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Our opinion: Decision day coming for downtown property

Once again, Warren’s Redevelopment Authority seemed poised to order demolition of a property at 231-237 Pennsylvania Ave. West. After the Eagle’s Crest senior housing proposal for the site fell through amidst public criticism and a federal lawsuit the RDA began moving down the demolition path after receiving no proposals in 2025. A proposal to demolish the building brought forth a proposal from a group of city residents who want to rehabilitate the structure into a nonprofit and community-focused space. Last week, the RDA scheduled a special meeting to again discuss possible ...

Our opinion: Firefighting equipment problem isn’t going away

Legislation proposed by Sen. Michele Brooks to reopen the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to help pay for fire trucks and firefighting equipment makes sense - but only if the state isn't going to move forward with a proposed $30 million program that has been backed by Rep. Jim Haddock and Gov. Josh Shapiro. Fire trucks and firefighting equipment had previously been eligible to receive RACP funding, as long as the request for assistance did not exceed $50,000. This was removed from the definition of Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project in 2013. Sen. Michele Brooks, ...

Our opinion: How do we fix child neglect, abuse problem?

The number of child abuse and neglect cases that come through the Warren County School District should be troubling to everyone in Warren County. Gary Weber, county school superintendent, said during his year-end report to the school board last week that nearly 250 child line referrals were received throughout the school year. Here’s a way to put that number into perspective. School is open 180 days a year - which means the district and its staff are dealing with more than one such report every day the school is open. Neglect, physical abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse ...

Editor’s corner: U.S. history of division, freedom always tested

Boos mixed in with some faint cheers reached a crescendo on Monday night during Game Three of the National Basketball Association Finals in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Crowd reactions were for President Donald Trump who was in attendance and briefly pictured on the ...

Our opinion: Showing frustrations with fuel prices

There is some good news to report when it comes to the summer travel season. AAA East Central notes fuel prices are eight cents lower in our region than they were a week ago. That is still not good enough for too many of us. Nationally, the average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down 16 cents since last week to $4.16. This marks the second straight week of decline. Pump prices are cooling off as the price of crude oil remains below $100 per barrel. But uncertainty lingers over when the Strait of Hormuz will fully reopen and resume traffic. According to new data from the ...

Our opinion: School cell phone ban is coming

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced June 1 that both the House and Senate have come together on a cell phone ban in schools while signaling that he will sign the legislation. Parents should get ready now for the changes they will likely see when school reopens in the fall, because for some students and parents there will be an adjustment period as they get used to new limits on the use of cell phones in school. But the state’s action will be just that - an adjustment, not the end of the world. Both Democrats and Republicans have taken up the cause, reflecting a growing consensus that ...