March 2007 Archives

It has been a pleasure to know and work with Jeff Joy. As a past government official and emergency management coordinator, I have gotten to understand and respect Jeff's knowledge and leadership abilities concerning York County government.

Jeff's many years in community service, high family values, and a philosophy of listening and making decisions with regards to all people who live in this great community, will alllow him to be an excellent County Commissioner.

I ask, if you want a person with integrity and compassion towards everyone, please consider voting for Jeff Joy as one of the Republican candidates in the upcoming May Primary.

Phil Smith
Hellam Township

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By Judy Chambers

This spring there have been so many news articles about Act 1 School Tax Relief, you’d think every school district in Pennsylvania was putting a referendum on the primary election ballot -- and you’d be right. Voters across Pennsylvania will be deciding whether or not to shift the school tax burden for their school district by increasing earned income or personal income taxes to fund homestead and farmstead exclusions. This is a ‘revenue neutral’ tax shift -- school districts will not collect more tax revenue, but they may collect it differently as local income tax. Either way, schools will also receive new revenues from Pennsylvania casinos to fund the exclusions. Two years ago, school districts could choose whether to participate in gaming revenues under Act 72, but most voters did not have direct input. Now under Act 1, no one gets to choose whether to accept gaming revenues, but all voters have an opportunity to determine how their school districts will participate. And there’s something called a ‘back end’ referendum, which requires voters to approve future school tax increases in most cases.

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Our family would like to share our greatest and deepest regrets with PFC Orlando Gonzalez's family and those that were like family to him at Summit Grove. Our daughter will deeply miss her friend.

The Yeckleys
New Freedom

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When I first came to York about 10 years ago, after two days, I was heading back to California. With my little Yahoo map directions in my hand, I made it from York to Harrisburg International Airport (HIA). I wondered then, and still wonder today, why the airport/Commonwealth does not have colorful signs leading you the airport, much like BWI does. All we have in the way of a symbol, is the little airplane that is on a sign just as you're leaving the turnpike toll booth off of I-83.

Not everyone knows where the airport is located, so let's make it easier for travelers to find it. I suggest we give ask our local high school students to "Design the Sign" and his or her name, can be embossed on it.

Ralph Sierra
Mount Wolf

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Do you really believe that our politicians are interested in doing what is right for us, the taxpayer?

Consider this. President Bush fires eight federal prosecutors and gives poor performance as the reason. Ex-President Clinton fired 93 when he first took office. Political preference was the only possible reason given. This hiring and firing has been going on for years and has been a common practice between Democrats and Republicans. The real reason for changing federal prosecutors has nothing to do with either politics nor performance problems. Each party uses the firings and new appointments as a way to pay back political contributors and supporters. These appointments provide a lucrative and guaranteed pension with continued medical coverage. Do you believe that politicians care if you have a lucrative and guaranteed pension?

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It is the time of year again when you will be seeing many more pieces of farm equipment on your rural roads. So, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau wants to remind you how to arrive at your destination safely, while sharing the road with your farm neighbors. While driving on a rural road, you may encounter farm equipment. This equipment comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sometimes you will see a single vehicle, such as a tractor or combine. Other times the equipment will consist of a tractor with an implement in tow.

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The well being of our seniors is a matter I hold close to my heart. Today, approximately 70,000 York County residents are over the age of 60. I'd like to comment on two important issues.

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Almost a year ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine that offers protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is known to be the cause of approximately 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women which means that every year 10,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,000 American women die of the disease.

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As our primary election approaches, it is time to examine issues, look at facts, and make educated choices. The key word in this statement is “educated”. There are many issues to consider in our local and county elections this year. I urge voters to review facts, seek reliable information, and not succumb to emotional and inflammatory comments that we so often see in our editorial comments.

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Some time last year Wellspan annouced that there would be no smoking at all their facilities. Now in order for York Hospital employees to smoke all they have to do is step off the sidewalk or walk accross the street and stand on the corner.

Unfortunately many of these smokers choose not to dispose of their butts in a proper manner. Irving Road, the street that borders the back of the hospital, is littered with an unbelievable amount of butts.

I would hope that both the smokers and the hospital take responsibitiy for this problem and develop a plan to rid our neighborhood of the smokers as well as their butts.

John Horn
York

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By James P. Testerman

More than 50 GOP members of the U.S. House and Senate are supporting legislation that could dramatically alter the No Child Left Behind Act, by allowing states to opt out of its testing mandates.

NCLB, the national education law enacted by Congress as the reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2001, established laudable goals -- high standards and accountability for the learning of all children, regardless of their background or ability. But it has been criticized -- with good reason -- for its heavy reliance on standardized tests to measure student learning and consistent under funding, with a five-year shortfall of about $40 billion.

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What alternative universe does Cal Thomas live in? He says that Bush can be “eloquent in his delivery” of his speeches and that the President is “too nice” to stand up to those awful Democrats and the Left in general. Thomas goes on to say that “The Left (his emphasis) has no strategy for victory, only defeat.”

Come back to Earth Cal. George W. Bush pushed us into this crazy war in Iraq, and redirected funds and manpower away from efforts to upend Al Qaida, secure our ports and harden our infrastructure. He ran roughshod over a spineless Congress, and has pretty much continued to push Congress until Congress decided to push back.

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There are other options to regulate growth, and allow open space. Without eminent domain. I will not judge the Kohr's bankruptcy. I do know they also have dreams, for the historic dairy complex, to expand their wedding, banquet facility. This land has more potential for income keeping the view and serenity of it than development could ever offer. It's for them to decide, and yes, with community input. The land east of 624 is in AG security, also I think Mr. Kohr mentioned he would maybe sell the development rights.

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Having attended the Zachery Witman murder trial every day, I am appalled at the attempt to set this convicted killer free. Quoting his own attorney's words that appeared in the York Daily Record's article, they argue that "it was incumbent on (McGlaughlin) to distance Zach from that mound" referring to the location in the backyard, where the bloody sports gloves and a knife were found, because and here's the key to this attorneys statement "as the commonwealth presented it, the socks pointed to Zachery as the killer." Police officers testified they followed a trail of bloody sock prints from the back door of the Witman home to a backyard fir tree where the gloves and knife were found. Duh....if it walks like a duck.

