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A beneficial partnership

We often talk about the skills our students are gaining in school, and the real-world advantages they provide. But it is not often we get a chance to see those skills put to good use for the rest of us while students are still in school. For a group of Belpre High School students, that is exactly what has happened. A “culvert buggy” made by senior Christopher Boso, sophomore Jayden Haynes, senior Adrick McLaughlin and junior Keegan Marsh, will be put to service to help inspect some of Washington County’s more than 13,000 culverts. All that because of engagement made possible ...

Thank you, public workers

During last week’s National Public Works Week observations, Marietta seized the opportunity to recognize some of its public workers for their hard work and dedication. These are the folks who do the kinds of jobs most of us don’t think much about — until something goes wrong or those jobs aren’t getting done. They are incredibly important to the everyday function of the city in fields such as streets, bridges, water and sewer systems. Think for a moment about how much would fall apart (perhaps literally), if these workers weren’t so good at what they do. Because of their ...

The ultimate sacrifice for freedom

It’s the end of a school year; perhaps it is the opening weekend for swimming pools; it’s a three-day break — an excuse to travel, grill out, invite a few friends over and relax. It is Memorial Day weekend. And on Monday, in the midst of all that summer celebration, we must remember “to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to [our] individual religious faith, for permanent peace,” as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reminds us. It’s not much to ask from those of us who will be able to enjoy the results of the sacrifice by those who were willing to give ...

Welcome Mary Schaeffer to Marietta Local Schools

As incoming Marietta City Schools Superintendent Mary Schaeffer familiarized herself with her soon-to-be district during a board of education meeting earlier this week, members of the board were enthusiastic about her hiring. “We really believe that Dr. Mary Schaeffer really had that perfect combination of experience, expertise and care for students that we were looking for, and we feel that she’s going to be a wonderful fit,” board President Cody Parman said. She’s been a teacher, an assistant principal, a curriculum director and a superintendent. In fact, she served ...

Producing a common sense, compassionate plan

For Ohioans who care about making sure no child slips through the cracks in our system, data out of Franklin County is nothing short of appalling. The county’s Children Services agency has seen a horrifying FIVE child deaths in a little more than a year. According to a report by WBNS, state Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, D-Columbus, has had enough. “It’s heartbreaking,” Jarrells told the news station. “It’s an opportunity for us to really have a hard conversation around our system of care.” To that end, Jarrells says his office is drafting legislation after hearing the ...

Belpre businesses in transition period

Belpre’s business landscape is going through a period of transition — and opportunity — as familiar retailers move on, and others get a facelift. According to Mayor Susan Abdella, Fruth Pharmacy has joined Rite Aid in closing its Belpre location, but Go Mart is renovating its entire Washington and Main location. “It will be a whole new updated site that will look fabulous when you come into Belpre,” she said of Go Mart. But what comes next, as residents and business owners and public officials “see the face of Belpre changing?” Belpre is fortunate to have leadership ...