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Remember to heed burn ban as we approach warmer weather

Editorial

Perhaps we should take it as a positive sign that we are moving out of winter and into spring and the Ohio Division of Forestry’s outdoor fire laws (for “kindled” fires) are once again in effect. From the beginning of March through November, outdoor open burning is prohibited statewide in unincorporated areas between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This could mean anything from a proper burn barrel to burning of yard waste, trash and debris. “During spring, wildfire danger is high before plants have turned green, and in fall, fire danger is high due to abundant dry leaves and ...

NAMI Columbiana County returns with mental health support, education

Local Columns

LISBON — After a period of inactivity, NAMI Columbiana County is making a strong comeback, bringing vital mental health education, support, and advocacy back to the community. The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is re-establishing itself with new leadership, new programming, and a renewed commitment to providing resources for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Kristy Munyon, the newly appointed chair of NAMI Columbiana County, is leading efforts to expand services and strengthen support networks in the area. One of the ...

Let’s hope Congress takes up animal protection bill this time

Editorial

Back in 2019, President Donald Trump signed into law a bill that made animal cruelty a federal felony. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act included penalties for the crime ranging from fines to up to seven years in prison or both. But PACT, it seems, was lacking teeth — or those in charge of giving it teeth lacked a sense of urgency. U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio 14th, has his heart in the right place, in once again introducing legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Justice to establish an animal cruelty crimes section and “to vigorously pursue ...

Civics 101 briefing

Letters To The Editor

To the Editor: Civics 101 briefing. Washington D.C., state, county, and township governing entities and an overlooked body of elected representatives significantly affect your daily life. Every county in Ohio has, as defined by law, namely the Ohio Revised Code 3517.03, a county Central Committee being the controlling committee elected by you, respective to each major party. Each county’s distinct voting precinct district citizens elect one representative. Under its authority are its officers, formed Executive Committee, and sub-committee(s). The Central Committees’ primary ...

Common sense should trump free markets

Letters To The Editor

To the Editor: I believe in freedom and thus free markets, but I also believe in common sense. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) allowed pharmaceutical companies to start advertising prescription drugs on TV in 1997. Big Pharma calls this direct marketing; I would call it stupid and wasteful spending. In 2020 they spent $4.58 billion on TV advertising for products that you are not able to buy unless your doctor writes you a prescription. If you have to tell your doctor what to prescribe for you, then I suggest you need to get a new doctor, not a drug. You have probably noticed ...

Broadband internet no longer a luxury, it’s an urgent necessity

Editorial

While Bill Johnson was serving Ohio’s 6th district in Congress, he tried twice — in 2021 and 2023 — to introduce legislation that would help Americans (particularly those living in rural areas) have easier access to broadband internet. His successor, Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, has taken up that mantle and has again introduced the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act. It may be an uphill battle, as others have also tried. U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., introduced the same bill in 2024 after Johnson resigned. None of these efforts ever left ...