Breaking News

Opinion

Sliding scale should help SNAP recipients

Editorials

Officials with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services have made an important change that should help the program do a better job helping those who are part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This past Tuesday, ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder announced a sliding scale to allow recipients to move off the program gradually. That way, recipients will feel less as though they need to turn down promotions or new job opportunities to keep food on the table. “Fear of losing food benefits can be a deterrent to taking a new job, working more hours, or even accepting a ...

Another tool to fight human trafficking

Editorials

Law enforcement offices across the state, both on their own behalf and as part of larger task forces, have been battling human trafficking in Ohio for years. On Monday, state Attorney General Dave Yost announced a new tool that will let the rest of us better support that effort. A non-emergency hotline, 844-END-OHHT (844-363-6448), will send tips about suspected sex and labor trafficking directly to law enforcement personnel with experience investigating such allegations. Those who suspect such activity should not hesitate to use the hotline. “The hotline is a much-needed tool in the ...

Thanks for supporting the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: On behalf of the Salem Athletic Hall of Fame, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made the 2024 Hall of Fame celebration a success. Gold Sponsors: Black Dog Construction, Haltec, Salem Alumni Association Silver Sponsors: BB Rooners, BOC Water Hydraulics, Boneshakers, Dental Health Group, Giant Eagle, Insurance Center of Salem, Mackall Optometry, Morris Financial, Rob & Deri Hutton Family, Salem Computer Center, Yerkey and Madjarac DDS Your contributions make a lasting impact on our community and ensure the ongoing recognition of ...

Wanting to help out? Do it with guidance

Editorials

For those of us watching in horror as Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee come to grips with the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, the first thought might be “I need to help. Now.” Whether the urge is to send money, send supplies or volunteer, we might have to be more patient than we’d like. Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance begins with something that might come as a surprise. Should you be trying to contact someone in the affected regions, text rather than calling. Texting leaves the lines open for ...

East Palestine: demoralized by the justice system

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Advocates across the country and locally have underscored the urgent need for a review of systemic environmental injustices that have played out in East Palestine, Ohio. The class action lawsuit following the February 2023 East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and Norfolk Southern chemical disaster should NOT set the precedent for future suits. This lawsuit is riddled with deficiencies and does not provide justice for the millions of people impacted by this incident. Residents of East Palestine, Ohio and close communities express deep frustration and a sense of ...

Vote ‘Yes’ to end gerrymandering

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Let’s be clear: If you, the voter, want to end gerrymandering in Ohio, vote YES on Issue One. Already you are seeing red signs around the area urging you to vote “no” to “end gerrymandering.” But this is nothing but a twisting of the facts by the Republican supermajority in our Ohio Statehouse, the Republican dominated Ballot Board and the Ohio Supreme Court — also Republican dominated —  that once again has totally and intentionally distorted the actual ballot language to confuse you. You, the voter, should be offended that they think you are that ...