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A real library legend

If you have used any of the services offered at any one of the branches that are part of the system operated by the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County during the last several decades, you have been touched by the efforts of Alan Hall. Hall, who died Sept. 12 at the age of 71, served a the director of the system for nearly 40 years before his retirement. And even after Mike Gray, who worked as his assistant for 16 years, moved into the director’s spot, Hall continued to share his insights and talents with the staff as director emeritus. He could often be found ...

Guest column/Universities must lead the way on freedom of expression

Freedom of speech has always demanded courage, and courage is the one virtue universities cannot delegate. When free speech becomes fatal speech — as it did recently with the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus — Americans demand — and deserve — a change. As president of Youngstown State University, I feel compelled to make a commitment to help make that change, and I believe our nation’s university presidents like me can lead the way. The facts already announced by authorities are enough to deduce that the killer of Charlie Kirk opposed the viewpoints he ...

Guest column/Congress must restore IT protection to drive innovation

Founding a successful startup has never been easy, but a little-known U.S. Supreme Court ruling has made it even more difficult in recent years by enabling corporations that use startups’ patented technology without permission to get off nearly scot-free. Now, Congress has a chance to set things right. On Feb. 25, Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., reintroduced the Realizing Engineering, Science, and Technology Opportunities by Restoring Exclusive, or RESTORE, Patent Rights Act, a bipartisan bill that would enable startups and other patent holders to block infringers ...

Guest column/West Virginia must act now and implement IDD increases

West Virginians with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve the opportunity to live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities. The services that make this possible — provided by dedicated professionals across our state — are at risk. Unless the state implements rate increases for IDD services on Oct. 1, more providers will be forced to close their doors, and families will lose the critical support they depend on every day. This is not a new issue. A 2023 rate study recommended a 31 percent increase to IDD home and community-based service rates. Providers ...

Choose to live for now rather than looking back at life

There are moments when we all either intentionally or unintentionally reflect upon our past. We look back and think about mistakes we have made along the way. Why? Why do we look at where we have been instead of where we are going? Is it because it is easier? Familiar? But what will be? What is to come? Well, that seems kind of frightening, doesn’t it? We never know what will happen from day to day or if we will be even given a tomorrow. Despite how convincing ortalented somebody is at convincing us they can see into our future, they can’t, for only God knows ...

History in the Hills: Volunteer contributions

This next year we have many anniversaries to look forward to at Historic Fort Steuben. Starting in 2026, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary and the fort will be ready to share in the festivities. We are actively planning events to make 2026 a fantastic year, not only at the fort, but in the community as well. Also, next year will mark the 20th anniversary of our Concert Series, which began on site with a small stage in the parking lot of the Visitor Center. Now, we are hosting concerts in the Berkman Amphitheater to packed bleachers. Look for a great lineup when it is ...