Small-business grants available

Small-business grants available

ELLWOOD CITY, Pa.

Pa. State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, Democrat, announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for its Small Business Advantage Grant.

The Small Business Advantage Grant provides 50 percent match grants, up to a maximum of $9,500, to enable a Pennsylvania small business to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or processes.

The grant program is open through April 15, 2015, and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Businesses interested should contact Geoff Bristow of the DEP at 814-332-6681.

American Electric Power earnings

COLUMBUS

American Electric Power reported third-quarter earnings of $493 million or $1.01 per share, compared with 89 cents per share or $433 million in third-quarter 2013. This is an increase of 13 percent per share.

Sharon Regional patient day

HERMITAGE, Pa.

The Cancer Care Center of Sharon Regional Health System, 2320 Highland Road, Hermitage, is hosting a patient appreciation day from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Current and former patients of the center, along with their family members and friends, are invited to stop and enjoy complimentary refreshments with the staff and tours of the center.

Poll: Gas prices fall 18 cents in 2 weeks

CAMARILLO, Calif.

A national survey of gas prices reports that the average cost of U.S. regular grade gas dropped 18 cents per gallon in the last two weeks.

Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said Sunday that the average for regular grade gas is $3.08 per gallon, while midgrade averages $3.31 and premium $3.47. Retail diesel averages $3.67.

Lundberg said the price has dropped 65 cents since its peak in May and is 29 cents below what it was last year.

She said the drop has been driven by a decrease in the price of crude oil. She forecasts minimal further cuts if prices remain stable.

In the Lower 48 states, San Francisco had the highest average price at $3.45 per gallon, while Memphis, Tennessee, had the lowest average at $2.73.

Vindicator staff/wire reports