David Caldwell's weekly roundup
of news affecting Blacklick Valley

Hopeful News

Michael Veon, state Democratic Rep. from Beaver, has introduced a bill to use $15 million a year from the state's award from the tobacco industry to help alleviate the burden of health care costs on workers who have lost their benefits when their employers have defaulted on health insurance payments. He and the 56 cosponsors of the bill believe this would be an appropriate and humanitarian use of a portion of the $11 billion Pennsylvania is to receive over the next 25 years. Terms of the settlement state that the money is to be used for health issues. Thus far, there is $240 million available. Should this bill pass, it would be beneficial to the retirees of Bethlehem. Steel Corp. who live in the area, as well as the economy in general.

Landfill

Jackson Township is home to one of the state's 50 landfills. The tipping fee from this site, which is located along Laurel Ridge Road near Chickaree, provides 15 percent of the township's budget. On July 8, the fee charged per ton was hiked $4 per ton to $7.25. Of this amount, municipalities hosting landfills, such as Jackson Township, receive $1. Even though the municipalities didn't get an increase, they receive enough to lighten the burden on taxpayers. Jackson received $273,000 last year and has received $281,000 so far this year. This landfill was recently upgraded to extend its life for another 40 years.

Construction weather

The heat wave currently gripping the Valley has many residents seeking cooler places, and complaining. However, those overseeing construction projects aren't among the complainers. The improvements around the area have been moving along without delays caused by rain. A paving project on the lot next to St. Mary's school has progressed to the base coat. Work is continuing on the Pergrim Hill project. The caboose and soon-to-be-ice-cream stand at the DVO along Route 271 south of Nanty Glo should soon be open for business. A little farther south and across the highway, The Pittstop is coming along nicely. It will be a combination ice cream stand and miniature golf course when completed. Along Pike Road in Mundys Corner, the contractor has the steel super structure for the Pike Grace Brethren Church's all-purpose building erected. We didn't have time to get a picture but the paving is completed at the intersection of Routes 271 and 422 in Belsano. Also in Belsano, the sewer construction project continues.

Webmaster's note, from Paris: because of the impossibility of accessing the server from my location in Europe, I'm putting the photos David included on the Home Page Yahoo photo album, "Construction." Click here to view. Note that tomorrow's postcard from David in Nanty Glo may be late, because I have to return to London before sending it. Please keep looking for it.

Things my mother taught me (series)

My mother taught me about ENVY
—"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do!"

—Sent by Mike Harrison

Thought for the day

Be not ashamed of thy virtues; honor's a good brooch to wear in a man's hat at all times.

— Ben Jonson

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