ORCHID: To the Warren City Health Department for installing a new vending machine in the Gibson Building on East Market Street that dispenses products free of charge to promote healthy lifestyles. Those products include Narcan spray, fentanyl test strips, COVID-19 test kits and safer sex kits. At a time when overdose sicknesses and deaths from fentanyl-laced drugs continue to plague the community, such initiatives to promote easy access to tools to promote recovery are to be applauded.

ONION: To staff of the Trumbull County Board of Elections for erroneously recommending two Warren City Council candidates be disqualified for the May 6 primary ballot. According to board Director Stephanie Penrose, the staff misread state law on requirements for nominating petitions for Republican candidates. The staff were mistakenly not counting Republican signatures if those people voted Republican last year, but Democratic in the 2023 primary. The goof not only embarrassed the Board of Elections, but also sullied the reputations of the candidates who later were reinstated to the ballot. An orchid, however, must be awarded to former Trumbull County Commissioner Niki Frenchko for first noticing the error and promptly notifying the board of the need for corrective action.

ORCHID: To members of the Champion High School National Honor Society for launching a toy and cash drive to benefit children at Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley campus in Boardman. The students are collecting cash and new toys to donate to the Beeghly campus. Items most in need include Matchbox cars, Barbie dolls, newborn / infant toys and board books. The NHS members are to be commended for matching their prowess in academic achievement with strong and impactful community service.

ONION: To the individual or individuals who are orchestrating a telephone scam using scare tactics to rip off area residents. The Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office last week issued a public warning after reports of such a scam. In it, a caller posing as a detective from the sheriff’s office warns their victims of an “urgent legal matter” that can be resolved only by immediate payment of a fine or posting of a surety bond to avoid arrest. In reality, the sheriff’s office or any legitimate law enforcement agency would never solicit fines or bond payments over the phone. If you fall victim to such a telephone scam, hang up immediately and contact the sheriff’s office immediately.

ORCHID: To Weathersfield Township trustees for launching a program designed to appropriately honor military veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces for their service and sacrifice. The Veterans Banner Program will allow up to 48 personalized banners on light poles in the township park from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Each banner will feature the name, photograph and military branch of a local veteran or active-duty service member. After the banners are taken down in the fall, they will be presented to the veteran, their family or their sponsor as a keepsake. Orders will be taken until March 21 at the Weathersfield Township Administrative Building, 1451 Prospect St., Mineral Ridge, during business hours. The banner program, which also takes place in Niles and Campbell, should be duplicated in communities throughout the Mahoning Valley as one very visible means to express gratitude to those local heroes who have dedicated themselves to protecting Americans’ freedoms.

ORCHID: To the Hynes Finnegan Foundations for donating a whopping $475,000 to the Kilcawley: Centered on the Future Campaign at Youngstown State University. Their contribution will play a crucial role in enhancing the university’s student center, ensuring it remains a dynamic space for future generations of students. This most recent gift continues a long and generous tradition of philanthropy from the foundations to the university. The Hynes Finnegan Foundations’ lifetime giving to YSU has exceeded $2 million, earning them a place in the NGS Transformation Society, a group of donors who have contributed between $2 million and $4,999,999 to the university.

ORCHID: To the Rev. John Keehner, a Youngstown native ordained in 1993, for earning his appointment to bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa, from Pope Francis. The long-serving Diocese of Youngstown priest said he is “truly humbled and grateful for the Holy Father’s decision.” Keehner’s ascension is well deserved given his robust record of service within the Youngstown Diocese. Keehner has served as Newman Center chaplain for Youngstown State University, rector of St. Columba Cathedral and as pastor of St. Christine Church in Youngstown, St. Luke Parish in Boardman, among many others. As Bishop of Youngstown David Bonnar aptly put it, “The Diocese of Sioux City will come to know very quickly his many gifts along with his pastoral, kind and humble zeal.”