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Local leadership deserves recognition

Letters to the Editor

We often take for granted the security and relative affordability of life in Blair County. Unsurprisingly, these strengths directly correlate with strong Republican leadership. Recently, S&P Global Ratings upgraded Altoona’s credit rating to an “A+.” It should come as no surprise that our unanimous Republican council and mayor have played a significant role in encouraging private reinvestment to rehabilitate homes across our city. Their strong financial planning has also been key to this progress. In Harrisburg, Sen. Judy Ward has consistently led the fight for fairness and common ...

Hillman’s doctors, nurses, staff lauded

Letters to the Editor

Much has been said and written about hospital care, both locally and throughout the United States. Over the past two years, I have come to realize that our UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Altoona is a true gem. I have been totally impressed with Hillman’s doctors, nurses and support staff as they have cared for me since May 2024, when I was diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma. Dr. Mark Keating, my oncologist/hematologist, truly cares about his patients and is great to work with. The nursing staff and the front office staff members for all of the doctors at Hillman are ...

Optimism abounds for Gable’s

Editorials

Sometimes good ideas get lost or postponed indefinitely because those who would be in charge of shepherding them through the various stages of preparation and/or development get sidetracked or distracted by other important or, perhaps, not-so-important, considerations or efforts emerging or already evolving. That’s especially true if, among those other matters, one or more become more time-consuming, complex or generally difficult because of things — such as revisions or new elements — not anticipated previously. Good leadership has the ability to be ready to deal with setbacks ...

Remember to honor our veterans

Letters to the Editor

Memorial Day will be here at the end of the month; as you are planning your holiday weekend, take time to attend one of the local parades in and around the Altoona area on Memorial Day. We must honor our veterans past and present who have served, fought and died defending our country. Just drive through any cemetery across the country and all you will see are American flags as far as you can see. These are the men and women who have kept this a free nation for 250 years. God bless the U.S.A. Mike Sanders Altoona

Township officials lauded for work

Letters to the Editor

I would like to give a shout out to the Logan Township Highway Department. With another winter in the books, the crew did another fantastic job of keeping our township roads clear and safe for travel. You can count on the roads being treated early in the morning for safe travels to work and school. Also, a shout out to the police department for their interaction with the community regarding their continuous informational posts on their Facebook page. It’s an excellent strategy involving the public in an effort to gather additional information to solve crimes. Jerry Fulare Altoona

U.S. has broken law

Letters to the Editor

Defense Secretary Hegseth has declared no quarter will be given in combat. Lethality is what is the preferred course. No rules of engagement, since these rules are Woke. The 150 school girls killed in Iran were given no quarter, as the rules of engagement were disavowed. Here are some rules and laws regarding “No Quarter.” Under international humanitarian law, declaring or threatening “no quarter” is explicitly prohibited: Hague Convention IV (1907), Article 23(d): “It is especially forbidden [...] to declare that no quarter will be given.” Customary international ...