Breaking News

Letters to the Editor

What registers as newsworthy?

DEAR EDITOR: To me, an expenditure of $619,000 for an emergency vehicle is newsworthy. Yet, it remains quite secret. You did not know about it until I called you several weeks ago. When I called back you did not seem interested in pursuing it. Now that you have told us all about a tornado that struck 40 years ago, maybe you can free up a reporter to look into why the Trumbull County Commissioners are spending $619,000 for this vehicle. When was it approved? What is it for? Who will use it? How many times did we need it last year, two years ago? How big is it? Who is building it? How ...

Why aren’t we kicking out Russian mobsters?

DEAR EDITOR: I am very perplexed that 47 is not having ICE round up members of Russian Organized Crime that do great harm in our country. Members do murder-for-hire, money laundering, extortion, drug running, gun running, sex trafficking, Medicare fraud, crypto theft, cybercrime and the list continues. Some members are in U.S. prisons after having had due process. Many members are never arrested or convicted because their victims are too terrified to give statements or testimony. If you want to talk tattoos, Russian criminals usually have tattoos. Interestingly enough, the Alaskan ...

Why are there 611 school districts?

DEAR EDITOR: Reducing property taxes is as simple as reducing costs. There is no reason why Ohio needs 611 school districts. For example, Lordstown has 403 students, Mathews 613. Smaller districts like these should be abolished as their students could easily be absorbed by surrounding communities without new buildings or additional science laboratories, libraries, athletic programs, etc. Superintendents, finance officers and their office staff would be eliminated, as would the expense of school boards. It’s past time to consider consolidation of schools. DON ...

There is a critical need for good fathers

DEAR EDITOR: Another Father’s Day is here with all the sales and gifts that most dads don’t need, but will undoubtedly receive. The No. 1 thing missing that matters most to fathers is an attitude of gratitude. Dads thrive on respect and gratitude for all their work and sacrifice. They are responsible for keeping a roof over their families, providing food, shelter, and safety for everyone in their household. With all the wrong messaging of toxic masculinity from TV, movies, new outlets, and social media it’s a wonder men are still stepping up to fulfill their roles as providers, ...

OhioRISE is really making a difference

DEAR EDITOR: As the CEO of Cadence Care Network, I’m writing to express strong support for the groundbreaking Medicaid program that is transforming the way Ohio serves children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Launched in 2022, OhioRISE — Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence — is the first statewide program of its kind in Ohio. It’s designed to serve children who often fall through the cracks: youth involved with multiple systems, including child welfare, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, and education. These are children Ohio is ...

Sound off!

Around 50 people drown at low-head dams like the ones along the Mahoning River each year. Two of them were Champion native Patty Wenner and her husband Craig, who drowned in the Stillwater River, near the Englewood Dam (Montgomery County) in 2006. They left behind two children. The dams are dangerous; too often deadly. — Niles A 63-year-old man steals $140,000 from his condo association and gets probation and has to pay $250 a month. So, he’ll be 110 years old when done. What?? Also, lady from Vienna steals millions and a plea deal is being worked on?? What’s going on at the ...