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Labor Day offers chance to reflect

While Labor Day continues to serve as the end-of-summer holiday (it was moreso when the schoolchildren returned to the classrooms on the day after the first Monday in September) it should be about more than firing up the grill one more time. As we prepare to celebrate that holiday on Monday, it’s appropriate to take a moment and remember that people fought for protections for workers in a time not so long ago. Those battles led to safer workplaces, the rise of the middle class and benefit packages that helped build a nation. In our region, it is clear that change has arrived for ...

Gem City shines this weekend

One of the Tri-State Area’s longest running summer traditions will be renewed for the 46th time this Labor Day Weekend. It’s the Toronto Festival of the Arts, and it once again will offer residents from throughout the Tri-State Area the chance to enjoy a variety of music, arts and crafts, food and fun. Presented by Focus in Toronto, the event, which will run Saturday and Sunday, will be centered around the Gazebo Commons area of North Third and Main streets in the heart of the city and include the areas around the First Presbyterian and Riverview United Methodist churches. ...

Dogs in spotlight at Friendship Park

Dog lovers will be gathering this weekend at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds for the return of the Friendship Cluster All Breed Dog Show. The four-day event, which opens Friday, will include more than 500 canines representing more than 100 breeds and as young as 4 months. It will feature AKC all-breed shows, obedience competitions and rally trials, and will, organizers say, attract participants from around the country and beyond to Friendship Park in Smithfield. While competition is a big part of the show — championship points will be awarded — the event will offer the ...

Presentation will look to the future

Our area has a rich industrial past, from mills and mining to an extensive system of railroad tracks. Much has changed about the region during the last nearly 200 years, which brings up the interesting concept of how we can repurpose some of those areas while ensuring that their heritage will live on for future generations to appreciate. Rick Darke is among those people who are working to accomplish that at several sites, and he’ll be sharing a look at work he has done while offering a glimpse of what we can do in our region Thursday at Indian Creek High School. Presented by ...

Sunday Dinner a show of unity

It is always nice to see someone make an effort to make our communities more welcoming. The first installment of Sunday Dinner took place at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton this week, and the hope is the program will grow and last for a long time to come. It’s a new ministry, started by the Rev. Matthew Moore, the church’s pastor, with a simple goal in mind — to bring people together while sharing a meal. There’s no effort to raise money or to spread a particular message. It’s just to provide a meal, and if you would like to eat — no matter your ...

More mental health professionals needed

While not every student looks forward to the start of another academic year, for some students the return to school means a return to better access to everything from food to behavioral health care. Regarding the latter, Ohio public schools are improving, as a report by the Statehouse News Bureau’s Ohio Newsroom says there has been a 20 percent increase in the number of schools offering behavioral health services over the past year. That is good news, as a 2022 survey showed approximately one-third of Buckeye State students say they have challenges with anxiety, and more than ...