From this morning's local paper:
Jefferson County Democratic Party Chairman John Abdalla received confirmation Tuesday from the Kerry-Edwards campaign that Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Sen. John Kerry will visit Steubenville on Saturday.
"I just had all the Kerry people with me today," Abdalla said Tuesday afternoon.
As for where the presidential hopeful will appear, Abdalla said, "It's definitely 'The Fort.'"
"The Fort" is how people in the area refer to as the Fort Steuben Visitor's Center, located on Third Street across from the police station, Abdalla said.
He could not be specific on the exact time Kerry will appear, saying only, "They said to me between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. - I have no set time."
Jerry Barilla, a member of the Fort Steuben board, said permission was granted for the Kerry event. He noted the people coming to see and hear Kerry will be in the larger area of the historical site known as Fort Steuben Park, which includes the visitor's center.
"The visitor's center is going to be used as logistics for the Secret Service," Barilla said. He added that on Tuesday, Kerry's advance team staff was looking at logistics of the site.
"The Secret Service is supposed to come in today," he added.
Barilla said the Kerry advance team liked the site because of its historical significance.
Abdalla said tickets, which are free, will be required to gain admittance to the event.
Tickets may be picked up starting Thursday at either the Jefferson County Democratic Party Headquarters, 138 N. Fourth St., Steubenville, or at Abdalla's Restaurant, Ohio 7, Stratton, Ohio.
Abdalla said the party headquarters will be open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. and the restaurant from 9 a.m. to midnight.
The tickets could be available later this afternoon, but Abdalla said he wasn't sure about that. He note that as of Tuesday afternoon, the party headquarter's phone line had not yet been connected.
No identification will be required to obtain tickets, Abdalla said.
"Just tell me your name and sign in and then take them," Abdalla said.
Abdalla said there would likely be a limit on the number of tickets available to each inidividual, but he did not know what that limit would be. As for how many people would be allowed into the event Abdalla said, "They'll probably put in 10,000 to 11,000."
The event will be held rain or shine, so Abdalla said he'll be appealing to a higher power for good weather on Saturday.
"I have a phone call directly to St. Peter to give me nice weather," Abdalla said. "He's never let me down."
Meanwhile, a veteran who served with Kerry in Vietnam will spend two days speaking to veterans across the Mountain State. Jim Rassmann is scheduled to visit Wheeling on Thursday. He will be joined by Medal of Honor recipient and West Virginia Veterans for Kerry-Edwards Chairman Woody Williams and West Virginia Veterans for Kerry-Edwards Co-Chairman Don Kinnard.
Rassmann, Williams and Kinnard are expected to meet with local veterans at 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 1, located at 2401 Oak St., Wheeling.
_________________________
Trot out the veterans you dishonored, Johnny.
One correction - my father (Bob Hickle) isn't a triple threat... :) He is most definately NOT a catholic!!!! He is Methodist... But I appreciate everyone's most positive reaction to his decision. Unfortunately, the local Unions, who make up a good deal of his business at the SPORTING CLAY range (LOL- the trap field isn't even in yet) will likely not be as supportive as they have over the past year. I would invite you all to visit his website http://www.islandcreeksc.com or even e-mail him in support (you can find his e-mail address on the About the Owner section of the website) Also - we are looking for lots of local support for an event we are having September 25th - The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Shoot - to benefit the children of servicemembers killed in the line of duty. The page about the Shoot is http://www.islandcreeksc.com/events.htm
Thanks so much for this great thread - it has lifted my heart.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Barnett
Webmaster (&daughter) Island Creek Sporting Clays, Inc.