Laurels & lances: Cooperation and cruelty

Laurel: To cooperation. Many state and local leaders will note that Pennsylvania’s overlapping jurisdictions and duplication of services can cause a lot of headaches. Do we need 500 school districts in 67 counties? Then there are the concentric circles of municipalities that can be contained within other municipalities like a Russian nesting doll.

It’s a problem that isn’t often addressed because of politics and identity. But one area where it has been successful is with police departments.

Leechburg officials are moving ahead with plans to create a regional police force with West Leechburg and Parks Township. The project would provide 24/7 coverage for communities while also making sure officers have proper support and equipment.

The three communities are the most recent to pursue the idea. North Apollo originally was included but since has dropped out. The communities follow the example of others like Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department, formed from Gilpin, Ford City and Freeport in 2022, and Allegheny Valley Regional, created by Cheswick and Springdale Township in 2019.

Lance: To endangered animals. Bunnies are adorable. Soft and sweet, they are the kind of creature that you just want to cuddle.

That makes it particularly sad when the furry friends are mistreated or neglected. They are also an animal that doesn’t have a lot of options when it comes to rescue.

Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue in New Kensington took responsibility for 27 rabbits right before Christmas because of a case of animal cruelty. Another 70-plus are expected soon.

The rescue is doing what it can, but it needs more support because of the particular needs of rabbits as opposed to cats. The first batch costs about $1,000 a week in care and supplies. The additional 70 or so will have twice that demand.

It’s the latest example of someone stepping up to take care of animals that someone else let down. Maybe PETA could donate the gold coin the animal rights organization wants to swap for Punxsutawney Phil to help take care of creatures in need.