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Our opinion: Ethics fine raises troubling questions

A state ethics panel’s levy of a fine against Sheffield’s former constable who also served as a code enforcement officer in Glade and Pleasant townships is concerning on several levels. The state Ethics Commission issued a decision recently fining Shawn Young $87,900 in a treble penalty as well as two additional $1,000 fines for not filling out required Statement of Financial Interest forms for 2021 and 2022 as constable; for 2020-2023 for his position as Sheffield and Pleasant code enforcement officer; and 2022-2024 for his position as Glade Township code enforcement officer. He ...

Our opinion: Work at Warren Mall is intriguing

The sight of construction materials outside the Warren Mall is a welcome one. Roof work isn’t cheap, so it certainly indicates there are new paying customers on their way into the building. Even though malls will likely never regain the prominence they once held in our daily lives - especially for those who were teenagers during the heyday of hanging out at the mall with friends - it’s good to see physical improvements at the building along with the idea of potential new tenants. The work is meaningful for another reason. The Warren Mall is one of the first things you see ...

Editor’s corner: New York’s inaction tolerates prison mayhem

It is an ugly scene behind bars across the border. Detailing a surge in violence, staff assaults, overdoses, exposures and deaths inside state prisons, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association President Chris Summers declared the Department of Corrections and ...

Our opinion: Campaign is opportunity, test for center

The Kinzua Area Discovery Center has launched an opportunity for individual community donors to support the new endeavor. The Founding 50 Bedrock campaign is a chance for those who want to see the educational facility become a reality to get in on the ground floor. It’s also a good test for the center’s future financial viability. The center is planned as an immersive indoor adventure that includes an enchanted forest, winding river and animals. As we’ve said before, the center would be an outstanding addition to Warren - but it comes with a $10 million price tag that will take ...

Our opinion: Roundabout worries cool off

It appears the learning curve has paid off with the traffic circle in the city of Warren. Despite plenty of opposition and concern for the project in 2023, motorists are taking the roundabout in stride, according to our poll last week. In our question, “Are you comfortable with the Warren roundabout?” more than 71% answered yes and about 29% said no. Those results are in line with what state officials believe. “For us, it’s simple. Roundabouts remove cross-traffic turns and eliminate T-bone crashes, while improving traffic flow” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Any ...

Our opinion: Safe, reliable water must be priority

It’s been more than three months since Tidioute residents have been able to turn on their water faucet and simply use their water. It could still be another month before they can do so again depending on weather conditions and how quickly repairs are made. The Southwest Warren County Municipal Authority is still working to stabilize its public water system following months of pressure loss, filtration problems and storm-related turbidity spikes. Crews have made progress in stabilizing portions of the system following a major waterline repair completed May 6. The Contact Tank has ...