Ohio

Ohio bill seeks to punish educators 'pandering obscenity'

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2024

Ohio bill seeks to punish educators 'pandering obscenity'

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A push at the Ohio Statehouse could limit the types of material both teachers and librarians present to students in schools.

A new proposal would make it a felony if educators and librarians pander “obscene” material. State Rep. Adam Mathews, R-District 56, wants Ohio to place limits on the type of material that teachers and librarians can make available to younger students.

What You Need To Know

House Bill 556 aims to prevent obscene materials from being pandered to younger students

The bill was recently introduced at the Ohio Statehouse and still needs to go through the committee process

This proposal is getting some pushback from educators and librarians

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine commented on the proposal, and he believes these types of decisions should rest with parents

“This is really for our K-12 educational environments, so that parents, teachers and students have that type of relationship where you know that your kid’s getting a great education, where they go to school,” Mathews said.

House bill 556 would make it a felony for teachers or librarians to pander obscenity. A first offense could be punished with up to one year in prison, and those convicted could also face a fine. Mathews said the bill’s intent is to protect children and help parents build trusting relationships with their schools. While the bill does not specifically define obscenity, Mathews said it would align with the definition found in Ohio’s Revised Code.

The code lists several characteristics that make something obscene. It includes things that depict sexual activity, when the only purpose of the content is sexual in nature. Mathews said librarians and teachers would not violate the law if they were using the material for certain reasons.

“We have a very measured approach of making sure that our health teachers, biology teachers, physicians or sociologists are allowed to teach as they’re needed to as well as putting clear exceptions for bona fide reasons,” Mathews said.

“I think it’s a swipe at the First Amendment,” said Scott DiMauro, the President of the Ohio Education Association. “It will open up educators to new levels of potential criminal liability and do so in a way that I think also could be seen as unconstitutional.”

Columbus City Schools Librarian Courtney Johnson said sometimes she provides materials to students who identify as LGBTQIA. She believes the term “obscenity” is too broad. She said as a librarian she cares deeply about the students and wants to help them learn. She also wants to help them become very open-minded. She mentioned that, as a librarian, they already use the Miller Test to ensure no material they give students is considered obscene.

“We have students who need to see themselves in those books,” Johnson said. “So, I worry that teachers and librarians would really start self-censoring in an effort to avoid a felony because it’s clearly undefined.”

“It’s a bill that’s looking for a problem that doesn’t exist,” said Melissa Cropper, the president of the Ohio Federation of Teachers. “And, it’s really frustrating to us that the legislature (needs) someone to introduce a bill about pandering obscenities to children, which again, is a problem that doesn’t exist, when there are so many other problems that do need to be addressed in education.”

Mathews is the only sponsor of the proposal at this point. It is still unclear whether it could get enough to support to pass through the Ohio House and Senate. At this time, it still needs to head through committee and hear proponent and opponent testimony.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine commented on the proposal, and he believes these types of decisions should rest with parents.

“The burden of proof is on someone to show us why you need legislation in this area,” DeWine said.

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Ohio

Commitment 2026: Key races, dates ahead of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana elections

Published

2 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Commitment 2026: Key races, dates ahead of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana elections