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By SUSAN MITRZYK

With much of the recent news from Harrisburg focused upon Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed state budget and health care initiatives, it is more important than ever from the perspective of York-area seniors not to allow these “big ticket” news items to obscure the fact that proposed funding levels for our nursing homes are inadequate to ensure the continued provision of high-quality care and services to our frail, elderly and disabled.

We urgently need help from our leaders in Harrisburg to fine-tune this budget in a manner that addresses the sharply rising costs we confront on the front lines of care for our most vulnerable populations. Fortunately, our region is well represented in this arena: Sen. Mike Waugh, who recently toured our facility, serves on his caucus’ leadership team; Rep. Bev Mackareth serves on the House Health and Human Services Committee; and Rep. Eugene DePasquale is on the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. Their input will be crucial to the budget process.

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My heart goes out to the family and friends of Garrett Scott Jay. Tragically, suicide is a national health problem that results in a death every 16 minutes and is the second leading cause of death among college students.

Unfortunately, the recent article "Student Hanged Self" (3/27/07) misses a real opportunity to inform the public about suicide. For example research shows that more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying, although not always diagnosed, psychiatric illness at the time of their death.

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I am writing in reference to the recent letter concerning public schools being able to compete with the likes of York Catholic. Where were the critics when the York Catholic girls were 0-23?

Dedication, practice and determination are the keys to success, not where the students come from. A majority of the student atheletes at York Catholic have had ties to their school through parents and relatives, and have kept the tradition alive.

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Everyone is screaming for property tax abolishment. But some of us support the very thing that is the basis for property tax increases. Property tax, as I understand, is used to fund our school systems. More homes mean more students, mean more school space to handle the influx and most importantly mean higher property taxes. The citizens in the Eastern school district will realize a dramatic increase.

There is no substantial industry to support this increase. That leaves only the home owners. Next time you read or hear the complaining about the proposed park, remember who is going to pick up the tab for the costs of the student population increase. You are!

Ashley Mantheiy
West York

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If you think parks are a waste of money; if the view of the Susquehanna from the bridges is enough to refresh your soul: if you thrill at the sight of monstrous trophy houses sprawling across the river hills read no further.

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I write this letter to Mr. Sharrock and anyone else who still believes that global warming is a delusion of shock-jock scientists.

Frankly, the lack of education it takes for someone to believe that there is no evidence for the severity of global warming is astonishing. To understand some of the data you do have to have a doctorate degree. Yes, I've taken a few classes on and related to the topic, I know just how intense some of this information can be. However, to understand most of it, you have to have graduated fifth grade.

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Hats off to Phil Briddell for his thoughtful and well-reasoned viewpoint published this past week (A River Runs Through Us – March 25). We have seen and heard far too much in the way of single-issue emotions and knee-jerk reactionary comment to the proposed Heritage Park project. It seems to me that those who are beating the “Eminent Domain Abuse” drum are both ignoring the facts and failing to see the larger picture of what is at stake in this debate. The use of eminent domain was not the first choice, it was the last resort!

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I too was sickened when I read of the starvation death of the pit bull dog at the hands of Dorothy and Louis Rice, and Ami Charlton. As equally unconscionable was the mild punishment -- minimal fines and no jail time -- handed down to this inhumane trio by District Judge Ronald Haskell Jr.

To ensure a community safe for all living things, voters, constituents of Judge Haskell, remember this horrific incident come election time. Please do not allow an enabler of animal abuse and cruelty to continue in public office.

Barbara Keister
Manchester

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By Susan Mitrzyk

With much of the recent news from Harrisburg focused upon Governor Ed Rendell’s proposed state budget and health care initiatives, it is more important than ever from the perspective of York-area seniors not to allow these “big ticket” news items to obscure the fact that proposed funding levels for our nursing homes are inadequate to ensure the continued provision of high quality care and services to our frail, elderly and disabled.

We urgently need help from our leaders in Harrisburg to fine-tune this budget in a manner that addresses the sharply rising costs we confront on the front lines of care for our most vulnerable populations. Fortunately, our region is well represented in this arena: Sen. Mike Waugh, who recently toured our facility, serves on his caucus’ leadership team; Rep. Bev Mackareth serves on the House Health and Human Services Committee; and Rep. Eugene DePasquale is on the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. Their input will be crucial to the budget process.

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Good friends don't let polar bears drown. That tragedy is only the beginning of a disastrous outcome.

Listen to Al Gore, who has done the thinking and planning. We have to leave the planet in a better condition than we found it. Think of your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Think of future generations, and acknowledge your duty now.

Urge your lawmakers to embrace the solutions now!

Rita E. Van Wyk
York

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Much has been written about Commissioner Mitrick’s decision regarding the Susquehanna Heritage Park efforts. And sadly, much misinformation has circulated within our community. I do not know of anyone who would say they favor eminent domain including myself. What we all must understand is that the land at Highpoint was for resale. Land at Lauxmount is for sale by order of the bankruptcy court judges. The order states that the land must be sold off until all outstanding debts are paid in full. The debt today is approximately 10 million dollars. This debt includes state and federal taxes, property taxes and outstanding debts to individuals and small businesses, who after almost 20 years are still waiting to be repaid. Where is the outrage over that? Who do you think has been carrying that tax burden for the past several years? Ask yourself, if I owed literally millions of dollars to state, federal and private individuals, would I be given 20 years to repay it?

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Thank you to all the wonderful people and businesses who sponsored and/or filled baskets for our basket bingo held on Saturday March 3rd, 2007. Thank you to the people who donated baked goods, door prizes and offered their assistance in making the bingo a success. The money raised will be used to assist the shelter in finding homes for the many dogs and cats at the shelter as well as maintain the shelter. Many thanks to the Southern Management LLC for sponsoring all three of the large baskets. Special kudos to Gina and Craig Pijanowski for their planning and hard work.

Sharon Melhorn
Volunteer
Susquehanna Stray Animal Shelter

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By Philip L. Bloch

Stonewall Jackson once admonished that “picking where and when to fight is almost more important than picking who to fight.” The sagacity of that advice could never be more evident than now as we witness the never-ending debacle in Iraq.

What should have been apparent to everyone four years ago is now painfully obvious: the invasion of Iraq was a wildly inappropriate response to the attacks on 9/11 by a ragtag group of Muslim zealots. It hasn’t made us a whit more secure from future attacks, and if the American people considered what the hundreds of billions of dollars spent in Iraq could have accomplished in making us genuinely more secure, Bush’s approval rating should drop to zero.

