To protect yourself in extreme cold, layer clothing, cover extremities (hats, mittens, warm boots), and stay dry; for your home, seal drafts with weatherstripping and caulk, insulate pipes, keep thermostats around 65°F (or higher), close curtains at night, and gather emergency supplies like blankets, flashlights, and food for potential power outages.
Personal Protection
Layer Up: Wear multiple layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing, including a wind-resistant outer layer, to trap heat.
Protect Extremities: Mittens (warmer than gloves), hats, scarves, and waterproof, insulated boots are crucial.
Cover Your Mouth: Protect your lungs from the extreme cold by covering your mouth.
Stay Dry: Change out of wet clothes immediately to prevent chilling.
Stay Aware: Recognize signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion) and frostbite; seek warmth immediately if symptoms appear.
Home Protection (Preventing Damage & Heat Loss)
Seal Drafts: Caulk cracks, use weatherstripping on doors/windows, and add foam seals to exterior outlets.
Insulate: Add insulation to attics, walls, and especially around exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages.
Protect Pipes: Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and wrap indoor pipes in unheated spots.
Windows & Doors: Keep blinds/curtains closed at night to trap heat; use plastic window kits for extra insulation.
Manage Heat: Keep your thermostat at least at 65°F, use space heaters safely, and consider closing off unneeded rooms.
Check on Seniors
As always, check on seniors and disabled family and neighbors.
Watch your local news and the National Weather Service for the latest on the cold and snow.
The Ohio State Route 72 bridge over Caesar Creek in Jamestown is open to traffic. The main construction project on SR 72 in Greene County, which included pavement repairs and resurfacing, is largely complete as of August 2024. Minor finishing work may still be occurring, but it should have little impact on motorists.
A workmen clears debris from the newly completed bridge and sidewalks over Cedar Creek in Jamestown on State Route 72.
At an estimated cost of $2,060,000, the bridge preservation project began in late 2024 and completed on schedule. the new three span bridge was expanded from the two span and modified to promote better hydraulic flow of the creek below.
Photo taken from the east (post office) side of the new three span bridge illustrates a more substantial structure, where the old one stood. 
Finishing touches are being completed on the bridge now, but all through traffic, including access to the Jamestown location of the United States post office, and all sidewalks are open for business.
Dayton, Ohio – Choosing new flooring can be stressful, especially at the holidays. Between juggling color samples, hauling planks from the store, and second-guessing how everything will look at home, consumers often find themselves overwhelmed. But Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton put the showroom on wheels, changing that forever. (Watch the full story.)
Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton operates on a simple but effective premise: bring the entire flooring selection process directly to the customer’s doorstep. The company’s Mobile Flooring Showroom®, a van packed with hundreds of flooring samples, allows homeowners to view options right where they’ll be installed — in their own homes, under their own lighting.
“It’s one thing to pick a sample under bright store lights; it’s another to see it next to your furniture or in your natural light,” said Eric Curtis, owner of the Southeast Dayton franchise. “We realized that customers make better choices when they can actually see how a floor will look in the environment where it’s going to live.”
Curtis, who has a background in retail and customer experience management, said the idea isn’t just about convenience — it’s also about accuracy. The mobile showroom is equipped with a wide range of materials including hardwood, luxury vinyl, carpet, and tile. Customers can compare texture, tone, and durability on-site, while a design consultant measures the space and creates an estimate during the same visit.
Production coordinator James Morrison oversees many of the installations and noted that the approach improves workflow from start to finish. “We take the guesswork out. When people see how the flooring interacts with their wall color or lighting, they make confident decisions. That means fewer returns, fewer delays, and a better final result.”The company’s service model also integrates installation planning into the same visit, which office manager Jeremy Totten said reduces miscommunication between sales staff and installers — a common complaint in the flooring industry. “We order everything and prepare it for the installers, so they have everything they need when they go out.”
“By the time we arrive to install, the customer already knows exactly what they’re getting. The measurements are done, the materials are correct, and they’ve seen everything in place ahead of time,” Morrison continued. “That cuts down on surprises and helps us deliver a cleaner, faster installation.”
Customers who have used the service have echoed those sentiments, noting that seeing samples in their own spaces helped them make better decisions. Curtis said that kind of feedback confirms what the company has seen nationwide: that convenience, paired with transparency, builds stronger relationships.
