3,400

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks in Pennsylvania,

a

right that

m a n y d r i v e r s

tend to ignore. PennDOT is offering cities and boroughs free crosswalk signs to remind drivers of the law. So far, some 3,400 signs have been distributed.

The fluorescent yellowgreen, freestanding signs are to be placed directly in the center of the roadway near intersections. When traffic signals are not present, motorists are required by law to yield to pedestrians at intersections. They face a $50 fine plus costs if they fail to do so. Former Coudersport Mayor Brian Wilson at one time personally supervised enforcement of the pedestrian safety law, accompanying police officers on patrols. The lessons appear to have been lost on the majority of drivers in more recent years.

12

Labor unions continue to lose favor among American workers. Just 12 percent of working adults belong to unions, a modern-day low.

13

Borough officials in Port Allegany are once again honoring a local tradition that saves taxpayers more than $13,000. They agreed this week to forfeit the pay to which they are entitled. Mayor Joe DeMott's salary is $2,500, while each of the eight Borough Council members makes $1,875.

7

There are seven zoos in Pennsylvania. That number may soon grow to eight. Central Pennsylvania Zoological Society is considering Clearfield County as a site for 50-acre zoo. The estimated cost is $60 million. Local leaders support the plan, suggesting the sprawling Woposonock Natural Area as a location. It would join the Erie Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Clyde Peeling's Reptiland, Zoo America, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Elmwood Park Zoo and the Philadelphia Zoo.

51

The media this week were all over the most recent census report, showing that, for the first time in recorded history, a majority of women 21 or older -- some 51% -- are not living with a husband. Social scientists were all over the report with explanations and theories. Many said it's a result of greater equality in the workplace. After decades of battles for equality, they reasoned, more women are finding jobs that pay enough to allow them to support themselves.

5

C a m e r o n County Art Fest will observe its fifth anniversary this year. The event will be held on Broad Street in downtown Emporium on Saturday, June 30. Cameron County Arts is accepting reservations for displays by artists and crafters. For more information, call 486- 3430 or 486-3372.

58

Democrats who are trying to tinker with

the Medicare

prescription

drug program

got

fuel for

their fire

last week.

It came in the

form of a Veterans

Affairs Department

report

that showed the VA

pays an average of

58% less than Medicare

for half of the

most-prescribed drugs.

The VA is allowed by

law to negotiate with

drugmakers.

The same policy does not apply to the 43 million Americans covered by Medicare. One example cited by Medicare plan critics was Pfizer Inc.'s, Lipitor. Medicare plans charged at least $785 for a year's supply; the VA secured a price 51% lower.