April 29, 2005

Penn Twp. Accident
One person is injured following a two-vehicle crash on Newport Road in Warwick Township today. Denton Miller of Ephrata was northbound on Lexington Road when he pulled out in front of a car traveling west on Newport Road. The car - driven by Christopher Ramos of Lititz - struck Miller's minivan - then overturned. Ramos was trapped in the car by the seatbelt - which had to be cut away. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Police are still investigating the accident.

Pitts receives JWOD award from SABVI
Of all the awards Congressman Joe Pitts has received during his political career, perhaps today's honor most displays his vision…because it recognizes him for his dedication to the visually impaired community. Pitts was bestowed with the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Champion Award today in Lancaster. He received the award for his behind the scenes work in helping blind and visually impaired individuals gain employment placement at agencies like the Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired. It also shows that Pitts has followed through on his words.
SOT: Eric - National Industries for the Blind; U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts - 16th
Congressional District

Million Mile Club Award
The Guinness Book of World Records defines a trip around the world as one that covers 16-thousand miles and four continents. The United States Postal Service defines a career as one that covers a million miles in one country…or in this case one county. And today, a local man was honored for such a career. Adamstown resident Woody Ranck, Jr. was awarded membership into the postal service and National Safety Council's "Million Mile Club" this morning. The award is given to letter carriers who drive accident-free on the job for more than 30 years, and for Mr. Ranck that translates into having very few missed days of work.
SOT: Woody Ranck, Jr. - "Million Mile Club" Letter Carrier
Ranck recently celebrated his 31st year on the job on April 13th. Two other letter carriers at the Lancaster Post Office were also honored, which is very unique considering only about 1-thousand postal service drivers earn the award each year.

Creighton Arbor Day
Today is the one hundred thirty third annual National Arbor Day, and a local legislator was in Manheim to do his part to better the environment. State Representative Tom Creighton was in Swan Park early this afternoon to help plant a tree. Also in attendance were Manheim Borough Manager Rob Stoner and a representative from the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association. The pine tree planted today will someday grow to be over 50 feet tall. Representative Creighton will be in Denver tomorrow morning with Borough mayor Mary Ann Fichthorn to plant a tree in Denver Park. Denver borough is a Tree City USA designee.

Manheim Library Update
A local library finds a solution to its space problems. Cable-11's Rebecca Baer has the story… The Manheim library occupies a small space on the second floor of a building it shares with the borough offices and police department. After about fifteen years there - officials are starting to feel growing pains.
SOT Barb Brosey
But now the library has a solution. Trustees are on the lookout for a new building or land to build on. Meanwhile - librarians are making the most of the space they have.
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Library officials say the process of moving to a new space won't be easy or inexpensive - so they need the community's help.
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Reporting from Manheim - I'm Rebecca Baer. The library hopes to make the move by 2007. You can help contribute by visiting the library's book sale on May 13th and 14th at the Manheim Farm Show Complex.

Larry Alexander Book
They're called "the greatest generation" - ordinary Americans who were called upon to sacrifice, serve their country and become heroes during World War Two. Now a local writer highlights the story of a Lancaster County native considered one of the greatest of that generation. In his first book - Ephrata resident Larry Alexander tells the story of Dick Winters - leader of the Easy Company of the US Army. The division - which parachuted into France on D-Day - is also featured in the book and miniseries "Band of Brothers." But Alexander's story departs from the others.
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Alexander says the biography doesn't appeal to world war two buffs alone.
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"Biggest Brother - the life of Major Dick Winters, the man who led the band of brothers" - was just released this week. You can meet the author this Tuesday when Alexander participates in a book signing at Border's in Lancaster.

VanGo @Denver El
If you were in Denver yesterday, you might have seen an interesting bus from the Susquehanna Art Museum rolling through town. Van-Go, the Art Museum on Wheels, rolled into Denver Elementary to offer students a chance to view works of art by sever accomplished artists.
SOT - Jessica Lantz, Susquehanna Art Museum
The students were inside the exhibit for about 15 minutes, and not only got to see the art, but also got to learn some art history.
SOT - Lantz
The Van-Go bus costs just over six hundred dollars to be brought to the school, and the kids raised their own funds to see this traveling exhibit. END

Military History Day at Lititz Library
This Saturday the Lititz Public Library will be hosting at Military History and Appreciation Day. Held this weekend to kick off military appreciation month… the library hopes that the event will help to shed light on veteran's personal experiences and to allow the public to have different look at the military.
SOT: Sallie Rihn
The event will feature memorabilia from more than a dozen veterans… as well as documents… films… and speakers. The event kicks off at 9 A.M. and will run until 4 P.M.

National Turn Off Your TV Week follow-up
On Monday we introduced you to a student who pledged give up Television for National Turn off your TV Week. The national campaign ended today so we caught up with , Matt Boyer, to see if he made it through the week without picking up the remote.
Sot- Matt Boyer- Warwick Township
But he admits- he was tempted
Sot-
Matt says he plans to cut back on his TV usage and has this advice for any couch potatoes.
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According to the TV Turnoff Network the average American child spends approximately 20 hours a week watching TV.

Sports…
M.C. @ Ephrata Baseball
Looking to repeat this year as section 2 champions, the Ephrata Mounts are one of only two teams in section 2 with records over .500. The Mounts competition though is right on their heels…with Solanco only a half game back in the standings. The Mounts needed a win tonight against Manheim Central to hang on to that lead…. Bottom 5th, Ephrata trailing 5-3, doug erb smokes one into left field, Derek Sipe comes in to score… Erb on 2nd with the double. 3 batters later, Chris Hull lines one to left field and Erb comes around and beats the wild throw home to tie the game at 5. Barons get it back in the 6th. Runners on 1st and 2nd for nate mast, Nate Longenecker crashes home as the go ahead run…barons add 5 more and win by the score of 11 to 5. Staying with section 2, Garden Spot's Shane Martin took matters into his own hands throwing a no hitter against the Buckskins to get the Spartans their first section 2 win of the season. GS improves to 1 and 10 while CV drops to 3 and 8.

Warwick vs. Cedar Crest Softball
The Warwick Warriors softball team came into tonight's contest with Cedar Crest trailing the Falcons by one game in the section 1 standings. With the season winding down, this late season contest had a playoff flavor to it. Speaking of flavor, both teams hungry for a win… But defense was on the menu tonight. Courtney Gingrich on the hill for the Warriors gets the put out at first. Then Gingrich does it herself with the strikeout…the teams would stay scoreless through 4 innings…but in the end…

Reading Royals Game 4
The Reading Royals came into tonight with their backs up against the wall in their north division finals series against Trenton. Trailing two games to 1 in the best of five series, the Royals needed a win tonight in Trenton to force a game five at home. They got off to a great start leading 3 to 1 late in the second period…

WX

KICKER
The World's Largest Show Fly Pie was in Manheim Today. The 28-inch pie was made by the Landis Bakery in Sauderton, PA. The bakery donated the pie to the Manheim Christian Day School for their 29th Annual Benefit Auction. The pie sold for three- hundred- seventy dollars. The Manheim Christian Day School Benefit Auction will continue tomorrow at 8:30. They will be auctioning off quilts, artwork, and specialty items. Their goal is to raise 100 thousand dollars. The school is located off of route 72- 1 mile north of the Manheim Square.

April 28, 2005

Update Make A wish Convoy
It's official- the Make A Wish Convoy WILL be traveling through Ephrata this year. The PSP originally refused to allow the Make a wish foundation to travel down route 222 because of current construction on the north bound side of the highway. After a meeting held yesterday with PennDOt , and several local police agencies the issue has been resolved and the convoy will continue its traditional through Ephrata.
Sot- Doris Knier- Wish Coordinator
The Make Wish Convoy will travel throough Ephrata on Mothers Day Sunday, which is May 8. They are expecting more than 300 trucks to participate in the convoy.

ACT 72 Deadline Extension Denied
A state judge has ruled Pennsylvania school boards cannot have additional time to decide on whether to participate in the controversial new plan Act 72. The judge defended his ruling by noting the May 30th deadline was a final date written into the law, and changing that would be rewriting the legislation. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association plans to file an appeal with the state Supreme Court. Act 72 is a program designed to reduce homeowner's property taxes by using revenue from slot machine gambling.

Manheim Crew Sentenced
Sentencing has come down on the Manheim men dubbed "The Crew" - and all received jail time and lengthy probation for their crimes. Joshua Bruhn, Shane Hughes, Bradley Miller, Kyle Thompson, and Matthew Wagner pled guilty in March to 50 to 60 charges ranging from criminal mischief to arson - all of which occurred during a three- month crime spree in 2003. Hughes, Miller, and Wagner have been released on parole following 16 months time served. Bruhn is eligible for parole following a petition to the court. Thompson is currently incarcerated in Lancaster County Prison. Minimum sentences for the men include one to two years in prison and 18 years probation. The sentencing, which came down on Tuesday, will keep the men under court supervision until their late thirties.

Creighton Walmart Meeting
Rep. Tom Creighton held a town meeting in Rapho Township this evening to discuss the proposed construction of a Walmart on 283. More than 30 people attended the meeting, and a majority of them indicated they were against the idea.
Sot- Dwight Fahnestock- Resident; Rep. Tom Creighton
An informal survey conducted by the township indicated that a majority of Rapho Township Residents are for the proposed Walmart.

Akron El. "Banner Class"
Too often teachers find that students or kids strive for something because it involves competition for a reward. And that can leave many students feeling left out. But one local school has a new program that honors students in different classrooms strictly based on good behavior. And they've found that that can bring a different kind of reward. Each day at Akron Elementary school starts out the same way. Students read the morning announcements over the loudspeaker to their classmates. But there's one classroom that never gets to hear the announcements.
SOT: Steve Oatman - Teacher, Akron Elementary
Steve Oatman teaches the I-U Hearing Impaired class. Usually he has to sign the announcements to his students, but not this week. This week they're the "Banner Class" at Akron Elementary, because of their good behavior, which means not only will they get their morning announcements like the rest of the students, but they'll also be a part of them.
SOT: Claudia Bledsoe - School Counselor, Akron Elem.; Emily Reed - 4th
Grade, Akron Elem.
For the I-U students, the excitement comes in knowing that their names are being read aloud to the entire school.
SOT: Steve Oatman
Mr. Oatman and his students don't watch the video alone, however. The four girls who have been honoring the I-U students join them, because they've all become good friends. Each of them even knows how to sign the other's names.
SOT: Jordan Crills - 4th Grade, Akron Elem.
That is the kind of interaction the teachers and staff enjoy seeing. And for Steve, he's happy to see the other kids including his students.
SOT: Steve Oatman
Because of the positive experiences Mr. Oatman's class has gained from being the banner class, he says he hopes to teach sign language to all of the students. So, starting next week, he'll be hanging up simple sign language posters all over the school.

Brad Rutter on Jeopardy
Before there was Ken Jennings… there was Brad Rutter. For those of you not up on your Jeopardy… Brad… a Lancaster native… was the first person ever to win over a million dollars on the show… in the million dollar masters tournament. Now he is back in the hot seat as he… along with 149 other contestants compete in the ultimate tournament of champions… all vying for a spot at taking on jeopardy's new golden boy… Ken Jennings… oh and did we mention that there is a 2 million dollar prize. Brad was given a by to the second round… due to his prior standings and was in the hot seat again tonight as he took on two other ultimate tourney hopefuls. Rutter told Diane Dayton what it takes to be a jeopardy champion.
SOT: Brad Rutter
And tonight Rutter shined… Rutter walked away with the board in double jeopardy… scoring both daily doubles and leading by 26 thousand dollars… Though Rutter answered final jeopardy incorrectly his lead kept him in the tourney. Cable 11 had the opportunity to speak with Rutter after the show aired tonight… and he says that he feels great and is fortunate to have made it this far. He also said that the next round will probably be the toughest… To catch the rest of Brad's interview with Diane Dayton… Tune in to Behind the Lines… tomorrow morning at 10:30 on cable 11… and catch him in the next round of the Tournament of Champions on May 9th.

Sports…
Warwick vs. Manheim Central and Cocalico vs. CV Soccer
The Warwick Warriors girls soccer team has fallen pray to the injury bug and it's had an effect on their record. Under .500 now at 3-5-2 the Warriors welcomed section 2 co-leader Manheim Central to Lititz looking to pick up a much needed win. In the 2nd half, game tied at 2…Anna Myers floats one over Leah Hilliard for the go ahead goal…it would stand up the rest of the way as Warwick wins by the final of 3 to 2. The other section 2 leader Conestoga Valley was in action tonight as well in Denver against Cocalico. The Buckskins looking to take sole possession of first place after Manheim's loss. In the first half, CV strikes first off the great save by Amy Grant, Shannon Scotten hops on it and punches one into the net for the goal. The Eagles came back to tie it at 1…but two goals by Morgan Gerz, one in overtime won it for CV.

Lancaster Barnstormers Inaugural Game
The Lancaster Barnstormers kicked off their Inaugural season in the Atlantic League tonight in Somerset, NJ against the Patriots. Barnstormers first baseman, and former major leaguer, Ryan Minor etched his name into the history books, as he hit the first home run in Barnstormers history in the 2nd inning. The solo shot staked the 'stormers to a one - nothing lead. Minor added an RBI single in the 3rd as the Barnstormers coasted to their first victory 5 to 2 over the Patriots.

John Witwer as Barnstormers' Announcer
Staying with Lancaster's newest sports attraction, the Barnstormers are still prepping for their home opener on May 11th. Fans will see all kinds of new faces at the park this year…but the voice over the loud speaker should be familiar to cable-11 viewers.
Cable-11's own John Witwer will man the public address system at the new Clipper Magazine Stadium.
SOT: John Witwer - Barnstormers' Announcer
Fans of cable-11 sports know John from his time on SportsTalk, as well as doing play by play and sideline reporting. But it's announcing that holds a special place in his heart.
SOT: JW
Not to worry fans…in addition to his job with the Barnstormers, John will still be appearing here on Cable-11. Stay tuned to Cable-11 news as we'll provide season long coverage of the Barnstormers throughout their inaugural year in the Atlantic League.

April 27, 2005

Lititz Springs Park's Lion's Head Destroyed
A historic Lititz landmark has been destroyed in what police are calling a senseless act of vandalism.
SOT - Detective John Schofield, Lititz Police
This photo shows the lion's head in Lititz Springs Park as it was last year. Today, the lion is missing its nose and muzzle, and is unrecognizable. The lion's head has long been a Lititz icon and a symbol of Lititz Springs Park. The damage to the one hundred fifty year old rock carving was reported to police yesterday by a park custodian.
SOT - Det. Schofield
If you have any information about the destruction of this landmark, please call the Lititz Police at the number on your screen. Lititz native John Augustus Beck carved the lion's head in 1857. Beck's work is also featured on the Washington Monument and in the White House.

Make A Wish Convoy Questionable
For the past 14 years the Make a wish truck convoy has traveled trough Ephrata, but this year construction on route 222 may force the convoy to take another route.
Sot- Denlinger; Kim Saylor- Make Wish Foundation (Food Chair)
A meeting was held today to address the issue- Members from the Make A wish Foundation, PennDOt, PSP, Manheim Township, and Ephrata Police were on hand. Convoy Chair- Randy Etzweiler- told Cable 11 that during the meeting officials created two convoy routes and will make a final decision on the matter tomorrow. He also said they are trying desperately to have the convoy come through Ephrata. Be sure to tune into Cable 11 news tomorrow night for more on this story.

County Housing Update Meeting
There are warning signs that Lancaster County is vulnerable to a housing crisis much like what many communities across the nation now face. So, without hesitation, county officials, today, unveiled their plan for a housing update. The goal of the update is to meet the housing needs of current and future county residents through 2030.
The chief problem, according to officials, is that there is just not enough affordable housing. That is because the gap is widening between the average selling price for a home in Lancaster County and the median household income.
SOT: Dan Basehoar - Member, Housing Update Cmte.; Allan Granger -
Chairman, Housing Update Cmte.
Officials are calling the update "Choices for place to call home." The update is mandated by state government and must provide housing for all income levels and populations, but the county drafts it. From this point county officials will collaborate with township and borough leaders to gain input and support. Officials say new plan will be unveiled in a draft form in June and adopted in August and September.

Akron Mayor Pre-view
Continuing our coverage of the upcoming primary election - Rebecca Baer joins us from the newsroom with another profile of a local mayoral candidate. Candidate John McBeth has centered his campaign around his volunteer efforts in the community. Over the years McBeth has been involved in groups like the multiple sclerosis society and Hospice of Lancaster County. And now he wants to continue "volunteering" - this time as the next mayor of Akron.
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And the Republican candidate is working on that. He's been on the borough planning commission and is a member of borough council. He also owns his own printing shop - but he's most proud of the work he's done with community groups.
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If elected McBeth hopes to continue improving Akron's parks. He wants to solve the parking problem at Roland Park and see the completion of a rails to trails project.
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As for public safety - McBeth says he's a strong believer in community policing.
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McBeth is a friend of Akron Republicans. He's the endorsed candidate of the local Republican Party. Stay tuned to Cable-11 News next week when we talk to McBeth's primary opponent - Don Snyder. Reporting from the newsroom - I'm Rebecca Baer.

Rothsville Fire Company Tour
After 6 years of planning renovations and construction at the Rothsville Volunteer Fire Company are nearly finished. Due to space and safety issues the department needed to expand and update their building. Construction and renovations took less than a year and the crew is happy with the outcome.
Sot- Bob Shreiner- Pres. Rothsville Fire CO.
A new larger engine bay was added on to the side of the building, allowing the department to house more engines as well as a ladder truck. The engine bay also allows the trucks to exit from the rear of the building, where before they had to pull out directly onto route 772, which was a safety concern.
Sot- Baldwin
The Rothsville Fire Company recently received a 20 thousand dollar grant. The money is being used to help eliminate the debt they encurred during their recent building project.

Rural Roads Safety Week
Living in Lancaster County, you've probably done it more than once. With all the farming equipment in the county, chances are you've passed a farmer chugging along on his tractor on some back road. Well, this is the time of year when you'll start to see even more farmers motoring along the county's roadways. So, PennDOT has teamed up with the Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the State Police to promote Rural Roads Safety Week.
SOT: Dennis Wolff - PA Secretary of Agriculture
Some tips to keep in mind if and when you encounter farm equipment on the roads…
- Don't assume the farmer knows you are there. Before you attempt to pass, blow your vehicle's horn to alert the farmer.
- Do not pass if your view, or the view of oncoming vehicles, is blocked.
- Never assume a farm vehicle that pulls to the right side of the road is going to turn right, or that it is okay to pass. Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must move to the right before making a wide left turn.
According to PennDOT, two of the biggest factors in fatalities on rural roads are speeding and aggressive driving.

