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Letter to the Editor: West Side’s pricey pothole-patching machine was supposed to keep streets in good shape

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Murray holds on to Wilkes-Barre roots

<p><strong>Diamonds</strong> to observers of the National Moment of Remembrance. At 3 p.m. Monday, Memorial Day, you can join with others who faithfully reserve one minute to suspend their holiday fun and solemnly reflect on the men and women who died to uphold our nation&#8217;s freedoms. Pause your picnic or pool party. Ask those near you at the ballpark, beach or campground to participate at the appointed time in a quiet moment of national unity. The gesture isn&#8217;t intended to replace parades, cemetery visits and other traditional commemorations, but rather to emphasize Memorial Day&#8217;s hallowed meaning.</p><p><strong>Coal</strong> to the numbskulls behind bomb threats that disrupted area schools. People evacuated Dallas School District buildings on two days last week, first because of threatening phone calls, then due to a malicious message written on a middle school bathroom wall. Separately, students and staff were compelled Wednesday to exit the West Side Career and Technology Center in Pringle and go to a nearby school. A threatening letter triggered that response. The culprits, if caught, could face criminal charges, as well as possible school disciplinary action. These incidents, aside from squandering the school day, divert police and emergency responders from other duties. Not at all funny.</p><p><strong>Diamonds</strong> to new college graduates in Northeastern Pennsylvania. You have a degree in your hand, knowledge in your head and, just maybe, a job lined up &#8211; or in your sights. Congratulations and best wishes as you follow your path. Selfishly, we hope that path allows you to stick close to Luzerne County, contributing to our region.</p><p><strong>Coal</strong> to children and adults who abandon good sense in search of a swimming hole. Driven by the heat or a sense of adventure, they venture to pits on abandoned mine land, to farm ponds and other places with plenty of risk &#8211; and no lifeguards. They&#8217;re typically trespassing. And they&#8217;re always tempting fate. Be smart throughout this holiday weekend and the summer months to follow; swim only in approved areas.</p><p><strong>Diamonds</strong> to the 1,100-plus participants in the United Way of Wyoming Valley&#8217;s Day of Caring. The volunteers took a break from their normal workday routines Wednesday to spruce up cemeteries, revitalize playgrounds and trim the to-lists of dozens of nonprofit organizations. In total, they tackled 56 projects, according to organizers. Ideally, many of the day&#8217;s do-gooders will have discovered an area nonprofit whose mission matches their interests, and whose leaders are eager to accept their help all year long.</p><p><strong>Coal</strong> to anyone in Northeastern Pennsylvania who gets carried away on holiday weekends and carelessly consumes too much alcohol. If drinking adult beverages, don&#8217;t get behind the wheel of a car, truck or boat. No sense in risking a hefty fine. Or a catastrophe.</p><style>
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Our Opinion: Reserve time in your holiday for National Moment of Remembrance