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MOV Climate Corner: “The Last American”

Local Columns

“To the American who is more than satisfied with himself and his country this volume is affectionately dedicated.” So reads the opening dedication to J.A. Mitchell’s 1889 novel “The Last American.” An early example of post-apocalyptic literature, this brief tale describes a crew of explorers in the year 2951, who happen upon the ancient ruins of a devastated America. Of particular note is how the book describes the downfall of our once powerful nation: “Climatic changes, the like of which no other land ever experienced, began at that period, and finished in less than ten ...

Wetlands perform an important function for wildlife

Local Columns

It’s clear to nearly everyone how important area rivers are to not only the people who live in the Mid-Ohio Valley but also the plants and animals that call the area home. The Ohio, Muskingum, Little Kanawha, Hocking, Little Hocking and Little Muskingum provided early inhabitants ...

“Eighty years of war” comes home 1945-2025

Local Columns

At the half-century mark of the Twentieth Century, the “war to end all wars” had been fought and won. The surrender of Germany that ended the conflict in Europe on May 8, 1945 was labelled Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day. Later that same year the Japanese surrendered to Allied forces on September 2nd following the bombing of Hiroshima. As the Allies welcomed soldiers and sailors home, Russia and the United States remained engaged. Tragically, the former “allies” had become adversaries in Southeast Asia. At the very end of WWII, the Russian army who had helped the Allies defeat ...

Ohio keeps visitors coming back for more

Editorials

Buckeye State officials had good reason to celebrate this week, as they took a look at the economic impact of tourism in Ohio in 2024. Those numbers are looking up. According to a news release from the state Department of Development, Ohio saw 3.5 million more visitors in 2024 than in 2023, for a total of approximately 242 million visitors. Approximately 20% of those travelers were interested in being here long enough that they booked an overnight stay. State officials say that meant $57 billion in economic impact and $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. For the state’s ...

Awareness and patience

Editorials

School is already in session for many students in Ohio, and will be soon for those in West Virginia. With the beginning of the school year comes a possible change to our morning or afternoon driving routines, as school buses filled with children will be everywhere. Get back in the mindset of giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination during pick-up and drop-off hours. School buses may be a little slower and make frequent stops, but the drivers are not out to get you, personally. Their job is to make sure kids get to and from school safely. And they can do that because ...

Critical need for tree watering

Letters to the Editor

Combined lack of rainfall and excessive temperatures leave recently planted trees stressed for survival. Any trees planted in the past three years chances of survival are increased by those willing to insure young trees get five gallons of water per week. The late Marilyn Ortt always reminded the community members of the young trees’ needs during hot, dry periods. Trees cool or community, provide oxygen, shade, habitat among dozens of other necessary features for our survival. Trees, children, animals and drinking water depend upon responsible people for their survival. ...