ORCHID: To the Ohio Department of Transportation for its plans to complete the massive diverging diamond interchange at state Routes 82 and 46 in Howland about 10 months ahead of schedule. The massive $20.4 million project, construction on which began two years ago, originally was expected to be completed at the end of summer 2026. The project, critically needed due to the high number of accidents there, is expected to decrease congestion and increase efficiency at one of the busiest interchanges in the Valley. Over the next two months, however, motorists will have to endure various ramp and road closures so that crews can put the finishing touches on the diamond. We’re confident, however, that this short-term pain will produce long-term gain in pleasing motorists and in enhancing public safety.

ONION: To motorcyclists and four-wheel vehicle motorists who fail to follow common-sense safety precautions and proper driving etiquette. As of earlier this week, Trumbull County had recorded seven fatal traffic crashes involving motorcyclists so far this year, five more than for the entire year of 2024. For their part, motorcyclists should follow the sage advice of Ohio State Highway Patrol leaders by wearing a helmet and bright-colored gear while drivers should train themselves to proceed cautiously when pulling out of driveways (where most collisions occur) or at intersections, as well as to always be on the lookout for more than just cars, SUVs and trucks.

ORCHID: To Trumbull 100, the Warren Rotary Club, Trumbull Community Foundation and DeSalvo Construction of Hubbard for their successful partnership with the city of Warren to repair, restore, modernize and give vibrant new life to the gazebo that graces Courthouse Square Park. The renovation, costing approximately $200,000, included new historically accurate railings, a gravel-filled perimeter and a new sandstone floor. Thanks to their volunteerism and pride in the legacy of the gazebo, the structure will draw new visitors and stand as a shining symbol of the larger ongoing revitalization of the downtown.

ORCHID: To Newton Falls business owner Tom Colosimo for leading the successful campaign to include the village’s downtown business district on the National Register of Historic Places. The recently approved historic district includes a Masonic building, an AMVETS building, a church, and numerous stores and businesses. Colosimo’s hard work will pay big dividends for the community, including financial incentives for preservation, enhanced property values and reinvigorated community pride.

ORCHID: To Bons Secours Mercy Health for its continuing commitment to expanding and improving the health-care needs of the Mahoning Valley. The most recent evidence of that commitment took place earlier this month when Mercy and others broke ground on the new $50 million Mercy Health – Champion Emergency Center that will offer 24/7 emergency care, advanced imaging services and full laboratory services. The groundbreaking was but the latest in a string of growth in the Mahoning Valley for Mercy Health. The 60-bed Mercy Health Rehabilitation Hospital opened in Liberty last fall, and Mercy Health and its partner, Lifepoint Rehabilitation, are building a behavioral health facility next door on Belmont Avenue. And a wing of new patient beds was added earlier this year at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Given the uncertain future for the closed Trumbull and Hillside hospitals in Trumbull County operated by Insight Health Systems, Mercy Health’s commitment to growth is clearly appreciated.

ONION: To those sick but slick perpetrators of real estate fraud who have been plying their pernicious trade in the Mahoning Valley with increasing regularity in recent months. Mahoning County Auditor Ralph Meacham has warned property owners that “quitclaim” fraud is becoming a more common practice in the area. Quitclaim fraud, or home title theft, is a type of real estate fraud in which criminals illegally transfer the ownership of a property without the rightful owner’s knowledge or consent. It usually happens to unoccupied properties. Youngstown police and other agencies in the Valley are investigating such illicit activity, and we urge swift and serious punishment for any and all fraudsters engaging in such property theft.

ORCHID: To the Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association for achieving its recent milestone of 100 years of membership in the national Amateur Radio Relay League. The ARRL recently recognized the Valley association of ham radio operators for becoming only the third such group in Ohio to reach the century mark in membership in the ARRL. Not only do clubs such as the MVAR offer opportunities to connect with other operators, share experiences and collaborate on projects, they also play critical roles in emergency communications, offering training and resources to help communities during disasters.