BY U.S. SENATOR

SHERROD BROWN

We all know trade matters for Ohioans and for manufacturers and middle-class workers throughout the country. That’s because when we increase our exports, manufacturers can increase their bottom line. But, our growing trade deficit keeps our domestic companies on the defensive.

In fact, last week, new U.S.-China trade deficit figures from April revealed a 34 percent increase since March.

Happy Fathers Day to all you dads out there. Enjoy your special day!

I would like to add to “What I learned from my father” on page 3.

Many of you knew my father. He was no-nonsense, very practical and a former Marine. The latter explains a lot. He expected what he asked to be done, no questions asked. He said it, you did it (or made it look like you were).

DEAR EDITOR:

This is a letter of thanks and praise for two young ladies from Delphos St. John’s.

Maddie Burgei and Alicia Buettner visited my home every Tuesday morning as part of a project for their religion class.

DEAR EDITOR:

State leaders shirk responsibility to clean up the Grand Lake St. Marys

State Senator Faber and State Rep. Buchy need to do some basic research before making claims that Grand Lake St. Marys (GLSM) has cleaner water coming into the lake than before and that the lake is cleaner. The facts do not support this position. The Heidelberg University water quality monitoring station located on the Big Chickasaw River indicates Phosphorous levels are higher than ever before. In fact levels have now reached 40 times higher than acceptable levels. The levels monitored in August, September and October 2012 were some of the highest since the “Distressed Watershed” regulations came into effect.

BY U.S. SENATOR

SHERROD BROWN

Last week in Dayton, I met 17-year-old Tyree Horn — a recent high school graduate and a recent victim of cell phone theft. Ohioans, like Tyree, should be able to focus on their lives on school and work. They shouldn’t have to think twice about using their cell phone in their daily routine. However, Tyree was leaving work when a man followed him off the bus and stole his phone.