Pennsylvania sits amidst a unique convergence of media interest, general speculation, land-rush speculation, new opportunity, energy-policy overload, changing economic situations, fear, misunderstanding, and competition as the Commonwealth looks to the development and perceived potential of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation.

Seems I’m gittin’ enough years on me that there’s too many dead folks traipsin’ through my weary memory. Apparently extractin’ small pleasures, sneakin’ in at their leisure and firin’ up my! shaky ole synapse’s? Remindin’ me at will of our prior earthly (living) relationships?

Readers have been able to comment on stories for some time now. That
feature has sparked some lively debate and allowed greater interaction
with our readers – and they with each other – that we welcomed. The
feature has also generated some irrational and ugly nastiness. We let
the conversations flow pretty freely for the most part – we allowed
folks to post anonymously, we moderated with a light hand and left
shutting off comments completely as a last resort.

Three radio stations operated by Honesdale-based Bold Gold Media are off the air due to power loss stemming from last night's storm.

95.3 DNH, Sunny 105 and Thunder 102 are all currently down. Two other Bold Gold Stations, 1590 AM and 105 The River are broadcasting because they transmit from a different location.

Bold Gold is working with PPL to restore power.

“It hits hard for home,” says Beach Lake Fire Chief Tony Franklin, sharing what firefighters face at fatal scenes.

Around 8 p.m. last night, I decided to end comments posted to our Web site regarding the Wayne Independent's on the Wayne Highlands School District's decision to end Gene Biscontini's tenure as head football coach at Honesdale High School.

I welcome your comments on my decision. Either add a comment below or e-mail at sfountain@wayneindependent.com.