Sports…
Ephrata vs. Warwick Baseball
Consistency is a hallmark of any winning team. Last year the Ephrata mounts won 6 of their last 8 regular season games to win the section 2 title. This season the team has struggled to find any consistency…swapping wins and losses in each of their last 6 games, most recently losing to Hempfield 19 to 5. The Mounts hoping some home cooking could swing things back the winning way as they welcomed Warwick to War Memorial Field With the game tied at 1 and Alex Hart on 2nd, Warwick's Rich Berkey smokes this Derek Sipe breaking ball 8 rows deep in the left field stands…the 2 run job makes it 3 to 1 Warriors. In the bottom of the 2nd, Adam Gerhart gets one back for the mounts…deep to left field, and that kid's going to get a souvenir. Now bottom 3rd, Doug Erb lines one to left, Johnnie Ebersole coming around from 2nd, slides in safely. The mounts added 6 in the 4th and went on to win 12-6. In other action throughout the league…Manheim Central lost a heartbreaker to Manheim Township 9-8. The Barons gave up the go ahead run in the top of the 7th inning, for their 6th one run loss of the season. Nate Longenecker added three hits and three RBI in the losing effort. And Conestoga Valley ran into a buzzsaw against McCaskey, losing 15 to 3. The Buckskins get back to section 2 competition Friday against Garden Spot.

Aaron Herr Leaves Barnstormers
The Lancaster Barnstormers are looking for a new second baseman just two days before their inaugural season is scheduled to begin in Somerset, NJ against the Patriots. ROLL
Aaron Herr, the team's former 2nd bagger and son of team manager Tom Herr, will join the double A minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals in Springfield, MO.
END One candidate to replace Herr at 2nd, utility infielder Jose Ortiz.

Reading Phillies Results
The other local pro baseball team was in action today as the Reading Phillies pasted the New Britain Rock Cats 11 to 2…the R-Phills were lead by the scalding hot Randy Ruiz with 2 home runs, a double and 6 RBI. That's the 2nd consecutive day Ruiz has gone yard twice. Last night he pounded out 2 homers and a double with 5 RBI. In 5 games with Reading, Ruiz is 10 for 19 with a team leading 4 home runs and 12 RBI.

Reading Royals Playoff Game
After allowing the Trenton Titans to tie the Kelly Cup North Division Finals at a game apiece, the Reading Royals got back to business tonight in game 3 from Trenton. The Royals jumped out of the gate scoring a first period goal on the power play but they'd trail by 2 until late in the 3rd when David Masse tied the game on the power play with less than 4 minutes to play.

April 26, 2005

Cocalico Regional Leaders Meeting
Township supervisors and borough councilors in the Cocalico Region work together to make local government more efficient. Tonight they held a regional leaders meeting in West Cocalico Township. The group tossed around ideas on how to attract more bids for construction when starting municipal projects. Some suggestions included inter-municipal bidding and developing and sharing a list of contractors. The local police chief was also on hand to answer questions. He reported that the department is developing ideas on setting a long-term budget - so that municipalities have an idea of what police costs will be three or four years ahead. The local leaders also heard a presentation from a county planning commission representative. Carole Wilson discussed how townships and boroughs can use planning and zoning for historic preservation.

Pennsylvanians supports eliminating school property tax
It seems that a majority of registered voters in Pennsylvania favor a plan that could eliminate the historic school property tax, and it's not named Act 72. Representatives Gordon Denlinger and Tom Creighton have announced the results of a survey, which show that 56 percent of registered Pennsylvania voters support the Commonwealth Caucus Plan for Pennsylvania's Future. The plan seeks to eliminate school property taxes through a lower but broadened 5 percent Sales and Use Tax. This new, expanded tax would include food and clothing. 850 registered voters were surveyed between March 8th and the 14th by Tel Opinion Research. For more information about the plan, visit any of the representative's web sites.

Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation
More farmland in the state has been protected, and soon voters will have the opportunity to help save more. 53 farms - totaling more than 5 thousand acres - were protected this month through the state's Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, which has saved more than three hundred thousand acres since 1988. In May, voters will be able to give their input on the future of the Farmland Preservation Program. The program's preservation efforts could see a 42 percent funding decrease this year through a sunset provision, but voters can elect to give the program a portion of a six hundred 25 million dollar bond. In Lancaster County, more than 38 thousand acres of farmland have been preserved.

Santorum - Autism Research Bill
About one in 166 children born every year are diagnosed with autism - a neurological disorder that affects language and emotional development. And now US Senator Rick Santorum is sponsoring legislation designed to battle the disorder. The Combating Autism Act - would provide 860 million dollars over five years for autism research, screening, intervention and education.
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Experts estimate that more than one million Americans suffer from some form of autism.

Lincoln Elementary School Update
Kindergarten students assigned to begin classes in the fall at Lincoln Elementary in Ephrata will now be moved to other schools. The Ephrata School District made the announcement yesterday. Officials say the new plan opens up classrooms at Lincoln Elementary - giving teachers adequate space to teach special subjects like art. Officials say the expanded Clay Elementary School played a key part in their decision. They say kindergarteners will be placed in a new school based on their geographic location and space requirements

Occupational Therapy Month
April is Occupational Therapy month, and one local woman is taking the profession to a new level. Aimee Ketchum is an Occupational therapist at the Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Centers Women's Place, and after 10 years of working with older patients she is turning her focus on newborn babies.
SOT- Aimee Ketchum- Occupational Therapist
The Lacey's are already using massage on their newborn son Charlie
Sot- Sarah and Scott Lacey- parents of Charlie
The Women's place is the only facility in Lancaster County currently offering this service.

CV's International Science Fair competitor
This week a local scientist is getting ready for some international competition. Conestoga Valley high school sophomore Abbie Groff was this year's grand champion at the Lancaster Newspapers Science and Engineering Fair… and she has packed up her project to take on the world at the 55th annual Intel International Science and Engineering fair in Phoenix, Arizona. Groff whose project was based in microbiology… is excited about being able to compete on an international level.
SOT Abbie Groff
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair runs from May 8 to the fourteenth… and will bring together one thousand three hundred students from forty different nations… all vying for prizes ranging from tuition grants and internships… to the grand prize… a 50 thousand dollar college scholarship.

Bonfield Elementary 2nd Grade Rainforest
Students at John Bonfield Elementary are taking a vacation without leaving their classroom. Jennifer Kuntz's second grade class is studying the Brazilian rainforest.
SOT - Jennifer Kuntz - Second Grade Teacher
Every day, the students listen to a story set in the rainforest and do projects on rainforest animals.
SOT - Abby Bomberger - Second Grader
On some days, the students get a special treat… Today's was a Brazil nut.
SOT - Abby Bomberger
This is the last week for the Rainforest program, and students will have a chance to bring their parents in for an open house on Thursday night. Earlier this school year, the students studied Germany, and next month will begin studying Mexico.

Sports…
Local Semi-Pro Football Players
Lancaster County has become a hot bed for football talent. Players are recruited to play at the college level and beyond. For some area football players beyond may mean the AIFL… the Atlantic Indoor Football League. Three local players are playing in the newly formed league. Manheim products Kris Thompson and Brett Kolk suit up for the Johnstown Riverhawks. Warwick's Doug Pearson plays for the Canton Legends. The two teams met last wkend and Cable-11 News was there …
SOT Chris Thompson-QB Johnstown Riverhawks
All three local guys played indoor football previously … for Pearson playing on the 50 yard field with only 8 players to a side suits him …
SOT Doug Pearson- WR Canton Legends
These guys are still as passionate about the game as they were when they played in high school … I guess you would have to be to travel 3 hours to Johnstown for practice and games.
SOT Brett Kolk-lineman Johnstown Riverhawks
Several guys with NFL experience play in the Atlantic Indoor Football League and the opportunity to play at the next level does exist. For Thompson this is his second season since graduating from Bloomsburg University and it's an important one …
SOT Chris Thompson
The league is in its first season, but is already looking to expand. Considered a step below the level of play of the Philadelphia Soul, there are currently 6 teams in the AIFL. With more of an emphasis on passing the games are typically high scoring and fun to watch. Manheim beat Warwick in this one as Johnstown topped Canton 59-52.

April 25, 2005

Lititz Driver in Wreck
A stopped car owned by a Lititz woman was involved in a two vehicle accident this afternoon on Route 272 in Leola. The car, owned by Janine Harr of Winding Way in Lititz, was struck by a coca-cola truck following directly behind it. The truck then careened off the road and split a telephone pole in two before coming to a rest in a grassy area behind a near by gas station. The pole, along with glass and debris littered the road. Luckily, neither driver was injured. The driver of the coca-cola truck was cited for following too closely.

Pitts' social security summit
Social Security has been a hot topic of debate in recent months. Under the belief that the system will run out of money by 2042, President Bush has proposed an overhaul that would allow Americans to invest in personal or private retirement accounts. It is a topic about which Americans are not only split but also confused. So, today Representative Joe Pitts hosted a summit in Lancaster County. The purpose was to address the concerns of area residents and to better inform them about the President's proposal.
SOT: U.S. Rep. Joseph Pitts - 16th Congressional District
Pitts was not the only one who addressed the attendees. Officials from Washington, D.C. also provided some insight on President Bush's proposed plan.
SOT: Brian Reardon - White House National Econ. Council
Another representative, from The Heritage Foundation, surprised some audience members by adding that a portion of these personal accounts could be willed to a next of kin, unlike social security benefits. Anyone interested in finding out how they would fair under the new proposal can go to heritage-dot-org and use their P-R-A calculator. Representative Pitts says that he hopes to hold a similar summit for college-age Americans.

Ephrata School Budget
Ephrata School District residents will likely see their tax bills go up next year. At a meeting tonight the school board voted to tentatively adopt a new budget with an 8.7 percent tax increase. Only board member Jenny Miller voted against it. The tax hike would be the second highest within the last eight years.
SOT Richard Caplan "…we can't avoid."
For homeowner's with property valued at 100 thousand dollars, it would mean a tax increase of about 155 dollars. At tonight's meeting board members encouraged citizens to be more active in the budget process. They say a copy of the tentative budget is available at the district office. The final spending plan is expected to come up for a vote at the board's next meeting on May 16th.

Rep. Baldwin/Rothsville Fire Depratment Check
The Rothsville Volunteer Fire Compnay receives a grant from the Community Revitalization Program. At a meeting held this evening Rep. Roy Baldwin presented the department with a 20 thousand dollar check. The Fire Company will put the money towards recent renovations and additions made to their building.
Sot- Bob Shreiner- President Rothsville Fore Co.; Rep. Roy Baldwin
Be sure to tune into Cable 11 news Wednesday night when we'll give you a tour of their new facility.

Mother's Day Mammograms
The Pa Breast Cancer Coalition is asking you to celebrate this Mother's Day, by encouraging the women in your life to get a mammogram. The Mother's Day Mammograms Program places uninsured and underinsured women in touch with medical facilities that offer free screening mammograms for women 40 or older.
Sot- Heather Hibshman- Executive Director
Call 1-877-626-6672 to find out if you qualify for a free mammogram- the program runs from April 26-May 13th. Last Year more than 500 women received free mammograms.

Ephrata AP Writing Winners
Several Ephrata High School students have been honored for their writing skills. Eighty pieces were entered in the adult and junior divisions of the Ephrata Public Library Writing contest. Three of the winners turned out to be recognized earlier tonight during a reception at the library. The contest was sponsored by the library's writer's roundtable.
SOT Bill Minser "…something true."
The contest winners read their work during an open mic session. Entries submitted included short stories, poetry and personal narratives.

Book Sale at Overlook
Books, books everywhere… with something for just about everyone, The Friends of the Lancaster County libraries held their 50th annual book sale to help benefit the counties libraries. The sale brought out readers from far and wide… to pick through more than two hundred thousand books.
SOT: Pat Ditzler
Those prices range from fifty cents to around 3 dollars with some collectible books costing a little more… and you can feel good about buying these books… all the proceeds go to a good cause.
SOT: Ditzler
As of 2 o'clock this afternoon the sale had raised more than 50 thousand dollars. If you were not able to make it to the sale today… you still have a chance. The sale will continue tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and finish up on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

National Turn Off Your TV Week
National Turn Off your TV Week Kicked off today, and several local schools are encouraging their students to take part in the event. Cable 11 caught up with one local student who is taking the pledge to turn off the tube.
Sot- Matt Boyer- 6th Grader- John Beck
John Beck Elementary has several events planned this week to help students meet their goal… including a Family Bingo night and a student talent show. Be sure to stay tuned to Channel 11. We will check up with Matt Boyer this Friday to see if he makes it through the week without turning on the TV.

Sports…
Clipper Magazine Stadium Tour
Last week we took you out to Clipper Magazine Stadium, the home of the Lancaster Barnstormers for a look at the new stadium was fitted with playing field sod. Two days before the team hits the road for its season opener in New Jersey, the team invited us out to have another look at the park as it nears completion. The sod is completely in place as are many of the field's accessories…including the big replay board in center field, the press boxes behind home plate, all 22 luxury boxes and meeting rooms, and the giant stat board on the right field wall just underneath the elevated dining area. Of course there's still some work that needs to be done…but barnstormers officials feel the park will be ready to go for the team's home opener on May 11th, and fans, you can take our word for it…the Clip will be one great place to watch a ball game. The Barnstormers get things started on the 11th against Atlantic City…all tickets for that game are completely sold out.

Garden Spot vs. CV Track
The CV Buckskins and Garden Spot Spartans are battling atop section 2 in the boys and girls track standings. Today the teams battled each other on the track at Garden Spot.
The day's events got started with the girls' 110-meter hurdles. Garden Spot won this one going away. Tina Young and Sara Bisch finished one two. The Spartans dominated the boys 110 too, lead by Eric Wisler who finished in 15.7 seconds with teammate Ross Shober right behind him. CV got a measure of revenge winning the 100-meter boys and girls races…Meghan Fulmer eked out a win over Heather Good of GS by two tenths and Stephen Smalls won the boy's race. Garden Spot's Mike Harris set personal records in back to back throws in the javelin. His second good for 180 feet. Harris' throw of 180 was also a school best. The GS Girls went on to win 98 to 52…and the CV boys won 95-55. For more coverage of GS track team tune into Varsity Spotlight on Wednesday at 10:00.

CV vs. Penn Manor Baseball Results
One baseball score to report Conestoga Valley dropped its 5th game in a row, 8 nothing to Penn Manor. Joey Russo had the team's only two hits. The bucks will look to break back into the win column on Wednesday at home against McCaskey.

April 22, 2005

Manheim Emergency Training
Yesterday marked the anniversary of the Columbine shootings - one of the most tragic events ever to occur in a US high school. And today local educators and emergency responders tested their own abilities to see if they were prepared for similar situations. Manheim Central principals and teachers joined local police, fire and emergency management officials in a disaster training exercise. The tabletop exercise was conducted using model cars and buildings.
SOT Neal Wolford
The simulation is also designed to improve communication and coordination between the authorities involved.
SOT
The exercise was coordinated by Command School Inc. The Lancaster-based firm conducts similar activities around the country.

Earth Day at Mount Joy Farm
Today we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Earth Day. It's a day that celebrates protecting the environment and keeping our planet a safe place to live. Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff was out in Lancaster County today with a number of other local officials to celebrate Earth Day. And they were doing it at a place where they believe is the most fitting of all…on a farm.
SOT: Dennis Wolff - Secretary, Pa. Dept. of Agriculture
Another official in attendance was County Commissioner Dick Shellenberger. He is one of the founders of the Blue Ribbon Commission, whose mission it is to sustain agriculture within the county. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22nd, 19-70.

Royer Bridge Completed
Motorists in the Ephrata area are now traveling on a local bridge for the first time in two years. Last night crews reopened the Royer Road Bridge. The 86-year-old structure had been a direct route for people going between the Akron and Brickerville areas. But it was closed down about two years ago after inspectors noticed deficiencies that made it unsafe. Jeff Zimmerman -- a construction official says the new two-lane bridge is wider and safer than the old one. Previously - it had been a one-lane bridge. He also says they tried to keep the character of the old bridge by giving it a unique stone look and designing the new arches to match the old ones. Construction crews had been continuously working on the 568 thousand dollar project since November.

Wall of Courage Fights Cancer
The American Cancer Society and State Representative Roy Baldwin's World of Wellness Walkers have come up with a way to honor victims and survivors of cancer.
The Wall of Courage displays cards - moons in memory of cancer victims and suns to honor cancer survivors. The cards are part of a fundraiser for Representative Roy Baldwin's World of Wellness team that will be participating in the upcoming Relay for Life walk at Lancaster Catholic High School.
SOT: Rep. Roy Baldwin - 97th Legislative District
The money raised through the Wall of Courage will be donated to the American Cancer Society. If you'd like to add someone's name to the wall, stop in to Representative Baldwin's Neffsville office. Each card costs one dollar.

Warwick Girls' Soccer Academic Award
Warwick Girls Soccer players are not only winners on the playing field - they excel in the classroom too. The team recently received the Soccer Coaches Association of America Team Academic Award - for the fifth year in a row.
SOT Coach
The national award honors teams that have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Warwick's team has a GPA over 3.5
SOT
Warwick is just one of 16 schools in the nation to have earned the award five consecutive years.

Manheim Christian 4th grade business students
Running a business is no small task for anyone. But try asking a 4th grader to do it and you might be surprised. That's what happened when a teacher at Manheim Christian Day School entrusted each of her students with 10 dollars. Each student's goal was to make a profit. The idea is to get the students involved with the school's big benefit auction.
SOT: Kim Metzler - Community Relations, MCDS
Some of the students in Miss Arment's class offered services like cleaning windows…others made items and sold them like this young man who sold 46 birdhouses and made 500 dollars.
SOT: Joshua Witmer - 4th Grade, Manheim Christian
From March 2nd to April 15th the students set a goal to raise one thousand dollars by selling the goods you see there. They made close to three thousand dollars, all of which will bring the school closer to its goal of raising one-hundred-thousand dollars at their auction next weekend. All of the money from the auction will benefit the school.

Warwick Middle School KMO Results
Following up on a story Cable-11 brought you on Wednesday…Students at Warwick Middle School competed in the spring Knowledge Master Open, a quiz competition involving 60 thousand students worldwide. And the crew from Lititz did pretty well. They finished 18th out of 74 teams in the entire keystone state…and 199th out of 852 teams worldwide. The KMO Challenge is a series of 200 questions that teams must answer as quickly as possible.

Maple Farm Job Fair
It has been said that volunteers help make the world a better place… Well the Maple Farm Nursing Center in Akron is looking to become just that place… and they need YOUR help. The center will be hosting a volunteer job fair next Thursday, to help prospective volunteers become familiar with Maple Farm… and to show what a difference a volunteer can have on the residents.
SOT: Pamela Martin
The job fair will be held from 9 A.M. till 3 P.M. with orientation from nine till 12:30… and a chance to meet with the residents in the afternoon. For more information on the job fair contact Pamela Martin at the number on the bottom of your screen.

Subway Stamps Discontinued
Bad news for sandwich eaters looking for a bargain… Subway restaurants are phasing out their Sub Club Stamp Program. According to a Subway spokesperson - people were selling fraudulent stamps on the Internet through E-bay. In fact it's estimated that around ten percent of the stamps recently turned in have been fakes. However - Subway says it wants to continue a discount program for loyal customers. Officials say they're looking into using an electronic card program in the future. However - despite what Subway headquarters has reported - one local Subway says it has no plans to discontinue the Sub Club stamps.

