This year is more significant to us as we mark the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II. These two (2) milestones are a powerful lens through which to view the enduring meaning of this day.

In the spring and summer of 1945, guns finally fell silent across Europe, Japan and the Pacific Islands. The echoes of World War II, the largest and deadliest conflict in human history, still reverberate today.

We remember the over 400,000 Americans who lost their lives and the nearly one (1) million others who were wounded and permanently disabled for life as they faced unimaginable wartime horrors to defend freedom and democracy against tyranny.

This year also marks the end of the Vietnam War, when Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. For many Americans, this conflict remains a complex and often painful chapter in our history.

Our Vietnam Veterans battled a determined enemy and also faced abuse when the survivors returned home. Still, our veterans answered our nation’s call and endured grueling conditions. More than 58,000 Americans lost their lives in the jungles and rice paddies of Southeast Asia.

We have countless veterans still dying every day in Clermont County from the ravages of Exposure to Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals.

While these two anniversaries represent two (2) distinct conflicts separated by time and circumstance, they are united by the common thread of sacrifice that symbolizes what Memorial Day is really about.

The men and women we honor on May 25, 2025, all shared a common dedication to duty and a willingness to lay down their lives for something greater than themselves.

They came from diverse backgrounds (with different hopes and dreams), but they were bound by a shared commitment to the ideals that our nation represents.

It is vital that we do more than simply acknowledge these anniversaries in Clermont County. We must actively engage with the lessons they offer. World War II reminds us of the fragility of peace and the importance of global cooperation in the face of aggression.

The Vietnam War compels us to reflect on the complexities of war and the profound impact that conflict has on those who serve and their families.

Their sacrifice and memory should continue to inspire us today.

As we gather at cemeteries, attend parades and spend time with loved ones in Clermont County this Memorial Day, please remember the fallen of World War II and Vietnam, and all those who have lost their lives in service to our country.

But, please do not forget our veterans of the Korean War, who died while fighting in the “Land of the Morning Calm!” They were the “Forgotten Veterans” of the “Forgotten War!”

Let us also remember those who perished in Panama during Operation Just Cause. And don’t forget all those who fought and died in Desert Shield, Desert Storm and all the other conflicts after 9/11. They also made the supreme sacrifice!

Let their stories be a constant reminder of the preciousness of peace and the enduring value of freedom. Their sacrifice must not be just a memory; it must be a guiding principle: (1) inspiring us to cherish peace, (2) uphold justice, and (3) never forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.

My Opinion: On Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice from 1776 to 2025! On Veterans Day, we have an opportunity to thank our living veterans for their military service.

It has come to my attention that many of our Korean War veterans are not receiving their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical benefits (that they earned) because of VA’s inserted requirements, authorized by Public Law 104-262.

Two (2) years ago, Congress enacted the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023, which waived all these requirements for World War II veterans to receive VA medical benefits.

We should urge Congress to pass similar legislation for our Korean War veterans in Clermont County and throughout the entire United States! Memorial Day 2025 should be a great day to start this Crusade!

BioSketch: John Plahovinsak is a retired 32-year Army veteran who served from 1967 to 1999. He is the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Ohio’s Hospital Chairman and Adjutant of Chapter #63 (Clermont County). He can be contacted for more information concerning the plight of Korean War Veterans at: [email protected].

The University of Cincinnati’s regional colleges — UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont — have each received prestigious national recognition through the newly established Student Access and Earnings Classification, announced today by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education.

Both colleges have been named Opportunity Colleges and Universities, a distinction awarded to institutions that serve as national models for advancing student success. This recognition highlights colleges that enroll students reflective of their communities and whose graduates achieve strong earnings outcomes compared to regional peers.

In 2025, only 479 institutions — representing approximately 16 percent of U.S. colleges and universities — were honored with the Opportunity designation under this new classification system.

“This notable recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff to continuously meet students wherever they are in their academic journeys,” said UC Clermont Dean Jeff Bauer. “As UC’s regional campuses, providing pathways to opportunity will always be at the heart of our missions. Students, alumni, faculty and staff should be proud of this accomplishment.”