“The flooring business has always been about trust,” Curtis said. “People are letting us into their homes — that’s personal. When we can bring the entire process to them and make it easy, it changes the tone completely. They feel like we’re partners in the project, not just salespeople.”
As the home improvement industry continues to adapt to changing consumer expectations, Curtis believes this model represents a broader shift toward mobile and in-home services. “We’ve seen people order everything from cars to groceries from their phones,” he said. “Why shouldn’t they expect the same level of service and convenience when they’re making a major design decision for their home?”
For now, the team at Floor Coverings International of Southeast Dayton is focused on serving homeowners across the region, rolling their showroom from neighborhood to neighborhood. “It’s still about craftsmanship,” Curtis added. “We just found a way to make the process smarter — and a lot less stressful for the customer.”
Happiness, expectations, and acceptance. If I’ve learned anything in my nearly six decades of riding this blue spinning ball of water and mud around the cosmos, it’s that everything boils down to those three things.
First, there’s the idea of happiness – which has always escaped me. If you believe all the self-help books, lifestyle gurus, and advertising agencies, happiness is all about meeting needs or wants by a combination of philosophical and material means. Makes it seem pretty easy, doesn’t it? Well, we all know that’s nonsense.
It might sound cliché, but happiness isn’t something you can buy in a store or conjure up simply by deciding today that you’re going to be content. Although there is evidence to show that you can be happier by managing your thoughts, which then alters your feelings, resulting in whatever state of mind you’re trying to achieve. Yeah, that doesn’t sound convoluted at all,l does it?
Happiness is not something anyone can tell you how to reach. I have no clue what it means to you; I haven’t even figured out what it means to me. However, I know what it’s not, and sometimes that’s the best first step. Whatever you do, don’t follow someone else’s idea of happiness, nor should you believe that if you don’t reach it, you’re somehow lacking. That’s ridiculous.
If things need to change in your life for you to feel what you believe is happiness, then do it. Sometimes it’s easy; most of the time, it’s hard. Often, things you need to change are highly dependent on the behavior of others.
Which brings me to expectations. That’s a big word with a lot packed into it. We have expectations of ourselves, whether good, bad, or indifferent. But we also know that others have expectations of us. Ironically, those are much harder to manage because often we don’t know what they are.
People always have expectations of us, but most never share them. We walk around in a constant state of confusion, never really knowing if we’re meeting those expectations or not. It could be a partner, a coworker, a boss, a family member, or whoever. But regardless of the origin, you have two choices.
You can either ask someone, point-blank, what they expect of you and respond as you see fit. Or, you can live your best life and not worry about it. I’m always operating in a combination of both of those things. There are some whose expectations we would likely always going to want to know. That’s probably because they may be closer to us than others, or how we behave or respond to something directly affects their lives in some way. So it’s important that they tell us their expectations. Otherwise, there’s no way we could possibly do anything about them.
Of course, there’s always the very real possibility we can’t do anything about these situations anyway. Some people’s expectations can be entirely unrealistic, even the ones we have of ourselves. That brings me to the final concept – acceptance.
Do you know the Serenity Prayer? While I’m not one to hang my hat on prayers to get through my day, the idea of accepting things that you can’t change, over which you have no control. It’s good advice. Now, if only I could follow it at those times.
When my father died, I was forced to accept it. Five years later, I’m still trying to accept that we did everything possible to properly care for him. Ironically, that’s harder to accept than his passing. Sadly, that’s how it works sometimes. Acceptance can often be simultaneously invaluable and fleeting. However, acceptance also needs to include the positives in life.
I regularly temper my acceptance when good things happen. Part of me always assumes something will come along and mess it up. I spend a great deal of time at odds with that dark, pessimistic side of myself. But, slowly, cautiously, I’m learning to “let it land,” and take the win.
The pursuit of happiness, how we handle expectations, and striving toward some level of acceptance are all incredibly challenging. Each affects every aspect of our lives. Inevitably, it’s your choice how to handle them.
Beavercreek, OH – On Friday, June 6, 2025, the 8th Annual Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing welcomed golfers, sponsors, and supporters for a day of purpose-driven play at Beavercreek Golf Club. Despite a rainy start in the morning, the skies soon cleared, making way for an event that ran seamlessly. With 116 players participating, this year’s outing proved to be a resounding success, according to founder, Col. Rafi Rodriguez, USAF (Ret.) and Dr. Jesse Steiner, director of Air Camp.
