Hello all! Welcome to this week’s edition of the GantDaily Weekly Reload!
This week we brought you coverage of a meningitis case in Clearfield, authorities asking that the Shawville Power Plant being held accountable, and the hearing for a couple accused of arson.
We also brought you a story about the dangers of sexting, Clearfield Area School District’s preliminary 2010 budget and two municipalities that are receiving help for municipal services.
For these stories and more keep reading the GantDaily Weekly Reload.
Commissioners Want Shawville Power Plant Water Discharge Temp Lowered
CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners are asking the Department of Environmental Protection to hold the Shawville Power Plant accountable for their water discharge and lower the temperature.
The request comes in the form of a letter, which the commissioners approved and signed on Tuesday.
The letter reads:
“Over the past few years the Commissioners of Clearfield County have observed an increase in the overall number of fish as well as the diversity of species caught both upstream and downstream of the thermal influence of the Shawville Power Plant. We attribute this increase to the improved water quality of the river due to the effects of the clean air standards and watershed improvement projects conducted by our local watershed groups as well as DEP. Over the last eight years over $12 million worth of water quality improvements have been put into the West Branch of the Susquehanna in Clearfield County. This money is $5.2 million in grants and 7.6 in match dollars.
For that story click here.
Officials Determine Cause, Origin of Perkins Fire
DUBOIS – Officials have determined the cause and origin of a fire that destroyed the Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in DuBois last week.
According the report, state police Fire Marshal Mick McCracken and the Sandy Township Fire Department determined that the fire was electrical in nature and originated in the roof truss area above the kitchen.
Officials reported last week that crews were called to Perkins at 12:33 p.m. on April 23. All customers and employees were evacuated safely.
Click here for that story.
Bradford Township, Burnside Borough Getting Help for Water, Sewer Projects
CLEARFIELD – On Tuesday the Clearfield County Commissioners took a step that will help residents in Bradford Township in acquiring water.
The commissioners approved signing a contract for Community Development Block Grant funds in the amount of $500,000 for a waterline extension along Shiloh and Houser Roads.
“We have to congratulate the supervisors,” said Commissioner Mark McCracken. “They’ve put a lot of work into this project.”
For that story click here.
Grassflat Couple has Hearing in Arson Case
CLEARFIELD – A husband and wife accused of arson and related offenses had a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Kevin and Delinda Moore of Grassflat stand accused of arson, criminal conspiracy to commit arson and related charges.
Cpl. Thomas Josephson of the Pennsylvania State Police testified that on Jan. 7 he was traveling past the Moore’s home on a tractor on his way to plow a relative’s driveway. He said that as he was passing their residence, around 7 p.m., he noticed a light in their driveway area. He said the light went out and that he thought he saw someone in the vehicle.
Click here for that story.
Maney Warns CASD of Potential Budget Deficit
CLEARFIELD – In his preliminary budget “speculation,” Sam Maney, business manager, gave a heads up about a potential budget deficit to the Clearfield Area School District Board of Directors at Monday night’s regular meeting.
Maney said that the deficit could range from $500,000 to $1.5 million, depending on budget cuts.
“We need to look at expenses a little more. We need to look closely and in detail,” he said. “We need to see where we can anticipate savings.”
Superintendent Richard C. Makin said that the budget was still a work in progress.
For that story click here.
A Closer Look at Sexting
Cell phones have created another dilemma, as sex and technology now intersect.
“Sexting” has become a popular practice among young teens who are sending sexually suggestive messages and images via their cell phones.
Officer Mike Morris, of the Lawrence Township Police Department, said they have handled about a dozen “sexting” cases this year. He noted that 90 percent of cases are handled by parents and school officials, however.
Morris said that he believes “sexting” has been dealt with more recently and also recognized as a problem.
Click here for that story.
Clearfield Hospital Confirms Bacterial Meningitis Case
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Hospital today confirmed that its Emergency Department team evaluated a patient who has been subsequently diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
The patient was seen in the Emergency Department late Sunday night and was later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for specialized treatment.
Hospital officials immediately notified the state Department of Health, which in turn, launched an investigation and identified others the patient was in close contact with, including those at a daycare center.
Those at risk were asked to come to the Emergency Department so they could be evaluated and provided with preventative antibiotics. As of late last night, the hospital’s Emergency Department team had evaluated 64 patients.
For that story click here.
Kelly Clarkson, Dierks Bentley Among Performers at 2009 Clearfield County Fair
CLEARFIELD – Those looking for great music, tasty food, and family fun should look no further that the 149th Clearfield County Fair! This year’s grandstand lineup is star-studded with Alice Cooper on Tuesday, Aug. 4; Dierks Bentley & Julianne Hough on Wednesday, Aug. 5; Ratt & Marky Ramone’s Blitzkreig on Friday, Aug. 7; and closing out the fair on Aug. 8 is Eric Hutchinson and America’s first idol, Kelly Clarkson.
Alice Cooper is bringing his own brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new. The iconic hard rocker, who literally invented the concept of the rock concert as theater, returns to what he does best on Along Came a Spider (SPV Records), the 25th studio album of a long and illustrious career which began in 1969 with the release of Pretties for You on Frank Zappa’s Straight label. Known as the architect of shock-rock, Alice (in both the original Alice Cooper band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, like a great horror movie, even in an era where CNN can present real life shocking images.
Click here for that story.