The Student Access and Earnings Classification utilizes a multidimensional approach to compare student access and earnings across institutions with similar missions and student populations, based on the 2025 Institutional Classification framework.

“This ranking affirms our mission. It underscores the unique combination we provide: a nationally recognized education, tremendous value and individual attention. Our commitment to student success ensures that students thrive both academically and professionally,” said UC Blue Ash Dean Robin Lightner.

UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont each offer more than 50 academic programs, including bachelor’s degrees, and all the benefits of being a University of Cincinnati Bearcat. As UC’s regional colleges, they also provide the added advantages of small class sizes, low tuition, a personalized approach to their education, free academic resources and convenient locations.

To learn more about the classification and its methodology, visit Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education at https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/.

With numerous years of collective experience, the orthopedic team at Mercy Health has noted a significant increase in flip-flop-related injuries during the warmer months. Common injuries associated with flip flops include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, fractures, and skin irritations.

“Flip flops may be convenient during the summer, but it is crucial to avoid wearing them for extended periods, particularly during activities that require more support, such as walking or hiking,” advises James Abbott, MD., a seasoned orthopedic surgeon at Mercy Health. “Opting for sandals with arch support and cushioned soles can offer better protection for your feet.”

The lack of support in traditional flip flops can lead to various injuries, including:

- Sprains and Strains: Ankle sprains are common due to the minimal support these shoes provide, which increases the risk of injuries on uneven surfaces.

- Plantar Fasciitis: Inadequate arch support can strain the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain, especially when taking the first steps after rest periods.

- Tendonitis: Repetitive movement in flip-flops can irritate the Achilles tendon, resulting in discomfort and pain at the heel.

- Fractures: Missteps in flip-flops can lead to fractures in the toes and foot bones, particularly in busy or uneven environments.

- Skin Issues: Extended wear often leads to blisters, calluses, and even sunburn on the tops of the feet due to friction and prolonged exposure.

Dr. Abbott highlights the importance of recognizing when to seek medical treatment. “If you experience persistent pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter remedies, it’s important to consult a health care professional. Indicators of significant injury, such as swelling, bruising, or difficulty bearing weight, require immediate attention.”

Mercy Health encourages the community to prioritize foot health during the summer by making informed footwear choices. Individuals can enjoy the warmer weather by choosing supportive shoes and being cautious about outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of injury.

For additional information and resources regarding orthopedic health or to schedule an appointment, please visit Mercy Health at mercy.com.

The Flour Bee Bakery is now open in downtown Williamsburg.

The bakery held its grand opening May 1, an event that was enthusiastically supported by local government leaders and customers.

The Flour Bee Bakery is located at 320 W. Main St.

Hours of operation are Mon. to Tues. from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wed. closed, Thurs. to Fri. from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat. from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sun. closed.

The Flour Bee Bakery is owned by Kristen Hess-Winters and Christina McKinney.

Hess-Winters described the bakery.

“We have original recipes and are known for our cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies. We offer gluten-free items as well,” she said.

Hess-Winters added that she and McKinney wanted to start the business, and did so with a purpose as well.

“We are a bakery with a mission, The Bee Fed Initiative. We offer our own blend of coffee daily for free in hopes of bringing people in so we can tell them about the initiative. This initiative allows us to feed anyone who is hungry with just a simple phrase of, ‘Can I place an order on my account?’ No questions asked, this phrase will alert the staff to get them a bee sack. This sack contains a sandwich, bag of chips, bottled water, fruit or vegetable, and a dessert,” Hess-Winters said. “We want people in need to feel welcome, safe, and heard.”

The Ohio School Boards Association reported that Ohio voters approved 64 out of 99 school tax issues, a 64 percent passage rate. That rate is higher than the 2024 primary election, when voters approved 41 out of 78 school tax issues, a 52 percent passage rate.

OSBA also reported that support for new tax issues grew, and that voters approved 19 of 47 new school tax requests, or 40 percent, an increase from 13 percent (3 of 22 issues) in the 2024 primary.

“Strong support for renewal school tax proposals continued, with 44 of the 49 issues earning approval Tuesday, an 89 percent passage rate. That is again an increase from the 2024 primary election renewal passage rate of 74 percent,” according to the OSBA.

