Breaking News

Opinion

Funding freeze needs another look

Editorials

Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership is facing a sudden freeze on millions of dollars in federal funding after the U.S. Department of Commerce cited an ongoing federal review of the program. According to the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the loss of funding could mean several programs will be halted at the end of the year. At issue is the Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General looking into allegations of fraud or misconduct — and deviating from its usual procedure because it has not filed a report on preliminary findings that would give administrators of the ...

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the newborn King”

Local Columns

By Mark Wilmoth Things don’t always go according to plan. Back in 1737, Charles Wesley wrote a Christmas carol called Hark, How All the Welkin Rings, Glory to the King of Kings. Welkin is an old English word meaning “the sky” or “Heaven.” Wesley intended his carol to be sung to the tune you might recognize as “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.” (Go ahead, sing it to yourself, the words fit!). But 20 years later, George Whitefield changed the words to Wesley’s song to read, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the newborn King.” Like most poets, Wesley didn’t ...

Local parks bring light to our quality of life

Editorials

Though it’s been cold and snowy (or a bit warmer and muddy) lately, and perhaps many have been less likely to spend time outdoors, it remains true that our region’s outdoor spaces are an important part of what improves quality of life in our communities. They serve as places to play, stay fit, enjoy a quiet moment in nature — or even take in the sights of wonderful holiday displays or community events. But they don’t stay beautiful on their own. Cities, counties, volunteer groups and civic organizations make sure these treasures continue to serve their purpose. Even the state ...

Lives depend on doing better for ALL

Editorials

Officials have known for years there are maternal healthcare challenges in Ohio, but it always comes as a shock to see the numbers. This month, the state Department of Health announced it is hosting trainings for some new programs meant to help prevent the deaths of mothers due to pregnancy-related complications. Such programs are necessary because in the Buckeye State an average of 24 mothers die every year during pregnancy or within one year of the end of their pregnancy, because of pregnancy-related complications. The Department of Health says 62% of these deaths are considered ...

Officials have a responsibility to all Buckeye State residents

Editorials

State officials on Tuesday announced 17 economic development projects that have received approval from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, in the hope those projects will result in more than $148 million in new payroll and more than $1.1 billion in investments. It is an impressive list that is projected to create 2,347 jobs and retain another 8,592. In Logan, Madison, Sandusky, Marion, Cuyahoga, Lake, Crawford, Wyandot, Wood, Lucas, Williams, Butler, Montgomery and Clark counties, these projects range from a new Net World Sports location in London, Ohio, for which the company will receive ...

Protections against elder abuse

Editorials

Our region’s population is aging, and that growing older population is increasingly vulnerable to a number of abuses. Sometimes they fall victim to complex scams, in this digital age. Sometimes they fall prey to those they should most be able to rely on. WalletHub estimates elder abuse is an issue that costs more than $2.3 billion per year. But the human toll is incalculable. Certainly, policymakers do their best to put in place measures to stem everything from gross neglect and exploitation to financial abuse. But some parts of the country are doing better than others. Fortunately ...