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Take an active part in celebrating Earth Day

The year 1970 was eventful. Consider some notable happenings: — President Nixon ordered U.S. forces to cross into neutral Cambodia, which widened the Vietnam War. His decision ignited nationwide riots including the Kent State shootings resulting in four dead students and others injured. — A jury found the Chicago Seven defendants not guilty of conspiring to incite a riot from charges stemming from the violence at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The social climate was smoldering. — President Nixon signed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act into law, banning ...

Pay extra attention through work zones

“Driving requires all your attention, but that is especially true in work zones where things can change quickly. Drop the distractions, obey the speed limit, and allow extra room between your vehicle and the one in front of you,” Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks said Thursday. As the spring construction season gets into full swing, it is a good time to remember just how much is at stake if we don’t follow his advice. According to ODOT, last year there were 4,098 work zone-related crashes in Ohio — 36% occurring when workers were present. There were ...

Ohio should make seat belt violation a primary offense

Ohio has made great strides in trying to reduce the number of people hurt or killed in vehicles here, with a stricter law that makes it a primary offense to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap or other parts of the body while driving. Gov. Mike DeWine seems eager to keep up the momentum, with a push to make seat belt violations a primary reason for pulling over. Right now, a seat belt violation can earn a ticket only if the driver is caught for another violation — speeding, for example. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $30 for the driver and $20 for ...

‘Tis the season for parental vigilance

“My child would never do any thing like that!” Sure, of course not. “Some thing” and “any thing” in this case are interchangeable: parents referencing underage drinking by their children. You would guess those words are often uttered. And have been each and every prior spring. Here’s a not-so news flash to parents: If your child is intent on drinking he or she is not going to give you a heads-up. The prom season is upon use. Closely followed by graduation. High school youth will be celebrating. As they should within the bounds of common sense and safety. Prom and ...

‘See something, say something’ applies to protecting animals, too

Most of us think of “if you see something, say something” as applying to humans — abuse, neglect, trafficking and other criminal activity. And it does. But it applies to animals, too. Last week in Delaware County, Ohio, it led to several dogs being removed from what appears to be a severe animal cruelty situation. According to a report by WHIO, 40 dogs were removed to the Delaware County Dog Shelter from a Kingston Township property. The investigation began because officials received more than 50 calls. The county dog warden’s office was able then to obtain a search warrant and ...

Poor behavior embraced by politicians can be curbed

An independent, state-ordered investigation into reportedly “erratic and abusive behavior” by Ohio Rep. Elliot Forhan, D-South Euclid, has concluded legislative leaders were justified in disciplining him. Because of accusations of confrontations with other lawmakers, constituents and lobbyists, Forhan lost all his committee assignments and was barred by House Minority Leader C. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, from contacting interns, pages and Democratic legislative aides. He also was required to have a House sergeant-at-arms accompany him while he was at the Statehouse. But ...