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Letters to the Editor

Upset with decision regarding Coach DeShields

To the editor: After reading the story of letting Coach (Walt) DeShields go at West Branch, and “wanting to go in a different direction” after all of the success he has had is quite upsetting. My background in coaching at the high school and college level almost spans thirty years. Not living up to expectations or lapses in judgement makes it necessary to be let go. That is not the case here. Coach DeShields, is really good at what he does, that is the facts, the truth. He has a long list of positive impact in the West Branch community and throughout the state of ...

More support for Coach DeShields

To the editor: Imagine my surprise when I heard the demise of Coach Walt DeShields from the Carrollton Athletic Director. Ron told me the news and imagine my reaction. We spoke about the situation for about ten minutes before it was time to start the baseball game. We decided it was a story that would be of interest to many in “Warrior Nation” and many basketball fans in the area, because of his success and stellar reputation. Before I speak to his “game night” performances which led to nearly 400 victories and 20 consecutive winning seasons, let’s look at the man. He filled ...

Ohio needs statewide fiber buildout

To the editor: Some Congressmen have recently introduced legislation that could limit households and businesses in rural areas of our state to satellite internet service while other areas have access to reliable fiber internet. The SPEED for BEAD bill would also make it easier for companies to use low-road contractors when building fiber connections and cause delays in broadband build by forcing states to revisit their plans. As a telecommunications worker, I know what reliable, long-lasting internet service looks like. Unlike fiber, which is a one-time infrastructure investment with ...

We need to trust the actions of Trump

To the editor: I’m not a politician and I don’t pretend to be, but I figure I have a good idea when I’m being handled by someone. I’m pretty sure that I know the rest of the world is handling this country. In the past years our politicians always said we have to level the playing field, but none of them had the nerve to level it. More like they didn’t want to lose money coming into their pockets. This country is almost broke. Can you imagine what it would be like to have some other countries telling us what to do. We are 30-plus trillion dollars in debt. If we don’t ...

Funds should be released to Division of Wildlife

To the editor: Recent legislation to permit oil and gas drilling under Ohio’s public lands will be very lucrative for our state. It’s projected to generate millions of dollars in revenue. Locally, Zepernick Wildlife Area is one of several locations approved for fracking. Leasing rights have been awarded to Encino Energy Partners to drill under the wildlife area. Under the provisions of the Pittman Robertson and Dingell Johnson Federal Aid for Wildlife Acts, leasing proceeds from these activities should be allocated to the Division of Wildlife where they will be invested to provide ...

Disappointed with State Senator Cutrona

To the editor: On a Friday night in February, State Senator Al Cutrona stood me up for a date at La Pizzaria. To be clear, it wasn’t just me; it was a group of educators from the ECOEA (East Central Ohio Education Association) at our annual Legislative Dinner. We invite all legislators who represent public schools in our district for a dinner and panel discussion. Senator Cutrona RSVP’d that he would be there. As a constituent who has called his office numerous times and not once received a call back, I sat at his table next to his reserved seat name tag and eagerly anticipated a ...