Push For Tolls On Interstate 80 Accelerates

PennDot and the PA Turnpike Commission have sent additional material to the Federal Highway Administration in an attempt to push through a proposal to make Interstate 80 a toll road throughout the Commonwealth.

PennDot would lease Interstate 80 to the Turnpike Commission who would operate the toll administration.

This idea is being vociferously opposed by PA residents along Interstate 80 (this idea is getting about the same enthusiatic support as turning US 422 into a toll road in our neck of the woods).

I guess Interstate 80 will be another road to avoid if tolls are added.  Between the price of gas and the astronomical tolls it makes traveling very expensive.  When I travel to Harrisburg, it would cost me the same amount for gas as it would for tolls if I were to use the turnpike.  Taking the turnpike doubles the cost of each trip!  I take alternate routes!

I thought that’s what all these gasoline taxes were for??? Silly me!

Pottstown Chili’s To Open Monday 11/02/09

BREAKING NEWS!

A reliable source confirmed that Chili’s new restaurant in Upland Square is scheduled to open on Monday, 11/02/09. 

There is a sign out front that says In Training.  They are doing their practice runs and people are being invited by invitation only to sample their wares!  One such person alerted me that Monday is the big day! 

So keep your eyes open Pottstown!

Philadelphia Declares Swine Flu Emergency!

Steadily increasing H1N1 cases and ER visits escalating 25% over last year have prompted city officials to declare a health emergency in Philadelphia!

City officials are asking people with mild symptoms to stay away from emergency rooms.

I think it’s a good idea to limit contact during this time.  Maybe a wave might be safer than a handshake?  Who knows.  The list of symptoms are the same as a regular flu so you would have to be tested to be sure.  My understanding is that between the ages of 18 – 65 you are less likely to get H1N1.  Otherwise, be more careful.

Stay healthy!

Two Penn State Students Charged In Freshman’s Alcohol Related Death

The investigation into the death of Latrobe native Joe Dado, who was found dead at the bottom of a stairwell on the Penn State University main campus in State College, has come to a conclusion. 

Two 21 year old Penn State students were charged with giving the underage freshman the alcohol that contributed to his death.  Jennifer Clifford, 21, from the Johnstown area and John Townsend, 21, from the Latrobe area are being charged with misdemeanors.  Townsend and Dado were friends from high school.

Two Penn State Fraternities, Alpha Tau Omego and Phi Gamma Delta, were both charged with one count of selling or furnishing alcohol to minors and one count of unlawful acts relative to alcohol.

Both University and State College police have determined that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol was the contributing factor in Joe Dado’s death.  Dado’s blood alcohol level was .169, more than twice the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle!

Mr. Townsend expressed deep regret over the incident.  Joe Dado’s father declined to comment.

A very sad conclusion to a very tragic event. 

A preliminary hearing is being scheduled for December 2nd.