Laurels and barbs

Editorials

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November 13, 2009

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Fri Nov 13, 2009, 11:59 AM EST

Laurel: Two single-family homes are going up in Johns-town’s Coopersdale neighborhood as part of a Johnstown Housing Authority program designed to foster home ownership while also returning properties to taxation. It’s a winning concept all around – for the neighborhood, the city and the new owners. The Boyer Street houses will join two others that were built last year on the former Coopersdale School site. “We anticipate completion in May or June,” said Dan Kanuch, the authority’s executive director. The “lease-purchase” program provides assistance for prospective homeowners, who must rent a property for six months or a year while they save for a down payment and undergo education provided by the authority. Since 2004, the authority has constructed 11 homes. Good job.

Barb: A Blair County secretary was arrested this week and charged with skimming more than $6,000 from daily bank deposits made by – get this – the county sheriff’s office. The money was part of gun permit fees she collected in the office. State police say 51-year-old Diane Wilt of Roaring Spring had sole control of the fees collected for gun permits. Wilt faces a preliminary hearing on Monday on theft and receiving stolen property charges. What are people thinking? Or not thinking?

Laurel: Join us in saluting 87-year-old Joe Dona of Richland Township, a Navy veteran of World War II who campaigned successfully to have Theatre Drive in Richland designated as part of the National Purple Heart Trail. His effort came to fruition during a Veterans Day ceremony this week. The designation, he said, is a way to honor our fallen and injured veterans. Dona wanted the supervisors to change the name from Theatre Drive to Purple Heart Trail. Supervisors eventually agreed to add the honorary Purple Heart Trail designation, while maintaining the official Theatre Drive identity for addressing and mapping convenience. “I was satisfied with that,” Dona said. We are too. Good move all around.

Barb: No surprise here. A week and a half after Election Day, there are still plenty of reminders along our roadways of just whom the candidates were. We’ve even spotted some large candidate signs on private properties. The owners have the right to display them, of course, but we wish they would realize how unappealing the signs look. Come on, the election is over. Let’s give it a break for at least a few months.

Laurel: Few fundraising organizations are as hardworking – and successful – on a regular basis as the Auxiliary of Memorial Medical Center. The auxiliary’s next big venture is its annual gala, scheduled for Nov. 21 at Sunnehanna Country Club. The theme is Superheroes, Villains and Vixens, with each room decorated for a different superhero. The auxiliary hopes to raise $80,000 to be put toward expansion of the hospital’s critical care unit. Tickets are $100 a person. Information can be obtained by calling

534-5985. A good time and a good cause.

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