Breaking News

Opinion

Sediment abatement project appreciated

Letters to the Editor

On behalf of all the residents of the Fort Fetter section of Blair Township of Blair County, myself and immediate neighbors, I welcome this opportunity to say thank you to the Intergovernmental Stormwater Committee (IRC) as well as all other elected officials involved in the Beaver Dam Branch (BDB) of the Juniata River sediment abatement project. Phase 1 of this project appears to be almost complete and the restoration can not be more noticeable. Having lived in this neighborhood for 30-plus years, it is a heartheld thank you not only to the obvious aesthetics, but also to the flooding ...

Think energy is unaffordable now?

Opinion

The facts remain: Pennsylvania is the nation’s second-largest producer of natural gas, and the tri-state region is the world’s fourth largest producer. Both small “conventional” wells and large “unconventional” shale wells supply the state affordable and reliable energy. That could change drastically for tens of thousands of families in 2029 if the Department of Environmental Protection implements a federal methane reduction rule known as Subpart OOOOc in a rigid manner. Subpart OOOOc imposes sweeping new monitoring, reporting, and equipment mandates to reduce oil and gas ...

Homeless issues need gentle hand

Editorials

Altoona city officials are correct in moving carefully on the issue of homelessness, including actively seeking others’ perspectives on how the issue is being approached elsewhere — before firming up decisions here. The issue is one, that if not dealt with in the right way, could set the proverbial stage for the problem getting worse here, or expanding the problem beyond the city’s borders. While exporting the problem — or a portion of it — to other municipalities might seem like a good idea to some city residents, in reality it is not, and the main reason is obvious. ...

New costs for Blair Township businesses

Letters to the Editor

As a business owner in Blair Township, I am writing to express serious concern regarding the proposal by newly elected Township Supervisor Jacob Wible to impose a per-machine “licensing fee” on businesses operating Skills machines. Though described as a licensing fee, its practical effect is an additional tax on small businesses. Regardless of terminology, it creates a new financial burden for locally owned establishments already coping with rising costs for utilities, insurance, payroll and property expenses. This proposal is especially troubling given prior campaign assurances ...

Are they really SAVEing America?

Letters to the Editor

State Rep. Glenn Thompson and state Sen. Mike McCormick would have us believe that non-citizens are committing election fraud by voting illegally. Both back the SAVE America Act — legislation requiring you and me to provide documentation of citizenship each time we vote, whether in person or by mail. Why? The idea that election security requires proof of citizenship every time we vote rests on the assertion that non-citizens are voting. Which is just not true. Numerous reputable studies conclude that voting by non-citizens is extremely rare, demonstrating that the election ...

Real life is out there waiting for all of us

Opinion

While President Donald Trump initiated war against Iran last weekend, my family was out volunteering at our local community garden. Another war weighs heavy on me, but I know I do not control military orders. I cannot make Trump adhere to the Constitution and get a proper declaration of war from Congress. Nor can I control how Congress responds, or in this case, chooses not to respond. But I can pick up a rake and help my community prepare a garden for spring and feed our neighbors. Trump, with the help of a GOP-dominated Congress, has stripped billions of dollars from health ...