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High standard for service

Incoming Washington County Sheriff Mark Warden was right when he said “I’ve got some big shoes to fill,” regarding retiring Sheriff Larry Mincks. No doubt Warden is capable of filling them, but Mincks has set a high standard for service to Washington County. A short list of some of his accomplishments includes building the reserve from the 0.5% sales tax, helping the sheriff’s department become part of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission through the creation of the Washington County Major Crimes Task Force, working to ensure there is always a deputy in each of ...

Your vote might make the difference

Mid-Ohio Valley residents already know the importance of getting out and voting, no matter how high- (or low-) profile the election may be. Decisions that affect our daily lives should not be made by the handful of people who cast their ballots in even the smallest of off-year elections. But Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued an important reminder in the closing days of 2024. There will be a 2025 election cycle, no matter how tired we are of politics and campaigning. We must not shirk our responsibilities. LaRose’s office noted there were 23 local races in Ohio that ...

Community meals complete holidays

Across the Mid-Ohio Valley, organizations geared up earlier this week to serve their communities through annual Christmas meals that did more than just feed. They helped us celebrate the spirit of Christmas together. This year was the 11th Christmas Day Feast, hosted at the Knight of Columbus Hall in Marietta. Organizer Bruce Haas said the group was ready to serve a record-breaking 900 meals. (There were dine-in, take-out and delivery options.) With that kind of turnout expected, volunteers also had to do some heavy lifting. After all, so many meals didn’t prepare, put together and ...

Ohio needs DeWine’s veto

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been a champion for police departments throughout his career, working to secure more funding, better equipment and more training for departments across the Buckeye State. He also was a huge factor in helping departments across the state acquire money to purchase body cameras for officers, which have protected officers — and the public. Now DeWine is the last, best hope that a higher level of integrity can be maintained regarding government transparency in Ohio. Lawmakers, in the late hours of the last days of the 135th General Assembly, approved legislation ...

The most wonderful time of the year

Just a few short days ago, the winter solstice marked the longest night of the year. Darkness blanketed the hemisphere for longer than it will again until Dec. 21 next year. And so now, we turn toward the light. On Christmas Day we celebrate the arrival of a Light who prompted the announcing of “glad tidings of great joy.” A baby born to grow into a man who would ask us to understand we are loved and to love one another just the same. Wise men and visionary women sought him, tyrants feared him, and even then, there was the giving of gifts. Though this Christmas may see few ...

Hiding from the people

As they neared the finish line on a session during which they neglected bills that might have helped Ohioans, lawmakers also slipped into House Bill 315 a provision (similar to changes made in the last budget bill) that will undoubtedly hurt them. HB 315 passed with little notice shortly after 2 a.m. Friday, and will do little more than limit the public’s access to public information. Now it heads to the governor’s desk. Surely Gov. Mike DeWine will see through lawmakers’ attempt to keep public business in the shadows by removing the requirement that public notices be printed in ...