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Work to win two-front fight to save Issue 2

Editorials

The abusive attack on the will of Ohio voters has gained momentum. Last week, the Ohio Senate passed legislation to bulldoze state Issue 2, approved by 57% of state voters in November 2023. That general election vote legalized the possession and use of a wide variety of cannabis products in the Buckeye State and included a host of provisions, many of which passage of Senate Bill 56 essentially guts. SB 56 also clearly illustrates the deep partisan divide in state government with all Republicans — including the Mahoning Valley’s two senators — voting for it and all Democrats ...

Despite recent study, Ohio seeing increase in wildlife

Editorials

Though a recent SmileHub study placed Ohio as seventh-worst in the nation for protecting wildlife — using 17 metrics that included data on things like the number of animal and environmental protection agencies per capita — the Buckeye State must be doing something right. Flora and fauna that were thought long gone from the state are reappearing. Most recently, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported fishers (mammals related to river otters and weasels) are colonizing again in the state. According to ODNR, they’ve been missing from Ohio since the mid-1800s. Now, it seems ...

Cancer risk varies by region among those in Appalachia

Editorials

Those living in Appalachia have long been accustomed to the idea there are greater risks to our health here than in many other regions. New research from the American College of Surgeons confirms that, while cancer diagnoses and deaths are decreasing in Appalachia, the numbers are still significantly higher here than in other parts of the U.S. And where are we at greatest risk? The central subregion — a small part of southern Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia — has the highest rates of cancer incidents and deaths among the larger Appalachian region. “The ...

Confidence begins to wane in the long-promised Intel plant opening

Editorials

Economic development officials in Columbus and Franklin and Licking counties can be forgiven if they find themselves humming the tune to an early 1980s hit while they wonder when the next bad news will come from Intel Corp. After all, the company had nothing but “promises, promises” in the beginning. But Feb. 28, the chipmaker announced it is once again pushing back the planned opening of the semiconductor plant that was going to revolutionize the employment landscape in central Ohio. Now Intel says construction on the first of two planned factories in New Albany is expected to ...

Remember to heed burn ban as we approach warmer weather

Editorials

Perhaps we should take it as a positive sign that we are moving out of winter and into spring and the Ohio Division of Forestry’s outdoor fire laws (for “kindled” fires) are once again in effect. From the beginning of March through November, outdoor open burning is prohibited statewide in unincorporated areas between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This could mean anything from a proper burn barrel to burning of yard waste, trash and debris. “During spring, wildfire danger is high before plants have turned green, and in fall, fire danger is high due to abundant dry leaves and ...

NAMI Columbiana County returns with mental health support, education

Columns

LISBON — After a period of inactivity, NAMI Columbiana County is making a strong comeback, bringing vital mental health education, support, and advocacy back to the community. The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is re-establishing itself with new leadership, new programming, and a renewed commitment to providing resources for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Kristy Munyon, the newly appointed chair of NAMI Columbiana County, is leading efforts to expand services and strengthen support networks in the area. One of the ...