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Redistricting expectations

Ohio’s Redistricting Commission is, again, gearing up to redraw the state’s congressional map — ahead of the 2026 elections; and meant to stand for the next three elections. Voters already voiced their preference against one proposed redistricting reform measure last year. Gov. Mike DeWine’s idea for a different model has also been ignored. And so we are back where we started — recall that the redistricting commission essentially refused to do its job last time it was asked, caring little for the obviousness of their intent. First, of course, the Republican ...

An opportunity to be part of a decades-long tradition

Marietta-area residents look forward each summer to the annual Harmar Days Festival, and this year’s event is no exception. The three-day celebration and fundraiser allows attendees to not just enjoy the food, vendors and entertainment, but to support an important cause. Harmar Days is the primary fundraising event for the Historic Harmar Bridge Company, which uses the money for bridge maintenance, rail car preservation, park improvements and grant applications. The effort is paying off, as last year the organization received a $950,000 Transportation Alternatives Program grant ...

988 is a lifeline

It’s not a subject most people want to dwell on, but Ohioans are fortunate some did a great deal of thinking about how best to help those who are struggling and in crisis — perhaps even having thoughts of suicide. When the 988 Lifeline was established, it was meant to give those experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis somewhere to turn — somewhere to get much-needed support. Since its establishment in July 2022, it has received 592,294 contacts, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. People can reach out through calls, chats or texts, according to the Ohio ...

More skilled workers in Ohio’s force

Most of us have run into a situation in the workplace where a little more tech knowledge — or maybe even a significant amount of training — could make a world of difference in our ability to do our jobs and better work toward our employers’ goals. But getting that training takes time and money. Fortunately, there is a state program aiming to do something about at least one of those factors. Ohio’s TechCred program awards employers funding to help their employees gain new skills. In May, the program awarded a record more than $9.9 million in funding to 622 employers. That money ...

Working hard for Ohioans

Superintendent Jeff Greenley and others in the Belpre City Schools administration are certainly doing the difficult, time-consuming leg work necessary to bring voters’ vision for their children’s futures to fruition. Last week, Greenley told members of the Board of Education about several efforts: meeting with members of the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, traveling to discuss bond financing with Moody’s in Chicago, transferring money to avoid pitfalls in the Ohio budget bills, contacting U.S. senators about 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding and working on ...

The time to work on such challenges is now

As Ohio’s elected officials continue to hope for economic growth, there’s a factor some may not have considered. According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, the Buckeye State’s fertility rates are dropping — standing at 56.2 births per 1,000 women in 2023. That’s an 8.9% decrease from the state’s average of 61.9 per 1,000 between 2011 and 2020. Interestingly, births to mothers younger than 20 and ages 20 to 24 both fell dramatically compared with 2007 data. “Historically, fertility rates have dipped during economic downturns but tended to recover as conditions ...