EDITORIAL: Odds and ends

New Castle News

July 03, 2009 10:00 am

— A planned meeting on the fate of New Castle’s mail processing facility may add some clarity to a muddled issue.
The U.S. Postal Service will conduct the session starting at 7 p.m. July 15 at New Castle High School. Those attending are to hear specifics about a study that examined moving at least some postal operations from New Castle to Pittsburgh.
Ever since word of this study and its potential consequences came to light earlier this year, it has been controversial. Naturally, New Castle postal employees, who could be impacted by any change, are worried about their jobs. And this is an area that can ill afford a decline in employment.
Plus, there are objections that shifting operations to Pittsburgh will slow local mail delivery.
But there have been mixed messages from the postal service, union representatives and government officials over what is happening or not happening with this proposal. The July 15 meeting should give residents a better sense of what’s to come.
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These may be tough economic times locally, but when it comes to fireworks, the show must go on.
Traditional community fireworks displays, held on and around the Fourth of July, are still on tap in Lawrence County. That’s good news for fans of these aerial shows.
And it’s good for the local economy as well. After all, fireworks employ people here, mainly because of two community businesses, Zambelli Internationale and Pyrotecnico. These firms shoot off local fireworks, as well as displays around the globe.
But another benefit of fireworks shows is their impact on the broader economy. People travel to see these bursts of colors and they presumably spend money on food and other items in the process.
So, in a sense, fireworks are not merely good fun, they are also good business.
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There must be something about Lawrence County school administrators that impresses the folks in Hermitage.
Former Neshannock superintendent Karen Ionta went on to become superintendent in the Hermitage school district. And with her retirement this year, Shenango superintendent Dan Bell was selected as her replacement.
Of course, Bell is no stranger to Hermitage. He began his educational career there as a teacher, before Shenango snatched him up as an administrator. But this is more than just payback on Hermitage’s part. Board members in the larger district recognize talent.
Shenango must now look for a replacement for Bell. That’s going to be the hard part.