Speaking up about the silence

December 10, 2017

Editor: Residents of Columbiana live under constant threat today that a small number of individuals are able to take away basic property rights, simply by interpreting an overly broad and vaguely worded section of city zoning code. The code states that uses not permitted under zoning are prohibited, and the city of Columbiana is employing this code in ways that have never come up in the 40 plus years since it was enacted. This newspaper has reported many times in the past, including Wednesday, 12/6/17, about the twists and turns around section 1260.05(a) of the Columbiana zoning ...

Columbiana concerns

November 30, 2017

Editor: Please know that some in the city of Columbiana now believe it acceptable to take your property rights away should someone not agree with the way you choose to live your life. There is no other explanation for the way that some now believe the section of our code (1260.05) is being used. We as free citizens still have the power to change this, but it can’t be done without help, our city has already been informed that we have begun this process. If you wish to help, please call 330-565-9044 and or go to the following Facebook link: ...

Honor the vets

November 7, 2017

Editor: I just wanted to take a few minutes to remind your readers of the upcoming holiday, Veterans Day, Nov. 11. I hope we all take a moment, in whatever way we choose, to remember the men and women who have served our country, both home and abroad, to protect our nation and our freedom. With recent events in the NFL, we have all probably heard more than we choose to about what the protesters feel they are doing. Let there be no doubt about our actions in remembering the veterans. Put your flag out if you have already taken it in for the winter. If you are standing behind or in ...

Beasts of prey

October 28, 2017

Editor: The Harvey Weinsteins of this world are a creation of our culture. Mothers spend thousands on their daughters painting them up like little hookers and taking them to beauty and talent pageants all over the country. Professions such as teaching, homemaking and farming are disparaged and dismissed as non-fulfilling. It’s all about wealth and fame. Few have ever seen the inside of a church or attended Sunday School. With high hopes, the adolescent girls flock to California only to be exploited and after going through the grist mill are thrown to the streets only to become ...

A deserved vote

October 27, 2017

Editor: Lisbon residents will be asked again this November to vote for an issue that touches almost everyone in the community. A 3-mill renewal issue is being placed on the ballot by the Lisbon Cemetery Board. Support by voting will be very much appreciated. It will not raise taxes. We have been residents in the community for nearly 50 years. As is the case with many of you, we plan to be buried in this cemetery. Others of you will be making that decision sometime in the future. Many of you likewise visit the cemetery on a regular basis to pay respect at the gravesites of friends ...

The poultry issue

October 26, 2017

Editor: I am writing just a few days before the upcoming election to make one more effort to ensure that the residents of the city of Columbiana (Columbiana and Mahoning County) are aware and understand what they are being asked to vote on, whether for or against keeping live poultry in residential zones (neighborhoods). If passed, this resolution would remove hens from simply being defined as livestock (currently only allowed in agricultural zones) and would allow them to live in residential zones and be treated not much different than other domestic pets. In fact, the word hen was ...