Welcome to the 20th Century Pennsylvania!!!!

After some political manuevering, the PA Senate passed SB246 (Smoking Ban) yesterday by a 41-9 count. Governor Rendell is expected to sign the bill soon. Senator Don White who is holding a Colon Cancer Screening Bill (SB146) back in committee was in the "9".

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Wonder what is going to happen to the former KMART building in Coal Township? Rumors are circulating around town about a halfway house. If you want to get one step ahead of the game, read Gort42 about some of the dealings going on in Luzerne County espcially with the judges.

In comparison, Northumberland County looks like "Sunday School".

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The Heartland Conference formed for the 2008-09 year could be a power conference in softball. Two of it's future members are headed to the state finals in Milton and Loyalsock in AAA and AA. Both schools also return alot of quality. Some other teams that are usually strong will be Mifflinburg (2004 PIAA Champ in AA), Jersey Shore, South Williamsport, Central Columbia and Southern Columbia.

Livestrong Day May 13th

PHOTO by Matt Freed courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Tomorrow is Livestrong Day sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Click on either link to find out if there is an event near you. The main goal of the foundation to make cancer a national priority.

Tomorrow, I will be in Harrisburg at the Capitol. There is a hearing on SB146(Colon Cancer Screening.)

SB 146 by Senator Tomlinson. Amends the Insurance Company Law, mandating health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening. Senate Banking & Insurance Committee.

Hearing set for 10:00 a.m., Room 8E-A East Wing.

Dr. Sam Monismith and Dr. Ron Myers will testify.

On January 31st, 2007 the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee released their report. Meanwhile, the PA Healthcare Cost Containment Council released their findings to counter the above report in January 2008.

On May 13th, keep a person or family fighting cancer in your thoughts and prayers. To John and his family, I offer my condolences and prayers.

Read the story of John Challis (pictured above) about courage from Western Pennsylvania.