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Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS to the coming Tax-Free Holiday in Ohio, where shoppers can save money on clothes, school supplies and many other items for two weeks. JEERS to word that epizootic hemorrhagic disease is likely affecting the white-tailed deer population in Eastern Ohio. A case has been confirmed in Athens County, and numerous dead deer have been reported there and in Washington County. CHEERS to the return of the Betty Zane Days Festival to Martins Ferry. Running Wednesday through Saturday this week, it promises fun for all. JEERS to a report that states 33% of American adults had mental illness ...

Making Ohio’s roads safer

Ever been driving out the interstate and watched a commercial truck swerve a little and wonder how in the world they drive as much and as often as they do and keep themselves and the rest of us safe? Well, the truth is sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they make mistakes because they are distracted. Other times, it is because they are exhausted. But Ohio officials have a plan to make a difference on that front by adding at least 1,400 truck parking spaces across the state where drivers can stop to rest for as long as they need. “As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, so do the ...

Here we go again, Ohioans

Ohio’s Redistricting Commission is, again, gearing up to redraw the state’s congressional map — ahead of the 2026 elections; and meant to stand for the next three elections. And so we are back where we started — recall that the redistricting commission essentially refused to do its job last time it was asked. First, of course, the Republican supermajority in the Ohio Legislature will get a chance to draw new maps. But the Republicans also hold five of the seven seats on the redistricting commission and six of the seven seats on the Ohio Supreme Court. Few are even pretending ...

Hold Intel accountable

It gets a little harder each time to match state officials’ public optimism that Intel will live up to all its promises to Ohioans, when the news is that — again — momentum is slowing. In fact, last week Intel said it will “further slow” the pace of construction on a microchip facility that was supposed to be up and running THIS year. The last time we got such news, The Columbus Dispatch reported Intel was delaying its opening to at least 2030 or 2031. It is not clear now how much further that date might be pushed. “While the pace of construction in Ohio may not be as ...

Celebrating summer fun

Summer is here, and it is a season of celebration in Eastern Ohio and the Upper Ohio Valley area. Already this year, a number of festivities have taken place in communities all across the region. From chili cook-offs to the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend and, just this past week, the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival, numerous events have already occurred. Don’t worry that the summer fun is ending anytime soon, though. Starting Wednesday, the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department, with support from Unified Bank, takes over the City Park in Martins Ferry. It will ...

Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS to the Union Local Afterburners group for its successful, years-long effort to obtain a retired military jet for display on the school campus. JEERS to news that fireworks accidents and injuries have increased this year. Although consumer fireworks are legal for use in Ohio, it seems that the best practice is to leave displays to the professionals. CHEERS to all who participated in the Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Game this year. From the teams to the band, cheerleader, coaches and other staff, it takes hundreds to make it happen. JEERS to word that another heat wave is on the ...