2026 is shaping up to be a massive one in the political sphere, particularly in the Bluegrass and the Buckeye states.Ohio will hold races for a U.S. Senate seat, U.S. House seats and governor, bringing a ton of publicity to the state as midterm elections heat up around the country. Kentucky also has a Senate race that is growing in national prominence, and Indiana will be re-electing their U.S. House representation. Need a refresher on important races and dates to know for the 2026 elections? Below is what you need to know for all three states.OhioBig Races to KnowGovernor: With Republican Gov. Mike DeWine term-limited at the end of 2026, Ohio voters will elect a new leader in November. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton appear destined for a close race down to the end for the governor role, with polls at the end of 2025 showing a close race to succeed DeWine.U.S. Senate: Less than two years after replacing Vice President JD Vance in the Senate, Republican Jon Husted will look to defend his seat in 2026. The most likely candidate to oppose him looks to be former Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is attempting to make a comeback after losing to Bernie Moreno in 2024. Like in the governor’s race, polls are showing a close race to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.U.S. House: Ohio’s 15 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election in 2026. It comes after the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted a new congressional map that could boost Republican chances in districts currently held by Democratic Reps. Greg Landsman in Cincinnati and Marcy Kaptur near Toledo.Dates to KnowApril 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 5: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 6: Early in-person voting beginsNov. 2: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarkedNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Ohio’s election dates to know, click here.KentuckyBig Races to KnowU.S. Senate: With longtime Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell choosing not to run for re-election in 2026, candidates are lining up for a chance to succeed him and represent the Bluegrass State. There are already a handful of candidates who have thrown their name in the mix for the seat, including Andy Barr, Nate Morris and Daniel Cameron on the Republican side. Amy McGrath and Charles Booker are among declared candidates on the Democratic side.U.S. House: Kentucky has six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. The state’s fourth congressional district could be one to keep an eye on, as well-known Republican Rep. Thomas Massie faces a challenge from several candidates, including Navy veteran Ed Gallrein, who President Donald Trump has publicly supported.Dates to KnowApril 20: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 19: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 29: Early in person voting beginsNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Kentucky’s election dates to know, click here.IndianaBig Races to KnowU.S. House: Indiana has nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. Those seats are currently held by seven Republicans and two Democrats.Dates to KnowApril 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 5: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 24: Early in person voting beginsNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Indiana’s election dates to know, click here.

2026 is shaping up to be a massive one in the political sphere, particularly in the Bluegrass and the Buckeye states.

Ohio will hold races for a U.S. Senate seat, U.S. House seats and governor, bringing a ton of publicity to the state as midterm elections heat up around the country. Kentucky also has a Senate race that is growing in national prominence, and Indiana will be re-electing their U.S. House representation.

Need a refresher on important races and dates to know for the 2026 elections? Below is what you need to know for all three states.

Ohio

Big Races to Know

Governor: With Republican Gov. Mike DeWine term-limited at the end of 2026, Ohio voters will elect a new leader in November. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton appear destined for a close race down to the end for the governor role, with polls at the end of 2025 showing a close race to succeed DeWine.

U.S. Senate: Less than two years after replacing Vice President JD Vance in the Senate, Republican Jon Husted will look to defend his seat in 2026. The most likely candidate to oppose him looks to be former Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is attempting to make a comeback after losing to Bernie Moreno in 2024. Like in the governor’s race, polls are showing a close race to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.

U.S. House: Ohio’s 15 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election in 2026. It comes after the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted a new congressional map that could boost Republican chances in districts currently held by Democratic Reps. Greg Landsman in Cincinnati and Marcy Kaptur near Toledo.

Dates to Know

April 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary Election

May 5: Primary Election

Oct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General Election

Oct. 6: Early in-person voting begins

Nov. 2: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked

Nov. 3: Election Day

For more information on Ohio’s election dates to know, click here.

Kentucky

Big Races to Know

U.S. Senate: With longtime Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell choosing not to run for re-election in 2026, candidates are lining up for a chance to succeed him and represent the Bluegrass State. There are already a handful of candidates who have thrown their name in the mix for the seat, including Andy Barr, Nate Morris and Daniel Cameron on the Republican side. Amy McGrath and Charles Booker are among declared candidates on the Democratic side.

U.S. House: Kentucky has six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. The state’s fourth congressional district could be one to keep an eye on, as well-known Republican Rep. Thomas Massie faces a challenge from several candidates, including Navy veteran Ed Gallrein, who President Donald Trump has publicly supported.

Dates to Know

April 20: Deadline to register to vote in Primary Election

May 19: Primary Election

Oct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General Election

Oct. 29: Early in person voting begins

Nov. 3: Election Day

For more information on Kentucky’s election dates to know, click here.

Indiana

Big Races to Know

U.S. House: Indiana has nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. Those seats are currently held by seven Republicans and two Democrats.

