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Spread word on new drug dangers

Editorials

Those who have considered having naloxone on-hand because there is a chance they might need it to help someone who has overdosed have a new reason to keep it available. Ohio’s Department of Public Safety issued a warning last week about new substances that have entered the state’s drug supply. According to a report by WSYX, the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center says the first problem is the arrival of morphine analogs — synthetic opioids. These mimic the effects of drugs such as morphine and fentanyl and can disrupt breathing and impact the central nervous system. The second is ...

Trail system an example for Southeast Ohio (editorial for 8/6)

Editorials

Athens County’s Baileys Trail System has been completed, giving hikers, bikers, runners and other adventure-seekers access to an 88-mile system that spans more than 9,000 acres of the Athens unit of the Wayne National Forest. It is a lesson for others in our region that officials in Athens County believe the trail system will generate approximately $5.3 million in annual economic impact. But it’s more than just an economic engine. While Southeast Ohio is proud of its industrial roots, we know what it has cost us when we look at the scars left on the natural wonders all around us. ...

Leave workers' compensation system alone in Ohio (editorial for 8/5)

Editorials

It is high praise from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association that the group is asking the state’s next governor — whoever that might be — not to touch the state’s workers’ compensation system or undo reforms that have generated results for employers AND workers. It is not broken. It does not need a politician to fix it. “Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is working, and the next governor should keep it that way,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Employers are paying the lowest rates in more than 65 years, injured workers are protected and surplus funds are ...

Local arts organizations worth support from state AND us

Editorials

Mid-Ohio Valley arts organizations work hard to bring quality arts education and experiences to everyone; and it appears the folks at the Ohio Arts Council have noticed. More than $21,000 in grants were awarded by the council to Artsbridge Inc., Betsey Mills Corp., the Civil War Roundtable of the Mid-Ohio Valley and the Hippodrome Colony Historical Theatre Association (Peoples Bank Theatre). From free concerts for the public to an artists catalogue and touring groups for local schools, Artsbridge has a range of programs that make sure the arts are accessible to everyone. Betsey Mills ...

DeWine right about Haitians in Ohio

Editorials

“The federal officials are now telling us that they do not have any plans, they’ve received no instructions, to have any kind of raids in Springfield,” Gov. Mike DeWine told Statehouse News Bureau last week. “Now, that can change, but they did tell us they’ve heard nothing.” Given how vocal DeWine has been about the federal government making a mistake with its planned end to temporary protected status for thousands of Haitians in the Buckeye State, it’s possible immigrations officials just don’t want to tip their hand. Still, it’s possible they are listening to ...

Can success with early education be repeated at all levels?

Editorials

Lest anyone wonder whether companies such as WalletHub do nothing but slam our region, there is another recent report in which West Virginia shines. “States with the Best and Worst Early Education Systems (2026)” ranks the Mountain State fifth in the country. Only Washington, D.C., Arkansas, Maryland and New Jersey score better. In this study, West Virginia is 8th for access, 9th for quality and 14th for resources and economic support. That’s impressive enough, but it is also among only 12 states with universal pre-K. WalletHub estimates every dollar invested in early education ...