I hope that, as you’re reading this, the beautiful summertime sunrises, sunsets, and blue skies have returned. At press time, almost 900 wildfires were burning in Canada, to go along with more than a dozen across Northern Minnesota that were providing our local smoke screen. As the smoke was hugging the ground and I was working in my yard, you could actually smell the pine, spruce, and hemlock burning. It reminded me of a campfire someone had tossed soft wood into. Definitely not recommended for cooking over, and it leaves a smell that’s hard to get washed out of everything. I have even heard pilots report that this type of smoke leaves a film on their windshields.

Well, when smoke happens, there often isn’t much you can do about it. Work through it, do the best job you can, and find the positive. As I took a break while doing that yard work, I looked up at what I can only describe as an apocalyptic sun. It was an odd orange/red color, much smaller appearing, and almost drowned out by the smoke. It triggered the thought to spin this glass half full by continuing to honor those who protect and take care of us this July during our Nations semi-quincentennial.

So, a tip of my Webb Weekly hat with the American flag on the side to all our firefighters, paramedics, and emergency services personnel. When people may be having the worst day of their lives, it is these heroes who run into the flames, smoke, or the scene of the accident and help in any way possible.

I got quite an education traveling with my Father when he was borough fire chief in South Williamsport. Although I was young, I learned about the daily challenges that those who volunteered their time faced during all hours of the day and night. I also learned how blessed we are by people would do these jobs no matter the circumstance, putting others’ lives ahead of their own. As it has been decades since my Father was involved, the mental health and well-being of these men and women who deal daily with somebody’s tragedy has been made much more apparent — and finally made a priority.

I wish, in honor of my Father, I could send all the firefighters, paramedics, and emergency service personnel to the baseball game of their choice. This would be a fitting honor for each. I will keep with my America 250 theme in this week’s All-American Crosscutter Giveaway for these special folks. Please give me a call or text at 570-337-0755 and win a night out at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The first four to reach me will receive four tickets and $40 in Cutters’ Cash to attend the upcoming game of their choice. Good luck, and remember, it’s for firefighters, paramedics, and emergency services folks.

As far as Crosscutter baseball, there are 14 home games left this season, and then their appearance in the MLB Draft League Championship at Historic Bowman Field. A special shoutout this week to Sarah at Crosscutterland, who takes care of everything in the ticket booth and much more. She helps Webb Weekly make all these great giveaways happen.

I am proud to say we will again be teaming up with Gabe, Rashawn, and the Williamsport Crosscutters in promoting the MLB Draft League Championship. Webb Weekly will have much more about this when the calendar flips to August. With the championship game being in September.

One last note on Crosscutters baseball, if you’re wondering when those last 14 home games are, I have plenty of wallet-sized schedules still available at my office. The schedule includes the following coupons: a $10 large pizza with one topping at Scorz and 50% off 1 hour of bowling at Kaos Fun Zone, both of which can be found at the Liberty Arena on Hepburn Street. A 50% off admission coupon for the World Little League Museum in Southside. And finally, a 10% off your entire check coupon at Eat and Run Catering and Restaurant. Please see all the coupons for complete details.

In closing things out this week, what a great cover featuring the 2026 Elk Expo. I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to the All-American, outdoor-loving husband and wife duo of Jay and Joyce Foreman. They have actively supported the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and our Great Nation throughout their lifetimes. I wish you great health and many more years of sharing Penns Woods together.

God Bless America.