Local briefs
Food program set The Connellsville Area School District will offer its summer food service program at Bullskin Township, Dunbar Township, Zachariah Connell, South Side and Springfield Township elementary schools. All children age 18 and younger are eligible for a free lunch regardless of family size or income. No pre-registration is necessary. Adults will be charged $2.50.
The menu for the week of July 13-17 includes:
Monday, spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans, roll and fruit cup.
Tuesday, tuna melt sandwich, salad, corn and fresh fruit.
Wednesday, chicken patti on bun, potato rounds, mixed vegetables and peaches.
Thursday, choice of sandwich, French fries, applesauce and banana bread square.
Friday, pizza, salad and pears.
All lunches are served with milk.
Miners day set
State Rep. Bill DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, said he was proud to join his House colleagues this week in voting to designate Aug. 9 as “Coal Miners Day” in Pennsylvania.
“Coal is the essence of my legislative district and from the Civil War through World War I and World War II, coal has been a stalwart of our country’s success,” DeWeese said during comments in the House chamber. “As we debate alternative energy proposals for our country’s future, it’s important that we recognize coal’s history in our Commonwealth.”
DeWeese is the prime co-sponsor of House Resolution 213 in appreciation, honor and remembrance of the accomplishments and sacrifices of coal miners in the state.
The resolution also remembers the 51,514 state coal miners who have died on the job since 1870, including 1,514 in 1907, the deadliest year in the United States and Pennsylvania.
Further, the resolution states that coal mining is safer today because the industry, its miners and government are working together to make the safety of miners the highest priority, thereby significantly reducing the frequency of accidents and fatalities.
“Last session, we spent months working on updating the state’s coal mine safety law and I was proud to play a major part in those negotiations along with the United Mine Workers of America, the Pennsylvania Coal Association, Senators Rich Kasunic and J. Barry Stout and Governor Ed Rendell. Because of the legacy that coal has played in the 50th Legislative District, it was an honor that the governor visited my district to sign the bill into law one year ago this week,” DeWeese said.
“It was inspiring to work toward the common desire to secure the best mine safety law in the nation for the thousands of Pennsylvania miners who descend to the earth’s recesses day in and day out so that we may have energy to heat and cool our homes, run our televisions, wash our clothes and live our daily lives.”
A key provision DeWeese fought for in the new law (Act 55) permits a representative of the miners, selected by at least two miners, to accompany a state inspector on mine inspections, also known as “walk-round rights.” The representative must be employed by the mine that is inspected.
Gas program planned
Penn State Cooperative Extension will be holding a workshop, “Natural Gas and Water Regulations, Use and Treatment” on Wednesday, July 29, at the California High School, 11 Trojan Way, Coal Center.
The meeting will start at 7 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m. Speakers will include extension, regulatory, and industry representatives who will discuss all aspects of drinking water, water use, regulation and treatment in regards to natural gas development.
There is no charge for the program, but participants are asked to call the Fayette County Extension Office to register to attend at 724-438-0111. Most prior participants of these workshops have obtained a greater understanding of the Marcellus shale exploration and how it can affect them.
“This program is intended to inform you of the development of natural gas in the region, how it can influence you and the community, and concerns you may need to address as a landowner with property within the Marcellus shale,” according to organizers.
Penn State encourages people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, call Walt Bumgarner at 724-438-0111 in advance of your participation or visit.
For more information, call Bumgarner.