Numbers in the news

41

The price of a first-class postage stamp increases to 41 cents, effective May 14.

Postal patrons can lock in the 41-cent rate by purchasing "forever stamps," which cost 41 cents and will be usable for first-class postage even after future rate increases.

2

Persons wishing to vote in the May 15 primary have two days to become registered with the county Board of Elections. Monday, April 16, is the last day to register before the primary, which decides Democratic and Republican nominations for local, county and school district positions.

Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in the primary for candidates. However, all registered voters can vote on the school tax-shift ballot question.

1M

So, just how many species of living things exist on earth? The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is trying to find out.

After six years of counting, the census has passed the 1 million mark, standing at 1,009,000. Scientists expect the count to top off somewhere around 1.75 million. We'll know by 2011.

4

A skydiving center near the Potter/McKean County border at the state line has opened for its fourth season.

Freefall Oz Skydiving Center is located in Ceres, Pa.

Members of the public (18 and up) can schedule "tandem skydiving," where the instructor does all of the work. Those who have completed training can schedule solo jumps. For more info. call 697-7218.

100

A new study confirms that U.S. children are bombarded more than ever with advertisements for unhealthy foods, especially those containing too much sugar, salt and fat. Since 1980, the percentage of children ages six to 14 who are severely overweight has risen by 100 percent.

Susan Linn, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, is one of the experts calling for government intervention in the form of an advertising ban on television programs aimed at children. "I think it's essential that we stop marketing unhealthy foods to kids," she said.

79

A Spring Creek Township, Elk County, couple was honored last week for a combined 79 years of local government service.

Bill Tell served as a township supervisor from 1947 to 2005. During his tenure, he dealt with responses to tornadoes, floods and blizzards. He also led a successful lawsuit against county officials to resolve questions about bridge maintenance responsibilities.

His wife, Jane Tell, served as Spring Creek Township secretary from 1973 to 2004.

41

The Potter-Tioga Maple Festival will be held May 4-5 in Coudersport. This is the 41st year for the event. In recent years, turnout has increased by at least 10% annually.

Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce has agreed to become primary sponsor of the festival, assisting the founders from the Potter-Tioga Maple Producers Assn.