Local briefs
Missionary welcomed Calvary Assembly of God, 1316 S. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville, welcomes the Rev. Steve Kulish on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Kulish of Richmond Hill, N.Y., is a nationally appointed intercultural home missionary with the Assemblies of God. Calvary Assembly of God has plenty of parking and seating. For directions, call 724-628-8835, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. An offering will be collected to support the work.
Free rides offered
In celebration of the Elco Hill reopening, the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority (MMVTA) will offer free rides on the Route B (New Eagle to California) to all riders on Monday. The first 300 riders to board the Route B will receive a commemorative Elco Hill gift compliments of the MMVTA.
“I am happy to announce that the Route B bus is running on normal schedule. The detour and closure was very long and inconvenient for riders and drivers, and we would like to show our appreciation to all the riders for their own going patience and support,” said MMVTA Executive Director Nancy Basile.
For nearly a year the Route B buses traveled from Charleroi to California via Long Branch. While the detour was in place, bus transportation to and from California was limited to four trips per weekday and the communities beyond Charleroi on Route 88 south were limited to three Route B trips per weekday.
“We are finally running a full schedule on the Route B again. By reverting to the original Route B schedule, service to communities that were affected by the closure will see an increase in transportation of about 50 percent,” said Dr. Ronald Tuman, chairman of the MMVTA Board of Directors. “Due to the detour we lost a number of riders on the Route B, but with the reopening of Route 88 in Elco we are optimistic that we will regain our lost riders.”
Visit www.mmvta.com
or call 724-489-0880 for Route B (New Eagle – California) scheduling information.
Work plans released
PennDOT’s Fayette County maintenance office has announced the following tentative work plan for the week of Sept. 12.
All maintenance activities will be conducted on a weather-permitting basis. Motorists should drive with caution throughout all work areas and be alert for signed work zones requiring the usage of headlights.
Sub-structure repairs will be made to the bridge on SR 3005, Gans-Woodbridge Road.
Signs will be updated, downed signs will be replaced, and work orders will be addressed on various state routes throughout Fayette County.
Base repairs are scheduled for SR 4013, Strong Road, SR 1008, Virgin Run Road, and SR 0857, near the West Virginia line.
Patching is planned for SR 2001, Skyline Drive and SR 4004, Hibbs Road.
Pipe replacement is scheduled for SR 1041, River Road.
Under drains will be installed on SR 1008, Virgin Run Road.
Parallel pipe will be installed on SR 4016, Smock Road.
Crack sealing is planned for SR 1054, Indianhead Road and SR 1050, Buchanan Road.
PENNDOT has a 24-hour toll free number for residents to call to report any road maintenance concern. This number can also be utilized to report locations of dead deer on state highways. The number is 1-800-FIX ROAD (1-800-349-7623). The address for PENNDOT’S web site is www.penndot12.com
Grants awarded
U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) said Tuesday that two Fayette County fire departments have been awarded grants through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
The Everson Volunteer Fire Company will receive $261,250 to replace one of the department’s two aging pumpers currently in use.
The Ronco volunteer firefighters will receive $43,178.
“These grants go a long way toward reducing the financial burden our volunteer firefighters face when they need to replace worn-out equipment,” Murtha said. “Fire departments throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania are integral parts of our communities, and we’re grateful for the sacrifices they make to protect our lives and property.”
The Assistance to Firefighters program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration. Funds are used for operations and firefighter safety programs such as training, equipment and personal protective equipment; wellness and fitness; and modifications to fire stations and facilities. Funds also can be used for the purchase of firefighting vehicles such as pumpers, brush trucks, rescue vehicles and ambulances.