Sports…
Cocalico vs. Solanco Soccer
Wind, rain, temperatures in the low 50's…yes today wasn't exactly the beautiful stuff of earlier in the week, but several local teams took the soccer field anyway. We'll start in Denver, where the Solanco Mules visited Cocalico for a shot at the Eagles. These fans were willing to brave the elements to check out the game. In the first half, the eagles jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead. And they'd keep the pressure on. Carlee Murphy with the corner kick…headed on goal by Sammy Burkey, but a nice save by the Solanco keeper keeps it a one-goal game. Then Katie Uberroth penetrates and uncorks a hard shot that carries over the crossbar. Amy Grant didn't have much to worry about here as the Eagles would roll 5 to 0. Scoring in the 2nd half for the Eagles, Murphy with 2 goals, Uberroth with 1 and 2 assists, Burkey and Laura Sweigert with 1 apiece.

Manheim Central vs. Ephrata Soccer
The Manheim Central fans had no problem with the weather either in their game with Ephrata…Central gets the scoring started early…Becky Strait with the long throw in, headed by Janelle Hess….1 to nothing barons. Ephrata coming back…Leah Sipe from the corner its booted around…Manheim can't clear and it ends up on the foot of Joscelynn Crills who puts it on goal, but Leah Hilliard hits the dirt to smother it. The Barons added another in the 2nd half to win by the shut out 2 to zero.

Reading Royals Playoff Results
The Reading Royals got their North Division Finals series with Trenton started tonight, and after struggling through some early game scoring droughts with their last opponent Toledo, the Royals have hit their stride…they punched in 5 goals to send Toledo packing in game 4, and lit the lamp 4 times in game one tonight against the Titans. They'd win game one easily by the final of 4 to 2.

Kickers:
The Lancaster County Planning Commission will hold its next series of meetings on the county's growth management plan. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center. The event invites participants to voice their opinions as the county prepares to update its blueprint for future land use. Monday's meeting starts at 7 PM. If you miss that one two more will be held next week - one Tuesday in Lancaster and one in Quarryville on Thursday.

April 21, 2005

Ephrata Police Tobacco Sting
Employees at more than half of the tobacco vendors in Ephrata will face penalties for selling tobacco products to minors. Earlier this week Ephrata police - with help from a state grant -- conducted a sting operation. Underage youths - supervised and trained by police - attempted to purchase tobacco products from nine local establishments. The stores were informed about the operation in advance by letter. However -- clerks at five of the stores will now be cited for selling tobacco to minors.
SOT Chief Steven Annibali
The chief says his department plans to conduct more of these tobacco sting operations in the future.

Lititz/Warwick Coordinating Meeting
Working together for a better future is their motto…And this morning the Lititz/Warwick Regional Coordinating Committee met to look ahead at 2005. Local officials from the Lititz Borough and Warwick Township communities gathered to review the progress being made and to consider their objectives for 2005. Among those topics was the securing of a grant for new pedestrian crosswalks in Lititz, which will be designed this spring…consideration of a corridor study for routes 72 and 772, which is now on hold because of budget constraints…and Lititz Borough is considering hiring a downtown a manager through the state's Main Street program. Most important for this group, however, along with all of these items is keeping the public informed. They're hoping a regional newsletter will soon be able to do that.
SOT: Dan Zimmerman - Warwick Township Manager
One other topic of interest…the Lititz Community Center's board of director's has approved a feasibility study for an expansion of the community center. Assessment is expected to begin immediately.

Denver Rec Board Update
The Denver Recreation Board is teaming up with local skateboarders to improve the borough's skate park. At a recent meeting board members and skateboarders discussed holding several fundraisers. The events could include skateboarding exhibitions and music by local bands. Any money raised would be used to make improvements to the park. The board also discussed installing additional surveillance cameras in the park. The borough manager tells Cable-11 that the board may use cameras to catch residents disposing of inappropriate items in the area of the park designated for yard waste.

Health Survey - ELANCO
Eastern Lancaster County residents could have an impact on the school district's future health curriculum. The district's Coordinated School Health Council is asking residents to complete a new survey on the district website. The survey asks what those in the community already know about the district health curriculum - everything from health classes to cafeteria offerings -- and what they would like to see it include. School Health officials say it will help them identify their strengths and weaknesses. The Survey will be available online until May 15th. To access it visit the website on your screen and enter the word "survey" as both the username and password. The health council is a group of school staff and community members, which promotes healthier lifestyles within the community.

Earth Day Tree Planting in West Earl
Today's chilly temperatures didn't make for ideal "creek stomping" weather, but that didn't stop a group of over 70 Conestoga Valley High School students. They spent this afternoon cleaning garbage out of the Conestoga River in West Earl as part of their Fresh Water Biology Environmental Science Class.
SOT Ashley Ross, CV 12th Grader
They found everything from discarded tires to rusted folding chairs. The Conestoga River is a Chesapeake Bay tributary.
SOT: Rep. Scott Boyd, 43rd Legislative District
The event was planned to help observe Earth Day, which is tomorrow.
SOT Boyd
Representative Scott Boyd was also on hand to help with the clean up and to plant a Norway Spruce tree.

Dinner and a Show at Bonfield Elementary
Parents of fifth and sixth graders at Bonfield Elementary in Lititz were treated to dinner and a show tonight. Doors opened at five thirty… and parents and students were treated to a spaghetti dinner… compliments of the Bonfield PTO. Then it was off to the theater.
Sot: Michelle Schmaldienst, Kathy Seaber
The show of the evening was… The Emperor's New Clothes… a story in which a greedy king is tricked by some wily clothes makers… Tonight's dinner theater is one of many events scheduled at Bonfield in the coming weeks… next week the school will be hosting their open house.

Cocalico sleepover at Camp Swatara
Some science students in the Cocalico School District are getting more than just a lesson about the environment this week. They're getting a taste of their own independence. 5th graders are staying overnight at Camp Swatara as part of their Environment Education Experience. This group of students arrived yesterday and will be there through Friday. Some of the things they'll be doing include: a stream study, learning to use a compass, studying insects, and hiking up to the rock pile, which is one of their favorites.
SOT: Sharon Myers - Principal, Adamstown Elem., Megan Heist - Cocalico 5th
Grader, Haley Irvine - Cocalico 5th Grader
Haley is referring to a game that the kids play where they have to pretend to be salmon and get up stream past a bunch of obstacles. Principal Myers said this is also a great way to introduce the students from different schools, as they get ready to attend Middle School next year. This is the 23rd year they've made the trip to Camp Swatara.

Gift of Life Donor Program
The gift of Life Donor Program is a non-profit organization that serves as a link between organ donors and patients waiting for life saving transplants. Although the organization has experienced an increase in donation over the past 10 years there are currently more than 45 hundred Pennsylvania residents waiting for an organ transplant. One Lititz man is very familiar with the impact a organ donor can have, and how it can save a life.
NAT Sound-
Today Jim Heisey is healthy and stays busy cutting hair at his barbershop on Broad Street in Lititz, but that wasn't always the case. In the early 1990's he was diagnosed with a liver disorder that required a liver transplant.
Sot- Jim Heisey- Organ Recipient
Jims' wife Ruthann was by his side throughout the ordeal.
Sot- Ruthann Heisey- Wife
The Heisey's have also been on the giving end of the donor program. Tragically- 9 years ago their oldest daughters was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver.
Sot-
It is easy to become an organ donor- you can sign up when you get or renew your driver's license or you can complete and sign a donor card. You can get a card by calling 1-877-DONOR PA.

Sports…
Volleyball Scores
Tonight's boy's volleyball game between the Ephrata Mounts and Conestoga Valley Buckskins was a tale of two teams going in opposite directions. April hasn't been kind to the Mounts…0 and 6 in matches so far by a combined…18 games to 1. CV on the other hand has been on a tear. Undefeated on the season at 6 and 0, the Bucks welcomed the Mounts to CV Middle School looking to make it 7 in a row. A big or should I say a tall part of CV's success on the back of senior big man Rob Miller. Here he picks up the spike to tie game 1 at 1 apiece. Then freshman Anthony Hamid comes up aces…5 to 3 CV. Ephrata hanging in there…Jeremiah Yang with pinpoint accuracy on the back line…but too much Miller in the middle. CV topped Ephrata in game 1 25 to 15.

Reading Phillies Results
It's too early in the Reading Phillies' season to press the panic button, but the R-Phils are already in last place and sinking quickly. The team has yet to win a series this season, and has split only once…taking 2 of 4 from the Norwich Navigators last week. Maybe seeing Norwich again would get them back on the winning track. The 'gators came into Reading tonight to face an R-Phils squad looking to break a 3 game losing streak. Fans of offense need not apply here…the Navigators held the R-Phils to just one hit and that was by the pitcher Chris Rojas. Rojas put up a good fight…giving up just a single run in the 1st inning. But it would hold up as Reading fell to the Norwich by the final of 1 to 0.

Kicker-
It's time for a Middle School Pool Party. Children in grades 7th thru 9th are invited to come out and listen to music, and swim with friends at the Lititz Community Center.
The party starts this Saturday night at 7:30. Don't forget your swimsuit and towel.

The Hole in The Wall Puppet Theatre will mark the 93rd anniversary of the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic with a special exhibit this weekend. The musical "R.M.S. Titanic will be performed both Saturday and Sunday evenings at 5:00. The theatre is located on North Water Street in Lancaster.

April 20, 2005

Indecent Exposure in Lititz
Lititz Borough Police arrest a man for exposing himself in public. 27- year-old
Gabriel Naranjo Valenzuela was arrested Tuesday and charged with Indecent exposure.
Police first received a report on March 26th from a female in the 300 block of North Broad Street that a Hispanic male, later identified as Valenzuela, had approached her and exposed himself. Police responded to the scene but were unable to locate him. However they caught up with the suspect last week after the victim spotted him walking on Route 501. The female agreed to enter a local restaurant to see if the suspect was an employee, and positively identified Valenzuela as the man who exposed himself to her. Valenzuela is currently out on bail his preliminary hearing is set for April 27th.

RRTA Hearing on Rate Increase
Lancaster County residents will soon be paying more for public transportation. Tonight the Red Rose Transit Authority Board voted to increase fares on its buses. Most fares will increase by five or ten cents depending on how far riders are traveling. And monthly passes will increase by a dollar.
SOT Jim Lutz "…liability costs."
According to the director the RRTA received feedback on the increases from two regular customers. Both said they were glad that the transit system was opting to raise prices instead of cutting back on services. The new fares are set to go into effect on May first. This is the first time the RRTA has raised bus fare since November of 2000.

No Child Left Behind Suit
Pennsylvania joins in on the first ever national lawsuit challenging President Bush's No Child Left Behind law. Today state education associations and school districts in nine states filed the lawsuit. It says school districts should not be required to meet federal standards if the federal government will not pay the costs for schools to do so. According to the National Education Association there has been a 27 billion dollar funding shortfall since No Child Left Behind was enacted three years ago.

Lobbyist Disclosure Bill
Pennsylvania is currently the only state without a lobbyist disclosure bill - but maybe not for long. This morning the state senate voted 47 to zero to pass legislation that requires all branches of the state government to report lobbyist influence. Any lobbyists who spends more than 25 hundred dollars on a quarterly basis would have to register and report their spending. Also lawmakers who accept gifts of more than 250 dollars per year or meals and entertainment valued at more than 650 dollars must be identified by name in the lobbyists reports. The bill will now be considered by the state House of Representatives.

Butterfly Acres Improvements on Hold
Plans to clean up a wetland area within the Butterfly Acres Development in the Lititz borough has been put on hold. The parcel of borough owned land that runs through backyards in the development has been somewhat of an eyesore… and the borough is looking to make some changes… some of which may involve actual butterflies. According to borough officials… plans had included reseeding the grass… and planting wild flowers that would attract butterflies. Cable-11 spoke with several residents that said they were glad that the borough was preserving the wetlands… and making steps to beautify their development. Though due to other summer projects within the borough… and reported problems removing some of the deep growing grasses presently in the wetland area… the project has been put on the back burner… stay tuned to cable-11 news for more updates as this story progresses.

S.U.R.E. (voter registration tracking) is almost complete
The federal deadline for the completion of Pennsylvania's computerized voter-tracking system is now nine months away. SURE, which stands for statewide uniform registry of electors, is meant to keep the statewide voting roster up to date and ensure that duplicate registrations are eliminated. All 67 counties have completed Overview, Introductory and Advanced Training sessions related to SURE. But, currently only 56 counties are connected to the system. Lancaster County is one of the 11 that are still not connected.

Restaurants Cannot be Blamed for Obesity
In recent years obesity has been dubbed a growing epidemic. Well now Pennsylvania legislators are trying to make sure restaurants don't take the blame. A bill has been proposed in the House of Representatives that would protect food purveyors from civil liability arising out of weight gain or obesity or a health condition associated with weight gain or obesity. The primary sponsor of the bill is a representative from Lehigh County, however Representatives Scott Boyd and Roy Baldwin are 2 of 30 other co-sponsors.

Homeschoolers at Landis Valley Museum
For students who attend public or private schools, field trips are a fairly common occurrence…But what about students that are home-schooled? Ever wonder when they take field trips? Well, a whole lot of home-schooled students got to take one big field trip today courtesy of the Landis Valley Museum. Earlier today, the museum held its House School Day - an all-day event that invites home-school students and families from southeast and south-central Pennsylvania out to explore the museum's many educational hands-on activities.
SOT: Timothy Essig - Landis Valley Museum Educator
Activities during the day included: a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, candle dipping, playing children's games from the 1800s, and even sheep shearing. Home School Day is an annual event at the museum. This is the 4th year it was held.

KMO at Warwick
Here's a quiz. How can 60,000 students throughout the world compete against each other without leaving their own school? AND name the only U.S. state split by one of the Great Lakes. If you answered the Knowledge Master Open and Michigan, you're on your way to being a K-M-O Master. This morning, students at Warwick Middle School competed in the spring KMO Challenge. Answering a series of 200 questions as quickly as possible requires teamwork and calm nerves.
SOT: Marlin Good, Warwick M.S. KMO Coach
The students practice twice a week and all have their own specialty.
SOT: Jenna Greaser, Dan Russo, Team Member
Stay tuned to Cable-11 News. Later this week Warwick's KMO team expects to have their results from today's competition.

Make a Wish Convoy- vo/sot-Kendra 5-00:17:57:00- 1:30-KEN
The Make a Wish Foundation of the Susquehanna Valley is gearing up for their biggest fundraiser of the year. For the past 16 years the foundation has been holding their annual Make A Wish Convoy on Mothers Day Sunday- and it is just around the corner.
Sot- Randy Etzweiler- Convoy Chair
The event will begin early Sunday morning at the Burle Industries Parking Lot in Lancaster. Things kick off at 8:30 with an auction, free entertainment, and food. Then around 1:30 the truckers will rev up their engines and begin their convoy ride.
Sot- OC" to talk about the week after"
The Make A Wish Convoy event will be held on May 8 and the convoy will be traveling through Ephrata on Route 272 and 322.

Sports…
Ephrata vs. L-S Soccer
The Ephrata Mounts Girls' Soccer team sits atop the section 2 standings tied with Conestoga Valley at 18 points apiece. They took the field at home tonight against Lampeter Strasburg trying to win their third in a row and pick up their 7th win of the year.
A wind swept Ephrata Middle School made it tough to corral the ball…but eventually the mounts would gather themselves…and have some good first half chances. Here the mis-played ball ends up on the foot of Kate Hertzler, she'd try the short side and kick it just wide. Then its Melissa Speros with the nifty move to get free, gets a shot away but that one too would go wide. Now things getting a little chippy…Speros taken down by the face…but the good sport…walking away smiling. The mounts get their revenge minutes later…nice centering pass from Leah Sipe, the ball bounces high and ends up on the foot of Melissa Newton who goes across her body and punches it into the left corner, 1-0 mounts. They'd add goals from Arielle Gordon and Kate Hertzler and win 3 to 1. So with the win, and CV playing a non league game today, the Mounts are in sole possession of first place in section 2.

Manheim Central vs. Cocalico Soccer
From Ephrata over to Manheim, where the Barons soccer team played host to Cocalico.
These two teams jockeying for position behind first and second place Ephrata and CV.
We'll pick this one up in the 1st half, Laura Sweigart chips it up ahead and blazes downfield, Manheim keeper makes the save, but Sweigart stays with it and pushes it towards the net where its chipped in…on further review, it goes off a Manheim defender for an own goal. The Barons got the equalizer in the 2nd half. Off the big throw in, the ball lands at the feet of Janelle Hess who puts it on goal and the rebound is tapped in by Nicole Ober. This one would need some extra time to be settled…Daneen Zug found the back of the net for the Barons in overtime to wrap this one up…2 to 1 the final from Manheim.

New Warwick Girls Volleyball Coach
The Warwick Warriors have a new Girl's Volleyball coach. At last night's school board meeting…the board approved Jennifer Wanner of Lancaster as head coach of the 2005/2006 school year. Wanner is a graduate of Conestoga Valley.

Reading Royals Playoff Preview
The Reading Royals earned a spot in the ECHL's North Divison Finals with a win last night in game 4 of their semifinal series with Toledo. Waiting for them at the next level…the Trenton Thunder. Tickets are available at the Sovereign Center Box Office.

Reading Phillies Playoffs
Reading's baseball team has not fared as well lately. The R-Phills dropped today's matinee in New Britain, CT to the Rock Cats 3 to nothing. The Phillies only managed 5 hits, and stranded runners at 2nd and 3rd in the ninth. The loss is the 2nd straight to New Britain, and drops Reading into last place in the Eastern League's South Division. The team wraps up its three game set with the Rock Cats in another matinee tomorrow at 10:30 AM

April 19, 2005

Ephrata West Coast Video theft
Ephrata police are looking for two males suspected of theft. Around 8 o'clock last night, police say the suspects entered the West Coast Video store in Ephrata and walked out with a number of DVDs and game rentals without paying. The loss is estimated at 600 dollars. The suspects were last seen getting into a white SUV, possibly a Ford Explorer, being driven by a third male. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Ephrata Police at 738-9200.

New Pope Named
Catholics in our area… and around the world have a new church leader. Today just minutes after 12 P.M. eastern standard time… a conclave in Rome announced that they had picked the man to replace recently deceased Pope John Paul the second. The conclave… that was made up of 115 cardinals took only two days to name German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who has taken the name Benedict the sixteen, as leader of the Catholic Church. The new pontiff who hails from the Bavaria region of Germany is the two hundred sixty fifth appointed pope and the first chosen from Germany in nearly one thousand years. The new Pope is no stranger to the Vatican. He served under Pope John Paul the second as the head of Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, the Vatican office that oversees morals and doctrines of the catholic faith throughout the world.

Denver Historical Society Disbands
After 10 years of existence the Denver Historical Society has disbanded. A final vote on the matter was held tonight and the group approved a motion to disperse the society's money. They are still working on the final numbers but approximately 9 thousand dollars will be given to the Denver Veterans Memorial project, 1,000 dollars will be given to the borough for the planning of any future celebrations, and 6 thousand dollars will be given to the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley. On top of the money the Cocalico Valley will also receive artifacts and recordings left over from the Denver Historical Society. Group members say a lack of interest led to their decision to disband.