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By Peter J. Antonsen

Almost 50 years ago, our last great president, both visionary and Keynesian, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, set the human race the noble goal of traveling through space. He began the effort to send astronauts to the Moon.

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The family of the late Shirley L. Glass would like to express our sincere gratitude for the concert dedicated in her memory by the York County Honors Choir and Junior Honors Choir.

To Judy Simpson, Randy Yoder, staff, and choirs, thank you for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts would have made Shirley proud. She would have been thrilled with the news of your recent achievements and invitations to represent our county and state.

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What was Judge Haskell thinking? A $500.00 fine for the torture and neglect of two of God's creatures? The laws definitely MUST change. We are the appointed stewards of God's creatures.

How can someone be so cold and hard to allow dogs to suffer like those two did?
Then one dies because of the neglect of the property owner who KNEW the dogs were there and she's fined only $250.00.

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Community Columnist Jeff klinedinst's latest work "Our Clueless Forefathers" was confused and, well, Clueless. He makes clear that he hates two things, liberals - and France? (A disdainful reference towards France is a required part of any conservative rant. France, as you recall, committed the unpardonable sin of being right about the Iraq war.)

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With all the buzz about NCLB, Reading First, and PSSA test scores, our interest in education has been raised. In order to ensure that ALL our children learn to read, we need to start early, before they fall behind. A scientifically research based program that does this well is Reading Recovery®. It has served over 1.6 million students in the U.S. over the last 20 years.

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It is incredible how the York Daily Record can post an editorial talking about champions athletic and academic and not mention the only champion team from York County at the time, the York Suburban Swim team.

The sports department did a very credible job of covering the event and reporting on the successes of the team. The coverage though of the "four possible state champions" (of which one succeeded) with posters, numerous articles, etc. was way more than the two time State Champions team (and I am not refering to girls basketball) received from the non sports pages of your newspaper. (See the past several days of coverage of the same basketball team.) I suggest you research throughly your opinion pieces before stating your position. A disclaimer at the bottom of the article congratulating all the champions does not justify the lack of accuracy.

Anthony Foster
Spring Garden Township

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Number One. The United States Congress in nothing short of the vilest political machinations, votes a Pork Barrel Bill, with a goal to hamstring the United States President and the United States Military, during a time of war.

Number Two. Emboldened by what they see as cowardice in America, the Iranians commit an act of war against the United Kingdom by capturing 15 UK soldiers involved in the War on Terror.

Just remember, you get what you vote for . . . .

Chris Fortney
Hallam

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On the same day a front-page article featuring York County’s toilet tissue issue appeared (to buy recycled or virgin paper) there was also an article highlighting Al Gore’s hearing with congressional panels on the urgency to address global warming concerns. An interesting juxtaposition. Although the tissue issue seems silly to debate, I think it may be an issue that represents a larger question: How do we make the best use of limited resources? If our grandchildren and other living creatures are going to be able to live on this planet, a variety of solutions are urgently needed.

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I am a pro-life Catholic and a fiscal conservative. I choose to live my own life according to those beliefs. I also realize that plenty of people disagree with my beliefs, and I choose to be tolerant toward them because this is a democracy where people are allowed to disagree and because I could just possibly be wrong and they could just possibly be right. After reading the Old and New Testaments several times from cover to cover, I am not wise enough to claim that I know all of the answers. I assume that only God does -- but not men.

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This past June, a state agency released a report on the increases in death and serious bodily injury among motorcycle operators since Governor Ed Rendell signed the law making helmets “optional.” According to the report, and consistent with the statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, deaths and serious head injuries were way up since the helmet law repeal.

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The headline, "Pope Benedict a tough sell," is too harsh for the story beneath it (Living, 3D, March 22). I cannot argue that a Catholic supply store in Long Island does not sell many books about Benedict, but the reason may simply be that what he has written is available in other forms. Three of our five children log on to Catholic websites every day to read what the pope has written or spoken; just this week I printed out his 50-page exhortation on the Eucharist. My husband reads a weekly paper which prints the pope's reflections presented at his Wednesday audiences with the public. That paper printed his first encyclical in full.

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On a recent cold, windy Saturday, a friend and I traveled to Washington for the peace march on the Pentagon. As thousands had done 40 years before us, we gathered to march in protest of a war that is unjust and immoral. Most of our brothers and sisters who assembled want the troops brought home and the Iraq war to end. We want NO war with Iran.

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I read the "Our Opinion" Column today celebrating the accomplishments of area athletes and scholars, and highlighting the York Catholic Girls basketball team, as they journey to the state finals this evening. I applaud you for your coverage and wish not to take anything away from anyone featured.

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On March 8th of 2007 DreamWrights Youth & Family Theatre had the honor of hosting Mayor Brenner’s 5th annual State of the City Address. We were truly delighted to have this opportunity to open our doors to not only York City, but to the community at large. We would like to thank each of you who joined us, as your presence helped to make it a memorable evening for all.

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I would like to respond to Mr. Sears’ letter posted on March 20 discussing the PSSA test. I am not determined to carry on this discussion at infinitum, but would like to let the public not directly involved with education know the facts about the test and clarify a few of Mr. Sears’ comments. I would like to thank Mr. Sears and the readers of these articles since the standardized testing practices will eventually affect all of us and these issues need to be understood.

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So Todd Platts is going to support McCain for president. That's a pretty big announcement for someone in his position...so what does he say are the reasons for his support? He says he just likes McCain and in particular he likes his position on reforming campaign financing and pork barrel spending. Isn't that a nice safe reason to support someone....what responsible voter won't go along with that?

No mention of the biggest issue our country is facing every day and that we hear about on every single newscast ... our war on Iraq. Yes, it is a different political climate in this election...but yet politics never seem to change. Hmmm is anyone thinking running mate?

Laura Roman
New Freedom

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In your recent article, “Unlocking ‘The Secret’ Book," author Bruce Epperly talks about the New Age movement, stating that “the theories behind positive thinking and the ability of the [human] mind to change reality emerged in the 19th century with Christian Science.” Epperly goes on to discuss the “create-your-own-reality” approach as replacing the omnipotence of God with the omnipotence of one’s mind which doesn’t work and presumes control of reality we just don’t have.

