Mountain Lines by Nelson Haas

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"Economic Summit" Set Friday In Cameron County

Public officials, community leaders, business operators and all those who are interested in the northcentral Pennsylvania economy are welcome to attend an Economic Summit to be held on Friday at Memorial Hall in Emporium, starting at 9:30 am. Cameron County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the session, during which U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson will discuss federal policies and field questions.
Cameron County, which has the highest unemployment rate in Pennsylvania, faces economic challenges due in large part to the downturn in the domestic automobile manufacturing and wood products industries. Similar factors have affected the economies in Potter and McKean counties. Congressman Thompson will discuss federal economic development programs and welcome suggestions. Potter County Today
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Great American Trails blog post/ PA Wilds

PA WILDS Bugle Boys

A few minutes ago I checked the outdoor thermometer - 102 degrees. This is the point in summer when I feel like a deflated tire with barely enough pressure to wobble home. The Texas Hill Country is accommodating in winter (not to mention spring and fall), but who wants to wait for winter? I need a respite, a break from this Austin blast furnace.
I could head west, to the Rockies. But with this insufferable Texas drought I am ready to see something green, verdant. There is simply too much desert between me and those mountains. My compass is pointing east, toward the Appalachian Divide. The Blue Ridge will be jammed, and I would prefer an area with more birds than people. The Adirondacks will be packed as well, and New Jersey? No offense, but I have never caught the Wildswoods fever. No, my bags are packed for Pennsylvania.

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Local Kids perform at Altoona Curve game

Some members of the Donachy Gymnastics team were invited to perform for the fans at the Altoona Curve game last night. The kids were taken onto the field to show there skills, and stayed for the game and fireworks afterwards. Several of the children, on the team, are from Emporium.

814 Area Code Running Out of Phone Numbers

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is studying plans to deal with the state's 814 area code, which is quickly running out of phone numbers.The PUC projects the area code will run out of numbers sometime in 2012. One option the PUC is considering is assigning a new area code to all new phone numbers added in the area after a certain date. Another option is splitting the area that 814 covers and assigning a new area code for part of the region.Anyone interested in commenting on the changes must contact the PUC by September 8.from the PUC

Local Tourism Growing During Recession

A Bright Spot: Amid hard times, some PA Wilds tourism businesses, events thrive
By Tataboline Brant
Hundreds of thousands of new visitors have come to the Pennsylvania Wilds since the state started working with local authorities six years ago to brand and market the region and upgrade its visitor infrastructure.
But just as the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative was getting real traction in the region’s business community, the nation’s economy went to pot. As bad news mounted, many wondered how tourism businesses in our region were faring.
Like most places in America, the Pennsylvania Wilds region has been hit by layoffs and job losses. But amid the hard times, several tourism-related businesses and events in the region say they are growing.
The Pennsylvania Wilds has long been a place for nature lovers and for families looking to get away on a budget,..........read MORE
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