Opinion

Past time to stop discontent, fraud

Letters to the Editor February 18, 2026

Once again the state of Minnesota is spawning discontent and insurrection by creating a calamity over the apprehension of illegal immigrants to distract from a massive fraud scheme to the tune of $9 billion and counting. There’s no excuse for this. These illegal immigrants came here circumventing due process of law and there is no reason they are owed due process of law when they are caught up with and deported. At the federal level, blue states like Minnesota have gained power and congressional seats by welcoming illegal immigrants, who get counted in the census results. They ...

Open talks with railroads important

Editorials February 18, 2026

As a railroad center, Altoona has lived with the prospect of train derailments for much of its history. Having lived with virtually all of the pluses and minuses of that industry for so long, including the knowledge of what their ancestors experienced during their lifetimes, people here go about their routines day in and day out without giving much thought to the dangers “built into” a rail operation in the community. Expressed more simply, people here do not shudder when a “monster” train consisting perhaps of nearly a hundred units is bearing down on their town. People ...

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