Area news briefs

I-80 toll plan rapped

CLARION - A marathon forum on the proposal to institute tolls on Interstate 80 sent a strong message of opposition to state leaders.

"Perspectives on I-80" was the title of a symposium at the Zion Baptist Church in Monroe Township. Private business interests and public officials took turns criticizing the toll plan in comments addressed to Joseph Brimmeier, chief executive officer of the Pa. Turnpike Commission. Brimmeier did point out that there will be no tolls unless the state-approved plan is okayed by the federal government.

State Assemblyman Fred McIlhattan said the tolling scheme would damage the economy of Pennsylvania and would be devastating to many businesses and communities along the I-80 corridor.

Electric plant progresses

KARTHAUS - A $550 million electric plant proposed in northeastern Clearfield County has won state backing of tax-exempt bonds of up to $600 million.

State Assemblyman Camille "Bud" George supports the waste-coal-fire generating plant.

"Site preparations are almost complete, and the state's financial support for the River Hill Power Company plant clears the way for the needed private financing," George said.

A groundbreaking will be scheduled once the project financing is completed, possibly by the end of the year. Construction of the 290- megawatt plant in Karthaus Township is expected to take about four years.

The plant will produce electricity for the mid-Atlantic power grid, while ridding the region of a 30-year supply of "waste coal" that is now fouling water resources in the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, George said.

Plans call for using powdered limestone to capture sulfuric dioxide that otherwise would be emitted. The alkaline-rich ash will be used to remediate the waste-coal sites.

Sewage rates rising

ST. MARYS - St. Marys residents will be paying an additional $2.00 per month for sewage disposal beginning in 2008, as base rates rise to $17 per month.

City officials will use the additional revenue to repair sanitary sewage lines and reduce infiltration. Unless the inflow is reduced, St. Marys will be forced to expand its sewage treatment plant.

School plan explained

KANE - Details of the $21.9 million school construction plans in the Kane Area School District were laid out during a public hearing Monday night.

Plans include construction of a new elementary school adjacent to the Kane Middle School on West Hemlock Avenue. It would likely be financed over a 20-year period by bonds. About 44 percent of the cost would be reimbursed by the state.

The school district has already paid off the bonds to finance construction of Kane Area High School and parts of the elementary school, and will use $7.5 million of its fund balance toward the new elementary school.

Kane citizen Chris Stovic questioned the need for the new school, in light of state and federal laws, and the fact that the school population of Kane is shrinking. Stovic said the issue should have been brought before the citizens on a ballot referendum.

Wal-Mart stalled

DuBOIS - A year has passed since a citizens group in Sandy Township turned to the courts in an effort to prevent Wal-Mart from building a "supercenter" in the township.

Sandy Township Manager Dick Castonguay told the board of supervisors this week that a decision by Commonwealth Court is still pending, following oral arguments presented on Dec. 12, 2006.

Sandy Citizens Arguing for Responsible Economic Development (SCARED) appealed Clearfield County President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman's May 2006 order upholding a township zoning hearing board decision. That board rezoned a 12.47-acre portion of a 198- acre industrial park to commercial highway, making it possible for Wal-Mart to acquire the land.

Guns stolen

KANE - Guns were among the items taken in two burglaries near Kane last week.

State police said someone broke into the home of Robert and Sharon Rhodes on Laurel Avenue in Wetmore Township, McKean County, causing about $600 in damage.

They took a Jennings J-22 semi-automatic pistol and an Astra Constable 380 semiautomatic pistol with holster, as well as valuable diamond rings, watches and earrings.

Burglars also stole five rifles and a small handgun from the Vicki Hazen residence on Laurel Avenue, at the intersection with South Fraley Street (Route 66).

A state police investigation team from Punxsutawney has been called in to assist with the investigation.

Landfill expanding

MT. JEWETT - The McKean County Landfill will expand by 336 acres and begin accepting a larger volume of out-of-state garbage. According to a Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection spokesman, the expansion will add around 19 million tons of capacity to the site over the life of the landfill.

A related plan calls for construction of a railroad siding branching to the landfill site at Hutchins, near Mt. Jewett, which will allow the landfill to accept waste by railcar.

Artificial turf

BROCKWAY - Brockway Area School Board has voted to pursue installing artificial turf at Varischetti Field in the borough of Brockway. Cost has been estimated amount of $755,000.

The administration will seek bids for installation of "FieldTurf," the same surface recently installed at two fields in the DuBois Area School District.

Holiday house tours

ST. MARYS - St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its House Tours and Holiday Mixer on 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.