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Our opinion: Fighting trouble drug problem

The Warren County Drug Task Force has been busier than normal this year. From January through June, the task force has made 41 arrests while seizing 3.625 pounds of methamphetamine, 49.5 grams of cocaine and 183 grams of fentanyl. This year’s arrests have included the seizure of 16 firearms, an automatic firearm and an explosive device. Those numbers are the very definition of a good news, bad news situation. Police are doing yeomanlike work trying to keep illegal drugs and weapons out of our county’s neighborhoods. The shift from bath sales and heroin to fentanyl and ...

Our opinion: Creating new sources of pride

It’s a point of pride for small schools like Eisenhower and Youngsville to have their own marching bands. And the students should be proud of their efforts. Participating in the marching band is a time-consuming endeavor for both students and their parents involving hour after hour of practice to master their instrument, let alone march in formation while performing. We’re sure there is apprehension from students as Warren County School District officials debate, once again, possible school closures. Among options being discussed now are moving ninth through 12th grades at ...

Our opinion: Embrace the healing of holidays

Although much of the national attention is ­– and will continue to be — focused on developments related to the Nov. 5 presidential election, the world beyond the political front is far from being in slumber mode. For example, on the retail front, merchants are not sitting back, intent on waiting until after Halloween to make important decisions associated with the busy Christmas shopping season. Many merchants already are “knee deep” in planning for the products with which their shelves will be stocked in the weeks leading up to Dec. 25. Also on their mind and capturing ...

Our opinion: Downsizing process at beginning

Warren County residents have been put on notice as of this week. Drastic changes are being looked at for all the schools, not just Sheffield. While that is disconcerting for many, there is no question that something needs to be done. Sheffield High School has been allowed to remain open at a high cost for last year and this year. But it looks as though that location may be coming to an end. On Monday, district administration presented projected savings that would result from a few different closure options — moving grades 9-12 at Sheffield to Warren, moving 9-12 at Youngsville to ...

Our opinion: Renewables can come quick

With renewable energy gaining momentum in Pennsylvania, solar and wind farms could become more prominent throughout the state and in our region. Due to Warren County’s proximity to Allegheny National Forest, it is important for officials to consider best practices when dealing with these potential locations. In neighboring Chautauqua County, the wind farms are evident on Route 60 through the Cassadaga area and off Interstate 90, near the Dunkirk-Fredonia exit of the state Thruway. Though the monstrosities seem to be far enough away, neighbors have complained about their impacts ...

Our opinion: County misses grant funding

The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced last week that 268 schools across the Commonwealth will receive funding to provide fruits and vegetables to students. Warren County is not on the list. Why not? Nearly $7.3 million in grant funding will be awarded under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This funding is in addition to the universal free breakfast program that Gov. Josh Shapiro championed throughout the budget process and has secured two years in a row. “Access to healthy food options gives our students the fuel they need in order to learn, grow, and ...