UPPER ST. CLAIR — A citizens' lawsuit seeking to tear down a 350-foot cell phone tower in Upper St. Clair has been thrown out by an Allegheny County Judge.

The suit was filed in 1996, 45 days after construction on the $1 million tower began. The judge says that was too late because residents had only 30 days to file the suit.

The citizens plan to appeal. They say Houston-based Crown Castle International's lease for the site was invalid because it didn't result from a competitive bid and used public park land for a private business. The township says the tower is essential for police, fire and public works communications.

ERIE — The Federal Aviation Administration is committing nearly $48 million to the $80.5 million runway extension project at Erie International Airport. The 1,900-foot extension is meant to bring bigger planes to the airport, and should improve cargo traffic.Erie County is committing $25.7 million to the project along with the $47.7 promised by the FAA. That means local officials must still raise more than $7 million.

MEDIA — A 33-year-old Delaware County man accused of draining his grandparents' life savings of $185,000 is facing a prison term.Prosecutor Gregory Hurchalla says Jason Metzger has taken the money from his 83-year-old grandparents over the last four years.Metzger pleaded guilty on Monday to theft by deception. A plea agreement calls for Metzger to serve 15 to 30 months in jail plus two years of probation.