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Is censorship a dangerous trend?

Censorship is a destructive force restricting the free flow of ideas and information. It is an attempt by certain individuals or groups to control what others can see, hear, or read, often to protect their interests or ideology. Unfortunately, censorship has been used in various forms throughout history and continues to be a problem in modern society. Recently, the publishers of the works of Roald Dahl and Ian Fleming changed their books in ways deeply concerning, and we need to speak out against this type of censorship. Dahl and Fleming are two of the most beloved authors in modern ...

Celebrating women who tell our stories

March is Women in History Month and this year’s theme is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” As fate would have it, I recently ran across the story of a woman who was born, raised, and married here in Lewistown. Her name was Laura Lucretia Mitchell, and she was born in 1849. As you will soon discover, this woman with local roots, went on to write a very important chapter in the proverbial book of women’s rights. Growing up, Laura was described by those who knew her best as a passionate reader, which contributed to her becoming both a forward thinker and an expressive ...

Give credit to Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th and the longest-living U.S. president, has chosen to enter hospice care at age 98. This is a good time to try to place his presidency in history. Indeed more years separate us in 2023 from Carter’s time in office than separated Carter from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s. That was not all that separated them, either. Carter once made the point that he had never met a Democratic president, whereas Roosevelt met every Democratic president who was alive during his lifetime except for Jimmy Carter. Carter came to office at a time of raging problems, with many ...

Open Line

Editor’s note: The Sentinel offers readers the opportunity to express opinions in the Open Line, but there are some restrictions on what will be considered for publication. Only comments that are positive in nature or legitimately seeking or providing information will be considered. No comments will be accepted in response to signed letters to the editor. Comments may be shortened or omitted at the discretion of the editor. Comments published in the Open Line reflect the views of the caller and not The Sentinel. Comments are verified when possible, but should be taken as ...

Systemic change needed to address stock trading

Earning a position in Congress requires significant financial resources. In the 2022 midterm elections, candidates and political action committees collectively invested nearly $17 billion in their state and federal campaigns, making it the costliest midterms to date. While having financial support can be advantageous for gaining access to Congress, it also presents an opportunity for legislators to build their personal wealth once they secure their position. Members of Congress often mention representative Nancy Pelosi in relation to stock trading. She is the poster child for ...

Honoring the past, inspiring the future

Since February is Black History Month, a time set aside to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who have struggled through adversity to improve their lives, I thought it might be a great time to focus on a forgotten piece of Lewistown’s own black history. If you have been following my articles you may recall that the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce has been working with the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, the Mifflin County Historical Society, Lewistown Borough, and others to restore the African American Memorial Cemetery located across the street from ...