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‘Rivals’ with no hesitation to help

Friendly rivalries and territorial touchiness aside, when it really counts, Mid-Ohio Valley schools are there for one another. That was proved again last week when the lights went out in Williamstown just ahead of the Class AA, Region I semifinal boys basketball game between Williamstown and Ravenswood. A transformer had blown, plunging the gym into darkness and leaving coaches and administrators scrambling for a solution; though coaches also tried to turn it into a motivator. “In talking with Mick, we have never experienced something like this — that’s the first time that has ...

Pinewood Derby a cherished tradition

It’s hard to beat traditions such as the annual Kootaga District Pinewood Derby, which brings Scouting families together in a competitive tradition that has been sustained since the 1950s. Late last month, at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, this year’s event featured more than 50 Scouts and family members. “Pinewood Derby racing started in 1955. That’s been a key part of Scouting for a long time,” said John Shepard, Kootaga District race chairman. “Cub Scouts can race at the pack level in their individual groups, and then this is an opportunity for them to all come ...

Think carefully, don’t spread rumors

Political and military turmoil sets us all on edge — and there is no doubt the events of the last several years combined with the pervasive nature of social media already have our collective mental health and ability to interact with one another civilly in a fragile state. Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard was right to try to get ahead of fears that surfaced after U.S. strikes against Iran. “First and foremost, there is currently no credible or verified threat specific to our county. We remain in regular communication with our local, state, and federal partners, and we receive ...

Form group to study data centers

Forget about whether industrial solar arrays should be permitted on farmland, this year’s hot-button issue is the explosive growth of data centers — the space they take, the water they use, the noise they make and the energy they consume. It is good, then, that Ohio lawmakers voted this week to advance a proposal that would create a commission to study data centers. If you’re wondering why that didn’t happen long ago, you’re not alone. But better late than never. Assuming the commission is formed, however, those involved must have a sense of urgency about what many in Ohio ...

Workforce support effort should pick up speed

Disappointing as much of it is, there is some work being done in Washington, D.C., that will actually make a difference for the rest of us. Ohioans, in fact, can point to the Employer-Directed Skills Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, says he has joined the effort, which would help employees get the training they need for in-demand skills that meet workforce needs. There is also a component that would help employers find potential employees based on their participation in training programs. “As Ohio continues to ...

Follow fire rules

When we skip ahead an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, that spring forward on the clocks will not be the only reminder we are moving toward brighter, warmer (Soon? We hope? Please?) weather. Forestry officials across our region are reminding us we have also entered the spring fire ban season. From March 1 through May 31 in both West Virginia and Ohio, there are prohibitions on outdoor burning. Ohio’s Division of Forestry says the ban is between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. In West Virginia, the restriction is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. No, not even in a proper burn barrel. There are other ...