Lack of class at graduation

Dear Editor,

I had the opportunity to attend the football game at War Memorial Field on June 5. Oh, wait a minute. It was the 2026 graduation ceremony, not a football game.

One would not have known that this was supposed to be a graduation ceremony, though. I was appalled at the number of people who kept going up and down the bleachers during the ceremony! And the rude people who continued to stand along the railing when asked nicely to move so others could see! Their response, “I want to see my son/daughter.”

We all would like to be able to see ours. Go to the end and watch from there.

Then there was the crowd of people who left as soon as their family members received their diploma. And to the people who gathered at the end of the bleachers in the grass before the last two rows of seniors were even called.

We could not even hear the names being called due to your loudness. You stood there carrying on while the last song was being sung and the last girl was giving her speech. I realize everyone was excited, but show some respect. This was a graduation ceremony, not a football game!,

Michelle Bartosek,

Tidioute

Building on city’s assets

Dear Editor,

I honestly believe Warren has far more potential than we sometimes give ourselves credit for. We already have things many communities wish they still had — beautiful historic buildings, walkable neighborhoods, the river, small businesses, and people who care deeply about this town.

You cannot manufacture that kind of character overnight. But potential alone is not enough. If we want Warren to grow and thrive again, we have to start paying attention to the everyday things that make people feel proud to spend time here. It is time for us to pay closer attention to Liberty Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, because those streets help shape the first impression people carry about our community.

The simplest economic development strategy may also be the one we overlook the most: make our streets and public spaces inviting, attractive, and cared for. People naturally gather in places that feel welcoming. Clean sidewalks, flowers, lighting, restored storefronts, benches, public art, safe parks, and attention to detail are not “extras.” They send a message that a community believes in itself. And when people spend time downtown, businesses notice. New ideas begin to grow. Storefronts fill. Property values improve. Neighbors begin to feel hopeful again. That is not theory. That is what happens when communities invest in themselves instead of waiting for someone else to save them.

Warren does not have to become another city to succeed. We just need to become the best version of Warren. That starts with pride, vision, and a willingness to care for the places we all share together.

Too often, conversations about economic development become focused only on large projects or outside investment. But real renewal often begins with smaller choices — fixing up a building, preserving what makes our town special, supporting local businesses, and creating spaces where people actually want to gather. I still believe Warren’s best days can be ahead of us, but only if we are willing to stop settling for “good enough” and start seeing beauty, care, and community pride as essential investments in our future.

Doug Hearn,

Warren