ORCHID: To Warren-based 7 17 Credit Union and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers for their success in smashing the all-time game-night attendance record at Eastwood Field by hosting Financial Wellness Night earlier this month. The standing-room-only crowd on 7-17-25 totaled 9,034 for 7 17’s festive and educational evening at the ballpark. Thanks to the generosity and community-mindedness of the credit union, patrons received free game tickets, free food and beverages and a drone show that featured 100 synchronized drone. Fans also had opportunities to learn strategies for sound personal financial management. The night capped off appropriately with a Scrappers victory over the Frederick (Maryland) Keys.

ORCHID: To Trumbull Canoe Trails for its legacy of success in transforming the Mahoning River from a source of industrial pollution to a revitalized recreational resource for thousands of paddling-sports lovers along its 113-mile path. TCT earlier this month marked its milestone 50th anniversary with a picnic and cruise along the river. Founded in 1975 as a citizens’ group interested in promoting canoeing on the Mahoning River, TCT helped establish a boat launch at the former Trumbull Canoe Park. Through the club’s efforts, the state-designated Mahoning River Water Trail was created that runs from Foster MetroPark in Newton Falls to Packard Park in Warren. Those with a passion for paddling sports and responsible waterway management should give strong consideration to joining TCT by visiting trumbullcanoetrails.org online.

ORCHID: To Hubbard Township Trustees Bill Colletta and Monica Baker for rejecting a recommendation from Trustee Jason Tedrow to place a 1.75-mill renewal levy for the township police department on the November ballot. Too often, public officials instinctively agree to seek continuation of a current property or income tax levy and promote it with a rousing “no new taxes” pitch. In Hubbard’s case, Fiscal Officer Jennifer Evans indicated in a report that finances for the police department will be relatively sound without those levy funds for the near term. That forecast, using current police staffing levels, showed the department with a $1.3 million carryover into 2028. Rejection of the levy request not only demonstrates fiscal responsibility, but it also increases confidence among Hubbard voters if and when future tax levies are needed and sought.

ONION: To U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, for his blistering and insensitive criticism of detection devices for alcohol impairment in passenger cars as “an insane federal regulation” that contributes to high car prices. Moreno, who has owned multiple auto dealerships in Northeast Ohio, made those remarks recently during a Senate confirmation hearing for a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nominee. “Today in Ohio” podcast host Laura Johnston brought the remarks to light during a panel discussion recently. One panelist, U.S. Sen. Ben Lujan, D-N.M., told Moreno that he was nearly killed by a drunken driver in a head-on crash in his youth. Others cited data from Mothers Against Drunk Driving that the devices have potential to save 10,000 American lives annually. That testimonial alone suggests the public-safety regulation is far from insane.

ORCHID: To the Braceville 250 Committee and the Braceville Historical Society for their success in getting a head start over most communities in the Mahoning Valley and the nation in celebrating the semiquincentennial or 250th birthday of the United States in 2026. The two groups recently sponsored a Family Fun Day to kick off a full year chock full of semiquincentennial activities. The township is a perfect venue for celebrating the nation’s and the community’s rich history as Braceville has direct ties to such significant national turning points as the American Revolution, the Underground Railroad and others. Clearly much planning went into the plethora of events planned and we’re pleased the committee the Ohio 250 Commission recognized its work by providing it a grant to help defray some of their costs.

ORCHID: To Kinsman Township trustees for taking swift action to seriously address a recent spike in noise complaints in the community. The governing board there recently enacted new guidelines covering “loud and raucous noises” that will be enforced 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily. Such noises are defined as any sounds that because of their volume level, duration and character, disturb or endanger people. If properly enforced, the new rules should go far toward reducing or eliminating recent complaints of chain saws, barking dogs, mufflers and loud music in the township that disturb the public peace.