Breaking News

Opinion

View from Hickory Heights:

Local Commentaries

Last week I reminded my grandson to take God with him to his exam. I always said a prayer before an exam. Usually, I asked God to help me remember what I studied. I did not go into an exam without the work. I knew that he worked hard. He was proud of his average with all “A”s. This professor was tough. In his mind she was very smart but not a great teacher. In my day that last week of school we only went to school on the days that we had an exam scheduled. Of course, I lived in town and could walk to school. Regents were scheduled the week after regular exams. I did my praying on ...

Our opinion: Gun store theft bill needs backing

Our Opinion

Gun store thefts don’t happen very often - but we still think additional penalties for such thefts are a good idea. Three state senators are drafting legislation to increase penalties for those convicted of stealing firearms from a gun shop. It’s a bill that should, in our opinion, receive broad bipartisan support in the state Legislature. The lawmakers mentioned the use of juveniles to steal from gun stores on behalf of adults because juveniles face lesser penalties in court, which they say happened recently in Bucks and Montgomery counties. The lawmakers think juveniles ...

The big dream of exercise machines

Local Commentaries

Dream was the word I associated with exercise machines in the old days. Not the dream of ownership, but the dream of possibility. The machine promised the ultimate transformation. I was going to become the new me. Now, at my advanced age with dashed dreams, I am giving up. I decided that this old me will not be owning a new-me machine. Ever again. Although I can’t say I didn’t try. In my late 40s, I decided that I was starting to slip. A few pounds a year had crept on and I wasn’t liking the side view in the full-length mirror. What to do? I went to Weight Watchers – for ...

Our opinion: Volunteer firefighter tweak not enough

Our Opinion

The state Senate has approved legislation (Senate Bill 90) that aims to boost the number of volunteer firefighters by changing the way volunteer firefighters are certified. Current firefighter applicants must complete four training modules totaling 188 hours. They then must pass a cumulative test covering all four modules. The legislation would reform the certification process by enabling applicants to be tested following each of the four modules. “If we want the same highly trained and qualified volunteer firefighters and we want more of them in our communities, our bill is a way ...

Our opinion: Bring transparency to Kibbey case

Our Opinion

People have questions about the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Thomas Kibbey, former county chief detective. They’re not the only ones. Unfortunately it’s going to be some time before anyone gets any real answers. And, while Kibbey has been highly decorated during his time in law enforcement, we hope the Attorney General’s office doesn’t simply play the long game and slow play the investigation into Kibbey’s alleged misconduct. Trust in police has been on a downward trend for years across the country. Cases like Kibbey’s, if allowed to fester, will only ...

Our opinion: Encouraging children’s museum

Our Opinion

The Kinzua Area Discovery Center has taken a major first step with the signing of papers to purchase land for the children’s museum at 4115 Market St., the site of the former Red Maple Inn. Eventually, the site will be transformed into an immersive indoor adventure where nature and imagination meet, with plans including an enchanted forest, winding river and animals. The center is being planned as an area to promote imagination, creativity, self-expression and family togetherness with playful learning, exploration, and engagement at every turn. It sounds great, and it’s ...