ORCHID: To the Ohio Department of Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program for awarding the Trumbull County Land Reutilization Corp. (Land Bank) a $635,000 grant to renovate the former downtown Warren YMCA. The project to transform the 1928 YMCA building into a mixed-use development facility rises as a key component in the city’s mammoth $150 million downtown redevelopment plan. When completed, the renovated space will feature 43 residential units, seven townhomes, commercial space and a fitness center. That project, which already has received about $5.5 million in historic tax credits, is expected to create more than 200 jobs. Now that’s solid proof of our tax dollars at work!

ORCHID: To Howland High School senior Bo Kuang for his magnanimous academic accomplishments as he prepares for his Class of 2026 commencement on Tuesday at the high school’s Lombardo Field. In just a few weeks after he crosses that stage for his Howland diploma, he will matriculate from Youngstown State University with two — count them, two — bachelor of science degrees in mathematics and computer science. Such an accomplishment could well take other talented students a full eight years to complete. As high school Principal Joseph Simko pointed out, “Bo’s humility, dedication and work ethic really made him stand out.” We second that notion and wish the young scholar nothing but spectacular success moving forward.

ONION: To those thousands of short-sighted motorists in the Mahoning Valley who routinely drive without first buckling up their seat belts. According to a study released last fall by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, the Valley, part of District 4 of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, reports the lowest seat belt compliance rate in the state at 83% compared with the national compliance rate of 92%. In Mahoning County alone, that rate is even more alarming at barely 80%. Although the patrol’s annual Click It or Ticket campaign officially ends shortly after this Memorial Day weekend, we hope troopers and other law enforcement agencies crack down on the state’s many seat-belt sluggards year-round and that state legislators finally answer Gov. Mike DeWine’s call to make failure to buckle up a primary traffic offense. After all, the proof is abundantly clear that seat belts save lives.

ORCHID: To Evan Jagger of Buckeye Water to Trail Adventures for conducting informative and timely safe-boating programs at Foster MetroPark in Newton Falls, Thomas Swift MetroPark in Leavittsburg and Niles Riverside Park last weekend ahead of this Memorial Day weekend. After all, the dangers of unsafe travels on the open waters are very real. According to a 2025 report from the U.S. Coast Guard, an average of about 4,500 boating accidents happen yearly in the United States, resulting in nearly 3,000 injuries and about 660 deaths. That’s why all boaters, canoeists and kayakers should stringently heed Jagger’s advice: “Wear a properly fitted life jacket, check weather and water conditions, bring appropriate gear and practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect the waterways we enjoy.”

ORCHID: To AIM Transportation Solutions headquartered in Girard for its inclusion on Transport Topics’ 2026 list of North America’s Top Dedicated Contract Carriers. The annual ranking highlights the largest and most successful dedicated contract carriers on the continent, based on evaluations of fleet size, service capabilities and overall operational strength. AIM, one of the largest, privately owned truck leasing companies in the world, can rightfully boast of 100 operations, 11,000 vehicles and 1,000 employees. This newest honor adds yet another feather to the AIM’s cap, including honors from Newsweek magazine’s as Most Loved Workplace in the U.S. award and the Top Company Award for Women to Work in Transportation from the national Women in Trucking Association. Given such strength, we’re confident AIM will keep on truckin’ powerfully and productively for the long haul.

ONION: To thoughtless and cold-hearted pet owners in the Mahoning Valley who neglect to keep their dogs and cats cool and comfortable as summer nears and temperatures soar. Earlier this week, the Mahoning County dog warden reported two dogs died from heat stroke as the mercury reached 90 degrees. When temperatures get that high and higher, dog pound officials say any dog tied up outside for more than a few minutes is at severe health risk. Responsible pet owners therefore should follow these potentially life-saving tips: Never leave pets in parked cars; always provide fresh, cool water; limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours; and walk dogs in the early morning or late evening.