501/Brubaker Valley Intersection Traffic Signal
Traffic problems could soon be eased at a dangerous intersection in Elizabeth Township. At a supervisor's meeting last week, Elizabeth Township officials approved the application to the state Department of Transportation for the installation and operation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Route 501 and Brubaker Valley Road. The township also signed a letter of financial commitment for the project. The traffic signal would be installed within two years of PennDOT's approval, and the township plans on paying for the costs of engineering the project. The decision to install the signal was made following a report from the State Police, which concluded that many accidents at the intersection were caused by poor visibility from Brubaker Valley road and the speed of drivers on Route 501.

Listening Session - Blue Ribbon Ag Panel
County Commissioners want to know how you feel about preserving the farming industry in Lancaster County. Tonight the Blue Ribbon Agriculture Panel held its fourth in a series of listening sessions in New Holland. The goal of the meetings is to hear recommendations from Lancaster County residents - from both urban and rural areas - on how to help ensure a strong agricultural economy in the future.
SOT Mike Brubaker
Tonight's session drew several dozen residents - some from the farming community - others average citizens. Both had strong opinions.
SOTs
According to officials - residents are saying land prices are too high, zoning ordinances need to be stricter and farmers would like to have more opportunities to sell their produce locally. The panel's next listening session will be held Thursday at the Farm and Home Center in Lancaster.

Santorum Weather Bill
Senator Rick Santorum has introduced legislation that he says will help the National Weather Service better serve the public. The National Weather Service Duties Act clarifies the responsibilities of the NWS. Last year the agency dropped its non-competition policy, which enabled it to expand into areas already served by the commercial weather industry. Santorum's legislation restores the non-competition policy. He says it will allow the weather service to focus on its core duties, which include issuing severe weather warnings that may save lives and property. Santorum's bill is supported by the commercial weather industry.

New food guidance system unveiled
For more than a decade Americans have grown used to following eating guidelines according to the well-known Food Pyramid. Today, citing various statistics about the growing obesity problems in America, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled a new approach to guiding the eating habits of Americans. The new symbol and food guidance system is being called My-Pyramid. The major changes include a focus on moderation as represented by the narrowing of each of the groups from bottom to top…Physical activity as shown by the person walking up the stairs…and a more personalized approach to healthy eating, where…instead of just one pyramid for everyone to follow, the U-S-D-A has 12 pyramids for people of different lifestyles and nutritional needs. The redesign also includes an online aspect where a person can type in their age, gender, and estimate their daily amount of physical activity to receive a personalized guide to

New Line Revue at Philadelphia 76ers' Half-time
Some talented Youngsters from Lititz put on a special performance last night in Philadelphia. The dancers of New Line Revue performed Center Court at the Wachovia Center during halftime of the Philadelphia 76ers - Milwaukee Bucks basketball game. Sixty New Line Review dancers - based out of the Lititz Community Center - performed in front of over 17 thousand 76ers fans and had their names displayed on the big board. Incidentally, the Sixers beat the Bucks 122 to 106 and are headed for the N-B-A playoffs.

Lititz Mennonite bike safety day
With the spring season in full effect, warm weather has become a constant. That can usually lead to more children out running around or riding their bikes. And as a result parents are likely to become more concerned with their child's safety. But at least one school took the time to address these safety issues with the students today. Lititz Area Mennonite School held its bi-annual Bicycle Skills and Safety Day. The day allows students, grades 3 thru 8, to bring their bike and helmet to school to better prepare them.
SOT: Kevin Wenger - Health/Phys. Ed. Teacher
Warwick Township police officer Dee Brown ran the safety day. Every student who took part received a certificate of participation.

Volunteer Week/Blood Drive at LGH
This week is National Volunteer Week and where better to find some volunteers than at a blood drive. Lancaster General Hospital conducted a blood drive at the Kissel Hill Health Center in Lititz today, and several volunteers were on hand donating blood- and with the Hospital using 70- 90 pints of blood a day donors play a vital role in saving lives.
Sot- Sue Fox -LGH Blood Donor Recruiter
Now if you can't donate blood for health reasons or maybe its just not your cup of tea, there are other ways you can volunteer your time.
Sot-
If you would like more information on how you can help call the Lancaster General Hospital at 544-4931. The hospital already used more than 70 pints at time of our interview. To donate you must be 17 yrs. and weigh at least 110 lbs.

Sports…
Emily Rothenberger Letter Signing
The school athletic year is in its final season, but several senior spring athletes still have to declare their collegiate letters of intent. That list became one person shorter today after Emily Rothenberger signed her letter of intent to attend Monmouth University in New Jersey. The track and field star signed at a ceremony today at Warwick Middle School, flanked by her coaches Blake Bender and Wanda Weachter. A standout in the shotput and discus, Rothenberger looks forward to the challenge of working with her new teammates.
SOT: Emily Rothenberger
Her coaches have no doubt she'll excel at the next level.
SOT: Blake Bender
This season isn't over yet either. There's still a long regular season plus league, district and state meets…
SOT: Wanda Weachter
While at Monmouth, Rothenberger will compete in the Northeast Conference…against such schools as Fairleigh Dickinson, Sacred Heart, and Quinnipiac.

Chip Herr Race Results
A professional race car driver from Lititz finished in the top 5 at this past weekend's Speed World Challenge Series Touring Car race. Herr, driving for the Stasis Engineering racing team, piloted his A4 to the 9th spot in the pole…but when the race started… As seen on Speed Vision, when the race started, Herr at the top of your screen, wasted no time making up ground. He jumped from 9th to 4th, and maintained his spot at the top of the pack for most of the race. Though he would have a slip early on pushing him back to 8th, he was able to keep it under control and pilot his A4 to a 5th place finish. Herr doubled up and raced the team's corvette in the 2nd race of the day, but technical difficulties knocked him out after just 11 laps. Chip Herr takes the track again May 20th, 21st and 22nd…from Lexington, OH at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. When not racing, Herr is an assistant manager at Warwick Auto Park, his family's business in Lititz.

April 18, 2005

Turnpike Accident
A morning accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike sent three to the hospital and leaves investigators looking for a cause. Bowmansville State Police say just before 6 A-M, 35-year old India Artis of New Cumberland was traveling westbound on the turnpike when lost control of her Chevrolet Malibu. She struck the median, and then collided with the undercarriage of a tractor-trailer. Emergency workers from Denver, Reamstown, and Fivepointville extracted Artis and her passengers from the vehicle. They were taken to Ephrata Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. No information is available on the driver of the tractor-trailer. The PSP are investigating the cause of the accident.

Mailed Explosives Update
Following up on a story Cable-11 news brought you back in February. A 24-year-old Reamstown man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges he mailed an explosive device to a Chicago doctor…after allegedly becoming unhappy with a penile-enhancement surgery. Blake R. Steidler of East Church Street in Reamstown… turned himself into authorities on February 10th…after driving to North Bloomfield, Ohio…and mailing a homemade bomb made from a model rocket engine igniter and a jewelry box. After Steidler was taken into custody by East Cocalico Township Police, authorities called the police in Ohio who tracked down the box and destroyed it. Steidler was charged with several offenses including using a weapon of mass destruction and sending explosives in the mail.

Primary Bond Issue
Legislation has been placed on the May 17th ballot that if voted in… would allow for the largest investment in environmental programs in the history of Pennsylvania. Governor Ed Rendell signed H-B-2 last week… enabling a question… asking for voter authorization of a 6 hundred 25 million dollar bond… to be issued to support the governor's Growing Greener 2 proposal. According to the governor's office… in recent statewide polls… 80 percent of those polled… said that they would support a bond to pay for programs aimed towards environmental conservation in the Keystone State.

Training Fire
The Public Safety Training Center has been an asset to many Lancaster County Fire companies. Cable-11's Rebecca Baer takes a look at how one local department is using it to improve its' volunteers' skills. For local fire companies it's a challenge to prepare volunteers for real life situations. But because of the county's new training center it's now a lot easier. Tonight we caught up with members of the Manheim Fire Company who were there participating in a training fire.
SOT Dan Reif
And in case you were wondering - surrounding fire departments were on call to protect the borough while Manheim's volunteers were training to better fight their next fire. In East Hempfield Township - I'm Rebecca Baer. About fifty members of the Manheim Fire Company participated in the training burn.

Dry Conditions Warning
The Lancaster County Emergency Management agency is asking county residents to temporarily put a halt on open burning. This springs dry… windy conditions have led to more than thirty brush fires and one wood fire in Lancaster county… with one fire burning 5 acres of land. The number one cause of fires in the county was attributed to open burning… Residents are urged to contact their local municipalities before burning… and if they must burn… stay with the fire until it is completely burned out… and always have water or a garden hose nearby. Some municipalities may have ordinances that ban open burning… so it is always a good idea to check with them before getting yourself… in a hot spot.

Susquehanna River Endangered
A National Conservation Organization has named the Susquehanna River the country's most Endangered River for 2005. American Rivers, a non-profit group dedicated to protecting waterways, releases an annual list of the nation Top ten endangered Rivers. According to the report the 444 mile long Susquehanna earned the top spot on the list because a high volume of untreated and poorly treated sewage is dumped in the river each year- posing a serious health threat to the river and residents. The Susquehanna also provides half of the freshwater that flows into the Chesapeake Bay polluting it with nitrogen and phosphorus. PA State Senator Raphael Musto has proposed a bill to send a 1 million dollar bond referendum to PA voters. If approved the referendum would create a Combined Sewer Overflow Grant Program that would help communities clean up the Susquehanna by upgrading sewer systems.

Ephrata Middle School Transition Meeting
Making the jump from Elementary School to the Middle school can be scary for both children and their parents. The Ephrata Middle School has been working at making that transition a little easier by connecting future 6th graders with students already attending the middle school.
Sot- Christopher Jhanke- Asst. Principal
This evening it was the parents turn to get ready for transition- the district held a special orientation- giving parents a chance to meet teachers, learn about the 6th grade curriculum and address any concerns.
Sot-
The transition program will continue throughout the summer with informal tours of the school for both parents and students.

Barbershop Mugs at Cocalico Historical Society
The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley is introducing a new exhibit. A collection of barbershop mugs - made and used at the turn of the last century - has been donated to the Historical Society by the family of local barbershop owner, Lloyd Albright.
SOT - Erel Sahm - Historical Society Board of Directors
The mugs were made in Germany and France, and were painted by a Lancaster artist. The colorful designs and symbols are associated with the owner of the mug.
SOT - Sahm
The mugs are part of the Historical Society's permanent collection, and were used at Albright's Barbershop, which was located at the corner of State and Main Streets in Downtown Ephrata.

Judo Family - International competition
A young athlete from Manheim is making a name for herself -internationally. Heidi Metzler recently traveled to Italy to compete among 600 of the best judo players in the world.
SOT Heidi Metzler
And even though Metzler is only thirteen - she is no stranger to competition. And as usual she did not walk away empty-handed. She took third place in her age division.
SOT
Metzler is now preparing to compete in a national competition scheduled for this summer. And her parents say she could even be headed to the Olympics in a few years.

Sports…
Cocalico vs. Lancaster Catholic Baseball
After picking up their first win over the weekend, the Cocalico Eagles baseball team looked to make it two in a row today as they played host to the Lancaster Catholic Crusaders. These two teams last met in Denver 2 years ago…and put up enough runs for a football game…29 to 20 Crusaders was the final then…could the Eagles get it back in a section 3, section 4 cross over game? Just like the last time…these two teams came charging out of the gate early on…with David Heilman on 3rd, Jason Roth lines one through the left side for a base hit…scoring Heilman to take the early lead. Now in the 2nd, Eagles up 3-2, Aaron Pannebecker reaches out and he pokes one through the left side scoring Heilman, this time from 2nd base. The Eagles would lead by as many as 3, but now in the 7th, trailing by 6, they start the comeback. Austin Judisack hops one past the 2nd baseman, its misplayed by the right fielder…the double scores two to trim the lead to 12-8. One more would come home, but that would be it…as the crusaders come away with the win…12-9. One other score to report…the CV Buckskins played the Hempfield Knights tough, but fell in the end 11-9. Joey Russo, Christian Keiser and Adam Ranck all had multi hit games for the Bucks, who now stand 3 and 4 on the year.

Tour de Ephrata Highlights
The 3rd Annual Tour de Ephrata was held this past weekend. The format of the local bicycle race was a little different this year. A stage race, the Tour de Ephrata featured three different stages, the Pain Mountain Time Trial, The Fantastic Farmersville Challenge, and the Ephrata Criterium. The Criterium, which started in downtown Ephrata, got under way just after 12 noon. The race featured cyclists from all different abilities and age groups. Over 500 competitors pre registered for the two-day event. The event also had its fair share of spectators who enjoyed the bright spring day. The leaderboard was topped by a local face…Kyle Wamsley, a Millersville graduate finished in first place for the Pro Race 1,2 division. John Parks from Virginia lead the Pro 3, 4 group, and New Jersey's Angela Johnson lead the way for the women.

Reading Royals Playoff Results
The Reading Royals are one game away from advancing to the next round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. After falling in game one to the Toledo Storm 1-0, the Royals returned the favor Saturday with a shutout of their own…1-0. And last night, the Royals kept the shutout theme rolling…goaltender Barry Brust stopped 42 shots…in a 2-0 win. Game 4 will be from Toledo on Tuesday night at 7:05 PM, and if necessary, game 5 will be played in Reading at the Sovereign Center on Wednesday also at 7:05PM.

Soccer Results
Finally, two soccer scores to report…Warwick winners over Cedar Crest 4 to 0 and Ephrata ran all over Solanco 8 to 1.

Kicker-
Take a Journey back in time with the Jane Austin Society of Lancaster County when they gather for an early nineteenth Century social at the Lititz Public Library. Period costumes are welcomed, but not required and participants will enjoy tea and period music. The program is free and will be held this Tuesday night at the Lititz Public Library from 6 to8.

The Ephrata Community Hospital is offering Cholesterol Testing this Tuesday from noon to 3 at the Cocalico Center for health at 63 W. Church Street in Stevens. Tests costs 15 dollars and appointments are required. Call 336-6578.

April 15, 2005

Warwick Twp. House Fire
A discarded cigarette causes a house fire in Warwick Township today.
Around 3 o'clock this afternoon firefighters responded to a blaze at 639 Lincoln Road.
SOT- Deputy Chief Walter Martin- Brunnerville FD
According to reports someone was smoking a cigarette outside of the residence and threw it into the mulch of a flowerbed.. A nearby bush caught fire and the blaze spread onto the siding of the house. A resident of the home was in the shower and noticed the smoke from the fire and called 911. No one was hurt in the incident. Although the house sustained extensive damage it is not a complete loss.

Rendell at Millersville for 150th Anniversary Celebration
All during the past school year… students and faculty of Millersville University have been celebrating the 150th anniversary of the university through many different events. Today they held their closing ceremonies for the celebration… and plenty of dignitaries were on hand for the occasion. Among those speaking… Millersville alumni and state representative Scott Boyd, who read a resolution from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. But the distinguished guest of honor… was Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who along with speaking was awarded the 150th anniversary medallion. The closing event also featured a video history of the University and a performance by the Millersville University Wind Ensemble.

H&R Block on Tax Day
The dreaded tax day has arrived and post offices and accountants across the county were busy with last minute filers. We stopped by the H & R Block in downtown Ephrata today and as expected they were busy with customers… despite all the stress this little guy was having fun.. but then he doesn't have to pay taxes yet. If you did not make the deadline today there is hope.
Sot- Ray Good- Owner H&R Block
If you're wondering what the penalty is for not filing on time -- a five percent per month late fee.

Dru's Law National Sex Offender Database
In January, we told you about the new Megan's Law website, and soon, a similar law could turn that statewide sex offender search into a national one. Legislation recently introduced in the U-S Senate called "Dru's Law" would set up a national sex offender database. Senator Arlen Specter co-sponsored the bill, which is named for Dru Sjodin, the North Dakota woman who was kidnapped and murdered last year. This national registry and database would provide names and locations of nearby sex offenders - even those across state lines. A similar bill was passed in the Senate last year, but the House didn't act on it before adjourning.

Part of Turnpike Closes
A road advisory for those planning to travel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike this weekend. A portion of the turnpike will be closed between the Carlisle Exit 226 and the Breeze-wood exit 1601 from 11:30 Saturday Night to 5 A.M. Sunday Morning. Crews will be knocking down the Cumberland County Bridge. You can still travel the turnpike, how-ever toll collectors will be providing motorists with a card explaining the detour to be used.

5th Estate Website Anniversary
While most people get information from traditional news sources like newspapers and television - the Internet is quickly catching up. In fact a Stevens resident is celebrating the fifth anniversary of his website - the fifth estate.
SOT Ron Harper
So Harper founded his government watchdog website. Over the last five years the site has helped bring down a state representative and expose wrongdoing in the Lancaster School District. But Harper is most proud that he's kept the site non-partisan.
SOT
But Harper says the website - which is simply a hobby for him - requires a lot of work and it's future is uncertain.
SOT
Although he makes no money off the website - Harper uses his hobby of investigating public officials to make a living. For the past three years - he's worked as a researcher for the state Republican Senate Caucus.

CV Artist-in-Residence
Students at Conestoga Valley Middle School are being treated to a special guest this month. Kathleen Buckwalter is serving as CV's Artist-In-Residence through next month. So far, she says, these eight graders have shown a lot of interest.
SOT - Kathleen Buckwalter, Artist-in-Residence, Textiles
Buckwalter is a textile artist and art educator, and will work with students on textile design, including wearable art, quilting, batik, and printmaking on textiles. She hopes the students will take away something from this experience.
SOT - Buckwalter
Kathleen Buckwalter has been a textile artist for 15 years, and she'll be teaching a similar class in the Conestoga Valley High School.

Naturalization Day at County Courthouse
Since the 1800s, Lancaster County has been issuing U.S. citizenship to immigrants. For those who are born into citizenship, it may be something we take for granted. But, as Kyle Cooper reports, the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen is something many Lancaster County residents have been anticipating for a long time…and today they received a warm welcome.
SOT: Mangush Kumar - Naturalized U.S. Citizen
They represented 29 different countries. The oldest was 89. They youngest, 19. There were 67 in all. And not a single one of them was going to miss their appointment with Judge Kenderdine. For most Americans, today is Tax Day. For those 67 people today they're getting their citizenship…and American is a term they'll have to get used to calling themselves.
SOT: Manuel Maza - Naturalized U.S. Citizen
This was the first naturalization ceremony to take place this year in Lancaster County. In year's passed there were only 3 ceremonies per year. Now, the waiting list is so long, they're planning to have 5 ceremonies this year alone. The unique thing about Lancaster County's ceremonies…according to Immigration and Naturalization Services…it's the only one in Pennsylvania that invites the newly recognized citizens to a luncheon.
SOT: Jodi Grimm - Co-Chairman, Naturalization Day
And Jodi Grimm has a lot to do with that. Her family has been arranging the luncheon for the last 57 years. And Jodi has been doing it for the last 14.
SOT: Jodi Grimm
…And she's obviously not alone…Reporting in Lancaster…I'm Kyle Cooper.
In order to become a U.S. citizen, a person must be a legal resident of the country for 7 years, and then must pass an oral exam or must be a legal resident of the country for 25 years, after which a person is automatically granted citizenship. The next naturalization day is scheduled for May 13.

