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Food desert bill good

Ohio is riddled with food deserts. Affordable, accessible fresh foods and healthy options for grocery shopping are not available to as many as 2 million residents. A report this year by the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies found 67 counties with at least one food desert, though in some counties, there are several. And it’s not just rural populations suffering. Nearly 60% of Cleveland residents are in food deserts. WTOL reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture calls most of Toledo a food desert. Now, Ohio House members have created House Bill 543, to “Create a food ...

Spirit of giving alive and well

It is great to see, during the holiday season, that Belmont County organizations continue to think about their neighbors in need. This time, the Belmont County NAACP, the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services, Local AFSCME 3073, and Belmont County Unify came together recently to provide Aldi gift cards to residents in need. More than $5,000 was raised by the coalition, and the gift cards will be given out to Belmont County residents who are SNAP benefit recipients. Those residents each will receive $40 gift cards to Aldi — which happens to be just enough to buy a ...

Blue Envelope initiative wins

The state of Ohio has a fantastic program that allows for better and more effective experiences between law enforcement and those with developmental disabilities during traffic stops and emergencies. The state’s Blue Envelope initiative promotes both safety and understanding. The Blue Envelopes provide quick clear details about the driver or passenger’s needs. The envelopes include information about their disability, communication preferences, or accommodations. It also contains their driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. A discreet decal on the back ...

A Chance to Move Forward in Shadyside

For far too long, Shadyside Village Council meetings have been defined not by progress, but division. The ongoing feud between former councilman Nick Ferrelli and several village officials has hung over every meeting. It has been an unfortunate chapter that reflected poorly not just on those directly involved, but on the entire community. At long last, that chapter appears to be closing. During last week’s council meeting, Ferrelli surprised many by setting aside the talking points and frustrations that have long accompanied his appearances before council. Instead of reopening old ...

Learn your districts

Given the degree to which so many in Washington, D.C., have shown us their reluctance to do their jobs — or remember for whom they work — lately, it is likely the 2026 elections will be a time for voters to take action. In Ohio, change is imminent, as redrawn congressional districts will mean upheaval for lawmakers and those heading to the polls. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is trying to get out ahead of any confusion by updating the office’s Find My District tool now. The hope is voters will not be caught off guard just as they are looking to cast their ballots in the ...

Finding Balance With Short-Term Rentals

As St. Clairsville continues to grow and attract new residents and visitors, the discussion surrounding short-term rental properties such as Airbnbs has found its way to City Council. The conversation, led by Planning and Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy, revealed a tension between maintaining the character of neighborhoods and avoiding unnecessary regulation that could stifle property owners or discourage investment. Murphy’s question to council was straightforward: Should the city consider setting guidelines for short-term rentals within city limits? His inquiry was not a push for ...