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Back-to-school rallies meet important needs

It’s just a matter of days until area schools open for the academic year. That can be a stressful time, and that’s why area school districts, churches, nonprofits and businesses work to find ways to improve the overall experience for everyone involved. A big help is the back-to-school rally. They’ve now become a rite of late summer, with just about all districts in the region holding one. The formula is simple — each event is filed with activities for students and their families, ranging from food trucks and other vendors to face-painting and the chance to dunk a teacher or ...

Check on your voter registration

Nearly 155,000 people were purged from Ohio’s voter rolls in the latest wave of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s effort to coordinate with county boards of elections to ensure accurate, up-to-date lists of those who are legally able to vote. “Every Ohioan, regardless of their political views, should care about accurate voter rolls,” LaRose said as his office announced the purge. “Diligent list maintenance helps prevent voter fraud and ensures the voice of the voters is heard on Election Day.” It also means Ohioans must be diligent in checking whether they are ...

Justice financial issues a concern

Gov. Jim Justice has remained popular in West Virginia even with a long list of business issues dogging him in recent years. On one hand, the Democrat-turned-Republican Justice has overseen a span in which significant economic growth has taken place and new ventures have been announced. The state budget — which was anything but stable in 2016 — has been stabilized. Revenues have been so strong that Justice and the Legislature have been able to make significant tax cuts for individuals and businesses. And the personal property tax West Virginian’s pay on vehicles is now available ...

Appreciating firefighters

As is happening in many industries, all over the state, Ohio’s fire departments are facing staffing shortages — and those who are working are getting older. The state fire marshal’s office says most of those staffing volunteer fire departments (and the majority of the departments in the Buckeye State are volunteer) are older than 50. It is encouraging, then, to know on July 28, 19 cadets graduated from the Ohio Fire Academy, and are ready to get out and fill some of those gaps. According to a report by WSYX-TV in Columbus, the smaller townships relying on volunteer fire ...

Jefferson County fair still special

There are not many events that can say they have been held annually for a century and a half. That alone makes the Jefferson County Fair special. The rite of late summer will return for the 153rd time this week, and while this year’s theme is “Change is Good,” rest assured the fair, which runs Monday through Aug. 18 at Friendship Park, will continue to celebrate heritage, artisanship, craftiness in the kitchen, agricultural expertise and just good, old-fashioned American fun. One of the things that makes the county fair special is the way it crosses generations, offering a ...

Annual peach festival tradition continues

For 61 years, the annual peach festival has been a mainstay for the St. Thomas Episcopal Church and the Weirton community. That tradition will continue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, as the church offers a variety of peach-centered treats, along with sandwiches and other refreshments, with a variety of attractions and entertainment also in the works. This year, that includes a classic automobile show, vendors, an inflatable attraction for the kids, and more. Area residents will be able to stop by Saturday to get their fill of shortcakes, ice cream, pies and more. The festival ...