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Local Commentaries

View from Hickory Heights: I remember when …

I moved from my hometown more than 60 years ago. Urban Renewal went through and everything changed. I recall stories of my grandfather going out and getting lost. His memory was not that bad, but the landmarks he was so used to seeing disappeared. Once I saw what had happened in Dunkirk, I ...

The short story of our long lives

The short story of our long lives Ben Franklin said that the two things you can count on in life are death and taxes. Ben was wrong. It turns out there’s a third universal certainty if we’re lucky enough to age: Shrinking. Most of us begin losing height after age 40. My shrinkage has ...

The importance of responsible gun ownership in rural communities

As a lifelong resident of rural America, I understand the importance of hunting and responsible gun ownership. Our traditions are deeply rooted in the respect for nature, the skills passed down through generations, and the camaraderie shared in the great outdoors. In the face of recent ...

We need to stand united

As you know, on Saturday, not far from here in Butler, PA, a tragic and shameful assassination attempt was made on a former president and Republican presidential candidate resulting in the wounding of former President Trump, the killing of Corey Comperatore, and the wounding of David Dutch ...

View from Hickory Heights: Cool and easy hot weather recipes

By ANN R. SWANSON This hot weather got me to thinking about how I eat when it is too warm to cook. I have several go-to things. First, I love cottage cheese. I fix cottage cheese with fruit and call it a meal. That makes a no bother lunch. Sometimes I go to my herb patch and get some chives. ...

Rounding Third: Stacking up the many birthdays

Recently a friend told me that she always enjoyed columns about my mother. I laughed with her saying, “I’ve told her stories so many times, it feels like everyone would have heard or read them all.” But the calendar reminded me of a relevant one. Friends have heard the story, but it has ...