Cameron County news bytes

Students in Business Fair

Several local high schools sent representatives to the second annual Business Fair Competition Thursday and Friday at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Representing Cameron County were: Brian Carlson, Brittany Lundberg, Ali Reigel, Jordan Thompson, Nick Gatuso and Garrett Borden.

Coudersport, Austin, Galeton, Johnsonburg, Ridgway, Kane and Smethport also sent teams

The event was sponsored by the Pitt-Bradford chapter of Students in Free Enterprise and the Pitt-Bradford entrepreneurship program. Each team's mission was to build the best Internet-based enterprise, complete with a business plan, "e-commerce," marketing and advertising plans, financial management and accounting models, and web design.

A panel of professionals from Zippo, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Pitt-Bradford critiqued each group's work, followed by judging by professionals from Northwest Savings Bank, Zippo, Case and Pitt-Bradford.

Bingo for Books set Dec. 14

The Family Center will hold its Holiday Bingo for Books on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall.

Space is limited. Registrations are being acceptd by phone at 486-1251 The event is sponsored by Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Family First Campaign and the Family Center.

Cookie sale Dec 9

St. Hilda's Guild of Emmanuel Episcopal Church will hold a Christmas cookie sale in front of Lundberg Pharmacy on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Assorted cookies on Christmas-themed trays and smaller packages will be available.

Bridge nears bid phase

Construction of a new bridge on Rt. 555 in Driftwood will be put up for bids no later than June 2007, according to the Pa. Dept. of Transportation.

The work can't come soon enough for the truckers and contractors who have been inconvenienced by the current span's weight restrictions. PennDOT is working out rightof way issues with Norfolk Southern Railroad and other affected property owners.

Toy drive underway

Northwest Savings Bank of Emporium is once again holding a Christmas Is For Kids Toy Drive, in conjunction with the Salvation Army.

Toys to be distributed to childen from needy families can be dropped off in the bank's lobby from now through Dec. 13.

EVFD calendar sales

Emporium Volunteer Fire Department is once again selling fund-raising calendars, with proceeds to help cover expenses for the 2010 Tri- County Firemen Assn. Convention and Parade in Emporium.

Additional details are available from Tom Barton at 486-0732.

Offers spaying, neutering

Low-income pet owners may qualify for free spaying and neutering of their dogs or cats, through a program offered by the Cameron County SPCA.

Limiting the free service to low-income residents helps to assure that those who are the least able to afford the service will not be denied it. A broader goal is control of local dog and cat populations.

Over the past two years, the SPCA has paid for about 60 spaying or neutering procedures. Last year, the cost was about $5,000. The group works with veterinarian Dr. L. D. Rumsey of Smethport.

SPCA leaders have discussed ways to cut costs, possibly by requiring pet owners to cover a portion of the expense.

Concert for Haiti Dec. 9

A concert to raise money to feed hungry children in Haiti will be held at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Abundant Life Tabernacle in Emporium. There is no admission fee, but donations received will be contributed to a hunger relief organization in Haiti. Concert is a part of CCHS student Kayla Post's graduation project.