ORCHID: To Galen S. Karriker who recently was announced as the new conductor of the W.D. Concert Band, replacing the well-respected former conductor Stephen L. Gage, who died last February. Those involved in the selection process said Karriker, director of bands at the University of Akron and a frequent guest conductor the past two years, is the best fit for the role. We welcome the new conductor, recognizing he has very large shoes to fill. We have high hopes for his future and that of the longstanding and highly regarded organization.

ORCHID: To new full-time police officer Desmond Gray, and new probationary firefighter Greg Rowley Jr., both hired recently by Weathersfield Township. The police and fire chiefs spoke highly of their new hires. We salute them and all who choose to pursue a career in safety forces, a needed and noble public service that, unfortunately, often does not receive the respect it deserves.

ONION: To Trumbull County Commissioner Niki Frenchko for raising at a Trumbull County commissioners meeting unconfirmed sex crime allegations against a local business, and linking them to the business’ landlord, who also is Frenchko’s political opponent in the upcoming Republican primary election on March 19. Whether such an investigation is underway is not confirmed. And even if it is occurring, no charges have been filed. An official government meeting is not the correct place to throw out criminal allegations, especially against a political opponent. The whole thing smells of Frenchko unethically using the resources of her public office for political gain.

ORCHID: To Vanessa Hall, who owns Noble Bakes LLC in Girard, and Alisha Davis, who owns Sweet Tooth to Go in Brookfield, who have advanced to the quarterfinals of “The Greatest Baker 2023,” a national competition run by Buddy Valastro, the “Cake Boss.” We wish both local competitors good luck. We can’t wait to see how far they go in the prestigious competition.

ORCHID: To Trumbull Common Pleas Judge Cynthia W. Rice, for following through on her plans and obtaining recent approval from the Ohio Supreme Court to operate a specialized court docket for women. It will serve as a therapeutic docket to provide a safe haven for women to deal with problems that often lead to their involvement in the criminal justice system. It will provide peer support in a program where women are helping women, Rice has said.