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Some state universities, colleges not aligned with Science of Reading order

Editorial

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been focused for years on improving literacy in the state; and in 2023, a law was passed to require teaching universities and colleges to align with the Science of Reading in its curricula for those who hope to become teachers. But a recent state audit shows that while most (33) have complied, five are in partial alignment and 10 are not in alignment. Among those 10 are Ohio State University and Ohio University. DeWine says the state has made “great strides” in implementing the Science of Reading in its K-12 classrooms, but that all 10 of the colleges ...

Maternal care islands a big concern in Ohio

Editorial

Officials have known for years there are maternal healthcare challenges in Ohio, but it always comes as a shock to see the numbers. This month, the state Department of Health announced it is hosting trainings for some new programs meant to help prevent the deaths of mothers due to pregnancy-related complications. Such programs are necessary because in Ohio an average of 24 mothers die every year during pregnancy or within one year of the end of their pregnancy, because of pregnancy-related complications. The Department of Health says 62% of these deaths are considered preventable. But ...

MEP funding freeze could lead to closures

Editorial

Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership is facing a sudden freeze on millions of dollars in federal funding after the U.S. Department of Commerce cited an ongoing federal review of the program. According to the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the loss of funding could mean several programs will be halted at the end of the year. At issue is the Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General looking into allegations of fraud or misconduct — and deviating from its usual procedure because it has not filed a report on preliminary findings that would give administrators of the MEP ...

Details on the property tax situation in our state

Local Columns

To the citizens of Columbiana County: In compliance with Ohio law, we have submitted and received approval of our Triennial Update by the Ohio Department of Taxation. As you may recall, in an effort to keep your taxes as low as possible our office sent three different proposals prior to this and all were rejected. Although the resulting increases approved by the state are more than I personally agree with, we are bound by Ohio Revised Code to process them. The increases will be reflected in the property taxes in the first half of 2026. However, if Governor DeWine signs the four house ...

As our population ages we must protect our elderly

Editorial

Our region’s population is aging, and that growing older population is increasingly vulnerable to a number of abuses. Sometimes they fall victim to complex scams, in this digital age. Sometimes they fall prey to those on whom they should most be able to rely. WalletHub estimates elder abuse is an issue that costs more than $2.3 billion per year. But the human toll is incalculable. Certainly, policymakers do their best to put in place measures to stem everything from gross neglect and exploitation to financial abuse. But some parts of the country are doing better than others. ...

Support HB 419 and the SAVE22 license plate

Letters To The Editor

To the editor: In the State of Ohio, organizations have the opportunity to create license plates that reflect their cause, offering a unique medium for spreading awareness and raising support. Recently, during the 136th General Assembly, State Representative Matt Kishman (R) and State Representative Jodi Salvo (R) introduced Ohio House Bill 419 in front of the Transportation Committee. HB 419 will create a SAVE22 license plate. SAVE22 is a nonprofit organization that supports stopping suicide in veterans, first responders, and active-duty service members. This plate will help raise ...