As a Christian Scientist who believes in the omnipotence of God (not the human mind) and God’s perfect control over His creation, I would like to take a moment to clarify a few points.

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By Stephanie A. Seaton

The first meeting of the York County Inter-Agency Task Force was authorized in February 2002 under the collaborative efforts of the mayor of York, the York County commissioners and the York City Human Relations Commission.

This was shortly after a nationally known leader of a White supremacist group gave a public address in the Martin Library, which resulted in civil tension in the streets and 25 arrests.

As part of the PA Inter-Agency Task Force On Civil Tension, we realized it was important to address these issues locally. Our purpose is to work as a team to prevent and/or respond to bias-related incidents and the escalation of intergroup tensions. To accomplish our purpose, task force member agencies build cooperative relationships, share information and resources and coordinate incident response. The task force also formulates effective prevention strategies that are offered to schools, businesses, religious groups and communities through technical assistance.

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This morning's article on downtown York's 19,240-square foot Woolworth building, owned by the City's Redevelopment Authority ("RDA") was detailed and appreciated. However, it neglected to convey other compelling reasons that the RDA's board and staff thoroughly discussed before not selecting a sneaker retailer and dollar store for Woolworth. First, the proposing sneaker retailer already exists across the street from Woolworth. In short, a retailer relocating across the street from his present location would not have a significant, positive impact.

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By state Sen. Jeffrey E. Piccola

Over the past two years, the actions of the General Assembly, the executive branch and the judiciary, regarding pay raises and bonuses to name just a few, have sparked a public outcry for the reform of state government. The type of institutional change that is being called for can only be accomplished by revising the Pennsylvania Constitution.

There are two ways to change the Constitution of our commonwealth: an amendment by the General Assembly or a constitutional convention. When Abraham Lincoln addressed the nation in his first inaugural address in 1861, he said in reference to an amendment to the United States Constitution which was pending: “To me, the convention mode seems preferable to the amendment process in that it allows amendments to originate with the people themselves, instead of only persuading them to take or reject propositions originated by others not especially chosen with a purpose.”

I believe President Lincoln was right. That is precisely why a constitutional convention has relevance for Pennsylvania state government in this age of reform.

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One fatal flaw in our current foreign policy is failure to communicate, to negotiate. “We don’t negotiate with terrorists.” They blow themselves up. Looks like the “rules of war” have changed. Call them anything you like, terrorists, the big evil. We don’t agree with their tactics, but didn’t we invent “guerilla warfare” when we won our independence from Great Britain? We changed the rules.

“Rules of war” — let’s focus on “rules of peace.” Communicate with sincerity and respect.

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To add to the sad fact that we’ve been sentenced to five months of Route 30 East traffic jams, we now get to contend with low life cretins that butt in line. You know who you are, the special fools that think they may barrel up the right lane and butt in at the last second. When you see a line forming, pull in at the back of it like the rest of us. Would you walk into a bank for example and just butt right in at the front of the line, bet not, people wouldn’t stand for such rude and idiotic behavior.

Mitch Rohrbach
Hellam Township

I would like to extend a special “thank you” on behalf of the girls, the parents and the communities in the Eastern York School District to the many volunteer and paid emergency public service workers who helped make the Lady Knights’ district championship a memorable moment of community pride. You so graciously coordinated your efforts to make this an indelible moment in the hearts and minds of so many Eastern people. Thank you.

The gratitude begins with a department from Lancaster County that started the parade near route 441 in Marietta. The procession built up with anticipation as they escorted the “champs” to the old Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge where they were met by an abundance of personnel and equipment from Wrightsville, Hellam and East Prospect. These drivers and personnel were more than willing to alert the towns of Wrightsville and Hallam, the “champs” had arrived. Witnessing the supporters of Eastern York lining the streets of these towns to welcome home this honorable group of young ladies was a sight to behold.

I just wanted to say as a taxpayer and Dallastown School District resident, kudos to the Springfield Township Planning Commission members who voted to deny Dallastown's ludicrous, tax-gobbling dream of an unnecessary "intermediate school" which will surely run over-budget and create as many hassles as their ill-fated "renovations" of the middle and high school did several years ago.

This plan, as well as Weinberg's typical "It's for the children!" defense of yet another drain on our local tax base, smacks of a legacy-building attempt by a superintendent who did not come from this area and who has little understanding of this area.

Thank you to all who worked or helped in any way at our home on South Queen Street the day of the blast and fire. I am in awe at the amount of kindness and love from all of you. From the fire department, police department, gas company workers and Red Cross to the many others including the man who saved my car by moving it out of the garage to a safe place.

I am optimistic that Congress's vote this week to bring troops home with be passed, giving the majority of Americans a voice finally heard.

I also find it troubling that the privitization of the military only means that the corporate drive to profit will keep this war machine going for as long as it can, even if the American people do not want it.

I am hopeful that the roots of Pennsylvania in non-resistance, both by the Quakers as well as the Mennonites and Amish, will continue to have a steady voice.

Grace Graybill

I find the March 21 published letter by Deb Hosler quite interesting. She attacks Mike Argento for stating nothing more than the facts. Perhaps Ms. Hosler is still reeling from the 2006 election and Mike is the aim of her frustration.

To be quite blunt she needs to wake up to the fact that we are in the midst of the worst U.S. presidential administration to ever take office. They fabricated the causes for a war in Iraq, while the terrorists where once more getting their act together in Afghanistan. Bin Laden must have been in disbelief when the heat was taken off him and his hole in the ground cave, and put on the country of Iraq who had NO ties to 9/11 whatsoever. What more could he ask for?

Monday’s editorial page contained an article concerning the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). I believe that rather than continuing to support an act that has only served to add countless assessments and more standardized testing than any child should endure, our tax dollars should be shifted to support the premise of Leave No Child Behind, the mission of the Children’s Defense Fund. I believe that if we are to improve the education of our nation’s children, we must look beyond the classroom. We must begin much earlier than the time a child registers for school. Children are arriving at school with basic needs unmet; until these are addressed, we cannot expect them to learn, much less perform well on standardized tests.

Celebrations of great purposes and achievements are officially declared for every day, week and month of the year. The period of March 18 – 24 recognizes something vital and basic to everyone. It’s National Agriculture Week.

Less than two percent of America’s population produces the food and fiber needed here and around the world. That enables more than 98 percent of us to pursue dreams and ambitions, which might not include farming.

