+ 4 The Dallas Post ° Dallas, PA Wednesday, January 22, 1992 Ti DALLASC0ST Earth Conservancy ~plan could be great .opportunity for area i If U.S. Representative Paul Kanjorski has bet on the right +; horse, Luzerne County is in for a transformation on a scale like -~ that last seen when the region was the center of the anthracite coal mining industry. As in the past, the future is tied to the coal fields, only this time prosperity would come in part from © cleaning up the detritus left from thoughtless mining. Kanjorski's plan, which was unveiled last week, would use a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to buy ' 15,000 acres of former Blue Coal land and establish a research and development center for technology that uses high-pres- sure jets of water for a variety of purposes. Among the uses are sc dismantling weapons and mining coal under water; there's Pa 5 ¥ plenty of that drowned resource in the Wyoming Valley. The '« project, under the umbrella of a non-profit organization called '* the Earth Conservancy, also would nurture methods for clean- fl. Te @ew ea sae wae 4 SE ATETBCRIW BIBT ST VV CW RE Vi RR ER RT TI ee RL TG WN Fass VIB CR WTR IBV VI EYER TY Tavey po Re TR NW RE CR ES RE a EE FRADE TR REGATTA RRC REA Ce Sr I SS $5 5 BOW WWW Rey 2 ing up environmental disasters like the ones lelt here by mining companies. Just what is this grand project supposed to accomplish? A number of worthwhile goals have been set, with local and national implications: n Disposal of dangerous, outdated weaponry. n Cleanup of contaminated land, both here and at defense = department sites nationwide. n Mining anthracite coal that was previously unreachable. But the greatest local benefits could be economic, and, in a i. way, spiritual. For all the breast-beating by economic develop- “" ment groups, this region simply hasn't kept up with much of ' the nation or the world. Despite exceptional educational facili- . ties, hard-working people and comfortable living conditions, .. Northeastern Pennsylvania has been largely unable to attract progressive, vibrant, high-paying industries. We can only absorb so many more warehouses and keypunch departments, = Now, perhaps all that can change, The Earth Conservancy holds the promise of attracting researchers and entrepreneurs, and making this region the center of an emerging industry, Water-jet technology has heen studied for more than 20 years at the University of Missouri ‘campus at Rolla, and its primary developers will be intimately “involved with the project here, It is already used to clean teeth, oe L 5 cut concrete and perform delicate surgery. The water guns themselves are controlled by robots, another technology that will be more widespread in the future. If this project succeeds, it could mean the beginning of a new era for this region; one in which young people can see before them the opportunity to not only earn a decent living but to “work in a productive, growing industry. It could also sweep -from the landscape and collective memory the ugly legacy of an earlier time. Congressman Kanjorski deserves congratulations for his persistence and imagination in creating this project. He is said to have spent a good part of the eight years he has been in the House searching for a way to enliven Northeastern Pennsylva- nia’s economy and clean up its tarnished environment. Un- doubtedly, the road to completion will not be without chal- lenge. To help, it’s critically important that petty complaints about the plan not be allowed to stand in its way. The Earth Conservancy project should be given all the support and encouragement it deserves by the people and institutions of this region. If it succeeds, it could be another im- portant chapter in the rich history of Northeastern Pennsylva- nia. Want to get involved? Here's a start Many people think they know what's good for their commu- nities; unfortunately, few do more than talk about it. That's a shame, because a community's strength is dependent on those who care enough about it to take action. Or maybe you've thought about public service, but never -went further because you didn't want to put up with the “politics.” Yet, you have expertise in a subject area that is important to you and your neighbors. If either description fits, you might want to attend the workshop on community involvement sponsored by the Back Mountain Citizens’ Council. The forum will take place begin- ning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 30 in Hayfield House at the Penn State campus in Lehman. It's purpose is to encourage residents to run for office or to volunteer for appointed posi- tions. The best communities are almost always those in which active, concerned citizens involve themselves in a positive way. Whatever your skill or interest, chances are your town can use it to advantage. Perhaps the meeting January 30 can help put you and your town together. Do you agree? Disagree? Editorials are the opinion of the management of The Dallas Post. We welcome your opinion on contemporary issues in the form of letters to the editor. If you don't write, the community may never hear a contrasting point of view. Send letters to: The Dallas Post, P.O. Box 366, Dallas, PA 18612. Please