Op-ed: data centers not the enemy

By Brent Stevens Many well-meaning people scrolling Facebook don’t realize they’re being pulled into a coordinated narrative. They see emotionally charged posts with sensational headlines about “dirty data centers” destroying the planet, share them in outrage, and join local opposition efforts—unaware that much of the anti-data center movement rests on a rigid “green energy now” […]

Guest column: children and divorce

By Anna Parise and Jillian B. Von Gunten For Ohio families navigating divorce or separation, the legal process can add pain and uncertainty during a time that is already difficult. But for children caught in the middle, the stakes can be even higher. They need and deserve stable, meaningful relationships with loving parents and a […]

Don’t risk your spring projects

By Franklin Freytag COLUMBUS — As the spring construction season kicks into high gear, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance is urging business owners and property managers to hire only licensed commercial contractors. Through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), the Division ensures that the more than 10,000 licensed professionals in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, and refrigeration meet […]

Guest column: financial literacy

By Jamie Crawford COLUMBUS — April marks Financial Literacy Month, and the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is encouraging Ohio communities to deepen their focus on financial well‑being by expanding access to practical, reliable financial education. As part of that effort, the Division is reminding eligible organizations across the state to apply for funds available […]

Guest column: seniors and scammers

By Jamie Crawford COLUMBUS — The number of Ohioans approaching the age of retirement is as high as ever before. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 18.8 percent of the state’s population, or 2.21 million Ohioans, are aged 65 years or older. That is up significantly from 13.3 percent in 2000. Nationwide, the United […]

Guest column: have money waiting?

By Franklin Freytag COLUMBUS — In recognition of National Unclaimed Funds Month in February, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds is reminding Ohioans to check for any potential money they might have waiting to be claimed. Whether the money is in your name, a loved one’s name, or your business, all it takes is a couple […]

Op-ed: strengthen against addiction

By Alicia Bruce Northwest Ohio knows how to pull together, something I’ve seen time and again as a social worker and Program Director with the Tri-County ADAMHS Board serving Mercer, Van Wert and Paulding counties. I see it also as the representative from our area (Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert and Williams counties) […]

Guest column: Reseting finances

By Jamie Crawford COLUMBUS — With the holidays officially over, it’s a matter of time until credit card bills from last month’s spending find their way into Ohioans’ mailboxes. While many individuals may be tempted to quickly set those bills aside, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) encourages everyone to slow down, review statements […]

Addressing property tax problems

By Dr. Howard Fleeter A new report from the nonpartisan Ohio Education Policy Institute (OEPI) tells the story of how Ohio residential and agricultural property taxpayer costs have increased significantly over many years as well as a series of options to address the problem. Authored by R. Gregory Browning, former state budget director under Gov. […]

Guest column: Beyond the Mortgage

By Brandon Klein COLUMBUS — Buying a home is one of the largest purchases many individuals will ever make, that means there’s also the potential for this experience to become one of the largest headaches, especially if consumers aren’t prepared. To help ensure Ohioans are equipped with the information they need to fully understand the full […]