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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Postal service’s financial woes not of their own making
It’s no secret that the U.S. Postal Service is experiencing financial troubles. One of the consequences of a deficit in the billions of dollars soon will become apparent in New Castle, when the city’s mail processing facility on Cascade Street is shut down.
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Our Opinion: UPMC, Highmark tangle for dominance. But what about the public?
Health insurance recipients in western Pennsylvania received some good news recently. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Highmark Inc., the two local behemoths of the insurance and health care industry, reached an agreement to extend their contract with each other. The 18-month extension will be good through 2014.
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Our Opinion: Annual Jack Butz Award honors community involvement
During his lifetime, Jack Butz was known as someone who donated much to the community. And even now, years after his passing, Butz continues to give. We refer to the annual Jack Butz Award, where a local citizen is recognized for his or her contributions to New Castle and the surrounding area.
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Our Opinion: Why would New Castle weaken architecture standards?
There are times when communities must decide what they want to be. For New Castle, one of those times is arriving later this month. New Castle City Council is considering changes to the municipal zoning ordinance that will have the effect of seriously weakening standards for the North Hill Historic District.
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Our Opinion: A box from 1914 says something about the past — and today
The former Elks building in downtown New Castle was demolished months ago, but one bit of business remained. And city officials addressed that last week, when a time capsule from 1914 was opened.
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Our Opinion: Awareness campaigns protect generations of children
The first step in solving a problem is recognizing that it exists. That was a major factor behind the recent Walk for Justice at Cascade Park, organized by the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County.
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Our Opinion: Secret Service scandal symbolizes breaches of public trust
There are a couple of pieces of good news regarding the Secret Service sex scandal. The first is that an investigation has determined the women hired as prostitutes by Secret Service agents in Columbia apparently were just that.
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Our Opinion: Municipalities save money with shared services
In difficult financial times, finding ways to use tax dollars more efficiently is an essential government task. That’s why we were pleased to learn that Shenango Township and South New Castle Borough have agreed to share police services.
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Our Opinion: State politicians use campaign funds in criminal cases
If you want to wage a spirited defense against criminal charges, you need money. A good attorney, after all, isn’t cheap. But if you are an influential elected official in Pennsylvania facing trial, this problem comes with a ready solution. All you have to do is tap into your campaign funds.
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Our Opinion: Resignation in Neshannock highlights leadership issue
With Neshannock Township now seeking a new manager, we hope the supervisors have learned something from their experiences so far. That’s because their efforts to date on selecting a manager for the municipality haven’t gone very well. Ironically, the questionable practices and decision-making displayed by the supervisors demonstrate the need for sound management in the township.
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Postal service’s financial woes not of their own making
