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First Posted: 2/26/2013

WILKES-BARRE

Woman pleads guilty

A woman has pleaded guilty in Luzerne County Court to charges she left five children unsupervised while she went drinking.

Amy Williams, 38, whose last known address as Costello Circle, Avoca, pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of endangering the welfare of children and a single count of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Prosecutors withdrew three child endangerment counts and a single count of disorderly conduct against Williams.

Avoca police alleged in arrest records that Williams left five children unattended in her residence while she went to a tavern on July 10, 2011. Williams returned to the residence while driving a vehicle while intoxicated, according to arrest records.

Judge Lisa Gelb said Williams will be sentenced April 18.

HARRISBURG

Act 13 applications sought

The Commonwealth Financing Authority is accepting applications this year for five programs established by the Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Fund to support conservation projects and environmental protection measures.

The new CFA programs provide $14 million in funding collected from impact fees on the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry for abandoned mine drainage, abatement and treatment; watershed restoration and protection; water quality data; greenways, trails and recreation; and orphan and abandoned well-plugging programs in the state.
Applicants can begin applying immediately under the new guidelines for the Act 13 Programs through DCED’s electronic single application system. Applications will be accepted through July 31 for consideration at the Nov. 13 CFA meeting.
For more information about the Act 13 Programs, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.
HARRISBURG

Wildfire grant applications

Federal grants are now available to help Pennsylvania’s rural communities better guard against the threat of fires in forested, undeveloped and unprotected areas.

In 2012, more than $540,000 was awarded to 141 volunteer fire companies. The grant program, offered through DCNR and paid through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, has awarded almost $10 million since it began in 1982.

Grant applications must be electronically submitted through DCNR’s eGrant webpage by 4 p.m. May 23. To expedite application and decision-making processes, DCNR is accepting only online applications. Applicants should visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us and click on “Apply for Grants” for details.

In reviewing applications, DCNR will place priority on those requests seeking funds for projects that include the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing.

For more information, contact DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Fire Protection, at 717-787-2925.

WASHINGTON

Casey chairing subcommittee

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, has been appointed chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth.

Casey, a former Pennsylvania auditor general, said he is honored to have the chance to serve as the subcommittee chairman.

Casey said he looks forward to the opportunity to work on a range of issues including responsible tax reform to spur innovation, create jobs and promote economic growth.

SUGARLOAF TWP.

Audrianna Bartol vigil set

Penn State Hazleton students will hold a candlelight memorial to remember Audrianna Bartol, a 6-year-old Hazleton girl who lost her battle with neuroblastoma on Feb. 15.

Coordinated by the Student Government Association and THON, the memorial will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Nittany Lion statue at the campus.

“Audrianna and her family are such an inspiration to so many of us. We wanted to show them and the community how much they mean to us and, that Audrianna will long be remembered by everyone,” Megan McGee, SGA president and recent THON dancer, said.

The event is open to the public. All those attending are asked to wear bright colors to honor Audrianna. Candles will be supplied. For additional information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 450-3160.