Curwensville, as the number three seed, will travel to meet number two, Moniteau, on Thursday.  Fourth-seeded Karns City will host number five Cranberry on Tuesday in a lone quarterfinal contest.  The winner of that game will then travel to meet top-seeded Redbank Valley on Thursday in the second semifinal match-up.  Following the semifinals, a site and time for the championship game will be decided.

“We haven’t seen much from the teams in the AA brackets, and it’s not easy to get a lot of information about them,” said Tide head coach Allen Leigey.  ”We did play a game with the top seed, but it wasn’t our best effort.  It’s not fun going into the playoffs not knowing much about them, but they probably don’t have that much information about us either.”

The Warriors of Moniteau are coming into district play with a record of 15-4 on the season.  Two of the losses were dealt out by Redbank Valley (7-0, 9-5) and they lost their final game of the regular season to Karns City (13-12).  However, they had also beaten Karns City earlier in the year 4-3 and handled Cranberry 17-3.

The only common opponent that the Lady Tide has played this season was Redbank Valley.  Curwensville fell to the Bulldogs by a 4-2 mark on the road on May 3.  Also, both teams will be coming into the game having lost their last game as the Tide slipped to Brockway 3-1 on Saturday.

In the circle, the Warriors depend on sophomore pitcher Taylor Hasychak, who has been the pitcher of record in all but one game.  Sophomore Nicole Auvil also has notched a win on the season.  Hasychak has struck out 71 batters in 2013 while walking 37 and giving up 132 hits in 105 innings of work.

“From what we have been able to surmise to this point, she doesn’t seem to be an overpowering pitcher,” Leigey noted.  ”It’s hard to know for sure without seeing them play, but competition has a lot to do with the outcome.  Our schedule just seems like it is tougher and facing teams like ECC and Brockway should have us more than prepared for the game.”

Junior Tierra Shope’s numbers in the circle have tallied 110 strikeouts and 51 walks as she holds the team’s 15-5 slate for the year.  Shope has allowed 86 hits in her 115 innings of work.

As a team, Moniteau has posted a .406 batting average.  Leading the team at the plate is senior Chloe Eshenbaugh, who stands at the .536 mark with six extra-base hits.  Other sticks to watch include fellow seniors Nicole Buterbaugh (.457), Kelsey Anderson (.450), Sydney Boben (.375) and Emily Hiwiller (.370).  Hiwiller also leads the team with five home runs as well as going down on strikes 10 times.

Underclassmen with good stats include freshman Alyssa Dailey who is hitting at a .434 pace while junior Kayla Campbell holds a .429 mark and Hasychak is at .312.  Perhaps one aspect that the Tide should note is the fact that nine different Warrior batters have laid down sacrifice bunts this season.

The Lady Tide offense is fueled by seniors as well.  Taylor Goodman is hitting at a .522 pace with two homers, two triples and five doubles.  Tiffany Carter has four round-tripers on the season and an average of .500 with a triple and five doubles as well.  Abby Johnson (.475), Cheyenne Pentz (.426) and Sarah Wriglesworth (.373) make up the remander of the first five spots in the order.   Junior Abby Dugo has swung a .463 bat on the season while sophomore Alaina Stiles is hitting .293.

“I think if we can come into the game focused on winning, we can do well, added Leigey.  ”It’s one and done time, and we have to be ready to do whatever it takes to get through Moniteau.  We have to take charge early and play a complete game.”

Curwensville and Moniteau will take the field at 4:30 on Thursday for their semifinal match-up.

CLASS A

The District IX bracket that Curwensville left behind this season due to numbers of students shows Smethport (18-1) at the top of the class with a bye.  Also receiving byes in the first round are number two Clarion, Otto-Eldred (3), Elk County Catholic (4) and Brockway (5).   Monday’s first round contests include number six seeded Keystone hosting Ridgway (11), Clarion-Limestone (10) at Coudersport (7), and Port Allegany (8) hosting Kane (9).

The quarterfinals are scheduled for Wednesday with Smethport awaiting the Port A./Kane winner.   ECC and Brockway will clash while Clarion waits for an opponent from the Coudy/Clarion-Limestone game, and Otto meets the winner of Keystone/Ridgway.  The semifinals are scheduled for May 28 with the championship game on May 30 with times and sites to be announced.

CLASS AAA

Punxsutawney and St. Marys are the only entries in the Class AAA Championship.  That game has not been given a date or site at this time.

Lady Tide Scoreboard:

“Our YouTube channel is our next step in communicating with our customers in more personal, interactive ways,” PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. “The channel is a great way to provide important information to a universal audience. I encourage people to share these resources with their family and friends, or anyone who can benefit from the information.”

