KEYSTONE CLIPS 'Food for Fines' benefits hungry

Those overdue library books will help out some hungry people. The New Castle Library is participating in a program called "Food for Fines." One canned or nonperishable food item will be accepted this month in lieu of money for each overdue item returned. All food collected will go to the New Castle City Rescue Mission. The mission served more than 32,000 meals to those in need in 2000.
Pothole patrol: The rapid freeze and thaw cycles at this time of year wreak havoc with roadways, causing potholes to appear almost overnight. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is trying to keep up with the increased road maintenance, but can use the help of motorists who spot potholes in state roadways. The offending holes can be reported by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Route numbers and nearby landmarks are helpful in pinpointing locations.
No new permits: Hermitage City commissioners were surprised last week to learn that no residential or commercial building permits were issued in the city during the month of February. It was the first time in years that anyone could remember a month with no new construction. By comparison, the city issued $867,000 worth of building permits in February 2000 and issued more than $30 million worth of permits in all of last year. City employees said the March 2001 permit report will show a major improvement. There have been a number of new house and new business construction permits issued this month.
Proposed laser law: It could soon be criminal to point one of those red pen lasers at emergency workers in Pennsylvania. State Rep. Chris Sainato of New Caste, D-11th introduced legislation this week that would make pointing the laser at police officers, firefighters and emergency service personnel a third-degree misdemeanor. Sainato says someone pointing the laser could be seriously hurt because police may believe it's a laser sight from a weapon. "His reaction to that could be tragic for both the person shining the laser and the officer," Sainato said.
Reappointment: State Rep. Frank LaGrotta of Ellwood City, D-10th, says his spot on the Pennsylvania House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development should be a boost to his district. LaGrotta was recently reappointed to the subcommittee on economic development. He said through his position there he was able to work with U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum to help the Nalco Corp. in Beaver County stay in the region last year. The plant recently announced a $9.5 million expansion.
XCONTRIBUTORS: Laure Cioffi, Vindicator New Castle Bureau, and Harold Gwin, Sharon Bureau.