Dick Farrell was editor of The Times-Reporter in Dover-New Philadelphia for 19 years, writing a weekly column that spoke to the issues of the day. Prior to that, he served the paper since 1973 in various reporting and editing positions. He is a resident of Dover, a native of Lakewood, Ohio and a graduate of Kent State University's School of Journalism. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Kent-Tuscarawas since 1980. Farrell has been a Bargain Hunter contributor since mid-2011. He and his wife, Suzanne, have two adult children and two grandchildren.
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Welcome to the real world (really)
Published: May 14, 2013
Dick Farrell gives advice to graduates.
What do I think about that? No comment
Published: May 08, 2013
Dick Farrell appreciates suggestions from his readers for future topics for his commentaries, but there are a few topics that are off limits.
Careers: Do as I say, not what I did
Published: May 02, 2013
Dick Farrell says times have certainly changed, including the job market, for which today's seniors need to be prepared. In this week's column, he presents his top five career paths for 2013.
God help the Cleveland Browns
Published: April 25, 2013
Dick Farrell says he did like Jimmy Haslam. Read his column this week and see why he has changed his mind.
A primer for parents of little sluggers
Published: April 17, 2013
Dick Farrell has some excellent advice for parents of children who play youth league baseball/softball.
A billion people can’t be wrong, can they?
Published: April 12, 2013
Dick Farrell has a somewhat tongue-in-cheek appraisal of Facebook, but reminds us that it does have some redeeming qualities.
Seemed like a good idea at the time...
Published: April 03, 2013
Dick Farrell not a fan of privatizing the Ohio Turnpike.
You are not dumb, dear reader
Published: March 27, 2013
Dick Farrell says the good news at New Towne Mall is that retail sales seem to be improving and JC Penney seems to have grasped the concept that shoppers do desire sales on merchandise.
In Steubenville, what label is the right one?
Published: March 22, 2013
Dick Farrell goes on record to support the conviction of the two Steubenville football players who raped a teen girl who obviously had too much to drink.
Take your shoes off, but the knife is OK
Published: March 15, 2013
Dick Farrell has more questions for his readers this week than answers.
Sequestration? What will they come up with next?
Published: March 05, 2013
Dick Farrell turns to his hero, Warren Buffett, for his take on sequestration.
Ask yourself, would you buy stock in the USPS?
Published: February 28, 2013
If the USPS offered stocks, would you invest? Read what Dick Farrell thinks.
Random observations: I’d rather be golfing, too
Published: February 20, 2013
Dick Farrell wonders if anyone cares about the state of the downtown areas in Dover and New Philadelphia.
When it comes to taxes, the shift is on
Published: February 12, 2013
Dick Farrell is "cautiously skeptical" about Gov. Kasich's budget plan.
Mayors' salaries -- you figure it out
Published: February 05, 2013
Dick Farrell comments on the salaries of both the Dover and New Philadelphia mayors.
Some of us are too late to reset too much
Published: January 29, 2013
Dick Farrell says technology is killing our jobs and our middle-class lifestyle.
For job seekers, attitude still trumps the skill set
Published: January 23, 2013
Dick Farrell says attitude may trump skill sets when seeking employment.
Officers in schools? Phila to test idea
Published: January 15, 2013
It will be interesting to hear the take from New Philadelphia area residents on their school district’s request for passage of a 9.6-mill additional operating levy, which would include $500,000 to pay for four school resource officers.
There are people I remember ...
Published: January 09, 2013
Dick Farrell talks about the bad side of Facebook.
Good news? Sinkhole finishes on top
Published: January 02, 2013
Dick Farrell thinks that the fact that the top local story in Tuscarawas County in 2012 was the sinkhole near Dover as voted on by readers of a local daily publication is pretty telling of the kind of year it was here in east-central Ohio, or of the...
It seems we've created a deadly mix
Published: December 18, 2012
In the aftermath of the Newtown, Conn. shootings, Dick Farrell says we need a proactive approach-- from the federal top, starting with President Obama and our easily influenced Congress.
Lorain bunch becoming charters' nightmare
Published: December 11, 2012
This week, Dick Farrell comments on the issue of public school versus charter school expenditures.
I'm about ready to jump off the fiscal cliff
Published: December 04, 2012
Dick Farrell says most Americans don't understand what the fiscal cliff is, nor do they care much, although they probably ought to.
Throwing a flag at OHSAA playoff format
Published: November 30, 2012
Dick Farrell says the time has come for the Ohio High School Athletic Association to move parochial schools into their own playoff divisions, at least for football and basketball.