Rodriguez is the owner of Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC, in Beavercreek, Ohio and his annual event raises funds to send Junior U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from the Greater Dayton area to an exclusive one-day AirCamp. The program is designed to introduce the cadets to aviation-focused STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through hands-on experiences—including a flight with an instructor pilot. Rodriguez has made it his mission to provide cadets with opportunities he wishes he had at that age.
USAF JROTC Cadets from Bellbrook, Beavercreek, and Fairborn attended the one-day AirCamp session on September 19 at the Lewis A Jackson Airport in Xenia.
“This outing is more than just a golf tournament—it’s about helping our JROTC cadets access experiences that can shape their futures,” Rodriguez explained. “Through AirCamp, these young men and women are introduced to the fascinating world of aviation, leadership, and teamwork. Seeing them leave inspired is the ultimate reward.”
AirCamp, co-founded by Lt. Gen. Dick Reynolds, USAF (Ret.), has earned a reputation for its unique approach to STEM education, leveraging the thrill of aviation to engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving. “Every time a cadet walks away excited about science and technology, we know we’ve made a lasting impact,” Reynolds said. “This program is about more than flying—it’s about opening doors to new opportunities.”
The outing is funded by presenting sponsor White-Allen Auto Group: Volkswagen, Chevrolet, and European—alongside Dixon Golf, GLD Communications. Dr. Jesse Steiner is the executive director of AirCamp. “About $16K will go to send 40 Junior ROTC cadets comprised from the Bellbrook, Fairborn, and Beavercreek Hich Schools to attend the exclusive 1-Day Air Camp,” he said. “The event took place on September 19th, 2025, at the MacAir Aviation facilities at the Greene County Airport.”
“A total of $6K will be allocated ($1K each) for two Junior ROTC selected from each participating High School to attend the 1-week AirCamp. This is an increase from $3K last year,” Steiner reported. “A total of $5,000 will go to purchasing new equipment (drones, raft, etc.) for AirCamp training modules.”
Other reported figures from the event included $750 towards supporting the “Girls in STEM” 1-Day AirCamp on September 20th. Residual funds have been allocated for administrative and other supporting expenses.
Rodriguez expressed his gratitude to all who participated and contributed to this year’s success. “We had an amazing turnout and raised significant funds to send these young cadets to AirCamp,” he said. “This program is about investing in their future, and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors, golfers, and the support of our community.”
The 9th Annual Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing is already scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, Beavercreek Golf Club. Registration details to be announced in January at www.askrafi.com/events.
Somewhere between the motivational posters in your work break room and the TED Talk rabbit hole you fell into online last Tuesday, someone probably told you that you need a “vision” for your life. A grand, sweeping, cinematic plan that guides your every move like you’re the protagonist in a Christopher Nolan film. Lights, camera, confusion.
Now, let’s be honest – most of us are just trying to remember where we left our coffee mug and whether we fed the dog this morning. But a life vision? That sounds exhausting, and at least partially unrealistic.
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying you should wander aimlessly through life like a robot vacuum cleaner with a dying battery, bumping your way from wall to wall, down this hallway and that. Any purposeful achievement generally starts with a dream and some kind of plan, even an informal one. To me, that’s just common sense.
But obsessing over the idea of a perfectly curated roadmap for your life might do more harm than good. That’s especially true when we project the obsession onto others—our kids, our coworkers, some unsuspecting barista. And you need to allow for some flexibility so you can recognize opportunity when it comes and act in your best interest – that’s more how I work, I would say. When someone says you can’t make it without a vision board and a color-coded calendar that looks like NASA designed it, they are probably trying to sell you something. In case you haven’t figured this out on your own, life is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally throws a raccoon through your metaphorical window.
Some of the most successful people I know didn’t start with a vision. They began with a problem, a deep interest in something, or just plain boredom. They stumbled into opportunities, made a few mistakes (okay, a lot of mistakes), and figured things out along the way. Their “vision” was more like a foggy windshield they wiped clean with the sleeve of their hoodie – and that’s okay.
Here’s the thing: having a vision sounds noble, but it can also blind you. When you’re so focused on the end goal, you miss the weird little detours that could lead to something better. You ignore the people around you who might need help, or who might help you.
