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Our opinion: Hutchinson isn’t asking much of PGC

It’s encouraging that state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Oil City, hasn’t forgotten about the expansion of state Game Commission lands that had many in Warren County pretty upset last year. The local state senator is drafting legislation that would require state agencies attempting to buy land to seek local government approval before the purchase takes place. It’s an attempt to enshrine into state law an idea Hutchinson suggested when Spring Creek Township officials asked for a meeting with state Game Commission officials before the commission took control of 2,195 acres of property ...

Our opinion: Gratitude for those who gave all

Here we are, in the midst of a three-day weekend that serves for many as the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. For some, it will be their first getaway of the season. For others, it will be the weekend on which they open their pool. For some, it will be the day on which they remember and honor loved ones lost in service to their country. That is, after all, the real reason for Monday’s observance of Memorial Day. For 156 years our nation has paused for just this one day to honor and grieve the men and women who have died while serving in the armed ...

Our opinion: FAA needs to take control

Until the midair collision that claimed 67 lives on Jan. 29 near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, followed soon thereafter by a number of other incidents involving planes, some of those incidents also resulting in fatalities, members of the flying public generally had exuded great confidence regarding their safety while using that mode of travel. Now, however, many of those same travelers do not feel quite as secure, due to what has been happening during recent weeks on the air travel front. It is clear that the level of confidence that had existed in the past will not ...

Our opinion: Gun store theft bill needs backing

Gun store thefts don’t happen very often - but we still think additional penalties for such thefts are a good idea. Three state senators are drafting legislation to increase penalties for those convicted of stealing firearms from a gun shop. It’s a bill that should, in our opinion, receive broad bipartisan support in the state Legislature. The lawmakers mentioned the use of juveniles to steal from gun stores on behalf of adults because juveniles face lesser penalties in court, which they say happened recently in Bucks and Montgomery counties. The lawmakers think juveniles ...

Our opinion: Volunteer firefighter tweak not enough

The state Senate has approved legislation (Senate Bill 90) that aims to boost the number of volunteer firefighters by changing the way volunteer firefighters are certified. Current firefighter applicants must complete four training modules totaling 188 hours. They then must pass a cumulative test covering all four modules. The legislation would reform the certification process by enabling applicants to be tested following each of the four modules. “If we want the same highly trained and qualified volunteer firefighters and we want more of them in our communities, our bill is a way ...

Our opinion: Bring transparency to Kibbey case

People have questions about the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Thomas Kibbey, former county chief detective. They’re not the only ones. Unfortunately it’s going to be some time before anyone gets any real answers. And, while Kibbey has been highly decorated during his time in law enforcement, we hope the Attorney General’s office doesn’t simply play the long game and slow play the investigation into Kibbey’s alleged misconduct. Trust in police has been on a downward trend for years across the country. Cases like Kibbey’s, if allowed to fester, will only ...