Endeavor's Neat Numbers

6

Six area employers have received low-interest loans as part of a government-backed economic development program.

The Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission's executive board approved the loans for Cutting Edge Machining Solutions of Clearfield County; Elk County Tool & Die; Sintergy Inc. of Jefferson County; Pennsylvania Powdered Metals of Elk County; Wagner Tarps of Jefferson County; and the Lumberjack Restaurant of Elk County.

Board member John Egbert of McKean County said he's concerned about the future of the area's powdered metal industry - recipient of much of Northcentral's economic aid -in the face of mounting competition from China.

125

Officials in Port Allegany have found a unique way to help pay some of the expenses for the Sept. 30 celebration of the borough's quasquicentennial (that's its 125th birthday, in case you didn't know).

For $5.00 per square foot, a person can become an "honorary property owner" of the Town Square. A certificate that denotes that distinction will likely become a coveted collector's item, according to Mayor Joe DeMott. Certificates are available at the Borough Building, First National Bank, Citizens Trust Company, Pierce Credit Union and the PC Credit Union.

30

Law enforcement authorities are cracking down on truck drivers who violate the northbound truck ban on U.S. Rt. 219. An increased fine, from $100 to a new figure of $500, will likely deter drivers from taking a chance. Ridgway Police Chief Ralph Tettis said he has recently stopped 30 drivers, many of whom have claimed confusion with signs posted along the highway. A local citizens' task force will ask the Pa. Dept. of Transportation to install an electronic flashing sign.

2.5

Daily newspaper readership took another hit over a sixmonth period ending on April 1. Circulation fell by 2.5 percent. Sunday newspaper circulation dropped by 3.1 percent. Industry analysts cited competition from the Internet and other media as the biggest factors.

125

The American Refining Group operation in Bradford has been officially recognized as the nation's oldest continuously operating refinery. The distinction will be noted in an historical marker to be erected at the site by the Pa. Historical & Museum Commission. ARG is marking the 125th anniversary (yes, the quasquicentennial) of the refinery's opening this year.

100,000

Port Allegany Area School District has broken new ground in administrative pay, cross the $100,000 milestone for the first time.

The school board approved a $100,250 salary for Superintendent Tony Flint, a 3.5-percent raise, or $3,390 more than he made last year. High School Principal Marc Budd will now make $80,383, while Elementary Supervisor Terry Kriner's salary will be $77,385.

2.76

"Let your conscience be your guide" may be a common admonition, but many of us don't heed it. A Newcastle University study found that employees are 2.76 times more likely to pay for office coffee, tea and snacks when they are faced with a poster that make it appear that human eyes are watching them. Researchers believe the poster was effective because the brain naturally reacts to images of faces or eyes.

70

Dell forecasts a 70 percent participation in its ambitious new recycling program. Consumers wanting to ditch old printers, personal computers or other electronics gear made by Dell will be able to recycle them for free, starting in September. Companies have begun adopting more affordable recycling policies to prevent cadmium, mercury, lead, and other hazardous materials contained in many electronics from ending up in landfills. Last month, Apple expanded its recycling program.

Those who buy a new Mac receive free shipping and recycling of their old machines. Hewlett-Packard is expanding its product-recycling program with summer collection drives. Consumers wishing to recycle their old Dell gear for free must go online, enter the product's serial code at Dell's website, pack the item, and then schedule a pickup time. The items will be reused or broken down into components.

75

There's plenty of misinformation being circulated as lawmakers in Harrisburg and Washington consider whether to raise the minimum wage.

Pennsylvania currently defers to the federal minimum wage of $5.15 per hour. Most states have adopted a higher standard. Opponents of an increase argue that they hire teenagers and others who are not their family breadwinners. However, 75 percent of minimum-wage workers are age 19 or older. Women are twice as likely as men to have a minimum-wage job.

200

The Potter County community of Shinglehouse held a bicentennial celebration last weekend.

Although the borough itself is just 100 years old, the structure which gave the town its unique name went up in 1806, along the creek near the Potter/McKean County border. That "Shingle House" was sided with wooden slabs resembling roof shingles, rounded on one end and attached to the structure with wooden pegs (nails were hard to come by in 1806).