Author: Joe Levandosky

Joe Levandosky has been chronicling the highs, lows, and eyebrow-raising moments of Scottdale life since before the borough had Wi-Fi. When he's not chasing down town council drama or decoding zoning ordinances written in ancient bureaucratese, he's probably sipping lukewarm coffee and muttering about potholes. A lifelong resident with a sixth sense for spotting political nonsense from 50 yards, Joe believes in transparency, accountability, and the sacred right to complain about parking. His opinions blend investigative grit with just enough sarcasm to keep things spicy—because in small-town politics, truth is often stranger than fiction. He’s been called “the voice of reason,” “a thorn in someone’s side,” and once, “the guy who knows too much about sewer budgets.” He wears all titles proudly.

Shadowy Sessions: A Local School Board’s Assault on Transparency and Decency

In an era where public trust in institutions hangs by a thread, the Southmoreland School Board is pulling it taut, threatening to sever live streaming of its meetings while embroiling itself in petty squabbles and personal vendettas. This isn’t governance. It’s a farce, one that undermines the very community it claims to serve. The board’s latest outrage? A proposal to discontinue live streaming, effectively locking parents, teachers, and taxpayers out of the democratic process. These…

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A Nation Addicted to Violence

In a country that once prided itself on moral clarity and civic virtue, America now seems increasingly comfortable with chaos. From glorified violence in entertainment to real-world bloodshed on city streets, the culture has shifted, and not for the better. Hollywood blockbusters, video games, and streaming series routinely celebrate violence as thrilling, heroic, or even humorous. Murder is no longer shocking, it’s stylized. Mayhem is no longer tragic, it’s marketable. When the most popular franchises…

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Why Everyone Should Attend a Local Fall Festival

As the air turns crisp and leaves start to change into fiery reds and golds, fall festivals offer more than just seasonal charm; they are a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Attending a local fall festival isn’t just a way to pass the time; it’s a chance to rekindle civic pride, support local businesses, and create lasting memories with neighbors and friends. Fall festivals can be the heartbeat of small towns. They bring together…

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Why a Regional Police Force for Small Towns Is a Bad Idea

In an era of tightening budgets and calls for efficiency, the idea of consolidating small-town police departments into a regional force can seem appealing. Proponents argue it could save money, streamline resources, and standardize training. But beneath the surface, this shift threatens to unravel the very fabric that makes small-town policing effective. For rural communities, a regional police force isn’t a solution—it’s a step backward. The Loss of Local Connection Small towns aren’t just dots…

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