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Ohio redistricting is back to square one

Ohio’s Redistricting Commission is, again, gearing up to redraw the state’s congressional map — ahead of the 2026 elections; and meant to stand for the next three elections. Voters already voiced their preference against one proposed redistricting reform measure last year. Gov. Mike DeWine’s idea for a different model has also been ignored. And so we are back where we started — recall that the redistricting commission essentially refused to do its job last time it was asked, caring little for the obviousness of their intent. First, of course, the Republican supermajority in ...

Our county fairs are throwbacks in time

There’s no glitz, glamour or full-scale high-tech wizardry used to awe which seems to be needed — or felt is needed — in this day and age of providing entertainment. No fancy 21st century version whistles, horns or gimmicks are involved. No, the summer fairs in our area like the 180th Columbiana County Fair, which officially opens Monday, and the upcoming Canfield Fair, which opens August 29 for its 179th year over 353 sprawling acres, are two examples of what is right with our area. Fairs provide good, old-fashioned entertainment for the young, old and all in between. And you ...

Contacting 988 can truly be a lifeline for so many

It’s not a subject most people want to dwell on, but Ohioans are fortunate some did a great deal of thinking about how best to help those who are struggling and in crisis — perhaps even having thoughts of suicide. When the 988 Lifeline was established, it was meant to give those experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis somewhere to turn — somewhere to get much-needed support. Since its establishment in July 2022, it has received 592,294 contacts, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. People can reach out through calls, chats or texts, according to the Ohio ...

Ohio’s TechCred program aids employers with worker training

Most of us have run into a situation in the workplace where a little more tech knowledge — or maybe even a significant amount of training — could make a world of difference in our ability to do our jobs and better work toward our employers’ goals. But getting that training takes time and money. Fortunately, there is a state program aiming to do something about at least one of those factors. Ohio’s TechCred program awards employers funding to help their employees gain new skills. In May, the program awarded a record more than $9.9 million in funding to 622 employers. That money ...

Officials need to make dip in fertility rates part of plan

As Ohio’s elected officials continue to hope for economic growth, there’s a factor some may not have considered. According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, the state’s fertility rates are dropping — standing at 56.2 births per 1,000 women in 2023. That’s an 8.9% decrease from the state’s average of 61.9 per 1,000 between 2011 and 2020. Interestingly, births to mothers younger than 20 and ages 20 to 24 both fell dramatically compared with 2007 data. “Historically, fertility rates have dipped during economic downturns but tended to recover as conditions improved,” ...

Stay vigilant in avoiding threat of West Nile Virus

We all know that mosquitoes can, well, bug the heck out of us. If you are outdoors regularly and it is muggy and hot, they are likely buzzing around licking their chops. But some are more than mere nuisances. Some carry serious diseases. Such as the West Nile Virus. Public health agencies diligently monitor this, utilizing mosquito surveillance traps. In our area, there have been several recent reports of mosquitos detected with the West Nile Virus. If there are a few around, you can be sure there are many around. We know of no human infections yet. But the virus has infected humans ...