No genealogy question is dumb!!!!! A certified copy simply means the clerk of courts certifies this is a true copy of a record. Certified copies also cost more. If you are researching in order to join--say D.A.R.-- certified copies are often required. Ohio Newspapers for Belmont & Franklin Counties. Go to the Ohio Historical Web Page, you can "surf" was if available. To my knowledge, yes, you would need to go to Columbus, Ohio to read these papers on site. Belmont Co., OH Gen. Soc. as an example as extracted and printed newspaper data covering certain years. Harriet