What's in the news

'Dorm' for prisoners

SMETHPORT - McKean County officials hope to solve an overcrowding issue at the county's prison by establishing a dormitory for work release inmates at the former county home.

The building currently houses the county's planning, conservation, recycling and economic development departments. Officials hope to begin the renovations in the spring to create space for the prisoners.

Warden Tim Woodruff is also working on a "good time" policy, through which inmates can earn time off their sentences for good behavior. County officials have also cut the inmate population through house arrest and electronic monitoring.

Tax break for Sheetz?

ST. MARYS -- Members of St. Marys City Council have come under fire for approving a real estate tax break for the Sheetz convenience store being built in the city.

Another local business owner, Curt Brennen, accused city officials of showing favoritism to Sheetz when they approved the Altoona-based corporation for tax cuts through the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA).

Brennen pointed out that he had been denied a LERTA tax break on the grounds that he began construction of his business prior to applying. At the same time, Brennen argued, construction of the new Sheetz store in St. Marys was already underway when City Council approved that company's tax break. He also voiced concern that Sheetz will drive some smaller businesses out of St. Marys.

"Why would you give them LERTA when they are coming into town anyway?" Brennen asked. "You will have to raise my taxes to make up for the revenue you are losing there (and) their profits are going straight back to Altoona."

City Council took no further action after hearing Brennen's complaints. The LERTA tax break is still in limbo, however. Both the Elk County Board of Commissioners and the St. Marys Area School Board must also agree to the plan.

If Sheetz does qualify, the company will pay no real estate taxes for the first two years, then will pay 25% of the tax that would be due for the third year, and 50% for the fourth year.

Policeman recalled

KANE -- Flags around Kane are flying at half-staff through Saturday. It's a memorial to Steve Jerman, a local police officer who was shot and killed eight years ago this month, after he pulled over a car occupied by three Coudersport teenagers.

The driver, Tim Williams, who says he was too drunk to remember what happened, was convicted of killing Officer Jerman and remains in prison.

Williams' lawyer continues to seek a new trial for his client, citing statements made by a back seat passenger who allegedly "bragged" to friends that she was the killer.

Renovations approved

DuBOIS -- By a 6-3 vote, members of the DuBois Area School Board agreed to overhaul and create athletic fields and perform other infrastructure improvements at an estimated cost of $6.17 million.

Contracts were approved with developer HRI Inc. and electrical contractor Bronder Technical Services. A Pa. Department of Environmental Protection wetlands mitigation permit will be required before some of the work can be started.

The project involves synthetic turf at E.J. Mansell Stadium, a new eight-lane athletic track at the high school, two grass athletic fields, five new tennis courts and a 300-space parking lot.

AHUG gets grant

KANE - Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG) has been awarded a state grant to develop a wood and lumber industry partnership.

AHUG has hired Amy Shields as project coordinator. She is recruiting companies for the partnership and conducting interviews to assess their workforce needs. Companies will be questioned about employee recruitment, training and retention, along with other issues related to keeping the local industry competitive in the global marketplace.

The partnership will also interact with academic institutions, youth councils, and other agencies to compile information on recruitment and training programs. Membership is open to all wood products companies in northcentral Pennsylvania. For more information, call (814) 837-8550.

Boot Jack Hill issues

RIDGWAY -- The age-old problems of traffic safety on Boot Jack Hill, carrying U.S. Rt. 219 into Ridgway, have resurfaced.

Ridgway Borough Council this week heard more complaints about tractor-trailer drivers ignoring signs that require them to use the Osterhout Bypass, rather than following the steep Rt. 219 descent into the center of Ridgway.

Mayor James Martin agreed that the situation is dangerous, but pointed out that fewer trucks have been seen illegally using Boot Jack Hill since a law enforcement task force was formed two years ago.

"It has been better, but the trucks are still coming," the mayor said. "God forbid they should come down when school buses are backed up around the bend."

Borough officials will contact the Pa. State Police to share their concerns and request added patrols. Other measures that have been considered over the years include larger signs with flashing lights to direct truckers to the bypass.

Mobile home fire

MT. JEWETT -- Pa. State Police from Kane continue to investigate a fire that heavily damaged a Mt. Jewett mobile home Monday night.

Firefighters were summoned to Keesler Avenue to the mobile home owned by Robert Mix. Damage to the structure and contents was estimated at $25,000.