Monday there was a column about a family's cat being shot. First they should keep the cat at home. Once it leaves their property it becomes a feral cat.

We enjoy having wild birds. Cats come and kill those birds regularly. We had a dog that passed away in October. She would lay on the porch or under it and no cats came around. After she passed away the birds stopped coming.

If you want to keep your cat safe, keep it home.

James N. Goodenough
Thomasville

On behalf of the Senior Center and Board of Directors, I want to thank the Lion’s Club, Lioness Club, Kennard Dale High School and anyone else that helped to organize the benefit show for the senior center on February 24th. We would like to extend a special thanks to Fulton and Genie Lytle for their dedicated work in getting the tickets processed and seeing that everything was ready for the show. Also, thanks to Norma Lingenfelter and her crew, for doing such a wonderful job of getting the ads for the booklet. We are very appreciative of all the businesses and individuals that purchased ads for the booklet, too.

So ironic: Star Stiffler goes to help a "hurting" woman and gets stiffed for it. Ironic because Star had the "golden rule" running through her head when she did it, as well as an uneasy feeling in her gut, and nowadays it seems as if you better go with the gut feeling rather than what the Lord gave as a rule for living well with others.

The alleged perpetrator has messed up not only her own life but also the lives of other, truly needy people, who will not get that helping hand they need because someone who might help them will remember this story and not do it. And so it goes in our sin-filled world. Ironic and sad.

Marc Benton
York

Chuck Richards is an excellent candidate for county commissioner. Having known Chuck personally for over 10 years I can say that he is a positive individual with republican values and strong convictions for both faith and family. Most importantly Chuck is an exceptional listener. That is why I am certain he will act only in the best interest of the York county community.

Robert McDowell
York city

In response to the letters published in Viewpoints on March 18 regarding my last column, I would like to thank both writers for taking the time to enter into the debate. The fact that both represent the public education community is even more gratifying.

Regarding the cat that was shot in Adams county, Ms. Myers, please don't expect sympathy from me. You should be sorry that you have not taken responsibility for your own animal.

Not only does PA law require you to have all animals under control while outside, but it allows other people to kill animals attacking their own or destroying private property. Outdoor and feral cats continue to kill songbirds, dig up neighbors gardens, and reproduce at an ungodly rate. Every year at our farm we have to put down both feral and tame cats that are dumped along the road because people are to lazy to get their own animals spayed and neutered.

Please be more responsible for your pets.
Jeff O'Brien
Dover

Thirty-five years ago this teacher, plus a few others, drove hazardous highways to Harrisburg in order to testify against passage of Act 195 which would grant public employees the right to strike. When spokesmen for the PSEA and AFT made their spiel, one could sense that ambitious politicos were salivating over the potential of winning that huge voter bloc. I have
long-believed that our elected officials, caretakers of the public trust, must approve government job descriptions and that misuse of union power would be a negative influence on our education system.

For the past several weeks, media coverage has featured stories about our neighbors and friends whose lives have been disrupted by the devastation of fire and other disasters.

Many people don’t realize that when the local fire department responds to a house fire, the Red Cross also answers the call.

Our unsung heroes are on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, often leaving behind friends, loved ones and warm beds in the middle of the night to meet with those affected by disaster.

This letter is in response to an article I read in the York Sunday News about a gentleman from Red Lion who was fined for failure to remove snow from his sidewalk immediately following the Valentine's Day snow/ice storm. I feel for this fellow and find it ridiculous that he was fined $49 plus court costs.

We have a president and vice president for whom obstruction of justice is just another burglar tool in their bag, as they rob the balance of powers in our Constitution. Let the subpoenas now issuing in the U.S. attorney scandal lead to the door of the oval office, where the trail surely does directly lead.

And let us renew again and again our call for Congress to impeach ALL those who have harmed we the people so grievously, and to prosecute those impeachments at the most mercifully swift speed.

Anthony Combs
Springettsbury Township

Thank you very much for printing the Iditarod story in the YDR Saturday paper. Craig Medred is a talented writer and certainly appears to have some first hand knowledge of sled dogs.

Because we are so very far away, it does not mean that we are not interested in a major sporting event. I know there are many people in the area who follow the race via internet who would love to see regular updates in the newspaper and on TV.

Again, thanks for printing it.

Diana Miller
Dover

I just wanted to follow up to a letter I wrote in concern with the lack of proper snow removal to the city parking lots in York. We have had two follow up storms and Parking Lot #2 was cleaned very well! Thank-you.

Makes life a little brighter!

Thanks again for the clean parking lot.

Sue Rugh
Conewago Township

I would like to thank everyone that signed a petition for me to run for the Democratic nomination for York City Treasurer and for Ned Grove to run for York County Commissioner. Ned and I enjoyed walking through the streets of the city and listening to your concerns about issues like rising taxes and eminent domain.

We hope we can count on you to get the word out to your friends about why we are running and actively support us for the offices we seek in the May 15th Democratic primary and throughout the general election. Thank you for your belief in us to serve you well.

Matthew Mann
York City

I must respond to Joel Sears' article ("Ten Steps to Better Schools" - March 11).

First of all, it is unfair to compare the scores of different districts. Some districts consist of many upper-middle class professional families, and it is these students who usually perform the best on standardized tests for two reasons: one, their schools can afford more intervention programs, and two, their parents can more easily afford private tutors and programs to help their children. It is unfair to compare them to schools and parents who cannot afford these extra programs.

I recently returned from a five week glorious stay in Florida on March 5, only to go outside to my car five hours later and slip on some remaining ice in the alley. I knew immediately I had broken my left arm.

After being rushed to the Memorial Hospital by my brother Daryl and his girlfriend Cindy (thank you so much), I was taken by the triage nurses and given the best and fastest care anyone could ever receive and of course, the drugs helped a lot with the pain.

Vote NO to the Earned Income Tax (EIT) for Dallastown Area Schools. In May of 2007 residents of the Dallastown Area School District have the power to put the brakes on runaway school taxes. Several weeks ago, the school board voted unanimously to move ahead with a 1% percent (EIT) if the taxpayers are foolish enough to vote for it. Make no mistake about it, these people, along with every person that works for the school district would love nothing more than to have you and I vote for this tax. In return, they will tell you that life will be better because, if you vote yes for the 1% EIT, your property taxes will go down.

