Archive - Nov 2011 - News Article
November 10th
St. Marys Area High School hosted their annual Veterans Day Assembly program on Thursday afternoon, during which several local veterans were acknowledged for their military service to our country.
The program began with student Scott Barber, who acted as emcee for the event, welcoming all in attendance. The SMAHS Concert Band, under the direction of Chris Gankosky, performed a piece entitled "Regimental Honor." Next, SMAHS Principal Josh Williams offered a brief introduction about the program.
"I encourage all of you students to reach out to a veteran tomorrow," Williams said.
November 9th
Downtown St. Marys will once again be abuzz the evening of Friday, Nov. 18 during the annual Light Up Night festivities, sponsored by the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce.
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the Diamond with the South St. Marys Street Elementary School Choir performing. The lights are scheduled to be switched on at 7 p.m. in conjunction with the arrival of Santa Claus, who will be arriving via a different method than in past years.
Members of the American Legion, Post 103 in St. Marys presented volunteers from the St. Marys Christian Food Bank with an annual donation on Wednesday.
The $2,000 check was delivered courtesy of American Legion representatives, Adjutant Jim Distler, Commander Dick Parson, and Chaplain Vic Straub.
Parson said the donation is in recognition of and appreciation for all that the food bank and its volunteers do for the community.
"It's a good thing these women do, volunteer their time. They help a lot of people," Parson said.
November 8th
RIDGWAY – Republican Janis E. Kemmer reportedly defeated incumbent Democrat Ronald T. Beimel for the position of Elk County Commissioner in one of the few close races in Tuesday's general election. As of press time, with all precincts reporting, Kemmer earned a total of 3,099 votes, while Beimel netted 2,966. Fellow incumbents Republican Daniel R. Freeburg and Democrat June Heigel Sorg both retained their positions, earning 3,776 and 3,999 votes, respectively. There were also 30 write-in votes cast.
DUBOIS - Panelists from various backgrounds discussed an array of topics associated with Marcellus Shale drilling and the industry's impact on Pennsylvania during a special presentation hosted by the Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development.
On Tuesday morning, participants from throughout the area gathered at the DuBois Country Club for the "Marcellus Shale Forum: Opportunities and Answers for Pennsylvania" event, which was co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Educational Foundation.
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that 53 of the 57 licensed elk hunters were successful during the 2011 elk seasons. Of that total, 19 were antlered elk and 34 were antlerless elk.
Once again, donations are being sought for the “Christmas in Kentucky” program, established by St. Marys resident Laura Kuntz.
For the past 16 years, Kuntz, a kindergarten teacher at St. Marys Catholic Elementary School, has been collecting Christmas gifts and making the 10-hour-trip to Beattyville, K.Y., in Lee County, where a local contact helps in distributing the donated gifts.
Each year, Kuntz and a Kentucky-based social worker compile wish lists for numerous needy families.
“This community works in spreading the joys of Christmas beyond the St. Marys area,” Kuntz said.
This year’s November and December performances by the Elk County Concert Choir will be showcasing a unique take on traditional Christmas carols.
Along with the expertise of Principal Director Gloria Almquist-Shull, fellow choir members Lois Sadley, Co-Director, and Rita Ordiway, Accompanist, strategically selected the "Tapestry of Light: a Celtic Christmas Celebration "for their upcoming Christmas season showings.
November 7th
There will be no tax increase in the City of St. Marys' 2012 budget. On Monday evening, St. Marys City Council approved to publish the 2012 budget, which includes the same millage rate as last year at 18.3.
City Manager Dave Greene explained the city will see a 42 percent increase in hospitalization for 2012. This will result in the city going from paying $600,000 in insurance premiums to just under $1 million.
ST. MARYS - The Elk-Cameron Board of Realtors recently gifted the Bodien family of Ridgway with various household goods to replace items destroyed in an Aug. 13 house fire at their Fremont Avenue home.
 CLR.jpg "Lighting crew members string up lights in the Brusselles Street parking lot on Wednesday evening in preparation for Light Up Night 2011. The event will take place Friday, Nov. 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Diamond. Photo by Amy Cherry.")
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This elk, shown being examined by PGC staff at the check station in Karthaus, was one of 19 bulls harvested in this year's week-long elk hunt.")
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St. Marys resident and Christmas in Kentucky program founder Laura Kuntz is shown with Sheila and Sarah Fox, beneficiaries of the program whom Kuntz worked with over the summer.")
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The Concert Choir of Elk County has a unique take on traditional Christmas carols for this year’s holiday concert series.")
