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Our opinion: A day to reflect for Americans

On this day 23 years ago, many Americans had hardly gotten settled into their workday when the day was shattered by the news that jetliners had struck both towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, another jetliner had crashed into the Pentagon and a fourth plane still was in the air over Pennsylvania and was headed in the direction of Washington, D.C. Of course, that last plane ended up crashing in a field alongside a wooded area just outside of Shanksville, Somerset County, miraculously sparing that community and neighboring Indian Lake Borough of what could have been a ...

Our opinion: Plan for more Jakes Rocks success

Designation of the Trails at Jakes Rocks as the state’s Trail of the Year shows people are taking notice of what we’ve known for quite some time - we have some outstanding offerings for those serious about outdoor recreation. It’s easy for us to forget, however, that the work isn’t done. At Jakes Rocks there are still another 12 miles of trail to be built, according to the master plan for the trail system, at a cost of around $2 million. Last week’s Trail of the Year celebration was a golden opportunity for federal and state officials not only to celebrate what has been ...

Our opinion: Remain proactive on medication

State Rep. Kathy Rapp wants the commonwealth to be proactive rather than reactive in its approval of opioid overdose reversal drugs. We agree. In 2014, the state Legislature enacted Act 139 which allowed law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and fire companies to give naloxone when someone is having an opioid-related drug overdose. That access was expanded to other overdose reversal drugs in 2022. Rapp said she was moved to begin drafting her legislation after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zurnai, the first nalmefene hydrochloride auto-injector for the ...

Our opinion: Campaign drama in full swing

The 2024 presidential campaign has had more than its share of drama, but it doesn’t hold a candle to what went down in 1968. That was the election where President Lyndon Johnson withdrew from the race, Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated on the campaign trail, and rioting happened in the streets of Chicago outside a Democratic National Convention that was notable for its anger and division. In the fall, Republican Richard Nixon staged what once seemed like an improbable comeback, defeating Democrat Hubert Humphrey in the popular vote by seven-tenths of a percent after being ...

Our opinion: A fair menu with food trucks

We recently opined that the city of Warren is doing the right thing in creating a food truck ordinance in the wake of criticism from a Warren-based food truck that found it easier to operate in New York state than in Warren County – harsh criticism indeed for anyone who knows the difference between operating in the two states. Of course, it should go without saying that the city’s food truck ordinance has to be fair not only to food trucks but to brick and mortar restaurants, too. Gary Stoops, owner of the Warren Dairy Queen, recently noted his concerns with the idea of food ...

Our opinion: A judge is needed to resolve EMS billing dispute

It’s long past the time for a resolution to the ongoing EMS billing dispute between the city of Warren and the township of Conewango. Thus far, Conewango officials have refused to pay bills from the city of Warren, saying previously that township officials don’t believe the city has any legal authority to send bills to townships who haven’t agreed to a contract with Warren for EMS coverage. Warren, meanwhile, is trying to find new ways to pay the cost of responding to calls outside the city. In the city’s view, sending EMTs outside of the city limits is essentially city ...