Pennsylvania Getting Yet Another Area Code

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The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted today to split up the (814) area code.  This area code, which covers from Erie County to the Maryland border, is running out of phone numbers.

The PUC considered three proposals on how to divide up this massive swath of Pennsylvania.  Of the four original Pennsylvania area codes established in 1947, (814) was the last area code to remain unchanged.

Below is as link to the PA PUC website showing the county split.  The new area code number has yet to be determined.

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/telecom/pdf/areacode/814split_CountyMap2010.pdf

State College Man Shoots Deer On Interstate 80 Median

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Erich May of State College was so excited to see a deer, that the fact he was on an interstate highway, used by millions of people every year, did not enter into his decision to fire a gun.  Erich killed a deer in a wooded median between the eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 80, near mile marker 107.

Okay, does anybody really have to question why this was incredibly dangerous and frankly stupid?  Those medians are not sufficiently wide enough to keep a rifle bullet or shotgun slug from hitting an unsuspecting motorist.  Imagine driving along at 65 miles per hour and having your car struck by a bullet?  If you were lucky enough to not be killed, can you imagine how this might scare the bejeebers outta someone and make them crash their vehicle?  Imagine the disaster a high-speed crash on a highway full of trucks might cause.

Erich, I hope they throw the book at you and hit you with it!

Land Rover Crashes Into State College Arby’s Going 60 MPH – Driver Suspected Of DUI

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Seriously, driving through State College Borough going 60 mph!  Are ya daft!?! 

A 28-year-old Ferguson Township man was driving down South Atherton Street (Business Route 322) and attempted to turn right on West College Avenue (Route 26) going 60 mph!  The “driver” lost control of his Land Rover, jumped a curb, crashed through a metal rail, a cement pillar, the side door and a window before coming to a stop.  Are we trying out for the Demolition Derby?

Thankfully, the restaurant was closed (it was 2:45 a.m.) or this would have been a catastrophe!  There was a passenger in the car who was treated for minor injuries.

The “driver” failed a field sobriety test (say it ain’t so Joe) and was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center for a blood-alcohol test.  The driver will be charged with a DUI and reckless driving.

Arby’s will be closed until next week and the part of the building which was impacted by the vehicle was ruled structurally questionable and will need extensive repairs!  Imagine if that restaurant had been full of customers!  This bone-head should be throw in jail and not allowed to pass go!

Beaver Stadium Turns 50!

Growing up in North Central Pennsylvania, you can’t help but be a Penn State fan.  Question: Why is the sky is blue and white?  Answer: God is a Penn State fan.

My Dad was a Penn State alumni and Joe Pa’s name was said with reverence.  A big thrill for me was when our high school band participated in Band Day at Beaver Stadium.  Standing on that field, in front of that many people, was a rush!  I can’t drive by Beaver Stadium without looking at it.  It certainly stands out but even after all these years, it still makes me look.

So happy birthday Beaver Stadium.  Hopefully the Nittany Lions will have a banner season to commemorate your big 50.  After all, it is Happy Valley!

Megabus.com – Discount Ground Transportation

Megabus.com is a new low-cost bus service, very much like those no-frills air carriers.

Megabus offers discount seats, starting at $1.00, on a first come, first serve basis.  All reservations are made online.  Megabus uses public pick-up and drop-off sites to avoid the expense of a conventional station.  Routes are non-stop saving on travel time.

If you think seating might be optional, you would be surprised to learn that not only do you get a nice seat but the buses are equipped with WiFi and electrical outlets.  No driving hassles and you can bring along the old laptop and made your trip productive as well.  Onboard restrooms are included and most buses have seatbelts.  You may also use your child safety seat for children under the age of 7.

Now you are probably thinking, yes but how many of those $1.00 seats are there are how high do the prices go!  I think you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the maximum ticket price between Harrisburg and Philadelphia is only $10.00!  It only costs $1.00 to change your reservation.

Currently, Megabus services Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and State College in Pennsylvania.  If you are looking for a reasonable alternative from driving this could be for you.

The website is very easy to use and has a great FAQ section to answer most questions you could have.  Their website site can be found by clicking the link below:

http://www.megabus.com

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.