We've been wrestling to get the podcast up and running. Time is a serious
issue, but I have been able to get audio from State Rep Martin Causer. He
does a radio report each week, and I plan to take that and post it up on the
podcast section each week.

I also apologize that some of our news updates have been sporadic. Getting
situated in the new job has been crazy, and we've had a few emergencies that
have slowed us down a bit!
Thanks for sticking with us.

The opening day for Sizerville State Park’s pool is Friday, May 26 from 4pm-7pm. The pool will be open Memorial Day Weekend, from 12 noon until 6pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Beginning Tuesday, May 30th through Friday June 2nd, pool hours will be from 4pm-7pm. The daily pool hours of 12 noon until 6pm will begin on Saturday June 3rd and will continue until further notice.
Sizerville State Park is a 386-acre, multi-use park with overnight facilities and year-round recreational opportunities. With a swimming pool donated in 1931 by the American Legion, Olkosky-Jessop Post No. 194, the park is ideal for year-round family vacations and offers camping, environmental education, picnic pavilions, trails, and two trout streams for fishing.
For more information on Sizerville State Park or any of Pennsylvania’s other 116 state parks, call

1-888-PA-PARKS between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; or visit

www.visitPAparks.com (select State Parks).

State Police reported finding a women's mountain bike along State Route 120,
just west of the Emporium Boro.

Anyone wishing to claim it should call the Emporium Barracks at
814-486-3321.

State Troopers report brian McClure is facing harassment charges.

He reportedly pushed and punched 20 year old Tina Bargerstock.

State Troopers served a warrant on a Pittsburgh man on May 24 in Emporium.

Taru Farmer was picked up on an arrest warrant from St. Mary's Police
Department for possession of marijuana.

State Police say 28 year old Debra Smith was the victim in an incident May
22nd on Tannery Heights Road.

Troopers report that Smieth and 37 year old Thomas Farren were engaged in an
argument that escalated to physical contact. Farren has been charged with
harassment in the incident.

State Police say that harassment charges are pending against an 18 year old
Emporium Resident.

Kayla Whiting was charged with pushing and striking 38 year old Theresa Asti
on May 22 on South Wood Street.

Rep. Martin T. Causer (R-Turtlepoint) says he is cosponsoring legislation
designed to consolidate the 14 state-run prescription benefit plans into one
program.

"By managing all of Pennsylvania's prescription drug assistance programs
through one program, the state will help save taxpayer money by making
government more efficient," Causer said. "While maintaining the high quality
service of these programs, this legislation would also reduce administrative
cost burdens and increase their efficiency."

Specifically, House Bill 2263 would establish a pharmacy benefits
consolidation program within the Department of Aging, the agency overseeing
the state's premier programs, PACE and PACENET.

The consolidation of these programs would allow the state to collect more
best-price rebates from pharmaceutical companies and enjoy a consumer price
index cap on increases in drug prices, among other things.

In addition to PACE and PACENET, the new program would administer the
following plans:

· Medical Assistance.

· Special Pharmaceutical Benefit Program in the Department of Public
Welfare.

· End Stage Renal Program in the Department of Health.

· Any other state-run pharmacy programs recognized by the Centers for
Medicaid and Medicare Services as a state pharmaceutical assistance program

· Public School Employees' Retirement System prescription drug plan.

· State Employees' Retirement System prescription drug plan.

· State Employees' Benefit Trust Fund prescription drug plan.

· Any program that uses state funds, including money from the Lottery
Fund, to provide prescription drug assistance to Medicare recipients.

· Programs where the state purchases or reimburses affiliates or
designees for a pharmacy benefit, such as the Children's Health Insurance
Program (CHIP), workers' compensation programs and any program administered
by the Department of Corrections.

"This 'One Pennsylvania' initiative would put the Commonwealth in a better
position to offer our residents the best prices available for a wide range
of pharmaceuticals," Causer said. "Furthermore, it would institute a fair
compensation system for pharmacy providers."

The legislation which is being sponsored by Rep. Fred McIlhattan
(R-Clarion/Armstrong) is still under review by the House Aging and Older
Adult Services Committee.

The Jolly Acres Camp on Route 4004 was broken into sometime in the last two
weeks.

State Police say someone stole items from the camp, owned by George
Frederick of Strongstown.

With the Holiday Weekend approaching, State Troopers in the Tri-County Area
are prepared to crack down on Driving Under the Influence.

Officers say they'll pick up on enforcement of seat belt and speeding codes
as well.

Kim Frey

In spite of sporadic showers and chilly temperatures, the employees of GE Transportation/ Motor Coils and members of IUE-CWA Local 88607 pressed on with their 2006 Community Awareness project. This year’s task was to give the Grove House a much needed fresh coat of paint. Project coordinator and EHS Manager Fred Manginell came up with the idea, and set the wheels in motion to get it done.
Thirty-two volunteers, all employees or family of GE, came to offer their labor for this job, showing their true community spirit in the process. The workers painted the entire building, cut down several trees, and did countless minor repairs to the facility. Approximately 200 man-hours were put in, and over $1500 in material. Materials and extra equipment were generously supplied by South Park Supply, and paid for by GE. About 20 gallons of paint were used to cover the exterior walls, along with six bags of concrete repair material. Several employees also donated their skills with a chainsaw to remove several dead and dying trees, and trim up some overgrowth.
Lunch was provided by GE and Chef Bob McFall, and was shared with the workers and the residents of the Grove House.
Emporium Operations Leader John Rosella was very pleased with the effort, commenting “We are very happy to have this opportunity to serve the Cameron County community. This is our second community event and we are looking forward to many more. Thank you to all GE-Emporium employees and their families for contributing to this event.”
Fred Manginell, who was credited for being the driving force behind this year’s event, was also pleased with the effort, saying” These employees did a wonderful job. They worked very hard in spite of the bad weather. I am very proud of them all.”
Grove House Administrator Patsie Chmelar was on hand to admire the work, and gave a statement at the completion of the project “The Grove House is extremely grateful to the employees of GE for the outstanding job on Saturday. The painting of the building, the tree removal, and the many other jobs completed, has truly helped to make our house a home”.
Each year, the GE family makes an impact through its innovative philanthropy, committed businesses, active volunteers, engaged executives, generous employees and donated products. In all, the GE family provided more than $150 million and over one million volunteer hours in 2004 to support local and global organizations that make great things happen in communities around the world.