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Editorials

Brownfield funds have been beneficial

It is good news, indeed, to hear more brownfield assessment funding will be making its way to our region. Officials with the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission announced Monday that the Brooke-Hancock Region IX Regional Planning and Development Council has been awarded a $1.2 million assessment grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The funds, which are eligible for use in Hancock and Brooke counties in West Virginia, and Jefferson County in Ohio, will assist with the costs of conducting an analysis of targeted properties – in this case, ...

Working to help Ohio shine

As we approach the unofficial start to summer, state officials hosted an event last week to celebrate Ohio Tourism Day. Hundreds of exhibitors and attendees gathered in Columbus as a kind of pep rally to kick off the season. “The experiences you’ll have in the Heart of it All are unmatched — and so is their impact,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Whether you’re paddling through Hocking Hills, watching the sun dip below Lake Erie, or sitting down to a five-star dinner in Over-The-Rhine, you’re a part of something much bigger. Tourism brings serious dollars into Ohio and breathes ...

Ohio continues to lose out

Across the country, families are struggling to keep their heads above water — maybe even pay down a little of their debt — with varying degrees of success. Some states are in better shape than others. So WalletHub took a look at “Cities Paying Off the Most Household Debt,” in a recent report. Those living in some California cities appear to be having the most success, as seven of the top ten are in the Golden State. If your own household debt situation is giving you a sinking feeling about how well Ohio cities performed, you see where this is going. In the report listing 182 ...

Congratulations Class of 2025

Young men and women up and down the Ohio Valley are preparing to take their final steps as high school students in the coming days. Many are taking their final examinations, clearing out their lockers, seeing their teachers, and many of their classmates, for the final time. They have their caps and gowns and are preparing to walk across the stage to receive their diploma. The ceremony is but a relatively brief moment in their lives, but an important one nonetheless, because of what it signifies. To those high school seniors, this is a milestone moment in your lives. You are ...

A new chapter starts at WVU

As West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee winds down his tenure at the helm of the state’s flagship institution of higher learning, it is clear incoming President Michael T. Benson does not intend to try to fill those big shoes — he intends to lead WVU wearing his own. That is important if the university is to build on what Gee accomplished by looking to what is next, rather than what was. Benson comes across as smart, curious, personable and empathetic. He knows there are challenges awaiting him, but also opportunities — for the school and the state. As is the case ...

Have a safe day on water in Ohio

They say the two best days in a boat-owner’s life are the day they buy and the day they sell. But somewhere in between is a good day on which boaters finish their Ohio Boating Education Course and know they are better prepared for a safe summer on the water. “Spring is the perfect time to get prepared for a fun and safe boating season,” said Andy Foos, Ohio Department of Natural Resources boating education coordinator. “The Ohio Boating Education Course is a great way to make sure you understand key safety measures, navigate legal requirements, and become a more confident ...