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Mega project shows value of local efforts

We were thrilled to see the big celebration and even more excited to see the cooperative effort that came with the application process for a regional application seeking a huge piece of the Appalachian Community Grant Program pie. Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and other local economic development organizations on Dec. 8 officially submitted application for nearly $160 million of the $500 million in grant money set aside for use in 32 Ohio counties designated as part of Appalachia. The local grant application is seeking $159 million to help fund transformational projects in ...

Antisemitism is a vile, ancient poison

Though the events of Oct. 7 brought fresh awareness to the scope of antisemitism in this country, researchers say such hate has been on the rise for quite some time. In the U.S. antisemitic incidents increased by 35% between 2021 and 2022. Certainly, we know more people have felt freer to express their hatreds — and perhaps even act upon them — in recent years. That boldness has done its damage to younger generations. In Canton, a 13-year-old boy has been charged with allegedly planning a mass shooting of a local Jewish synagogue. The Associated Press reports court documents show ...

Replacing lead pipes would be huge task

It’s undeniable that lead is a serious health concern in the United States with much of it originating from the millions of lead pipes carrying drinking water to users everywhere. Many of us became significantly more in tune with the concern when national news coverage reported on the Flint, Michigan, water crisis in 2016 after the then-governor declared a State of Emergency and launched an investigation into high lead levels there. It determined the problem originated largely from the city’s 2014 water source switch. While this problem was not new, the public turned more attention ...

A ‘Bright Christmas’ will benefit hundreds

If you happen to drive past the corner of East Pershing Street and South Lundy Avenue in Salem from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, that long line of children and family moving along will number in the hundreds — anticipating early Christmas moments at The Brightside Project. “Bright Christmas” will be held at the faith-based 501c3 non-profit organization’s building. You have likely seen the brightly-painted building which has become a landmark. The Brightside Project was launched in 2016 by a father-daughter team, Scott Lewis and Lisa Wallace. With more than 20 years of combined ...

Welcome Home Ohio will provide housing

Communities across Ohio have heard from economic development professionals that employers are looking for certain things when choosing a new location. Near the top of the list is adequate affordable housing for the workforce. But here there is already a shortage of affordable housing, even as we await the influx of those who will accompany the large employers we know are on the way. Welcome Home Ohio is hoping to change that, as officials Tuesday released program guidelines for the $150 million in grants and tax credits to be handed out over a two-year period. “Housing needs are ...

Borchers providing the right touch at West Liberty

It seems as if West Liberty University has been in a state of constant disruption over the past decade. From a president that used a university employee for his private-side film projects to another president that plagiarized speeches and alleged those on campus were after him because of his race, the hilltop campus has been mired in controversy, faculty senate votes of no confidence and more. That period of turmoil appears to be at an end. Since July, President Tim Borchers and his wife, Susanne Williams, have been providing the type of steady and stable leadership West Liberty ...