On behalf of the York St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, a volunteer, not-for-profit organization, we would like to thank everyone for their wonderful support of our annual celebration of Celtic heritage.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for parade day, and we were forced to cancel the parade. While monitoring the weather forecast in the days leading up to parade day, we sadly realized we were going to be forced to make a decision to cancel the parade if snow accumulation turned out to be significant. It was a heartbreaking decision to make, but a matter of public safety. Our committee works year-round to coordinate the parade and several related downtown events. We also recognize that many of our participants have spent countless hours building floats, creating costumes, rehearsing music and dance, requesting leave of work, leasing transportation, just to name a few examples, in preparation for the march down Market Street. Fortunately, everyone we have personally spoken with has been extremely positive and has vowed to save preparations, where feasible, for next year.

Why do you insist on biased reporting?

Yesterday, you featured a large color photo of anti-war protesters in Washington DC. But where was the photo of counter-protesters that were even more numerous?

I've noticed how bias also influences your reporting on the annual March for Life in Washington DC, which takes places every January 22. You give the 200,000 pro-lifers the same coverage as you do the 300 pro-abortion people who also show up. Why?

To top things off, you report favorably on homosexuality. Next, will you give a positive spin to incest and bestiality?

Robert Ritchie
Spring Grove

I was traveling home Friday afternoon on I-83 when I had to come to a complete stop on the road. I was at the Pennsylvania state line and further progress at more than 3 mph was impossible due to road conditions. The cause was the total incompetence of PennDOT, who are incapable of correctly applying salt or clearing snow from a major road. I might not have noticed, but 400 yards before entering PA the road was clear and traffic was moving at a safe 50 mph.

I just got done reading the article on the Wrightsville council dated 3/15. The article mentions Walt Dixon and his shannigans. Well people of Wrightsville this is nothing new. I lived there in the late 70s and early 80s and the same things were going on then.

As far as being critical of council that is your right as a voter since this guy runs unopposed he seems to think he doesn't have to answer to the voters. You can always write in a vote for someone else. I commend the citizens group keep it up or you'll regret it.

Jeff Lehman
West Melbourne, FL

In response to This Week's Newsmaker (Viewpoints, March 18), I thought perhaps you would be interested in another topic that involves Congressman Platts. I have been communicating with his office, including a phone call with Mr. Platts regarding the issue of securing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

My purpose was to encourage the Congressman to introduce an addendum to the CDL legislation that would require a minimum instruction time for any applicant attempting to gain this type of license. The reasoning is that there are too many accidents on our highways which involve tractor/trailer units – not all of which are caused by them, but certainly many are the cause.

When asked what the YMCA is, many would surely answer that the Y is a fitness club. And yes, the four York County YMCA branches are host to fitness facilities, but the YMCA is certainly more than just a gym.

For over 150 years, the YMCA has worked to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. And inside the walls of the expansive YMCA facility at 90 North Newberry Street, you will find a variety of programs and activities that work to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. 2007 marks the YMCA's 152nd anniversary, and now more than ever, the YMCA is demonstrating its dedication to adhering to the goals of the first YMCA-to provide for the "spiritual condition" and "mental culture" of community members.

In his letter published at YDR 's website on Feb 20th, Mr. James E. Nunn claims that atheists have a “morally bankrupt belief system”. Now, a month later, Mr. Nunn contradicts himself by claiming that “the atheist cannot even define morality”. I doubt that he personally knows me and therefore hardly has the right to judge my personal beliefs.

I have lived in York for 20 years and I am continually amazed by the kindness and generosity of area residents when it comes to community projects. Kudos to the individuals who donated money to me this month to benefit Olivia's House, and for volunteers from the Junior League and my co-workers at Sovereign who went the extra yard to help me make this a successful endeavor. Due everyone's collective efforts we were able to generate enough money to be a Mortgage Angel and pay Olivia's House mortgage for the month of April, and to Gene Draganosky, York Regional President of Sovereign Bank for the bank's matching the donation so that we could also pay their mortgage for the month of May.

A vote is anticipated next week that would increase the number of representatives in the House of Representatives from 435 to 437. Washington, D.C. and Utah would each gain a voting member in the House. Currently, Washington has a NON-voting member in the house, who is only allowed to vote in committee but not on the floor. The bill coming up in the House does not change Senate representation.

This letter pertains to the arrest of 20 employees of York City Schol District for outstanding warrants for minor offenses like parking tickets and minor traffic offenses. Anyone who has walked in the shoes of a city school teacher knows it's difficult enough trying to teach and command respect and when the perception that their own teachers are being detained or arrested reaches the students, they will make the most of this situation and the results are terrible. Calling the teachers jailbirds is the tip of the iceberg. Kids have long memories and it will follow those teachers as they tread the uncertain waters of classroom discipline.

People it is HIGH TIME we wake up and smell the coffee. After reading and hearing about yet another firing re: the 93 lawyers done away with by “King George.“ It is obvious to me, and I pray to many others that this blood thirsty warlord is positioning for ultimate power. If he is not impeached and his hoard of henchmen done away with, this will be a nation under a sure dictatorship, not a democracy. How clear does it have to be that GW Bush is NOT our ally.? He is NOT a friend nor leader to this country, but rather, in his own way, something akin to Hitler. He wants absolute control and will stop at nothing to get it.

The 9-11 Commission said in its report that the terrorists were at war with us, before we were at war with them.

I don't know what's so hard to understand about that statement.

People like Debroah Wolfgang want us to go with her and others to demand that we bring home the troops fighting the terrorists.

Maybe if we just had some flower power again...

David Smith
York Township

Congratulations to Larry Aiken, Hellam Township and James Hamlin, Penn Township for starting the ball rolling to clean house in the York County Commissioner's Office. We, as voters have a wonderful opportunity to reverse the Special Interest, Tax and Spend Commissioners Mitrick and Kilgore. These are the folks who ran on a 'Fiscal Conservative' agenda, and as soon as they were elected, they changed 180 degrees.

In the 1980s it was the coming ICE AGE, caused by Carbon Dioxide reflecting the sun's energy into outer space. By 2008 it would be too cold to grow crops.

Since 2000 Carbon Dioxide is trapping the heat causing GLOBAL WARMING! Drowning the low lying coastal areas.

