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America does not succeed by accident

Consider this my belated birthday celebration announcement — much like the card that arrives a few days late from your great aunt with a handwritten note explaining, “I’m sorry I missed the day, but I was thinking of you.” In my case, the delay wasn’t because I forgot; it was because I represented the U.S. Small Business Administration through a series of regional outreach events focused on promoting administration programs and services. During this time, I spoke at a regional planning luncheon in West Virginia, met with local lenders and partners, launched a Matchmaker Prep ...

The craziest lure: The Coike baits

Match the hatch. Almost any expert will tell you the key to catching more fish is to offer a bait or lure that matches what they are naturally eating. It makes sense, after all, that a hungry fish is more likely to be enticed by something that they are already searching for. But one of the most popular lures to hit the market is ignoring all the rules. The Coike baits, also known as an urchin or dice bait, do not look like anything bass eat or even see in freshwater. Yet they are catching fish and reeling in a lot of anglers. So, what is the Coike bait? Basically, it is a plastic ...

Progress should not come at the expense of Mifflin County’s future

Few decisions shape a community more than how it chooses to use its land. The proposed hyperscale data center in Granville Township is one of the most significant economic development proposals ever considered in Mifflin County. It promises billions of dollars in investment and has generated excitement among those who see it as an opportunity to place our county at the forefront of America’s growing technology economy. I understand that enthusiasm. The United States is in a global race to develop artificial intelligence and advanced computing technologies. Data centers are ...

Lessons from a vacation in the Hudson Valley

(Editor’s note: This column is part one of a two-part series.) To celebrate Mother’s Day, my children began the tradition of all pitching in to fund an adventure that my daughter, Joy, and I take together. I cannot put into words how much this gift means to me. To spend quality time with an adult child is nothing short of priceless. Last year we traveled to the Hudson Valley to explore Nyack and Sleepy Hollow. This past weekend we returned to the region to visit Springwood, the home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt; Val-Kill Cottage, Eleanor Roosevelt’s retreat; the ...

Passport services at the Juniata County Library

As of Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, the Juniata County Library can no longer process applications for new passports. We can still assist you with renewals and taking the photos. This is a federal decision beyond our control. Use this website to find a passport acceptance facility near you: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Passports can be renewed if 1) they were issued to someone aged 16 and older and 2) within the past 15 years. You must retain possession of your passport, as it must be mailed with the application. The old passport is then mailed back to you. Once the renewal ...

Events for grown-ups at MCL

The library’s summer reading program is coming to a close. Here are a few things going on for grown-ups if you are looking for things to do. Before July ends, please come into the Mifflin County Library in Lewistown and see the wonderful patriotic artwork our patrons made. We call it our favorite American Art collage. Eleven artists and library users participated. They each were given a small canvas to work on. The canvases are on display and people are encouraged to come and view the artwork but also vote on the artwork with spare change. This is also a small fundraiser for ...