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Working the polls Nov. 4

Editorials

One of the most important jobs we as American citizens have is letting our voices be heard at the ballot box. In order for us to do that, we rely on the poll workers who help make each of those polling places operate without a hitch. Yet elections officials around the Ohio Valley are searching for more people to fill that crucial role. Eberle Ferrell, director of the Belmont County Board of Elections, recently said she is looking for more poll workers in her county, especially Democrats, as each polling place needs bipartisan representation among its workforce. Among the keys ...

A perfect slice of autumn in Belmont County

Columns

When the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, you know it’s fall event season in Belmont County. Our hillsides transform into a canvas of color, our towns fill with the aroma of seasonal treats, and our communities come alive with festivals that celebrate the best of small-town Ohio. From time-honored traditions to quirky contests and pumpkin-filled fun, autumn here is about more than scenery—it’s about gathering together, making memories, and welcoming visitors to experience the spirit of Belmont County. The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival has been a hallmark of fall ...

Facts about carbon capture

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I’ve lived in the Ohio River Valley for 70 years, in both Jefferson and Harrison Counties. For decades the residents of the Ohio Valley have been paying for the aftermath of extractive industries. That “beautiful clean coal” Trump refers to took lives, and left a legacy of mine shafts and acid mine run-off. Taxpayers continue to foot the bills to plug orphan oil and gas wells, and clean-up un-reclaimed strip mined lands. Recently, the Ohio River Valley was targeted to become a Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Hub. This CCS Hub will consist of a series of ...

A successful business is always a people-focused business

Columns

Last week Lynnda and I attended the West Virginia Chamber’s annual Business Summit at The Greenbrier. The Business Summit is an annual three-day event put on by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Attendees are a Who’s Who of the West Virginia Business Community. Business leaders from all industries attended from healthcare, energy, manufacturing, chemicals, finance, banking and education. The President of Marshall University, Brad Smith and the new President of WVU, Dr. Michael Benson attended. Political figures throughout West Virginia were there including U.S Senators Shelly ...

The great pizza debate — what tastes like home?

Columns

Well, it’s inescapable — autumn is knocking at our door. Not only have daytime temperatures become much more comfortable, but some evenings are now positively chilly. They dry snap has ended with a few rain showers, further relieving the oppressive conditions of late summer. And, despite my best efforts to look the other way, fall colors are beginning to appear among the treetops, with a hint of pale yellow scattered throughout this tree and burnt orange tinging the side of that one. This is a time of year when we begin to think about comfort in the cooler months — a lap ...

Vaccines save lives

Editorials

As political chatter raises questions about vaccines and legal requirements for them, some news close to home should remind us of their importance. According to the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department, a measles outbreak was confirmed in the county on Aug. 29. Three children from the same family — all unvaccinated. And while those children are reportedly improving at home, the health department’s task now is to work with the family “to identify and follow-up with any exposure and contacts, and help where needed.” The Ohio news made its way into a report by the ...