From the Detroit Free Press
Granted, Ohio and Michigan haven’t always acted neighborly.
They almost went to war over Toledo. Two men — one a University of Michigan student, the other a Detroiter — assassinated two presidents from Ohio, James Garfield and William McKinley, respectively. Ohioans — may we call you Ohioans? — derisively refer to Michigan as “that state up north.”
Despite this occasional animosity, the day of the 100th game between U-M and Ohio State and the end of Ohio’s bicentennial year seems like a suitable time to salute our neighbors downwind of the Fermi II nuclear plant in the land of smooth roads, vigilant troopers and a catchy jingle (“What’s ‘HI’ in the middle and round on the ends? O-HI-O”)….
The final word goes to Baptist minister Bill Kisseberth, 69, who has the best of both worlds. Kisseberth’s house is in Toledo, but most of his 48-acre property is in Michigan.
Asked if he notices any differences between the two states, Kisseberth quipped: “Only at this time of year.”
While Kisseberth’s house, horse barn and other animal pens are in Toledo, about 39 acres sits in Michigan. The state line is just behind a swing set.
For kicks, Kisseberth straddles the imaginary line, shaking his right fist and chanting “Michigan” then shaking his left fist and chanting “Ohio.”
“I love both places,” he said, as he stepped back into Ohio. “I love living in Toledo. Been here my whole life.”
He then walked across the border. “I also enjoy my time in Michigan,” he said. “It’s beautiful here.”
Kisseberth then took one step back, placing his left foot in Ohio.
“They’re both special places, neither better than the other.”