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The quiet climb of utility costs

Editorials

Utility bills rarely arrive with drama. They come folded, routine, and quiet, tucked between grocery flyers and credit card offers. Most months, people glance at the total, sigh, and move on. That’s how rate increases tend to land here. One at a time. Separately. Easy to miss until they aren’t. Across Mifflin and Juniata counties, there’s been no single moment when utility costs exploded. What residents have experienced instead is something more subtle. Sewer rates climb in one township. Water billing structures shift in another. Electric supply prices are rising statewide. Plans ...

Epic snowstorm brought adventure, filled hearts

Local Columns

While others were grumbling and complaining this week about the epic winter storm that blanketed half the nation, I was busy learning valuable lessons, and frankly, having the time of my life. Not only was I enjoying the beautiful views of my neighborhood blanketed in a mantle of white, but I was also savoring the opportunity to connect with those around me in a unique and meaningful way. How often do we wave to our neighbors as they pass by but never take the time to truly connect? This snowstorm offered a beautiful opportunity to do just that, to slow down and connect. After the ...

Campaign spending requires voters’ attention

Editorials

Pennsylvania’s judicial-retention balloting last year was an eye-opener, but not because of which candidates’ retention bids were successful. Rather, what was remarkable — and troubling to many people of this commonwealth — was the total amount in cash and the value of other support dumped into the campaigns on behalf of those seeking the voters’ ballot-box approval. According to a Spotlight PA article, at least $18.7 million was poured into the state Supreme Court election, and the Keystone State’s 2025 retention races were deemed likely to be among the five most ...

Affordable housing a necessity

Editorials

Finding affordable housing in Frederick County and indeed all of Maryland can be difficult and frustrating, and political leaders have identified it as a major problem. The solution, as any economist will tell you, is to build more homes. The affordability issue is caused by a shortage of housing. Scarcity equals higher prices in housing as in any other product. A state report published this month says Frederick County should produce 16,000 new housing units in the next four years to meet demand. The county is doing its own study, with results expected later this month, but the ...

Readers' opinions

Letters to the Editor

Thank you for making the Chip Drop a success To the Editor: We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Chip Drop event a success. This community celebration would not be possible without the time, effort, and generosity of so many individuals, organizations, and businesses. Volunteers • Maddie Norman • Brenda Bender • Randy Rauch • Chad Johnson • John Walters • Courtney Frank • Raymond Kohler • Home Planet Press • Ryan Cherry • Chamber of Commerce • Juniata River Valley Visitor’s ...

Stay alert to utility scams before they hit home

Editorials

Scammers never take a day off, and this winter they have turned their sights toward Pennsylvania’s utility customers. The state Attorney General’s Office is warning residents to be wary of fake websites, misleading ads, and fraudulent phone numbers pretending to represent legitimate utility companies. It’s a reminder anyone can be a target, especially when the bill is due, and the fear of losing heat or lights makes people act fast. Attorney General Dave Sunday said his office has seen a rise in impersonation scams that prey on urgency and confusion. “We are hearing of ...