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Letters to the Editor

Old Crow Wetland remains in peril

It has been a year since construction of the proposed fueling station/convenience store adjacent to Old Crow Wetland in Huntingdon was halted. This preliminary construction resulted in the pollution of the wetland with sediment and heavy metals. For six years prior to that, members of the Coalition to Save Old Crow Wetland testified at innumerable public meetings regarding the harm that an adjacent development would cause to the wetland. The DEP, the Huntingdon County Conservation District, the Smithfield Township Board of Supervisors, and PennDOT ignored or dismissed the warnings. The ...

Next president will need luck

It continues to amaze me that so many Americans continue to be duped by Donald Trump. At a rally, Trump touted that babies can receive $1,000 when their parents open a Trump account in their name. Some parents are still waiting for the $1,000. Notice that Trump said babies “can” receive, not “will” receive. Such a small word but it can make a big difference. Then we have the “crypto” fiasco. The only people making money on that deal would be Trump and his family members. It also continues to amaze me how one man can destroy what was once a great United States. Dragging ...

Everyone must unite to defend democracy

Donald Trump claims we don’t need mid-term elections since he is doing such a great job. He reportedly contemplates plans to declare a national emergency, impose martial law, deploy soldiers to American cities and suspend elections. Alternatively, he may send armed federal agents to intimidate voters, seize ballot boxes and invalidate our votes. Attorney General Blanche believes Presidential Unitary Executive authority empowers Donald Trump to subvert States’ election processes. He obsequiously endorses the legality of Presidential plans, whatever they are, clearly indicating the ...

Committing crime out of ‘pain’ is still a crime

Some years ago, I stood in my office facing a terrifying moment: a pain patient had brought a gun to his appointment. I know firsthand the horror of being targeted by people navigating the exhausting burden of chronic suffering. This reality was hammered into the national spotlight, involving our Altoona community with the tragic case of Luigi Mangione. Mangione was young, intelligent, but woefully inexperienced in life, dealing with severe intractable pain following an unsuccessful spinal surgery. His despair transformed into a violent, symbolic attack on the healthcare system. Yet, ...

Blood crisis: Donors needed now

The American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood crisis in its history — and patients may already be feeling the impact. Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this summer’s emergency shortage. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distribution of these blood products to hospitals. The supply of type O positive blood has now fallen below a one-day supply. There’s also an emergency platelet shortage. ...

Return of phone restores faith in others

I just wanted to share some positive news that happened in our community. I had lost my cell phone in Hollidaysburg around St. Mary’s Adoration Chapel area. I did not realize I had lost it. It had a pocket on the back which contained my license, two credit cards, my debit card and some cash. The young man who found my phone returned it to my house. Absolutely everything was returned intact. Thank you so much for returning my phone and all the contents. It was very much appreciated. This restores my faith in humanity. There are good people in this world and in our area. Ramona ...