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No one should have to deal with racial slurs and actions

How many of us endured cringe-worthy conversations over Thanksgiving dinner in which it became clear that one or two family members or friends had gone all-in on the idea that racist and otherwise hateful language and behavior is no longer something they must hide? Certainly, a crop of politicians has worked hard over the past several years to ensure those folks believe there should be no social consequences for that garbage. The results have been horrific, even deadly. Early last week, a 20-year-old Ohio man walked into a Walmart near Dayton and shot four people before taking his own ...

Do what you can to help others who are struggling

It is one thing to be told there is anecdotal evidence the need for support of food banks is only growing. It is quite another to learn there is hard proof. According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, Ohio food banks are seeing record-breaking amounts of need. In part because changes to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, advocates say growing needs are not being met. According to the Southeast Ohio Foodbank, approximately 1 in 6 people in the region are affected by food insecurity. “Rising food prices, the end of SNAP Emergency Allotments, wage ...

Small businesses are a local economic lifeline

Today is Small Business Saturday. Not to be confused certainly with everything that went on yesterday with Black Friday. Today is special because it reminds us that our small, locally-owned businesses are the heart of our communities. We all shop at the big stores. Certainly there are local folks working for the big guys. But the reality is that when you spend your money with a locally-owned small business, you make an immediate impact — perhaps for an individual, a family, and your community as a whole. The big guys certainly provided benefits with an array of offerings under a ...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day

There is some debate over exactly when the first Thanksgiving was celebrated on our soil. Many trace it to a 1621 celebration in Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts. That feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. It was, according to historians, actually celebrated between the Pilgrims and Indians. It’s been going on ever since. The message is timeless: giving thanks for an array of reasons. Even those we all take for granted day in, day out. Year in, year out. Pause and take a deep breath. Then let it release slowly. Be thankful for a simple breath of air. And it ...

Be careful if shopping for a pet this holiday season

As we approach the time of year when some families may be considering whether it is a good idea to bring a new pet into the family at Christmastime, news out of Holmes County reminds us there is a lot to consider in such a decision. Should a family determine they have the time, resources, willingness and whole-house agreement to make the commitment to love and care for a pet for the rest of its life (no pet should ever be a surprise or spontaneous gift), the next question is where to find the right pet. When looking to bring a dog into the family, it is essential to avoid rewarding ...

Be careful preparing Thanksgiving meals

As hosts begin planning their Thanksgiving meals next week, the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Prevention Bureau is reminding them to stay alert and practice patience in the kitchen. “More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year, and it’s not hard to see why,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon. “Between cleaning, taking care of children and cooking multiple dishes at a time, there’s no shortage of distractions in and around the kitchen. Staying alert and paying attention to what you’re cooking can go a long way in ensuring those distractions don’t ...