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Our opinion: Shining finale for Wolverines

If last week’s game was the final one on the gridiron at Sheffield High School, the Wolverines saved the best for last. It’s no secret the team has struggled with limited numbers the past few years after restarting its own team following a cooperative agreement with Warren Area High School. Saturday’s game was the first time since 2016 that Sheffield’s football team played a team with fewer wins entering the game than Sheffield had. Coaches and players knew there was a very real possibility that Saturday’s game with Union City would be the last time Sheffield hosted a ...

Our opinion: Area church making a difference

The Hessel Valley Lutheran Church in Chandlers Valley will celebrate its 170th anniversary with a special celebration Oct. 27. Hessel Valley began in 1854 as a place where Swedish Lutheran immigrants new to America could find a space to worship and socialize in their own language. Hessel Valley would become known as the “mother church” of the Swedes in the area and later to First Lutheran Church in Jamestown. It is considered to be the oldest Lutheran Church in continual use this side of the Mississippi. Hessel Valley’s historical significance in Swedish/American history was ...

Our Opinion: Speed issue no quick decision

Pennsylvania Act 38 of 2023, which is keeping speed cameras in place in Philadelphia and which expanded their use there, also directed the state Local Government Commission to deliver a report within two years making recommendations about whether and how to allow other municipalities to install the cameras in question. Approval for the photographic devices for widespread use in the Keystone State is not a new issue. The state Legislature has tinkered with the idea for a number of years, but in a way that defied any sense of urgency. There are Pennsylvania residents who wonder whether ...

Our opinion: Use reason with fracking

A recent poll from the Ohio River Valley Institute and Upswing Research & Strategy shows a majority of likely voters want additional regulation of hydraulic fracturing natural gas operations. At the same time, the number of people who want to ban the process altogether has decreased from previous polls on the topic. What does that mean? Far from wanting fracking banned, state residents seem to be taking a pragmatic, middle-of-the-road approach to the natural gas drilling method - do it to keep energy prices low, but make sure it is being done safely. Requiring fracking ...

Our opinion: Board has plenty on its plate

Warren County School Board members have a lot to consider between now and January when a potential school closure vote for Youngsville and Sheffield can be held. It’s obvious, once again, that the public is concerned. They don’t seem to believe population loss that has led to few students in too many classes and the district’s dwindling fund balance are reasons enough to close schools. To the contrary, allegations of fiscal mismanagement are being used as a way to push back on the district’s current financial issues. Members of the public want to know how the closure would ...

Our opinion: County again shows its heart

We’re not sure why we were surprised by the depth of Warren County’s support for victims of Hurricane Helene. We should have known by now not to doubt that county residents will do what they can to help neighbors - even those who live hours away - when they’re in need. But after hearing about some of the efforts last week, all we can say is “Wow.” Bob Borden and Craig Frankhouser chose to use their vacation time to take supplies and offer assistance. It’s a bigger undertaking than one would think - they found trucks and trailers, coordinated with an organization on ...