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Brenda J. Linert

Does technology keep us safer or overstep?

Billions of dollars’ worth of research on new highway safety technology that’s included in the federal infrastructure bill could keep drunken drivers parked — if the technology works correctly. But does it overstep? Debate has been heating up over the proposal, the logistics of making it work, potential malfunctions and, something that should be of concern to all Americans, our privacy. Increasingly “Big Brother” truly is watching, and now it could include keeping a record of our attempts to shift into drive and whether or not we’ve been drinking. The still-evolving ...

Believe it or not, general election is upon us

Somehow, summer is just about over, the leaves are about to begin turning colors and soon we’ll be sleeping with the windows open. On top of that, Americans already are prepping to head to the polls. We all know how quickly election season hits us. Heck, I’m already hearing from confused friends who think there is a U.S. Senate race involving Tim Ryan this November. No, I explain, that’s next November — and Ryan, our local congressman from Howland, will be in that Senate race only if he defeats his one (so far) Democratic opponent Morgan Harper, a progressive from Columbus who ...

Recall strength, unity that emerged from 9/11

Like most of us who were born before Sept. 11, 2001, I recall vividly where I was that morning when the world forever changed. I first heard the news reports of an airplane striking one of the twin towers on my car radio. At that point, I didn’t fathom a thought of any conspiracy theory. In fact, I remember wondering how a pilot could be so stupid. I had dropped off my then-3-year-old son at preschool and swung quickly into the library to return past-due children’s books. As I approached the counter, I’ll never forget the look of dismay on the librarian’s face. She asked ...

Mask up to protect your favorite furry friends

Mankind apparently isn’t alone in suffering serious illness this summer. While we humans debate whether we should be vaccinated against the continuing global pandemic or if we need to wear a face mask at the Canfield Fair this weekend, song birds, white-tailed deer and even otters and primates have come down with illnesses just as baffling as COVID-19. Recently the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories announced they’d found a COVID-19-positive white-tailed deer — where else but in Ohio. Apparently these are the first deer confirmed with ...

How we report fairly during divided times

I was invited recently to speak at a community meeting on the topic of the challenges of producing a “politically neutral newspaper in increasingly partisan times.” Fortunately for me (or unfortunately), the topic didn’t involve a lot of research. It’s my reality these days. Generally speaking, remaining fair and balanced when reporting on just about any topic shouldn’t be difficult, really. You talk to a source, you get his or her side of the story. Then, you find someone with an opposing viewpoint, you talk to him or her. You write the story and present both sides. ...

Yellow House preservation comes into focus

It was just a few weeks ago that I stood in what I suspect was the dining room of the historic E.N. Brown House in Howland, accompanied by Howland Historical Society Vice President Warner Taiclet. That rainy morning, Warner, like many other local history buffs, was fretting over the future of the home, commonly known as the “Yellow House.” The home, situated across from Lowe’s on busy state Route 46, was constructed around 1830 and is believed to be the oldest remaining house in Howland. Indeed, its location isn’t ideal with the hustle and bustle of Howland. Its tiny ...