ORCHID: To LaBrae schools for posthumously honoring the legacy of former superintendent, high school principal, science teacher and coach by naming the high school gym the “Alfred Lopez Gymnasium.” Current Superintendent Anthony Calderone said Lopez had a rich history in the community, having worked for Braceville and LaBrae schools for many years, beginning in 1956 as a beloved Braceville High School science teacher. What a wonderful tribute to this fine local educator who understood the value of education and educational athletics.

ORCHID: To the new Newton Falls Village Council, for voting 4-0 this week to seek proposals for a forensic audit of village finances. Expenses, including settlements of past terminated employment contracts, proposed high-priced employee contracts, coupled with shortfalls that led to the dismantling of the village police department are just some of the issues that have many questioning the village’s financial status. A detailed audit of the books, including spending, revenue and savings is a good idea that will help the new members of council and constituents feel confident in the direction the village decides to go.

ONION: To Lordstown Village Council for continuing its push to place a moratorium on development of new so-called trucking terminals in the village — against the advice of economic development experts, a councilman who called for its removal from the agenda and at least one real estate agent who said the moratorium could impact development on a parcel of land already under contract. We agree the moratorium will send a message that the village is not open for business and will discourage needed growth in the region.

ORCHID: To some 800 Youngstown State University graduates who earned their degrees last weekend. Many told our reporter different stories about what inspired them, but the common theme was a desire to better themselves through knowledge and education. Congratulations to all and good luck to each in their new life chapters.

ORCHID: To the co-sponsors of Ohio House Bill 363, which calls for reform to the selection process for commissioners with the Public Utilities Commision of Ohio. Among the co-sponsors is Youngstown’s Rep. Lauren McNally. The need for reform is crucial, as former PUCO Chair Sam Randazzo faces 11 federal charges, including accepting bribes from FirstEnergy. Included in the bill is a ban on new commissioners nominating council members who previously conducted business with any PUCO-regulated utility; expansion of qualifications of PUCO commissioners; and more. Now, all it needs is to be fast-tracked to passage.