Breaking News

Columns

Prioritize healthcare throughout rural Pennsylvania

Every April, Grange chapters from the local to national level celebrate Grange Month. This month is an opportunity to highlight one of the most enduring institutions in rural America and recommit ourselves to the communities we have long served. For generations, the Grange has stood for fellowship, advocacy, and practical support for farm families and rural towns. That mission is just as important today, especially when it comes to health care. Colorectal cancer is one of the greatest examples of why this matters. In Pennsylvania this year, an estimated 6,520 people will be diagnosed ...

Dear Annie: Lost in mixed signals and broken expectations

Dear Annie: About six months ago, I grew close to a woman I had known casually for some time. She had recently come out of a painful breakup, and what began as friendship quickly turned into something much more emotionally intimate. We talked every day, shared deeply personal things and became part of each other’s routine in a way that felt meaningful and serious. Although she kept saying we were “just friends,” our relationship did not feel platonic. We became physically involved, and over time she began making comments that made me believe we were building toward something ...

What is the correct amount of water humans should drink?

DEAR DR. ROACH: Please write about the correct amount of water that people should drink. There’s so much misinformation! — E.N., MD ANSWER: There is so much misinformation since a simple answer, like “more is always better,” is easier than a nuanced answer. It depends on your age, activity level, the temperature and humidity, any medications you might be taking, and whether your kidneys have any issues. However, the simplest answer, which is true for most people, is that your body has a built-in system, called the thirst reflex, to make sure that you are getting enough fluid. ...

Applause, Applause

THANK YOU to the residents and taxpayers who supported the Mill Hall Volunteer Fire Company on their 61st annual Fishermen’s Pancake Breakfast on April 4, 2026. The Mill Hall Volunteer Fire Company has provided excellent and professional service for over a century and is now continuing fire company service to the Bald Eagle Township area and providing mutual aid for other companies. Thank you to all who supported this well equipped Mill Hall Volunteer Fire Company. — Friends of the community

Gas prices keep rising. My electric car keeps saving me money

Gasoline prices have surged to their highest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic and it has me feeling pretty good about my electric vehicle purchase. I know that utility prices are also on the rise, but being able to plug my car in at home instead of paying horrid prices at the pump has still saved our family money. Charging an EV at home costs 40%-65% less than refueling a gas-powered car. Plus, driving an EV is a little gentler on the Earth, and that also feels good as we celebrate Earth Day. Even when factoring in the additional energy required to manufacture an EV’s battery, ...

Dear Annie: Private matters, public knowledge

Dear Annie: I love your advice and the fact you’re able to cut to the chase. I find myself in need of your level head, too! I’ve been (mostly) happily married for 26 years. My husband is very gregarious and never met a stranger. In fact, he happily opens up his life to anyone and everyone. I feel like he constantly overshares, but as long as he keeps it to his own information, that’s fine. However, he doesn’t keep my information private, especially my health information. A few years ago, I had a cancer scare and chose not to tell even my adult children until I knew for sure. ...