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When one group’s civil rights are threatened, we all are, too

All over the world, vulnerable populations have cheered the news that U.S. and United Nations elections monitors would be on hand to safeguard their voting processes. Here in the United States, the Department of Justice’s election monitors have for decades observed elections and polling conditions across the country — particularly when official conduct has led to requests for outside observation. Ahead of the 2024 General Election, the DOJ announced it would be deploying election monitors in 86 jurisdictions across 27 states. It is indicative of how warped some officials’ ...

Post-election, let’s hope all Americans can heal

Whew!!! Election Day has come and (kind of) gone. As this was written, much uncertainty surrounds the outcome of the biggest race of the election. Regardless, let’s try our hardest to be mindful that we are all Americans first and foremost. Yes, it certainly is difficult to do, especially if you are on the “side(s)” not winning. We live in a country where — whether it’s Harris or Trump — half of those voting, millions and millions, will be unhappy with the outcome. But we must persevere against the divisiveness and sheer vitriol and move forward. Democracy first. America ...

Did you remember to check your home smoke alarms?

As you made your way around the house on Saturday changing clocks, watches and other devices that still require you to do so back one hour, did you remember to check the most important items in the house? Those would be your smoke detectors. The return of Eastern Standard Time represents a good reminder to check batteries in smoke detectors. Batteries need to be replaced at least once a year. It also is a good time to check on hardwired smoke detectors to make sure the units are working properly. Even those units have a battery backup in case of a power failure. The bottom line: ...

You can make your own difference in the election

Leaders of both major political parties agree on one thing: The presidential election scheduled for Tuesday is among the most important in American history. Its outcome will shape our government, economy, even our society for many years to come, and may even come to truly define just who we are at this time. Your life and that of your children and grandchildren will be affected profoundly no matter who is elected. Don’t you want to have a say in the matter? To judge by voter turnouts in previous elections, many of your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors simply don’t ...

Diabetes Awareness Month is observed in November

With each month comes a new designated awareness, as advocates seize the opportunity to inform people in new and creative ways. Though it can be hard to keep track, the tactic is a good one. If, for example, there is an uptick in those seeking the various means of screening for cancers after October, the effort is well worth it. Important, too — particularly for area residents — is November’s Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, 12.6% of Ohioans are diabetic. But those are just the patients who are aware of their condition. The U.S. Centers ...

ODOT preps for what’s to come with wintertime

We’ve been spoiled with beautiful fall weather lately, and for most of us, the thought of travel-altering snow and ice still seems far away. Luckily for us, the folks at the Ohio Department of Transportation are preparing now for what we may eventually face. Inspections are underway throughout ODOT’s 12 districts covering the entire state. That includes our area. District 11 is headquartered in New Philadelphia and includes the counties of Columbiana, Carroll, Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Tuscarawas and Holmes. Mechanics and drivers are checking trucks and plows. Statewide, ODOT ...