Two things come to mind: First we have weather data for about 300 of the earth's estimated 750,000,000 years; sample size is 1 in 2,500,000, awfully small sample to predict a trend. Second there is nothing like a good scary story to generate cash. Remember, "Jason"; the Amityville Horror, Y2K?

Two provisions of Social Security, the Windfall Elimination Provision, or WEP and Government Pension Offset, or GPO, will increasingly affect women as the tsunami of baby-boomers retire. Seventy-five percent of GPO/WEP-affected individuals are women and forty percent are currently widowed. These women may suffer up to 50 percent reduction in their Social Security benefits according to National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association President Margaret Baptiste.

GPO/WEP has a severe negative effect on retired teachers, police, fire-fighters and federal annuitants. Scores of Senators and Representatives have co-sponsored legislation in the past to repeal these onerous provisions. Yet legislation has not reached the floor for positive vote and subsequent Presidential approval.

We decided to get my mother a cell phone for Christmas (2006). It made us feel safer that she was safer having one.

There was even a $30 rebate that came with the phone that we chose. Oh, and be sure to fill out the forms correctly or else you will never receive your rebate. I was fortunate. I received a $30 rebate visa card which I could use anywhere, but could not get cash from - BUT I could put it towards my bill, (that’s convenient), but not over the phone - only at one of their stores.

You got to be kidding me! This is outrageous.

It is my belief that our general perception of county/state maintenance employees is that they rarely go above the call of duty to correct a problem. This is not to say they are lazy or incompetant, just not as motivated as others.

Your story about Mr. Bret Raver could easily change this perception. Not only does he seem to have taken his position seriously, but took it upon himself to think outside the box and try to better the Municipality he was serving. His implementation of new technology, securing grant money, and personal initiative are excellent traits all maintenance staffs could learn from.

This breath of fresh air deserves a commendation, not a dismissal. The Council should be ashamed of it's decision. They need to embrace resources like this.

I, for one, will gladly look up Mr. Raver's new lawn care business.
David Fahs
Manchester Township

Recently we had a scare at our Haines Acres Home. The smoke detector/carbon monoxide monitor alarmed us to possible danger. My wife called the Fire Department and they responded. They found a carbon monoxide leak coming from the water heater. We waited outside until the air cleared and the water heater shut down.

Kudos to the professional firemen/EMT units from Spring Garden/Springettsbury FDs and to Regal, Inc. plumbing for rapid response. Please check your homes for both smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. They are a great safety device. They do save lives.

Bob and Judy Lease
Springettsbury Township

Higher local taxes, government waste and eminent domain abuse are some of the main issues in the voter’s minds in the upcoming York County commissioners’ race this year. What taxpayer has not experienced tax increases in what you pay in York County taxes? For the last few years taxes have gone up, up, up. Where is it going to end? With the voter, I say.

Come on you property owners, and senior citizens, read Richard Axe's letter to the editor of March 13th, urging all of us to write or call our legislators to ABOLISH ALL PROPERTY TAXES, this is the only way to go, don't just complain, do something, call your legislator, or write to them.

John T Tuleja
Spring Garden Township

Why in the world would the YDR have as the lead news story in the March 7 issue n "analysis" piece on the conviction of Scooter Libby? This piece was nothing more than a political hatchet job on the Bush administration.

The real liar in all of this is Joe Wilson, who lied when he claimed that Vice-President Cheney's office sent him to Niger, when, in fact, it was his wife, a mid level bureaucrat in the CIA, who arranged his trip. Was it unethical for the Bush administration to investigate and correct this lie being promulgated so widely by the media?

I can’t wait to see who you attack next. We’ve read about Rumsfeld, Rice, Cheney, DHS and this week was Platts and the FBI, and, always GW is called something. Is Scooter Libby next? The guy who is guilty of exactly what? And, Mike…please do your homework this time.

Do you promise to resign when you get through all the Republicans? Or, shall we start on the other “side”?

Mr. Brooks writes with nostalgia about the Bush Whitehouse of 2003 (Tuesday, March 13, p. 4A), and I can’t help but wonder if the turning point came much later, in March 2005, when the incident with Terri Shiavo changed what we had come to expect from Mr. Bush. Up until then, there were many who believed that Mr. Bush would always strive to make the moral choice,
including the defense of the poor and downtrodden of Iraq. The day after Terri Schiavo lost her last court battle and was removed from food and water and began to dehydrate to death, Bush had a special news conference. “This must be it! He’s going to get those folks back in Florida on track! He won’t let her die like this!” But No. His all-important news conference was a ho-hummer about new policies in Social Security. It was worse than a red flag, because I think I know what he really meant. The new policy on Social Security: Kill anyone who gets in the way.

Ginger Bova
Manchester Township

An explosion at about 10:30 Saturday evening rattled the West York area around Richland and College avenues. There apparently was an explosion at 961 W. College Ave. next to Mike's Nut Shop with people trapped inside. Our local fire, police, and rescue should be commended for their incredible response time. Their reaction and organization are impressive.

Larry Bowers
West York

This Saturday March 17 in Washington D.C. come and join thousands of Americans who want to see the troops come back home and the war to end. The march on the Pentagon marks the 4th anniversary of the war in Iraq. The assembly begins at 23rd and Constitution in the park near the Vietnam War Memorial. Then at noon, the march kicks off to progress to the Pentagon, where a peace rally will be held. Be part of this peaceful demonstration, as we show the world Americans want peace now! I plan to be there along with friends to rally peacefully for the beginning of the end of war. Consider making the trip to Washington DC supporting the peace movement, it’s time to end war for the sake of American lives as well as Iraqi.

Deborah Wolfgang
Wellsville

My family and I are Orthodox Christians and belong to St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church here in York. I was very upset and offended when I turned to the "Flip Side" insert from the York Daily Record dated March 1st and saw what looked like a beautiful and sacred Icon (Greek word which means "image") of the Mother of God (Theotokos) with Child (Jesus) being walked on by these "actors" from the play "Wit!"

As the campaign begins for York City Council, I implore the newspapers and radio and television stations to be aware of their own racist and discriminatory tendencies, whether intentional or unintentional. I have noticed that on every occasion when the candidates were listed in the two local newspapers, that Carol Hill-Evans, an African American woman, has always been listed after Ray, Smith or Washington --- all Caucasian women. In fact the most recent article “Hopefuls discuss abatement,” which ran in both papers March 9, is a blatant case in point.

