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‘See something, say something’ applies to protecting animals, too

Most of us think of “if you see something, say something” as applying to humans — abuse, neglect, trafficking and other criminal activity. And it does. But it applies to animals, too. Last week in Delaware County, Ohio, it led to several dogs being removed from what appears to be a severe animal cruelty situation. According to a report by WHIO, 40 dogs were removed to the Delaware County Dog Shelter from a Kingston Township property. The investigation began because officials received more than 50 calls. The county dog warden’s office was able then to obtain a search warrant and ...

Toxic emission regulations could help reduce illnesses

Up and down the Ohio River Valley, communities have gotten used to seeing what comes out of the many industrial facilities that help support our economy. (And, to be clear, some of that is just water vapor.) We have also gotten used to the increased number of medical conditions some experts say are caused by those emissions. There are entire swaths of West Virginia where the residents refer to themselves as living in “Cancer Alley.” Poor, rural and minority communities have for centuries shouldered a heavier burden when it comes to the consequences of living near the economic ...

Poor behavior embraced by politicians can be curbed

An independent, state-ordered investigation into reportedly “erratic and abusive behavior” by Ohio Rep. Elliot Forhan, D-South Euclid, has concluded legislative leaders were justified in disciplining him. Because of accusations of confrontations with other lawmakers, constituents and lobbyists, Forhan lost all his committee assignments and was barred by House Minority Leader C. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, from contacting interns, pages and Democratic legislative aides. He also was required to have a House sergeant-at-arms accompany him while he was at the Statehouse. But ...

April safety initiative is on distracted driving

April is a month of showers and flowers, vacation planning and getting the mower out. It’s time to “play ball” across local baseball and softball fields. For putting away the winter gear and getting out shorts and casual shirts and tops. For getting the golf clubs and rods, reels and tackle boxes out. It’s a time for nice weather road trips. It is also a time to highlight the dangers of distracted driving. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. AAA reminds motorists: “Don’t Drive Intoxicated. Don’t Drive Intexticated.” “Intexticated” is a new one ...

Division of Cannabis Control being efficient

Despite work by Ohio lawmakers to oppose the will of voters by fiddling with the law governing legalized recreational marijuana, it seems one government agency understands its job and has gotten to work. According to a report by WBNS, the state’s Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) is ready to roll out recreational marijuana this summer, with a proposed set of rules for dispensaries ahead of issuing licenses. WBNS reports the Division of Cannabis Control appears ready to give its first licenses in June to facilities that are handling medical sales. A second wave of licenses for ...

Ohio lawakers now have an opportunity to what’s right

Ohio lawmakers have an opportunity to what’s right, now that Secretary of State Frank LaRose has sought an opinion that resulted in a letter to Ohio Democratic Chair Liz Walters last week. In the letter, LaRose’s office told Walters about an “apparent conflict in Ohio law,” according to a report by ABC News. The Democratic National Convention is set to convene Aug. 19. The deadline to certify a presidential candidate in Ohio, for placement on the November ballot, is Aug. 7. “I am left to conclude that the Democratic National Committee must either move up its nominating ...