Local briefs
Memorial service set On Friday at 2 p.m., the Beth-Center Senior Center and Beth-Center Ministerium will host a memorial service for the public.
Sharing in the service will be the Rev. Edd Myers of Taylor United Methodist Church of Centerville, the Rev. Gary Gregg of Beallsville United Methodist Church and the Rev. Jean Stoffa of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Scenery Hill.
Anyone wishing to remember a friend, relative or loved one is welcome to phone the center to add names to the bulletin. All names will be read during the service, and each sponsor who attends the service will pin a red, white and blue ribbon on a cross in remembrance of their loved ones. Red, white or blue flowers, provided by Litton’s Greenhouse of Richeyville, will be given to each sponsor attending the service.
Beth-Center Senior Center is located at 316 Station St., Vestaburg. Names for the bulletin are needed no later than 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in order to be included in the bulletin. Any name in after this hour will be read but not included in the bulletin.
For more information, call 724-377-0000.
Applications available
Fayette and Somerset County residents are a keystroke away from obtaining information and applications for a wide range of state government programs and services, according to state Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar).
“My Internet site is aimed at providing an easy-access means for our citizens to contact and obtain information from state government,” Kasunic said. “I am hopeful this communications tool will provide another helpful means to inform and assist my constituents.”
Kasunic’s Internet site can be accessed at: http://www.pasenate.com/Kasunic/
The web site includes background information on Kasunic, legislation, issues and news releases.
It also has links on-line forms such as voter registration, hunting and fishing licenses, PennDot forms, birth/death certificates, and State Capitol tours; and direct links to Internet sites for the governor, general assembly and state agencies.
Transportation offered
Transportation to the annual Memorial Day service at Sylvan Heights Cemetery will be provided by the Fayette County FACT buses Monday.
The buses will leave LaFayette Manor at 9:15 a.m., Beeson Court at 9:25 a.m., Heritage Apartments at 9:35 a.m., White Swan at 9:45 a.m., and Mount Vernon Towers at 9:55 a.m.
The buses will return to the residences at noon.
Murtha offers service
U. S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) said he is adopting a new way to communicate with his office through an Internet service called “Write Your Representative.” The service is available at www.house.gov/writerep/.
Murtha urged constituents to use this method to contact him if they prefer to communicate over the Internet.
Only those communications from people who reside or have a business in Pennsylvania’s 12th District will get through to Murtha, and those from other districts will be directed to their representative based on nine-digit zip code sorting included in the system.
The name, address and e-mail address of constituents are automatically entered in to a database that simplifies the process of tracking replies and staying in touch on issues of interest to the writer.
Murtha noted that, as with any Internet use, there are security concerns and protection of privacy cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, he urges people who are providing private personal information such as their Social Security Number to write a traditional letter.
Interruption planned
Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority customers in German Township and Georges Township will have an interruption of water service on Tuesday, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m. while a fire hydrant is installed.
The affected areas are Desko Road in German Township through Sunshine Hollow Road, Continental 3, Amend, Hayes, and Walnut Hill Road.
The rain date for this work is Wednesday.
Loan program revealed
Fayette County Community Action Agency, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture offer a program designed to assist low-income, credit worthy individuals in buying a new home.
Rural Development loans may by used in any municipality in Fayette County with the exception of the City of Uniontown and portions of North and South Union Townships. Since Rural Development is able to make loans to those who will not qualify for a conventional loan, the Rural Development program enables many more people to buy homes than might otherwise be possible, however as with any loan program, the applicant’s credit history is considered.
The Rural Development loan to purchase or build a home is a low-interest loan for a term of up to 33 years. Home loans may also be used to purchase and prepare sites, including providing water and sewage facilities. Applicant’s repayment ability will be determined by income ratios and applicants may be eligible for payment assistance.
Rural Development loans are also available for home repair. The Rural Development loans to repair a home (Section 504) may be for up to 20 years at 1 percent per anum and payment is based on the borrower’s repayment ability. In addition to loans, citizens age 62 and older, who are in need of home repairs may qualify for grants or a combined loan/grant based on the applicant’s income.
There are maximum income guidelines to qualify for either the Section 502 (Home Purchase) or Section 504 (Home Repair) loans. These guidelines are based on family size and adjustments may be made for each child under 18 years of age; or a full time student; or is disabled, elderly family, childcare costs, or medical expenses.
Income Guidelines Section 502 (Home Purchase)
Family Size and Annual Income Limit, 1 – $30,300; 2 – $34,600; 3 – $38,950; 4 – $43,300; 5 – $46,750; 6 – $50,200; 7 – $53,650; 8 – $57,150.
Income Guidelines Section 504 (Home Repair)
Family Size and Annual Income Limit, 1 – $18,950; 2 – $21,650; 3 – $24,350; 4 – $27,050; 5 – $29,200; 6 – $31,400; 7 – $33,550; 8 – $35,700.
Anyone who is interested in this program should contact Debbie Metts at Fayette County Community Action Agency 724-437-6050 extension 240.
Grant awarded
State Rep. James Shaner, D-Dunbar, said the recent awarding of a $249,981 state grant to construct a multi-tenant office building in the University Technology Park represents another success story for the North Union Township site.
The grant was announced by the state Department of Commerce and Economic Development under its New Communities/Enterprise Zone Program to encourage new business and job creation, Shaner said.
The grant enables the Fay-Penn Economic Council to construct a 40,000 square foot facility that will be available for new tenants at the growing business park adjacent to Penn State Fayette Campus.
“This new office space will build upon the success of University Technology Park as one of the county’s premier economic development projects,” Shaner said.
The legislator noted that the building’s tenants could be eligible for various state and local incentives ranging from tax exemptions or tax credits to low-interest loans and specialized business assistance.
The Lemont Furnace site is one of a number of the county’s commercial and industrial parks launched with the help of the county commissioners and administered by Fay-Penn Economic Council.