So far, the new PennDOT YouTube channel includes:

• Time lapse video from the May 9 tanker fire at the Interstate 81 and U.S. 22/322 interchange;
• Educational and safety videos; and
• Features on PennDOT operations and initiatives.

In the future, the department plans to add videos featuring department maintenance operations as well as highway safety efforts.

The channel complements PennDOT’s social media outreach on Facebook and Twitter. Since the department launched its official Twitter account – PennDOTNews – in 2010, more than 11,000 followers have signed on. The PennDOT Facebook page, which was launched in September 2012, has more than 12,000 “likes.”

In addition to the main PennDOTNews Twitter feed, the department also maintains eight regional Twitter accounts allowing followers to get updated traffic alerts and local PennDOT news.

To visit and “like” the PennDOT Facebook page, visit here.

To interact with PennDOT on Twitter, go to here.  

PennDOT’s main website, which offers comprehensive information about the agency, its regional offices and the many services offered, is found at www.dot.state.pa.us.

Mackereth reiterated Gov. Tom Corbett’s goal that all Pennsylvanians have access to affordable, quality healthcare. However, she expressed concerns over several assumptions included in the IFO’s April 23 analysis and the fact that the report has been misinterpreted as a budgetary estimate for the impact of Medicaid expansion.

“While we appreciate the work of the IFO, it’s in everyone’s best interest that we make long-term policy decisions using accurate information reflective of the realities facing the current Medicaid program and the commonwealth,” Mackereth said. “Making fully-informed and factual decisions will protect our most vulnerable citizens being served by the program and provide certainty for our taxpayers; that’s our ultimate goal.”

The letter specifically counters savings claimed through the general assistance program and the continuation of the gross receipts tax. It also raises issues related to the timing of funding that would be realized by the commonwealth through an expanded program; the program enrollment rate; and administrative and staffing costs that would come with an expanded program.

The full letter can be found at www.insurance.pa.gov through the “Affordable Care Act” button.

CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Area School District Board of Directors approved its tentative 2013-14 general fund budget without any property tax increase at Monday night’s combined committee and board meeting. The board will vote to finalize its upcoming-year budget on June 24.

The budget proposes spending in the amount of $34,909,254 and revenues of $32,360,829. The budget’s spending and revenues have increased by 5 percent and 3 percent, respectively, over last year, according to Business Administrator Sam Maney, who anticipates a $2.5 million deficit for the upcoming-year.

According to him, the budget’s anticipated deficit is mostly due to increases in the district’s salaries and benefits. In 2013-14, he said its salary-related costs have increased by $500,000, or 3.7 percent. However, he’s already built in a proposed autistic support position and two extra teachers in case the need arises later.

Maney said the district anticipates paying out approximately $15 million in salaries and $8 million in benefits in the upcoming-year. He also anticipates a 4 percent increase in its health insurance costs over last year. Maney said the district currently employs 180 teachers with total staff being 250 people, which increases to 400 people with the inclusion of part-time staff.

He said the district’s contribution to the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) is anticipated to increase to 16.93 percent in 2013-14, which is $730,000 more than last year. The district anticipates paying out a total PSERS contribution of $2.5 million.

Despite the gloomy picture for the upcoming-year, Maney couldn’t justify the district raising property taxes, while it’s still working with positive numbers. He said it ended last year with a general fund surplus of $327,000 and a fund balance of $7 million.

In addition, Maney anticipates the district will end the current-year with a general fund surplus of $1.1 million to bring its fund balance to $8.2 million for 2012-13. He had originally anticipated a $1.8 million deficit for the current-year. Of the $8.2 million fund balance, Maney said the majority of it will be restricted for debt service if it cannot be generated during the school year and committed for future PSERS increases.

Maney also said the general capital projects fund amounted to $738,803, while the ClearfieldHigh School and ClearfieldElementary School building projects were in the amount of $23,084,155 and $9,200,000, respectively.

During the upcoming-year, Maney said although the district plans to close the ClearfieldMiddle School, he’s budgeting to address roofing ($60,000) and parking lot ($11,000) repairs. Under maintenance he said the district’s box van has put on a lot of mileage and needs to be replaced ($35,000).

So far as athletics, Maney is budgeting the following: Bison Stadium Bleacher Project ($533,309); Swimming lane markers and storage reel ($7,200); Volleyball – standards, poles, net, ref chair ($2,500); Track hurdle carts ($2,800); and portable white fencing ($1,500).

Maney said the high school band needs rain gear and new uniforms. He told the board the band’s current uniforms are more than a decade old. However, he’s worked with the band department to spread these costs out over three years. In the upcoming-year, Maney said the band’s biggest need is for rain gear and its uniforms will be replaced over the course of 2014-15 and 2015-16.

