Lawrence recycling

Lawrence recycling
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County's recycling drop-off program should get off the ground this fall. Commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday to advertise for two vehicles to be used to pick up recyclables from drop-off sites. The trucks are estimated to cost $100,000 or more, said Amy Labi Carando, county recycling director. The trucks will be used to pick up recyclables from bins placed throughout the county, she said. The bins will likely be bought sometime later this month or in August, she said. Labi Carando said the county expects to have at least nine drop-off sites.
Accommodating blind
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The addition of audible traffic signals at the city's key intersections and Braille menus at downtown restaurants should help blind visitors and residents long after the city hosts a convention for the blind this week, organizers said.
The American Council of the Blind's annual convention is expected to bring 2,000 participants to the city's new David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
In preparation for the convention, the city's traffic engineering division installed seven audible traffic signals at intersections to help people cross the streets.
Convention organizers also asked the city's public work crews to keep sidewalks free of construction materials and other hazards.
Go to jail in fund-raiser
GETTYSBURG (AP) -- For one night only, $40 will buy you two meals and overnight accommodations in a big house. Actually, the big house.
Adams County is opening its new state-of-the-art prison to the public Sept. 13 to raise money for the county homeless shelter. The dry run will allow officials to ensure the Straban Township prison is ready for inmates and raise community awareness about corrections.
"Hopefully, through the educational part of this, people will realize when the bars go shut, you've lost your freedom," county Commissioner Thomas Weaver said.
Visitors will get two meals served on plastic trays and a tour the prison. They also will be allowed to see treatment and recreation programs, warden Deborah Hankey said.
The prison is part of a $36 million complex that includes an emergency services center. When it opens in late September or early October, it will replace the county's 1940s-era prison in Cumberland Township.
Gospel music
SALEM -- An evening of gospel music will be presented by Salem Community Theatre in Salem High School auditorium, 1200 E. Sixth St., at 7:30 p.m. July 18. The event will serve as a benefit for the community theater, although a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army of Salem. Admission will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.