Put an end to sacrilegious treatment of public lands

November 25, 2023

In its Nov. 16 edition, The Marietta Times carried a story with the headline, “Ohio commission approves fracking in state parks.” I attended this event at the headquarters of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in Columbus, where this meeting of the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission was held. I shared in the disappointment, anger and frustration which was expressed by many members of the Save Ohio Parks group. There are many reasons that this plan to impose a sacrilege on our state parks and public lands is an outrage. First, the Ohio Legislature drew up a poultry bill, ...

Everyone should be working toward a smoke-free environment

November 22, 2023

The use of tobacco for both users and non-users, which include the effects of secondhand smoke and vapor/aerosol exposure, are well established as a negative health concern. Everyone in the Washington County community should be working together to ensure a smoke free environment. This includes vaping which carries real health and safety risks. As a retired emergency room nurse at Marietta Memorial Hospital, I have seen first hand the effects of smoking on the user and those who share their environment. Users of tobacco products, both cigarettes and e cigarettes (vapes) may experience ...

Vaping indoors sends the wrong message

November 21, 2023

The shopping season is upon us and many enjoy shopping locally to support businesses and families that live in our communities. As we mingle with the crowds in local shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and bars please take note that there are still people vaping in these indoor settings. Did you know that since 2021 vaping is considered the same thing as smoking and is illegal at public indoor spaces in Ohio? This law was put into effect to protect those most vulnerable around us from the dangers of secondhand vape. Secondhand vape poses the same health dangers as vaping itself and ...

Thanks for volunteer day support, be sure to visit Beverly Island

November 1, 2023

On Saturday, Oct. 28 the Village of Beverly held a “Beverly Island Volunteer Day.” Sixty volunteers showed up to clear a trail around the 10-to-11-acre island, pick up trash, and build a life-size eagle’s nest for children. This event was organized by a new group in our community called “BW GRO,” or Beverly Waterford Grow. BW GRO was developed to create ideas for family-friendly outdoor activities for our area and, most importantly, follow through with them. The first major result was the island project. Our secluded Muskingum River Island is owned by the Ohio Department ...

A Pillar of Community

October 25, 2023

Vilnis Kubulins is a humble giving individual. His character of generosity and willingness to help others is a result of his upbringing. His dear parents Olgerts and Vera as well as his Grandparents were paramount in his childhood. His character of generosity of selflessness and giving of his time to his family and community and beyond is an enduring monument. He was born in Middleburg Heights, Ohio where he participated in school sports. He continued his education at John Carol University. Where he is employed. He is a dedicated employee, yet he manages to do so much beyond his ...

Vote yes on Issue 1

October 24, 2023

The crux of Issue One is whether women should have the power to make decisions regarding their own mental and physical health. If you are a person who would force a woman to carry a fetus to term against her will, I encourage you to think about that. Abortion will always be with us, legal or not, because women will always assert their right to make decisions for themselves based on their own situations. I find the phrase “unborn children” inaccurate and disingenuous. For the first seven weeks, the bundle of cells is called an embryo; after seven weeks the accurate word is fetus. ...