The city of Portsmouth collectively owes a “thank you” to Congresswoman Jean Schmidt, who helped get $1.05 million in appropriations for Shawnee State University pushed through the House of Representatives.

The funding will allow SSU to build one of the most advanced motion-capture facilities in the country, and could attract new, high-tech jobs into Scioto County.

This is exactly the kind of thing that will be necessary to reverse our county's downward spiral. For too long, our fate has been tied solely to the economy of the Industrial Revolution. By embracing programs such as this, we can better guarantee that Portsmouth's youth will be prepared to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. Furthermore, this increases the chances that from her effort to save USEC employees from the unemployment line last Christmas to her work in securing these funds, Congresswoman Schmidt has proven herself to be a valuable asset. Here's to hoping that her contributions do not go unnoticed.

Eric Kephas

Lucasville

Family offers ‘thank you' to local firefighters

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local firefighters (Jefferson Fire Department, Minford Fire Department, Rubyville Fire Department and Valley Fire Department) who helped my mother-in-law and father-in-law, David and Barbra Thompson, when their house caught fire on April 29, 2006.

I was unaware of just how much the firefighters give of their time and energy during a fire and this sure was a wake-up call to me. These men need to be recognized and commended on their time they give to our community. It was amazing to me to watch the firefighters work so hard and give so much at 2 a.m. just for our family.

I encourage everyone to support the local fire departments and just say thanks to all these brave men for what they do to protect us in a time of need.

Once again, thank you for all you do and remember your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Please keep up the good work.

Lisa Thompson

on behalf of the Thompson family

Lucasville