Breaking News

Editorials

Time outdoors creates memories, develops appreciation

From whitetail deer to fishers to porcupines and opossum, from eagles and grouse to the common snapping turtle, the nature that surrounds us is fascinating. Species with distinct characteristics and distinct roles in the natural ecosystem — roles that better understanding fosters a greater appreciation for how our region’s environment works. We understand that people are busy. But time spent outdoors not only educates and informs families, it can provide cherished memories. With summer underway, we truly hope that families are enjoying the richness of this nature. Our region ...

Public trust begins with transparency

Generally, when good things are coming to a community, public officials and developers aren't shy about making announcements. Just weeks ago, a local developer announced plans to breathe new life into the former Wilson's Gift & Jewelry building downtown. As part of the project, the former Trolley Car building will come down. Not everyone was happy about that. But they also learned Square Cafe & Bakery would be expanding into the space. The developer explained the vision. Questions were answered. People knew what was coming. Walk into Square Cafe today and you'll hear customers ...

Leniency on property proves right decision

Despite giving an example of blight in their municipality the tough attention it deserves, the Logan Township supervisors extended a degree of leniency — correctly — to the owner of a blighted property on Sandy Run Road, giving her about four months to get the unsightly situation under control. The supervisors had the option to file a misdemeanor code-violation charge against the property owner, based on the fact that repeated citations had been issued against the property. However, all considered, the supervisors’ action probably was the right move, due to all of the ...

Statute of limitations deserves careful thought

There is a move in the state Legislature to give prosecutors more time to prosecute those responsible for drug deals that result in death. Current state law includes a two-year statute of limitations, a number prosecutors say isn’t long enough to bring prosecutions against those who sell drugs that end up killing someone. There are proposals active in the House and Senate from Rep. Dane Watro and Sen. Michele Brooks to set a five-year statute of limitations on such crimes, while another proposal by Rep. Clint Owlett would eliminate the statute of limitations entirely while making ...

Policy driving rising ACA premiums

If it wasn’t obvious before that the famous bill passed to make health care more affordable has done anything but, it should be now: Individual plans on the Affordable Care Act exchanges are projected to spike by about 14% in 2027, according to recent insurer filings. The ACA imposed a wide array of mandates on health insurance. Those mandates are expensive. To make up for the increase in costs, the ACA distributes subsidies so consumers don’t feel the impact of the increase. Many of these subsidies are “advance” subsidies that go directly from the federal government to ...

Take a chance on local fundraising

Fundraisers fill a lot of gaps in Pennsylvania communities. They keep volunteer fire companies functioning. They support veterans organizations. They help churches operate food pantries, shelters and other outreach programs. They let children go to camp, outfit youth sports teams and send marching bands to perform in Florida or New York City because not every family can simply write that check. Sometimes, all of that support starts with a little bit of gambling. We’re not talking about casino gambling or sports betting or someone chasing a jackpot. We’re talking about raffles ...