Week 15

            I think that the low number of whitetail deer in Pennsylvania is astonishing. As I’ve grown older it has become apparent that the deer population was slowly falling and didn’t look as if it was going to stop. I think that a 1 year break from all deer hunting should be implemented. Many hunters may disagree with this statement, but it’s in the best interest that this be done for not only present, but future hunters as well. 

Week 14

            What is happening to today’s youth? It so unreal hearing about kids that are in 7^th grade already being addicted to hard drugs. Although “hard drugs” aren’t a huge problem in my community marijuana is. It is to my knowledge that kids in Johnsonburg are being exposed to marijuana at a surprisingly young age. Most of the kids my sister tells me about have already switched to cyber school (the next step to dropping out) after being introduced to marijuana and the daily basis at which it was being consumed. 

Week 13

This is my view on the way the Johnsonburg borough should take on a trouble they are enduring. Because of the not new, but uprising and serious problem of residents not taking care of their properties I think something needs to be done. A city ordinance is necessary and should be implemented by the borough. With an ordinance set in place, it would allow the borough to fine people that don’t follow certain codes and regulations that are required. For example, if people decide to let their grass grow over the allowed length and ignore the ordinance, they could be facing possible ramifications for failing to abide by the rules. That being said, Johnsonburg citizens are faced with an extremely high unemployment rate and an abnormally low average income rate. Any intelligent person would elect to follow the rules to avoid fines as people can’t afford to spend their hard earned money on an easily avoidable expense. With all that in place, I think that slowly but surely things will start to shape up within the community. 

Week 12

Every town should have some sort of gun bash every year. I’m not sure how many towns in the state have gun bashes, but I’m glad Johnsonburg is one of them. A gun bash, ours in particular, is in the huge fire hall where hundreds of people gather to put in their chances of winning a gun. In addition to the auctioning there is also food, all you can drink everything, and free comedy from all the drunk people there. 

Week 11

I’ve decided to talk about government, particularly that of the law enforcement branch. I believe that law enforcement within a town or city is crucial in running a successful community. Comparing our cops at home to the Clarion cops I’ve noticed a significant difference. Clarion cops are strict, anal, and nosey while Johnsonburg cops are laid back, lenient, down to earth guys. I’m proud to say that I know each cop on a personal level and often get away with some minor things. Thank you Johnsonburg cops for being so kind to me all my years in Johnsonburg. 

Week 10

            There should be a rule in all schools that states “every child is required to join at least one extracurricular activity or sport. I believe if this is required more students isn’t usually “involved” would then be playing sports. This would solve many of the problems Johnsonburg High School is having. This rule isn’t in place resulting in the suffrage of all sports programs. In our case the low numbers actually lead to a co-op with Ridgway (a town over from Johnsonburg). 

Week 9

            Although I do speak highly on behalf of the Johnsonburg Paper mill I do have some issues concerning businesses within the town. Any community should have numerous Ma and Pa shops throughout the town, this is where Johnsonburg is hurting. Due to the massive size of the paper mill it takes up a large amount of space in a not so large town. You can probably imagine why it’s difficult to open businesses without any land to build on. I truly believe that Johnsonburg is a dying town and things should be implemented to improve our once beautiful town.