Letters to the Editor
Problem with prison budget? Parole board
To the editor: This is in response to the editorial printed April 29, "Prison budget rightly declines, changes focus." You only briefly touched on the real reason the corrections budget has skyrocketed. The Corrections Department has done the best it can (read more)
State of the Air Report shows Pa. counties among most polluted
To the Editor: As a pulmonologist practicing in Delaware for three decades, I have seen patients suffering from a variety of lung diseases. I've seen my patients struggle to breathe and struggle to understand why they could not breathe. I've met them in (read more)
Lack of cooperation compromises safety for pedestrians in Kulpmont
To the editor: As a Kulpmont Borough Council member, I feel compelled to address the "pedestrian channelizing devices" recently placed along Route 61 (better known as Chestnut Street). This highway runs entirely through Kulpmont Borough. Everyone needs t (read more)
'Bread and circuses' in Northumberland County
It has been said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Today in Northumberland County, we are witnessing the continuation of a modern twist on centuries-old political tactics designed to manipulate public opinion and allow cer (read more)
Not anti-administration, but Act 93 too much
To the editor: "Just the facts, ma'am." Those of us who are willing to admit we are old enough to remember the TV series "Dragnet" will recall the detective played by, I believe, Jack Webb, reciting that familiar refrain when interviewing a witness. With (read more)
Public can connect dots on funeral bill issue
I would like to set the record straight regarding media accounts that I "accused" Commissioner Stephen Bridy of raising the coroner issue in order to help his friend who is planning to run against James Kelley in the next election. I made no such accusat (read more)
Time to down-size the Legislature
To the editor: The people who think they have all the answers to the problems our country is facing are really not looking at the entire picture. There are 50 states senators and more than 200 legislators. If 50 senators can cover their district, why is (read more)
Psalm 22 central to Christian beliefs
Following the 17th century King James Bible, standard English translations of the Hebrew Old Testament have been based on Hebrew "Masoretic" copies from the Middle Ages. However, in 1947, Palestinian shepherds discovered the oldest known surviving copies (read more)
Chickens don't bark, but public should
To the editor: Last year, the issue of banning chickens was published at the end of a bath salts article, more of an afterthought than an actual township announcement. Several people attended the meeting in protest, and we were told the issue was tabled (read more)
Support made Mahoney's concert successful
To the editor: I would like to thank all the people who made our Mahoney Brothers concert a huge success. This was the biggest crowd we have had and I was amazed where they came from - areas all over northeastern Pennsylvania. Our news media did a great (read more)
CAFO complaints not from 'move-ins'
To the editor: I read the letter to the editor, "Law should change to stop CAFOs," which ran in the April 29 edition. I also live in Cleveland Township, Columbia County, and would be greatly impacted by a concentrated animal farming operation. There seem (read more)
Who's responsible for public education?
To the editor: According to the constitution of the United States, the power to establish and regulate public education is not granted to the federal government. Therefore, that power is delegated to the states or to the people. In other words, the lega (read more)
Law should change to stop CAFOs
To the editor: After attending the Cleveland Township supervisors meeting on April 17, I came away feeling frustrated and helpless. I live in the only residential (R2) district in the township, encompassing approximately 1 square mile. Recently, a farme (read more)
Music educators disappointed by cuts
To the editor: The officers of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 8 are disappointed by the decision to cut the arts programs, kindergarten through eighth grade, within the Shamokin Area School District. Through research, it has (read more)
Teachers aren't rolling in money
To the editor: I'm not sure where our fine governor is getting his statistical information, but according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and Pennsylvania Workforce Statistics, the average teacher salary in Pennsylvania is $54,900 per year. I think (read more)
Bus monitor furloughs jeopardize safety
To the editor: I feel I have to respond to the recent decision of the Shamokin Area School Board concerning the furlough of bus monitors/aides. I have been driving school van for nine years; I transport special needs children. I cannot understand their r (read more)
Review the decision, reverse the tide
To the editor: As a retired elementary school teacher, I am addressing the recent layoffs at Shamokin Area from a different perspective than the other letters I have read in our local paper. Those arguments are right on - but I look at this as a teacher (read more)
Music helps young people grow, learn
To the editor: What would life be without music? If music was deleted from your daily life, how would your life be expressed? Not everyone can talk when they are depressed. Music is a great way to tell others how you feel without even opening your mouth. (read more)
Shamokin Area cuts make no sense
To the editor: People learn something every day. Apparently the Shamokin Area School Board thinks people are stupid. Maybe we are for voting them in. If you were at the April 12 meeting, didn't you find it funny that they would vote to cut kindergarten a (read more)
Volunteers play key role for Geisinger
To the editor: In recognition of National Volunteer Week, which was held April 15 to 21, we would like to publicly recognize and thank Geisinger Medical Center's distinguished volunteers for their exceptional service. Approximately 400 volunteers, repre (read more)