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Garnishing opportunity

Editorials

Working families who are supported by federal benefits can sometimes find themselves in a difficult spot when a potential promotion or raise at work is not cause for celebration, but sparks worries about falling off the benefits cliff. Those receiving federal public assistance can see a complete loss of federal resources after even a small increase in income. But the Upward Mobility Act, introduced by U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, is meant to change that. Better still, it would help streamline some of the bureaucracy that feeds off such programs. It would create a five-year pilot ...

Statistically heartbreaking

Editorials

Winter can be a tough time for those struggling with fragile mental health and other challenges. But for some, the struggle is more than seasonal — and can be deadly. Ohio’s Suicide Prevention Foundation notes adult men in particular experience disproportionately high suicide rates. For some counties, the need for support is even more profound. So, a two-year initiative will partner with local organizations to reduce the suicide rates for adult men in Clark, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning Marion, Montgomery, Richland and Summit counties. Projects will focus on ...

Xylazine, a growing danger

Editorials

It is breathtaking to watch the manner in which the substance abuse epidemic in our region continues to evolve. Just last month, officials in Gallia County, Ohio, warned a growing danger has reared its head — Xylazine. The powerful veterinary sedative, which is, of course, not intended for human use at all, has been found in the region; sometimes mixed with fentanyl and other opioids. This is a drug meant for large animals such as horses. There is no safe dosage of “tranq” for humans. In fact, overdosing is all too easy. The Gallia County Health Department says symptoms ...

Flu season to be taken seriously

Editorials

It is the season during which many of us simply accept that we will get the common cold or come down with the flu, but failure to do all we can to prevent such viruses can be dangerous. In some cases, it can be deadly. Last week, Ohio reported its first pediatric flu death of the season — a teenager under 18 in Greene County, according to state health officials. In fact, each year there are between one and seven pediatric flu deaths in the state. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nationwide 6,300 to 52,000 people died from the flu annually between 2010 ...

Hope on the horizon

Editorials

Both Belpre and Marietta city councils welcomed new members at the start of the new year. With plenty to accomplish, the fresh perspective alongside veteran leadership will be important. Voters in our region made their choice based on who they believed would work hardest to move us all forward while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. That’s a big responsibility for those who will be serving. “Right now, we have several large projects in the works, so we’re looking forward to continuing our collaborative efforts as a city and council and all of our departments working to ...

The rest of the story

Local Columns

My youngest brother Ron and I were visiting on a call just before Christmas. I am the oldest of six boys. My parents had their hands full. Ron was the brother who picked up a hot charcoal when he was 2-years old, a story I told in a recent article. The lesson was to learn from your mistakes. Ron said, “You know there is another lesson from that incident. Do not trust your older brothers.” I was confused. Ron related a part of the hot coal story I was not aware of. Charcoals build up a layer of ash as they burn. They do not appear hot. To a 2-year old they appear soft and fluffy. ...