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Some good is coming out of DC regarding employment training

Disappointing as much of it is, there is some work being done in Washington, D.C., that will actually make a difference for the rest of us. Ohioans, in fact, can point to the Employer-Directed Skills Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, says he has joined the effort, which would help employees get the training they need for in-demand skills that meet workforce needs. There is also a component that would help employers find potential employees based on their participation in training programs. “As Ohio continues to ...

With warmer weather comes prohibitions on outdoor burning

When we skip ahead an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, that spring forward on the clocks will not be the only reminder we are moving toward brighter, warmer (Soon? We hope? Please?) weather. Forestry officials across our region are reminding us we have also entered the spring fire ban season. From March 1 through May 31 in both West Virginia and Ohio, there are prohibitions on outdoor burning. Ohio’s Division of Forestry says the ban is between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. In West Virginia, the restriction is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. No, not even in a proper burn barrel. There are other ...

Study suggest Ohio lagging in education

Despite Ohio policymakers’ continued effort to meddle with education — at all levels — a recent study suggests there has been limited success on a national scale. “Most and Least Educated States in America (2026)” by WalletHub doesn’t even place Ohio in the top half of states. We are 35th. That’s not a good look for a state that has worked diligently to attract large employers looking for a well-educated and well-trained workforce. Ohio is 36th for educational attainment, though 19th for the quality of education. Further, it was bundled into the worst category of states ...

Husted among few still fighting for EP residents

More than three years after a disastrous derailment in East Palestine, Congress has continued to sit on its hands rather than upset its friends in the railroad industry by implementing desperately needed rail safety reform. Well, most of Congress, anyway. A few have repeatedly tried to push change. Most recently, a bipartisan group that includes U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, has introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2026. “Three years ago, many Ohioans understandably lost faith in the safety and reliability of our nation’s railways after the accident in East Palestine, Ohio. Since ...

Ohioans can take steps to engage in better fitness

All that technology we drag around with us all the time is giving researchers data that provides insight into everything from our travel to fitness. If you have a habit of checking your health and fitness data through a smart watch and app, you are not the only one keeping track. Data from participants, provided by Apple, helped researchers produce the “Apple Heart and Movement Study.” “The heart is an incredible organ, working tirelessly every second of every day,” report beings. “Understanding how various heart metrics reflect your overall well-being can empower you to lead ...

Due praise for the work of Future Farmers of America

National Future Farmers of America Week is being observed Feb. 21-28. The organization “Future Farmers of America” — or FFA as we all know it — was founded in 1928 by young farmers. Its mission was to prepare subsequent generations with the task of feeding a growing populace across our country. Farmers have done just that. And living where we do in counties like Columbiana and Mahoning we can appreciate that. If you aren’t a farmer in our parts, you certainly know someone who is a crop producer, beef, dairy or poultry farmer. Living where we do, where so much farming and ...