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Letters to the Editor

Rethink behavioral health: the advantage of community

DEAR EDITOR: Mental health services empower wellness, inspire hope and support compassionate care that meets patients where they are. Historic barriers like stigma, fear of judgment and limited access once kept people from seeking mental and behavioral health treatment. Today, that reality is shifting. Increased awareness, education and advocacy have sparked cultural change, encouraging more individuals to prioritize mental well-being. In fact, nearly a quarter (23.9%) of U.S. adults received mental health treatment in 2023, and young adults have led the way, with treatment rates ...

Mike Watson brought joy to Valley children

DEAR EDITOR: For over 40 years there was a very selfless, kind and very merry Santa, who has left us with heavy hearts. We lost Mike Watson, who has been Santa Claus in our Valley every Christmas season, listening to over 2,000 children’s requests for Santa’s presents every year. Naturally, 100,000 children over the years were delighted to hear the ”Ho-Ho-Ho” of a Santa gone way too early — who made children’s hearts light up and whose presence felt so special as he shared their secret requests. A gentle man who has heard the requests of kids — who would hear a ...

Give Venezuela’s Maduro the Noriega treatment

DEAR EDITOR: To those who think the U.S. military should take out Venezuelan leader Maduro, accused of stealing the election by military force — know the history. Manuel Noriega, the dictator of Panama, who was trafficking in drugs and racketeering, took refuge in the Vatican Embassy on Dec. 24, 1989, and eventually surrendered. He was captured by U.S. forces and special operations units. Navy Seals and Delta Forces, on Jan. 3, 1990, (I love this part) pressured Noriega with loud music for 10 days. The songs they played were “Voodoo Child,” “You’re No Good” and “I ...

Ohio needs much stronger animal welfare initiative

DEAR EDITOR: I am writing to share with you an initiative I am working on to promote animal welfare in Ohio. I am currently developing a comprehensive bill that aims to ensure the humane care and safety of animals, particularly dogs, in various environments and weather conditions. The bill outlines guidelines for animal owners, caregivers and animal welfare organizations to provide adequate shelter, nutrition, and care for animals. It also includes provisions for reporting concerns and neglect, as well as penalties for noncompliance. As someone who is passionate about animal ...

Sound off!

Fireworks are terrifying to wildlife, pets, veterans, children, disabled and the elderly! They are not necessary and dangerous. Please rethink setting off explosives. Celebrate safely without fireworks. — Poland 270,000 federal jobs eliminated, almost 300,000 immigrants deported or still in horrible cells — this administration has raised the U.S. debt over $2 trillion. Ballrooms, bathrooms, marble arm rests, arcs, gold-plated junk everywhere, new personal jets, vans and BMV cars for ICE, ($50,000 sign-up “bonus” ICE job offers), redoing the KENNEDY CENTER, cutting funding and ...

Thank you for exceptional care for mother

DEAR EDITOR: I would like to commend Mercy Health Boardman, Briarfield Place, and Sanctuary Hospice for the exceptional care my Mom received when I brought her here from Florida. At 93, her concerns were dismissed, and I chose to bring her here for care. It was the best decision I ever made. Mercy quickly discovered a tumor that had been missed which was the reason she wasn’t improving. While at Mercy, everyone treated her with genuine kindness and respect. She then went to Briarfield, which cared for her with dignity and compassion. The nurses and aides not only supported my Mom ...