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Honoring those who serve now and did then

Ahead of this National Police Week, law enforcement officers from across the Mid-Ohio Valley traveled through our communities as part of Operation Blue Sky. It was a recognition of officers serving now AND those who have sacrificed their lives while protecting the rest of us. It is a local reflection of a nationwide effort to honor officers — not just in the U.S., but around the world. Many of them will head to Washington, D.C., for Police Officers Memorial Day and to participate in other Police Week events. Organizers of the national event say “We are dedicated to honoring the ...

Eliminating dysfunction before cuts

Elected officials across the country are bracing for proposed cuts to Medicaid as the federal government looks to change the way it spends taxpayer dollars. In West Virginia, Republican U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito is concerned enough about how such cuts would affect her state that she has emphasized the need to root out fraud, institute a work requirement and include other accountability measures before looking to cuts. But, according to a report by The Commonwealth Fund, Ohio is among the five states that would see the greatest economic losses from cuts to Medicaid funding. ...

It’s up to everyone to join in

For 40 years, those determined to be part of the fight against cancer have participated in Relay for Life events meant to raise money and awareness, and show support for those battling cancer while honoring those who have been lost. According to the American Cancer Society, Dr. Gordon Klatt walked and ran 83.6 miles over 24 hours in May 1985 to raise money for the society. Family, friends and patients cheering him one raised $27,000. Today in Belpre’s Civitan Park, participating groups and individuals will gather for a slightly less strenuous Relay for Life, but one that will be ...

Join the airport conversation

Next week there is an opportunity to shape the discussion about the future of service out of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport. The airport authority will be talking about pitches made by Air Wisconsin, Breeze Airways, Contour Airlines, Denver Air Connection and SkyWest, and they want to hear from you, too. Even if you’ve never taken advantage of this wonderful transportation option in our own backyard, this is the start of your chance to talk to the airport authority about why — and whether one of the bids piques your interest enough to change that. “We are inviting the ...

Voiced loud and clear

Washington County voters were loud and clear about their priorities Tuesday, and the results will be important for generations of students and their communities. Every local issue on the ballots passed, according to unofficial results. While many were optimistic, that kind of affirmation may have come as a surprise to those who had heard so much from the small-but-loud group of residents urging the rest to vote no. Voters in Washington County said yes — to funding for Belpre City Schools, Marietta City Schools, Warren Local Schools, the Washington County Home, Children Services and ...

Learn to fight financial fraud

As technology has evolved and criminals have an easier time accessing not only our information, but us, it has become much more important to learn how to protect ourselves against financial fraud. That can be easier said than done, particularly for those who are thrown off kilter by the fast pace of change to begin with. But last month Perry and Associates partnered with the Wood County Sheriff’s Department to offer a training session to help local residents avoid being victimized. It was the first of expected quarterly training sessions aimed at combating fraud. “We think it’s ...