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DeWine’s final address, rightly so, focused on educating youth

Editorials

In his final State of the State address, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was right to spend so much time on education — particularly reading. If we aren’t giving our children the best start possible, it’s hard to see how public officials are going to be able to get much else right. They’ll just be playing catch-up. But there are bright spots on that horizon. DeWine’s persistence regarding the Science of Reading may be helping our youngest readers improve their reading performance. The governor and his team at the Department of Education and Workforce must be seeing evidence that has ...

Law Enforcement Accreditation Program available for agencies

Editorials

Given that Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services data shows there were 2,837 “use of force” incidents from 1,040 police agencies in the state in 2025, one would think law enforcement agencies would be clamoring to take advantage of the new Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Established in 2024, the program gives law enforcement agencies an opportunity to demonstrate they are meeting standards set by the state Public Safety Department. “If an agency is willingly opening their doors to criticism, that shows great leadership. Having someone else come in and ...

‘Spring forward’ of clocks mark brighter days ahead

Editorials

Spring doesn’t officially begin until March 20, but the combination of unseasonably mild temperatures and the annual “spring forward” of clocks this past weekend seemed to signal that better days are ahead. Longer days, too. Daylight Saving Time means less light in the morning, but more in the evening. It aligns with the annual feeling of renewal that comes with spring — especially this year after one of the worst winters in recent northeastern Ohio history. That doesn’t mean we’re finished with cold weather or even snow, but there is more and more light at the end of the ...

Do what is best for the majority of residents

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: The main basis in believing a Perry Township trustee is…TRUST, as it incorporates their logic, education, experience, empathy, skill, knowledge, and above all, their communication. Once that trust is broken it is rarely regained and rightfully so. This applies also to the Salem City Council and even moreso, because of its moratorium regarding the marijuana dispensary. When authorities initially establish an intent and purpose like the moratorium and leave it in stagnation, it needs to be investigated for reasons. This changes their intent and purpose to cause and ...

Some good is coming out of DC regarding employment training

Editorials

Disappointing as much of it is, there is some work being done in Washington, D.C., that will actually make a difference for the rest of us. Ohioans, in fact, can point to the Employer-Directed Skills Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, says he has joined the effort, which would help employees get the training they need for in-demand skills that meet workforce needs. There is also a component that would help employers find potential employees based on their participation in training programs. “As Ohio continues to ...

With warmer weather comes prohibitions on outdoor burning

Editorials

When we skip ahead an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, that spring forward on the clocks will not be the only reminder we are moving toward brighter, warmer (Soon? We hope? Please?) weather. Forestry officials across our region are reminding us we have also entered the spring fire ban season. From March 1 through May 31 in both West Virginia and Ohio, there are prohibitions on outdoor burning. Ohio’s Division of Forestry says the ban is between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. In West Virginia, the restriction is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. No, not even in a proper burn barrel. There are other ...