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Letters to the Editor

Muskingum Valley Safetytown for 2026 has been completed. 74 children ready to enter kindergarten in the fall participated in the five-day program. This was the 36th year for this program. The sponsor, Beverly Lions Club, would like to express our thanks to the following that helped with monetary or other items donations: Vistra, Sponey's IGA, Citizens Bank Co., Dietz, Futrell and Walters Insurance, Heiss Plumbing and Electric, B and W Pharmacy, Sons of American legion #389, FOE, Inc., FOE Auxiliary, Eye Care Associates, Prieto and Schott CPA's, American Legion Post #389, American Legion ...

Local VFDs need all the support we can give

Editorials

We are deep into the season of ice cream social fundraisers, many of which benefit our volunteer fire departments. It can be easy to overlook how important these annual efforts are in supporting those who keep so many of us safe. More than 90% of fire departments in West Virginia are considered volunteer. Approximately 70% in Ohio are volunteer departments. Those who work as volunteers give up more than just their time and effort. A report by WBOY, which spoke with representatives of the Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Marion County, noted the effect such service has on ...

Report reminds of importance of rail safety reform (editorial for 7/1)

Editorials

While lawmakers continue to sit on their hands and pretend they don’t know railroad safety reform is necessary, a new report by The Guardian focuses on research that indicates exposure to the chemicals released in a 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, DID damage the bodies of those who were exposed. According to The Guardian, a peer-reviewed pilot study showed some East Palestine residents’ immune systems still are “responding to toxic chemical exposures” by fighting off an attack, or repairing their bodies. “Compared with a control group, East Palestine ...

DeWine sees potential in immigrant communities (editorial for 6/30)

Editorials

Gov. Mike DeWine continues to demonstrate his willingness to speak his mind as his tenure in Columbus approaches its end. Last week, he told PBS News Hour what he thought of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that will allow for the ending of the Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians who have sought refuge here. Approximately 10,000 Haitian immigrants settled in Ohio, and DeWine calls the ruling "a mistake." “You're seeing in Springfield a city that is coming back,” DeWine told News Hour. “It's been coming back for the last few years. And, frankly, one of the reasons it's ...

Day of Action supports vital nonprofit efforts

Editorials

Approximately 150 volunteers at 16 sites joined in the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s annual Day of Action last week. Completing service projects for local nonprofits, the volunteers spent the day on everything from building a walking path to organizing and pricing items for the ReStore. It’s an effort many local businesses are eager to join. “They put the date out and we all put it on our calendars immediately and sign up,” said Cassie Kerns, nurse recruiter with WVU Medicine Camden Clark. “It is a fun way to get out and be involved with our community that we ...

Labor force participation trend must be reversed

Editorials

Ohio — particularly poorer, more rural regions — has begun to experience a trend with which neighboring West Virginia is all too familiar. While the country added 172,000 jobs in May, Ohio lost 2,400. Unemployment, on the other hand, fell; but not for the reason we would all hope. Unemployment data measures only those who are in the labor force. As researcher Molly Bryden, with Policy Matters Ohio, pointed out to the Ohio Capital Journal, that figure does not include those who were unable to work because of age or physical condition, or simply have left the state or stopped ...