State Sens.

Jane Orie, R-40th, and John Eichelberger Jr., R-Blair, recently introduced a measure that seeks to strengthen state laws involving government contracts.The legislation would prohibit the spouse and children of public officials and government employees from entering into contracts with the agencies that their spouse or parents are a member of or employed by, Orie said.She said she offered the bill in response to criticism that rose when the Liquor Control Board awarded a contract to the spouse of a regional manager."It is unfortunate, but today the public views any appearance of impropriety as being an actual conflict of interest or worse, as corruption," Orie said. "So, we need to address this situation by revising these laws to ensure that there is no perception of favoritism."District Judge

Wayne Seibel of Evans City has been recertified as a member of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System after completing his 2009 continuing legal education work.The weeklong instruction program in Harrisburg by the Minor Judiciary Education Board and the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts is required for district judges.