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Fish frys nourish bodies and souls

Today is Ash Wednesday, which means the Lenten season is upon us, and that means the return of fish frys throughout the region. Lent, the 40-day season of prayer and fasting, continues this year until just before Easter Sunday. This period of reflection and repentance is meant to help Christians prepare to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Catholics observe Lent by abstaining from eating meat, especially on Fridays — hence the popularity of fish frys that has extended across decade after decade. It’s a tradition enjoyed by everyone, people of all faiths — even those of ...

Intel decision raises concerns

Economic development officials in Columbus and Franklin and Licking counties can be forgiven if they find themselves humming the tune to an early 1980s hit while they wonder when the next bad news will come from Intel Corp. After all, the company had nothing but “promises, promises” in the beginning. But Friday, the chipmaker announced it is once again pushing back the planned opening of the semiconductor plant that was going to revolutionize the employment landscape in central Ohio. Now Intel says construction on the first of two planned factories in New Albany is expected to ...

Flu precautions are still needed

While lawmakers in neighboring states debate loosening vaccine requirements for school-aged children, Ohio is facing a frightening example of how quickly potentially dangerous (and deadly) illnesses can spread. In fact, doctors in the Buckeye State are stressing that even at this point in the season, it is important to get vaccinated against influenza — if you have not done so already. Among those urging getting the flu shot was Dr. Mia Antinone, Ohio Health’s family resident physician, who spoke with WSYX-TV in Columbus after the state recorded its first pediatric flu death of ...

Time to move on broadband

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, U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem, 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 ...

Spotlight will shine on area restaurants

Area residents should take the opportunity to pick up a meal or two next week from a local restaurant. Weirton Restaurant Week begins Sunday, with more than 20 local establishments set to take part with offers of special, limited-time menu items and discounts for all to enjoy. The event was organized by the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce as a way to highlight some of the many locally owned restaurants and eateries available in the Tri-State Area, and to encourage residents and visitors to get out and support local ...

Difficult decision about free lunch

State lawmakers are going to have to start making difficult decisions about where they want to gain political points and where they want to do better for Ohioans. The two goals are not always reached by the same path. Continued economic uncertainty, rising food insecurity and proposed changes at the federal level to programs such as the Community Eligibility Provision mean hundreds of thousands of students could be at even greater risk of being hungry throughout their school day (and beyond.) But a bill proposed by state Sens. Bill Blessing, R-Colerain Township, and Kent Smith, ...