I haven’t heard much about the sale of the Pa. Turnpike. I just made a trip from Carlisle to St. Paul, Minn. My truck was rated class 7 on the Pa. turnpike with a toll of $64. The Ohio turnpike toll was $33.50; Indiana toll was $15.25; Illinois toll was $8. The total was $120.75 in tolls. Point being, who paid for the tolls? No, not me, but the consumer. The entire trip was paid for by the consumer, including my fuel. When I delivered the polymer I was hauling it was unloaded at a warehouse. It will be loaded again and delivered to the customer when they are ready for it, and again unloaded. Who pays for this? You got it, the consumer. When the polymer is used to make the customer’s product, that product will be bought by a consumer. When the consumer decides they no longer need it or it breaks, it will be thrown away. Who pays for the trash pickup? Right, the consumer.

My family and I want to thank our friends for the cards, phone calls and e-mails on the unexpected death of our great loved one, Garry Sipe. He will be truly missed by Wally, Peabody and little Tippy Toes, his three furry boys.

Our thanks to Don Ramsey and Laura Sabold. We love you both. I know the weather was not great that day. Thanks again and God Bless you.

Alice Sipe
Myrtle Beach
(Friends can write Alice at 509 Waccamaw Pines Drive, Myrtle Beach SC 29579)

I live on the Avenues in a detached house with a quarter acre in York city. I pay over $3,800 a year in taxes for a house assessed at $92,000. I pay over $30 a month for sewer and refuse fees to the city to have people take away my trash.

Since moving here three years ago I have had the pleasure of picking up trash on daily basis and coming home to find people parked in and blocking my driveway waiting for their kids. I’ve called the police quite a few times about drug users stopping in front of my house to smoke up and on one occasion about a couple who apparently couldn't afford a hotel room.

A wise person knows all personal liberties come with moral responsibility; lest society be corrupted, which leads to animosity, and then loss of freedom. We must remember, that the freedom to pollute and mutilate our bodies also can extend to the mind. So moral responsibilty comes with speech freedoms. Using our free speach rights we can provoke to change. Now, I don't know anthing about "The Laramie Project" play, or its promotions. What I do know, is that that there are those who wish to pollute and mutilate my culture's demands of responsibility in the guise of free speech.

These people say they want tolerance. What they really want is a change in moral responsibility. What good civilized Westerners should be seeking is forgiveness in their neighbors, or what Christians call grace.
Brian McCleaf
West Manchester Township

In the March 11 edition of the paper, Joel Sears' wrote a column about the "Top Ten Steps to Better Schools." Where it seamed like one of David Letterman's little skits, it was not as humorous or well informed. I found it a bit irritating that he based his entire argument on standardized tests (specifically the PSSA) scores to explain what is wrong with education. He decided to take the scores at face value without examining the entire picture. Numbers alone do not explain successes as well as failures and I will explain why.

The erosion of the American soul continues at a alarming rate. I'm grateful to the Christian missionary, a native of Africa, who traveled here to devote his time to help bring America back to God. Judges, lawyers, politicians, many have no moral conscience. Recently a counselor told the mother of a high school student, "when your child goes to school it is like entering a war zone." Many Christian churches are compromising with the world's values and are being lead by pastors who are misrepresenting the Bible.

Re: Community Columnist, Joel Sears' article in March 11 York Sunday News

You throw out percentages on test performance and compliance with the No Child Left Behind agenda. As a former member of the York City School Board, I challenge you, and all adults, to take the test! The new TV show, "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader" is showing what that age child does know.

Please tell Diane Gramley, President of the American Family Association of PA, that she really should see or read a play before commenting on it ("A crime is a crime" 3/12/07). Her claims that the "Laramie Project" contains scenes of graphic violence and depictions of sex are laughable. Her unfounded fear of things she doesn't understand is obvious.

As I tell my students, ignorance is a prison and education is the key.
Steve Whiteley
Springettsbury Township

James Nunn seems to have picked up a number of pen pals, sort of. He should do a bit more bible study for he has failed to heed the advice of Jesus Christ. Mr. Nunn should take the log out of his own eye before he presumes to take the speck out of another’s eye.

Recently there have been letters to the effect that the public is rude to handicapped persons. We just want to take a moment to dispute that.

The last three and a half years my wife had been disabled and at various times has used a walker or a wheelchair. Fortunately just recently she has gotten back to walking without assistance.

We have both been amazed at how courteous people are to people that are handicapped. Almost without fail if a person sees someone using a wheelchair or walker the will go out of there way to offer any assistance they can. This includes holding doors, removing objects that may be way, such as a cart, and even helping them up a curb when there is no ramp near.

In reference to the looming Rose Hill Acres development at Mount Rose Avenue and Route 83, one reads the depressing news:

“The unanimous 4-0 vote [by the Spring Garden Township Commissioners] came after more than four hours of testimony…”(YDR, January 12, 2007).

On October 22, 2006, Tim Bupp wrote “Today, however, wise land use planners and municipal officials have come to view farmland and undeveloped open space as a valuable asset, not only for its aesthetic value and environmental benefits …”

The rich are getting richer. There are now nearly 1,000 billionaires in the world. Bill Gates leads the pack with $56 billion but Warren Buffett is closing in with a not-so-paltry $52 billion. The mega billionaires, however, got less news footage recently than the now mega millionaires who struck it rich in the mega million lottery. These folks are certainly a lot more like you and me than they are like Gates, Buffett and the other billionaires in the world, but not because their net worth is closer to us than it is to the truly super wealthy. Rather, it is because they are “normal” folks who have not distinguished themselves in any particular way in the world of achievement, status, and power.

This is in response to the article in the March 9 edition of your paper about York Catholic coach Andrew Bria. My question to your paper is who are the other ten people arrested in last November’s sting operation and why don’t we see more headlines about them? I think it has come to a point where it is laugh out loud ridiculous that this man is still in the headlines. There are so many more important issues in this world, why is this still news?

I would like to extend a special “Thank You” on behalf of the girls, the parents and the communities in the Eastern York School District to the many volunteer and paid emergency public service workers that helped make the Lady Knights district championship a memorable moment of community pride. You so graciously coordinated your efforts to make this an indelible moment in the hearts and minds of so many Eastern people. Thank you.