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The Aspire program provides solutions

As labor shortages in some industries come face-to-face with the challenge of educating (or retraining) those who could otherwise be valuable workers in those fields, programs such as the Washington County Career Center’s Aspire program are providing some solutions. Aspire offers free adult education classes toward multiple goals — from helping a student prep for the GED or HiSET tests to gaining workforce credentials through the Adult Diploma program, there are plenty of options. Among the Adult Diploma program options are business office specialist, fiber optic technician, CDL ...

Doing your part in preventing human trafficking

Ohioans can no longer pretend human trafficking is not a plague affecting our state as it does the entire country. But too many are still reluctant to “get involved” when they see something that raises suspicions. Last week, during the fifth annual Human Trafficking Summit in Columbus, state Attorney General Dave Yost announced a new tool for those looking for a way to fight the problem. A statewide hotline — 844-END-OHHT (844-363-6448) — will send incoming tips on suspected sex and labor trafficking directly to law enforcement when it goes live later this year. “It’s ...

Make sure you weren’t purged from Ohio’s voter rolls

Nearly 155,000 people were purged from Ohio’s voter rolls, in the latest wave of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s effort to coordinate with county boards of elections to ensure accurate, up-to-date lists of those who are legally able to vote. “Every Ohioan, regardless of their political views, should care about accurate voter rolls,” LaRose said as his office announced the purge. “Diligent list maintenance helps prevent voter fraud and ensures the voice of the voters is heard on Election Day.” It also means Ohioans must be diligent in checking whether they are ...

Consume responsibly and never drive under the influence

With the official start of legal adult recreational marijuana sales in Ohio, there are plenty of people eager to make a purchase. Wire service photos showed lines of potential customers wrapping around buildings in some cities. While that may be good news for those business owners — and therefore the economies in which they operate — excitement could turn sour quickly for those who do not understand (and obey) the laws. First, there is a distinction between medical consumers and recreational consumers. That part seems simple enough. Second, consumers must be over the age of 21 ...

Ohio officials doing well with money management

It can be difficult to trust elected officials with our tax dollars, given how often we learn of instances of fraud, waste, abuse or simply poor decisions regarding our money. But in Ohio, residents have gotten some third-party confirmation that there is reason for confidence. Standard & Poor’s has upgraded its global ratings for Ohio’s Major New State Infrastructure Project Revenue Bonds to AA+. This comes after the ratings agency last year upgraded Ohio’s issuer default and general obligation bond ratings to AAA. These are important indications that at least some aspects of ...

Roll up your sleeves for the American Red Cross

Despite the drum beat of month-after-month pleas for blood donors to help the American Red Cross meet a desperate need, the organization’s supply has actually plummeted more than 25%. Consider what that means for those who rely on the Red Cross to supply blood and blood products that could save their lives. “The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans,” the organization said Monday. “Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, ...