Firefighters probe blazes in 2 houses

Firefighters probe
blazes in 2 houses

SHARON, Pa. — Sharon firefighters are investigating two separate house fires.

They were called to 415 Orchard St. at 5:10 a.m. Monday for a fully involved fire at a two-story house. Firefighters said no one was inside the home owned by Harry Kennedy of Farrell. The Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal was called to investigate. Firefighters did not know if anyone was living in the home.

Firefighters were also unable to determine the cause of a fire that started in the basement at 233 Second Ave. at 10:25 p.m. Friday.

Firefighters were able to contain the flames to the basement, but the rest of the house had smoke damage. Sharon Police said the occupants, the Shelatree family, were assisted by the American Red Cross. The house is owned by Joe Fusco. Reports did not list his address.

Methadone clinic denied

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — The city’s Zoning Hearing Board of Appeals has denied Freedom Healthcare Services’ request to establish a methadone clinic at the site of the former Villanova Inn on East Washington Street.

It is the second time the firm’s proposal to place such a clinic in New Castle has faced defeat. The board announced that its reasons for the denial will be included in a report that is to be issued within the next several weeks.

Freedom Healthcare Services is looking to establish a medical clinic in the city to dispense methadone. The former Villanova Inn is in an area zoned commercial, which allows for a medical clinic.

Earlier this year city council denied the firm’s proposal for a similar facility on South Jefferson Street, an area zoned light industrial district.

The company may appeal the recent decision to the Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Toy drive succeeds

MERCER, Pa. — The toy drive operated by the Mercer County Children’s Aid Society and the Pennsylvania State Police went beyond this year’s expectations.

The state police barracks in Mercer collected more than 3,500 toys that will be distributed to children in the county. Both groups extended their thanks to those who made donations.

Christmas recycling

NORTH LIMA — Beaver Township will again be offering residents its Christmas tree recycling service at the recycling center at the township safety building.

Wrapping paper and greeting cards may also be recycled. Areas for trees and paper to be deposited have been designated, officials said. They noted the center does not have to be open for deposits to be made.

Recycling center hours are 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

For more information call the township administration office at (330) 549-3993.

Hearing about grant

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Council has scheduled a public hearing for 6:15 p.m. today to receive public comments on the city’s application for a $500,000 state grant.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant is to be used for the Riverview Commerce Park Phase II Project. Tuesday’s hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at the City Building at 230 North Jefferson Street.

Gas well to be plugged

ERIE, Pa. — The Department of Environmental Protection has ordered First Alliance Church in Millcreek Township, Erie County, to plug a recently drilled gas well on its property that is believed to be the source of migrating gas that has kept five area families out of their homes since Nov. 20.

Plugging a well takes it out of service permanently by filling it with concrete.

The natural gas levels in and around the homes on Head Drive have been found at explosive levels. Procedures that stopped the well from making gas have caused the levels to fall dramatically.

DEP Regional Director Kelly Burch said further tests to save the well will not be considered and that the well must be plugged by Thursday.

As a result of the evacuation four weeks ago, electrical power, gas and phone service were stopped.

First Alliance has taken actions at the well, known as Well 4, to try to stop the flow of gas, without success.

All of the displaced residents are living in Erie hotels with support from the Red Cross.