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Discover new traditions in a season of gratitude

Local Columns

Holiday traditions continue to turn, like pages in a book, and I have learned that we must be prepared for what is found on the next, unseen page. We have a choice in how we react to what we find on the other side. There may be surprising plot twists, new characters introduced, love, loss, or even mysteries to solve. We can choose to respond with wide-eyed wonder and anticipation, or with dread and apprehension. This truth became abundantly clear to me as my family and I recently celebrated Thanksgiving. This year was different in many ways, yet beautifully the same in all the ways ...

How to stay safe on Central Pennsylvania’s winter roads

Editorials

Snow fell again across the area this week. The season’s first coating of white has a way of reminding us how quickly a routine drive can turn risky. And most of us will still head out to work, to school, etc., because staying home isn’t always an option. That might be a mistake. Last winter, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) logged 8,329 crashes on snowy, icy or slushy roads. That stretch of misfortune included 29 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries for people statewide. We know what winter driving looks like around here. We’ve seen cars fishtailing or unable ...

Holiday shopping season arrives

Editorials

This past weekend brought Small Business Saturday and the start of 2025’s holiday shopping season. We understand the impulse to decry the consumerism of the season — to search for something more authentic or more meaningful. And we believe there certainly should be days and moments ahead of the holidays for reflection on the season’s meaning. But we also must defend consumerism. Our economy — and our society supported by that economy — is built on certain precepts — our towns, our neighborhoods, our families are able to grow, to chase their dreams and to enjoy their ...

Uncommon sense from United Nations

Editorials

Maybe the United Nations isn’t as useless as it so often shows. A little over a week ago the Security Council endorsed President Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, ratifying for the first time the requirements that Hamas disarm and Gaza be demilitarized. The resolution passed 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining. It’s a setback for the terrorists. Many had worried that the U.S. jaunt to the Security Council would come at the price of bending the peace plan’s terms for Hamas or adding anti-Israel terms. Would France’s Emmanuel Macron elbow his way into the deal’s ...

Juniata County Dairy Promotion pointers

Local Columns

Hi. My name is Jena Rissler, a Juniata County Dairy Ambassador. Are you looking to try a new recipe for lunch or supper? Here is one of my favorite recipes. Dairy casserole • 1 lb. hamburger, browned • 2 small cans of corn • 1 can cream of celery soup • 2 cup noodles, cooked • 1 pk. cream cheese, softened For the top: • 2 tsp. browned butter • ½ cup crumbs Instructions: Mix ingredients well and place in a greased casserole dish. Mix crumbs and butter and place on top. Bake for 30 – 45 minutes at 350. Always remember to get your three ...

Waiting periods will not reduce crime

Editorials

Legislation before both the state House and state Senate would set a 72-hour waiting period before law-abiding Pennsylvanians could complete a purchase of a firearm. Similar bills have been considered — and failed to secure passage — before. We are skeptical this measure warrants the time and effort for debate and voting. Supporters have given no indication that the additional time is necessary or valuable in conducting background checks. Assurances that a waiting period is constitutional hinge on how reasonable the length of the mandated wait is — and considering the aversion ...