Chicora Medical Center deserves praise for its generous offer of space so library services can continue for communities in that area, now that the Butler County Federated Library System no longer will be providing Bookmobile service.

The space in question in the medical center is being converted into public library space. Matt Tack, medical center administrator, said a grand opening will be held when the new library is ready.

“We want to be part of the community, and I think this is one more way we can open our doors to every age group,” he said.

Kathy Kline, extension services director for the library system, said, “I have yet to find another such partnership in the state.”

She said she is excited about the Petroleum Valley library project and the opportunities that the library system has there, despite the Bookmobile's demise.

The plan is to sell the Bookmobile.

Tack said the medical center is thrilled about the library facility but also about the opportunities a public library in the medical center will bring.

What is happening in Chicora might be an example some other library systems — also feeling the effects of deep funding cuts by the state — could emulate to keep or establish satellite services.

Patriotism and devotion to country have long been important elements of life for people of Butler County. Thus, this county can feel much pride in the recommendation for one of its own to become the U.S. Navy's senior military officer.Adm. Jonathan Greenert, a 1971 Butler High School graduate, was recommended to become the next chief of naval operations by outgoing U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at Gates' final news conference.If confirmed by the Senate, Greenert would succeed Adm. Gary Roughead, who will be leaving that position on Sept. 29.As chief of naval operations, Greenert would be responsible to the Secretary of the Navy for the command, use of resources, and the operating efficiency of the Navy's operating forces and shore activities. The chief of naval operations is the principal naval adviser to the president and to the Navy Secretary on the conduct of war, and is on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Greenert, a submariner, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975, after which he began building a distinguished Navy career that has seen him advance through a number of top leadership positions.The positions he has held, including commander of the Navy's 7th Fleet in the Pacific and head of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., made him a logical choice for chief of naval operations.“I am honored and humbled by the Secretary's recommendation,” Greenert said in a statement.Greenert has worked hard on behalf of this country. There's no doubt about whether he is worthy of this great honor and expression of confidence.

Forty-three states allow Sunday hunting. Pennsylvania should not become the 44th.The state General Assembly should resoundingly reject a Pennsylvania Game Commission’s proposal for allowing Sunday hunting. One day out of the week during hunting seasons, people should be able to enjoy the commonwealth’s fields and wooded areas without having to worry about getting into a hunter’s line of fire.State Rep. John Evans, R-Crawford and Erie counties, introduced the measure that would put hunters’ interests over everyone else’s. Despite being chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, Evans should understand the right of non-hunters to enjoy areas hunters are permitted to enjoy from Monday through Saturday.The Game Commission should support that viewpoint.Supporters of extending hunting to Sunday hours contend that the hunting ban is the last of Pennsylvania’s so-called “blue laws” that at one time barred retail stores from opening on Sundays and prohibited the sale of alcohol on that day.However, the repeal of the former “blue laws” didn’t make some places virtually off-limits because of the likelihood of bullets in the air.Pennsylvania’s hunting ban has been in effect since 1873. It should remain in effect.