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Guest column/A look at greed and loyalty in athletics

Local Columns

Well, folks, it seems to me that amateur athletics is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Greed has now reached even the middle school level of sports. The vast majority of state athletic associations have approved that students can receive money for their athletic prowess. With the introduction of the NIL (name, image and likeness) profit program, we are witnessing a point where even seventh- and eighth-graders can turn pro. There’s no doubt in my mind that NIL will even reach the youth level in years to come. That’s sad because youth athletes are pressured enough to win ...

Be smart, safe and aware this season

Editorials

The rush for holiday shopping has officially begun. It is a shorter shopping season this year for those who have waited until after Thanksgiving to begin their gift buying. The constant running that surrounds the holiday season means shoppers need to practice common sense and have an awareness of their surroundings in order to make sure they have a safe experience, whether they are at a store or shopping online. Thieves look for the opportunities the season brings. They know store security and police are busy keeping track of people who might be trying to shoplift or work some ...

Patience a big key to happy shopping

Editorials

Traditional activities celebrated with family and friends always have made the holiday season special. That includes the time-honored shopping sprees of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. At one time it was said to be a day that could make or break the holiday season for merchants, as well as shoppers who were eager to snag a particular gift at a very special price. It involved weeks of planning, getting out of bed before the crack of dawn and waiting outside a store until the doors were finally open. It’s a model that is changing, however, as evolving technology has led ...

Guest column/Embracing real clean energy

Local Columns

Unlike our neighboring states of Michigan and Illinois, Ohio’s politicians have not embraced the economic and environmental benefits that solar and wind energy provide. Instead, Ohio’s politicians passed Senate Bill SB52, where communities can effectively block solar and wind projects; something that communities cannot do when it comes to fossil fuel development. Ohio’s energy bill HB15, which passed in May, was stripped of several pro-solar provisions, including a community solar program. This program would have helped poor communities access solar energy. During the past nine ...

Guest column/As days get darker, remember: You’re not alone

Local Columns

As daylight fades and temperatures drop, something quiet but heavy often begins to settle in. The holidays are approaching, and while they may bring bright lights and moments of joy, they can also stir up anxiety, loneliness and stress. In our region, when finances tighten around gift-giving and travel, and when family gatherings bring old wounds or tension to the surface, anxiety and low mood can show up fast. The reality is, this season affects people more than we realize. Some are grieving. Some are overwhelmed by the pressure to make everything perfect. Others are navigating ...

Let’s be thankful on Thanksgiving

Editorials

Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. It’s many things to many people. It’s a day that has come to stand for food, family and football. And while those traditions are important, we hope that everyone will take just a few minutes to remember all of the good things in our lives, and make this Thanksgiving one of true thanks. On the local level, we can be thankful for the communities we live in, where neighbors still know each other and are willing to pitch in when the hard times hit. We must also be thankful for our family and friends, those people who stand beside us in good times and ...