WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is urging the U.S. Postal Service to consider the impact that an additional mailing discount for coupon advertiser Valassis Communications would have on Pennsylvania business before moving forward.

Valassis is asking USPS for a 22 percent to 36 percent discount on certain coupon packages. If approved, the deal could undercut Pennsylvania businesses that depend on ad­vertising revenue, Casey said.

“Businesses that employ thousands of Pennsylvanians could be seriously undercut if the USPS goes forward with this discount for Valassis without considering the impact on businesses,” Casey said in a release issued Wednesday.

“Pennsylvania businesses that depend on advertising for revenue have already been strained in this tough economy, and an additional discount for Valassis could only deepen the problem.”

Silka takes job managing Monroeville

SOMERSET – Jeff Silka, executive director of the Somerset County Economic Development Council, has been hired as municipal manager of Monroeville in Allegheny County.

Silka, who has headed the economic development council for six years, formerly was Johnstown’s city manager for nearly four years. He resigned in December 2005 for personal reasons.

Silka is to leave his post here June 22, and his new job will begin July 11.

His starting salary in Monroeville will be $90,000 a year, according to published reports.

University hires police captain

LORETTO – Robert Fatula Jr. of Ebensburg has been named as St. Francis University’s police captain.

Fatula has been employed at St. Francis for four years and has almost 20 years of local law enforcement experience.

He also served as an airman in the Navy and served in the Gulf War.

He volunteers, participates in and coordinates fundraising events for youth sports, local law enforcement and emergency response agencies.

Summer food program beginning

HARRISBURG – The state Department of Education is reminding residents that the Summer Food Service Program for children up to age 18 is ready to start.

After Friday, site locations and hours will be available online at pasummermeals.com.

No registration is required.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture created the program to make sure children have access to nutritious meals during the summer break.

Kasunic fish-permit bill goes to governor

HARRISBURG – Following unanimous approval from the state House, legislation introduced by  Sen. Richard Kasunic that would enable the Fish and Boat Commission to do more to promote fishing was sent to Gov. Tom Corbett on Tuesday.

“My bill would give the commission more flexibility to make some licensing and permitting offerings to encourage more people to try fishing,” said Kasunic, D-Dunbar. “I am pleased that the Legislature unanimously acted to encourage greater public interest in the great sport of fishing.”

Under the bill, the fish commission could issue multiyear licenses and permits, group licenses and permits, and discounted promotional licenses and permits.

Kasunic is Democratic chairman of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee.

Walk/run will aid veterans group

SIDMAN – The second annual 5K for Vets will be held Saturday at  Forest Hills High School.

The walk/run – about 3 miles long – will benefit Veteran Community Initiatives of Johnstown.

The event is hosted by the DNA Spine and Sports Medicine Center, 360 Goucher St., Upper Yoder Township, where registrations can be made.

Registration is $15 if made by Friday. Walk-up registrations will be accepted the day of the event for $20. A T-shirt is guaranteed with preregistration, organizers said.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the race will start at 9. Plaques will be awarded to the winners and several prizes will be given away.

For more information, call 254-4441.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.