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Letters to the Editor

Readers’ opinions

Railroad merger could increase costs for farmers, consumers To the Editor: The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would combine two of the nation’s largest railroads, a move that could lead to higher rates for our cherished farmers. Freight rail is like any other market. When fewer companies are in control, customers lose leverage. Pennsylvania farmers already have limited options when it comes to moving crops and goods through freight rail, so a gigantic consolidation like the one that’s on the table could mean even fewer choices and therefore higher ...

Readers’ opinions

Summer Backpack Program to begin on June 9 To the Editor: Beginning on Tuesday, June 9, and continuing through Saturday, Aug. 22, the Juniata County Food Pantry will be providing its 14th annual Summer Backpack Program to eligible students in the Juniata County School District. Students who have completed any grade this year from kindergarten through eighth and received free or reduced lunches at school are eligible to participate. Each student will receive food for their lunch to replace what they receive during the school year. Beginning in May, parents/legal guardians may call ...

Readers’ opinions

High prices raise questions about campaign promises To the Editor: It is almost a year and a half into the president’s second term. Where do things stand for Mifflin County people? Wednesday, April 8, 2026, gas at the Giant in Burnham is $4.39 a gallon. At the Sheetz on Juniata Street, as well as at several other gas stations, it is $4.40. Is gas affordable for you? How about your groceries? Ground beef at the Giant is priced at $7.19 per pound. A 12-ounce bag of coffee can cost over $10. A five-pound bag of potatoes is almost $6. Paper goods are very expensive. Compare this ...

Readers’ opinions

God is the source of true joy To the Editor: Worldly joy is an external joy sought by man because man within himself is not all-sufficient to bring inward joy. He does not know where true and complete joy is found, So he seeks it from what is about him. Worldly joy is looked for in money, costly clothes, costly homes and furnishings, jobs, relationships, and education etc. True joy comes from the LORD, it is generated by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers (Ps.4:7). This inward joy is by the grace of God through salvation purchased by the death of His Son for His chosen ...

Readers’ opinions

Remembering Steve Knudson: Success in multiple uniforms To the Editor: In the recent past couple of weeks, Lewistown lost a prominent, honorable public servant in Mr. Steve Knudson. He served for many years in a police uniform. I just wanted to let the public know that when he was a young man, he was very successful in another uniform. Because of the restructuring of the Mifflin County School District, much of the past athletic history is almost totally forgotten. Steve was the starting catcher on both the 1970 Lewistown High School and the 1971 Penn Highlands High School baseball ...

Readers’ opinions

God brings us out of the darkness To the Editor: When God created this world it was in darkness (Gen.1:2). Only darkness was present until God introduces His light upon it (Gen.1:3). This was light brought into creation before the creation of the sun, moon, or stars. It was light that made everything created very good (Gen.1:31). Man was in this light until he fell (Eccl. 7:29) and plunged his posterity into darkness. To walk in darkness is to be without spiritual light. It is to be “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph.2:1), to walk “according to the course of this world, ...