include your name, address ' and a daytime phone number so that we may verify authenticity. We reserve the right to edit for length and grammar. Tie PALLASCPosT Published Weekly by Bartsen Media, Inc. P.O. Box 366, Dallas PA 18612 Telephone: 717-675-5211 Ronald A. Bartizek Charlotte E. Bartizek Editor and Publisher Associate Publisher Peggy Young Eric Foster Advertising Acct. Exec. Reporter Paul Rismiller Production Manager Olga Kostrobala . Classified/typesettin Jean Hillard yp g Office Manager MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION AND THE PENNSYLVANIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER'S ASSOCIATION The road a little traveled Photo by Charlotte Bartizek Letters Deaf child should go to state school Editor: You may have read previous newspaper articles concerning the battle over Mark Dutton’s school placement. Well, read on, because you, as taxpayers, are paying for this costly war. Ask yourselves why your district has decided to pur- sue this costly and lengthy battle to keep Mark in Lake-Lehman School District when a cheaper and more appropriate school is available at Scranton School for the Deaf. All the superintendent needs to do is simply pick up the phone and state that Mark may be transferred to Scranton. Ask your- selves why the school solicitors continue to state they are just fol- lowing the mandate of the State when the Pennsylvania Special Education Appeals board ruled that Mark's needs could best be met at SSSD. What is their hidden agenda? Is Letter writer's comp it the financial aid that comes to school district in Mark's name? No!! The attorney for the school district admitsit is cheaper to send Mark to SSSD. Something is very wrong here. The attorney even admitted that the school district would be happy to be rid of Mark and his mother. Question why a school superin- tendent and school board that were informed in writing that a deaf woman would be attending every school board meeting, does not have an interpreter at every meet- ing for her. It is a violation of the Disabilities Act. As a mother of a deaf 19-year- old daughter, 1 have seen the wonderful results of my daughter attending a residential school for the deaf. I feel that I have first- hand knowledge of the benefits of a residential school placement for adeafstudent. I stated my views at the December school board meet- ing. Also, over 80 deaf adults at- tended a previous meeting and stated their views. Come and state your view! Mark and his mother are suffer- ing deeply in this battle. Call your school superintendent and school board members! Ask them to re- consider and allow Mark to attend Scranton School for the Deaf to improve his emotional health. Stop the financial drain on your school district budget! Question how much the law- yers representing your school dis- trict will be paid to defend this unfair school placement. You will be shocked! Encourage your school superintendent to end the finan- cial and emotional burden of this issue. She has the power. Eleanor E. Fogarty Sunbury aints about police conduct after robbery were inaccurate Editor: In response to Mr. B. Fred Ro- gers grossly erroneous comments concerning the Back Mountain Police and their response to the recent Hanover Bank robbery, I believe that both he and your newspaper have committed a seri- ous public disservice and have exhibited a lack of professional journalism and civic responsibil- ity. First, for your newspaper to have characterized the police action as “reckless” exhibits a complete lack of objectivity regarding the inci- dent in question, and accomplishes absolutely no purpose whatsoever except tosensationalize the writer's letter, which was based upon completely erroneous statements of what had in fact occurred at the Bonanza Restaurant immediately following the robbery. While Mr. Rogers is clearly entitled to ex- press his opinions regarding that incident and the conduct which he witnessed, he is totally in error as to the facts. The police officers who entered the public area of the restaurant were not members of any Back Mountain police department but, in fact, were highly trained F.B.I personnel. Two Back Mountain police officers were in the kitchen area of the restaurant and not visible to patrons, nor did they engage in any conduct or “poor judgment” which could have jeop- ardized the safety or well being of Mr. Rogers or his family. The offi- cers were exercising proper police procedure based upon the facts known to them at the time and were in the restaurant for a valid and proper purpose which 1 am not at liberty to disclose at this time, as to do so might adversely affect and compromise the ongo- ing investigation of that crime. The members of the various Back Mountain police departments are competent, highly trained and dedicated professionals who are fully aware of their duty and re- sponsibility to protect the public in all .circumstances. They are confronted on an almost daily basis with potentially life threatening situations and their response is completely professional and in accordance with the highest stan- dards of police training. Should he ever require their assistance, Mr. Rogers will quickly and thankfully recognize that truth. In closing, I can only hypothe- size whether Mr. Rogers would possess the same degree of dedic- tion and willingness to serve the public in such a position, knowing the risks involved, were he receiv- ing the salaries of the officers which he so unjustly criticized. In sum- mary, Mr. Rogers, please be cer- tain you have all of the pertinent facts prior to again publicly com- menting on a situation concerning which you appear to have neither any meaningful understanding or expertise. Theodore L. Krohn, Solicitor for Back Mountain Police Association, N.E. Pa. Chiefs of Police Assn.; and the Borough of Dallas Blood drive at Meadows Feb. 10 The Meadows Nursing Center, 55 W. Center Hill Road, Dallas, will sponsor an American Red Cross Blood Drive, on Monday, Feb. 