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Beware of fraudsters now using turnpike reference

—Officers spoke to a person by phone at 9:33 p.m. Wednesday for a report of fraud. The caller advised that they received a text message claiming a fee for the turnpike needed paid and that after clicking on the link and paying the amount demanded the caller discovered the text was fraudulent. The credit card company for the card used was contacted and needed the caller to file a police report. A report number was provided. Fraudsters, being the conniving thieves that they are, have apparently taken their con game on the road. At least in a figurative sense. The paragraph leading off ...

Reduced bureaucracy is good for taxpayers

Bureaucracy exists to serve itself, rather than the taxpaying public. Bureaucrats can wield licenses, permits, deadlines and other forms of red tape like precision weapons. Their zeal in doing so has bogged down our economic diversification and growth for far too long. But a plan presented by U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, an independent from West Virginia, and John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, could speed things back up, at least for one sector. The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 is meant to eliminate some of the time and hoops that stall energy projects of all kinds. “The United States of ...

Sen. Brown’s proposal good but still needs some work

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s heart is in the right place as he introduced the Countering Adversary Reconnaissance Act of 2024, even if the details need a little work. The measure’s aim is to “protect U.S. national security facilities, critical infrastructure and American citizens by prohibiting connected vehicles produced in China and other adversaries near U.S. military bases and other federal installations.” Brown, D-Ohio, asserts the information and communications technology in internet-connected vehicles can collect sensitive information that poses a security risk. “Chinese ...

Sen. Brown’s proposal good but still needs some work

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s heart is in the right place as he introduced the Countering Adversary Reconnaissance Act of 2024, even if the details need a little work. The measure’s aim is to “protect U.S. national security facilities, critical infrastructure and American citizens by prohibiting connected vehicles produced in China and other adversaries near U.S. military bases and other federal installations.” Brown, D-Ohio, asserts the information and communications technology in internet-connected vehicles can collect sensitive information that poses a security risk. “Chinese ...

Ohio Arts Council provides $22.7M to artists, programs

Schools and communities that value and support the arts and arts education understand such things are not a luxury. The arts are essential. Fortunately, it appears state officials and lawmakers understand that, too. This year, the Ohio Arts Council has been supported to the degree that it was able to approve a record $22.7 million in arts grants — 935 of them to statewide artists and arts organizations. It is the largest single round of grants distributed to OAC funding applicants in the agency’s history. “On behalf of the board, the Ohio Arts Council thanks Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. ...

Ohio’s Tax Free Weekend stretched to 10 full days

August arrives next week. And with it comes the waning days of summer vacation for local students. More so it seems nowadays with classes beginning earlier and earlier for many districts. Can you remember back when the school year did not start until after Labor Day? We do. Barely. Of course now is the time for parents, grandparents and guardians to get a jump on school shopping including supplies and clothing. Shoppers will be getting soon a little break. What used to be a Tax Free Weekend has been expanded to 10 days. Ohio sets aside at least three days each year (to include the ...