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Firefighter shortage very concerning

The shortage of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania — indeed, across the country — is not a new phenomenon. It has been a topic of increasing discussion for decades, with leaders of volunteer departments scratching their heads regarding the growing problem as they’ve tried to brainstorm new strategies for bolstering membership. Nevertheless, the membership numbers have continued to decrease, and that is bad news not only for departments themselves but, even more importantly, for the communities and people that they serve. At least for now, it appears that the days are ...

Wolf wrong to veto changes to Pennsylvania election laws

The ink was barely dry on Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of Pennsylvania’s Voter Rights Protection Act, and the political press releases began rolling in. Not surprisingly, the folks well to the left of center hailed the veto as a victory, while those who supported passage saw the veto as a threat to democracy. We suspect that most people who knew what the proposed law actually says would find it not only tolerable, but sensible in the wake of the 2020 general election. It’s not about whether there was widespread election fraud. There was not. Or whether Donald Trump won ...

On freedom this July 4 holiday…

America — land of the free. Much has been written of our vaunted liberties, although admittedly some more than others … some decrees in the Bill of Rights, such as free speech and the right to bear arms, receive tons of discourse compared to other important guaranteed freedoms, such as not being subjected to cruel and unusual punishments, like in-laws. We digress. One of the more significant parts of the Bill of Rights that receives comparatively little attention is the 9th Amendment; namely that “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed ...

Using fireworks? Please respect the law, and your neighbors

The holiday of sparklers and celebrations of freedom is upon us. But please, we urge you — we beg you — to be extra careful of all forms of fireworks. In fact, we suggest you leave fireworks to the professionals. Fireworks can mean injuries — serious injuries. Just look at what happened recently in southern Pennsylvania, where a child playing with sparklers ignited a fire that ultimately spread to three homes and left nearly a dozen people homeless. Thank God no one was injured. So here’s our most important point: The law that made illegal fireworks legal in ...

Congrats to Millbrook Playhouse

Millbrook Playhouse has begun a new season and we’re here to urge you to attend one or more of the many off-broadway shows this wonderful venue provides. Millbrook Playhouse is a true jewel of entertainment for our charming small town and we cannot take it for granted. This nonprofit theatre importants some of the finest actors and actresses from across the country to our little town to put on wonderful, classic performances on both its Main Stage and Cabaret. The Main Stage has seating for over 225. The more intimate Cabaret Theatre seats 100. Founded in 1963, Millbrook’s ...

No to LHU integration, yes to rightsizing

We oppose the integration of Lock Haven University with two of its sister schools. But we support a strategic right sizing of Lock Haven University to strengthen its footing so to become more aggressive and successful in how it nurtures and serves young people and adults looking to learn, experience and build a career and a better life for themselves and their families. How painful this process of “integration” undertaken by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has been as alumni, staff, faculty, students and the community reel over the prospect of LHU becoming a ...