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America 250: Why it matters for communities and the future

Local Columns

Once the calendar page turned from 2025 to 2026, the phrase America 250 suddenly seemed to be everywhere. It appeared in headlines, on social media, and in conversations among community leaders and organizers. Along our highways, billboards began popping up with patriotic slogans and bold designs celebrating this historic milestone. But why is 2026 such an important year? The answer is simple, yet profound. In 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a moment that forever altered the course of history and gave birth to ...

The beep that saves lives: Replace smoke detector batteries

Editorials

The first time most people hear the quiet chirp of a smoke detector in the dead of winter, it feels like a minor nuisance. It’s easy to press a finger to the base, silence the sound and carry on. But each missed beep, every dead battery, and every outdated device represents more than a momentary irritation. It’s a warning sign about life and loss in our homes, especially during the months when cold and dark settle early, and the risk of fire rises with it. Winter is a season of warmth and comfort. But it’s also a season when residents run heaters, use space heaters, light candles ...

State — and nation — need affordable energy

Editorials

A Center Square article in last Wednesday’s edition of the Sun-Gazette examine the potential conflict between the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Trump Administration over environmental policy. We have made no secret of our support for developing domestic energy sources — affordable energy is a cornerstone of prosperity for not only employers but the families they employ as well. We support wind and solar projects. We support drilling for natural gas and oil — and believe wholeheartedly that it can be done responsibly, minimizing its environmental impact. We believe ...

What does Pennsylvania’s 2026 governor’s race tell us?

Editorials

If you want a measure of where 2026 will take Pennsylvania politically, this week has been a great yardstick. Gov. Josh Shapiro formally launched his reelection bid with events on opposite ends of the state, beginning in the Pittsburgh region and closing in Philadelphia. At the same time, Republicans learned Doug Mastriano, their 2022 nominee, would not seek the office again. Republicans already have endorsed state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, though she is not alone on the primary ballot. John Ventre of Hempfield, who has mounted previous statewide and Westmoreland County bids, also has ...

Juniata County Dairy Promotion pointers

Local Columns

Hi, I am Julianna, a Juniata County Dairy Miss. I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing Christmas season. As we move into the new year, we need to remember to get our three servings of dairy every day. Did you know Jan. 11 was National Milk Day? This observes the first time milk was delivered ...

Ohio right to address fear of fraud

Editorials

To avoid Ohio’s publicly-funded childcare system from becoming an absolute disaster like Minnesota, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statement. We laud his leadership in doing so. The waste of tens of millions of taxpayer-dollars was — and who knows? — still likely going on in Minnesota is pathetic and all involved including the fraudsters and those in public service who neglected oversight should be fully prosecuted. Right, go ahead and chuckle now. The governor’s statement reads: “People are rightfully concerned about what is happening with state-funded childcare ...