Maney said the cafeteria budget is $1,497,697 and doesn’t include any general fund contribution for the upcoming-year. He said that lunch prices will increase by 10 cents for elementary and high school students; however, there will not be any increase in lunch prices at the middle school. Maney said lunch prices will be $2.20 for elementary and middle school students and $2.30 for high school students.

He said breakfast prices will increase by 10 cents for elementary and high school students and by 5 cents for middle school students. He said breakfast prices will be $1.30 for elementary and middle school students and $1.35 for high school students.

Maney said the district is raising these prices solely to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that states that schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program are providing the same level of support for lunches served to students who are not eligible for free or reduced lunches, as they are for lunches serve to students eligible for free lunches.

Obituary Notice: Marcia Kay Luciano (Provided photo)

Marcia Kay Luciano, 70, of (Ashland) Osceola Mills died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at WindyHillVillage in Philipsburg.

She was the daughter of the late George G. and Irene (Philips) Luciano born May 28, 1942 in Brisbin.

Ms. Luciano was of the Christian faith. She retired as a LPN from the former Presbyterian Home in Philipsburg.  She had also worked for the former McCory’s in Philipsburg.

She was a 1960 graduate from the Philipsburg-OsceolaHigh School. She also graduated from the ClearfieldCountyCareer & TechnologyCenter in the Practical Nursing Program in the class of March of 1979.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Luciano was preceded in death by two sisters, Eleanor Yarger and Jean Luciano and a brother, George Luciano.

She is survived by a sister, Judith A. Tedesco and her husband, David of Walnut Creek, CA and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Luciano of (Morgan Run) Osceola Mills.

She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Irene Lambert and her husband, Chris; Eileen Ball and her husband, Bill; Randy Yarger and his wife, Lana; Ronda Johnson and her husband, Matt; Rodney Yarger and his wife, Robin; Lynda Exley; Rick Yarger and his wife, Vicky; Marcia Shirey and her husband, Raymond; Jenny Kopchik and her husband, Dave; Judy Caldana and her husband, Tony; Clark Yarger; Michele Myers; Tina Kephart; Monica Luciano and her husband, Jeff Kohn; Loren Luciano; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 1 at the Heath Funeral Home in Osceola Mills, with Pastor Donald Smith officiating.  Burial will be at the IOOFCemetery in Brisbin.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Clearfield Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 992, Clearfield, PA16830 or SPCA, 275 21^st St., Clearfield, PA16830.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.heathfuneral.com.

CLEARFIELD – On behalf of Gov. Tom Corbett, PennDOT has announced that work to replace a bridge near West Decatur on Route 2024 (Pleasant Hill Road) will get under way this week. Once work is complete, PennDOT will remove the bridge from the list of structurally deficient bridges in ClearfieldCounty. Replacement will also provide area drivers with safer, more efficient travel across a modern structure.

The bridge spans Little Laurel Run about two miles east of West Decatur. The bridge was built in 1935, is 28 feet long and carries an average of 1,000 vehicles each day. Work will get under way Thursday.

A detour will be used to guide drivers around the construction zone while the new bridge is being built. From Route 2024, PennDOT’s official detour uses Routes 2007 (Morgan Run Road), 2051 (Drane Highway), 2017, and 2019 (Pleasant Hill Road).

Work is expected to last through early September and includes replacement of the old bridge, approach work, paving, guide rail updates, and miscellaneous items. BECDIR Construction Company of Berlin Center, Ohio is the contractor for this $1 million job.

Drivers are reminded to follow detour signage, use caution through all work zones, obey posted speed limits and always buckle up.  

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAStateCOLL.

Free Fireworks Show & Water Park Opens for the Season

TIPTON – DelGrosso’s Amusement Park wants to say “thank you for your service” to the active members of the military and to veterans this Memorial Day weekend. Service members and veterans who show military identification will be able to ride and slide for free Saturday through Memorial Day.

The TiptonWaterworks & RapidsWaterPark opens for the season this Saturday.

“This is just our small way to say thank you for all that our service members have done for our country,” said Carl Crider Jr., DelGrosso’s Amusement Park president and general manager.  

“Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer, and we want to help get summer off to a great start by providing wonderful family fun deals.”

All-Day Fun Passes, which include the WaterPark, are $13.95 per person for the month of May.  DelGrosso’s Amusement Park offers free parking and free admission.

