Opinion

Readers' Speak

Letters To Editor October 24, 2026

Neighborly advice Dear Editor, Lately, I have been thinking about how quickly we have come to see the label before we see the person. Democrat. Republican. Conservative. Liberal. Christian. Nonbeliever. Immigrant. Gay. Straight. We hear a label, see a bumper sticker or read something on social media, and we think we know who that person is. We make assumptions before we ever hear their story. Somewhere along the way, we have forgotten that behind every label is a human being. That person has hopes and fears. They have people they love. They have experienced loss, ...

We’re still dumping pollutants on our roads

Local Commentaries October 24, 2026

Recently, the Department of Environmental Protection told the PA House Environmental Committee all contaminated water -- brine -- from conventional oil, gas and mineral brine wells contains the same pollutants-- hydrocarbons, salts, heavy metals and other chemicals. These pollutants, DEP said, are potentially harmful to the environment and can threaten drinking water. DEP said studies have shown spreading this contaminated water on roads to reduce dust-- its primary use-- is no more effective than plain water, but with environmental risks. It also chemically destabilizes dirt and ...

Big-barrel costs, few results with Worx

Local Commentaries October 24, 2026

Thank you, Warren Times Observer, for your prescient editorial regarding Warren Worx and a previous editorial expressing concern about branding. A city of Warren sanctioned consulting report made clear Warren was not ready for branding. I thought about informing our mayor, but after the WCCBI got their hands deep into the mayor’s back pocket for $100,000, I waited to see how far it would all go. Then the county wrote a check followed by another from the city. All totaled, more than $300,000. WCCBI – “one of our biggest hauls.” In the end, a very lame branding was born, one so ...

Our opinion: Senators’ partnership has some plusses

Our Opinion October 22, 2026

As the state and nation gears for the midterm elections, there’s one location where divisiveness between parties is not evident. That is right here in Pennsylvania. U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick “have forged a rare bipartisan partnership,” Spotlight Pa. reported earlier this year. The Republican and Democrat from a politically important state represent one of only three split states by party in the Senate. They have sponsored bills and booked joint media appearances in recent months. “We’re very, very good friends, and we get along, and we always try to find ...

A small museum exhibits a big story

Local Commentaries October 22, 2026

Lucille Ball’s fame and accomplishments are a true source of pride for Jamestown. But there was another Lucile, whose accomplishments, career, and legacy are important for everyone interested in aviation. Lucile M. Wright was a 20th century aviation pioneer in Jamestown. The museum that ...

Our opinion: Remember boaters, anglers and hunters

Our Opinion October 21, 2026

The state Fish and Boat Commission and the state Game Commission should absolutely consolidate as many of their functions as they can. In our opinion, these are moves that should have happened years ago - especially considering that both commissions have costs increasing faster than expenses and will operate at a deficit within the next 10 years. On the current path, the Game Commission would lose roughly 95% of its Game Fund balance by 2034 while the Fish and Boat Commission would exhaust its combined reserves by about 2034. A study by the Wildlife Management Institute recommends ...