Instead of the kind of vision you read about in self-help books, maybe what we need is a clearer view—the ability to see what’s happening right now. That way, we notice the opportunities, the needs, the small wins, and then be present enough to pivot when life throws a curveball—or a raccoon.
If you’re in a position to guide others—whether you’re a parent, a manager, or just the guy who always gets asked for directions at the grocery—there’s a temptation to impose your vision on them. You want them to succeed, so you hand them your blueprint. “Here’s how I did it. Follow this, and you’ll be fine.”
Really? People don’t come with identical parts and a universal tool kit. What worked for you might be a disaster for someone else. Your vision might be their nightmare. Instead of handing out visions like party favors, let’s ask questions. What excites you? What scares you? What do you want to try, even if you might fail? Influence isn’t about shaping someone’s path—it’s about helping them find their own flashlight.
So here’s my alternative vision pitch: wander with purpose. Be curious. Be open. Set goals, sure—but don’t carve them into stone. Scribble them on napkins and be willing to toss them when life hands you a better idea.
Life isn’t a straight line. It’s a squiggly mess of trial and error, happy accidents, and moments of clarity that usually arrive while you’re doing something mundane like folding laundry or eating cold pizza in the middle of the night. So what to do? Ignore all the nonsense out there and do what leads you to the life you want.
While a valuable foundation, vision isn’t an absolute. Flexibility, awareness, and a good sense of humor are your best tools along life’s path. Now – what did I do with that coffee mug?
Event features Family activities, biplane rides, Car Cruise-in, and food trucks at Springfield Beckley Airport
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The eleventh annual Barnstorming Carnival will be held at Springfield Beckley Airport on July 12th and 13th . As always, admission is free.
This unique community event celebrates the planes and pilots that went all over the U.S. in the 1920s and 30s, selling rides and thrilling communities with daredevil stunts. Modern day barnstormers are as unique as their counterparts from 100 years ago, carrying on this tradition and bringing it to the community.
Jamestown barnstormer and organizer Dewey Davenport has coordinated a fleet of unique aircraft for the two-day event from all parts of the country. More than 40 aircraft – including vintage biplanes, homebuilts and military trainers – are expected to be on display.
One of the featured aircraft this year is a 1930 D-25 New Standard open cockpit biplane . This type of aircraft in its day — and still by many — is considered the King of the barnstormers. The front cockpit is big enough to fit a family of four! It will be one of the unique biplanes at the event. Fifteen minute biplane rides will be offered at the event for an addition cost.
Kestrel Warbirds Rides from Dayton, Ohio will be at the event with their WWII AT-6 Texan. They will also offer unique flight experiences for an additional cost
The Barnstorming Carnival is also excited to announce that food trucks will be onsite both days of the show. A Car Cruise in on Sunday July 13th starts at 11 and goes until 4pm. All types of cars are welcomed. Other activities for families include paper rocket building workshops, paper plate foam gliders, model airplanes demonstrations, RC flight simulators, balloon-tying clown, Face painter, Buck the Magic Cowboy, and many other activities.
The event starts Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Hustead EMS department ( public is welcomed) and biplane rides at 8:00 am. For more information about the Barnstorming Carnival and biplane rides visit our website at www.barnstormingcarnival.com or call Dewey Davenport 937-877-0837 Brittany Jones 937-323-5804, Airport Manager Seth Timmerman 937-459-2193
MEDIA NOTICE: All media interested in coordinating biplane rides for stories can contact Dewey Davenport at (937)-877-0837.
In an industry often characterized by impersonal transactions and technical specifications, SubZero Heating and Air Conditioning, based near Troy, Ohio, stands out as one of a kind. Co-owners Trishanda and Jack Barhorst, a husband-and-wife team, whose people-first philosophy and family business culture set new standards for HVAC service in Ohio.
The couple launched the business during the pandemic, not exactly the most ideal time to get started. But their belief that service is about people and comfort is more than just a temperature setting, has helped SubZero grow into a trusted name across the region.
Jack Barhorst serves as the company’s vice president and lead technician. “We don’t just fix furnaces or install AC units,” he explained. “We show up for people when they’re uncomfortable and stressed. That’s a big responsibility—and we take it personally.”
President and CEO, Trishanda Barhorst, insists that every client at SubZero be treated like a valued neighbor, in every aspect of the business. From the moment a customer calls, they’re met with warmth, transparency, and a genuine desire to help. “When you call us, you are talking to the CEO of the company from start to finish,” Trishanda said.