Ohio School Boards Association Director of Legislative Services Jennifer Hogue was quoted as saying, “[May 6] night was a big win for Ohio’s public schools. Nearly 90 percent of renewal levies passed, which is significantly higher than what we’ve seen in recent elections.”

She added, “That tells us that communities across the state clearly value the essential services these levies support — things like classroom instruction, transportation, student safety and special education services. Voters are sending a message: They want strong, stable public schools, and they’re willing to make that investment.”

On May 6, Clermont County voters in the WCLS district voted down the school district’s funding request, with 10,665 votes against the income tax and bond issue, and 2,229 voting in support, or 82.7 percent voting against and 17.29 percent voting in favor.

The crash story below is a fictional one used to illustrate real-life situations. Crashes, however, are real, fatalities are real, and each has its own real circumstances.

Two senior girls were looking forward to the upcoming New Richmond prom. They had fun trying on prom dresses at the mall stores ‘til they each settled on their favorite colors and style. Next stop was the shoe store to find jazzed-up sneakers to complement their dresses; after all, they planned on dancing all evening, and accented comfortable shoes would do the trick. With visits to the beauty shop for eye-catching nail designs and snazzy hairdos, they were finally ready for the big, exciting evening.

A New Richmond senior boy was also getting ready for the big night. He had spent the afternoon hanging out with his buddies, fishing and drinking plenty of his favorite hard seltzers. By the time he got in his car to drive home to shower and get ready for prom, he was feeling buzzed, but told himself he would drive carefully and all would be fine.

Once home, he quickly got ready and was on his way to pick up one of his buddies. On the way out of his neighborhood, he saw a familiar car about six blocks ahead. He raced up to see if it was one of his schoolmates also going to prom. He gunned the gas pedal, and as he got closer, he hit the curb and lost control of his car. Time slowed down as he frantically jammed down on the brakes, ricocheting into the passenger side, causing that car to go flying into a telephone pole. He was steering frantically, brakes pressed down to the floor as his car spun and toppled on its side.

Americans are tired of a broken Congress. Poll after poll shows that trust in our national legislature is near historic lows, and faith in its ability to solve problems is eroding fast. While partisan politics divide much of our country, one idea brings together overwhelming majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and independents: term limits for members of Congress.

Ohio now can lead the way. Representative Heidi Workman and Senators Theresa Gavarone and Jane Timken have introduced House Joint Resolution 3 and Senate Joint Resolution 6 calling for a convention of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The purpose? To propose a constitutional amendment establishing term limits for members of Congress.

These resolutions deserve the full support of the Ohio Legislature.

Congress has become a place where longevity is too often mistaken for leadership, and incumbency confers near-immunity from electoral consequences. Many lawmakers serve for decades, amassing power and political protection while becoming increasingly disconnected from the people they’re supposed to represent.

Term limits would disrupt this pattern by rotating new voices into Congress and reducing the incentive to prioritize reelection over service. It’s a way to reduce careerism in politics and bring fresh thinking into a legislative process that is frequently paralyzed by partisanship and entrenched interests.

And the public agrees. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 87% of Americans support congressional term limits. This is not a fringe view—it is a rare point of unity in our divided times.

We shouldn’t expect Congress to impose term limits on itself. Asking elected officials to limit their own power and career prospects is a fantasy. That’s why the framers of the Constitution provided an alternative route for reform: Article V.

Article V allows states to initiate a constitutional convention when two-thirds (34) of state legislatures call for one on a particular topic. If that threshold is met, the states can gather to propose amendments—which must then be ratified by 38 states to become law. This route is not only constitutional; it’s essential when Congress is unwilling to act in the national interest.

By passing House Joint Resolution 3 and Senate Joint Resolution 6, Ohio would join a growing number of states demanding a convention limited to the issue of congressional term limits. This is a focused, legally sound, and controlled use of the Article V process.

Some critics argue that calling a convention risks opening the Constitution to sweeping, uncontrolled changes—a so-called “runaway convention.” This concern, while often raised, does not stand up to scrutiny.

