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Letters to the Editor

Mahoning County leaders must act now

DEAR EDITOR: An open letter to the Mahoning County Commissioners: I just now watched the video of your Feb. 12, 2026 meeting. Janet Cobb and Chris Harris spoke eloquently about a problem that is a very relevant subject because the Mahoning County jail has received millions of dollars from the federal government to jail ICE detainees. They pointed out, correctly, that it was improper for the Mahoning County jail to release prisoners with no resources whatsoever into the city of Youngstown during frigid weather conditions when they were from Massachusetts, and had nowhere to get ...

A tale of two very similar libraries

DEAR EDITOR: A recent article in the Business Journal outlines the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) Board of Trustees’ plan to relocate and build a new library in downtown Struthers. This is a wonderful thing. The reasons listed in this article for relocating the library include proximity to downtown Struthers and vibrant businesses, outdoor reading spaces, proximity to Yellow Creek and increased visibility and accessibility. All of these attributes we have now with the current Poland Library location. Why, then, is the library board considering relocating ...

Ohio candidates must discuss property taxes

DEAR EDITOR: Ohioans are focused on affordability as we head into the political season. At the top of that list is property taxes. So much so, that abolishment of property taxes may appear on the ballot. Whether it does make the ballot or not — every single candidate for office needs to answer two questions with specificity. If the initiative passes, how will you — specifically — address the financial fallout for local jurisdictions. If the initiative fails, how will you make home ownership affordable for all Ohioans. A simple “FOR” or “AGAINST” the initiative is ...

Kudos to the YSU Penguins for support

DEAR EDITOR: In an era when so many things seem to be about “oneself,” it was certainly gratifying to see coach Doug Phillips and the majority of the YSU football team cheering on the women’s basketball team against Robert Morris. The team stayed the entire 45 minutes — rooting, encouraging and enjoying the victory. Also, the women’s nationally ranked bowling team was introduced at halftime and drew a standing ovation. Great to see the enthusiasm of athletes cheering their fellow competitors. Go Penguins! KEN BRAYER Boardman

Sound off!

Trump had Tom Homan announce that Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota was coming to an end. Unfortunately, he had to include that it was a great success and Minnesota will be a safer community. We all know Minnesota never was unsafe until ICE arrived and caused all the chaos, including the killings of two innocent US citizens. The reality is Metro Surge was a total failure thanks to the people of Minnesota standing up for their rights. We all must be concerned. — Poland Why is Trump trying to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Michigan and Canada. ...

Volney Rogers’ vision for Mill Creek attacked

DEAR EDITOR: Volney Rogers had a wooden building erected in what was then known as “Cricket Field” or “Orchard Meadows” (now part of Mill Creek Park) to serve as a shelter for the deer in his deer park reserve. This area was part of the early development of the park he founded to preserve the local natural landscape. Key details regarding the deer shelter and surroundings: ● Location: The shelter was located in the area often referred to as “The Flats,” which functioned as a deer park reserve. ● Purpose: The wooden building was designed specifically as a shelter ...