Satellite office

Satellite office
ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. -- Getting that dog license or paying county taxes should soon be easier for people living in southern Lawrence County. County commissioners are expected to approve a lease for a satellite office in Ellwood City on Tuesday. Initially the tax claim bureau and treasurer's offices will be the only occupants, but workers from other offices may be stationed there a few times a week or each month, commissioners said. The office is at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Fifth Street. Gary Felasco, treasurer and tax claim bureau director, will announce its hours and opening date at Tuesday's commissioners meeting. Commissioner Roger DeCarbo said the satellite office is an effort to alleviate the number of people coming to the county government center, which has little parking.
State park programs
PORTERSVILLE, Pa. -- Ferns, flowers and the environment are all part of upcoming programs at McConnell's Mill State Park, located off U.S. Route 422 in Lawrence County. "Fabulous Ferns" will look at different species in the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday. A wildflower hike in the gorge is planned for 2 to 3 p.m. May 6. The park is also accepting applications for its Youth Environmental Learning Series programs. The four programs help children learn more about the natural environment and their role in it. Applications are being accepted until May 20. For information on any of these programs, call Heidi Grooms or Jackie Kline at (724) 368-9320.
Educator awards
BESSEMER, Pa. -- The Bessemer Rotary is seeking nominations from Mohawk students, parents and alumni for the annual "Mohawk Rotary Educator of the Year Award." This annual award is given to one elementary and one secondary teacher who has a significant, positive influence on the lives of students. Those nominated must currently be on staff at Mohawk. To nominate someone, write a letter explaining why you believe the person deserves the honor. A committee from the Bessemer Rotary Club will make the final selection. Letters should be sent by Friday to Daniel Vrabel, Bestview Avenue, Bessemer, Pa. 16112.
Black holes
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Slippery Rock University's astronomy class and its Society for Chemistry and Physics will offer programs titled "Stellar Evolution and Black Holes" at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Friday in the university's planetarium located in Vincent Science Hall. The free event will detail the latest scientific observations about black holes in outer space. Reservations are being accepted at (724) 738-2094.
Targeting sea lampreys
ERIE, Pa. (AP) -- Scientists will try to kill young sea lampreys in a northwestern Pennsylvania creek. A team from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will arrive at Raccoon Creek in Erie County on May 8 to start the project. The chemical TFM will be added to the water. It is not believed to be harmful to birds or animals once it is mixed with creek water. Swimming and fishing in the creek will be banned as the chemical is put in the creek. The creek was last treated with TFM 11 years ago. Lampreys bite into other fish, especially trout, and live off their body fluids. The host fish usually dies.