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Ohio makes a difference for its workers

Ohioans expect state government to do all in its power to leave as much of their hard-earned money in individuals’ and businesses’ pockets as possible. At least one agency — the state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation — continues to be recognized for its efforts to do so. In its biennial study of the workers’ compensation premium rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has once again ranked the Buckeye State fifth lowest in the country. (In case you’re wondering, Oregon was 14th lowest.) In addition to ...

Wildlife species making returns to Ohio

Since the mid 19th Century, Ohio has been a relatively bear-free state. Humans drove out the black bears 150 or so years ago, and they’ve been considered rare and an endangered species here ever since. That might be changing, however, as researchers are beginning to see black bears naturally expand their range back into the Buckeye State. Recently, a female black bear was captured and fitted with a GPS collar in Ashtabula County. It will be the first time such study is possible for a female, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “Researchers using the location ...

Taking note of the BMV’s upgrade

Not every technological “upgrade” is a home run, but at least one improvement in Ohio is paying big dividends for the state and its residents. With a change as simple as allowing certain transactions with the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles to take place online instead of in person, more than 10 million trips to BMV offices have been saved since 2022. Among the options available online are renewal of driver’s licenses or identification cards. More than 608,000 Buckeye State residents have taken advantage of that so far; and now the option has been expanded to commercial driver’s ...

We can do better for ourselves, kids with the Stop the Scroll Act

Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, has thrown his support behind an effort to keep kids safer when it comes to social media. But the Stop the Scroll Act isn’t about the kinds of online dangers some parents may be thinking. It would create a mental health warning label requirement for social media. “As more and more children and teens use social media, a warning label should be prominently displayed highlighting the potential harms of using social media platforms. The Stop the Scroll Act would help young people grasp the mental health risks that come with social media. I’ll continue to back ...

Shared vision for the future

Belpre officials and community members are well on their way to revitalizing Civitan Park, after review of a proposed master plan for the project last week. Discussing everything from pickleball courts to an all-abilities playground — maybe even a restaurant barge — the ideas were pitched with the help of engineering firm American Structurepoint. “From athletic fields to walking paths, we’ve looked at how to elevate what’s already working and enhance areas that need more attention,” said Mark Underwood, director of landscape architecture at American Structurepoint. That ...

Follow the rules and be respectful

Even when law enforcement officers are not under direct fire, they still face dangers each day that many people never even consider. Take, for example, the case of a Fostoria, Ohio, Police Division officer who was conducting a traffic stop and had probable cause to search the vehicle. In the passenger’s purse he discovered a bag containing white powder. But, according to a report by WTVG, during the search enough of the powder became airborne that the officer collapsed and is believed to have suffered a fentanyl overdose. Thank goodness other officers on the scene were able to ...