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Once again, Ohioans will believe it when they see it

Editorial

Most of us know to brace ourselves when we read an anticipated response that begins with “after careful consideration.” That was certainly necessary for Licking County residents after Microsoft followed those words with “we will not be moving forward at this time with our plans to build data centers at the Licking County sites.” Microsoft confirmed earlier this week that it has decided against the development, proving Licking County Commission President Tim Bubb wise to have told WCMH nearly two years ago, “We’ll believe it when we see it.” To be fair, Microsoft said it ...

Funds should be released to Division of Wildlife

Letters To The Editor

To the editor: Recent legislation to permit oil and gas drilling under Ohio’s public lands will be very lucrative for our state. It’s projected to generate millions of dollars in revenue. Locally, Zepernick Wildlife Area is one of several locations approved for fracking. Leasing rights have been awarded to Encino Energy Partners to drill under the wildlife area. Under the provisions of the Pittman Robertson and Dingell Johnson Federal Aid for Wildlife Acts, leasing proceeds from these activities should be allocated to the Division of Wildlife where they will be invested to provide ...

With spring comes need for motorcycling safety

Editorial

With spring — at least once we get through this current cold snap — comes flowers in bloom, bird chirping, the sounds of bats hitting baseballs and so on. Including the roar of motorcycles For many people, the end of winter and arrival of spring’s milder weather means getting their motorcycles out of storage and heading out on the highway. Those who are active on social media to any extent have probably seen the memes cautioning drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road. There are also plenty of drivers who use bumper stickers to remind others about looking out for ...

Not the way to address low-performing schools

Editorial

Ohio Sen. Andrew Brenner is again pitching an idea that seems to have zero support in Columbus. Earlier this month, he spoke in support of Ohio Senate Bill 127, which would automatically close low-performing public schools. Brenner, R-Delaware, told the state Senate Education Committee, “It is my hope that this bill will help to standardize the law surrounding school closures for public and community schools and help ensure that each student in Ohio receives the best education possible,” according to the Ohio Capital Journal. For Brenner’s purposes, a low-performing school is one ...

Liv’s Law creates harsher penalties for drunk driving

Editorial

On Wednesday in Ohio, the penalties for operating a vehicle while under the influence will get harsher. Liv’s Law (House Bill 37) will take effect. It was born of tragedy, when Olivia Wright was killed by a drunken driver, and her father decided to act. “A constituent, Bryan Wright, brought this issue to my desk after losing his daughter, Olivia, to a drunk driver,” said state Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Chillicothe. “He pointed out to me how weak Ohio’s laws are compared to other states in the nation, and that is what inspired me to work on this legislation in an attempt to try and ...

A looming port and trade catastrophe

Local Columns

During the pandemic, Americans learned how painful supply chain disruptions can be. Now, a newly proposed action from the Trump administration could unintentionally make the pandemic’s supply chain disruptions seem tame. President Trump is looking to rapidly rebuild American shipbuilding. That’s an important goal since the erosion of U.S. shipbuilding—and China’s growing dominance in global shipbuilding—must be confronted. But the administration’s proposed plan could send costs soaring for U.S. consumers, grind U.S. exports to a halt, wreak havoc at U.S. ports, and ...