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Finding the right employee is going to take creativity

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows Ohio has approximately 278,000 job openings. Among the fields with greatest need for workers is manufacturing. But finding the right employees isn’t easy. The Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint reports there could be 35,000 manufacturing job openings per year in the state, through 2037. Employers are going to have to get more creative and open-minded — and be willing to take a chance. That’s where programs such as the Training Assessment Placement Project come in. According to a report by WBNS, the program helps justice-involved ...

Consider being an organ donor

As flags climbed flagpoles at hospitals throughout the Ohio Valley this past week, the message was clear — organ donation is one of the most important decisions one can make for others. The “Donate Life” flags are flying in celebration of National Donate Life Awareness Month, a reminder of the need for organ donors across the country. In the Ohio Valley, guest speakers offered examples of how organ donation can change lives for the better. They talked about their family members who have been donor organ recipients and the years those gifts have given them to spend more time with ...

Local help is available for those suffering from depression

Salem Regional Medical Center’s Behavioral Medicine & Wellness Center (BMWC) is encouraging community members to learn the signs of depression, reach out for help and remember they are not alone – effective treatment is available. Depression is a common but serious medical condition that can affect how a person feels, thinks and handles daily life. According to Jamie Benner, Program Manager for the BMWC, recognizing the symptoms early can help individuals begin the path toward feeling better. “Depression is considered a clinical illness when symptoms last for two weeks or more ...

Not voting for Leetonia tax increase

As a current resident, property owner for 25-plus years and an income tax taxpayer, I am concerned with paying high taxes to live or work in Leetonia. I feel that in the long term this will set Leetonia back for future growth and development. Leetonia is asking voters to pass an additional half percent income tax in the 2026 Primary election on May 5, 2026. This will increase your income taxes by $50 per $10,000 of taxable income. If your income is $50,000 you will pay an extra $250 per year. People are trying to find ways to reduce their tax liability, not increase it. They ...

Advice to the Salem mayor

Back in time, a Salem Mayor only had a term of two years. That changed in 1970 to a four year term. Surprisingly Dean B. Cranmer (D) already had accumulated 16 years of two year terms before he lost in 1970 to T. Emerson Smith, a retired grocer..who shortly later died in office and was law replaced by then Council President, Charles Alexander, a salesman who thus ended the business minded men in that office from thereon in my opinion, and the further development of Salem, and our starting point now because when “We” becomes ‘Me’ in that office, no good can come from that ...

Innovation, frugality needed for ‘affordability’ struggle

Ohioans are facing increasing struggles with “affordability.” In fact, we have been for several years now. Lawmakers know that, but aren’t always clear on what to do. A group of state representatives has come up with a collection of ideas they believe will gain bipartisan support. “Ohio is too expensive for too many, and it’s time that legislators and leaders stepped up to take action,” Ohio state Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, D-Gahanna, told the Ohio Capital Journal. “For too long, politicians in Columbus have steered the economy in the wrong direction.” Ideas ...