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Couple’s generosity a reminder to pass it on

Letters to the Editor

On Thursday, Aug. 27, my wife and I were at the checkout at the Altoona Giant Eagle as the couple in front of us had their items rung up. Then the cashier started ringing up our items. We thought there was some confusion. The gentleman said, “I am not confused at all. The Lord has been good to me.” The lady said, “We do this often.” They proceeded to pay for our order which was close to $80! Understandably, we were stunned and still are. This couple used God’s gifts to pay it forward. Of course, we are grateful for their monetary gesture, but even more so for them being ...

Law enforcement lauded for good job

Letters to the Editor

This past July, a combined effort by local police departments, Blair County Drug Task Force, state police and the State Attorney General’s office made dozens of arrests focusing on the drug problem in Blair County. I believe this is a first step of a three-step process in developing Blair County into one of the most livable counties in the state. The second step is for our excellent district attorney and his staff to aggressively prosecute by using all available laws and maximum penalties to try the individuals who committed the crimes. The third step is up to our excellent ...

Praise for UPMC Altoona, staff

Letters to the Editor

My husband recently needed the services of UPMC Altoona Emergency Department. I was astounded by the work ethic of all personnel involved. They were beyond room capacity and worked together like a fine-tuned machine amid the chaos. The communication between the emergency staff bringing people in and the receiving doctor and nurses was impressive. I asked one nurse if this was a typical day for them, and she said that more often they are busier than what I was witnessing. Your community is so fortunate to have this dedicated group of people. I would also like to compliment the floor ...

Flock uses, safety require more debate

Editorials

It’s probable that most Blair County residents who, in recent weeks, heard references to Flock cameras believed that the devices would be just a big-city thing or an immigration-control mechanism confined mostly to states in close proximity to the Mexican border. Imagine the surprise and pangs of concern that were immediate reactions to the disclosure that such cameras already were here — that five such devices already have been installed in the area of Penn State’s Altoona campus and, apparently unbeknownst, have been spying on everyone who passes by. No doubt many people have ...

Who’s responsible for state of US?

Letters to the Editor

Each day brings a new clear message that our president is mentally ill. His delusions of grandeur grow more outrageous with each posting and words. There are no other words to describe this man and his followers and Congressional supporters. It is our elected representatives, John Joyce, GT Thompson, Dave McCormick and John Fetterman who have abdicated their responsibilities to the people and the nation, and even the world. This country is in deep trouble, and these individuals are 100% responsible. They could stop this at any time. Why they don’t is a question each of them must ...

Quarter will make or break lawmakers

Editorials

In today’s economy, a quarter doesn’t buy very much, even though it sometimes is the difference between buying something and not being able to make the purchase. Sometimes, superstitious gamblers drop a quarter near a slot machine at a casino, supposedly as a determinant as to whether or not the machine will be lucky — whether or not it should be played. Heads, lucky; tails, not lucky. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania lawmakers apparently believe that a quarter can be very unlucky for them; at least that’s the message emanating from the General Assembly’s 2026-27 state ...