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Editorials

Exactly who is being protected?

A few years back, there was a trend among legislators to change laws regarding public records in a way they claimed was meant to better protect victims, especially children and particularly vulnerable older victims. The interpretation of those laws, however, has turned out to protect not the victims, but those who may have committed crimes (or at the very least been negligent) against those victims. When news organizations, advocacy groups or even other government bodies request documents that might help them better understand the details of incidents that, for example, result in the ...

Take advantage of drug takeback day

Looking for an extra way to be productive and make a difference on Saturday? How about clearing out your drawers and cabinets of any unused or expired prescription drugs that should be thrown away? Saturday is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, during which law enforcement agencies provide a safe way to anonymously dispose of medications as a means to prevent drug misuse and abuse. “When each of us takes responsibility for safely disposing of medications, we take a meaningful step toward ending the cycle of addiction,” said Jonathan Board, West Virginia First Foundation ...

Nice addition for Wellsburg

A new swing may seem a small addition to a town. But in Wellsburg, the installation of the Almost Heaven swing represents something much bigger — pride, partnership and opportunity. Wellsburg’s new swing is part of a statewide initiative to place handcrafted wooden swings at scenic destinations. Each is designed to encourage visitors to stop, enjoy the view and share their experiences. Wellsburg’s location — framed by the Ohio River and the historic downtown — provides a serene setting that tells the town’s story in a single snapshot. This is the sixth swing to be ...

Learn more about candidates, issues

If you are looking to learn more about local races and issues that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot, you’ll have a great opportunity to do just that Thursday at Steubenville High School. That’s when members of the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club will present their annual educational event. This year’s Meet the Candidates and Insight on the Issues night will be held in the commons area of the high school. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the evening is scheduled to run through 8 p.m. There will be tables where interested citizens can pick up information ...

Protect workers by moving over

There are plenty of designated days, weeks and months meant to raise awareness and perhaps steer conversations toward finding solutions to some of our biggest challenges. For example, this past Saturday, the third Saturday in October, was National Move Over Day. It’s a day set aside to draw attention to the laws that require motorists to move into another lane and slow down for any stationary vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road. While there is some variance in laws among the states, that generally means moving into an open lane and reducing your speed by at least 20 ...

President sets goals for WVU

West Virginia University President Michael Benson had a lot of big ideas in his first State of the University address last week. They come as he is in the middle of an effort to visit every county in the state — an important attempt to truly understand his new home and the state his university serves. Sure, it’s nice to learn the holiday lighting party will return to Woodburn Hall this year, but it is encouraging to hear Benson has a realistic understanding of the challenges faced by the university, and the need to tackle them — with help from those who responded to the ...