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Driver’s license first, CPR training later

THERE IS legislation currently in the Ohio House that ties getting a driver’s license with learning CPR.

Buckeye State lawmakers should put the brakes on such plans immediately.

I am a big booster for CPR certification for as many people as possible. I am CPR certified.

However, there is a time and place for everything. Piggybacking CPR training with preparing for a driver’s license test in not the place.

Times Leader staffer Mike Hughes did a nice piece on the proposed bill in Saturday’s edition.

I agree CPR training can save lives, so can safe driving. Securing a driver’s license is one of the biggest days in a person’s life. Landmark to say the least.

While preparing for such an important achievement, teens should not be bogged down with another major task.

Mandatory CPR training for high school students would be better suited to come in the classroom.

If state lawmakers want to get involved with imposing CPR certification they should make it a high school graduation requirement. It could be easier and more extensively taught in schools and students could get academic credit for it.

LEGAL PURPLE

WE EXTEND OUR good-luck wishes to Tom O’Diam and Paul Stecker Jr. on the opening of their new legal offices in Martins Ferry. Ribbon-cutting festivities were held Saturday and I had a chance to view the offices as well as talk to Stecker.

The place is gorgeous and spacious inside while the exterior provides the downtown business district a refreshing nice look. Stecker is a personable and well-trained attorney. The Linsly School graduate earned his law degree from The Ohio State University.

BUBBA’S BITS

I DON’T have a dog in the fight, but I believe a fire district would be big plus for the Shadyside and Mead Township areas. It may cost a few more bucks, but a good fire department is well worth it.

LOU GENTILE is an up-and-coming star in Ohio politics. With that said, I was disappointed by the turnout which greeted him Monday in Martins Ferry. No more than two dozen people were in the Veterans Center to listen to the Steubenville native. Gentile is a politician who truly listens to and cares about his constituents.

WE COMMEND Wheeling Hospital for naming the residency learning center in Dr. George Kellas’ honor. I have always been a believer if you want to pay tribute to someone, name something of note after that person. Dr. Kellas was pioneer and visionary in local medical circles and was most deserving of the honor which was bestowed in a first-class ceremony.

STEELERS’ linebacker James Harrison is a great player and also excels in saying stupid things. Blistering NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell makes no sense as was his knocking of teammates Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall for their Super Bowl play. If he continues his abrasive bashing, he could be punching his ticket out of the Steel City.

THE OHSAA is honoring former Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel during the first week of the high school season by asking all grid coaches to wear a white shirt and tie. He is being recognized for all he has done with high school football. With all the controversy surrounding Tressel, I am not sold on such a ceremony

A NEW distance run take place in a few weeks. The inaugural Steven Dobranetski Memorial Scholarship 5K Run & Walk will be held July 30. Entrants will receive a commemorative wristband, fruit and a bottle of water following the race. Merchandise and concessions stands will be available for purchasing T-shirts, food and beverages. Participants are welcome to bring flowers, cards and signs to place in front of the Dobranetski household, which lies upon the course’s path. Registration fees are: Individual, $15, Team, $50.

The race was co-founded by Sean Tuttle and Jonathon “Tommy” Tomolonis, former teammates and friends of Steve who want to keep his memory alive by sponsoring a $500 scholarship for a Buckeye Local student involved in cross-country. Future plans are to add a depression awareness booth at the race site. Donations can be made at any PNC bank to the Steven Dobranetski Memorial Fund. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on race day.

AFTER THREE Days of Jamboree In The Hills entertainment, I say that Joe Zelek is as good as anyone who took the stage. The Mount Pleasant native is a country music star just waiting to happen.

ANYONE who missed the super generator cruising through Belmont County the last few days will never fully realize how massive it truly is. We credit all those who aided the transport from Mount Vernon, Ohio as it is no easy task to move a 407,000-pound machine. The move took a year to plan and takes four months to complete.

IN?TODAY’S?World Cup finals, bet the ranch on the U.S.A. women.

Kapral may be reached at bkapral@timesleaderonline.com

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