WASHINGTON — Rep. John Peterson, a vocal opponent of interstate tolling and leading congressional advocate for rural America, announced his retirement on Thursday.

Peterson, 69, a Republican and former grocery store owner, has spent 11 years in Congress. He represents a mountainous north-central Pennsylvania region that includes State College and Punxsutawney.

Peterson said in a statement released by his office that he desires to spend more time with his family in Pleasantville. He said his retirement is effective at the end of his current term.

In recent months Peterson has criticized a plan passed in July by state lawmakers that would place tollbooths on I-80, which bisects his district. The tolls would help pay for highway, bridge and mass transit projects in Pennsylvania. Peterson said the plan unfairly burdens rural residents.

Peterson, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars to pay for abandoned mine land cleanup in Pennsylvania and other coal mining states.

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County's new 10 percent drink tax is leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of patrons at Mellon Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.Concession vendor Aramark says it chose to round up the price of beers after adding the 10-percent tax.That's why a 12-ounce bottle of beer now costs $6, up 14 percent from the old price of $5.25. A 16-ounce can now costs $7, up 12 percent from $6.25. And a 21-ounce draft beer now costs $7.50, up from $6.75.Aramark says rounding off the prices makes it easier for fans who don't have to dicker with small change and can get back to their seats faster.

PITTSBURGH — Negotiators for the Pittsburgh Public Schools board and its teachers' union will meet with state mediators again on Friday.More contract talks are scheduled for Jan. 9 and 11 if needed to reach a new contract.The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers has already voted to strike if contract talks break down. The union's three bargaining units represent more than 3,400 teachers, classroom aides and technical-clerical workers.The average salary for a city teacher is $62,000.

PITTSBURGH — Point Park University has bought two more properties near its campus in downtown Pittsburgh.The university paid $4.3 million for the office buildings across the street from the school's new dance studios.Point Park now has 18 properties under its control. It is the second largest property owner in downtown Pittsburgh.Officials say Point Park won't decide what do to with the buildings until it completes a master space planning process in the spring.The tenants in the buildings that were recently purchased will remain for the time being.