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Cancer risk varies by region among those in Appalachia

Editorials

Those living in Appalachia have long been accustomed to the idea there are greater risks to our health here than in many other regions. New research from the American College of Surgeons confirms that, while cancer diagnoses and deaths are decreasing in Appalachia, the numbers are still significantly higher here than in other parts of the U.S. And where are we at greatest risk? The central subregion — a small part of southern Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia — has the highest rates of cancer incidents and deaths among the larger Appalachian region. “The ...

Confidence begins to wane in the long-promised Intel plant opening

Editorials

Economic development officials in Columbus and Franklin and Licking counties can be forgiven if they find themselves humming the tune to an early 1980s hit while they wonder when the next bad news will come from Intel Corp. After all, the company had nothing but “promises, promises” in the beginning. But Feb. 28, the chipmaker announced it is once again pushing back the planned opening of the semiconductor plant that was going to revolutionize the employment landscape in central Ohio. Now Intel says construction on the first of two planned factories in New Albany is expected to ...

Remember to heed burn ban as we approach warmer weather

Editorials

Perhaps we should take it as a positive sign that we are moving out of winter and into spring and the Ohio Division of Forestry’s outdoor fire laws (for “kindled” fires) are once again in effect. From the beginning of March through November, outdoor open burning is prohibited statewide in unincorporated areas between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This could mean anything from a proper burn barrel to burning of yard waste, trash and debris. “During spring, wildfire danger is high before plants have turned green, and in fall, fire danger is high due to abundant dry leaves and ...

NAMI Columbiana County returns with mental health support, education

Local Columns

LISBON — After a period of inactivity, NAMI Columbiana County is making a strong comeback, bringing vital mental health education, support, and advocacy back to the community. The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is re-establishing itself with new leadership, new programming, and a renewed commitment to providing resources for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Kristy Munyon, the newly appointed chair of NAMI Columbiana County, is leading efforts to expand services and strengthen support networks in the area. One of the ...

Let’s hope Congress takes up animal protection bill this time

Editorials

Back in 2019, President Donald Trump signed into law a bill that made animal cruelty a federal felony. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act included penalties for the crime ranging from fines to up to seven years in prison or both. But PACT, it seems, was lacking teeth — or those in charge of giving it teeth lacked a sense of urgency. U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio 14th, has his heart in the right place, in once again introducing legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Justice to establish an animal cruelty crimes section and “to vigorously pursue ...

Common sense should trump free markets

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor: I believe in freedom and thus free markets, but I also believe in common sense. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) allowed pharmaceutical companies to start advertising prescription drugs on TV in 1997. Big Pharma calls this direct marketing; I would call it stupid and wasteful spending. In 2020 they spent $4.58 billion on TV advertising for products that you are not able to buy unless your doctor writes you a prescription. If you have to tell your doctor what to prescribe for you, then I suggest you need to get a new doctor, not a drug. You have probably noticed ...