Editorials
As Pennsylvania's personal income tax forms tell the tale, very few people in the commonwealth actually shop online. The state Revenue Department believes that more than $350 million in unpaid sales taxes on online purchases by Pennsylvanians go unreport (read more)
The Time Machine for May 17, 2013: Back in 1963
- More than 1,000 people attended the dedication of the ultra-modern St. Joseph's Church, which had come in at a cost of more than $350,000. - Another Shamokin church, Lincoln Street Methodist, was observing its 125th anniversary. - Those who had an inte (read more)
AP record seizure should give final push to shield law
It might be due to the ongoing IRS controversy that the Justice Department's seizure of Associated Press phone records recorded a second-tier level of outrage in Congress. Or, it might be because so many members of Congress don't care about freedom of th (read more)
Pa. treats independents like second-class citizens
Independent voters, bless their hearts, are the poor cousins in the American electoral family. They're allowed to show up, but only half the time, and they pretty much have to dine on the table scraps left over after their rich relatives get first pick. (read more)
Gonsell case shows defies 'legal, safe, rare' motto
Abortionist Kermit Gosnell's conviction for killing live babies and a woman in his Philadelphia abortion mill validates strict limitations on abortion and shames Pennsylvania's government. Gosnell's operation, appropriately dubbed a "chamber of horrors," (read more)

Letters to the editor
Figures don't add up for food contract
To the editor: I read the news report Wednesday on the Shamokin Area School Board meeting and, with particular interest, that portion dealing with the cafeteria. I strongly disagree with most figures that were given as fact. Yes, the food service company (read more)
PennDOT needs many paving options
To the editor: Several members of our organization had an opportunity to read your article in the April 23 edition entitled "New 'thin-mix' tried as an alternative to tar and chip rehab. " We thought it was important to draw your attention to a few items (read more)
After field trip, it's time to praise school
To the editor: This letter is in reference to the Shamokin Area Elementary School. So many negative things are said and written about the school district, and with elections approaching for school board seats, the letters and comments have become particu (read more)
Nurses thanked for health care role
To the editor: Two national observances are being held in May to recognize the important contributions of health care professionals to the health and well-being of patients-National Nurses' Week (May 6-12) and National Hospital Week (May 12-18). Strength (read more)
Father Gillelan will lead diocese until a new bishop is appointed
Photo: N/A, License: N/A Father Robert M. Gillelan Jr., pastor of Prince of Peace Parish, Steelton, has been elected to the position of diocesan administrator by the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Gillelan had served as vicar general/moderator of the Curia f (read more)

Sound Off
Sound Off: Saturday, May 18, 2013
Pajama peeps They ought to talk more about these people wearing pajamas out in public. I think it is a disgrace. Wear them at home, not out for the whole world to see you. Frog's take: Hooray for the pajama people's triumphant return to Sound Off. Hangin (read more)
Sound Off: Friday, May 17, 2013
Bus bunny This is a comment for the bus drivers. My daughter rode the bus about two years ago. One of the drivers decorated the bus every month for a different theme until somebody complained that the Easter bunny was religious. It's a shame there are go (read more)
Sound Off: Thursday, May 16, 2013
Taking a dive I don't know if you are a baseball fan, but I see these outfielders diving for balls that are 5 feet off the ground. The old-timers had a saying: If you get a good jump on the ball, you don't have to dive. Separate but equal I think Sound O (read more)