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Marking the anniversary of a tragic day in history

Editorials

Today marks the 24th anniversary of one of the most horrific days in the history of the United States. Yes, it has been that long already. If you need to be told exactly what significant, nation-altering event we are observing then, well, you are not much of an American. Period. Tributes and memorials will mark today — nearly a quarter-century since acts of terrorism across our skies had planes plunging to earth and creating mass casualties. We remember the tragedies of that day. We remember the sacrifices and acts of heroism. Local tributes will be paid throughout our region. Our ...

Writer cites troubling reality in Salem

Letters to the Editor

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. ...

For the sake of development, lawmakers need to re-energize

Editorials

As the most obvious economic development in Ohio is data centers and server farms — necessary, but not exactly providing a lot of jobs while they place a greater burden on our energy infrastructure — lawmakers are looking for new ways to make sure those hungry facilities get all the electricity they need. The growing demand is creating the possibility of energy shortages, prompting lawmakers to come up with energy efficiency and energy generation ideas. “Until we get new baseload built, there is still not enough energy,” state Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, told the ...

For the sake of development, lawmakers need to re-energize

Editorials

As the most obvious economic development in Ohio is data centers and server farms — necessary, but not exactly providing a lot of jobs while they place a greater burden on our energy infrastructure — lawmakers are looking for new ways to make sure those hungry facilities get all the electricity they need. The growing demand is creating the possibility of energy shortages, prompting lawmakers to come up with energy efficiency and energy generation ideas. “Until we get new baseload built, there is still not enough energy,” state Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, told the ...

Wealth, political party play pivotal roles in judge races

Columns

Running for the court of appeals — particularly for the first time and especially for an open seat — is an expensive venture. When Katelyn Dickey ran in 2024 for a vacant seat on the Youngstown-based 7th District Court of Appeals, she loaned $205,000 to her campaign fund with her husband providing $150,000. Dickey raised only $5,800 for the campaign from outside donors with $5,000 coming from the Columbiana County Republican Party. Judicial candidates need to use their personal wealth to fund campaigns because they are prohibited from receiving campaign contributions until 180 ...

Vaccines remain a big part of our health care

Editorials

As political chatter raises questions about vaccines and legal requirements for them, some news close to home should remind us of their importance. According to the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department, a measles outbreak was confirmed in the county on Aug. 29. Three children from the same family — all unvaccinated. And while those children are reportedly improving at home, the health department’s task now is to work with the family “to identify and follow-up with any exposure and contacts, and help where needed.” The Ohio news made its way into a report by the ...