This summer, bipartisan study committees will be meeting to discuss two large problems our state is facing: opioid addiction and unemployment compensation debt. Hearings on these subjects will be held throughout the state this fall in August and September. This summer’s committees are named: Law Enforcement Perspectives on the Drug Epidemic & Its Impact on […]
POSTED: 07/30/14 at 5:59 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
In a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams wrote, “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epoch, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance […]
POSTED: 07/04/14 at 12:54 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Educational Service Centers (ESCs) are celebrating 100 years of educational service. ESCs were first established as county offices of education in 1914. Western Buckeye ESC was previously known as the Paulding County Board of Education and Van Wert County Board of Education. Over time, county offices evolved from regulatory agencies to service-oriented agencies and, in […]
POSTED: 02/12/14 at 6:29 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Thursday, the Van Wert County commissioners voted unanimously to withdraw from the economic development contract with Ohio State Extension effective immediately. We feel that this is an extremely positive step for our county, and here’s why. There is no better indicator of a county’s vitality than its population trend – a county is its people. […]
POSTED: 12/06/13 at 2:34 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
This fall, Congress has an important opportunity to create jobs and grow the economy by passing a long-term, comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. The Farm Bill impacts every American, every day by providing a wide range of programs that strengthen our nation. The Farm Bill is crucial to maintaining a strong agriculture sector and […]
POSTED: 11/25/13 at 7:46 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Over the years, the OSU Extension Van Wert County Economic Development Office has collaborated with the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce and Wright State University Business Enterprise Center (BEC) on many different projects. In 2008, we saw an increased interest in individuals wanting to become self-employed, so a decision was made to offer a […]
POSTED: 11/08/13 at 6:18 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
SUSAN MUNROE President/CEO, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Two years ago, 152 massive windmills at the Blue Creek Wind Farm started spinning, adding $5 million a year into our regional economy through landowner lease payments and local property taxes. The wind farm instantly solidified the agricultural and wind energy partnership here in Van Wert […]
POSTED: 10/03/13 at 6:09 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Successful communities have developed a common vision for their area. They decided upon common desires and commitments by both the private sector and public leadership to achieve success. Those communities have come together with the planning of local, county, regional needs and cooperation and they remain united for the common good and have resolved any of their […]
POSTED: 06/21/13 at 6:05 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
As one of the largest manufacturing states in the country, Ohio has a lot to lose and a great deal to gain from U.S. trade policies — including new free trade agreements. That is why we must address our federal trade deficit, crack down on Chinese currency manipulation, and support worker retraining for Americans who […]
POSTED: 07/13/11 at 12:21 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
It is no secret that Ohio has an employment problem. Our borders have long been hemorrhaging jobs as our state population shrinks and industry flees, taking employment opportunities to more business-friendly states. Unfortunately, this situation was irresponsibly ignored by the House Democrats in the previous General Assembly. However, in the new legislative session, we have […]
POSTED: 06/18/11 at 2:01 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions