Drone owners need to registerCRANBERRY TWP — Owners of small, flying remote control drones weighing between a half a pound and 55 pounds and used for noncommercial purposes have to register with the Federal Aviation Administration.People ages 13 or older with a drone will have official status with the FAA, according to the township. The registration is free for the first 30 days and can be done online.Drone operators only need to register once, even if they own more than one drone. People who owned drones before Dec. 21 need to register by Feb. 19. Anyone who bought drone after that date need to register before a first flight.According to the FAA, the reason for creating a registration process is to help the agency work more easily with users on operating their drones safely. There have been a number of reports of close encounters between manned aircraft and drones, particularly near major airports.For information, visit www.faa.gov/uas/registration/.

Park office issues pass reminderBUTLER TWP — Butler County Parks and Recreation is announcing the last chance this year to buy season passes for Alameda Waterpark for the 2016 season.The pass will be available at the Park Department at 184 Alameda Park Road which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The office is closed New Year’s Day. Prices are:$65 for senior citizens 65 years or older;$70 for a single person;$105 for a family of two;$130 for a family of three;$165 for a family of four;$180 for a family of five or more;$30 for a nanny pass.The next sale will be in March.For information, call Parks and Recreation Department at 724-284-5383.

Newsletter, media efforts earn honorsCRANBERRY TWP — The township has won top honors from a state group for its newsletter and social media, according to township officials.The township also came in second in a category for other publications.The awards came from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township SupervisorsThe honors will be formally presented to township officials at the association’s statewide conference in April.