STATE
SOMERSET — A Flight 93 Federal Advisory Commission member has resigned because of the government's plan to take seven property owners' land in rural southwestern Pennsylvania for the memorial.
Somerset County Commissioner Pamela Tokar-Ickes says she doesn't support using eminent domain.
The National Park Service says it must acquire the land so the memorial can be built by the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
The park service says it's been unsuccessful in negotiations, but property owners maintain negotiations haven't happened. Under eminent domain, the value will be decided in court.
Commission chairman John Reynolds says he's saddened by Tokar-Ickes resignation and that she served well.
HARRISBURG — A measure to make more young adults in Pennsylvania eligible for health coverage under their parents' plans is on its way to the governor.The state House overwhelmingly approved a bill Tuesday that would apply to adult dependent children up to the age of 30 who aren't married and have no dependents. They must live in Pennsylvania or be full-time students and must not have other health insurance. Insurers would determine how much to charge policyholders for the coverage.The bill previously passed the Senate unanimously. Gov. Ed Rendell's spokesman says he plans to sign it into law.
HOUSTON — A joint venture to draw natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation has a gas processing plant up and running. The facility near Houston, Washington County, can process 30 million cubic feet of natural gas each day.The plant is a venture of MarkWest Energy Partners and NGP Midstream & Resources.
TUNKHANNOCK — A northeastern Pennsylvania woman is charged in the alcohol poisoning death of her 6-month-old baby.Wyoming County prosecutors say Jessica Minor gave alcohol to her son, Mason, in 2007 to stop him from crying. The baby later died.Wyoming County District Attorney George Skumanick says the baby's blood-alcohol content was .205 — well over twice the legal limit for adult drivers.Minor was charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment. At a court appearance, she denied giving the baby alcohol.Minor was living in Tunkhannock when her son died. She now lives in Montrose. She is free on $25,000 unsecured bail.
