In brief …
Kula named to Dem policy committee
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Deberah Kula, D-North Union Township, has been named a vice chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee for the 2011-12 legislative session.
“The House Democratic Policy Committee researches and develops caucus positions on key issues,” Kula said. “Being a vice chairman of this committee will allow me to guide the policies of House Democrats to better serve the people of western Pennsylvania.”
As a vice chairman, Kula said she will be influential in developing the caucus’ policy agenda, in determining topics for public hearings and acting as a liaison to other caucus members on policy ideas. In addition, Kula may be called on to chair committee hearings and meetings.
“Representative Kula has not only been a dependable and valuable member of the Policy Committee, but is also a well respected and thoughtful member of our caucus,” said committee chairman Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, who made the appointment. “She will be able to provide constructive input in developing the policy schedule and the different initiatives the committee chooses to take on.”
Each session, the House Democratic Policy Committee is tasked with holding public hearings and meetings across the state. It also serves as the catalyst to enacting major policy initiatives put state to investigate local impact of certain issues and collect valuable expert input.
For more information, visit online at www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
Man arrested after alleged molestation
State police arrested a Georges Township man Thursday after two children reported that he molested them repeatedly over the course of a few years.
John David Zack, 36, was arraigned and committed to the Fayette County Prison on $100,000 straight cash bond for allegedly assaulting a girl and a boy who are 8 and 6 years old, respectively, in a home in Strickland Estates from January 2009 until a few weeks ago, state police said.
The alleged victims are also from Georges Township.
Zack was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and two counts of indecent assault, police said.
Hearing on coal mine dust rule to be held
The U.S. Labor Department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will be holding a hearing on a proposed coal mine dust rule at the George Washington Hotel, 60 S. Main St., Washington, beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The proposed rule “Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors” is available online at http://www.msha. gov/REGS/FEDREG/PROPOSED/2010Prop/2010-25249.pdf.
The hearing will end no later than 5 p.m., MSHA said.
Water to be shut off in Isabella and area
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority will have water shut off in Isabella/Luzerne Township from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today to upgrade the system.
Customers may experience low pressure or no water and are advised to keep some containers of water to minimize the outage, according to a company spokesman.