Many in the Valley hopeful the worst is in the past
About four months ago Dale Myers Jr., like hundreds of thousands of Americans this year, lost his job. And yet, unlike many Americans, Myers feels largely upbeat about the direction the country’s heading, even with unemployment rates nearly reaching double digits, two foreign wars with no immediate end in sight and partisan divisiveness still dominating the airwaves. “It’s like the president says, it’s going to be bad for a little while, but I think things will gradually get better,” said Myers, 58, of 903 Westview Drive, Marietta. “We were in pretty bad shape when (President Obama) took over. In some cases, we may see an immediate change and in some places it may take a little longer. But I think everybody has some more hope, because it couldn’t have gotten any more drastic.” That last point is something many Americans seem to be latching onto, at least according to an ABC News/Washington Post poll taken in mid- to late June.
» Full StoryCounty’s population shrinking
Washington County’s population fell by 115 people from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2008, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released this week. Since 2000 the county’s population has dropped about 2 percent, from 63,189 to 61,567 in 2008.
» Full StoryFormer students like new rules on paying off loans
Federal student loans may become a little easier for struggling individuals and families to pay, due to a new program that caps monthly payments based on income and family size.
» Full StoryTobacco prevention program gets reprieve
The Washington County Tobacco Prevention Program has received a grant that will keep operations going through Sept. 25, but after that the future is still uncertai.
» Full Story4th fun downtown
The crowd was already several hundred strong and growing as the Dennis McClung Blues Band kicked off the 15th annual Red, White and Blues Festival in the Lafayette Hotel parking lot Friday night.
» Full StoryArmy’s top show band plays in Marietta Tuesday
Military bands are popular draws for Mid-Ohio Valley audiences, but the group performing Tuesday evening in Marietta brings something a little different to the stag.
» Full Story