Archive - Jun 2012 - News Article
June 26th
Although the gypsy moth population did not turn out to be as much of a problem as predicted, another caterpillar has already begun to wreak havoc in Elk County.
During Monday night's Elk County Conservation District Board of Director's meeting, Toby Herzing of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reported receiving numerous calls from farmers worried about a little green and brown worm that was ravaging their hay fields.
June 25th
ST. MARYS - A year-long investigation led by Troop C of the Pennsylvania State Police in conjunction with the United States Postal Service involving the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics in Elk, Jefferson, and Clearfield counties resulted in the June 20 arrests of seven Elk County residents and one individual with local ties.
The Elk County Conservation District will enter into an agreement with the Sinnemahoning Cooperative Weed Management Area to focus an invasive and noxious weed management project primarily within the Sinnemahoning Watershed.
According to District Manager Steve Putt, the Bucktail Watershed Association obtained a grant through the federal government for the weed management project.
Putt noted that he has been working with the Bureau of Forestry, Pa. Game Commission and Sinnemahoning State Park for the past year.
June 24th
A fire early Saturday morning claimed the life of an 89-year-old Ridgway woman and destroyed a Center Street home.
A preliminary investigation has not yet determined the cause of the fire; however, officials are saying it is not suspected to be arson.
Just in time for Father’s Day, the ninth annual Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival was held last weekend in Avon, Ohio, known as the “Duct Tape Capital of the World.” At the event, duct-tape lovers could find just about any kind of duct-tape creation, including clothing, parade floats, and sculptures. This year’s theme, “Duck Tape on Safari,” celebrated the Duck Tape brand by hosting a scavenger hunt, an arts and crafts tent to create safari gear, a parade and a free animal show by a local animal expert.
June 22nd
ST. MARYS – Work to improve a section of state Route 255 in St. Marys and Fox Township that began the first week of June is continuing on schedule, according to Marla Fannin, community relations coordinator for the Pennsylvania State Department of Transportation's District 2, based in Clearfield.
Fannin said although some complaints were received last week regarding congestion at the traffic light at Walmart SuperCenter in Fox Township, that issue has been resolved.
Changes to the Pennsylvania Keystone Exams have once again begun to concern the Ridgway Area School District.
The Keystone Exams are part of Pennsylvania's new system of high school graduation requirements and are designed to help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards by assessing their proficiency in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Literature, English, Composition, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, World History and Civics and Government.
Superintendent Michael O'Brien voiced his frustration during last Tuesday's regular board meeting.
JOHNSONBURG – The finalization of the wastewater treatment plant in Johnsonburg is in the process of being closed with PennVest.
Johnsonburg Municipal Authority officials voted in favor of extending the authority's line of credit for one year with Northwest Savings Bank for $762,491.36 to cover the balance of PennVest's final payment request.
According to Linda Tillack, Northwest Savings Bank agreed to reduce the line credit from $2 million to the remaining PennVest balance.
June 21st
JOHNSONBURG – The Johnsonburg Area School District hired three elementary teachers Thursday night during a special board of education meeting held at the high school library.
Daniele Carnessali was hired as an elementary teacher, masters step 4, at a salary of $44,200, effective the start of the 2012-2013 school year.
Cassie Kriegelwas hired as an elementary teacher, bachelors step 3, at a salary of $42,000, effective the start date of the 2012-2013 school year.
Summer usually signifies lots of picnics, parties and other outdoor events, with most featuring all kinds of delicious food and drinks. To ensure that partygoers will enjoy the feast safely, there are a few important steps people should take when shopping for, preparing, storing and serving their summer dishes.
Rick Kralj, food safety and quality extension educator with Penn State Extension's Brookville office, offered some key pieces of advice for food safety in the summertime:
1. Avoid "time-temperature abuse."
