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Remember what the flag represents

It proudly flies in front of schools. It is raised in front of public and private buildings. It is displayed from the porches and in the front yards of countless homes around the nation. It stands near the podium when speeches are delivered. It is raised each day at outposts in the far reaches of the world. It stands tall and is recognized before the start of sporting events. It stirs patriotism as it is marched past us at the front of parades. It draws salutes from battle-tested men and women who remember what sacrifices must be made to defend it. It covers the caskets ...

Finding the right equation

Teachers and administrators across Ohio have done an excellent job implementing the science of reading curriculum. But according to a report by the National Council on Teacher Quality, it’s time to focus on math, too. According to the Ohio Capital Journal, the report placed the Buckeye State among the 25 receiving a “weak” rating for policies to strengthen elementary teachers’ math instruction. At least we were not among the seven states receiving an “unacceptable” rating. But for purposes of this report, the council was looking for these policies: set specific, detailed ...

Martin memories take center stage

Visitors from around the Tri-State Area, the nation and the world are gathering in Steubenville this week to celebrate the memory of Dean Martin. His name still carries that touch of magic, and will forever be associated with the cocktail-cool era. And, while the world remembers him as one of the greatest performers of all time, residents of our area still sometimes think of him as Dino Crocetti, the guy who was born in Steubenville on June 7, 1917. Martin, and his pals in the Rat Pack — Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford — helped set the tone for ...

Think carefully with tax cuts

Proposals from advocacy groups and lawmakers have plenty of Ohioans talking about what it would mean to reduce or eliminate property taxes in the state. And certainly, state government should always be working to leave as much money in residents’ pockets as possible. But responsible public officials must be careful not to venture into extreme ideas that would do more harm than good. State Sen. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, has sponsored a bill to provide a 50% property tax reduction for any homeowner at least 65 years old. Income would NOT be a factor. “Whatever your current ...

Enjoy our local fairs, festivals

Whether you’re looking for the chance to spend some quality time with friends and family, an opportunity to make some new friends or just trying to find something special to do during the next several months, you need only look at the many fairs and festivals that are scheduled to be held throughout the Tri-State Area. Their themes vary widely, and events held across our region feature activities for people of all ages. You can find many listed in the special section that will be included with today’s newspaper. Consider a random sample: • The life of Dean Martin, the ...

History in the Hills: Weirton’s lost treasure revisited

I have been doing these articles for a while now — almost six years to be exact — and I have really enjoyed it. Spending time researching stories in our area and finding out little-known facts has been a blast. This article this weekend will be the 150th article in my little series, and I thought it would be fun to reprise an article that so many have complimented over the years. It is one of my favorites. Most children are excited by buried treasure, and my son, Paulie, is no exception. There is something exciting about hearing a story, finding a treasure map and following it to ...