Local briefs
Grant awarded U.S. Rep. John Murtha has announced that the Edenborn Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant of more than $33,000 from the department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
The department will use the grant to buy pagers, nozzles, self-contained breathing apparatuses and other firefighting equipment.
“Our dedicated fire volunteers are the first line of defense against almost any hazard that strikes their communities, and they work tirelessly to save people and property, whether they are fighting fires or pumping out basements after heavy rains,” Murtha said. “This program helps provide them with the reliable, up-to-date equipment they need to perform their duties and to protect the public and themselves.”
The Assistance to Firefighters program is administered by the U. S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
District Justice William P. Pelkey received state recognition for a good audit report for the year 2002.
Pelkey was recently commended by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts for the audit report.
Zygmont A. Pines, Court Administrator of Pennsylvania, said no adverse findings were identified in Pelkey’s courtroom, District Court 27-3-03, which was in total compliance with the state auditor general’s office, who also recognized Pelkey for his audit.
“Only those district court offices that strictly comply with the administrative policies and procedures adopted by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (as reflected in the District Justice Automated Office Clerical Procedures Manual) can qualify for such exemplary audit reports,” Pines said.
Pelkey’s office handles approximately 5,000 cases a year. The audit looks to see if warrants are issued in a timely manner, that deposits are made daily and that the books are in order, he said.
Pelkey said that this is not the first time he has been commended for audit reports.
“People think that we just grab the gavel and adjudicate people, but we have to do much more than that,” Pelkey said.
City Mission-Living Stones Inc. has been selected to receive a Project Support Grant from the Community Foundation of Fayette County.
The grant is one of 13 awarded as part of the Foundation’s fall grant cycle.
“The funds will help support the comprehensive housing and support services to the homeless and the low-income families”, said Robert J. Wetzel, Community Foundation Executive Director. “State budget cuts have placed many such organizations in difficult positions and thus facing potential cuts in client services.”
Irmi Gaut, City Mission’s executive director noted that, “Funds will provide for food, clothing, transportation, job readiness and case management services for local clients.”
Since 1999, the Community Foundation of Fayette County has been promoting philanthropy and community improvement in our part of Pennsylvania by attracting, managing, and distributing charitable resources.
For additional information about Foundation services or how to become involved, call 724-437-8600 or visit the Web site www.cffayettepa.org
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) distribution scheduled for Monday at the Fayette County Community Action Agency Food Bank has been canceled due to the flood damage at the location.
Please check the newspapers for a new distribution date in December.
For more information call 724- 437-6050, ext. 277.