Opinion

Verobish perfect candidate for 79th

Letters to the Editor February 18, 2026

I am writing to express my strong support for Andrea Verobish as the perfect candidate for the 79th District in this special election and beyond. Andrea represents a new generation of conservative values grounded in faith, family, and fiscal responsibility. With more than 20 years of experience working for several legislative representatives, she brings unmatched knowledge of the legislative process and a deep understanding of the issues that matter to our community. Her experience in all legislative matters ensures she will be effective from day one. Andrea is firmly committed to ...

Cursive writing important to learn

Letters to the Editor February 18, 2026

Pennsylvania just passed a law making teaching cursive writing to be done in schools. Cursive writing is important because signing a check or any other document the person needs to write their name. When it is just printed, anyone could take someone’s things that need to have a name by printing that name. Drivers licenses, checks, credit cards and a lot of other things that need a cursive signature could be stolen. It is very important to be able to write one’s name to make it unique for them by using cursive writing. Also it is important to learn this because being able to read ...

Verobish’s principles reflect district values

Letters to the Editor February 18, 2026

Please mark your calendars for March 17 to vote in the special election for state representative. Since Lou Schmitt resigned to assume the responsibility of judge, we will be able to partake in this historic opportunity. I would recommend everyone vote for Republican Andrea Verobish. Her career spans over a decade in public administration, giving her a running start in Harrisburg. Her guiding principles reflect the values of the 79th — defense of the sanctity of life, bolstering our 2nd Amendment rights and slashing taxes to fight the Shapiro affordability crisis. Please vote for ...

Verobish qualified to represent district

Letters to the Editor February 17, 2026

Tuesday, March 17th will be the Special Election for the 79th District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to fill the seat vacated by Lou Schmitt. It is crucial we vote to fill this seat with the most qualified candidate. Please join me in voting for Andrea Verobish. She will do a great job representing our district. She has the experience, moral integrity and work ethic to represent us in Harrisburg and do positive work for our district and commonwealth. Dave Butterbaugh Jr. Altoona

Year of the Horse: Year of assimilation

Opinion February 17, 2026

As we celebrate the Chinese New Year and enter the Year of the Horse, it is worth pausing to reflect on what this moment may quietly offer us. In Chinese culture, the horse represents strength, steadiness, and the courage to move forward even when the path is uncertain. A single horse, however, rarely travels alone. It moves with others, keeping pace and changes when needed so it will not be harmed by dangerous animals. This is essential for social bonding and survival. I write as a Chinese American citizen who has been shaped by both Eastern and Western traditions. In recent ...

McCoy will represent all residents of 79th

Letters to the Editor February 17, 2026

I just recently met an outstanding young man who has thrown his hat into the political arena. You wouldn’t think that of a professional nurse, someone who already cares for everyone that he encounters. Caleb McCoy is running for the vacated 79th District house. He has made it clear that he will represent all of the residents of the 79th regardless of their political affiliation. How very refreshing it is to hear someone say that in a world where it’s either one side or the other is always right or has to be. It’s been a very long time since we’ve had someone who’s willing to ...