Powerful stories often leave lasting impressions and can lead to measurable impact.
That’s certainly the case so far for “Vicious,” our network’s statewide investigation into why Ohio law gives dogs a second chance when they attack people and cause disfigurement, amputations, psychological trauma and sometimes deaths.
Online readership of our stories and videos was quite high, while lead reporter Laura Bischoff and other network journalists have been receiving praise all week.
State Rep. Kevin Miller, R-Newark, told Bischoff he plans to introduce a bill to give dog wardens more tools and clarify state law regarding dog owners’ responsibilities. And he colorfully described the current law as “garbage.”
We also covered two other developments this week.
The family of Jo Ann Echelbarger, 73, who was fatally mauled by two pit bulls in October, is suing Pickaway County, property managers and a condo association where she and her husband lived. The lawsuit alleges officials knew the dogs who killed Echelbarger were dangerous but failed to act.
Dispatch Reporter Bailey Gallion reported on misdemeanor charges being filed against the owner of two pit bulls involved in attacking an 8-year-old boy March 2 in Columbus. She also asked city prosecutors why they didn’t pursue an earlier case against the dogs’ owner.
Finally, we’re grateful to the courageous victims for telling their difficult stories in words, images and video.
Hopefully, their words can bring real change and help others.
Ohio’s solar field battles continue
The idea of using the sun to provide the electricity we need in our lives appeals to many.
It’s clean power that’s better for our environment and ongoing advances in technology continue to make it more practical and affordable.
So, we wondered why so many people in rural Ohio are fighting solar farms in their communities.
Reporter Dean Narciso tackles that question in today’s cover story with a comprehensive look at contentious solar farm debates across our state.
The story opens with a Madison County farmer who has leased a portion of his land for the next 29 years knowing he’s guaranteed to collect revenue regardless of drought or other challenges. And he still plants some crops between rows of solar panels. There are three working solar fields in Maidson County producing power and tax revenue with more on the way.
As Narciso explains, opponents worry about disturbing pristine rural land and consuming prime farmland with endless rows of solar panels. There’s also opposition from those who would rather not see solar panels on neighboring properties. Knox County has no solar fields to date and plans for one sparked substantial opposition from residents countywide.
I highly recommend Narciso’s story.
Michael Shearer is the executive editor of The Columbus Dispatch and Dispatch.com. He can be reached at mshearer@dispatch.com or 614-245-0358.
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