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Shining a light on hidden influences: Why Ohio must pass SB10 and HB 105

Columns

During my years in the Ohio House of Representatives, I dedicated myself to upholding the core values of fairness, transparency, and accountability in government. These principles have continued to guide my service as a Columbiana County Commissioner. Today, I see a troubling issue that threatens the integrity of our legal system, the vitality of our communities, and the stability of our small businesses: secretive third-party litigation funding. This practice allows outside financiers —often hedge funds or private equity firms with no connection to the people or facts involved in a ...

Red Cross has urgent need for ERV volunteer drivers

Letters to the Editor

Our region is no stranger to natural disasters and other emergencies. And, as federal officials tell states more frequently that they are on their own after flooding and catastrophic storms, the assistance we can expect is changing. But while states such as West Virginia, Arkansas and Washington are figuring out how they will fend for themselves, residents know one thing is not changing. The Red Cross will be there to help. The American Red Cross depends on people helping people — mostly volunteers willing to do the work, lend a hand, and be there when someone else is in need. And ...

Ohio FOP urges support for tax renewal

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is urging voters across Columbiana County to read the public safety tax information in order to correct confusion about it being a renewal tax not a new or additional tax. The sales tax renewal will appear on the May primary ballot. Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio President Jay McDonald said in a letter to County Commissioners that he appreciated their effort to correct confusion, but that more outreach is necessary. “This is not a new or additional tax, McDonald said. “It simply extends the current tax and provides vital ...

Expresses views on judge candidates

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: I have received multiple campaign fliers at my home from a Danielle Menning, candidate for county municipal court, claiming that she has been endorsed by “the Columbiana County Republicans.” This claim is accompanied by the Republican Party elephant logo, making the claim of endorsement appear official. I have looked into this matter, however, and have found that this claim is absolutely false. In fact, the County Republican Party has a process for vetting candidates and endorsing them. And the County Republican Party actually endorsed Judge Kelly Linger for this ...

Ohio needs to be the heart of movement to stem hate

Editorials

If it seems as though in recent years the atmosphere has become more charged with hate and division — perhaps even to the point of being dangerous — you’re not imagining things. Hate crimes are on the rise. To examine one category, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports anti-Jewish hate crimes increased by 63% between 2023 and 2024. It seems as though the trend is not letting up. Earlier this month, an Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar in Miamisburg, Ohio, had to shut down for part of a weekend after it was tagged with anti-semitic graffiti, according to a report by ...

Small personal investment benefits entire community

Columns

There are a lot of positive developments underway in the City of Salem. We recently passed a levy that will bring Salem an $80 million new, much-needed elementary/middle school campus. We recently secured over $1 million in state funding to complete a new town square, which will be a focal point for our historic downtown shopping district Another $450,000 in private donations has been raised to expand that town square park area over to the Memorial Building. And we are very near on an announcement that a new, multi-million dollars South Lincoln overpass bridge is to be built over ...