A lot of knowledge passed between generations at the dinner table
Published: November 20, 2012
Kids don't sit at the dinner table with their parents anymore. It was there that a lot of knowledge passed between the generations.
The election: A retrospective. Kind of.
Published: November 14, 2012
Now that the election is over, Dick Farrell says the folks in Congress had better get along, and fast.
Mr. President, we have some work to do
Published: November 06, 2012
Did you realize the United States has been at war in Afghanistan for 12 years, or that 49 percent of Americans live in a household that receives some type of government entitlement? Dick Farrell outlines some of the problems the President (whoever...
New Philadelphia's downtown losing old friend
Published: October 30, 2012
New Philadelphia City Council, if it hasn't already, might want to put its downtown on some kind of a priority list.
Charter schools flunk the smell test
Published: October 25, 2012
Dick Farrell thinks maybe politicians should keep their noses out of education.
Don't look for an endorsement here
Published: October 18, 2012
One of my loyal readers thinks I ought to use this space to endorse a presidential candidate.
Uh, no.
Unkindest cut: Map diminishes Tuscarawas County’s influence
Published: October 12, 2012
Where has Tuscarawas County's political influence gone? The future doesn't look bright, according to Dick Farrell.
Dover tries a different fix; Congress goes home
Published: October 02, 2012
Dick Farrell decides to discuss politics one more time, noting that the citizens and Congress need to make a pledge: We need to quit the hate.
Never mind, never mind, never mind
Published: September 28, 2012
Columnist Dick Farrell got an education after predicting Ohio would turn red in favor of Mitt Romney in November.
Out on a limb with these predictions, but with a disclaimer
Published: September 18, 2012
Dick Farrell makes his own prediction about the outcome of the upcoming presidential election, with a disclaimer.
'It's in the hole!' and other annoyances
Published: September 14, 2012
Dick Farrell admits there are things that really annoy him.
Anyone paying attention to soybeans in the curb strip?
Published: September 05, 2012
Dick Farrell applauds the actions of surrounding towns and villages in acknowledging the existence of dilapidated properties,. He would like to see the passive leaders of Dover and New Philadelphia do the same.
Glory days are for parents, too
Published: August 27, 2012
Dick Farrell has some advice for parents who have children involved in sports.
It's time: Schools move from analog to digital
Published: August 20, 2012
Dick Farrell applauds the fact that area schools spent the summer ramping up their wireless networks, and thinks the digital initiatives in the schools is long overdue.
Dumb answers for a tough question
Published: August 17, 2012
Dick Farrell says there's something rotten in Tuscarawas County.
Time for a community to step up to the challenge
Published: August 07, 2012
Dick Farrell vents his frustration with the fact that Dover probably won't be able to replace its aging high school anytime soon.
I don't like chicken and I'm proud of it
Published: July 30, 2012
Dick Farrell says let the talking heads on Fox News and MSNBC rant and rave about moral issues.
Bloomberg’s right - it’s time for candidates to talk about guns
Published: July 24, 2012
Dick Farrell says it is time for the candidates to talk about guns.
You probably don't realize that your property taxes are a bargain
Published: July 16, 2012
Dick Farrell says property owners in Tuscarawas and Holmes counties get a pretty good deal on their property taxes. Before you call him a crazy man, read his comparisons of other areas.
Beyond the obit: Remembering Tom Kane
Published: July 09, 2012
Dick Farrell finds Tom Kane's life inspirational and textbook material.
Reporter is believer: Tree fell on house
Published: July 02, 2012
Dick Farrell sees this holiday week as a good time for some quick hitters.
The boys are here: Let’s have a party!
Published: June 26, 2012
Two months with the twins - Dick Farrell says it is time for a nap in a house that is now much too quiet.
Senate campaign takes a turn toward the gutter
Published: June 19, 2012
Dick Farrell is not happy with the tactics that Josh Mandel is using in his campaign for U.S. Senate.
Comatose 'Occupy' fails to deliver a plan
Published: June 12, 2012
Dick Farrell notes that if a public entity wants to avoid a public relations crisis, it should probably avoid entertaining any thoughts of allowing fracking on park and other public.
Write it on their foreheads: Speed kills
Published: June 04, 2012
Dick Farrell stresses that he is not anti-fracking, but he is anti-secret lists.
Chemicals in fracking water? What chemicals?
Published: May 29, 2012
A reliable source tells Dick Farrell that the water supplies within rural areas are most at risk from the fracking process, where the potential introduction of toxins with loose regulations could adversely affect us, our livestock and future...
Dick Farrell appreciates suggestions from his readers for future topics...
Dick Farrell says times have certainly changed, including the job market,...
