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Fix what’s broken at home so we can defend ourselves abroad

Editorials

In 2024, for the first time in almost a century, the United States spent more financing its national debt than it did, as a percentage of GDP, on national defense. In 2024, interest on our national debt expenditures came in at 3.1% of GDP and defense spending at 2.9%. This has been the case through this year, although it’s too soon to say what the picture will finally be for 2026. But it’s very close. Hoover Institution scholar Niall Ferguson notes that this is an ominous sign. He quotes what he calls Ferguson’s Law, after 18th century Scottish political theorist Adam ...

Angler’s delight! Preseason trout chances at hand

Editorials

With such significant relief from the months of unrelenting sub-freezing days this winter has served up, it felt so joyful to dare to think about dusting off some tackle and doing a little early-season trout fishing. And many fellow anglers I talked to last week were also thinking the same way. Of course, all stocked trout waters throughout the state are currently closed to all fishing until the opening day of trout season at 8 a.m. on April 4. But there are some notable exceptions for anglers desiring to do a little preseason trout fishing this month. We are fortunate to have a ...

Want To save grassland birds? Start with prairie dogs

Editorials

Last fall, I fell in love with prairie dogs on the American Prairie in Montana even though the hype for America’s Great Plains pointed me to bison. As impressive as North America’s largest land mammal is, the pipsqueak of the prairie piqued my interest and stole my heart, and I’m not the only one. Andy Boyce arrived on the American Prairie in 2018 as one of the Smithsonian’s first folks hired onto their Great Plains Science Program. Like me, he arrived in Montana thinking of bison. Boyce is a research ecologist with Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology ...

Honor, humility and the fear of the Lord

Local Columns

The Bible speaks often about honor. Most people want a life that is meaningful, respected, and blessed. But Scripture teaches that honor does not come through pride or self-promotion. Instead, it comes through humility and reverence toward God. One verse summarizes this truth beautifully. Proverbs 22:4 says, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.” That verse gives us a powerful principle for living. If we want the life God intends for us, it begins with humility and what the Bible calls “the fear of the Lord.” The fear of the Lord does not ...

Change happens when we turn our lives over to Jesus

Local Columns

Matthew 4:12-17 Baby Boomers will probably remember the name of the rock star Alice Cooper. If you think Alice Cooper is a “she,” you give your real age away. Alice Cooper was the first “shock -rock” act. He used to parade on stage with makeup and live snakes and simulate his own decapitation, a pretty raunchy act. In 1992, his career received quite a boost when he appeared in the movie “Wayne’s World.” The scene everyone remembers is where Wayne and Garth have a chance meeting with Mr. Cooper, and they fall to their knees in worship, saying, “We’re not worthy, ...

Mini-golf event April 17-18 at the Juniata County Library

Local Columns

Your local Juniata County Library is planning an exciting mini-golf event, and we’d love for you to join us. April 17 and 18, we plan to set up an indoor mini-golf fundraiser throughout the library. The event will be held on two separate days. Friday, April 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This night is geared towards adults, as alcohol will be served along with food from Harshbarger’s. Spots are limited to 40 people per hour (6 p.m. and 7 p.m. slots). Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This day is geared towards kids and families. Food will be provided by Harshbarger’s. ...