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Leave school decisions up to locals

Lawmakers just can’t help themselves when presented with an opportunity to exert more control over local decisions. Among more recent examples is a provision in Ohio Senate Bill 311, which “Regards the operation of public and chartered nonpublic schools.” There is a lot in the bill — some good, some lawmakers seem to have been hoping no one would notice. So, while it makes sense to more closely monitor “cheating resources” such as organizations that advertise services “with the intention of assisting a learner to cheat,” that probably should not be lumped in with the ...

Attendance dashboard another tool for helping students

It’s just common sense that students who are able to regularly attend school are more likely to perform at grade level in reading and math, and eventually graduate on time. But during the 2024-26 school year, approximately one-fourth of Ohio students were considered chronically absent (missing two or three days per month). Addressing such a challenge will require having the information to get a handle on each students’ situations. To that end, the state has unveiled an attendance dashboard that should give schools another tool in the effort. “The goal is to spot trouble early and ...

Program brings people back to work

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows Ohio has approximately 278,000 job openings. Among the fields with greatest need for workers is manufacturing. But finding the right employees isn’t easy. The Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint reports there could be 35,000 manufacturing job openings per year in the state, through 2037. Employers are going to have to get more creative and open-minded — and be willing to take a chance. That’s where programs such as the Training Assessment Placement Project come in. According to a report by WBNS, the program helps justice-involved ...

Efforts to protect drinking water must continue

Eight years ago, then-Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit against DuPont, which accused the company of knowingly releasing “forever chemicals” into the Ohio River. Though a settlement was reached back in 2023, DeWine was not able to announce distribution of the $65 million settlement until this week. This time as governor, he stood with state Environmental Protection Agency Director John Logue to talk about how the money would be distributed in Belmont, Gallia, Larence, Meigs, Morgan and Washington counties. The improvements that will be funded have been a long time ...

Club’s event lifts local women and children

Last weekend included more than one essential fundraiser to support important organizations in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The Zonta Club’s annual Spring Unique Boutique in Reno served two purposes: it provided gently used clothing at great prices, and it raised funds for local scholarships, such as those for Washington State College of Ohio; and service projects, such as the EVE Inc. Delicates for Dignity project. “We are an international service organization, and it’s our goal to advance the status of women and children on a worldwide level and a local level,” said Christine Lisk, ...

Valley rises to occasion to support patients

Too many in our community know what it is like to face a cancer diagnosis and wonder where they will find the support they need. Fortunately, we live in a region where that support is everywhere — concentrated in efforts such as the Memorial Health Foundation’s annual fashion show, which this year raised more than $142,000. “This is the 21st fashion show, and it’s always been to help support patients right here locally,” foundation Executive Director Jarrett Stull said. “For the last several years, it’s been our cancer patients supporting our breast health initiative and ...