Local briefs
June 22, 2008 Police, PennDOT effort
The state Department of Transportation District 12 has announced that local and state police will increase efforts to target aggressive drivers beginning on Monday and running through July 6.
Currently, there are 21 local police departments participating in the program in District 12, which encompasses Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
During this year’s Smooth Operator enforcement campaigns, police agencies in southwestern Pennsylvania have issued 14,918 citations and made 216 arrests.
Examples of aggressive driving behaviors include:
– Speeding – going faster than the posted speed limit or too fast for weather conditions
– Running red lights and running stop signs
– Failing to yield the right of way – not allowing other drivers to merge or cutting drivers off.
In 2007, there were 971 fatalities as a result of aggressive driving in Pennsylvania, PennDOT said. More than 300 law enforcement agencies participated in Smooth Operator in 2007, along with the state police, and issued more than 96,000 citations on targeted road.
12th-graders invited
Upcoming high school seniors interested in pursuing a Penn State University education can get a taste of what Penn State has to offer at a special “Spend a Summer Evening” open house at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
The evening is designed so that high school seniors can experience what it’s like to attend college. Participants are encouraged to take a campus tour, meet faculty, staff and students, and try out a “clicker,” a new teaching tool. Prospective students also can learn about Penn State’s 160 majors, including the six bachelor’s degree programs and 10 associate degrees that can be completed at Penn State Fayette. Admissions staff will be on hand to answer questions about the application process and financial aid. Refreshments will be served.
For more information and to register, call 724-430-4130, e-mail feadm@psu.edu, or register online at the Web site www.fayette.psu.edu.
Mining open house
A special mining technology open house will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Coal and Coke Heritage Center at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, for those interested in exploring career opportunities as front-line supervisory personnel.
Those attending will have the opportunity to learn how they can gain the education they need through the two-year mining technology program at Penn State Fayette. The two-year degree program is the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania and puts people on the fast track toward supervisory roles in the mining industry.
Participants will be able to talk with Russ Dunyak, a military veteran who is pursuing his mining technology degree at Penn State Fayette, while working as a supervisory trainee at Consol Energy’s Shoemaker Mine. Representatives from the mining industry will be on hand to answer questions about safety, technology and career opportunities.
Veterans may attend as well as high school students with strong math, English and science backgrounds, along with their parents.
For more information and to register, call 724-430-4130, e-mail feadm@psu.edu or register online at the Web site www.fayette.psu.edu.
Cal U trustees to meet
The Council of Trustees of California University of Pennsylvania will hold a special meeting on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at California University of Pennsylvania, 250 University Ave., Old Main Conference Room, President’s Office.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and take possible action on recommendations regarding a parking study conducted at California University of Pennsylvania.
Water shut-off scheduled
Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority will shut off the water on Greene Street, between Sycamore and Porter streets, and on Porter, from High to Liberty streets, in Waynesburg from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to upgrade the system.
Customers may experience low water pressure or no water. The authority advises customers to keep containers of water on hand to minimize the outage.
Italian festival Aug. 2
This year will mark the 25th Italian Heritage Festival in downtown Uniontown.
The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, on Main Street.
The lineup of entertainment will include the following performers: The Outstanding Italian-American Student Pageant, which will award three winners with scholarship money; Pittsburgh’s Frankie Capri; Italian singer Franco Corso of West Palm Beach, Fla.; Jimmy Sapienza; and 5 Guys named Moe.
The festival will include a variety of food and novelty vendors. Those that are interested in participating as a vendor should call Jim Santilli at 724-438-9883.
The event is sponsored by Sons of Italy District 11 lodges in Brownsville, Connellsville, Perryopolis, Republic, Fairchance and Uniontown.
Roads ready for paving
The state Department of Transportation announced Thursday that several roads in Fayette County are scheduled to be paved.
PennDOT District 12 said a section of Route 201 between Main Street and Bruceton Road in Washington Township will undergo milling, superpave asphalt courses, pavement markings and other miscellaneous construction. Other roads that will also undergo maintenance include Chalk Hill-Ohiopyle Road and Connellsville Street. Golden Eagle Construction is the contractor of the $1.4 million project, which includes about 10 miles of road.
PennDOT District 12 also announced Route 201 in Fayette City will undergo similar maintenance.
The work will be done on Route 201 between State Street and Fayette Road, and between Main and Second streets and the intersection of West Side Street.
Other roads scheduled for maintenance include Georges-Fairchance Road and Market Street.
Golden Eagle Construction is the contractor of the $1.1 million project, which includes 3 1/2 miles of road.
Family reunions planned
The Ansell family reunion will be held Sunday, July 20, at Trent State Park. Lunch will be at noon. For additional information, contact Kim Kerns at 724-806-0343 or by e-mail at rkkerns@cvzoom.net.
The 37th Raupach reunion will be held Saturday, July 12, at Boardman Park in Ohio. Lunch will be at noon. For additional information, contact Kim Kerns at 724-806-0343 or at rkkerns@cvzoom.net.
The 77th reunion of the John Corbly Descendants Association will be held Sunday, June 29, in the historic Corbly Baptist Church in Garard’s Fort. A worship service will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. with the Pastor Gary Whipkey.
A special program will follow the service. The president, Rev. Katie White, will conduct the association business meeting at 11 a.m.
The women of the church, headed by Patty Lewis, will serve a buffet lunch in the church social room.