The sewer rate hike is new budget staple
It is a refrain that is being heard as municipal budget time hits and it is a refrain that will be heard and felt often in the future. In Old Lycoming Township, there's a budget on display with no tax increase in it. But the same budget includes a $10 per month increase in sewer rates to pay for the township's share of upgrades to the Williamsport Sanitary Authority treatment plan, which is where the township sends its sewage for treatment. Much of the upgrade is in reaction to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup mandates from the federal government and to meet future environmental orders. Old Lycoming is not the first municipality locally and won't be the last impacted by the Chesapeake Bay costs. Look for sewer rate hikes to become a staple of local municipal budgets for the next several years. And throughout the area, those ugly sewer line cuts and traffic tieups are becoming a numbing part of the daily landscap.
» Full StoryNo frills remedies for coming electrical shock
An electrical shock is coming to the area's residents. In January, electricity rate caps will be removed and bills will be going up by an average of 30 percent or more.
» Full StoryLong-overdue cell phone measures move forward
The state House Transportation Committee last week approved a bill that would bar text message while driving in Pennsylvania.
» Full StoryHealth care reform approach still faulty
The health care reform plan narrowly made it through the House last weekend and there was the expected self-patting on the back from the majority leaders.
But as it now stands, the plan is dead on arrival in the Senate. And rightfully so.
Take political correctness out of Fort Hood probe
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., is right to abandon political correctness in his desire to know what effect, if any, Islamic terrorists had on the man accused of killing 13 people and wounding 29 others at Fort Hood, Texas.
» Full StoryObama talks with North Korea: Proceed with extreme caution
We hope President Barack Obama is not making a mistake in his plan to engage in bilateral talks with North Korea. He and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should proceed with extreme caution.
» Full Story
Lycoming vs Gettsburg-W
Loyalsock vs Lewisburg-SC
PCT vs Lyco-BB
LHU Basketball vs Charleston
Mini-Golf @ Library
Hughesville vs Lewisburg-FB
Loyalsock vs Montour-SC
Loyalsock vs Danville-FB