mobile site Go to The News Item mobile

Editorials

Jobs come in due time, with proper connections

Someone at Thursday's announcement of the 3-D glasses project involving D/E Associates and 3D Global Glasses LLC said "the wheels turn slowly when you're trying to get people to invest money." How true. Especially during a recession. But someone is inves

Back in 1965....

- The union of the Shamokin and Coal Township school systems was nearing reality. It was announced that, contrary to initial belief, Coal Township would not enter the new system debt free, but still had a bonded debt of some $70,000 on the books. - John

Taxpayers should demand accountability from Judicial Conduct Board

Pennsylvania's Judicial Conduct Board is supposed to protect the public from corrupt or incompetent judges. Ongoing hearings by the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice, another state agency that was created to unravel the web of corruption that en

Voters aren't lacking choices this year

More candidates are running for office in the 107th and 108th legislative districts this year than have challenged the incumbent legislators - combined - for at least a decade, probably much longer. At Tuesday's deadline for filing nomination petitions,
Letters to the editor

Welcoming foreclosure for Red Gold

To the editor: I live in Center City Apartments. I have stood by my convictions of the Red Gold and housing authority dispute from the beginning. In the beginning, which was in September 2009, when it was made public that Red Gold Enterprises (Gene Pica

Arc looks for volunteer caregivers

To the editor: "Top notch families wanted to befriend and nurture individuals with developmental disabilities who live on their own in our communities. If you and your family can help, please call the Arc, Susquehanna Valley at 286-1008 to volunteer." Yo

'Gift of counsel' shows students were wrong

To the editor: I read about the Lourdes students and their suspension. We should have the right to wear what we want. This led to a big discussion with my parents. They listened to my reasons why I believe the students should not be disciplined. Then the

Paying residents should have choice of ALS service

Dear Editor: I have some serious questions about these Advanced Life Support Services. If we, the citizens, are charged for these services, we should have a choice of who responds, which currently we do not have. It's like deciding to buy a Toyota or Hon

Butler Twp. zoning issue clarified

To the editor: I'm writing in reply to the person from Fountain Springs who commented in the Republican Herald about their understanding based on the last Butler Township meeting that you need to call Mr. Kessler to obtain a permit because " ... Butler T
Don't get me started

It's OK for adults to curse. Really

I was expecting the worst when I read an article last week that said Bud Keene, coach to snowboarder and Olympic gold-medal winner Shaun White, "made several vulgar and expletive comments to White" before he took his final ride on the half pipe at the Wi
Week in News

More 'sunshine' to come

The News-Item in the past three or four months has filed several Right to Know requests with local governmental bodies. It's a fairly common practice for newspapers and other media - but also for individuals. Pennsylvania's new Right to Know Law took eff
Walt's Way

My friend Ethelbert had a tough time in Miss Frumpwaggle's fourth-grade class remembering the distinction between seasons and seasonings. When asked to name the four seasons, his usual answer was, "spring, summer, salt and pepper." Kids like Ethelbert w
Talking Points

During last month's State of the Union address, President Obama openly criticized the Supreme Court for broadening First Amendment rights to corporations, which he said would lead to First Amendment rights for foreign companies. Where Obama loses me is t

First Lady Michelle Obama to announce goal to reduce child obesity problem

The timing couldn't have been better for First Lady Michelle Obama to announce that her goal as First Lady is to reduce the ever-increasing child obesity problem that's growing at an alarming rate across the country. Why? Lent. If there is one term assoc

DeFrancesco proves you can go home again

The journey back home is never a straight or logical path. From time to time, a hole may open up some daylight charting your diagramed route, but it can close just as quickly into a distorted mess. No one knows this better than long-time high school foot

By now that first electric bill of the year has arrived!

By now that first electric bill of the year has arrived. Opening up that dreaded envelope was a shock that was anything but static; it was more of a jolt straight from the socket. Once my hair receded back in place after doing its best Don King impressi
Capitol Matters

Capitol Matters: Shrinking state revenue puts bite on citizens

HARRISBURG - The continuing squeeze on state finances is taking a new toll on several hundred thousand Pennsylvanians who are either severely disabled, blind or elderly living on poverty-level incomes. These individuals receive monthly state payments to

State's financial problems takes toll on SSI recipients

HARRISBURG - The continuing squeeze on state finances is taking a new toll on several hundred thousand Pennsylvanians who are either severely disabled, blind or elderly living on poverty-level incomes. These individuals receive monthly state payments to

State's SSI supplement is shrinking

HARRISBURG - The continuing squeeze on state finances is taking a new toll on several hundred thousand Pennsylvanians who are either severely disabled, blind or elderly living on poverty-level incomes. These people receive monthly state payments to augm

State's poorest feeling sting of latest cuts

HARRISBURG - The continuing squeeze on state finances is taking a new toll on several hundred-thousand Pennsylvanians who are either severely disabled, blind or elderly living on poverty-level incomes. These individuals receive monthly state payments to

Election run spurs interest in constitution

HARRISBURG - With the governor's race in high gear, greater emphasis is being placed on rewriting Pennsylvania's constitution.
Sound Off

Sound Off 03-13-10

Workhorse People in this area should leave Mr. Belfanti alone. I worked 19 years in a nursing facility. Mr. Belfanti backed our union on issues of understaffing and low pay, just to name a few. He was always there to support the working people, plus he w

Sound Off 03-12-10

Right on Just read "Sunset's" response in Sound Off to Bogetti's letter about a solar ordinance. Sunset is 100 percent right on! By the way, the solar companies I've talked to all say everything they install is up to code and the work done by certified e

Sound Off 03-11-10

City compliment I would like to compliment the Shamokin city officials on the restricted parking program; I think it's an excellent idea, especially with all the snow we had over the winter months. I was able to shovel out a parking place in front of my

Sound Off 03-10-10

Ask why All senior citizens should write their congressmen and ask why they voted against the $250 payment. No pity I cried when I read Belfanti's letter to the editor. I don't know how he will make it with that small retirement. He patted himself on the

Sound Off

Interesting read The local career state politician Bob Belfanti's "Letter to the Editor" was an interesting read, to say the least. I do agree with Bob calling out one of his many detractors, as Bob puts it, about PSERS and SERS funding formula. The bott

Irish Trivia Contest

Play the Irish Trivia Game and you could win $100 from George Blum Appraisals - enter now.

Coupons

Now on newsitem.com, print coupons and SAVE!

POLL

Show Results / Add Comment

Calendar of Events

TODAY'S EVENTS
Click here to submit and view local listings in the NI's Calendar of Events.

m.newsitem.com

Now you can access newsitem.com on your favorite mobile device.
Latest on newsitem.com

 

Police Blotter 3/7/10

Drug paraphernalia RANSHAW - Two Ranshaw residents were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia following an incident at a residence on Third Street in Ranshaw at 11:12 a.m. Tuesday. State police at Stonington reported officers were there to serve


 
3176689.JPG

Shikellamy grad receives double lung transplant

Nineteen year-old Ashley Spotts, suffering from cystic fibrosis and diabetes, got a Valentine's Day gift of life: a bilateral lung transplant. The 12-hour operation took place Sunday at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Presbyterian Hospital.