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Great events coming up

Local Columns

If you haven’t noticed, we’re entering the time of year when there are numerous events held that bring residents of our area together to enjoy an evening out — and to help area organizations. Those events have become important items in the Tri-State Area as winter has come to an end and, while our recent weather might not show it, the calendar assures us that spring has arrived. Things have started to heat up this weekend. Saturday, for instance, sees the return of the Festival of Nations. Scheduled to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Weirton’s Millsop Community Center, ...

Plenty to celebrate

Local Columns

We’re working through the last weekend of winter, which means there’s a lot to look forward to. St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday this year, which means this is a big weekend for those who choose to celebrate. March Madness also will get underway Tuesday, when the first two of the four First Four play-in games are held at the University of Dayton. And, let’s not forget that spring will officially arrive at 10:46 a.m. on Friday. It’s reassuring to know that whether you have plans to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or are looking forward to NCAA basketball, our region ranks ...

Excitement about the Bee

Local Columns

For many years now, the second Saturday in March has held a special spot on the late winter academic calendar. That’s traditionally been the day when the region’s top spellers have gathered to participate in the Jefferson-Harrison County Regional Spelling Bee, Presented by the Herald-Star. This year will be no exception — the top 31 spellers from the local school districts, plus one home-schooled pupil, will gather at Buckeye North Elementary School in Brilliant at 11 a.m. March 14, with nothing less than a trip to Washington, D.C., and a chance to compete in Scripps National ...

Ohio still faces education issues

Editorials

Despite Ohio policymakers’ continued effort to meddle with education — at all levels — a recent study suggests there has been limited success on a national scale. “Most and Least Educated States in America (2026)” by WalletHub doesn’t even place the Buckeye State in the top half of states. We are 35th. That’s not a good look for a state that has worked diligently to attract large employers looking for a well-educated and well-trained workforce. Ohio is 36th for educational attainment, though 19th for the quality of education. Further, it was bundled into the worst ...

Fitness questions surround region

Editorials

All that technology we drag around with us all the time is giving researchers data that provides insight into everything from our travel to fitness. If you have a habit of checking your health and fitness data through a smart watch and app, you are not the only one keeping track. Data from participants, provided by Apple, helped researchers produce the Apple Heart and Movement Study. “The heart is an incredible organ, working tirelessly every second of every day,” the report says. “Understanding how various heart metrics reflect your overall well-being can empower you to lead a ...

Reasons to vote Republican

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: A Democrat friend asked me to give her one valid reason why she should vote Republican. Here are a few:. Some people have Trump Derangement Syndrome — their minds can’t comprehend the same evidence that makes common-sense American patriots outraged. Some of their delusions: Joe Biden is competent, Michelle Obama is oppressed, Bill Gates is a scientist, Greta Thunberg is a climate expert, riots are mostly peaceful and illegal alien criminals don’t pose a threat to anyone. The Cato Institute found for every 100,000 illegal aliens, 2.2 Americans are killed by ...