Sunday, September 22, 2002
Bake sale benefit
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- The annual auction, flea market and bake sale for the New Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department is planned for Saturday at borough hall. The flea market and bake sale begin at 9 a.m.; the auction starts at 5:15 p.m. Each home and business in New Wilmington will be contacted for donations, or call the fire department between 6 and 9 p.m. each evening at (724) 946-2544. Money and goods will be accepted.
Music club's 'Messiah'
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- All singers are invited to participate in the New Castle Music Club Chorus as it presents its 62nd annual performance of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" at 1 p.m. Dec. 1 at First United Methodist Church. Rehearsals are from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church, on the corner of North Jefferson and Falls streets, Sept. 30-Nov. 25. Refreshments will follow. High school students are welcome.
Hassan to sign books
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Author E.K. Hassan will sign copies of his newest book, "Jackie's Boys," at the New Castle Library from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday. The book is the story of a family from immigrant parents who overcome insurmountable odds to share in the American dream. Copies of the books will be available for purchase.
Gubernatorial guests
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Gubernatorial candidate Ed Rendell and his running mate, Catherine Baker-Knoll, will be the guests at a free sit-down dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, sponsored by the Lawrence County Democratic Party. The Carmen Mico Orchestra will provide entertainment. Those interested in attending must call (724) 752-8452 for reservations.
ZIP code cancellation
CENTRALIA, Pa. (AP) -- The U.S. Postal Service has decided to cancel the ZIP code of this shrinking borough that sits atop a long-burning coal-mine fire, a decision that is upsetting to many of the approximately 20 remaining residents. Postal officials announced last week that Centralia's 17927 ZIP code would not be recognized as a valid mailing address as of Sept. 18, 2003. Officials think the Centralia fire began in May 1962 when trash being burned in a pit ignited a lode of anthracite, a slow-burning coal that weaves its way under and around the Columbia County town, 85 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Centralia had about 1,000 residents when the fire started. In 1992, the government began buyouts and eminent-domain proceedings. The remaining residents have refused to leave, despite warnings that their houses are sitting on ground made unstable by the fire.
Accident injures girl, 2
GROVE CITY, Pa. -- A 2-year-old Grove City girl is in critical condition in Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh with injuries she suffered Friday in a car accident on state Route 58 in Mercer County. Abigail Knouse was in a child-safety seat in a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Scott Knouse, 35, when it was struck from behind at 6 p.m. on state Route 58 in Findley Township. State police reports do not indicate the relationship between the Knouses. Scott Knouse refused treatment for moderate injuries. The driver of the second vehicle, Donald Nagle, 56, of Mercer was not injured. State police are investigating.