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Every vote still counts

Ohio Valley residents already know the importance of getting out and voting, no matter how high- (or low-) profile the election may be. Decisions that affect our daily lives should not be made by the handful of people who cast their ballots in even the smallest of off-year elections. But Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued an important reminder in the closing days of 2024. There will be a 2025 election cycle, no matter how tired we are of politics and campaigning. We must not shirk our responsibilities. LaRose’s office noted there were 23 local races in Ohio that ...

Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS to Santa Claus, who traveled around the globe on Christmas Eve to bring the holiday spirit to good girls and boys everywhere. We hope he found plenty of milk and cookies along the way. JEERS to the fact that many shelter pets did not have a loving family to spend Christmas with despite the shelter staffs’ best efforts to find them all homes. CHEERS to everyone who made charitable efforts this holiday season. Lending a helping hand to someone in need is one of the best ways to help your community and give yourself the gift of sharing their joy. JEERS to news that several major ...

DeWine’s veto needed

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been a champion for police departments throughout his career, working to secure more funding, better equipment and more training for departments across the Buckeye State. He also was a huge factor in helping departments across the state acquire money to purchase body cameras for officers, which have protected officers — and the public. Now DeWine is the last, best hope that a higher level of integrity can be maintained regarding government transparency in Ohio. Lawmakers, in the late hours of the last days of the 135th General Assembly, approved legislation ...

Time for new maps

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said on multiple occasions last year that he believed the redrawing of political maps should be taken out of the hands of politicians. He just did not believe Issue 1 on the November ballot was the right answer. Approximately 54% of Buckeye State residents agreed. But 46% of voters supported Issue 1, and no doubt there were plenty on the other side who understood our broken system must be changed, even if Issue 1 was not the way. Now, DeWine says he has a plan to get the job done differently. He told WVXU he’d like Ohio to emulate a plan that seems to be ...

Keep information public

As they neared the finish line on a session during which they neglected bills that might have helped Ohioans, lawmakers also slipped into House Bill 315 a provision (similar to changes made in the last budget bill) that will undoubtedly hurt them. HB 315 passed with little notice shortly after 2 a.m. Friday, and will do little more than limit the public’s access to public information. Now it heads to the governor’s desk. Surely Gov. Mike DeWine will see through lawmakers’ attempt to keep public business in the shadows by removing the requirement that public notices be printed in ...

Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS to Josh Meyer, outgoing Belmont County commissioner, on a job well done. Meyer has served the county for eight years, and the board has been productive during his tenure. JEERS to word that drought conditions reduced the amount of water the village of Belmont could produce from its wells this year. CHEERS to Bishop Darrell Cummings of Bethlehem Apostolic Temple for organizing yet another holiday giveaway that is scheduled for 10 a.m. this Saturday at the North Wheeling Dream Center. JEERS to the fact that there are people in need this holiday season right here in our Ohio ...