrasting them with major metropolitan areas.
> "The oddball names go on and on as if their purpose is to make roadmaps a bit more interesting to read and the readers of those maps a chance to have a few chuckles."
> "Yessiree, our forefathers and foremothers came up with some dandy names, all right."
**Town Names Highlighted:**
* **The Unusual:** Rabbit Hash (KY), Bullhead (AZ), Pahrump (NV), Bunkie (LA).
* **The Descriptive/Ironic:** Winterville (NC), Boiling Springs (SC), Sunrise (FL), Spirit Lake (IA).
* **Colors & Nature:** Orange (CT), Blue Earth (MN), Red Wing (MN), White Marsh (MD), Soddy Daisy (TN).
* **Action/Objects:** Flippin (AR), Broken Bow (OK), Hatboro (PA), Tell City (IN).
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### 2. Comprehensive Information Summary
#### Columnist’s Perspective
Bob Batzenheimer expresses a preference for "interesting" and "oddball" town names over generic large city names like Chicago, New York, or Detroit. He suggests these names provide character to the American landscape and offer a sense of historical whimsy from the country's founders.
#### Local News Context (Vandalia, OH)
At the time of this archive, the *Vandalia Drummer News* was reporting on several key local issues:
* **JEDZ Approval:** Township voters approved a Joint Economic Development Zone (JEDZ) by wide margins.
* **Transportation Outsourcing:** There was ongoing public debate and school board discussion regarding the outsourcing of school district transportation.
* **Legal/Personnel Issues:** The City Manager was cited for an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired).
* **Community Events:** A "Play for a Cure" game against Tecumseh was scheduled for September 6, and a local job fair was set to host 25 employers.
* **Business Growth:** A Flying J Travel Center recently opened for business.
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### 3. Publication & Contact Information
* **Address:** 69 N Dixie Dr, Suite E., Vandalia, OH 45377-2059
* **Phone:** 937-236-4990
* **Classifieds:** 372-4444
* **Author Contact:** [email protected]
* **Publisher:** Ohio Community Media (Software by 1up! Software)
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### 4. Navigation & Features
The website provided various community resources including:
* **Directories:** Church, Service, and Business directories.
* **Classifieds:** Garage sales (with maps), legal notices, and job listings via *JobSourceOhio*.
* **Extras:** Flight tracking, gas prices, mortgage rates, and Sudoku/crossword puzzles.