Breaking News

Guest columnists

Moving Appalachia Ohio forward

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. The Appalachian region of Ohio is diverse in both landscapes and people. The 32 Ohio counties that make up Appalachian Ohio have terrain perfect for hiking and biking, beautiful waterways for boating or fishing, and even sandy beaches on our northern coast in Ashtabula. My wife Fran and I just spent a few days in part of the region with our family, enjoying outdoor opportunities at Lake Hope in McArthur, a ...

We promised never to forget, but we have

This year we observe the 20th anniversary of 9/11. It’s a day we swore never to forget. But in 2021, we have sorely forgotten. In recent weeks, U.S. troops abruptly pulled out of Afghanistan, and the Taliban quickly filled the void. But instead of immediately seizing control of cities, the Taliban first sought control of the few roads and airports that allowed people to exit the country freely. Then, by setting up checkpoints and immediately executing those who seek refuge, they effectively trapped everyone in the country as they regroup and close in. Those trying to escape by ...

West Virginia partners with ARC for improvement

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. For every home improvement project, big or small, you need the right tools to get the job done. That's one way to think about the Appalachian Regional Commission, or ARC. Since 1965, ARC has been committed to investing in Appalachia by providing essential resources to build our communities, upgrade our infrastructure, and develop our regional economy. ARC is a federal-state-local partnership, which ...

Partnership taps Appalachia’s potential

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. The hit country song "Mountain Music" by the band Alabama may recount fond memories of many Alabamians growing up in a rural mountainous area where life is simple and family bonds are strong. "Oh, play me some mountain music; Like grandma and grandpa used to play." While a similar image may be the first thing that comes to mind when most of America thinks of the Appalachian region, we who live in states that ...

Building better future for Appalachia

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. With a low cost and high quality of living, itás no surprise more than 1.7 million North Carolinians call the Appalachia home. The 29 North Carolina counties that are a part of it offer great opportunities to families living in the region ä welcoming communities, a strong small business environment and an abundance of outdoor activities and natural resources. But they also face unique challenges. The Appalachian ...

Veto of Ohio fireworks bill misses mark on safety

Five days after the rest of the country celebrated Independence Day with backyard gatherings, cookouts and yes, consumer fireworks, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed Ohio Senate Bill 113. This bill would have made Ohio the 49th state to allow consumers to legally discharge fireworks. That is correct; Ohio and Massachusetts are the only two states that still have laws making discharge of fireworks illegal. You can purchase them in Ohio, but legally you cannot use them. The governor obviously has his reasons for his veto of this common-sense update to an antiquated fireworks law. We will ...