Motorcyclist dies in crash

Motorcyclistdies in crash
MERCER, Pa. -- James M. Williams, 38, of 407 Old Ash Road, Mercer, died when his motorcycle hit a sport utility vehicle. Williams was riding north on Old Ash Road near Pa. Route 208 at around 1:40 a.m. Saturday when he passed several vehicles. He struck the left side of a Ford Explorer driven by Michael R. Skibinski, 311 Stewart Ave., Grove City. Skibinski was turning left into a driveway from the northbound lane of Old Ash Road when the accident occurred. Skibinski was cited for not wearing his seat belt. State police are still investigating the crash.
Seat-belt week
MERCER -- Pennsylvania State Police will aggressively enforce child-passenger safety and seat-belt laws in accordance with Buckle Up America Week 2001, Monday through May 28.
If stopped for a traffic violation, unbuckled drivers and front-seat passengers can receive a citation with fines of more than $50. The driver is also responsible for any front-seat passengers under 18 who do not buckle up, and all children under the age of 4 who are not properly restrained in a child safety seat.
The crackdown is part of "Buckle Up Pennsylvania," a statewide program that aims to increase seat-belt usage rates and decrease traffic fatalities and injuries. It involves local law enforcement agencies, the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The project is part of a nationwide effort to increase seat-belt use to save lives and more than 8.8 billion in health-care costs, insurance and lost wages.
Workshop set
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- A workshop of the Pittsburgh Regional Champions will be from 4 to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at Russell Hall, Westminster College. The Pittsburgh Regional Champions are image builders and ambassadors for southwestern Pennsylvania.
During each meeting the champions give examples on how they used their newfound promotional skills. They are also given up-to-date information concerning regional facts and programs that benefit the area. The Lawrence County Tourist Promotion Agency and Westminster College are hosts of the program. Applications to become a champion are available from the tourist promotion agency.