Dates to Know

April 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary Election

May 5: Primary Election

Oct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General Election

Oct. 24: Early in person voting begins

Nov. 3: Election Day

For more information on Indiana’s election dates to know, click here.

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Ohio

Edward Peter Salus, Youngstown, Ohio

Published

14 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Father, who left us on Friday, March 27, 2026 at home.

He was born on May 22, 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio to John and Annette Salus.

Edward was a Self-employed professional auto mechanic for over 50 years.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing, travel, classic cars and camping.

He was a husband to Lana M Yambar-Salus (Deceased 2010) for 40 years. was a beloved father to James R Yambar (deceased1985) Robert E Yambar, Edward (Anne) Salus and John (Mandy) Salus. Brother to John Salus, Phillip Salus, Elizebeth Enterline and David Salus. Grandfather to over 20 grandchildren and a great grandfather. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins, touching the lives of many with his warmth, kindness, and love of classic cars and auto mechanics. He was a graduate of Girard high school, served during Vietnam, and a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Hubbard, Ohio.

Edward was preceded in death by his mother, father, wife, son and brothers and sisters.

Edward’s life was celebrated at a Calvary cemetery, followed by a private burial on April 2, 2026. Services were private at our father’s request but all who knew him are encouraged to visit his grave at the family plot at Calvary cemetery and celebrate his life in private.

Augustine funeral home in Youngstown, Ohio handled all arrangements.

May Edward’s soul rest in eternal peace.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Peter Salus, please visit our floral store.

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Ohio

Darice Draa-Hall, Kinsman, Ohio

Published

1 day ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

KINSMAN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – The Lord has recently called home one of earth’s most precious angels, to join him in eternal rest. Darice Draa-Hall, 51 of Kinsman, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her home, the very one she grew up in as a child, after a long and courageous ten year battle with cancer.

Darice was born on March 6, 1975, in Greenville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Roy Draa and Sharon Harvey.

She grew up in Kinsman, Ohio, where she attended Joseph Badger High School and graduated high school in 1994. She later went on to attend college for a short period at Kent State University.

She most recently worked as an operations technician at Luxium Solutions in Hiram, Ohio, where she grew special crystals that were used in the manufacturing of MRI machines and other tools used in gas and oil exploration.

Darice dedicated her entire life to her family, pouring boundless love, kindness, patience, hope, wisdom, and so much more into raising her three boys. She was a masterful gardener, with hands blessed by thumbs greener than grass. She loved canning the treasures from her own backyard. She was an amazing cook; the flavor and love she added to every home-cooked meal was second to none, seasoned with many tips and tricks obtained from generations past that she loved to teach to those around. With a strong passion for sewing, she could create or fix anything you could dream of. She also enjoyed scrolling Facebook, staying connected to the world she knew and loved. But above all, she cherished spending time with her beloved friends and family, continuously planting the seeds of moments and memories for her loved ones to remember forever.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in the hearts of her husband, Dale Hall; her loving children, Joenus Hall, Michael (Marissa) Miller, Jr. and Zachary Williams; her fur-babies, Max and Koda; her sister, Denise (Ken) Moore; her niece, Ally Moore and nephew, Brian Moore and her brother, Jimmy Engle and many more loving friends and family who will carry her spirit forward. She was preceded on her journey by her father, Roy Draa; her mother, Sharon Harvey and her brother, Brock Engle; along with many other cherished loved ones who won’t be forgotten.

Per her wishes, there will be no funeral services or calling hours. A celebration of her remarkable life will be held during the summer months ahead, when the sun is high and the world is in full bloom. Though she has stepped into eternal rest, the seeds of love and wisdom she planted in her sons and family will continue to grow for generations to come. We carry her spirit in our hearts every day, comforted by the boundless love she gave us and the hope that we will one day walk beside her again.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330- 394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones.

Condolences may be sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darice , please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, April 7 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:19 p.m. on WYTV and 6:37 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

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