From last-minute furnace repairs to full system upgrades, SubZero has made a name for itself as the go-to crew for homeowners across the region. Whether it’s routine maintenance or installing a high-efficiency system, their team shows up with know-how and heart—making sure every family stays comfortable, no matter the season.
SubZero also tackles the big stuff—office buildings, retail spaces, and large industrial facilities. Their commercial services are just as personally-focused, and just as precise. In high-pressure environments where systems are complex and every minute counts, business owners count on SubZero’s quick response times, sharp technical skills, and commitment to keeping things running smoothly.
Jack and Trishanda have created a business where customers and employees feel valued and empowered. Their crew doesn’t just know HVAC systems, but empathy and communication—skills that turn service calls into lasting relationships.
“Everything that we have in our success today really centers on the deep sense of trust we have in our relationship and because of that, we’re able to share that with others,” Trishanda said. “Employees, customers, friends, it gives us something of high value that we can pass on to others. Every person requires differently, with a different set of needs. We always want to leave something with them that matters.”
“We want your equipment to work and when it doesn’t, we’re there to fix it,” said Jack Barhorst. “Call us and we’ll get it back up and running so you can get back to your business.” (Meet the SubZero Office Assistant – Liberty)
As Trishanda and Jack look to the future, their vision remains rooted in the same principles that launched SubZero: family, service, and heart. In an industry that can sometimes feel cold, they’re proving that warmth starts with people.
It takes a special kind of bravery to step onto a stage, armed with nothing but your talent and a willingness to bare your soul to strangers. Open mic nights embody this raw courage, where artists of all kinds—musicians, poets, comedians—challenge themselves not only to be heard but to connect. To say they are anything less than extraordinary would be missing the heart of the matter entirely.
As I write this, I’m sitting with my brother and cousin after just stepping off the stage at Plain Folk Café in Pleasant Plain, Ohio. My family group, The Brothers & Co., which now consists of my older brother and our cousin, has been performing together for over 30 years. We’ve played at casinos, festivals, theaters, just about everywhere – as professional entertainment. But I’d never experienced an open mic event until my cousin invited us to go as a group. He was a regular here, receiving a very “Cheers” like welcome from fellow performers when we arrived.
Every Thursday night since 2012, performers and patrons alike enjoy good food and entertainment, and the stage isn’t just a platform; it’s a crucible where artistry takes shape. The sign-in sheet, held aloft by a sombrero-wearing ceramic frog, sets the tone: quirky, welcoming, and uniquely communal. Each participant scribbles their name with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, knowing they’re stepping into an unfiltered arena. Some are regulars, others are first-timers, all are committed.
The pull of an open mic is multifaceted. For some, it’s a chance to test new material, an incubator for ideas that might someday grow into greatness. Writers spend hours pouring their souls into words; musicians craft melodies that echo with personal truths. They arrive not knowing whether their work will elicit applause, laughter, or silence—but they come anyway, driven by the need to express and improve.
Then there’s the process itself—learning not just to perfect the art, but to perform it before a living, breathing audience. Open mic performers are incredibly brave, hoping their work connects with even one person in the crowd. That’s where the beauty lies: that vulnerability becomes their strength. It’s almost a superpower, one which, for all my professional experience, can’t comprehend.
Gary Deer Jr and Gery Deer, two of the trio, The Brothers & Co., watch other performers on stage at Plain Folk Cafe.
The first time I was on stage, I was in first grade, doing a ventriloquist act in my elementary school talent show. I had studied the art for a year or so, and my mom thought I might like to show people. I agreed, and the next thing I knew, I was smack in the spotlight of the ultimate open mic set — me, a ventriloquist dummy, 250 schoolmates, teachers, and parents.
One joke, a laugh; another, some applause, and, at the end, I won first prize for my grade. That moment led to a lifetime of performing in front of audiences, from lecturing and emcee work to appearances at hometown festivals and on national TV. Yet, with all that, I can’t fathom getting up there alone, week after week, in front of a cafe full of patrons and performers. It requires a very different kind of courage.
Open mic nights strip away the barriers between artist and audience. Whether it’s a musician pouring their soul into an original ballad or a comic braving the silence between punchlines, the essence of their art is laid bare. Every strum of a guitar or carefully penned word reveals hours of effort, doubt, and hope. It’s humanity, distilled.
