We fight for the education, health, and financial stability of an entire community. When we say that, it is actually what we mean, in the fullest, most sincere sense of the words. To some it might just sound like a warm and fuzzy statement. Some might hear that and think it is a lofty ...

You may have noticed that the marquee of this column is that of a standing World War I soldier. This is the logo of the Matamoras Area Historical Society and is considered the iconic statue of Matamoras. The doughboy stands on the corner of Broadway and Third Street and was dedicated on ...

Before the pandemic, when I was traveling and sitting in an airport waiting for my flight, I began talking with the person across from me at the gate. She asked where I was going and where I was from. When I mentioned that I was from Ohio, she exclaimed, “Ah, the State known for Cows and ...

In covering the history of banking last week reference was made to the First National Bank’s purchase of property at the corner of Main and Second Streets in 1911-1912. Prior to this date the site was the home and mortuary of Robert H. Cunningham. Prior to 1880 there was an enterprise of that ...

Eastern traditions have long recognized the physical and mental health benefits of practicing yoga. In fact, this ancient form of mind-body awareness has a framework that originates from the Yoga Sutras’, teachings that provide guidance on how to gain mastery over the mind and emotions. ...

In that the Peoples Savings Bank, the only bank in Matamoras, now stands on the site of the former “old” school, it is the proper time to turn this column’s attention to the history of banking in our town. There have been three banks in Matamoras and they all had their beginnings on the ...

With lightning speed, COVID-19 became an overwhelming influence in our lives. In January it was a virus in China, by February it was in the United States with a few sporadic cases, and by the middle of March we were closing restaurants and businesses and asking Ohioans to stay at home. The ...

With the decision to build Stover School Matamoras had made a substantial commitment in tax revenue. First a $50,000 bond issue was voted. Then another bond of $30,000 was added by an overwhelming vote of the people. Finally $20,000 more was provided. But the return on the investment was in ...

Little in my experience prepared me for a Pandemic. I am an engineer by training; thus, a student of science. I have high respect for the methods and principals within science. Of course, those methods and principals are applied by humans. Thus, show me the data and the evidence. ...

The start of construction for the new school of Matamoras on Broadway was an impressive ceremony. It was Saturday, June 11, 1892 and a cadence of muffled drums sounded. In the time-honored tradition of George Washington the cornerstone was laid by the Matamoras Masonic Lodge No. 374. The ...

Since early March many of us have stayed home, followed the guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We know these actions weren’t always easy, but they made a difference, and for that, we thank you. These actions have helped prevent a massive spike in cases that would have potentially ...

Strong partners build strong communities. You’ve probably heard us say those words before. We say those words often. We craft those words into hashtags. We talk about and promote collaborative relationships always... and we really, truly believe those words. We have always valued that ...

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” – Viktor Frankl (Austrian Neurologist, Psychiatrist, and Holocaust Survivor) Every week since the Pandemic ...

From the last several weeks of covering the doctors of Matamoras it is intersting to note how many began their life’s work as educators who then decided to go into the field of medicine. It is appropriate then that we now turn to the various public schools that were in operation throughout ...

Homelessness, even in the best of times — months before COVID-19, was a significant problem in Washington County. The high cost of rental housing, prevalence of substance abuse disorder, numerous less-than-living wage jobs are all issues that significantly impact people and housing. ...

With Dr. H.L. Duncan’s retirement in 1976 Matamoras had no medical professional to serve the town. Several doctors practiced for limited amounts of time until 1985 when Dr. Timothy Clare arrived for what would become a storied career of care for the Matamoras area. Dr. Clare received his ...

We are experiencing unprecedented levels of isolation in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Though this isolation is necessary to minimize the spread of COVID-19, it can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. Much research has been conducted about the effects of ...

Continuing this week with the healthcare given to Matamoras by Dr. Harry L. Duncan we pick up with his faithfulness in home visits. These included trips which sometimes witnessed his wife, Helen, and daughter, Jo, accompanying him. The two would stay in the vehicle enjoying the outing as the ...

In Ohio, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist is a certified individual who has walked the path of recovery from a substance use or mental health disorder and gets the privilege to be employed and assist others in their Recovery journey. The main goal of a PRS is to empower individuals to achieve ...

In time of need, the best of humanity tends to step forward. As the county, region, state, nation and the entire world face the stark reality of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, one of the glaring needs of those in the medical field who come face-to-face with exposure daily is evident — ...