NEW CASTLE —
When you look at America of 100 years ago, you can see the beginnings of the modern world.
Industrialization was in full force, and urbanization was in progress. Plus, the First World War was just around the corner, a conflagration that would reshape the map and this nation’s place in it.
Still, much of the United States at that time was rural, as it still is today. It was into this society, straddling the modern and traditional, that 4-H arrived in Lawrence County.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the local organization devoted to helping young people learn assorted skills. In this regard, 4-H is not unique, but it plays a major role in communities such as Lawrence County, where much of the population is rural.
While 4-H traditionally has focused on agricultural matters, the organization has evolved with the times. It still provides educational and social opportunities devoted to raising livestock and other aspects of agriculture. But it’s also involved in other activities that have little or nothing to do with the farm.
In Lawrence County, for instance, there are 30 different 4-H clubs. And while some create entertaining educational formats for youngsters who want to learn agricultural skills, others focus on activities as diverse as bowling and rocketry. The sky’s the limit when it comes to 4-H, so to speak.
Perhaps the high point of the year for many local 4-H participants is the annual Lawrence County Fair. It’s not only an opportunity to socialize, it’s also a chance for club members to show off their skills and accomplishments. The achievements of 4-H members are always a central focus of the fair, helping to promote its emphasis on the community’s youth.
Last week, local 4-H clubs gathered to mark the 100th birthday of 4-H in Lawrence County. There were, of course, the obligatory servings of cake and ice cream, but also honors were presented to both the adults who guide and support various program and the young people who take the skills they learn and record achievements.
As with any such organization, it’s the volunteers who donated their time and resources that makes 4-H the success it is. Educational opportunities aimed at encouraging young people to develop their skills depend on the efforts of adults who are willing an able to share. They deserve recognition for tasks that don’t always make headlines, but do make a difference.
So we salute our local 4-H organizations and all they do for the community. And we look forward to another 100 years of accomplishments.
Editorials
Our Opinion: 4-H has long history of helping to guide young people
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Our Opinion: Privatization of county jail is worthy of examination
Generally speaking, we support government efforts to seek more efficient ways to provide essential services. So we have no problem with the decision by the Lawrence County commissioners to solicit proposals for the private operation of the county jail.
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Our Opinion: We endorse candidates for New Castle board
The New Castle school district is often a study in contrasts. There are complaints about the district on everything from taxes to nepotism, from test scores to ethical slights. Yet at the same time, plenty of students within the district excel. It’s a tribute to the hard work of those students, their families and the educators who support them.
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Our Opinion: You should be frightened, outraged by IRS abuse of power
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones. But a more credible threat may be the Internal Revenue Service. This agency, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing related rules, has the ability to make life miserable for the average individual.
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Our Opinion: Our endorsements for City Council race
The city of New Castle needs help. Financially distressed and operating under Pennsylvania’s Act 47, New Castle must find ways to reverse its population loss and fiscal challenges.
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Our Opinion: Court frowns on gerrymandering, but only slightly
Pennsylvania legislators have received the green light to put their own political interests ahead of yours. That’s a key point in the latest Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on legislative apportionment in the commonwealth.
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Our Opinion: Study says distracted driving deaths are under reported
Suppose you operated a piece of heavy machinery at your job. And suppose it’s machinery that moves quickly with little effort. What would happen if you decided to take one hand off that equipment — while it was still in motion — and instead focused your attention on a telephone call?
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Our Opinion: Senate seeks to give states more taxing power
Congress is taking a stab at tax fairness. At least, where states are concerned. If you’re looking for meaningful reform of the federal tax code, that’s going to have to wait.
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Our Opinion: Look at handling of bombing suspects is warranted
We welcome an investigation into the handling of intelligence related to suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing. That probe may reveal little of value.
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Our Opinion: Right to know reveals intermediate unit problem
At this point, we have few details regarding the resignation of the director of this region’s intermediate unit. Apparently, there was a problem with purchases Cecelia H. Yauger made with a government credit card through the state agency that provides support services to area school districts.
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Our Opinion: New wave of ethics initiatives arrives in Harrisburg
There may be hope yet for Harrisburg. Recent signs suggest that even lawmakers are grasping that the ethics situation in the state capital is taking its toll. Maybe they are hearing from constituents who are fed up with the commonwealth’s seemingly endless string of scandals.
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