Sports…
Warwick vs. Manheim Central Baseball
Section crossover battles starting up today in LL league baseball. Cable 11 went out to Warwick to see a section 1 / section 2 showdown between the Warriors and Manheim Central Barons. Barons' shortstop Donnovan Rodriguez up in the 1st with the bases loaded…he lines one to short, a bad throw by Branson Klein allows Nate Longenecker and Derek Althouse to come around to score…2-0 Barons. Now in the 5th, bases loaded with Barons again, and Jason Shenk takes this Jordan Zimmerman offering deep to left field over the head of Brock Merig, Longenecker and Althouse come around once again to score…these plays starting to look a lot a like…Shenk in with the double. Now top 6, Moyer in trouble, bases loaded for Bobby Thompson and he goes the other way to bring home 2 runs. 6-5 now, bottom 7th, tying run on 3rd…Moyer able to get the 6,4,3 double play to end it…Manheim Central picks up the road win 6-5 the final. With the win, Manheim earns their 2nd league win and hands Warwick their second league loss.

Baseball Score
One other section 1 / section 2 crossover game to report…Conestoga Valley drops a tough one to Cedar Crest 9 to 2 in their section crossover battle. The loss evens the buckskins record at 3 and 3.

Cocalico vs. Pequea Valley Softball
Section crossover battles taking place in softball too. Sections 3 and 4 squaring off…Cocalico playing host to Pequea Valley. A clear night in Stevens with fans from both sides in attendance. In the 2nd, with 1 on for Kelly Keith, who grounds past short and into left field, Jackie Ulrich comes around from 2nd, to give the Eagles the early 1 nothing lead. Amanda Allen on the hill got some nice help from the defense to maintain the lead…at first base Ashley Jones covers the bunt and hits Courtney Black at 1st for the out.

Tour de Ephrata
Well you may not see Lance Armstrong out there…but this weekends Tour de Ephrata should bring out all the best bicyclists in the area. Saturday and Sunday, the bicycle stage race will run through 6.2 miles of Pennsylvania Dutch Country passing covered bridges and one room schools. Tune into Cable-11 news on Monday for the final results…and head on out either day to cheer on the competitors!

Kicker-
Rep. Gordon Denlinger has announced that the 2004-2005 PA Career Guides are now available. The guide contains wage and job outlook information for more than 180 occupations, as well as tips on how to market oneself and sources for financial aid. You can obtain your copy of the 2004-2005 PA Career Guide by stopping by Rep. Gordon Denlinger's office at 607 East Main Street in Ephrata.

Smiling Faces 2005- the signature fundraiser for the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic will be held this Sunday afternoon from 2-4 at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster. Three acts will be performed this year- the Bubble-ologist will amaze the audience with his mastery of bubble making, The funny guy will perform juggling and comedy, and local funny man Pete Geist will perform crazy stunts. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic. For more information visit Lancaster General- dot- org

April 14, 2005

Brownstown Body Update
The Lancaster County Coroner has positively identified the body found in Brownstown as that of Jonathan Moyer. The coroner's office concluded their autopsy today and have officially ruled Moyer's death a homicide as a result of multiple traumatic injuries. Moyer's remains were uncovered earlier this week in Brownstown. Police allege Felina Marie Billetdeaux- killed Moyer in March of 2003 by hitting him over the head with a metal baseball bat. She has been charged with criminal homicide and is currently in Lancaster County Prison with no chance of bail. Police found Moyer's body following a tip from Steva Hagelgans, who allegedly helped Billetdeaux bury the body. Hagelgans has not been charged, and according to police she has a 15- month-old daughter that was fathered by Moyer.

Park Projects Get State Grants
Eight Lancaster County municipalities are rewarded for their conservation efforts. Today the state department of Conservation and Natural Resources doled out nearly 800 thousand dollars for county land preservation, recreation and open space. The local grants include: 126 thousand dollars for the purchase of 11 acres for recreation in Elizabeth Township. 125 thousand dollars to further develop Campus Park in Warwick Township. 110 thousand dollars for the acquisition of the Pool Forge Property in Caernarvon Township. East Cocalico gets 109 thousand dollars to expand Homestead Park. 95 thousand dollars goes to Akron for the purchase of new parkland. And the Manheim Central Recreation Commission will receive 53 thousand dollars for to improve Mummau Park.

Santorum proposes Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act
U-S Senator Rick Santorum has reintroduced legislation that will aid volunteer firefighters in receiving quality fire equipment. Santorum has proposed the Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2005. If passed, the act will make it easier to donate surplus equipment to volunteer fire companies by raising the liability standard for donors from "negligence" to "gross negligence." It is believed that, currently, some donors like heavy industry organizations and wealthier fire departments destroy surplus equipment to avoid lawsuits that could occur under the current liability standards. Pennsylvania has passed similar legislation at the state level.

Shaken Baby Classes at ECH
A new study headed by a pediatric neurosurgeon from Penn State Hershey found that a low cost program offered to parents of newborns could reduce head injuries from Shaken Baby Syndrome by nearly 50 percent. The program, offered at all Pennsylvania hospitals with maternity wards, gives parents a chance to learn about Shaken Baby Syndrome through readings, discussions, and videos. Ephrata Community Hospital requires this class for all parents of newborns and was the first in our area to offer the class. So far, they say, it has been a great success.

Lititz VFW Care Packages
There are more than 140 thousand American military personnel still in Iraq. It's something Lititz residents haven't forgotten. [ROLL] The Lititz Springs VFW has collected thousands of items to be placed in care packages for those serving overseas. Tonight they were packing them up and getting ready to ship them out this weekend.
SOT George Hockenbrocht "…project to do."
VFW members did extensive research to determine what items troops needed most.
SOT "…an extensive list."
This is only one in a series of efforts the VFW has initiated to support Service men and women in the Middle East. They've also sent more than 35 hundred dollars in phone cards.

Lititz Women in Business Fire and Ice Festival
A new festival is coming to Lititz. Lititz Women and Business are busy planning for the first annual Fire and Ice Festival. The Group held a special reception at the General Sutter Inn this evening to help spread the word about their upcoming event. A special reception was held this evening inviting people to learn more about the event
Sot- Dawn Rissmiller- Pres. Lititz Women and Business
Various businesses are sponsoring ice sculptures for the festival. Other events include craft shows, art auctions, igloo contests and Ice Carving.
Sot
The 1st annual Fire and Ice Festival will be held February 16th through the 19th. Proceeds from the event will help establish a yearly scholarship for senior girls planning to further their education, as well as downtown Lititz.

Schreiber Pediatric Coffee Day
Some of the staff and customers at the Lititz Family Cupboard were on hand for the arrival of a special visitor this morning. In fact, it was an Ambassador…and he's one of three from right here in Lancaster County. Scott Bertz is one of the Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center's Coffee Day Ambassadors for 2005. Coffee Day is actually a two-week long campaign that raises money by selling buttons.
SOT: Randi Jacobs - Schreiber Center Comm. Relations
As an ambassador, Scott, who is a senior at Lancaster Mennonite, travels to some of the restaurants to help sell the buttons to customers. According to Jacobs, Coffee Day has been going on for as long as they can remember. All of the money raised will benefit the Schreiber Center, which works with children with disabilities or developmental delays. To find out which restaurants near you are participating, call (717) 393-0425.

Susan Byrnes Reach-Out Program at Akron Elementary
Students at Akron Elementary were treated to a special program today… The Susan Byrnes Health Education Center Reach-Out Program stopped at the school today and brought some special exhibits. The fifth graders learned about the parts of the brain, the lung capacity of a smoker, and how they would function while intoxicated, while having fun at the same time. At one station, students gave reasons why they won't smoke. These interactive learning labs featured five stations, and groups of four or five spent about five minutes at each station. The reach-out program will also me making stops at Fulton, Lincoln, Highland, and Clay Elementaries in the Ephrata Area School District.

Author in Ephrata Library
Children at the Ephrata Public Library learned how they could help save mother earth.
Author Toni Albert was at the library today sharing with kids about her experiences… and read to them HER book… "I heard the willow weep." The book is geared to teach children how to care for the earth through different kid friendly projects.
SOT: Toni Albert
Albert hopes that kids use her books to get a glimpse of the bigger ecological picture.
SOT: Albert
To date… Albert has spoke to more than sixty six thousand children… and has written more than forty books.

Sports…
Barnstormers Field Sod Rolled Out
We'll start sports by heading to the baseball diamond…today I had a chance to check out the new home of Lancaster's newest baseball team, the Lancaster Barnstormers' Clipper Magazine Stadium.
SOT: Luke Margolis
The new sod is a bluegrass blend that will be as state of the art as any field in professional sports. When finished, the field will have one hundred thousand square feet of sod and four thousand tons of rootzone mix. According to Murray Cook, the president of Sports Turf Services, the field is built with a drainage system designed to make it playable 365 days of the year…similar in many ways to a putting green.
SOT: Luke Margolis
Along with the sod, the rest of Clipper Magazine Stadium should be near completion in time for the Barnstormers home opener on May 11th. The Barnstormers will play in the Atlantic League, an independent league unaffiliated with Major League Baseball. Stay tuned to Cable-11 news for Barnstormers scores and highlights throughout the year.

Ephrata at Cocalico Soccer
Fans who love competitive races for section titles, are going to love L.L. League girl's soccer this season. 3 points separate the top 3 teams in section 1, and in section 2, 4 teams are all within 3, with CV, Manheim Central and Ephrata tied at 12. That team in fourth place with nine points is Cocalico…and the Eagles had a chance to draw closer to the top three with a game at home tonight against Ephrata. We'll pick this one up in the 2nd half with the teams tied at zero. Cocalico's Carlee Murray misses high with the free kick…but we'll hear from her again tonight…moments laster, Ephrata's Sabrina Pfautz spins and with the left foot gets off the quick shot…and scores past keeper Amy Grant…1 to nothing Mounts. The Eagles strike back, Laura Sweigart gets a foot on the ball and pushes it ahead to Murray for the goal! On the play Sweigart gets drilled by Ephrata keeper Rebecca Cetkowski, and Murray taps it home…but the goal was waived off and Ephrata remains in front by one. Coach Dan Hogan wants some answers…but he'd get none and Ephrata would go on to win 1 nothing. So with the win the Mounts remain the top spot in section 2, while Cocalico falls 5 points back in fourth place. One other score to report…Warwick drops a close one to E-town. Also a final of one nil, with the golden goal coming in the 2nd half as well.

Reading Royals Playoffs
The Reading Royals and Toledo Storm got their Kelley Cup Playoffs opening round series underway tonight from the Sovereign Center in Reading.

Kickers-
Rep. Gordon Denlinger has announced that the 2004-2005 PA Career Guides are now available. The guide contains wage and job outlook information for more than 180 occupations, as well as tips on how to market oneself and sources for financial aid. You can obtain your copy of the 2004-2005 PA Career Guide by stopping by Rep. Gordon Denlinger's office at 607 East Main Street in Ephrata.

Smiling Faces 2005- the signature fundraiser for the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic will be held this Sunday afternoon from 2-4 at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster. Three acts will be performed this year- the Bubble-ologist will amaze the audience with his mastery of bubble making, The funny guy will perform juggling and comedy, and local funny man Pete Geist will perform crazy stunts. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic. For more information visit Lancaster General- dot- org

April 12, 2005

Penn Twp. Accident
A tractor-trailer accident in Penn Township sends one man to the hospital. The accident happened just before 11 o'clock this morning. Police say Gerald Russell of Columbia was driving a tractor-trailer rig on Fruitville Pike when he came up behind a car being driven by Vernon Shire. According to police, Russell attempted to pass Shire because his vehicle did not appear to be moving. As Russell was passing, Shire made a left hand turn, causing the two vehicles to collide, and sending Shire's vehicle up onto an embankment. Police say the Manheim Fire Department's rescue squad promptly removed Shire, who was trapped in his vehicle. He was taken to Lancaster General Hospital, where he is listed in good condition.

Manheim Middle School Hearing
The Manheim School District held an Act 34 hearing tonight to inform residents about their plans to build a new middle school. School officials outlined the design, construction, and time line for the proposed school which is slated to be built on the Barons field site, which are the playing fields located next to the high school.
Sot- Mark Barnhardt- Architect
School officials told Cable 11 the project is in response to the condition of the existing Middle school and the inadequate size of the elementary schools. Bids for the project are expected to go out this fall, with construction scheduled to start in the fall of 2006. The projected cost for the new school is approximately 35 million dollars.

ECH opens new cardiovascular lab
Ephrata Community Hospital has again expanded its services. The Cardiology Unit is now officially serving patients in its new Cardiovascular Lab. The lab now offers cardiac catheterization, where patients can have X-ray pictures taken of the left side of their heart to determine if there is any blockage in the coronary arteries, and if the left ventricle is pumping properly. What this means for Ephrata Community Hospital is…the patients can now stay put.
SOT: Roddy Canosa - Medical Director, ECH Cardiology Services
In addition to the estimated 250 catheterizations that Cardiologists expect to perform in the next year, Vascular Surgeons will be performing up to 600 vascular procedures for both diagnostic and interventional purposes. Ephrata Community Hospital has invested about 2-point-4 million dollars in the project.

West Cocalico Construction
Construction is slated to begin this week… to improve an offset intersection in West Cocalico Township. The intersections which sits at Steinmetz Road and Wollups Hill Road has been surveyed and is being prepped to have utilities relocated before constructions begins. The eastern leg of Steinmetz road will be moved south of a manure pit currently located below the roadway… so that it will line up where its western leg intersects Wollups Hill road. Motorists should expect the road to close for construction shortly after the end of the school year… with Wollups Hill opening two weeks later… and Steinmetz Road to be usable by the end of the summer. According to PennDot… 3 point 5 thousand cars travel on Steinmetz road on a daily basis.

Lititz Street Signs
If you've driven down North Broad Street in Lititz recently, you may have noticed something new… Following a report from Chief William Seace, directional signs were installed on Route 5-0-1 on either side of Lincoln Avenue. The signs direct truck traffic to Pfizer, NTN-BCA, and the Wilbur Distribution Center. Large trucks turning the wrong way on Lincoln Avenue caused big problems in the borough. Similar requests for these signs had been made in the past, but the signs were only recently installed.

Gas Price Reaction
For the past month gas prices have soared over two dollars. Just last week the average price of a gallon of regular gas hit an average record high of $ 2.15. Cable 11 hit the streets of downtown Ephrata today to see if the hike in gas prices has area motorists hitting the brakes.
Sot
The rise in gas prices has also prompted the State Department of Environmental Protection to offer drivers a little help. If you purchase a hybrid, bi-fuel, dual-fuel, or dedicated alternative fuel vehicle in Pennsylvania and operate it primarily in the state, you may be eligible to apply for a five hundred dollar rebate. For more information and instructions on applying for a rebate, visit the D-E-P's website, keyword "Alternative Fuels."

Redner's Donates
Throughout the months of January and February patrons of Redner's Warehouse Markets could purchase a paper wall hanger to help those most affected by the tsunami in Southeast Asia. The company was able to raise close to thirty thousand dollars for those in need and they presented a check today to the Berks County chapter of the American Red Cross. Redner's Markets currently operates 37 stores and 11 quick-shops in eastern Pennsylvania with several located right here in Lancaster County.

Begin with Books
Libraries all across America are currently celebrating National Library Week. As a way of celebrating locally, officials from the Lancaster County Library System were making their rounds at area hospitals, presenting gifts today. Those gifts were given to newborn babies and their parents. It's a small campaign called "Begin with Books." Officials from the county library system stopped at Lancaster General, Heart of Lancaster, and Ephrata Community Hospitals to surprise the proud families of the first babies born during National Library Week in each of the hospitals.
SOT: Judy Bollinger - Children's Librarian - Eph. Pub. Lib.
The babies were given a bib that reads "Born to Read," along with some books to get their young lives off on the right foot.

Grandparents Day at Clay El
Students at Clay Elementary were treated to some special guests today… …their grandparents. School tours were offered, and grandparents could meet the school's teachers. Other special activities included breakfast and a student talent show.
SOT - Student singing
Principal Thomas Legath says this was the first Grandparents Day held since the school's renovations.
SOT - Legath
About two hundred 50 grandparents attended today's special event.

Sports…
Ephrata vs. Cocalico Volleyball
Nothing like a backyard brawl to spice things up…tonight Ephrata and Cocalico's Volleyball teams squared off from Ephrata. The Mounts currently mired in a 3 match losing streak, falling by a combined 9 games to 1. The Eagles looking for a 2nd straight win after beating Brandywine Heights in a non league contest. Cable-11 there to catch all the action…after losing game 1, the mounts starting to open it up leading 5 to 1 in game 2…get the block on the spike, and when the loose ball is punched out of bounds the mounts in control. But Cocalico rallies the serve is mishandled by the mounts and the eagles tie it up at 12. Then its Corey Anderson with the big spike to end game 2, 25 to 23. Game 3 the mounts fairing no better, down 8 to 1 unable to handle the spike and as the ball goes out of bounds, Ephrata goes behind by 8. Now at game point, Cocalico controls the ball and when Ephrata can't block the spike, the Eagles pick up the win 3 to zero a clean sweep. After tonight's win, the Eagles hit the road again Thursday to take on Lancaster Mennonite. The Mounts, now having dropped their last four games…all at home…look to change their luck on the road against Garden Spot also on Thursday.

Ephrata vs. Conestoga Valley Soccer
While the Ephrata middle school gym rocked with volleyball action…the high school field featured soccer. The Mounts' at 4 and 2…need a win to keep pace with the leaders in section two. While the visiting Conestoga Valley Buckskins just got over the five hundred mark last Friday with a win over Cocalico. A great night in Ephrata…little chilly but good for some soccer…Ephrata goal…Arielle Gordon scores assisted by Leah Sipe. CV goal…Shannon Scott scores assisted by Theresa Rieneer.

Warwick vs. McCaskey

Kicker-
Ephrata Act is hosting a Stage Combat Workshop this Saturday from 10 A.m. to noon. Students will learn basic sword fighting with instructor Morgan Shea. The class costs 30 dollars and is open to anyone over the age of 18.

The Middle Creek Church of the Brethren is sponsoring a program called GIFT- Growing in Fellowship Together. It is the last meeting in their book series and you will have choice of a book study on "Friends for Keeps" or "If you want to walk on water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. The event will be held this Wednesday morning from 9 to 1:45 at the church, which is located at 352 Middle Creek Road in Lititz.

