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Keeping Ohio roads safe

Most Ohio motorists already understand they are to change lanes if they see an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with flashing lights, on the side of the road. Now, an effort in the state Senate aims to expand the idea of “move over, slow down” to include disabled vehicles. According to WDTN, state Sen. Stephen Wilson, R-7th Dist., introduced Senate Bill 178 to amend the law to include stopped vehicles with flashing lights, flares or other indications of a hazard. While some drivers already do this, Wilson rightly points out that sometimes basic highway manners need a little ...

Responding to racism

How many of us endured cringe-worthy conversations over Thanksgiving dinner in which it became clear that one or two family members or friends had gone all-in on the idea that racist and otherwise hateful language and behavior is no longer something they must hide? Certainly, a crop of politicians has worked hard in recent years to ensure those folks believe there should be no social consequences for that garbage. The results have been horrific, even deadly. Early last week, a 20-year-old Ohio man walked into a Walmart near Dayton and shot four people before taking his own life. The ...

Johnson and Youngstown

News out of Youngstown may have come as a disappointment to Belmont County residents who have learned they can depend on having a representative as principled and conservative as our own Bill Johnson working on their behalf in Washington, D.C. Though he will no doubt do a remarkable job as president of Youngstown State University, he will leave big shoes to fill as U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 6th District. Johnson has served our region well for 7 terms. But he’s not done just yet. “This is not a goodbye … I will continue serving in the House for several more months, and ...

Choose carefully with pets

As we approach the time of year when some families may consider whether to bring a new pet into the family at Christmastime, news out of Holmes County reminds us there is a lot to consider in such a decision. Should a family determine they have the time, resources, willingness and whole-house agreement to make the commitment to love and care for a pet for the rest of its life, the next question is where to find the right pet. When looking to bring a dog into the family, it is essential to avoid rewarding those who make their living by abusing dogs in puppy mills. And there are ...

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

As families prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is important to remember that first gathering more than 400 years ago. The community gathered for that meal included approximately 90 Native Americans for whom the 50 or so survivors of the Mayflower must certainly have been thankful. During that three-day feast there were Puritans, investors, adventurers, natives and newcomers — survivors — determined to show their gratitude and celebrate the newcomers’ first harvest in what was becoming their new home. It was a home in which, despite much hardship, they had been more fortunate ...

Dealing drugs from prison

It’s a plot straight out of a movie. But this time, the main character is accused of spending more than seven years running a very real international drug operation … while incarcerated in the Ohio State Penitentiary. Brian Lumbus Jr., 43, of Cleveland, had help from Giancarlo Miserotti, 51, an Italian resident and citizen, according to U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko. Lumbus is among 11 people charged by federal authorities for smuggling opioids including fentanyl and other substances from foreign countries, through Italy, for sale in the U.S. “From the confines of the Ohio ...