Laurels and barbs

THE TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT

May 16, 2008 11:54 am

— Laurel: Somerset County emergency responders care what happens to their area’s youth. That’s why the state police, coroner’s office, Somerset Area Ambulance and Somerset Volunteer Fire Department teamed up last week to stage a “fatal” mock drunken-driving crash. It was a vivid reminder for Somerset Area High School prom-goers of what tragedies can happen after the prom if students drink and drive. It’s not a new idea, but one we wish every community would stage every few years.
Barb: We can’t imagine many jobs being tougher or more dangerous than that of an inner-city police officer. But it’s always alarming when we read where law-enforcement personnel have stepped over the line in apprehending suspects. Last week, a police ser-geant and five officers were re-moved from street duty in Philadelphia after television footage showed a group of officers kicking, punching and beating three suspects during a traffic stop. The officers were investigating a triple shooting on a drug corner at the time. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty – drug/shooting suspects and police officers alike.
Laurel: Our hats are off to Laura Kalna of Upper Yoder Township. The former Walter Reed Army Medical Center nurse took on the task of establishing a bone marrow donor registration drive last week. Registering was easy: Fill out some forms and have a cheek-swab sample taken for cataloging by the National Marrow Donor Program registry. Like registering to be an organ donor, it took little time. As Kalna said, “It’s the right thing to do.” We hope this becomes at last an annual event locally.
Barb: If the state Legislature agrees that something is so important that it requires a new law, then it should at least make an effort to have the public educated. Since January 2007, House Act 159 has required motorists to turn on their vehicle lights when driving in the rain. In a lot of cases, that’s just not happening. We would hate to see any of our readers shelling out $100 for a violation. By the way, did you know that a law requires that your license-plate sticker be displayed in the “space or indentation provided,” usually the upper left-hand corner? A reader advised us of this and the state police verified it. A fine and court fees could cost you $105, the state police tell us.
Laurel: Eight area women received well-deserved recognition last week for their contributions to our region. We also extend our thanks to Gloria Grattan, Rachel Allen, Lynne Faint, Jean Livingston, Janet Grady, Staff Sgt. Melanie Kline, Irene Hernandez and Lisa Lazzari-Strasiser. They were honored at the YWCA of Greater Johnstown’s 22nd annual Tribute to Women banquet.
Laurel: It’s come a long way. The Somerset County Jail, just four years after receiving the worst inspection report among county jails in Pennsylvania, has earned its highest grades in years. The latest state inspection found only one deficiency among 25 nationally recognized standards. Congratulations to the jail’s management and staff and to the county commissioners for a combined effort that brought about this great turnaround.