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Our opinion: Low margins in rural health care

The sudden closure of the Pine Grove Ambulatory Surgery Center came as a shock - until, that is, one looks at the spending and expenses for the facility. According to state data, the Pine Grove Ambulatory Surgery Center had 2,778 total visits in 2023, though no other data was given related to the age of those using the facility. According to state data, patient revenue at the Pine Grove Ambulatory Center had increased over the past three years from $2,583,000 to $3,508,000 in 2023, though spending had also gone up from $2,591,000 to $3,587,000 in 2023. Essentially, the facility was ...

Our opinion: Welcoming a new beginning

Here we are, at the dawn of a new year, a time to put the year 2024 behind while we look forward to the joys and challenges of the coming 365 days. Though the kids may not be thrilled that their return to school is fast-approaching, there is excitement in the air as we wonder what will come after the symbolic reset we experience each time we start the new year. Some were ready to leave 2024 behind. Others may be looking forward to letting the good times continue to roll after experiencing a year of plenty for themselves and their families. All of us are hoping for that happy and ...

Our opinion: Skerda leaves a void on the bench

For decades, Judge Maureen Skerda has been a steady presence in the 37th Judicial District. The former area lawyer was elected as the first female judge in the district in 2006 and became president judge in the district in 2010. Though she is not seeking retention, Skerda said in a news release she will serve out the rest of her term before retiring. Skerda has been an institution in the legal community here even before being elected as a judge in the district, practicing law at Northwest Legal Services, serving as an assistant district attorney and a court hearing officer. Many ...

Our opinion: Math hysteria starts to add up

For far too many students in the American public school system, the math has stopped mathing. There is new concern about the subject of mathematics — and that evolving concern should be regarded seriously. According to an article in the Dec. 5 edition of the Wall Street Journal, a closely watched international exam has produced the conclusion that American students’ math scores took a bigger hit from the pandemic than their peers overseas. The exam in question is called the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, or TIMSS. It is touted as a broad math and ...

Our opinion: Imbalance in city is worrisome

There is a lot to like in the budget approved by the Warren City Council last week. The budget doesn’t increase property taxes. It provides a bit more support to the Warren Area Student Union and allows a mid-year review of Warren Worx that allows the city to evaluate the use of city money allocated to the process. But, there are two things that city residents should pay attention to in the coming year. Spending increases this year by $737,218. With no tax increase, the city is using $562,477 from its surplus to balance the budget. This is the third consecutive year the city ...

Our opinion: Finding hope during Christmas

On this oftentimes dreadful planet, it is hard to imagine how the words “Peace on Earth” have any true relevance anymore. To many people on this Christmas Day, that phrase is considered obsolete, just a minuscule remnant of a better time, although looking at this planet as a whole, there never has been a time of absolute peace, happiness and joy. Belief in the meaning of Christmas and all that it represents is far from being universal. Many people don’t believe that there ever was a Christ Child or that Jesus came to Earth on behalf of salvation for mankind. But for those who ...