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Richfield residents reports possible Census scam (3-16-2010)
(DI) Census takers say some residents may be getting scammed by con artists who are seeking personal information that could be used by identity thieves. Melinda Weller, a Snyder Co. census worker, said people told her that a man in the Richfield area was pretending to be a census worker, asking for Social Security numbers. Selinsgrove State police in said last night they were unaware of anyone posing as census workers, but would look into the case. Paula Zitzler, assistant manager of the Altoona census office, which partially supervises Richfield area workers, said no one should give Social Security info out to someone saying they are a census worker. Census workers do not ask for this information. She also added that it’s too early in the census process to see workers on the streets, knocking on doors & asking questions.

PennDOT closes Juniata Co. bridge following inspection (3-16-2010)
This week, PennDOT closed the Lost Creek Bridge on Weaver Road in Juniata Co. The Lost Creek Bridge is a 1-lane bridge in Fermanagh Twp., 2 miles northeast of of Cuba Mills. The decision to close the bridge was the result of a recent inspection. The Lost Creek Bridge was built in 1950; is 77 ft. long & carries an average of 21 vehicles per day. The closure will remain in place until repairs can be made. PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Juniata Valley sees minor flooding from recent rains (3-15-2010)
(LS) While the Juniata River did not crest at flood stage as forecasters had predicted, there were places where the waters did rise enough to close some area roads. Secondary roads in Granville, Wayne, & Armagh Townships were affected due mainly to run off problems. The Juniata did crest last night short of the 23ft. flood stage level in Mifflin Co. but in Juniata Co., there was some flooding along the Juniata as it intersected with Tuscarora Creek in Port Royal. No reports of any flood damage were turned in & the rain–along with the flood waters–are expected to decrease throughout today.

Community Investment Proposals accepted by United Way (3-15-2010)
The United Way of Mifflin-Juniata is now accepting proposals to fund programs that produce results in 1 of the 4 United Way Impact areas: Successful Children & Youth, Basic Needs & Self-Sufficiency, Community Life & Health, & Education. Qualifying nonprofit, human service organizations in the 2 county region can apply & compete for funding. Community Investment Volunteers review applications & interview agencies in April/May with the United Way Board of Directors approving awards in June/July 2010. To be eligible for funding, nonprofit human service agencies must have tax exempt status, be in compliance with all government laws regulating nonprofit agencies & must provide direct human services to Mifflin & Juniata Co. residents addressing needs identified in the 2004-2005 Comprehensive Human Services Needs Assessment for Juniata & Mifflin Counties.

Preservation work planned for Twin Bridges near Reedsville (3-15-2010)
Preservation work will begin soon on the eastbound & westbound bridges, “twin bridges”, on US 322 in Mifflin Co. The bridges span the Kischacoquillas Creek on US 322 in Brown Twp. near Reedsville. Next Tuesday, the lane closure will be in effect on the westbound bridge. The roadway will be restricted to 1 lane with a 14-ft. width restriction. PennDOT’s lane restriction will allow traffic to continue through the area as crews sandblast & paint the bridge. Motorist should remain alert for slowed traffic through this area. All work is weather dependant. Estimated completion date is March 31. These bridges are part of a 5-bridge preservation project spanning Clinton, Juniata & Mifflin counties.

Mifflin Co. Meltdown ramps up while scales go down (3-11-2010)
Results from the 2nd week of the Mifflin Co. Meltdown indicate a total loss of 535 lbs. collectively from the 66 reporting teams out of the total of 68. Of the 503 participants, the combined total weight loss now stands at over 1,660 lbs. dropped off of the initial 98,110 at the start of the event. The weekly Tuesday night meetings continue during the 6 week meltdown campaign at the LAHS Auditorium, & will run until April 6th. Each team has a member represented at these meetings but they are also open to the public free of charge. The March 16th meeting will emphasize weight management, featuring Dr. Virginia Wray of Family Health Associates. Anyone can join the meltdown at anytime during the campaign by calling 248-6713 or online at www.visitingmifflincounty.com.

State Ag Dept. revises hardwood quarantine with exemptions (3-11-2010)
Ag. Secretary Russell Redding announced that out-of-state firewood producers now have 2 additional treatment options for exempting their firewood products from a quarantine meant to keep harmful invasive species from entering PA: heat treatment & fumigation. The 2007 firewood quarantine was issued to prevent the spread of exotic invasive species like the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, Sirex Wood Wasp & Bark Beetles that have entered the US. Under the firewood quarantine, the commonwealth prohibits moving any type or species of firewood into PA. Firewood includes all processed or unprocessed, coniferous or hardwood products meant for use in a campfire or other outdoor or indoor fire. Initially, firewood marked “kiln-dried” and/or “USDA Certified” was the only exempt firewood. The addition of heat-treated & fumigated firewood provides more options for campers & producers.

Snyder Co. ensuring accuracy of its 911 listings (3-11-2010)
(DI) Snyder Co. officials took steps Tuesday to ensure the approximately 18,000 land line records on file with Verizon match the address displayed on the county’s 911 center database. Chad Aucker, Snyder County 911 coordinator said that without this, calls may be placed into 911, but the correct address may not be displayed. Aucker added that it is possible for the address to be a former one, or abbreviations or spellings may be incorrect. The National Emergency Number Association requires correct spaces & spellings in these databases. The commissioners requested that no more than $13,000 be spent for the project, which Aucker expects to take approximately 3 months.

Commissioners clamor over Courthouse in last night’s meeting (3-10-2010)
(LS) The Juniata Co. Commissioners had some heated discussion on weather proof windows & paint, all of which are part of a change order in the renovation work being done on the county’s aging courthouse. Commissioner Dale Shelley opposed the decision to get a more expensive paint for the dome of the courthouse saying a less expensive paint would last longer. Commissioner Theresa O’Neal voted against installing double-pane windows after architects found more problems as the older windows were being removed. The other 2 change orders that involved repairing roof & bell crib deterioration were both passed unanimously.

Career & Technology center budget fails to pass over admin costs (3-10-2010)
(LS) Citing a administration percentage that is too high, members of the Mifflin Co. Career & Technology Center did not pass a budget for the next school year during last night’s meeting in Mifflintown. The budget also allows for a rise in the cost of electricity & for an additional health sciences teacher. However the budget dispute came over administrative costs with committee member Travis Parkes saying that cuts should be made in the business office. Parkes felt the CTC’s business manager could split duties between both the Mifflin Co. & Juniata Co. School Districts, thus doing away with the position at the CTC. Other members felt that would impose too much work on the manager & that would be a “tough sell” for Juniata Co.

Committee approves Benninghoff’s election transparency bill (3-10-2010)
Monday, the House State Government Committee unanimously approved an election transparency bill sponsored by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff that would ensure voters know who is sponsoring political robo-calls. Under current law, when an individual or group airs a political television or radio commercial or publishes a print advertisement that directly targets a candidate, these forms of political communication must identify the sponsor. The law currently does not specify whether or not robo-calls–or pre-recorded political phone messages–are subject to this requirement. Benninghoff’s bill would close this loophole in the election law. Benninghoff said that, "If you’re pulled away from your family dinner to answer one of these robo-calls, you ought to at least be able to determine who’s sponsoring it.”

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