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Our View

Pandemic aftermath still critical

Parents, grandparents and America as a whole understood early-on that this nation’s children — especially teenagers — would not emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic without potentially long-term negative impacts. But many parents, grandparents and America as a whole did not comprehend how much other forces were wreaking havoc in the lives of young people, both before and during the pandemic — and, unfortunately, damage still is being done. A lengthy special report in the September AARP Bulletin painted a deeply troubling picture of what already is here and what even might be ...

We need more labor this holiday … and beyond

We have a labor crisis — or should we say a labor shortage — in America. And throwing more money at it won’t solve the problem. We need more people ... to work. From Our View, there has been a fundamental shift in the labor “force.” Fewer people filling — or wanting to fill — critical jobs that drive our economy. Here are some recent statistics we gleaned from various labor studies: From the Keystone Research Center: The shrinkage of the Pennsylvania labor force—some 2 percent compared to pre-pandemic, a modest, more than “great” resignation—contributed ...

‘Regatta (we gotta) be proud’

Congratulatons to the Lock Haven Area Jaycees, the City of Lock Haven, American Powerboat Association, the Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association and all who support the annual Lock Haven Area Jaycees’ Labor Day Regatta. The four-day event kicks off Friday. In between, you’ll find great music, food, arts and crafts, fun and, of course, competitive powerboat races unique to our region. This event and site are ranked as among the best in America. Enough said!

Our View: Student loan forgiveness can take work incentive away

There are several problems with President Joe Biden’s proposal to cancel portions of student loan debt. First, the plan is an executive action. With so many people having to pay their student loans, a measure this contentious should go through proper, transparent debate of our U.S. House and Senate. It should have to win majorities of our directly-elected lawmakers. If it were to go through the correct process of transparency and compromise perhaps some of the other problems could be corrected or at least mitigated. Second, our country has a national debt of more than $30 ...

Yes, let’s prompt our kids to learn more about the trades

Plumbers. Welders. Electricians. Carpenters. Machine operators. HVAC technicians. These are among just a few of what used to be called vocational-technical trades learned in high school. No longer “vo-tech,” schools are calling them CTE, or Career and Technical Education programs. Regardless, they are critical to us all. Our communities and our nation need more plumbers, welders, carpenters, etc. Ask any employer or small businessperson or homeowners and they’ll tell you that. These traditional skills-careers form the basis of our economy — our modern ...

Growing pride, quality of life for our area

Wednesday’s dedication of the walking and biking trail bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Wayne Township is yet another strong, critical investment in assets supporting outdoor recreation and more healthy lifestyles here. The Bald Eagle Valley Trail’s new “Falcon Bridge” will benefit this area for generations. Don’t you want to live in an area that provides wonderful quality of life activities for your family and friends? We’re already hearing of people visiting here to hike the trail and use the new trail bridge that has been transformed from its ...