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Ohio’s youngest students need better preparation

Officials already understand there is a need to increase affordability and access to quality early childhood education in Ohio, but new data from the Ohio Department of Education hammers home the point. Nearly two-thirds of our state’s kindergarteners are not ready to learn at that level when they arrive. That data is based on the results of the standardized Kindergarten Readiness Assessment conducted by teachers for each child entering the kindergarten classroom. Academic, physical and socio-emotional readiness is measured, according to a report by WCMH-Columbus. Last school year, ...

Try exploring Ohio on an open road

For families whose households have begun to ring with the cry of “I’m bored!” and “There’s nothing to do!” affordable options for getting out of the house are important. The time-honored tradition of the family road trip is difficult to beat during the summer. And, according to WalletHub’s “2023’s Best and Worst States for Summer Road Trips” Ohio is difficult to beat for a road trip. In fact, the Buckeye State ranked fourth in the nation on the company’s list — 18th for costs, 21st for safety and 12th for activities. WalletHub says Ohio is 2nd in the country for ...

Celebrating independence in the grandest nation in the world

“The second day of July, 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” — John Adams to his wife, written in 1776. Resolution for independence from the British ...

Highway Patrol reminds all of the perils with drinking, driving

Any driver should not have to be repeatedly warned regarding the hazards of drinking and driving. Of course the worst case scenario is an accident resulting in death or grave injury. It happens much than it should It seems many drivers take, well, a holiday from sensible driving whenever a holiday does come along. Especially with warm weather holidays. Tomorrow, of course, is the Fourth of July and all the celebrations that come with. As it should be. Our wish here is for all of our readers to have a great time today and Tuesday. If part of your enjoyment including drinking alcoholic ...

Should be consequences for acts of sheer bigotry

One does not have to look far to see the damage done by the last several years in which some politicians have fooled their followers into believing it is acceptable to be openly, publicly hateful. An example from 2021 came from the Sheffield Lake (Ohio) Police Department, where the chief felt free to leave a note for a Black police officer that contained references to the Ku Klux Klan. A report by WJW described the note as “racially insensitive.” The news outlet reports there is now a proposed settlement of $500,000 for the officer’s complaint and two others — a discrimination ...

Children’s online activities must be closely monitored

Yet again, we’ve gotten news that federal agents have arrested a man on child pornography and exploitation charges, after that man is accused of receiving pornographic material from more than 100 victims through the Snapchat app since 2018. This time, the accused, Clay Thomas Wolfe, 28, of Junction City, Ohio, allegedly pretended to be a 15-year-old girl and coerced middle and high school boys from Chillicothe and other Ohio cities, as well as in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, to send him child pornography, according to a report by WCMH. Wolfe also was a New Lexington High School ...