Regional news briefs

Need home for cats

ST. MARYS - A private, non-profit organizations known as Animal Friends needs a new home for the hundreds of cats it takes in.

Owner of the current shelter, located on South St. Marys Street (Rt. 255) in St. Marys, has notified the organization that its lease will not be renewed. Animal Friends hopes to raise enough money to buy the building or build a new shelter.

The organization was formed as an outgrowth from the Humane Society. Over four years, Animal Friends have placed more than 1,000 animals. An average of 225 cats receive care at the shelter on any given day.

Animal Friends also helps place dogs and other types of animals that stay in "foster" homes until a family can be found. It usually has 20 to 30 dogs at a time. Anyone seeking more information should call 781-7387.

Festival discontinued

ST. MARYS - Organizers of the St. Marys Hometown Festival have announced that the event is being discontinued due to downtown construction and other factors.

Anyone wishing to take over the festival has until Jan. 31 to acquire leftover equipment and other assets. Further details are available from Vern Kreckel of St. Marys.

Two houses destroyed

GALETON -- Two houses in downtown Galeton were destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving.

The fire was discovered at about 8 a.m. in a rental home on Lower Germania Street, across from the Wonder Bar. Flames quickly spread and jumped to an adjacent, unoccupied, home.

Amanda Brown and her children, who occupied the first structure, were not at home when the fire was discovered. Firefighters from four area departments responded under the mutual aid system. The investigation is continuing.

Holiday activities

ST. MARYS - St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce is returning with several holiday traditions this month.

House Tours and Holiday Mixer will be held Sunday, Dec. 22, beginning at 1 p.m. at the St. Marys Country Club. The Chamber has already booked three full buses for the event.

On Saturday, Dec. 8, a St. Nicholas Party is being held at Gunner's Restaurant and Inn. From 12:30 to 2 p.m., children and their parents can enjoy a buffet luncheon along with a visit from St. Nick. Reservations are being taken at Gunner's.

Holiday craft workshops

Three holiday craft workshops will be held at the Potter County Education Council center in Port Allegany.

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., participants will prepare three "gift jars" containing a cookie, muffin and/or soup mix. Jars will then be decorated with fabric, ribbon, raffia, and a recipe card. Participants should bring three sterilized wide mouth quart jars. Cost is $20.

On Thursday, Dec. 6, a Teddy Bear Tree Skirt or Stocking Workshop will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. No sewing is required. Participants should bring scissors and a tape measure. All other supplies will be provided. Cost is $22.

On Monday, Dec. 10, a Holiday Wreath Workshop will be held. Participants will create a wreath using evergreen (silks) or grapevine, with berries, ribbon, holly and other seasonal embellishments. Cost is $25. The workshop will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

To register, call the Potter County Education Council at 642-2295, 274-4877 or 435- 9490.

Bids examined

PORT ALLEGANY - Some 17 bidders competed for contracts being awarded for expansion of the Port Allegany Elementary School. A second round of bids followed an earlier solicitation during which bids came in over budget.

Construction could start in March 2008 and be completed by late August. Estimated cost of the work is $7.2 million. About $5 million will come from a bond issue. The district will tap its $3.8 million reserve to cover the remaining costs.

General construction contract went to J. C Orr & Son Inc., for $1.94 million. Four heating, ventilation and air conditioning bids were opened. The $2.07 million contract was awarded to Mazza Sheet Metal.

Leer Electric Inc. was selected as electrical contractor, at a cost of $1.95 million. A roofing contract was awarded to David Maines for $391,000. Plumbing work will be performed by Eschenauers Fuels Inc. for $367,000.