Most importantly, these evenings foster connection. In the glow of the stage lights, an unspoken camaraderie develops among performers and listeners alike. The applause isn’t just polite acknowledgment; it’s a collective celebration of effort and heart. That shared experience is what makes open mic nights so much more than casual entertainment—they’re gatherings where creativity finds its voice and its audience.
If you’ve never been to an open mic event, I urge you to go, not as a critic, but as a witness to the raw courage and artistry on display. You may not love every performance, but you will leave with a renewed appreciation for the grit it takes to share oneself so openly, and for all the creative souls who fearlessly challenge themselves week after week.
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To learn more about The Brothers & Co. Entertainers or Plain Folk Cafe, visit them on Facebook at:
The Brothers & Co. Bus served the group when it was a quartet traveling around the region to perform variety and music shows at festivals, theatres, and resorts. It has since been retired.
(Editor’s note: This edition also appears in other publications under the title “Checked Out.”)
As a kid, the local branch of the public library was in the old opera house near the center of our small farm town. It was cramped and dimly lit, and the reference desk was under the boarded-up grand staircase, giving it a sort of cubby-hole feel. I spent a good bit of time there. After school, I’d do my homework and wait for my mom to get off work. In the decades before the Internet, our library was the window to the world. But now, that window may be closing.
Ohio public libraries are funded, in part, by the Public Library Fund (PLF), which provides 1.7% of the state’s General Revenue Fund (GRF) as of this writing. However, the Republican-sponsored Ohio House Bill 96, proposed in early April of this year, would cut library funding by more than $100 million across the state. Why?
Governments have historically manipulated populations by controlling education and the media. They ban books that don’t align with their values, use defunding threats to force public and school libraries to cultivate materials for their purposes, and limit access to information. That way, voters remain ignorant, subjugated, out of touch, and pliable.
And before anyone says, “you just hate republicans,” they’re not the only ones to try this. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, a democrat, proposed the same budget cuts a dozen years ago, and the republicans cried foul. Remember, the liberal left still regularly tries to “rewrite” some books to remove language and ideas they find offensive. So, it has gone both ways. This time, however, the danger is more palpable.
Over the last decade, public libraries have become frequent targets for budget cuts, with some policymakers arguing that digital access negates their necessity. But here’s the truth: libraries remain vital to the well-being of communities, and continued funding by federal and state governments is not just important—it’s essential. Without it, we risk depriving countless individuals of educational opportunities, civic engagement, and economic mobility.
Public libraries provide free access to knowledge for everyone (so long as their contents are not censored), regardless of socioeconomic status. Whether it’s a student researching for school, a small business owner seeking resources, or a job seeker brushing up on interview skills, libraries level the playing field in ways no digital paywall ever could. Eliminate government funding, and these services vanish, disproportionately affecting low-income communities. Instead of fostering informed citizens, we create a deeper knowledge divide, where only those who can afford education can access it.
A democratic society thrives when its citizens are informed, and libraries serve as safe spaces where people can access unbiased, factual information. They offer literacy programs, historical archives, and meeting spaces for community discussions—all of which help create engaged and empowered citizens. Where do people go for credible information when libraries close because of defunding? Unfortunately, they turn to the Internet and social media – the global misinformation machines. That’s a terrifying thought.
Libraries don’t just provide books—many offer essential services that help individuals improve their financial stability. They provide free internet access for job searches, resume-building workshops, business mentorship programs, and resources to help entrepreneurs. Government officials profess at nauseum about supporting small businesses and the workforce. Then they gut library funding and undermine those initiatives directly. If libraries disappear, so do these essential services, making it much harder for people to improve their situations.
Defunding libraries erodes the foundation of an educated, informed, and economically mobile society, which is exactly what this administration hopes to achieve. Without them, misinformation flourishes, the digital divide widens, and people lose access to critical resources for success. Libraries are not relics of the past—they are the lifeblood of communities, supporting everything from literacy to local economies.
So, before cutting another dollar from public libraries, policymakers should ask themselves: Do they really want a future where only the privileged have access to knowledge? Without funding, that’s exactly where we’re headed.
Good people on both sides of the aisle must speak out against this kind of censorship and ignorance. In Ohio, you can contact your state representative or State Representative Matt Huffman, currently Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives: email rep78@ohiohouse.gov or call 614-466-6344.
The Jamestown Comet 