Local briefs
Dillon seeks post Gloria Dillon is running in the May 21 primary as a representative from Fayette County on the Democratic State Committee.
Dillon said she’s been a committee member since 1970, noting she got her love of politics from her mother, Iva Tolbert. Dillon said she remembers going out door-to-door campaigning as a teen-ager.
She said her mother was a Central Committeewoman for Georges Township and also the librarian for Albert Gallatin School District. She died in 1978. Dillon said her father Earl will be 96 years old in May and is still in good health.
Dillon said she has worked for a number of Democrats on both the national and state levels, including President Kennedy, Gov. Casey, and former state treasurer Catherine Baker Knoll.
She added that the committee is a non-paying position and she pays expenses out of her own pocket.
Dillon said she lives in North Union Township and is a substitute secretary for the Laurel Highlands School District. Dillon said she has four children, Dee, David Dillon, Renee Soberdash and Paula Kuritz. She also had a daughter, Elizabeth Dillon, who is deceased. She has a granddaughter, Kylee Soberdash.
“If elected in the May primary, I will continue to service the public as in the past,’ said Dillon.
Vigil planned
Vietman Veterans Inc. Fayette Co. will hold its annual P.O.W.M.I.A.K.I.A. vigil at the corner of Buttermilk Lane and Walnut Street Hopwood beginning at noon on Friday, May 17 and concluding on Saturday, May 18 at noon with a short program.
On Friday at 9 p.m. a candlelight service will be held with reading of the names of the 50 men from Fayette County who gave the supreme sacrifice.
Families and friends are invited to participate in this service by lighting a candle for their loved one. These services are open to the public. For more information call Glenn at 724-785-2710.
Yantko sets candidacy
Rita J. Yantko of New Salem, Menallen Township, is announcing her candidacy to seek a position on the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee from Fayette County.
Yanto is employed with the United Mine Workers of America, District 2, where she has worked for 28 years and she is a member of Teamster’s Local 491, and is the shop steward for the clerical staff at the four United Mine Workers, District 2 offices throughout Pennsylvania.
Yantko said she is majority inspector of elections at Menallen 3 precinct, past Central Committeewoman of Menallen 3, a member of the Governing Board of the Centerville Clinics Inc., a member of the Masontown Business and Professional Women’s Club and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the New Salem Volunteer Fire Department.
“It is my endeavor to be actively involved in the State Democratic Committee, to strengthen and help unite the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania, by locating and electing qualified candidates to public office to attend to the needs of our Commonwealth,’ said Yantko.
“Policies, procedures and a strong platform need to be put in place within the Democratic Party at the state level, channel down to the counties and funneled to the boroughs and townships. Your support and vote can be the decisive point in winning or losing on May 21. I am hoping, with your support to be part of the State Democratic Committee after May 21,’ she added.
Freedom Run planned
Rolling Thunder Inc. Chapter 5 Pennsylvania will stage its Second Annual Freedom Run, May 18. The run will begin at the Laurel Mall parking lot at 11 a.m. and end at the AMVETS Post 103 in Hopwood to mark the closing of the Posts 24 Hour Vigil.
The run will be lead, once again, by Fayette County Sheriff Gary Brownfield and representatives from the Uniontown City and Pennsylvania State Police. Guests are invited to stay for the closing ceremonies with Rolling Thunder and Post 103 members in remembrance of area POW/MIA’s and their families.
The run is open to everyone, motorcycles and cars alike. Those participating should arrive at the mall parking area at 10 a.m. to organize.
Rolling Thunder is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the P.O.W.M.I.A. issue and to the benefit of disabled veterans. For more information visit its web site at www.rollingthunderpa5.com or contact Chapter 5 president Rick Fecek at 724-437-9026.