Amber Lang, daughter of Doug and Royce Lang of Cranberry Township, will compete for the title of Miss Pennsylvania USA Nov. 18 through 20 in Pittsburgh.Named Miss Butler County USA for 2005, she has volunteered for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and for a bowl-a-thon for Autism.———

<b>Pearl Young</b> of New Castle, formerly of Butler, recently had her poem "Modern Christmas" published in the Nov./Dec. edition of "Country Woman" magazine.She is a graduate of Moniteau High School and Butler County Community College.———

The sociology class at <b>Moniteau High School</b> recently raised $2,655 for hurricane relief.The students in the class organized a spaghetti dinner, Chinese auction and bake sale at Epiphany Hall in Boyers.Dinner ingredients, auction prizes and baked goods were donated by students and community members.The class is taught by Bill Horsman.———

<b>Jerry Rea</b>, a former employee in the Freeport School District was awarded the Dr. John J. Dillon Award at the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees meeting for retirees from the Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Freeport, Kiski, Leechburg, Highlands, and Valley school districts.———

Four fire and police departments in Butler County will get funds from the national Safe Neighborhood Heroes program sponsored by Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores.The Butler fire and police departments each will receive $1,000. The Mars Volunteer Fire Company will get $2,000, and the Meridian Volunteer Fire Company will receive $1,000.