Area news briefs

Rt. 219 options mulled

RIDGWAY -- Transportation leaders are still trying to decide how best to permanently divert truck traffic around downtown Ridgway.

PENNDOT officials addressed a variety of alternatives for the U.S. 219 bypass last week. The state wants to take out 14 homes on Osterhout Street.

Citizens had earlier called for either a two-lane truck bypass or an expansion of the current U.S. Route 219 bypass to two lanes. PennDOT has rejected the suggestions, citing cost, time constraints and the need to address traffic on Pa. Rt. 948.

Construction is expected to begin in 2010 at a cost of about $4.5 million. Those whose properties are condemned will receive compensation as well as moving costs.

School receives grants

KANE -- A federal grant for $250,000 will fire up the woodheating project being planned at Kane Area High School. The district was already awarded a state grant of more than $350,000.

School officials say the work will cut heating costs at the high school. It will include an automated plant and piping network, allowing the burning of wood chips. The school district's share of the project is estimated at $268,000.

Facilities Manager John Rook said it will take less than five years to recoup the district's investment. The high school, including a swimming pool, is now heated with natural gas.

Heating bill for the high school was $92,000 for the fiscal year ending last June 30.

The U.S. Agriculture Department provided the grant as part of an effort to "develop innovative uses for woody biomass, including renewable energy and new products, from national forests."

Elk Regional Health System in St. Marys also received a grant of $250,000.

Church comes down

PORT ALLEGANY -- Demolition of the former EUB Church on Pine Street in Port Allegany lays the groundwork for a new library.

Site preparation is continuing where the 101-yearold church once stood. Timetable for the construction of a new Port Allegany Public Library is uncertain, pending the result of fund-raising activities and grant applications.

Forest invaders

KANE -- An expert on ecology will be guest speaker at the Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum, to be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the Kane Country Club on Rt. 6.

Dr. Bernd Blossey from Cornell University will discuss the impacts of non-native plant invasions on the ecosystem of northern Pennsylvania. Dr. Blossey is well known for his research into the use of biological control agents to battle invasive plants.

Reservations can be made by calling 837-8550.

Highway projects

RIDGWAY - Motorists traveling along U.S. Route 219 in Elk County should anticipate some delays and diversions this year. Work is scheduled on the Johnsonburg bypass and the Gallagher Run Bridge near Ridgway.

The Johnsonburg project will divert truck traffic off Route 219, which is the main thoroughfare in the borough. Work is being done in two phases, continuing into 2009.

Work resumed this week on the Gallagher Run Bridge project. Northbound traffic is being detoured on the Bootjack Truck Bypass to Route 120, then to Osterhout Street and back to Rt. 219.

Vo-tech teachers settle

PORT ALLEGANY --

Teachers at the Seneca Highlands Vo-Tech School in Port Allegany ratified a new contract that covers three years. Terms are retroactive to July 1, 2006. Average salary increases are about $1,750 per year for each year of the contract.

Vets' helper coming Wednesday

A Veterans Outreach and Assistance specialist will be on duty at the Emporium Borough Office from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday for the convenience of area veterans and their families.

Vets are asked to take their Form DD 214 with them. Additional information is available toll-free at 1-800-352- 0915.

Family Center sets Craft Night

The Family Center will hold is Craft Night on Tuesday, April 10, at the Episcopal Church Parish Hall from 5:30 to 7:30.

Area residents are encouraged to enjoy dinner and make crafts with their families. Those planning to attend should register with the Family Center by April 6 at 486-1251.