April 11, 2005

West Cocalico Fire
A man is found dead after a fire in West Cocalico Township. The Schoeneck Fire company responded to the blaze on North King Street around 3 o' clock today. According to East Cocalico Police the 81-year-old resident was burning some brush in his yard when he suffered a medical problem. The fire became out of control spreading to the nearby woods. Officials say the man did not have any injuries as a result of the fire. They have not released his name or what medical condition caused his death.

Intelligent Design Bill
A local Representative is sponsoring a bill that would allow schools to teach intelligent design. Rep. Tom Creighton is the prime sponsor of the "intelligent design" bill- he says it would encourage school boards to broaden the discussion of biological origins to include concepts besides the theory of evolution. Opponents of the bill say it violates the separation of church and state. PA is one of nine states where lawmakers have introduced bills dealing with the teaching of evolution in public schools. At this time it is not clear if Creighton's bill, currently sponsored by a dozen lawmakers, will gain the momentum needed to pass in the house.

American Legion Motorcycle
On the first Sunday of every month the American Legion of Ephrata holds its Motorcycle Ride-in -- An event that sometimes draws as many as 17 hundred motorcyclists. But now some unpaid bills have Ephrata Borough officials questioning the future of the event.
A borough council committee has recommended forgiving the Legion nearly two thousand dollars in unpaid invoices for police services provided at the rallies. The organization had contested the bills. Legion officials say they don't need police services because they provide their own fire police to control traffic and don't block any roads. But borough officials say police presence is necessary to control speeding and bikers who engage in exhibition riding.
SOT Paul Rauch "…up down there."
The public safety committee will discuss the co-sponsorship option at its next meeting. In other council news -- Downtown Ephrata Inc.'s Marcia DiBoneventura answered questions on what the group does and how their efforts will revitalize the downtown business district. She announced that three new businesses are coming to Main Street Ephrata - a bookstore with a café, a nail salon and a spa-type business that offers a pampering party service.

KMI News Conference
Today state legislators from the House of Representatives joined with business leaders from across Pennsylvania to launch a new job growth initiative. The Keystone Manufacturing Initiative is a package of 16 bills that is geared toward making the state's business climate friendlier. The hope is that by making it more business-friendly, Pennsylvania will become more competitive on the business front. In order to do that, those involved with K-M-I are changing the state's approach to manufacturing.
SOT: State Rep. Scott Boyd - 47th Legislative District
Pennsylvania business leaders also spoke out about the need for change in the state's manufacturing environment where more than 47-thousand jobs have been lost in the last two years.
SOT: Jan Herschkowitz - President - PRL, Inc.
For more information about the Keystone Manufacturing Initiative, visit P-A-Job-Plan-dot-com.

Ephrata & CV music programs honored
Two local schools were recently honored for having two of the elite music programs in the country. Conestoga Valley and Ephrata Area School Districts were recently selected as two of the "Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America 2005." Schools are selected based on their commitment to quality music education. Thousand of schools competed for the honor through online surveys. A number of factors were used to judge the top 100. Some of those included funding, enrollment, instruction time, and participation in music classes.

Ephrata Drug Family
Ephrata police have broken up a family drug ring within the borough. According to police… Michael and Melinda Jordan were using their 17 year old daughter to transport and sell marijuana from their home at 70 East Pine Street in Ephrata. After serving the couple with a narcotic search warrant… police found approximately eighty-five grams of marijuana… small amounts of cocaine… electronic scales… firearms… and eighteen hundred dollars in cash. The couple was charged with a variety of crimes,… which included felony counts for intent to deliver marijuana and criminal conspiracy… possession of cocaine… and corruption of minors. They were remanded to Lancaster County Prison… Their daughter and one other juvenile were charged with possession of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia… and they were remanded to the Sunnyside Detention Center.

Postal Rate Increase Proposed
The price of gas isn't the only thing on the rise… by January of next year, the price of a First Class postage stamp could increase by two cents. On Friday, the United States Postal Service filed a request with the Postal Rate Commission to increase all postage rates by five point four percent due to a requirement to put three point one billion dollars in an escrow fund for its employees. The Postal Service has also filed for Congressional Action in an effort to eliminate the escrow fund requirement. If the requirement is eliminated, the postal service will not increase their rates.

National Library Week Author Lunch
"What inspires the yearning for a soul mate?" That's the question that best-selling author Sue Monk Kidd addresses in her novel, The Mermaid Chair. Kidd was on hand today at Donecker's in downtown Ephrata today to discuss her latest book, and about being an author.
SOT - Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd appeared at this author lunch as part of National Library Week with the Lancaster County Library System. Kidd's other published works include The Life of Bees, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, and When the Heart Waits.

Chocolate Café in Lititz
Chocolate lovers will soon have another place to get their chocolate fix. Café chocolate of Lititz is getting ready to open its doors, and owner Selina Man is looking forward to sharing her love of chocolate with others.
Sot-Selina Man-Owner
Selina says chocolate is not only good for your taste buds, but it can also improve your health.
Sot-
Don't let the name of the café fool you- they will also offer a menu of foods from around the world as well as coffee and specialty teas. The café will officially open this Wednesday, and another neat feature- it is a wireless café.

Sports…
Lancaster Mennonite at Cocalico Softball
Last Friday, the Cocalico Eagles Softball team fell to LS 6 to 1. Today they tried to break back into the win column at home against Lancaster Mennonite. The Blazers, losers of their last 4 games by the combined score of 41 to 10. We'll pick this one up in the third inning…the eagles getting no hit…Meghan Sensenig up with one down and she lines one up the middle for Cocalico's 1st hit. One walk later, Ashley Jones lines one past 2nd base…Sensenig comes around to make it 1 zip Eagles. Nicole Meckley then lays down a perfect squeeze bunt…she's safe on the wide throw, a run scores…the throw over to 3rd gets away and Jones scores as well to make it 3 to nothing. Now 4 to three in the 7th, relief pitcher Sam Rambo on the mound…the tying run at 2nd, but the liner to short ends it and the Eagles pick up the win 4 to 3.

Warwick Track Highlights
The Warwick high school track team looked to get back to their winning ways when they played host today to the Solanco Mules. The Warriors' boy's and girl's teams both coming off losses to Hempfield…out to the track we go… David Hunter would do his part to keep the boys close…he'd tear up the field in both hurdles…clearing the one hundred ten in sixteen point two, and then swiping first place again in the three hundred in forty point nine. Brian Link put in a winning performance today as well, completing the eight hundred meters in two minutes five seconds. Unfortunately it would come in a losing effort for the boys, they'd fall 82 to 68 to Solanco. Several other standout performances for the boys…the Brandon Wolf finished 2nd in the shotput and the discus. Tyler Shaw took the pole vault with a height of 12 feet 6 inches. Both the boys and the girls won the mile relays. The girls would avenge the boys 88 to 55…lead by Emily Rothenberger, a winner in the Javelin, Shot put and Discus and Meredith Way who finished first in both hurdles races.

Baseball Results
Some baseball results from tonight…Warwick dropped their first game of the season 7 nothing to Penn Manor. Slipping to 3 and 1 in section, the Warriors now find themselves in a three-way tie for the section lead. CV also finished on the short side in their game with Elizabethtown 10 to 9. A three run Bears homer in the bottom of the 7th sealed the Buckskins fate. CV picked up 15 hits on the day…three apiece from Eric Hollinger and Gregg Dissinger. John Shank homered for the Bucks.

Kicker-
The Middle Creek Church of the Brethren is sponsoring a program called GIFT- Growing in Fellowship Together. It is the last meeting in their book series and you will have choice of a book study on "Friends for Keeps" or "If you want to walk on water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. The event will be held this Wednesday morning from 9 to 1:45 at the church- which is located at 352 Middle Creek Road in Lititz.

The Neffsville Mennonite Church is sponsoring a production of Godspell Jr. Casting is open to the public for students in grades 6 to 12. There are speaking parts, solos and a chorus. Open Auditions will be held May 1 at 11:30 a.m. and May 5 and 11 starting at 6:30 pm at the Neffsville Mennonite Church.

April 8, 2005

322 Accident
A three-vehicle accident in Elizabeth Township sent three people to the hospital early today. The accident happened just before 11 o'clock this morning on route 322. State Police say Viola Stepp of Lititz was attempting to make a left hand turn onto Speedwell Forge Road when Vito Daniello of Leola, who was behind her, failed to recognize Stepp's turn signal. According to police Daniello swerved to avoid Stepp, sideswiping her vehicle in the process and running head-on into a 1997 Chrysler being driven by Carolyn Watts of Harrisburg. Vito Daniello was taken to Hershey Medical Center where he is currently listed in critical condition. Carolyn Watts is also listed in critical condition at Lancaster General Hospital.

Baldwin offers living will guides
With the recent death of Terri Schiavo, the talk about living wills has been spreading. And at least one local politician has heard the talk and is now reacting. After doing some research through the Department of Aging, Representative Roy Baldwin is now providing local residents with an opportunity to learn more about living wills. He's doing that by offering them a guide to living wills.
SOT: State Rep. Roy Baldwin - 97th Legislative District
In Pennsylvania, a living will is also known as an "Advance Directive for Health Care."
Representative Baldwin also wants to let residents know that the guides he is offering are not the end-all be-all of living wills, but they can serve as an integral part of the process. In order to create a personal living will in Pennsylvania a person must be at least 18 years old, or have a high school diploma, or be married. To reach Representative Baldwin's office, call 569-5855.

No Touch Screen Voting in PA
With local government primaries drawing closer on May 17th, one form of electronic voting machine has been decertified in Pennsylvania. State Department secretary Pedro Cortez has called the UniLect touch screen voting system, "not capable of absolute accuracy, or safe and efficient use in the conduct of elections". The UniLect system malfunctioned in Mercer County during last November's national elections, wiping out a number of ballots. Counties using the UniLect system have only a month to revert to previous paper ballot systems.

Financial Education Month
April 15th is right around the corner, and as tax time draws near, Governor Ed Rendell has designated April "Financial Education Month." Rendell hopes that this month, everyone will look for ways to improve their financial states and increase their awareness of saving, investing, and credit choices. In an issued proclamation, the Governor says that many young people learn about finances through trial-and-error, often doubling their credit card debt and tripling the amount of credit cards they carry in just a short time. Financial Education Month is operating in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Jump Start Coalition, which works to improve the financial education of students from Kindergarten to 12th grade.

"Witness" Bus Tour
It has been 20 years since the movie Witness introduced the world- to the Amish of Lancaster County. To celebrate the hit movies anniversary, Pennsylvania Dutch Country is conducting Witness Movie Experience Tours- The tours give visitors a behind the scenes look at the production of the movie Channel 11 had a chance to tag along with one of the tour groups today. The first stop- the Lancaster Cultural History Museum in Historic Downtown Lancaster. They have recently put together a memorabilia exhibit called "Witness to Witness"
Sot- Peter Seibert- President Heritage Center of Lancaster County
One of the more popular pieces in the collection is this workbench.
Sot- Peter Seibert
The next stop on the tour is the farmhouse where the movie was filmed. Now a private Amish home it has never been opened to the public- but visitors on this tour get an up close and personal look.
Sot- Joe Calta- Amish Experience Tour Guide
The Witness Movie Experience Tours last about three hours and they will run until November.

Chemistry Olympics
In Lancaster County science has become a competitive sport. This week about fifty high school students met at Franklin and Marshall College for the annual "Chemistry Olympics." The event pitted fifteen teams against each other - testing their skills in substance identification and balancing equations.
SOT Fred Griffiths, teacher/Katie Ream, student "…good grade on it."
Students from Ephrata, Warwick and Garden Spot were among those competing. One local student - Ephrata's Vicki Boggess was on a team that placed third overall. This was the eleventh annual Chemistry Olympics held at F & M.

Deaf Bible Conference
Religion is practiced far and wide. People of all different backgrounds worship in many different ways. Perhaps one of the most unique ways is one that may have never crossed your mind - the way that deaf people worship. Well, one local church is addressing the religious needs of the deaf. Mount Zion Baptist Church is hosting the Northeast Deaf Bible Conference. Jack Francis is a missionary, who has been in the area for about 16 months setting up a deaf ministry. He also helped organize the conference.
SOT: Jack Francis - Missionary to the Deaf
As a part of the conference Mount Zion brought in four completely deaf preachers from across the country. The Northeast Deaf Bible Conference will run through Sunday. For more information on the conference of the deaf services at Mount Zion, call 336-5553

Cocalico Middle School Chorus to States
The halls are alive with the sound of music at Cocalico Middle School. Seven students have been chosen to represent their school at the American-Choral-Directors-Association…Middle School State Honor Choir… to be held in Hershey. The group, which was chosen from the middle school's 140-person chorus, is made up of 6 girls and one boy. They will be joining one hundred and fifty other students from around the state…. And perform at a concert on April 23rd at the Hershey convention Center.
SOT: Amanda Narehood
The students chosen to take this trip are very excited about singing in Hershey.
SOT: Warren Pace and Olivia Marstellar
The group will head off to Hershey on Friday April 22nd to begin practice… and the concert will be held at the Hershey Convention Center the next day at 9:15 in the morning.

Ephrata Art Show at Ephrata Library
Starting today a local library is doubling as an art museum. Today the Ephrata Public Library and Ephrata School District joined forces for their annual art show. Thousands of student artists from across the school district have their talents on display.
SOT Donna Fogle
Every year the show features many mediums - everything from paintings to sculpture. Art show coordinators also choose a theme - this year it's simply "color."
SOT
Library officials say the art show is the only partnership between a high school and library in the area. It runs through May 1st during normal library hours.

Sports…
Ephrata vs. Garden Spot Baseball
Just a week into section play it's hard to look at any game as a must win…but the section crossover games coming up in two weeks, can make catching up in the standings hard to do. That made today's match up between Garden Spot and Ephrata a big early season showdown. The Mounts at 1 and 1 in section 2 looking to bounce back from Wednesday 8 to 3 loss to CV, while GS came into the game still looking for their first section 2 victory. This one seen on Cable-11 from War Memorial Field, in the top of the first, Shane Martin on 3rd, Joel Petersheim bounces one to 3rd, it gets by Chris Hull and Martin scores to give GS the early advantage 1 to 0. Hull got it back in the 2nd, his rbi groundout to short scored Zach Harbold to tie it up. Now 3 to 1…same inning…pitcher Derek Sipe helping his own cause, this grounder to short bobbled by Martin allowing Matt Adams to cross the plate. Mounts by 3 and they'd never look back…Sipe gets Jeremy Deam swinging in the 5th…with the bases loaded in the 7th, Trevor Karker flies out to Matt Adams in left to end it. Ephrata rolling over the Spartans 11 to 3 the final. With the win Ephrata moves a half game closer to CV and Solanco atop section 2. After a non-league game tomorrow, the Mounts face section 2 co-leaders Solanco on Monday. Garden Spot looks to break that winless streak on Monday against Manheim Central.

Baseball Score
One other score in tonight…CV drops an early battle for first in section 2 10 to nothing to Solanco.

Hershey Bears vs. Wilkes Barre
For weeks the Hershey bears have been chasing the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins for the final playoff spot in the American Hockey League's East Division. Trailing by just three points, the Bears traveled tonight to Wilkes-Barre for a crucial late season showdown.

Kickers-
The Lititz Moravian Church is presenting their second concert in their Church Square Concert Series. The concert will take place this Saturday at 4 p.m. The concert is entitled "An Afternoon of Bells", and will feature the Bell Choirs of several local churches. The concert will be held in the Fellowship hall of the church and admission is free.

Hope your hungry for some pasta. The Adamstown Community Days all you can eat Spaghetti Dinner will be held this Saturday from 4 to 7:30 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Admission is 6 dollars for adults and 3 dollars for children.

April 7, 2005

Speedwell Forge Meeting
A report that called Speedwell Forge Dam "unsafe" has had nearby residents and others who use the public lake worried that the state will close it. So tonight officials from the department of environmental protection traveled to Brickerville to explain their findings. About 150 people turned out to have their questions answered by the DEP's expert on dam safety.
SOT Evelyn Bergey/resident "…show their support."
Representative Tom Creighton arranged the town hall meeting. He says because of new standards the dam needs about two million dollars worth of repairs. And while the state doesn't have the money to fix it - he says it's unlikely the lake will be drained.
SOT Creighton "…close to ten foot."
Officials say some small repairs could be made to the Speedwell Forge Dam within the next few years.

Rapho Township about Turnpike Toll Plaza Improvements
The turnpike interchange along Route 72 in Rapho Township will be undergoing some construction. Rapho Township Supervisors approved a waiver of land Development from the PA Turnpike Commission during their meeting tonight.
The commission is constructing a park and ride lot at the Route 72 Turnpike Interchange. They also have plans to build new toll booths, an exit ramp, and an employee building.
Sot- Lowell Fry - Rapho Twp. Chairman
The waiver will allow the Turnpike Commission to start work on the project this May.
They hope the changes will help alleviate traffic congestion in the area.

Santorum Beer Tax Repeal Plan
US Senator Rick Santorum has introduced a bill that would repeal a 1990 tax increase on beer. The tax was first implemented to finance the Civil War - and Congress has kept increasing it over the years. The latest increase fifteen years ago - was part of a series of tax increases on many luxury items like cars, fur coats and yachts. According to Santorum the tax on beer generates seven times more revenue for the government than the nation's brewers make in profits - causing many companies to make job cuts. Groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving oppose the tax rollback - they say recent surveys indicate that people think the beer tax is either "about right" or too low.

Extending Daylight Savings Proposal
Last week, we took you to the Lititz Watch Company to see how they prepare for the change to Daylight Saving Time. This week, lawmakers in Washington D-C are drafting energy legislation to extend the period of Daylight Saving Time. Under the new energy bill, Daylight Saving Time would be extended by two months from the current April through October - to start the first Sunday in March and end on the last Sunday in November. Less energy is used when there are more daylight hours, and with a two-month extension, the country could save about 10 thousand of the 20 million barrels of oil the country uses every day. This amendment is part of the larger energy Policy Act, which will be voted on in the House in the next few weeks.
Flu vaccine grant
Flu season is months away, but lawmakers are working to prepare for it. U-S Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum are working to include a 10 million dollar federal grant to expand the production of the flu vaccine in the country. During last year's vaccine shortage, only one U-S company - Sanofi Pasteur in North East Pennsylvania - was able to provide the vaccine. This 10 million dollar grant will enable the company to increase the amount they're able to produce in the case of another vaccine shortage. The federal grant would be used to improve the wastewater treatment facilities at the Sanofi Pasteur plant, which would increase the amount of vaccine able to be produced.

Powerball odds will get tougher
If you thought hitting the Powerball jackpot was tough as it is, your chances are about to get even slimmer. The Multi-State Lottery Association has announced that starting August 29th it is adding two additional white ball numbers to the field of possible choices. This will make the jackpot harder to predict and reduce the number of winners, but officials say it will increase prize amounts. Lottery officials are also raising the starting jackpot from 10 million dollars to 15 million dollars. The odds of winning the jackpot will now go from 1 in 120 million to 1 in 146 million. But, officials say the overall odds of winning a cash prize will remain the same at 1 in 37.

