If you’re feeling substantially under the weather these days, it could be the swine flu.
But there’s no reason to panic; it’s the flu, not the end of the world.
While this flu, formally identified as the H1N1 virus, can vary in severity, and has been linked to a few deaths (as is the case with other types of flu), most people feel horrible for a few days and then get better.
There has been considerable talk in the media about swine flu, mainly because of the concern it could mutate into something much more serious. A vaccine is being distributed in some areas, but it’s not yet available in Lawrence County.
As of now, about two dozen cases of the swine flu have been confirmed in the county, however, that’s a little misleading. Testing is required to officially differentiate one type of flu from another.
It’s presumed plenty of people who have suffered from this flu simply weren’t tested. Such testing helps health officials track the disease, but it does little for a particular patient. By the time results come back, the individual is usually recovering.
For the time being, the best advice is to practice prevention — just like other seasonal diseases. Individuals should wash their hands regularly, avoid unnecessary contact and take steps to avoid spreading the virus if they are infected. This, too, shall pass.
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We join those who have offered their congratulations to “Pizza Joe” Seminara.
The Lawrence County businessman has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by New Castle Rotary Club 89.
It’s certainly a fitting tribute. Not only has Seminara enjoyed success with his chain of Pizza Joe’s restaurants, he also is well known for his support of community projects and charitable endeavors.
The restaurant business is a tough one. Many who try don’t succeed. Seminara’s accomplishments are a tribute to his dedication to the work and to his community. He deserves the honor.
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Meanwhile, there’s good news regarding another local restaurant.
Parkstown is preparing to reopen. The longtime restaurant, banquet hall and bowling alley was destroyed by a massive fire in January. It was a terrible loss for owners Richard and Wanda Bardash.
But they have bounced back, with plans to reopen at a nearby building along Route 224 in Union Township. Renovation is under way to begin restaurant operations next month.
And the Bardashes hope this will be just the start, as they plan to build a new bowling alley and plaza on the land which housed their former facility. We wish them well.
Editorials
EDITORIAL: Odds and ends
- Editorials
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High court forces lawmakers back to drawing board
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to throw out a legislative redistricting plan exposes a fundamental truth: The mapping of House and Senate districts in the commonwealth have nothing to do with representation or serving the people.
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Our Opinion: City hurts businesses by ticketing during lunch hours
Most of the candidates running (and now elected) for New Castle City Council and mayor last year said they believed downtown redevelopment was important. This was a common theme during editorial board meetings at the New Castle News prior to last spring’s primary and before the general election.
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Citizens offer to take open seat on New Castle City Council
It’s good to see there is so much interest in serving on New Castle City Council. On Tuesday, council interviewed nine citizens who have expressed a desire to fill an existing vacancy. The only unfortunate part is that most of these people weren’t interested in the post last year, when it was on the ballot.
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Second thoughts
County commissioner decides to take charge of prison board
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Our Opinion, Part 2: Mayor’s hiring of his son raises more serious questions
If you ask New Castle residents to identify the biggest problem in local government, one word will stand out:
Nepotism. The term, of course, refers to the hiring of one’s relatives for positions, regardless of the fact others are equally — or more — deserving of available positions. -
Our Opinion: Why didn’t council keep Chief Tom Sansone?
Last week, a majority on city council refused to confirm Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo’s appointment of Tom Sansone to continue as police chief. For the moment, the city has no police chief, and city residents are left to wonder why.
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Writers reveal ignorance of school board politics
Editor, The News: In a recent edition of The News there was a letter by James Smith that caught my attention.
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Fairness is consideration in Jameson Hospital’s request to city
Jameson Hospital wants New Castle to give it a break. And it’s something city council should consider — if doing so makes sense, and if it is fair to all.
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Proposal to cut size of Legislature moves modestly ahead
Efforts to streamline Pennsylvania’s Legislature took a step forward this week. But plenty of additional steps remain in what promises to be a daunting process.
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Violence flares in Mideast nation as American troops depart
It doesn’t always make headlines in America, but violence is a regular occurrence in Iraq. Yesterday, car bombings in Baghdad killed 14 people and wounded 75 others. In the United States, such bloodshed would be a major event. In Iraq, it’s just more of the same.
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High court forces lawmakers back to drawing board
