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Investigation is reminder that we all must be alert

Most of us have seen the signs posted in public restrooms, or flyers distributed at large events in an attempt to give victims of human trafficking a way to get help. And for the most part, people glance at those things, assume the messages have nothing to do with them and ignore them. The truth is we must all be vigilant, watching for indicators that should be reported or a person who needs help. It sounds as though that is exactly what happened in Pickerington, where a business called Massage Experts is being investigated for suspicion of acting as a front for human trafficking, ...

Large turnout is essential for Aug. 8 special election

With early voting under way ahead of the Aug. 8 special election to decide Ohio Issue 1, significant voter turnout will be essential to ensuring such an important decision is not made for all of us by a tiny percentage of voters. Changes to polling places in many counties may be a deterrent for some. But county boards of elections have done their best to send out postcards and other reminders to voters of the new location for some polling places. Check your mail, or, call your local board of election to be certain you know where to vote. Columbiana County: ...

Elected officials need to throw out all HB 6 trash

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former GOP leader Matt Borges may have experienced the legal consequences of taking part in the largest public corruption case in state history, but part of the legislation that scheme launched is still costing Buckeye State taxpayers approximately $150 million per year, according to a study by the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. State Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, is among the lawmakers trying to do something about that, according to a report by News 5 Cleveland. “The number one thing of Larry’s legacy, HB 6, continues to ...

Voter turnout imperative for critical Issue 1 ballot

At the voter registration deadline earlier this week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said there are nearly 8 million registered voters here. Ahead of the Aug. 8 special election regarding Issue 1, however, LaRose does not appear confident there will be a representative number of Buckeye State residents making the decision for everyone. “We’re doing all we can to get the word out, to make sure people know. But I’m not going to predict numbers. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s similar to what we saw in last year’s primary that was held in August,” LaRose told ...

Strong job market proving to be a challenge in Ohio

While a strong job market might sound like a good problem to have, Ohio faces a challenge. According to a report by the Dayton Daily News, the state has approximately twice as many job openings as unemployed people. “Ohio’s job market is robust, particularly for job-seekers,” Bill Teets, director of communications with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, told the Daily News. “Unemployment claims remain low and the number of job openings remain high.” For many public officials and employers, that means the focus must shift to recruitment and ...

Ohio is part of ‘Tobacco Nation’

Ohio residents may be surprised to learn a new report by Truth Initiative says the state is part of what the group refers to as “Tobacco Nation.” That group is made up of 12 states in which both adults and young adults have a 50% higher smoking prevalence and smoke many more cigarettes per capita annually than those in other states. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia make up “Tobacco Nation, meaning those residents could end up smoking nearly 500 more cigarettes per year than the average ...