Archive - Feb 24, 2012 - News Article

In a dark year, Punxsy grads help PSU break THON records

February 24, 2012

UNIVERSITY PARK — Last weekend, after months of scandal and media scrutiny surrounding their school, Penn State students took to the floor at the Bryce Jordan Center for the annual IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon — better known as THON — and showed just what the phrase “We are Penn State” means.

And two PAHS graduates — Brittany Baker and Keri Dinsmore — helped Penn State shatter last year’s record, raising $10.7 million for pediatric cancer research and to help emotionally and financially support families affected by pediatric cancer.

Thompson’s ‘bus stops here’ for re-election announcement

February 24, 2012

BROOKVILLE — “The bus stops here” was the slogan of the day when U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson’s (R-5) bus tour paid a visit to the Jefferson County Courthouse Friday during his 2012 election announcement tour.

“We’re in the middle of a four-day, 16-county, 23-stop 700-mile campaign bus kickoff,” he said, adding that he does three things when running for reelection: He works hard, he does the right things, and he communicates with his constituents.

Thompson said he likes the message it sends when he’s running for re-election every two years.

Brockway residents question Flatirons’ proposal

February 24, 2012

BROCKWAY — Wednesday night, more than 150 people attended a public hearing to voice their concerns about a gas company’s proposal to drill in Brockway borough.

Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-25), state Rep. Sam Smith (R-66) and state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-78), called the meeting to give Brockway residents the opportunity to get answers from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Flatirons Resources, the company whose proposal has caused dissatisfaction for local residents.

Police, PennDOT offer reminders about new teen driving law

February 24, 2012

PUNXSUTAWNEY — There were no citations, only warnings: Pennsylvania’s new laws regarding teenage drivers have changed, and unless they are in compliance, they will be cited.

Thursday, Punxsutawney Borough Police officers, Pennsylvania State Police troopers and representatives from PennDOT performed a detail during dismissal at Punxsutawney Area High School, handing out literature about the new law — Act 81, which took effect Dec. 27, 2011 — and to check for seatbelt usage among departing students.

Lent asks Catholics to pray, to fast and to give

February 24, 2012

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Wednesday marked the beginning of the Lenten season for Roman Catholics around the world.

For the next six weeks, Msgr. Joseph Riccardo, of the Ss. Cosmas & Damian parish, is asking his parishioners and all Catholics to remove the growing number of distractions that usually inhibit a person of faith from making a full commitment to the Lenten season.

“It’s a hectic world, and we’re distracted by many things,” he said. “We have a lot of responsibilities and commitments, and unfortunately, that also serves as a distraction to the practice of our faith.”