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. in the All Purpose Room, first floor. The goal for the drive is 50 units. According to Charles Hensley, Assistant Director of Blood Services, American Red Cross, “There are so many ways for each of us to give something back to our community during these tough economic times, the donation of blood is the best gift of all as it doesn't cost a cent.” For more information or to schedule an appointment if desired, please call the Center at 675-8600, Ext, 115. Only yesterday 60 Years Ago - Jan. 22, 1932 NEW 1ST NATIONAL BANK WILL OPEN The new banking house of 1st National Bank, Dallas will open Saturday with the public invited to inspect the building until 9 p.m. Dr. Henry M. Laing Fire Co. will hold its benefit dance Jan. 27, at the Kunkle Community Hall. The company spent a considerable amount of its funds at Christmas to assist the needy and is now in need of funds toreplenish the treas- ury in keeping truck and equip- ment in shape. : “A Dangerous Affair” starrin Jack Holt playing Friday and Sat- urday at the Himmler Theatre with a new sound system. i In the opening games of the Bi- County Basketball League, Dallas defeated the Lehman boys 28-18. In the girls’ game the tables were reversed with Lehman winning 19- 13. ; 50 Years Ago - Jan. 23, 1942, POST OFFICEHAS fh STAMPS FOR AUTO OWNERS Up until yesterday noon, the Dallas Post Office had disposed of three quarters of its supply of-400 auto use stamps furnished by the Federal Government for distribu- tion at $2.09 each. to automniobile owners in this area. The Dallas Players will present their new 3-act play “Gun Smoke in Nevada" in Dallas Township High School auditorium, Wednesday, Feb. 4. ith Wed - Betty Lewis to G, Wesley Cave; Kathleen Jean Davis, Walter Rau; Joan Blackman Robert B, Harvey, hi) 40 Years Ago - Jan. 25, 1952" NEW GIFT SHOP OPENS ON MAIN STREET ‘The grey foxwhich attacked Mrs, Harold Dixon of East Dallas on Monday has been reported by the State Laboratory in Harrisburg as suffering from rabies. Mrs. Dixon had the first shot in the Pasteur treatment administered by Dr. Charles Perkins, Wednesday night. A new gift shop to be known as Cards and Stuff will open Felyg- ary 1 by Mr, and Mrs. Robert Of Plains in the Lundy Building on Main Street. ; Shavertown Methodist remaigid on top in Back Mountain Chur¥ League by defeating Westmoreland. Shavertown now sports a 7-1 rec- ord to put them two full games in front of Huntsville Christian. In the Back Mountain League, Westmoreland romped to a 57-34 win over Dallas Township. Harter defeated Lehman 59-39 onthe Harter Court. 30 Years Ago - Jan. 25, 1962 TOM GAUNTLETT SETS BASKETBALL RECORD. Back Mountain Memorial $88- brary Association will hold its 17h Annual Meeting tonight at 8 p:m. at the Library Annex. There will be an election of officers and annual reports will also be presented. Fred Hennebaul is showing some progress at Geisinger Medi- cal Center where he is a patient it was reported to more than, 60 persons gathered at Lake-Lehman to hear reports on the progress of the Fred Hennebaul Recovery Fund. $2,905.66 has been received up to meeting time with reports in from 40 of the 116 contribution cans placed on merchants count- ers, After missing two games due to injury, Junior Tom Gauntlett, Dallas Senior High set a new school record amassing a total of 61 points against Lake-Lehman. Dallas won 76-20. . Mrs. Mark Grimm, chairmé&?f of Lehman-Jackson, Ross PTA;.an- nounced at the recent PTA meet- ing that a talent variety show will be presented at the Lehman, gym, January 26, at 8 p.m. 20 Years Ago - Jan. 27, 1972 BOMB THREAT a TARGETS COLLEGE Bomb threatening telephone calls were received by College Misericordia and Singer Ceo. in Kingston Township. The Kingston Township plant was evacuated while a search was conducted. Police from Dallas Township, Dal- las Borough and Kingston Town- ship converged on campus along with state troopers and a state fire marshall. A search was conducted of the college but no explosive devices of any description was found on the college property. State and local officers dismissed. the episode as a hoax call. Dallas cagers were handed their first defeat last Tuesday when Plains turned back the defending champions 80-69. Lake-Lehman Knights downed Wilkes-Barre Township 88-69 in the “B" Division of Wyoming Valley League. " Engaged - Carol Ann Smith to Paul S. Margellina,
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers