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Letters to the Editor

Writer cites troubling reality in Salem

To the editor: I am a passionate admirer of Salem’s history and its preservation. A recent interaction between a friend and some members of Salem has left me reflecting on the town as a whole. My friend, Heather Smith, was reportedly told to be cautious about what she says publicly because of her affiliation with a certain group and that they are not “activists”. This incident speaks volumes about a troubling reality: there appears to be a lack of support for those who are willing to speak up about difficult topics. To remain neutral in uncomfortable matters is not a passive act. ...

Carbon Capture and Sequestration Hub is risky

To the editor: I’ve lived in the Ohio River Valley for 70 years, in both Jefferson and Harrison Counties. For decades the residents of the Ohio Valley have been paying for the aftermath of extractive industries. That “beautiful clean coal” Trump refers to took lives, and left a legacy of mine shafts and acid mine run-off. Taxpayers continue to foot the bills to plug orphan oil and gas wells, and clean-up un-reclaimed strip mined lands. Recently, the Ohio River Valley was targeted to become a Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Hub. This CCS Hub will consist of a series ...

Smart housing policy builds strong rural communities

To the editor: Senator Moreno is right about one thing: expanding homeownership is essential for Ohio’s future, especially in rural communities. During my time on Wellsville’s City Council and Board of Education, I saw how a home provided more than shelter. Families who owned their homes put down roots, contributed to the community, and gave their children the stability they needed to succeed in school and beyond. But families can only build that kind of stability if the housing market itself is built on solid ground. We learned the consequences of weak foundations in 2008. ...

State Representative Robb Blasdel deserves praise

To the editor: As a mom, I’m constantly worried about what kids are doing online. Every week it seems like there’s a new app children want to download, and parents have no idea what half of them actually do or if they’re appropriate for different ages. Our State Representative feels the same way and is taking action! Representative Robb Blasdel, a mom of two young girls, knows how important protecting our kids online is and I am thankful for her leadership on this issue! I support the App Store Accountability Act, introduced as House Bill 226 and Senate Bill 167. This ...

Nancy Murray’s legacy lives on

To the editor: It’s been said that true leaders plant seeds for trees they’ll never sit under. In Wellsville, Ohio, the roots of recovery and resilience bear the unmistakable mark of Nancy Murray—a determined public servant whose impact still echoes through the streets of our village. I’ll never forget the moment I walked into her office in East Liverpool, petition for councilman in hand, asking her to be the first to sign after I decided to drop out of the mayor’s race. Without hesitation, she did. What followed was a long, hot summer filled with strategy talks and hopes ...

Veterans Appreciation Picnic a success

To the editor: The 22nd annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic was held Saturday, July 12th, in the Calcutta Square in Calcutta, Ohio with 650 veterans and guests in attendance. Two WWII Veterans, Roy Shetler, 99, of New Waterford, Ohio and Dohrman Rosenlieb, 98, of East Liverpool, Ohio were recognized. A picnic lunch was served to attendees and music was provided by Dave & Casie. The American and POW flags were presented “Special Delivery” via Jimmy Drummond and Padrick Carnahan from Skydive Rick’s Alliance Sport Parachute Club in Petersburg, Ohio. The Tri-State Burial ...