We were saddened to hear of the death of Walton Supervisor John Meredith, who died of complications from a brain tumor on Oct. 26.
Meredith was 29, and yet, it is apparent from the outpouring of praise that came in the days after his death that he accomplished a great deal in his short life and left an indelible impression. Residents, fellow officials, friends, family and even people who didn't personally know Meredith lamented his death, citing his accomplishments, hard work, humor, wisdom and genuine interest in reaching out to citizens.
"He was meant for the position of supervisor," Walton Deputy Supervisor Bruce Dolph said. "He did an excellent job and was always right on top of everything."
Delaware County Treasurer Beverly Shields said, "John was a vital member of the county of Delaware government. His thoughts were never self-centered. They were always in the best interest of the taxpayers."
Meredith is an example of someone who believed in our area enough to dedicate his life to its betterment. He was elected to the post at the age of 23. He was running unopposed for his fourth two-year term in office, which signals just how much the residents of Walton believed in him.
His absence will be felt for a long time, and we offer our condolences to those who knew and loved him.
{"Headline24"/}Ask for help
if you need it
{"Body Text Edit"/}As the weather gets colder, more people are worrying how heating their homes will affect their budgets. But, for many, there is help available. Applications are being accepted for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program.
Those receiving food stamps and/or public assistance can be helped by the Department of Social Services, and assistance for people ages 60 and older is available from the Office of the Aging. Other eligible households can be helped by Delaware Opportunities, Opportunities for Otsego and the like.
In addition, more people may now qualify for food stamps, as new gross-income guidelines have been announced for eligibility.
In these tough economic times, we urge people to research the offerings. Though it's sometimes tough to admit needing aid, the recession has made it difficult for many just to get by, and asking is nothing to be ashamed of.
Local agencies have made themselves available to help people, and it could be a simple as making an appointment, filling out an application and perhaps going on an interview. All those who can should take advantage of these valuable programs and not let their pride get in the way of need.