CV School District Volunteer Recognition Breakfast
Volunteers were the center of attention today at Conestoga Valley High School. Members of Via or Volunteers In Action were recognized this morning at a breakfast for their commitment to volunteering. This year Via has approximately 7-hundred volunteers helping inside and outside of the classroom.
SOT: Susan Kreider - VIA Coordinator, CVSD
The 1-hundred-15 or so volunteers who came for the breakfast were also surprised with a video presentation honoring them. They even got some entertainment by senior class students that will be performing in the school's musical this weekend. Volunteers In Action is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Week of the Young Child
Picture this…Elected officials and pre-school students having a loo-ow (luau). It may sound odd, but not when you consider this has been dubbed the Week of the Young Child. In honor of the week, Senator Noah Wenger and Representative Tom Creighton joined some young children in Denver today to celebrate learning, and to take part in the day's activities. Wenger and Creighton, sporting their lays, helped the children make a tropical fruit salad and also read to them.
SOT: State Rep. Tom Creighton - 37th Legislative District
SOT: State Senator Noah Wenger - 36th Senatorial District
The Week of the Young Child runs from April 3rd to the 9th. The week honors more than 35 million children across America from birth to age 8.

Baldwin Business Card
Representative Baldwin has taken the business card to a new level. Say goodbye to the old paper stock business cards- and say hello to the card of the future. Rep. Baldwin is now handing out his new cd-rom business card- complete with a virtual hello
Sot- Rep. Roy Baldwin
The CD also includes a list of services available to residents as well as Baldwin's contact information-links to his personal website and the Pa House of Representatives Website.

Sports…
Reading Royals Playoff Race
Including their game tonight, the Reading Royals have just 3 games remaining nursing a 3-point lead in the Northern Divison standings over 2nd place Atlantic City. With a game in hand over the boardwalk bullies, a win tonight gives the Royals their first division title in team history. Seen here on Cable-11, the Royals finished their home schedule against the Toledo Storm. Reading goalie Barry Brust looking for his 27th victory…Toledo though on the board first off the pass…Rick Judson with the one timer past Brust…the storm up 1-0 early. Minutes later Reading returns the favor off the dump Toledo can't clear it and Mike Sandbeck slips it through the five hole to tie it up…for Sandbeck, his 9th goal of the season…and the fans are back into it. How about some defense…Brust makes a fantastic save robbing Jason Maleyko…Brust using the blocker to protect the cage. Moments later Carl Mallette pulls down Matt York to give Reading the power play. At the other end Royals look to have scored the go ahead goal, but its overturned on a hand pass violation…you make the call…it doesn't look like one to me either…later on, Reading gets it back…turnover at the blue line, leads to the 3 on 1…Troy Milam hits Greg Mischler who dusts Scott Fankhauser to put Reading up 1…

Reading Phillies Opening Night Results
The other professional team in Reading should have gotten their season started tonight and they did…sort of. The Reading Phillies were scheduled to kick off the 2005 campaign against the Altoona Curve…but Mother Nature had other plans. Rain suspended play in the bottom of the first inning…the game will be re started tomorrow at 7:05 in the bottom of the first with Ryan Fleming on first and Chris Roberson at the plate with no count. The game originally scheduled for tomorrow night will be made up at a later date as part of a double header.

Warwick vs. Garden Spot Volleyball
Switching to the local scene…the Warwick Warriors boys' volleyball team looked to make it two wins in a row as they played host to Garden Spot. This one seen live here on Cable-11 before the Royals game. Dan Abele looking to lead the Warriors to their 2nd victory…early on Garden Spot down 2, off the bad set, Mike Harris slams it down for the point. Dan Abele answers right back for Warwick 9 to 8. GS though would take game 1 25 to 19. In game 2, Michael Platt with the big air…nothing the Spartans can do about that. Warwick ties it 1 game apiece after 2. Tied now at 2 games apiece going into game 5. This one tight the whole way. Back and forth action, neither team giving an inch anywhere. Finally Cory Kennedy slams it down. This one would be tied at 16, but with Warwick up 1, Kennedy strikes again, the ace wins it for the Warriors 3 to 2. END VO

Lancaster Mennonite Athletic Director Leaving
Students aren't the only ones jumping from high school to college. David King, athletic director at Lancaster Mennonite High School has been named athletic director at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. King will finish out the current year at Lancaster Mennonite, and take his new job with the Royals in July.

WX

Kickers-
The Lititz Moravian Church is presenting their second concert in their Church Square Concert Series. The concert will take place this Saturday at 4 p.m. The concert is entitled "An Afternoon of Bells" and will feature the Bell Choirs of several local churches. The concert will be held in the Fellowship hall of the church and admission is free.

Hope you're hungry for some pasta. The Adamstown Community Days all you can eat Spaghetti Dinner will be held this Saturday from 4 to 7:30 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Admission is 6 dollars for adults and 3 dollars for children.

April 6, 2005

Penn Twp. fire
A Tuesday night fire in Penn Township has left one family homeless. It happened at this residence on Lititz Road just after midnight today. East Petersburg Fire Chief James Rohrer said the fire started because of a mechanical failure in one of the passenger vehicles parked in front of the home. Firefighters had to evacuate six people, who were asleep when the fire started. It took firefighters about 15 minutes to extinguish the blaze. The six people, who were evacuated - 4 adults and 2 children - are now receiving help from The Red Cross. The fire also damaged a neighboring garage, three other vehicles and a motorcycle. Damages are estimated at approximately 150-thousand dollars.

Lititz Mayor Candidate
Continuing our coverage of this year's primary election. Cable-11's Rebecca Baer re-introduces us to a familiar face in Lititz Borough. The dog eat dog world of politics can be discouraging - but for Republican Greg Nies - it just motivates him even more. After serving two terms on Lititz borough council, he ran an unsuccessful mayoral campaign in 2001, then ran for council again and lost. But once again he's challenging incumbent Russell Pettyjohn to become the borough's next mayor - something he says is against the wishes of local party leaders.
SOT Greg Nies
Nies wants to give voters a choice - but he also thinks he can make Lititz a better place to live. His campaign will focus heavily on public safety - including traffic concerns and pedestrian safety.
SOT
Nies also wants to reroute trucks away from the downtown area, increase police foot patrols in the borough and encourage support for volunteer fire and ambulance services. And while Nies says many Lititz residents support his efforts, he has a message for the undecided voters.
SOT
That was Cable-11's Rebecca Baer reporting from Lititz. Next week we'll profile current Lititz Mayor Russell Pettyjohn.

Pitts Energy Bill
A new act is in the works at the U-S House of Representatives. Congressman Joe Pitts is helping to prepare the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which aims to increase energy conservation and invest in renewable energy sources. Pitts says some benefits of this act include the creation of new jobs, and increase in the production of oil and gas in the states, mandatory electricity-transmission-reliability standards - which would prevent blackouts, new efficiency standards for household appliances, and more money for renewable energy sources - including wind, solar, and geothermic power. Once finalized in the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Energy Police Act will be voted on in the House.

Restructuring EMS Tax
Feeling the pinch of the increased Emergency and Municipal Services Tax? Members of the State House of Representatives are working on a fix. Workers who have to pay the full tax - 52 dollars a year - would be able to pay it in smaller chunks, and the state's lowest-paid workers would be guaranteed income-based exemptions. This tax repair bill would focus on mandating exemptions for workers making less than 12 thousand dollars a year. The payment plan would also be restructured so the tax isn't taken all at once - workers would be able to pay it off quarterly, monthly, or weekly. There is no word on when the bill will be proposed to the House, but a similar tax revision bill is being worked on in the State Senate.

Cocalico HVAC Improvements
Things are going to be a lot cooler soon in the Cocalico School District. At their board meeting last week… board members approved bids for new heating and cooling systems in three of the districts buildings. The heftiest project totaling almost 1 point 3 million dollars… to replace the air systems, as well as alarms, and communications in the Adamstown Elementary building. Other building slated to have air conditioning upgrades include Reamstown Elementary and the Middle School and Denver Elementary Auditorium. The total cost for the project is projected at nearly 1 point 8 million dollars. Other projects that could be upcoming for the district include new lockers for the high school… repairing sidewalks at Reamstown El. and purchasing new playground equipment.

County Unemployment Rate Down
For the second month in a row- Lancaster County's unemployment rate has decreased. The county rate fell to 3.6 percent in February- that's down from January's 3.7 percent. February's percentage rate was based on statistics showing 9,800 people were without work - while more than 250 thousand were employed. According to the Department of Labor and Industry the jobless rate here in the county is significantly better then both the statewide and national rates, which are both over 5 percent.

Passports will be needed to re-enter U.S.
If you don't have a passport, you may want to consider changing that. By 2008, citizens of the United States will be required to have a passport when they travel to neighboring countries if they expect to re-enter the U.S. That is the eventual goal of a new initiative announced by the State and Homeland Security departments. It's being called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and it will also regulate the travel of Canadians, and citizens of Bermuda and Mexico that wish to come into America. This new policy is designed to prevent terrorists from exploiting the ease of travel in North America. The initiative will be implemented in three phases - the first will come on December 31st of this year. According to statistics, approximately 1-point-1 million people travel into the U-S everyday.

EHS Funding Workshop
Paying for college can be a challenge for many parents. That's why the Ephrata School District held a Funding Workshop this evening for parents called "The Art of Paying for College".
Sot- Steve Habowski- EHS Counselor
The talk focused on different savings plans, loans, and common scams. If you missed tonight's workshop- don't worry- help is just a phone call away.
Sot- OC- " …life long learning"
According to the Education Foundation the average state school tuition is 14,000 dollars with Ivy League school tuition averaging 50,000 dollars.

Sign up for "Great PA Cleanup"
The second annual "Great Pennsylvania Cleanup" is just over two weeks away. And the Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging Pennsylvanians to join a group or form their own. Scheduled to coincide with Earth Day on April 23rd, the cleanup is a statewide effort to remove litter and trash from highways, forests, parks and neighborhoods. There is currently only one local effort being spearheaded in all of Lancaster County. That is taking place in Manheim where a group will be cleaning up the downtown square. To participate in that contact Joyette Kendig at 665-4417. If you would like to start your own cleanup effort, you can do so at the D-E-P web site. That address www-dot-D-E-P-dot-state-dot-P-A-dot-U-S.

Sports…
Reading Phillies Media Day
Mother nature seems to be coming around lately…perhaps she's a baseball fan…before their season starts tomorrow at home against the Altoona Curve, the team held its media day, and Cable-11 was there to catch all the action. A little new mixed with some of the old for the R-Phils…including new manager Steve Swisher…
SOT: Steve Swisher - Manager - Reading Phillies
The outfield has a new face as well. Chris Roberson, a member of last year's single A team in Clearwater has made the team as one of 4 outfielders.
SOT: Chris Roberson - Phillies Outfielder
But not everyone is a new face…Carlos Chantres was called up last season and will take the mound on opening day.
SOT: Carlos Chantres - Phillies Pitcher
Returning outfielder Jim Deschaine brings two years of double A experience to the team and could serve as a valuable leader in the clubhouse.
SOT: Jim Deschaine - Phillies Outfielder
Tomorrow night's game with Altoona gets underway at 7:05PM.

Ephrata vs. CV Softball
Turning to our local sports scene…the Ephrata Mounts softball team still looking for their first victory on the season…taking on Conestoga Valley…the Buckskins coming off their 7-1 win over Garden Spot. Mounts playing their 3rd home game of the year… Top of the 1st, Alyssa Barnes on 2nd, Ashley Ross drops one into left field and Barnes comes around to give CV the early 1-0 lead. Bottom 1st, Ephrata down 2-0, but coming back…Keira Horner shoots one past Becca Traylor at 3rd scoring Blair Mendenhall. Meghan Heck then knocks one through the wickets in left scoring two and the mounts were on their way. They'd tack on 5 more and win in a rout…10 to 5 over the Buckskins. Both teams on the road Friday for their next games…Ephrata at Garden Spot, and the bucks head out to Solanco.

Warwick vs. Hempfield Baseball
Two baseball scores to report…CV avenges their softball team…beating Ephrata 8 to 3 and Warwick winners over Hempfield 9 to 6.

Kicker-
In recognition of May as Stroke Awareness month the American Stroke Association is accepting nominees for two annual awards -- the Stroke Survivor of the year and Stroke Hero of the year. The survivor of the year award is given to an individual who has met the challenges of a stroke and is an inspiration to others. The hero of the year award is given to an individual who has provided inspiration and has supported the recovery of a stroke survivor. If you know of someone who would be deserving of these wards contact the American Stroke Association at 717-393-0725.

Representative Gordon Denlinger wants area college students to know that PHEAA's Keystone Best student loans are now available. It is the nation's lowest -cost Stafford student loan and is available to PA students with no up-front fees for the 2005-2006 school year. Those interested must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine their eligibility. For more information visit Rep. Gordon Denlinger's web site at repdenlinger.com and click on the link for KeystoneBEST.

April 5, 2005

East Earl Planning Meeting
If you're a resident or business owner in East Earl Township - you might know the name Harry Hoffman - especially if you've ever had to come before the township's planning commission. Before retiring in December Hoffman had been a staple of the commission for 34 years. And tonight the commission along with township supervisors honored him for his years of service.
SOT
Supervisors honored Hoffman with a plaque and a resolution recognizing his service to the community. And while it looks like these might be going away presents - Hoffman says his retirement does not mark the end of his involvement in East Earl Township.
SOT
Hoffman - who lives near New Holland - also received a restaurant gift certificate.

County Receives Grant
The state will be receiving almost one hundred twenty five million dollars in a Community Planning and Development grant, with Lancaster County receiving almost one quarter of those funds. Here's how it will break down… Three-point-eight million dollars will go towards the county's Community Development Block Grant program… One hundred 48 thousand will be used for the Emergency Shelter Grant program… One-point-two million will be used in the HOME program, which supports affordable housing for low-income families… And 48 thousand dollars will be used for the American Dream Down-payment Initiative, which increases the rate of homeownership though helping with down-payments and closing costs.

DEP - Mercury Emissions
The state department of environmental protection has filed a petition in US Court against the US Environmental Protection Agency. About four years ago a report found that - due to health concerns -- it was necessary for the EPA to regulate mercury emissions from power plants. But recently the agency decided to change course on its mercury standards. According to the state -- the EPA's new rules could undermine technology requirements mandated by the Clean Air Act. DEP officials say the new rules could also slow the timetable to achieve reductions of mercury. The petition asks the Court of Appeals to review the EPA's policy on Mercury -- a neurotoxin that can cause brain, heart and nervous system damage.

Rendell's Dual-Enrollment Plan
Is your high school student struggling with his or her classes? A recent proposal from Governor Ed Rendell could change that. The governor has set aside five million dollars to expand dual-enrollment programs for high schools. Under dual-enrollment, students take high school classes on community college campuses, where they have the option of earning college credit - even those students who are academically challenged. Around 15 thousand students currently take part in dual-enrollment programs across the state.

Uninsured get help for prescriptions
Millions of uninsured Americans in need of prescriptions, which they cannot afford, may now be getting the help they need. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance, today, released advertisements persuading people to apply for programs that may help them get their medicines. The new program offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private assistance programs. To find out if they qualify, patients are being urged to call the partnership's toll-free number: 1-888-477-2669 or visit www-dot-P-P-A-R-X-dot-org. According to the partnership millions of patients have received free or nearly free medicines through programs like this and millions more may qualify.
Source: Partnership for Prescription Assistance web site www.pparx.org

Democrat Proposals
Lawmakers have vowed to continue their efforts to improve women's health care services long after the end of Women's Health Month. Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have unveiled a group of health care bills to help improve physical and mental health for women in the state. The first bill seeks to establish a state office of women's health… that would address a statewide strategy for tackling issues such as pregnancy, breast and cervical cancer as well as domestic abuse and sexual assault. Other bills include plans that would ban insurance companies from excluding prescription contraceptives from their drug coverage… and legislation that would assist low and moderate-income women with both treatment and screening for cervical and breast cancer.

PA Named Green Power Partner
Pennsylvania's commitment to creating energy from clean and renewable sources has gotten some national attention. The US Environmental Protection Agency has named the commonwealth a Green Power Partner. To become a green power partner, the state had to replace a portion of its electrical load with more environmentally friendly power sources within one year. Pennsylvania has doubled its green electricity purchase from 5 percent to 10 percent. Already the leader east of the Mississippi River in wind farm production, PA will be listed among the EPA's top 25 green power partners.

Math Month
A local representative is hoping to promote the importance of both learning and applying Math. State Representative Tom Creighton recently authored a unanimously approved resolution designating April "Mathematics Awareness Month" in the state. Four mathematics associations sponsor the annual Mathematics Awareness Month, and this year's theme is "Mathematics and the Cosmos." Students will study how math factors into space exploration and how planets outside our solar system are discovered.

SkillsUSA competition
Students from across the county and all over Pennsylvania were in Lancaster County today competing for a chance to show off their skills in Kansas City. They were taking part in the Skills-USA Pennsylvania Championships. This year's Skills-USA Competition includes more than 60 different trades. Today the Brownstown campus hosted 6 of these trades, one of which was Residential Wiring.
SOT: Paul Casparro - Judge, SkillsUSA Competition
SOT: Joe Hudak - Instructor, Brownstown Campus
There are 34 students from Lancaster County competing, all of who qualified through a district competition in January. They are trying to move onto the national competition in Kansas City, Missouri in June. Students were also competing at the Mount Joy and Willow Street campuses today. An awards ceremony will be held tomorrow at Willow Valley Resort. This is the 41st year the SkillsUSA Competition has taken place.

PAVCC Event
Area high School students had a chance to show off their video talents tonight at the first annual Pennsylvania Video Communications Consortium. The event was held at the at the IU13 Building on the Manheim Pike and students from 13 different schools across the county participated in the event.
Sot- John Charles- MC Teacher; Greg Knisely- MC Student
Students competed in 7 different categories- including Public Service announcement, music video, feature stories, and show opening. Brad Werley had 2 entries in the competition.
Sot- Brad Werley- Cocalico High School
Brad went on to win first place in both the Show Opening and Animation categories.
We also had first place winners from Manheim Central and Conestoga Valley High School. They plan on holding the event again next year.

Red Hot Month
The council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse is working with local businesses to offer some Red Hot deals.
Sot- Myka Diller - Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse
To participate in the fundraiser-= stop by any Lancaster Country branch of the Sovereign bank and purchase and red hot button- wear it and receive discounts from more than 70 local retailers.
Sot-
Like she said- buttons are 5 dollars and Sovereign bank has local branches in Manheim, Lititz, and Ephrata. The buttons are good through out the month of April and all of the proceeds will benefit programs of the Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

Sports…
Manheim Central vs. Ephrata Baseball
A day after poor field conditions cancelled their section opening game…Ephrata and Manheim Central played their baseball grudge match Tuesday from Manheim. The Barons 1 and 1 early on after defeating Donegal 2 to 1. The Mounts, winners of only one of their last three…trying to avoid the first back to back losses of the season. An awesome day to be out at the ballpark…a sunny and warm spring day…but early on maybe its Manheim wishing this one had been cancelled as well…with Reid Martin on 2nd, Doug Erb lines one to left to bring Martin home…1-0 Ephrata. Now in the 2nd, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, pitcher Derek Sipe helps out his own cause. This long fly ball drops in to bring both runners home. Bottom 2nd, Manheim Strikes back…Mike Leitzel's bases loaded grounder brings one in and the Baron's fireworks didn't stop there. Mounts up 4-1 now, Donaven Rodriguez takes this Sipe offering and hits it a LONG way…someone send a ball boy to go pick that one up…solo shot makes it 4-2, but that's as close as it would get…Ephrata tacks on 4 more and runs away with it by the final of 8 to 2. Both team's in section schedules continue tomorrow…the Barons hit the road to face Solanco, and Ephrata invades Conestoga Valley to take on the Buckskins.

