Neighbors who have a construction business are building a new home to replace this farmhouse owned by Theodore and Janelle Clouse that was destroyed by fire on Tuesday night. Seven Clouse children, including a 7-month-old infant, died in the blaze in central Pennsylvania.

LOYSVILLE — Work is under way on a new farmhouse to replace the one where seven children perished in a fierce fire.

Ted Clouse, the children's father, said Friday that neighbors who have a construction business are building a two-story house on his central Pennsylvania dairy farm to replace the one that burned late Tuesday night near Loysville.

Clouse said he's been impressed by the outpouring of support and offers to help in the aftermath of the fire. He said it takes away some of the pain.

The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday at the Perry Mennonite Reception Center in Elliottsburg.

JEANNETTE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has fixed a large pothole on Route 30 in Western Pennsylvania, but not soon enough for a dozen motorists who say they lost tires in the meantime.A Pittsburgh television station says at least 12 drivers reported flat tires Thursday evening in Jeannette. Many of them say they pulled into a nearby auto parts store for help or called AAA for help.Motorist Roxanne Marhefka of Jeannette says she called state police Thursday evening who told her PennDOT was aware of the problem but hadn't fixed it yet.The station says the hole had been filled later in the evening, and no injuries or accidents were reported.Motorists can report potholes to PennDOT by calling 800-FIX-ROAD.

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's wife has filed for divorce, citing unspecified “irreconcilable differences” and a marriage that is irretrievably broken.A Pittsburgh newspaper first reported Friday's court filing by 30-year-old Erin Ravenstahl.The six-page divorce petition and two-page supplement filed to support her claim for alimony and child support were filed just before noon.The 31-year-old mayor announced the couple were separating in November 2009. They were married in August 2004 and have a 2-year-old son, Cooper, and were high school sweethearts.Ravenstahl became mayor in September 2006, because he was city council president when Mayor Bob O'Connor died of brain cancer. Ravenstahl finished O'Connor's term and was re-elected for four more years three weeks before announcing the separation.

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Council is considering buffer zones to keep natural gas wells away from homes and other buildings.But Thursday night's public hearing on the matter makes clear that residents on both sides of the drilling question have strong opinions.The hearing lasted several hours and included testimony from more than 100 people who signed up to address council. About 400 people attended the hearing.Although council is considering buffer zones, some anti-drilling activists want the county to ban drilling altogether. Others spoke in favor of drilling and its economic benefits.Council is not considering either a moratorium or a ban on drilling, although Pittsburgh — the county seat — has already banned drilling.Drilling is regulated by state and federal agencies, and it's unclear if more local regulations will withstand court appeals.

TRAFFORD — A couple is behind bars after police say the woman posted a picture of a stolen 3-carat diamond ring on Facebook.Police in Trafford say 21-year-old Robert Driscoll of Pitcairn stole the ring from his girlfriend's cousin's home then gave it to 20-year-old Crystal Yamnitzky. Authorities say Yamnitzky posted a picture of the new ring online, saying it was a gift from Driscoll.Authorities say Yamnitzky's cousin had already alerted police that the $12,000 ring and other jewelry had been stolen.Police soon questioned Yamnitzky and tracked down Driscoll. Officials say he'd fled and sold all the jewelry for $250.Driscoll and Yamnitzky were arraigned Tuesday on charges including receiving stolen property.

ALLENTOWN — A Roman Catholic diocese has appealed a Vatican ruling that several shuttered churches in eastern Pennsylvania must reopen for worship.The Allentown diocese says it’s seeking clarification of recent rulings by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy.Former Allentown Bishop Edward Cullen cited a growing shortage of priests in his 2008 decision to close 47 churches. Parishioners at 14 of the churches appealed.The Vatican panel said the bishop had failed to come up with a “grave reason” for closing nine of the churches. It ruled that parishioners must be allowed to use the buildings for worship.