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Poor gun ownership and its risks

A person does not have to be a gun safety reform extremist to understand there are simply certain rules a person must follow in their own home (or for themselves, if they have carry permits) if they are to be responsible gun owners. Sadly, it is all too common for us to read of tragedies that resulted from irresponsible gun ownership, and get a reminder to do the right thing. On Monday, a 3-year-old boy in Columbus died after unintentionally shooting himself with a handgun that had allegedly been brought to the apartment where he and his mother lived. WBNS reported the victim’s ...

First Amendment rights are non-negotiable

Freedom of speech is on a lot of minds these days — even Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who spoke at the state Department of Higher Education’s Trustees Conference recently. According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, DeWine felt it important to remind policymakers on college campuses that an environment in which people are comfortable speaking freely is essential. His remarks were inspired, of course, by the killing of Charlie Kirk and its aftermath, though he noted the notion of whether Kirk’s death could have been prevented was a security issue, not a speech issue. “I’m ...

The importance of school boards

Local school boards are vital to a community because they are the governing body of a school district. They are the link between the school system and the public. Local School Boards set district goals, oversee personnel, manage all financial assets, and have oversight of approved curriculum. They provide a forum for public input into the educational process and are the ones who support community standards and, as such, are held accountable for their decisions. The quality of a local school district can significantly impact the value of homes in the area, which in turn affects local ...

Thank you to those who farm

Farmers earn a lot of respect from those who understand how much they do for the rest of us. It’s easy for us to think about the food and other products they provide, as well as the contributions farm families make to our communities. But it’s not always top of mind to think about their stewardship of this land we all share. The Ohio Department of Agriculture recognizes it, though, and each year hands out Conservation Farm Family Awards. Among those honored for 2025 were the Brad and Matilda Miller family for their 400-acre farm on which there are 150 head of Blonde D’DAquitaine ...

Excellence in Park and Recreation Management

When you hear Ohioans brag about the state’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities, it might sound like hyperbole to hear we are “the best.” But an award from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association backs us up. Ohio won the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. “Our state parks protect Ohio’s natural resources while providing incredible opportunities for people to explore, learn, and connect with nature,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “From protecting ...

Don’t let your guard down around AGS

If you consider yourself to be a carnivore, the West Virginia Department of Health has given you yet another reason to be vigilant about avoiding ticks. Earlier this month, the agency reported multiple cases of the tick-borne Alpha-gal Syndrome, which can cause a variety of symptoms as a result of allergies to meat and meat products caused by the disease. This one is carried by lone star ticks — larger than deer ticks and with white spots on their backs. Worry over the disease is severe enough that the state health department issued an advisory Sept. 11, making AGS a reportable ...