The 28^th “Keystone” Division Military Band will be performing at the park this Saturday.  The band, based in Hollidaysburg, is among the top performing Army National Guard Bands in the nation today.  The band has represented the 28^th Division at events in the eastern United States, Canada and Europe.  The band will perform two stage shows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and the marching band will be performing shows in the park at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

On Saturday night, there will be a sky high salute for Memorial Day weekend with a free fireworks show.  Galliker’s Dairy and DelGrosso Foods are presenting the show around 9:15 p.m.

On Sunday, car enthusiasts can enjoy the 20^th Annual Jaffa Antique and Classic Automobile Show on the front lawn of DelGrosso Foods.  The car show will take place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

DelGrosso’s Amusement Park will open at 11 a.m. Memorial Day.

A full 2013 event schedule for DelGrosso’s Amusement Park can be found online at www.delgrossos.com and on Facebook at the DelGrosso’s Amusement Park page. 

• You can also sign up for weekly Text Messages from the park to find out what’s happening by texting the word DELGROSSOS to 75327.  Standard text messaging rates apply.
• You can sign up for a monthly e-mail newsletter: “The DAP Insider” to learn more about events and special deals by texting the word PARKFUN to 22828.  Standard text messaging rates apply.

Detour Reminder: Due to bridge construction on Pleasant Valley Boulevard, there isn’t any access to DelGrosso’s Amusement Park from Exit 41.  Please remember to use Exit 45 – Tipton/Grazierville.

She was a member of the SalemUnitedMethodistChurch.

She is survived by two nieces, Mary Ann Himes and her husband, David and Lisa McCartney and her husband, Keith, both of Salem; a nephew, Keith Wells and his wife, Gail of Salem; and a brother-in-law, Dathan Swanson of DuBois.

She was preceded in death by her two brothers, William and John Wells and a sister, Mary A. Swanson.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Goble-Baronick Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Richard Howe officiating.

Burial will be in SalemCemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the SalemUnitedMethodistChurch, 2000 Carson Hill Rd., DuBois, PA15801 and or the DuBois Nursing Home, 282 S. Eighth St., DuBois, PA 15801.

Online condolences may be sent to www.gbfuneralhome.com.

(Provided photo)

On May 9, the Clearfield County Career and TechnologyCenter welcomed 13 new members to the National Technical Honor Society. 

To become a member, students must be nominated by their instructor; have at least a 93 percent average in their respective career and technical program; and an 85 percent or higher average in all high school courses; and at least a 95 percent attendance rate. 

In addition, the student must have documentation of community service and a letter of recommendation from a community member, along with a letter from a teacher, administrator or guidance counselor of the respective sending district. 

In the front, from left, are Sierra Records, Bailey Gearhart, adult students Shawna Brown and Ashley Mayhew, Kayla Walker and Rebecca Byerly. 

In the back row, from left, are Austin Hugill, Scott Brink, Scott Woodring, adult student John Bouch, Travis Fenush and Tristen Kelley. 

Missing from the photo is adult student Joshua Bennett.

The effort will focus largely on nighttime enforcement, using traffic safety checkpoints and roving patrols. Police will also use Traffic Enforcement Zones, which combine roving patrol and checkpoint tactics on roadways with high numbers of unbuckled crashes.

“As the start of the summer travel season approaches, I strongly encourage everyone to buckle up every time, no matter how far you’re traveling,” PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. “The majority of crashes happen within 25 miles from home, and you are 60 percent more likely to survive a crash if you’re buckled up.”

According to PennDOT data, 503 people died last year in unbelted accidents, a decrease from 509 such fatalities in 2011. The total number of accidents in which people were not wearing seatbelts also decreased to 15,528, compared to 16,298 in 2011.

The majority of enforcement will occur at night, as 275 unbuckled fatalities occurred last year between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Of those, 170 occurred between 10 p.m. and 2:59 a.m.

“With heavy traffic expected for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, it’s crucial that we encourage drivers now to make sure that all passengers are properly restrained whenever they travel,” State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said. “I’m again directing our troopers to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of the state’s seatbelt and child passenger restraint laws during this campaign period.”

Motorists are reminded that Pennsylvania’s primary seatbelt law requires drivers and passengers under 18 years old to buckle up, and children under the age of four must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children ages 4 to 8 must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat. In addition, children ages 8 to 18 must be must be in a seatbelt when riding anywhere in the vehicle.

Also, drivers and front-seat passengers 18 years old or older are required to buckle up. If motorists are stopped for a traffic violation and are not wearing their seat belt, they can receive a second ticket and second fine.

Funding for this enforcement effort comes from part of PennDOT’s statewide distribution of $1.7 million in federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Visit www.JustDrivePA.com for more information on seat-belt safety and PennDOT’s other traffic-safety initiatives.