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Our opinion: Contention with agreement

Both Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate agree that loans taken out by governments, school districts and other agencies as the state budget stalemate drags should be interest free. One would think that would be a cause for celebration, or at least a hearty huzzah amongst lawmakers. But this is Pennsylvania, where when it comes to the 2025-26 state budget lawmakers have shown a predilection to argue about even the most mundane spending items. Predictably, that’s what happened last week. While the state House of Representatives was passing another version of a state ...

Our opinion: Tourism growth is impressive

The growth in Warren County’s tourism industry — especially when compared to our neighboring counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds — is impressive. By most measures Warren County increased tourist spending on food and beverages, recreation, retail spending, transportation and overall spending at a higher percentage than neighboring counties. Part of that is due to the amenities Warren County offers. We’re blessed to be home to Allegheny National Forest, Allegheny Reservoir, trails, Chapman State Park, Kinzua Dam, camping, fall foliage, scenic overlooks and water activities. ...

Editor’s corner: Historic N.Y. miscues drive Seneca Nation ire

For Pennsylvania residents heading toward Buffalo or Canada, signs of discontent have been evident for years along Interstate 90 east of the Silver Creek and Irving exit. Once motorists enter Seneca Nation of Indian territory, a billboard expresses its disdain for New York state. “A fee is ...

Other voices: Russian drones spark issues

The sheer volume of headlines tells its own tale. Russian drones over Poland and Romania. Russian fighter jets in Estonian airspace. Russian aircraft buzzing a German naval frigate in the Baltic Sea. Unidentified drones over Copenhagen and Oslo airports. Most recently, in the early hours of Thursday, further drones appearing at other Danish airports. In just over a fortnight, European states have reported a striking spate of incursions into their airspace. Russia has repeatedly denied responsibility and questions remain over individual events: so far, Denmark has said only that a ...

Our opinion: Area’s colorful extravaganza

Here at home, we are blessed with the beauty of nature that is evident in autumn. Earlier this week, Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reported “fall colors continue to develop across the landscape in northwestern Pennsylvania. … Trees are not the only plants that provide beautiful fall colors; goldenrod and asters decorate northwestern PA fields with bright dots of yellow, purple, red, and white.” Across the border, Chautauqua County also is at its peak, according to the I Love New York campaign. For travelers, it is a brilliant and beautiful ride ...

Our opinion: Pain to come in budget impasse

The state’s budget impasse isn’t hurting the Warren County School District - yet. But that will change the longer the budget deadlock continues, possibly as soon as this week, according to Gary Weber, Warren County School District superintendent. “I would say that we are in a better position than most right now,” Weber said in an email to the Times Observer last week. “If we go past this week (end of September) without a budget, we are most likely looking at having to move some of our investments into the general fund to pay bills. This will not last long and at some ...