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Politicians must prove they want better for our kids

Editorials

Children’s Defense Fund says an unfathomable one in seven children in the U.S. lives in poverty. In this land of the free and home of the brave, a child is abused or neglected every 54 seconds. As WalletHub researchers pointed out (because they are a financial website, after all), even if you aren’t moved by the plight of that many children living an American nightmare, perhaps you will be moved to act by the $592 billion in lifetime economic costs from just one year’s worth of child maltreatment cases. And the thing is, those are the averages. In West Virginia and Ohio, the ...

Activate America

Letters to the Editor

At a time when civic participation feels more important than ever, we each have a role to play in strengthening our democracy. Voting is one of the most direct and powerful ways individuals can make their voices heard, yet many eligible voters remain disengaged or unsure how to participate. If you are wondering how to make a tangible difference in getting Democrats elected to office, I encourage you to look into Activate America. Activate America (https://www.activateamerica.vote/) is a dedicated organization that empowers volunteers to reach out directly to voters in crucial swing ...

Questions regarding data center in Waterford Township

Letters to the Editor

The Washington County Commissioners signed a NDA re: a data center in Waterford Township. I did not sign an NDA so I am going to share some information as well as my opinions, concerns and questions. Hashworks Powered Land Waterford LLC has assembled 449 acres of former farmland from two owners: Douglas McCutcheon (Waterford Township Trustee) and Eric Bauerbach. Mr. McCutcheon’s 275.1 acres were purchased for $20,000,000 while Mr. Bauerbach’s 173.9 acres sold for $8,796,760. Another parcel of land has been purchased by Hashworks for $1,113,500.00. These prices are certainly not ...

Consider serving as a poll worker in Ohio

Editorials

On National Poll Worker Recruitment Day earlier this week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose rightly seized the opportunity. It’s hard to overestimate the importance of a robust team of volunteers willing not only to ensure the security of our elections, but to guide those seeking to cast their ballots and generally make sure the day runs smoothly. “Every election depends on dedicated Ohioans who are willing to serve their communities,” LaRose said. “This November, voters across the state will be casting ballots in important races that will shape Ohio’s future. Poll workers ...

First Congregational Church celebrating 230 years

Letters to the Editor

While our country is celebrating its 250th birthday the First Congregational Church, in Marietta, is celebrating the 230th year of its founding. The Congregational Church at Marietta was organized December 6th, 1796, with the creation of an organization called the First Religious Society. It was composed of members residing in Marietta, Belpre, Waterford and Vienna, VIrginia. Rev. Daniel Story served as its first ordained minister. On August 22, 2026 the second in a series of free programs, focusing on early leaders in Marietta, will be held at First Congregational Church, 318 Front ...

GoPacks helps now and in the future

Editorials

A bag of groceries is one of the most ordinary things a family can buy. But, for many households, filling that bag has become a checkbook-balancing act. Meat or fresh produce? Food or medicine? Groceries or the utility bill? Grocery prices were 2.7% higher in June than they were in the same month a year ago, while fruit and vegetable prices increased 5.3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For parents already living on the edge, even a small increase in costs can leave less food in the refrigerator between paychecks — and those are not small increases. This is ...