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Serpentine aster should be state flower

Letters to the Editor

After witnessing the beauty of the serpentine aster at Nottingham Park in Chester County, I’m inspired to suggest it as our new state flower. This unique species, resembling small daisies, blooms every fall in the serpentine barrens of Pennsylvania and Maryland. But its limited habitat is what makes it truly special, with Nottingham Park being one of the few places in the world where it’s adequately protected. I think by adopting the serpentine aster as our state symbol, we can raise awareness and rally support for its preservation, ensuring this natural treasure is ...

Bigelow-Cherry would be sure bet

Letters to the Editor

I’m not a gambler. Although it’s necessary sometimes in work or personal decisions, I generally try to avoid risk and to bet on sure things. That’s why I’m supporting Suzanne (Susie) Bigelow-Cherry for district magistrate. I’ve known Bigelow-Cherry for over 40 years and have plenty of reasons to believe she will provide professional service to our community. In all of my experiences, she has earned and maintained my respect. She and her husband, Mike, have raised two fine young adult children who grew up with my kids. They’ve been good neighbors, and ...

Rural PA vets risk losing health care

Opinion

Pennsylvania’s rural communities are suffering from a healthcare provider shortage that has reached crisis proportions. As a new analysis by the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute documents, over half of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties have partial or severe shortages of primary care providers. More than 30 of the state’s rural hospitals have shuttered or reduced services over the past two decades, leaving entire communities stranded. The challenges existed even before the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” became law in July. But the legislation’s spending cuts ...

Stoltz would serve Northern Blair well

Letters to the Editor

I support Kevin Stoltz for magisterial district judge for Northern Blair County. While serving as mayor, Tyrone Borough, I enjoyed a close working relationship with Stoltz’s mentor/friend, former Blair County Judge Fred Miller. Like Miller, Stoltz will quickly become an asset to our communities. He is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard-working. A lifelong resident, Stoltz has worked hard, rising through the ranks since graduating from Bellwood-Antis High School. He served in the United States Army, learning discipline, leadership, working with others. Experience provided him ...

‘Let us strive to exemplify virtues’

Letters to the Editor

The French philosopher Voltaire said those who can make us believe absurdities can make us commit atrocities. In light of the tragic events of the past few weeks, this admonition is more relevant than ever. The inherent evil in these tragedies and the callous reactions afterward are a result of the moral bankruptcy and the disregard for the human dignity and the preciousness of life. Each victim in these atrocities was a light in this world, extinguishing that light and the darkness that follows is a clarion call for prayer. This to has been met with derision and ...

Citizens don’t need high-powered weapons

Letters to the Editor

There is no equivalent comparison between a car and a gun. A car exists to help convey a person from one place to another. A gun exists to kill. A car must be registered and insured and the user must be licensed. Maybe all guns should be registered and insured and the user licensed. Yes, cars can kill, but when the driver gets in, that is not usually the purpose. When a person aims a gun, the purpose is usually to kill. If the purpose is to shoot for food, great. If the purpose is to shoot another person, it would be great if the gun was not a high power, large ...