State Quitline Offering Free Nicotine Patches

Couple grateful for aid during fire
On Monday, Jan. 26, we experie

State&rsquo;s war money had far better uses
With reports of economic meltdowns and bailouts, it might behoove citizens of the commonwealth to examine how they spent their money in the last few years.
According to the Friends Committee on National Legislation ( www.fcnl.org), by last month Pennsylvania residents would have spent $25 billion for the war in Iraq. 
In addition to the incalculable human cost, this amount could have purchased for the state:
 &#8226; More than 6 million more Pennsylvanians covered by health insurance for a year.
 &#8226; 2 million university scholarships.
 &#8226; 396,000 elementary school teachers for one year.
 &#8226; More than 30 million homes powered with renewable electricity for one year.
Set against a backdrop of the Bush administration&rsquo;s promise that Iraq oil would pay for the war and the reconstruction of that country, the lost opportunities are all the more tragic.
Writer questions logic of levee fee
I have a few comments on recent county developments, and I would like to start by asking this: Is everyone running this county out of their minds?
First: a levee fee imposed only on residents who live near the levee.
When I read a lawyer&rsquo;s comment that says the fee can be charged only to property owners directly affected, it intrigued me. I don&rsquo;t live by the levee but I walk it nearly daily, as do a few hundred other people who probably do not live by the levee.
While I am there I watch the many fishermen launch their boats from the public boat launch. (I appreciate those who do live there that will be funding that for me and would like to thank them in advance).
I have a few friends who do live near there and thought maybe they could set up a collection booth to charge a dollar or two to everyone who does not live in the levee-protected area and uses the levee system for their health or enjoyment.
Also, maybe the residents can then set up a toll booth on River Street as well as the Market Street and Carey Avenue bridges, since the roads that connect them are levee-protected; this list can be a mile long.
Get serious. The levee is a county responsibility and officials should create and manage the budget with that in mind.
Last but not least: The county cashed my property reassessment appeal check in August. I have sent two certified letters regarding my appeal hearing, did it all in a timely manner, but have heard nothing.
Give access only to payers of levee fee
I&rsquo;m writing in regard to the proposed Wyoming Valley levee maintenance fee. I understand that the fee might be charged only to property owners who would be direct beneficiaries of the levee: those living in communities such as Wilkes-Barre, Hanover Township, Plymouth and Kingston.
I&rsquo;m sure that there are many homeowners in those communities, myself included, who do not benefit from the levee. Why should we have to pay a maintenance fee?
If the proposed tax is implemented in these municipalities,  people living in them should have the only access to the amenities of the levee, i.e. biking, walking, etc. Seems fair to me!
I know this is not plausible or feasible; but I enjoyed getting this off of my chest.
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State’s war money had far better uses With reports of econom