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On Christmas Day celebrate the Light

Just a few short days ago, the winter solstice marked the longest night of the year. Darkness blanketed the hemisphere for longer than it will again until Dec. 21 next year. And so now, we turn toward the light. On Christmas Day we celebrate the arrival of a Light who prompted the announcing of “glad tidings of great joy.” A baby born to grow into a man who would ask us to understand we are loved and to love one another just the same. Wise men and visionary women sought him, tyrants feared him, and even then, there was the giving of gifts. Though this Christmas may see few ...

Nuts and all, have a great Christmas!

“It’s going to be nuts!” That was the succinct, declarative observation of someone planning to shop during the dwindling days before next Wednesday. The Christmas shopping countdown is down to about three-and-half days. Or, as this is written about 84 hours. Ummm no, make that 83 hours, 59 minutes and 54, 53, 52 — well, you get it — seconds. Tick, tick, tick. Not done shopping? No sweat. Join the crowd. Crunch time is here. The final sprint before the big day has arrived. That will inflate crowds like one of those giant blow up lawn Santas that juvenile punks relish ...

Gov. DeWine urged to veto HB 315

As they neared the finish line on a session during which they neglected bills that might have helped Ohioans, lawmakers also slipped into House Bill 315 a provision (similar to changes made in the last budget bill) that will undoubtedly hurt them. HB 315 passed with little notice shortly after 2 a.m. Friday, and will do little more than limit the public’s access to public information. Now it heads to the governor’s desk. Surely Gov. Mike DeWine will see through lawmakers’ attempt to keep public business in the shadows by removing the requirement that public notices be printed in ...

Federal lawmakers need to get on board with Railway Safety Act

“This is why people hate Washington.” Outgoing U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, had good reason to speak his mind this week when lawmakers dropped the ball on the Railway Safety Act. Inspired by the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine on Feb. 3, 2023, the act would have enhanced existing rail safety regulations and added mandates such as reducing train lengths, shortening the distance between hotbox detectors on freight lines, notifying local officials in advance of trains carrying hazardous cargo and a minimum two-person crew on every locomotive. But, as staff writer ...

Lawmakers looking to expand AG’s authority

Ohio’s Supreme Court has already ruled the state attorney general cannot reject potential statewide ballot initiatives based solely on their titles. State lawmakers, many of whom are thinking no further ahead than state Attorney General Dave Yost, didn’t like the ruling and are putting together a measure that would expand the state attorney general’s authority to reject citizen ballot initiatives based on their title. According to a report by the Dayton Daily News, the proposal to make the state AG even more powerful was slipped in as an amendment to an otherwise unrelated bill ...

Samaritan is another way of saying angel

Our area is truly blessed with so many kind-hearted souls. Examples abound from bell ringers to those holding fund raisers of all kinds. Generosity and caring — especially toward children — is a trademark of the good folks of our communities. Selflessness is a characteristic. ‘Tis is truly the season of giving. We recently were on site for the annual Gingerbread Day in Salem. Over 600 children were treated to making gingerbread houses, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive activities, eating goodies and taking home a number of items including mittens and stocking caps. All ...