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Scammers always looking to deceive

Across the country, scammers continue to find success — particularly with older residents and their families — with a seemingly endless supply of techniques for separating people from their hard-earned money. Among the latest efforts is a scam in which a person receives a phone call, e-mail or text that says they need to pay a fine, but that they should do so with Bitcoin, a gift card or other virtual currency. And yes, the wording is confusing and aggressive enough that people continue to fall for these scams in droves. In Ohio alone, between July 1, 2024, and June 30, ...

Recent incidents leave questions

Our region is blessed with many wonderful entertainment venues. They’re places to relax with members of our families and friends, spots where young and old should be able to take performances from top entertainers and enjoy a thrill ride. Sadly, nights at two of the most popular spots in the Tri-State Area have been disrupted during the past several weeks, incidents that have led to injuries and raised questions about security measures and what makes some people behave so badly in public settings. Those incidents — which included a man being hit in the head with a beer can ...

Measles vaccine still important

As political chatter raises questions about vaccines and legal requirements for them, some news close to home should remind us of their importance. According to the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department, a measles outbreak was confirmed in the county on Aug. 29. It hit three children from the same family — all unvaccinated. And while those children are reportedly improving at home, the health department’s task now is to work with the family “to identify and follow-up with any exposure and contacts and help where needed.” The Ohio news made its way into a report by ...

Tressel program sets right tone

Ohio is getting ahead of the game in terms of student fitness with a new plan from the lieutenant governor. The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge for students in grades 4-8 is a program developed by Jim Tressel — who has some experience in keeping students fit and healthy. “If we can add just a little better fitness and health, it will make us that much better,” Tressel said Aug. 25. His idea is a solid one. Rather than outdated and intimidating goals that might throw a young person off track, the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge would let students pick their own activities and ...

Career funding good first start

It turns out state officials are, indeed, working toward bringing more supports to public school students who are already thinking about life after high school graduation. Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce in August announced $7.1 million for the Career Pathway Support Networks Request for Applications. The money is part of a two-year effort to prepare students for in-demand careers through “advising, mentoring, exposure to various professions, and expanded career-technical education,” according to DeWine’s office. Funding will be distributed ...

Library cards can open new worlds

There are many important activities recognized during September. One, of course, is the Labor Day holiday, which we just celebrated. Another occurs a little more than a week from now, on Patriot Day, when we remember the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. September also is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and local libraries are encouraging area residents who don’t already have the credential to register for one. According to the American Library Association, 66 percent of Americans have a library card. The simple item can open up a world of possibilities, from ...