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Editorials

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,

Back in ... 1948/2

• The Shamokin Area Junior American Red Cross launched its drive to continue through March 20. Elizabeth Marcinek was the chairwoman.

Overlay appears best option for new area code

More than a decade ago, Pennsylvania had just four area codes. One of them, 717, covered everything from the Delaware River to the middle of the state, from the New York to Maryland borders. Back then the state Public Utility Commission made the right de

Very bad bet for teenagers

Fines against casinos for allowing underage gamblers are okay only as far as they go. Enforcement actions by the state Gaming Control Board indicate that regulators are paying attention to the issue, but they do nothing about the underlying problem. Gamb
Letters to the editor

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

Belfanti: I wont get $76K per year

To the editor: Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the article which was penned by Bob Swift, your Harrisburg correspondent, headline reading "Lawmakers to get plentiful pensions; Mellow set for $313,000; Belfanti $76,000." The contents of the ar
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
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 03-11-10

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

Sound Off 3/8/10

Needs attention Poor Vinny Clausi. People are having a hard time heating their houses this winter, but he will pay whatever it takes to get his $3 million. Obviously he needs the attention more than he needs the money. An insult? Putting President Regan'

Sound Off 3/5/10

Shovel thief Will the person who stole the shovel off the porch on Pine Street please return it? I really need it. Help out Hey, Frank, Vinny and Kurt: I see you are giving out raises to 125 county employees and hiring three people to handle the retireme
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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


 

American Hose to reimburse membership dues, says Mount Carmel Borough Council President

by justin strawser MOUNT CARMEL - One of the first concerns Mount Carmel Borough Council President Tony Matulewicz had when he learned that American Hose Ambulance Company shut down last week was whether residents were going to be reimbursed for members