As Mid-Ohio Valley residents talk about the best way to keep our kids fed throughout the summer, it is important to remember another vulnerable population in our midst. Seniors who are said to be the most at-risk from COVID-19 may also be at risk of increased food insecurity because of the ...

There was a time in Annie Glenn’s life when she might have quietly chuckled at the thought that one day she would be praised as a “strong voice” for anything. She had a challenge to overcome, in that regard; but overcome it, she did. It is telling that in the Associated Press’s ...

We all now know more than ever how important it is to see the face of our loved ones and to hear their voices, on a screen if necessary, but even better in person. We’re so happy to see that some of our local nursing home residents have that opportunity again, as at least two local centers ...

Unanimity over how much power intelligence agencies should have to pry into Americans’ personal affairs has disappeared with reports during the past few years of unconstitutional invasions of privacy. Victims have ranged from high-ranking government officials down to millions of other ...

We forget sometimes, here in the Mid-Ohio Valley, how very important what we do is to the entire country. Local industries mean more than just local jobs. They produce what is needed all over the U.S. Right now, one the bigger needs is for personal protective equipment and other safety ...

Have you gone out to eat, yet? The opportunity to do so with outdoor seating has existed for a few days now (albeit, with a little rain thrown in); and those who are able to make arrangements to meet social distancing guidelines will be able to welcome folks indoors later this week. If you ...

Ohio parents are likely breathing a sigh of relief knowing Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered daycare centers and kids’ day camps will be cleared to reopen May 31. That is, of course, important to those who will be able to go back to work this summer and need reliable, safe child care. But safe is ...

As local public schools have moved their teaching efforts online, many students have found a new way to learn — at home, where they have the technology and connectivity to do so. But some have not been able to do so. We know the need is great, and solutions have been piecemeal. A couple ...

Among the complaints against recently-terminated Washington County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Bean was that she too often agreed not to oppose judicial release in criminal cases as part of her plea deals. Early release in Washington County has occurred just within the last few weeks for a man ...

Better late than never appears to be the case as progress is finally being made in answering a Community Development Block Grant request for Community Action Bus Line stops that have clear signs telling potential riders when they can get on, along the route. Kenny Vigneron, transportation ...

Gov. Mike DeWine understands the conflict felt by many Ohioans as we work toward reopening our economy while staying safe. “The economy’s not going to open no matter what we do, whatever we order, unless people have confidence,” he said Sunday. “And we’re trying to give them ...

Still looking for a way to help your community as challenges remain while we try to both reopen our economy and continue to fight the spread of COVID-19? How about a way to help that might very well save a life? Donate blood. “People need it for chemo treatments or surgical services,” ...

Judging by the number of discarded gloves, masks and wipes scattered around the parking lots and entryways of some of our local grocery and retail establishments, “tendency to litter” is another side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, littering is nothing new around here. It is ...

Mid-Ohio Valley residents know the COVID-19 pandemic has meant an immediate re-evaluation of the household budget. For many families, a severe reduction in spending was required, and planning must be done for the possibility that income may not return to comfortable levels for quite some ...

As our community has made its way through the difficulties and pain of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been heartened to see such love for many truly essential employees, particularly health care workers and first responders such as law enforcement. There have been signs posted and free ...

Wouldn’t it be nice if government officials were as conscientious about ethics as they seem to be inventive about trying to skirt the rules. Ohio Inspector General Randall J. Meyer’s office reported last week that about 40 state employees and some legislators accepted a free charter boat ...

At least federal regulators recognize the coronavirus pandemic is no time for business as usual. The Food and Drug Administration, in particular, seems to have surgically removed some of the red tape from its process. Friday, the FDA announced it will be permitting emergency use of a new ...

For many of us, the past several weeks has been eye-opening in terms of how very fortunate we are. Daily gratitude exercises encouraged as a means of combating the depression and anxiety of adapting to our “new normal” have led quite a few folks to understand just how much they truly have. ...

Though it might have thrown some folks for a loop when election results did not immediately become available after the official closing of polls Tuesday evening, the delay is actually a good sign that those in our board of elections offices are doing things by the book. The manner in which ...

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was right to relax language on whether Ohioans will be required to wear masks when they are customers walking into businesses. Though his initial order said face coverings would be mandatory for employees and customers as we reopen our economy, DeWine quickly realized the ...