Reading Royals
With Sunday's win over Peoria, the Reading Royals became the first Northern Division team in the ECHL to clinch a Kelley Cup Playoff birth. Making the playoffs for just the 2nd time in team history, the club has a chance to set another record. Leading 2nd place Atlantic City by one point…the Royals are looking for their first regular season division title in team history. The Royals are lead by leading goal scorer Cail MacLean. The right winger has tallied 23 goals on the year. Graig Mischler leads the team in total points with 10 goals and an astounding 50 assists….and the last line of defense…goalie Barry Brust. Brust with a team high 26 wins and a stingy goals against average of 1 point 99. The Royals played Peoria again tonight and with just three games left have a - point lead over the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies…who have just 2 games remaining. The Royals face the Bullies in a must win on Friday from Atlantic City.

Kicker-
In recognition of May as Stroke Awareness month the American Stroke Association is accepting nominees for two annual awards- the Stroke Survivor of the year and Stroke Hero of the year. The survivor of the year award is given to an individual who has met the challenges of a stroke and is an inspiration to others. The hero of the year award is given to an individual who has provided inspiration and has supported the recovery of a stroke survivor. If you know of someone who would be deserving of these wards contact the American Stroke Association at 717-393-0725.

April 4, 2005

Weekend Accident
A weekend accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike near Brickerville has left two people dead. State police say on Saturday morning, 52-year old Nigel Plumridge from Wyndmoor Pennsylvania was traveling westbound on the Turnpike, when he lost control of his vehicle, struck the rear of an unoccupied S-U-V, and came to rest on the northern grass embankment. Plumridge and his wife, 47-year old Myra Plumridge, who were both wearing their seatbelts, were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened near Brickerville, about six miles east of the Lancaster/Lebanon exchange. Bowmansville State Police are still looking for a cause to the accident.

Santorum on Pope's Death
Following the death of Pope John Paul the Second, Catholics around the world begin a period of mourning. According to the Vatican, the 84-year old Pope died Saturday of septic shock and an irreversible cardio-circulatory collapse. He also suffered from Parkinson's Disease. US Senator Rick Santorum, a Catholic -- who had met the Pope on several occasions, called the pontiff an inspiration.
SOT - PA Senator Rick Santorum
Pope John Paul the Second was the first non-Italian Pope in over four hundred yeas, and was the first-ever Polish Pope. His funeral will be held Friday. He will be laid to rest at the grotto of Saint Peter's Basilica.

Teacher surrenders license
A former Conestoga Valley High School teacher has surrendered his teaching license. Anthony Corl gave up his license in lieu of facing disciplinary action by the state Department of Education. Corl is accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with female students. Corl left his position at Conestoga Valley about two years ago. He was an English teacher and was also involved in the schools drama club.

A&M Composting has re-opened
After receiving state approval to reopen a new and improved facility in Penn Township, A&M Composting has followed through on its plans. In February of 2003, the facility had to close after its roof collapsed from heavy snowfall. Now the facility has reopened and is about 200-thousand square feet bigger. Cable-11 News spoke with an official from the sludge firm who said that everything appears to be back to normal. He also noted that inspectors from the Department of Environmental Protection made a visit to the composting plant about 3 days ago and that everything checked out. When the new plant was proposed it received much opposition from township residents, who expressed concerns over odor and truck traffic. The new facility is currently operating under a 6-month probationary permit that limits the amount of sludge it may take in. As long as there are no problems, D-E-P will let A&M process the increased amount of 600 daily tons that it has requested.…almost twice as much as they used to process.

State Legislatures Address End-of-Life issues
The difficult court battle between family members in the Terri Schaivo case dominated the headlines for weeks. And now the case has encouraged several states - including Pennsylvania - to consider new "end of life" legislation. State Senator Stewart Greenleaf will introduce a bill this week that deals with family disputes over end of life care. The bill establishes which person has control over life support issues should a patient not have a living will. Under the bill the spouse would be first in line to make medical decisions as long as there is no divorce pending -- followed by an adult child, then parents. A nearly identical bill passed the house and senate last year - but was vetoed by Governor Rendell. An official from Greenleaf's office says the senator is working with the governor's staff to draft a bill agreeable to both sides.

Scott Boyd - charitable giving
It's estimated that more than seven million Americans have some form of mental retardation or other developmental disability. But due to a lack of funding - not all of them can receive the services they deserve. But now Representative Scott Boyd has a plan to help out mental retardation services while supporting local businesses. Under the bill - businesses would receive a tax credit for donating to organizations like the Arc and the Friendship Community.
SOT Scott Boyd "…excited about that one."
Boyd's bill was recently referred to the House finance committee.

Work Zone Week
With warmer weather making its way to Lancaster county… and even warmer days to come… that can mean only one thing… Road Construction. And this week has been designated National Work Zone Awareness week. The week, which kicked off yesterday and runs through April 9th is designated to urge motorists to respect the roadside work areas and maintain safe speeds to help protect workers as well as drivers. According to state transportation secretary Allen Biehler, unsafe driving through work zones accounted for more than 2 thousand accidents in 2003 and claimed 35 lives throughout the state.

PA State Police Turn 100
A large portion of Lancaster County is serviced by the state police. And next time you see your favorite state trooper you might want to say Happy Birthday. On May second the state police force celebrates one-hundred years. The House Judiciary committee has just approved a bill that designates May second Pennsylvania State Police Day. The legislation requires the governor to issue a proclamation on May second every year honoring our state troopers and remembering those who were killed in the line of duty. The state police force was created by a Senate bill in 1905. It was the first of its kind in the United States.

Gov't wants feedback on food labels
As the average American waistline is expanding, the federal government is asking for feedback on food labels. The Food and Drug Administration has announced that it wants public input on how to improve the appearance and content of the nutrition label. The idea is to help consumers make better-informed weight management decisions. The proposals are focused on improving how serving size information is displayed such as possibly disclosing the total nutritional value of an item, rather than per serving. They are also asking for comments about how calories appear on packaged food. Anyone interested in submitting an opinion can visit the FDA's web site at www-dot-F-D-A-dot-gov.

Improving the IRS
The IRS is looking to improve itself and it needs your help… They are currently looking for "civic minded" individuals to become members of their Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. Members will help provide the IRS with citizen input on customer related services… help prioritize issues… participate in meetings where they can share their personal IRS experiences… and many others. To qualify for the panel… applicants must be U. S. citizens… and be able to commit upwards of 5 hundred hours to the group… for more information or to download an application… visit the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel website at… w-w-w-dot-improveirs-dot-org.

Hospital comparison web site
Ever wonder how your hospital stacks up against the rest? Now you can see for yourself. All you need is access to the Internet. The federal government recently unveiled a new web site that helps consumers to shop around when it comes to their local hospitals. It's being called Hospital Compare. Nearly all of the nation's eligible hospitals voluntarily submitted up to 17 measures they use to care for three common, but serious health conditions: heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia. The concept behind the site is that public disclosure will increase the quality of hospital care in America. Improvements to the site will continue to be made, such as collecting information about the experiences of patients. The web address is www-dot-hospital-compare-dot-h-h-s-dot-gov. Consumers, who cannot access the web, can call 1-800-MEDICARE to get the same information that is available about hospital care.

Sports…
Garden Spot Ribbon and Award Player of the Weed
With the return of the spring sports season, its time to bring back the Garden Spot Ribbon and Awards Player of the Week award. This week's winner comes to us from the Ephrata soccer field. Section contests are crucial early in the season, and Melissa Speros was clutch in Ephrata's section contest against Solanco last Tuesday. Speros punched in 3 goals and 2 assists in the Mounts 9 to 1 pasting of the Mules. The Mounts ended the week perfect in section beating LS 3 to nothing.

Ephrata vs. Manheim Central Soccer
Speaking of Ephrata soccer…the Mounts took the field at home today looking to win their third straight game. Their opponent…Manheim Central. A beautiful but windy day made for some tough going for the girls. Every throw in or goal kick floated away from its target and there were very few quality scoring chances… But there were some opportunities…this quick Ephrata shot was smothered by the Central keeper…Manheim had their chances as well…Kara Landis' centering pass to Aura Beck leads to the shot but its deflected away and out of bounds…This one wouldn't be settled until an Ariel Gordon goal for Ephrata set up by Sarah Bowman in the last minute and a half…1 to nothing Ephrata is the final. The Mounts take the field again on Wednesday against Hempfield…while Manheim Central defends their home turf against Garden Spot.

Ephrata vs. Manheim Central Softball
Just across the field from the Mounts and Barons soccer game…was the same two schools battling in softball. The Mounts in an early hole, having dropped their first two games of the season. While the Barons still licking their wounds after a 7 to 1 loss to Donegal last week. This one seen here on Cable-11… Both teams getting on the board early…Central already up 1 to nothing…Kelsie Martin lines one into left for a base hit. She'd move onto second on a throwing error…pinch runner Carlyn Zern then stole third base…and when Amy Dressel's grounder was bobbled in the infield…it became 2, zip barons. Bottom 4th Ephrata strikes back…Christina Rouvre up with runners on 1st and 2nd…her shot down the left field line rolls all the way down…one run scores…two runs score and here comes Rouvre for an inside the park homerun…Mounts up 3-2. Now to the bottom of the 7th…Mounts down 7-6 after blowing a 6-4 lead…runners on 1st and 2nd…no outs…Jenna Profitt trying to hang on to the lead…after striking out Sarah Burkholder and Keirah Hoerner…Profit gets her 12th strikeout from Rachel Parfitt swinging to end it…7-6 Manheim winners over Ephrata.

Baseball Score
One baseball score to report…Conestoga Valley picks up their first league win of the season and 2nd overall beating Garden Spot 3 to 2. Christian Keiser pitched a complete game scattering 5 hits and striking out 4. Matt Frymyer had two hits including a 2 run double with the bases loaded. Joey Russo added an RBI double for the final CV run.

Kickers:
Get ready to read tomorrow night at the Ephrata Library. At 7 o clock the library will present a parent education program encouraging caregivers to read to children. The program will cover listening styles, types and books and the best times to read. Adults who attend the presentation will receive free books for each of their children. The program starts at 7 PM on Tuesday.

A self-help group for arthritis sufferers will be held at the Lititz Community Center. The six week course will focus on relaxation techniques, arthritis medication, exercise programs and coping and problem-solving strategies. There is a 25 dollar fee for the course which includes a textbook. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday at 1 o clock. The Lititz Community Center is located at 301 West Maple Street.

April 1, 2005

Reaction to Pope's Health
Officials at the Vatican say Pope John Paul the second's health is quickly deteriorating. Over the last two days the pope's breathing has become shallow and officials say he has lost consciousness. Catholics around the world - including here in Lancaster County -- are praying for the 84-year-old pontiff and are looking back on his 26 years of leadership.
SOT Father Geiger
The pope has been hospitalized since February.

Ephrata Mayoral Candidate
Ephrata residents may soon see signs popping up around town with the letters - BHFM. It stands for Brian Hoffman For Mayor. The longtime Ephrata resident is stepping up to challenge current Mayor Ralph Mowen in next month's primary. Hoffman says he considered not running when Mowen announced his bid for reelection - but says supporters urged him to run anyway.
SOT
As mayor - Hoffman says he would focus his energy on improving things the borough already has like its newly expanded police force and recreation for local youth - like the skateboard park Hoffman was instrumental in building.
SOT
Hoffman - who owns the Yeager Agency on Main Street -- says he became interested in community service after joining the Jaycees.
SOT
Hoffman is a former member of the Ephrata School Board and has served on many of its committees. The primary is scheduled for May 17th.

Flood Insurance Tips
Is your home ready for spring flooding? The Pennsylvania Insurance Department offers these tips to prepare your homeowner's insurance for weather-related disasters. Take an inventory of your property, including writing down model numbers and serial numbers and storing the list in a safe place. Talk to your insurance agent about options or gaps in your current policy. Learn the facts about insurance. There are different policies available for homeowners and renters. And lastly, read up on flood insurance. Most homeowner policies don't include this protection. For more information visit the state's Insurance Department website at the address on your screen.

Lititz Watch Co. turns clocks forward
With the spring season comes daylight savings time this weekend - the time when we all turn our clocks forward or spring ahead. Most of us only have a few clocks or watches to change, but did you ever wonder about those people who work in clock and watch shops.
Cable-11 News stopped out in Lititz at the Lititz Watch Company, which is run by John Baer. Baer says there are about 500 timepieces in his shop. And he winds them all by himself.
SOT: John Baer - Owner, Lititz Watch Co.
He says when moving clocks ahead you must let the antique pieces strike as they normally would, and you should not try to turn them back in the fall. Instead, just stop the pendulum for an hour. The official time to move your clocks forward is Sunday at 3 A-M. Baer says he will simply reset all of his clocks on the first business day following daylight savings.

Riding to Akron for MCC
Thirty-one years ago, a 22-year old rode his bike from Akron to California. As a 52 year old, he plans to retrace his trip and return to Akron. Jerry Koop, shown here, will leave Fresno California tomorrow morning and travel three thousand miles to Akron… all on two wheels. In 1974, Koop finished voluntary service with the Mennonite Central Committee, and made the ride to California with a friend to raise support for the M-C-C. Koop had planned to make this return trip with his wife, Kathi, but after her death in a car accident last year, he decided to make the trip in her honor. Koop plans on riding between 80 and 100 miles a day, and believes the trip will take about two months. During his trip, he will make stops to speak with groups about the M-C-C and put special emphasis on the group's tsunami response.

Denver El. Bake Sale/Silent Auction
Baked goods and silence will be used to raise money this weekend in Denver. Sort of. Members of Denver Elementary's student council are holding a bake sale and silent auction. They are raising money that will be donated to UNICEF for continued tsunami relief, more than 3 months after the natural disaster, which claimed more than 100-thousand lives. These are just some of the items they'll be auctioning off. The idea for the fundraiser came from the kids themselves, who range from 1st to 5th grade.
SOT: Leah Wallace and Avery Longstaff - 5th Grade, Denver Elementary
The students, 36 in all, wrote personal letters to 57 different local businesses to gather donations. The bake sale and silent auction are scheduled for Saturday from 10 A-M to 2 P-M, and will be held at Denver Elementary.

Fit To Swim Update
In January we told you about a new program at the Lititz Community Center. As of today the participants in the Fit to Swim program have swam hundreds of miles. [ROLL] Earlier this year we talked to Marie Clark who hoped to swim 50 miles by March. Today we checked in on her progress.
SOT
Clark not only met her goal - she's lost 45 pounds swimming laps and doing pool aerobics. As if the health benefits weren't enough -- participants can also win various prizes. For the person who swims the farthest - they'll be honored with a plaque hung on the wall of the community center. So far the leader is Martha Manny. She swam more than 127 miles since January.

Fiddler on the Roof Jr. at Cocalico Middle School
Looking for something entertaining to do this weekend? Don't want to go far to do it? Well then head on out to Denver for Cocalico Middle School's Musical… Fiddler on the Roof… Junior… That's right… Junior. The musical is much like its full-grown counterpart… just a little shorter… no pun intended. Fans of the broadway musical will not be disappointed… the show features many of the songs from the original and has all the characters you have come to know and love. Director Amanda Narehood says that they show has something for everybody.
SOT: Amanda Narehood
The show opened on Thursday night a continues till tomorrow night… Curtain goes up at 7:30… general admission tickets are 4 dollars.

Cocalico vs. Garden Spot Softball
The Cocalico Eagles have gotten their season off to a smooth start picking up wins in their first two contests against Ephrata and McCaskey. Things for Garden Spot however have gone in a different direction. The Spartans dropped their first two, both in heartbreaking fashion…their first loss…saw them give up 8 runs in the 9th inning to Annville Cleona and their second saw them lose their number one starter Kylene Neidermeyer for the season with a broken collarbone. Two teams going in opposite directions met today in Denver… Great weather today…the rain holding off…in the top of the first…Maria Horning on first base…Danielle Downing smacks the Amanda Allen offering over the head of Dale Leed in left…horning scores to make it 1-0 Garden Spot…Spartan starter Erin Berstler the new GS # 1, looked sharp most of the day…here she gets the ground ball to get out of the 2nd. Now a little bit of controversy in the 5th inning…Eagles right fielder Melissa Wenzel on 2nd, Jackie Ulrich lines one to first for the out, Wenzel caught in the rundown…the throw gets away and Wenzel comes all the way around to score the go ahead run…but wait Eagles fans…not so fast…the umps rule that Wenzel never tagged up after the catch….here's another look…Wenzel clearly standing on 2nd…Coach Franck…less than pleased…The Eagles would get it back in the 6th…Dale Leed grounds into the fielder's choice bringing home Augusta Nissley running for Sam Rambo as the go ahead run…later Wenzel's single to center makes it a 6 to 2 lead. Maybe the biggest performance of the day…Cocalico relief pitcher Sam Rambo. 4 innings pitched…three hits…no runs…1 for 1 at the plate, and grabs the game ending double play…6 to 2 the final score. With the win, the Eagles remain undefeated at 3 and 0…while the Spartans stay winless at 0 and 3. Cocalico opens league play Monday with Northern Lebanon, while Garden Spot plays again Saturday against Lancaster Mennonite.

Softball Results
Another softball score to report…the Warwick Warriors pickup another victory…this one at the hands of Lancaster Mennonite…10 to nothing in 5 innings…Courtney Gingrich gave up only 1 hit, striking out 5, walking none, and going 3 for 3 herself.

Baseball Results
Some baseball scores to report…the Warwick boys keeping the record spotless…earning their third straight win to open the season 9 to 2 over Lancaster Mennonite. Jordan Zimmerman picked up the win…and Nick Williford went 2 for 3. The Ephrata Mounts not so lucky…they dropped their second game of the season 6 to 3 to LS.

Kickers:
There will be a business Expo this weekend at Weaver Markets in Adamstown. The event begins at 9 AM on Saturday. Over thirty vendors will be on hand. Some of the companies represented include Tastefully Simple, Longaberger and At Home America. There will be cash and carry merchandise and door prizes. Two lucky visitors will even win a gift certificate to their favorite vendor. The business Expo will be held in the pavilion.

In recognition of stroke awareness month - the American Stroke Association is accepting nominations for the Stroke Survivor of the Year and Stoke Hero of the Year. The awards are given to those who have met the challenges of being a stroke survivor or those who provide inspiration and care for stroke patients. For more information call 393-0725. The deadline for nominations is April 8th.