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Editorials

Pennsylvania’s county prisons pose vexing problems

Pennsylvania’s county prisons have been a hot topic in the news periodically for much of the past half-century, with county prison boards and commissioners often wrestling with issues like: — Deterioration and whether to renovate the existing facility or build new. — How to deal with temporary overcrowding. — Whether to transfer inmates to counties with available space in their prisons. — Investigations tied to successful escapes. — Correcting “weak spots” and that provide a gateway for escapes and behaviors that can lead to troublesome inmate ...

Supreme Court defends freedom of speech

We are grateful for the Supreme Court’s unanimous verdict in National Rifle Association v. Vullo — a case that cut to the heart of freedom of speech. New York state officials targeted the NRA specifically because they found the NRA’s message objectionable, and pressured private enterprises to “blacklist” or refuse to conduct business with the organization. “Today’s decision confirms that government officials have no business using their regulatory authority to blacklist disfavored political groups,” David Cole of the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued on ...

Memorial Day a reminder to teach youth about valor

“Remember what it took for us to assemble here.” Maj. Gen. Mark J. Schindler, adjutant general of Pennsylvania made this request of the crowd at Lycoming County’s Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. We agree with what Schindler asked. As we editorialized on May 21, we hoped each and every member of cur communities would take some time during the weekend to pay their respects for the sacrifices America’s veterans lost in wars made. But it goes well beyond one day or one weekend. Honoring our veterans should be our calling throughout the year. And we believe ...

Graduation season filled with optimism for Class of 2024, America’s future

Roughly 3.5 million high school students across the country will receive their diplomas this spring. Just under 1.5 million college students will earn their degrees, and another 1 million will complete master’s degrees. Whether its Mifflin County High School or Belleville Mennonite School, Juniata or East Juniata, Mount Union or Midd-West, Mifflin County Christian Academy or Juniata Christian School, schools throughout the Juniata Valley put on a truly wonderful series of commencement ceremonies celebrating our Class of 2024. For much of the year, we’ve been hearing and reading ...

We need long-term answers to energy needs

We find the news that President Joe Biden is releasing a million barrels of gasoline from a federal reserve more of a frustration than a relief. Releasing petroleum from reserves is a short-term band-aid that carries real risks. If a crisis or prolonged economic downturn comes, the U.S. may well regret tapping into this supply. The United States instead should be pursuing long-term solutions — promoting or incentivizing the production of domestic oil and gas and investment in increased refinery capacity. As we have editorialized before, the benefits of developing domestic energy ...

Recognize the importance of volunteering

With most of us leading super busy lives, the idea of volunteering – giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward – might seem impossible. I mean, how can we fit anything else into our already-packed schedules? However, volunteering is important for many reasons and doesn’t require too much time. And, in fact, the benefits of volunteering are vast for the volunteer – not just the community, individual or organization receiving their assistance. It’s these benefits that could partly explain the rise in popularity of volunteering over the past few years. ...