First, the convention would be limited to a specific topic: congressional term limits. Both House Joint Resolution 3 and Senate Joint Resolution 6 explicitly state that their purpose is to consider only this issue. Second, even if a convention were to propose an unrelated amendment, it would still need to be ratified by 38 states—an extremely high bar that ensures only proposals with widespread support could ever become law.

In short, a runaway convention is neither likely nor legally viable. What is viable is a narrowly tailored effort to introduce term limits—something the American people have wanted for years, but Congress has refused to deliver.

Ohio has long been viewed as a bellwether state, one that reflects the heart of the nation. We can once again play that role by taking a stand for accountability, transparency, and a citizen-driven Congress.

Supporting House Joint Resolution 3 and Senate Joint Resolution 6 is not a partisan gesture—it’s a patriotic one. It sends a message to Washington that the status quo is no longer acceptable. It affirms the principle that elected office is a public service, not a lifelong career. And it shows that when Congress refuses to act, the states—and the people—will.

The founders gave us a mechanism to fix federal overreach and dysfunction when Washington becomes unresponsive. It’s time to use it. By joining the national movement for congressional term limits, Ohio would take a bold step toward restoring trust in our democratic institutions.

Let’s not wait for Congress to fix itself. Let’s lead. The Ohio General Assembly should pass House Joint Resolution 3 and Senate Joint Resolution 6 and help bring real reform to the halls of Congress.

Kevin Coughlin is the Ohio State Chair for U.S. Term Limits and a former State Representative and Senator.

It is no secret that China has weaponized control of the world’s mineral supply chains. We’ve already seen this when both the Biden and Trump administrations challenged China’s unfair trade practices. Beijing has responded by simply restricting or banning the export of minerals needed for America’s economy and defense industrial base.

China’s ever-growing chokehold on mineral supply chains—and U.S. reliance on imports—has been America’s Achilles’ heel for more than a decade. According to recent government analysis, the U.S. is import-reliant for 40 critical minerals, with China the leading producer of 30.

The tentacles of China’s state-backed mineral empire stretch across the globe. Along with extraordinary control of global mineral production, China has also come to dominate the processing of minerals. And now, years of increasingly urgent warnings that China might use this control have become a grave reality. Chinese mineral extortion is no longer theoretical; it’s here, and it’s a crisis.

The obvious question is, can we do something about it? Not only is the answer a resounding “yes” but we already have the resources needed to turn the tide.

While working with trading partners is certainly part of the answer to boosting America’s mineral security, our domestic productive potential is the difference right beneath our feet.

America’s mineral weakness is more perception and self-imposed circumstance than reality. For most of the 20th century, it was the United States—not China or anyone else—that was the world’s mineral superpower.

In fact, our war-winning productive capacity during World War II—known as the arsenal of democracy—was underpinned by our vast mineral resources. On the verge of war, the U.S. along with the British Empire controlled 75% of the world’s mineral production—an enormous strategic advantage.

A recent study confirmed that America’s mineral resources remain vast, though shockingly underdeveloped. For example, the U.S. copper endowment is comparable to those of Canada and Australia combined. And despite currently having just one producing lithium mine, our endowment of lithium is more than twice that of Australia, which currently accounts for half of the world’s lithium production.

With new urgency to meet soaring mineral demand and secure our supply chains, hardly a month goes by without stunning news of major domestic mineral discoveries. Innovative technologies also promise access to new resources and the potential to turn yesterday’s mine wastes into tomorrow’s supply chains.

The resources are here to declaw China’s mineral weapon. What we have lacked is the urgency and follow-through to address our own policy negligence. Now, the Trump administration is attacking the problem head on.

Through a salvo of executive orders—including one directly focused on minerals—the administration has worked to slash permitting red tape, restore access to mineral-rich federal land, and expand the policy toolbox to level the playing field against predatory overseas trade practices. In a remarkably short amount of time, a robust, coherent, and coordinated mineral policy is coming into focus. American mining is a strategic industry. It has taken China to remind us that we can once again be a mining superpower.

Katie Sweeney is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the National Mining Association.

On May 6, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new three-part initiative for survivors and dependents of deceased veterans and servicemembers. This three-part initiative was a plan of reforms designed to expedite and simplify access to their VA benefits.

