[naviga:h3]2 Butler teachers get Apple Awards[/naviga:h3]

Two Butler School District elementary school teachers have been recognized for excellence.

Second grade teacher Patricia Johnson and first grade teacher Marcy Miller recently received Apple Awards. Both are teachers at McQuistion Elementary School.

Apple Awards are given out by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Network of State Teachers.

Both teachers were nominated for the honor by the parents of students, according to the school district.

“Both Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Johnson are master teachers. Their classrooms are warm, inviting places where kids thrive and feel success,” said Linda Peifer, McQuistion principal.

The Apple Award program is designed as a “pat on the back” for teachers who work to make a difference in the lives of their students and in their community, according to the Network of State teachers’ website. Each winner receives a certificate of appreciation.

Park sign up starts Feb. 23 at Alameda

Shelter reservations for Alameda Park’s 14 shelters will begin Feb. 23 at the county government center on West Diamond Street. County parks and recreation officials said reservations will be taken from 8:30 to 11 a.m. that day.

Reservations then will be accepted at the office at Alameda Park beginning at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23, and continue between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Information on which shelters are available on various dates can be found on the Butler County Facebook page or by calling the parks and recreation office at 724-284-5383.

Rates for shelter rental and alcohol permits remain the same as last year. Those prices are available by visiting www.co.butler.us, friending the county parks and recreation department of Facebook, or calling the parks and recreation office.

[naviga:h3]I-79 paving project to start in spring[/naviga:h3]

A project to resurface Interstate 79 between Exit 88, Little Creek Road, and Exit 105, Route 108, Slippery Rock, has begun in Butler County.

Current work, including tree trimming, utility work and surveying is being conducted off the road.

Work on the project will include milling, patching and repaving the road and other miscellaneous construction. Paving will start in the spring, nightly between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., weather permitting.

This $25.8 million Interstate resurfacing project is being constructed by Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. and is expected to be completed in fall of this year.

For more information on state road projects, visit www.projects.penndot.gov.

[naviga:h3]Phone meeting to tackle tax issues[/naviga:h3]

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3rd, will hold a free telephone town hall meeting from 6:05 to 7:05 p.m. Tuesday.

Constituents who call in will have a chance to ask questions and receive answers about filing their individual income taxes.

Kelly will have three guests with him on the phone: Regis Bodnar, a stakeholder relationship tax consultant with IRS; Kate Hunyady, congressional liaison with the IRS; and Frank Quinn, governmental liaison with the IRS.

To participate, call 877-228-2184 and enter 19013 at the time of the town hall.