Luzerne County Courthouse Getting Extreme Makeover

The Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre is a large and visually stunning building.  The courthouse was constructed a century ago and is in need of some work; $5.2 million worth of work, to be exact.  However, don’t expect anyone to yell “move that bus” when the job is done!

Stairs are being removed for a new support system to be installed, the waterproof coating is being replaced which entails scrapping off ALL the old coating first, exterior stone is being cleaned, repaired and repointing and the five domes will be repainted a new color.  Historians believe gray was the original color of the domes when the courthouse was constructed.

New flashing is being installed and the building’s stained glass windows are being removed, cleaned and releaded.  The old window frames are being replaced because they are rotting.

The original date for completion was October, but with all the rain we had this spring that date will most likely be pushed back.

If you would like to see a picture of the Luzerne County Courthouse click on the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LuzerneCountyCourthouseRiverCommons.jpg

When Animals Attack: Three People Attacked By Rabid Beaver In Philly

Image via Wikipedia

Three people were attacked, in two separate incidents, along Pennypack Creek in Northeast Philly by a rabid beaver(s).  On Wednesday, a couple was subjected to an unprovoked beaver attack while fishing.  The wife was bitten on the leg.  The husband was bitten on both arms and his chest (egad!).  On Thursday, a child was bitten by a beaver (also along Pennypack Creek).  Fortunately, a park ranger was nearby Thursday and killed the beaver, which tested positive for rabies.  It is believed to be the same beaver responsible for Wednesday’s attack.

In April, a fisherman was attacked in Chester County by a rabid beaver.  The man drowned the beaver but not before being bitten on the leg and hand in the process.  It too tested positive for rabies.

During 2009 and 2010, no rabid beaver cases were reported in Pennsylvania.

I would suspect being bitten by a beaver is quite painful judging by the size of their teeth!  Getting rabies shots is not exactly high on anyone’s fun meter either.

A word of caution; if you see any beavers – steer clear.  If one moves toward you, run like hell!

Reading Skyscraper Falling Apart!

Image via Wikipedia

The not quite 20-year-old Berks County General Services building is having some major structural problems.  The 16-story building (Reading’s second tallest) is either in front of or behind, depending on your perspective, the 19-story Berks County Courthouse (tallest building in Reading).

Pieces of the facade have fallen off the building and there are “fluids” leaking on parked cars and damaging them in the four-level underground parking garage.  Evidently there were problems with the roof  installation back in 1992 that are creating these issues.

There are two options to fix the problem.  Close the parking garage for 4-5 months, bite the bullet and get it done, or make repairs in stages and the project will take 4-5 years.  The first option would be cheaper.

It is truly amazing that a building this new is having significant problems.  Let’s hope the situation gets immediate action before something worse happens!

Happy 111th Birthday Flossie Carter

Pittsburgh resident Flossie Carter is celebrating her 111th birthday!  Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl declared yesterday “Flossie Carter Day”.  Flossie, believed to be Pennsylvania’s oldest resident, said turning 111 is “a bit of a miracle”.  We agree!

Miss Flossie moved to Pittsburgh after the Great Depression.  She was born in 1900 and hails from Alabama.

Can you image how interested having a conversation with Miss Flossie would be!  Think of the things she has seen in 111 years!

God Bless You Flossie!

Dr. Death…Dies

Another obit to report…it appears Dr. Kevorkian has died from natural causes in a suburban Detroit hospital.  Rather ironic.

Dr. Kevorkian had been hospitalized since May with kidney problems and pneumonia.  The cause of death is expected to be pulmonary thrombosis.

Kevorkian was 83.

Gunsmoke’s Marshall Dillon Dies At 88

James Arness, the actor who made a lasting impression on generations of television viewers portraying Marshall Dillon, died today at the age of 88.  Mr. Arness passed away at his Brentwood home.  Gunsmoke was one of the longest running shows on television (1955 – 1975).  Arness was a quiet man who shunned the Hollywood scene and was intensely private.

James Arness’ younger brother, actor Peter Graves, also rose to fame on the small screen as the star of Mission Impossible.  Peter Graves died March 14, 2010, four days before his 84th birthday.

A Friday Funny! This Will Make You LOL!