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Our opinion: Knowing the SNAP adjustments

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program recipients are still welcome to benefits throughout the state and region. But those who are receiving must now contribute to the community through volunteering, working or while learning. Last week, state Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh highlighted the federal changes, which took effect this month and how the Department is helping SNAP recipients meet the requirements and maintain their benefits. “Nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians receive life-sustaining food benefits from SNAP every month. It is this extra bit of help ...

Our opinion: School threat bill needs tweak

Once again, Warren County School District officials and local police agencies are chasing their tail over threats to district school buildings. It must stop — and we think legislation that has passed the state Senate but is waiting for action in the state House of Representatives could help. Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Greenville and formerly one of Warren County’s two Senate representatives, sponsored Senate Bill 96, a bill that would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false ...

Our opinion: Beware costs of Warren Worx

Warren City Council members appear likely to include at least $75,000 in the city’s 2026 budget to support Warren Worx. Reasonable people can have differing opinions on “The Place To Become” branding effort, the first big thing to come from Warren Worx. Some will love it. Others will dislike it. Still others will be so confused that it will mean nothing to them. Warren Worx is undertaking some nice projects that, realistically, didn’t need a new group. We’re talking about things like signs, wifi hotspots throughout the county, events like a rib festival or helping with ...

Our opinion: Revitalizing more than branding

Readers of this space know we aren’t exactly high on the value of branding. Part of the reason for our dour disposition on the matter is that reversing decades of population loss goes far beyond a brand. Finding new jobs, workers to fill those jobs, creating a housing market that works for everyone and having the available energy to power all of that work are all critical pieces of making Warren County “The Place To Become.” One way to do just that is workforce development. Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Oil City, recently took part in a hearing helmed by state Sen. Gene Yaw, ...

Our opinion: Branding leaves us underwhelmed

One of our initial questions about Warren Worx was the value of branding. As we have said consistently since the Warren Worx idea was first broached, branding doesn’t accomplish much unless you have something to brand around. In Warren County, that’s the outdoors and our natural beauty. We’re not exactly sure what Warren County’s new brand, “The Place To Become,” means in the grand scheme of things. It’s a little reminiscent of a branding initiative more than a decade ago in Chautauqua County, which tried to brand itself as The World’s Learning Center. Has anyone in ...

Our opinion: State trail offers a ‘tribute’

We must never forget the Pennsylvania connection to Sept. 11. With the most recent commemoration held last week, officials here are looking to next year — the 25th anniversary of the dark day for America. Last week, the Shapiro Administration invited Pennsylvania communities to join the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance in honoring the heroes and events of September 11, 2001. Leading up to the 25th anniversary in 2026, Gov. Josh Shapiro directed the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to work with local ...