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Take advantage of TechCred

Most of us have run into a situation in the workplace where a little more tech knowledge — or maybe even a significant amount of training — could make a world of difference in our ability to do our jobs and better work toward our employers’ goals. But getting that training takes time and money. Fortunately, there is a state program aiming to do something about at least one of those factors. Ohio’s TechCred program awards employers funding to help their employees gain new skills. In May, the program awarded a record more than $9.9 million in funding to 622 employers. That money ...

All of the above energy

The high temperatures and humidity that the Tri-State Area has experienced during the past several weeks has led to many households cranking up the air conditioning and using plenty of electricity. And when you combine household need with that of Ohio’s industrial energy consumers, you reach the point where PJM Interconnection is advising the strain on our electrical grid may be too great. “At the current pace, we are projecting a shortfall of energy,” said David Souder, executive director of PJM operations, according to a report by WBNS-TV in Columbus. In fact, Souder said ...

Factor birth rates into future

As Ohio’s elected officials continue to hope for economic growth, there’s a factor some may not have considered. According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, the Buckeye State’s fertility rates are dropping — standing at 56.2 births per 1,000 women in 2023. That’s an 8.9% decrease from the state’s average of 61.9 per 1,000 between 2011 and 2020. Interestingly, births to mothers younger than 20 and ages 20 to 24 both fell dramatically compared with 2007 data. Nationwide, the problem is serious enough that members of the Trump administration have considered ...

Jack Cera: A life well lived

Over the past week, we have reflected on the life of Bellaire’s own Jack Cera. Cera died Sunday, July 13, at age 69 after battling cancer for more than two years. A trusted public servant, Cera represented Eastern Ohio in the state House of Representatives from 1983-1996 and again from 2011-2020. During his time at the Statehouse, he served on many committees — especially those related to energy — and as Minority Whip for a year. More importantly, though, he was always willing to reach across the aisle. Cera knew that bipartisanship was a key to getting things done, and he ...

Use caution in the sun

The summer season means many of us are spending more time in the sun. Before you head out, though, we ask that you take a few moments to pause and think about the toll all of those ultraviolet rays can do to your skin and your health. It’s especially important this time of year. The Skin Cancer Foundation reminds us that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each day — and more than two people will die of the disease each hour. Around 20 percent of Americans will develop skin cancer by the time ...

Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS to the St. Clairsville Main Street Small Business Association for bringing some holiday cheer to the city with its Christmas in July event planned for this Saturday. It should be a merry time. JEERS to Mother Nature for continuing to bring strong storms through the local region. The potential for flash flooding remains, along with other dangers. CHEERS to Epworth Park and its annual Chautauqua Days celebration. The weekend events provided food, fun, shopping and activities for people of all ages. We hope it continues for many years to come. JEERS to the oppressive heat that has ...