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Second read of a good book at MCL

Local Columns

Getting older comes with its own challenges and rewards, especially as a reader. I have always been a big reader. It was never a problem for me to read a book a week, pretty much my whole life, but especially since I began working at Mifflin County Library. And for the most part, I remembered which books I read and usually, especially if I loved the book, I could give a brief synopsis or book talk to recommend the books to library patrons. Recently, I’ve noticed a change. Honestly, I am not one of these people who regret getting older. In fact, I loved turning 50 (several years ...

Celebrate the strength of the Irish spirit

Local Columns

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, my inquisitive brain began to wonder: why are Americans like me, who carry Irish heritage in our bloodlines, so incredibly proud of our Irish roots? Surely it must be more than shamrocks, leprechauns, and a pint of Guinness. As I dug a bit deeper, a few possible reasons came to mind. Could it be the legendary Irish resilience? Their fierce independence? Or perhaps the unmistakable do-or-die spirit that has defined the Irish people for centuries? Throughout history, the Irish have experienced more than their share of hardship and heartbreak. Many of ...

Keep fire safety in mind as weather warms up

Editorials

Warmer weather is arriving, and with it there will be barbecues and parties and campfires. We encourage families to enjoy the opportunities these seasons offer — safely. SmokeyBear.com is one online resource to prepare for the fire-building of spring and summer. A few of the tips they share include: Check with local conservation agencies for fire alerts and weather conditions wherever you’re planning to build a fire. Avoid celebrating with fires in dry or windy conditions. Select a site that is at least 15 feet from tents, awnings, vegetation or low-hanging branches. Use ...

Focus on accountability

Editorials

The resignation of Harvard economics professor and former university president Larry Summers was only the latest repercussion from the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files — the millions of documents gathered by federal prosecutors that Congress ordered the Department of Justice to release to the public. There are no doubt more heads are about to roll: The disgraced financier burrowed his way deep into the worlds of academia, business, and government. The files show that even after he was convicted in 2008 in Florida of soliciting a minor and served a short prison sentence, he ...

Environmental protection starts with families

Editorials

An article in the outdoors section of Tuesday’s Williamsport Sun-Gazette details how festive releases of Mylar balloons pose deadly risks to birds. A local birding expert shared how birds mistake the remnants of the balloons for food and eat them — and how the remnants of balloons can block digestive systems, leaving the birds to starve. We continue to maintain that the best measures our communities and region can take to preserve the environment don’t involve eliminating thousands of jobs developing conventional sources of energy, pushing energy bills higher for families and ...

Juniata County Dairy Promotion pointers

Local Columns

Hello, my name is Natalee Zug. I am the Juniata County Dairy Maid. Do you know why it is important to eat and drink dairy products each and every day? It is because they are an awesome source of protein and calcium, which are important for strong bones and teeth. The Juniata County Dairy ...