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A look at the election

Some observations about this week’s primary election: • Just about every time an election comes around, you hear a lot of talk about the importance of voting. And you should, because no matter where you stand on the political spectrum or what you think about the process, the simple task of casting a ballot remains among the most important aspects of being a responsible citizen. That’s why the turnout in Tuesday’s primary election was more than a little disappointing. According to the Jefferson County Board of Elections, just 22.22 percent of the county’s 46,215 ...

Guest column/The primary is over, time for Republicans to unite

Primary season is always an interesting time in politics. Candidates who are largely united on values and issues work hard to distinguish themselves from other Republicans who have taken on the commendable challenge of running for public office. At the end of the day, it is Republican voters who have the immense responsibility to turn out and choose the candidates they believe will best represent them and win the general election in November. Following Tuesday night’s results, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that there are bright days ahead for the Ohio Republican Party and ...

A lesson in losing it all and still having faith

Another week has passed. Yet, my run of unfortunate circumstances continues. I may be breaking a record. Sadly. The arm is still in excruciating pain. Broken, not mending. My Shayley is hopefully in heaven running alongside my grandparents, my daddy and some of the best friends my life has ever known. My financial situation sucks. (And that was putting it mildly.) But God doesn’t drop money in one’s lap. So I don’t foresee any assistance in that situation. And as I reflect on the things I might lose, I need to pause from feeling sorry for myself and take inventory of what I ...

Numbers about walking

If you are the type of person who enjoys going for a walk for exercise or just to get from one place to another, there’s a sad fact you probably need to be aware of: There are 18 people who go for a walk each day and don’t make it back to their home because of preventable crashes. That’s according to Jonathan Adkins, the chief executive officer of the Governors Highway Safety Association. The comments from Adkins were included in an overview of the association’s Spotlight on Highway Safety report on Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State that was issued near the end of ...

To whom it may concern, I have to say good-bye

To whom it may concern, I am looking for a “sibling” for my 10-month-old husky, Mia. Some people believe I am crazy for wanting to get another puppy. My home already offers shelter and love to three teenage boys and the recent addition of a dog not quite 1. But I believe there is always room for another dog. A playmate for Mia and another being in which to love. I know the perfect one is out there and I’m hoping we will be led in their direction. To whom it may concern, Today I drove to your home. Although I cannot remember your name — if you even gave it to me at all, I ...

Guest column/Great things happening at Youngstown State

I’ve been the president of Youngstown State for nearly two months now, and despite some of the negative publicity at the beginning, we’ve gotten off to a running start on success. In fact, there are some really great things happening here at the university. In the job I left — in the world of American politics these days — there was little teamwork, and some would say even less progress. But here on the campus of YSU, just like our animal kingdom penguin friends, we’re pulling together like family and getting things done. Countless YSU supporters have expressed their ...