Lawrence County certainly has made a significant contribution to the United States, starting with its inception in 1816. That was the year Lawrence was formed turning Burlington, a community with strong anti-slavery ties, into the county seat. That means this is Lawrence’s bicentennial year.

Wanting to honor this event just makes sense.

Some officials have tried to stir up interest, but for the most part the county appears apathetic about this milestone.

An ad hoc committee was formed more than a year ago, but its only plan was to build a replica of the first Burlington courthouse.

Such a building that could be used as a community center could offer much to the eastern end. For a while it looked as if that was going to die on the vine, when few in the county would make any kind of monetary contribution.

Now it appears that federal funds may be tapped for construction.

But is that it? Don’t the people in Lawrence County have any more interest in their past then that? Is it too much trouble to take a couple of hours once a week to meet in a full-blown bicentennial committee and stir up interest with engaging events.

Former Ohio University Southern professor Bob Leith wanted there to be a specific celebration for each month such as dedicated to farming, or the pig iron industry.

But please don’t haul out the Waterloo Wonders as a possible event. Been there, heard about that.

The chamber of commerce has taken over organizing the celebration. Let’s hope chamber director Shirley Dyer can light a fire of enthusiasm and get something going. Otherwise, how very, very sad.