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Early detection saves lives

Every October, pink ribbons bloom on lapels, storefronts, and light poles across the country. But in Mifflin and Juniata counties, Breast Cancer Awareness Month should be more than a symbol; it should be a reminder to act. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 316,000 women nationwide will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and about 43,000 will die from the disease. Early detection continues to be the single greatest factor in survival. That message is just as critical here at home. ...

People endangered by ransomware

Internet experts call it ransomware, a very particular type of virus that infects computers and restricts users’ access to their files or threatens the permanent destruction of their information unless a ransom — anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars — is paid. The virus typically announces themselves by popping a message up on screen — supposedly from the FBI or another federal agency — saying that because you violated federal law your computer will remain locked until you pay a fine; or, you get a pop-up message telling you your personal files have been encrypted ...

Right-sizing: The Sentinel returns to downtown

The Sentinel has a new home, and it’s returning to downtown Lewistown. On Monday, Oct. 6, The Sentinel officially opened its downtown office at 21 South Brown Street, moving from the larger building it occupied for more than half a century on Sixth Street in Highland Park. The change isn’t a matter of real estate. It’s a statement of purpose — a decision to right-size, refocus, and rejoin the daily life of the downtown. For decades, the Highland Park building suited the demands of another era, a time when presses rumbled and most of the staff worked under one roof. That ...

Do more than wear pink this October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Why should you care? Because had it not been for the early detection campaign’s inception 40 years ago, a loved one – your mother, sister, wife or maybe even you yourself – might not have been around to read this. Originally a weeklong push to promote screening and routine mammograms, the observance morphed into a 31-day drive to bolster funding for research and treatment, as well as garner support for survivors and honor those whose lives have been lost to the disease. The color pink came to be associated with breast cancer in the ...

Local media binds our community

One day last month, newspaper stories shined a light on the troubles, triumphs and transformations happening in communities across Pennsylvania. In Erie, readers followed fundraising efforts to save an injured dog named Dopey. In Harrisburg, people gathered at a vigil for a teenager whose life was cut short. Philadelphia buzzed after a hard-fought Eagles win and as the Phillies closed in on the National League East title. In Sharon, a father confronted the sentencing of the per- son who killed his son. And in Greater Hazleton, plans emerged for the region’s largest data ...

Children have right of way — not motorists

Right-thinking people of Pennsylvania have to be wondering whether the study associated with obtaining a driver’s license in this state has begun being regarded as something that doesn’t really matter — that the information presented is part of a lame exercise worthy of being forgotten quickly. Does Pennsylvania really have so many drivers who don’t know what blinking red lights on a school bus mean? Then there’s the obvious follow-up question: Does Pennsylvania really have so many drivers ignorant of the potential costs associated with the illegal practice — in human ...