The major reform included relocating the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) back to the Office of the VA Secretary. This reform reversed a 2021 decision that, according to a VA spokesperson, “buried the office under layers of bureaucracy and limited its’ effectiveness.”

According to the VA, the 2021 decision created “a siloed system at odds with the intent of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.”

The reform is intended to restore OSA’s original role as a central advisory body, giving it direct access to VA leadership. A five-person team will now be formed to advise the VA Secretary on survivor-related legislation, policies, and programs.

The second reform focused on the launching of a personalized “White- Glove” Survivor Outreach Team. Starting on May 6, 2025, the Outreach Team will be based at the Philadelphia VA Regional Benefits Office.

The newly formed Team will consist of highly trained experts who will guide survivors through the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claims process.

According to the VA, the experts on the “White-Glove” survivor Outreach Team will receive specialized training. They will guide and assist eligible survivors throughout every step of the DIC claims process with the goal of getting to “yes” on DIC claims decisions for eligible survivors.

The DIC Program provides a minimum of approximately $1,600 a month tax-free income to spouses of veterans who died because of a service-connected illness or injury, and compensates the children or parents of deceased veterans, depending on eligibility.

The last reform in this action will be to expand automation in the veterans’ benefits system. The overall objective is to close long-standing gaps in communication and ensure eligible families receive personalized assistance from start to finish.

To further streamline access, the VA is expanding its use of automation in processing DIC claims. Currently, the VA automates more than 1,000 DIC claims payments or adjustments each day.

Officials state that the new automation efforts will speed up claims, reduce delays, and make it easier for survivors to receive the benefits they deserve. The VA is also exploring additional ways automation can improve the overall delivery of survivor-related services.

These three (3) new measures are part of an overall effort by the VA to modernize and improve the way it delivers support to families of fallen service members. All three reforms are set to begin immediately or within the month, with full implementation expected to continue throughout 2025.

Republican Congressional lawmakers, including House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, with Representatives Juan Ciscomani and David Valadao, have pushed since 2024 to modernize the survivor benefits process by moving the office back to the VA Secretary’s supervision.

Congressman Bost said, on May 6, 2025, that the changes ensure that survivors again “are prioritized.”

“It should go without saying that the grieving surviving families of our nation’s veterans should not have to comb through piles of paperwork by themselves jus to get the benefits their veteran loved ones have earned,” Congressman Bost said.

“The last thing survivors need in their time of grief is frustrating red tape and bureaucracy,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “That’s why we are creating a better system to more quickly and effectively provide survivors the services, support and compassion they’ve earned.”

VA Secretary Collins has said multiple times that the VA has long been associated with bureaucratic inefficiency and under-delivering on its promises. According to the VA, this reform effort, to revamp the survivor benefits process, is part of its attempt to live up to its core mission.

“By getting rid of the bureaucracy and freeing up money, we will have more claims processed,” concluded VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawerence. “We will have more doctors and healthcare providers as a result.”

My Opinion: In the February 23, 2023, issue of The Clermont Sun newspaper, I firmly stated that the VA and Congress should expand eligibility for the DIC Program by removing the “ten-year” rule with a scale of benefits that begins at five (5) years for the initial eligibility.

The newly introduced bipartisan H.R. 680, Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 would accomplish that and finally increase the amount of DIC monthly compensation to a totally disabled veteran.

This would finally bring parity to payments for DIC recipients, which currently lags behind other similar Federal program payments by nearly twelve (12%) percent.

The rate of compensation paid to survivors of service members who die in the line of duty or veterans who die from service-related injuries or diseases was established back in 1993.

It has only been minimally adjusted since that time. Benefits are currently restricted for survivors if the veteran was disabled for less than ten (10) years before death.

The recent VA reforms of the DIC Program are the first steps, but they should be followed with actions like the Caring for Survivors Act of 2025!

BioSketch: John Plahovinsak is a retired 32-year Army veteran, who served from 1967 to 1999. He is the current Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Ohio’s Hospital Chairman and Adjutant of Chapter #63 (Clermont County). He can be contacted at: [email protected].