Governor Rendell Appoints PA Wilds Adviser to Serve as Liaison to Council on

Dan Surra to Continue Advising DCNR Secretary on PA Wilds Issues
HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that he has named Dan Surra to serve as his primarysportsmen's adviser and to lead the Governor's Council on Fishing, Hunting and Conservation.
In January, Surra joined DCNR as a senior adviser on the Pennsylvania Wilds.He will continue to serve in that role, but expand his responsibilities toinclude fishing, hunting and conservation issues."The nature of Dan's current role and his love of hunting and the outdoorsmake this appointment a natural fit," said Governor Rendell. "Hunting andfishing are an important part of life for millions of Pennsylvanians and,oftentimes, are treasured pastimes and traditions shared by multiplegenerations in a family. These sportsmen are also fantastic stewards of ournatural resources because they understand how precious our environment is."The sports also represent big business for communities across the state,particularly in the northern tier and PA Wilds region. Each year, hunting andfishing activities bring in billions of dollars to rural areas--not just fromPennsylvania residents, but from sportsmen visiting from out-of-state.
"Having someone like Dan, with his qualifications and interests, serve in thisrole and maintain a positive working relationship and dialogue with thissegment of our population is good news that offers promising continuedopportunities for this important segment of our economy and will help ensureeveryone is working together to preserve our God-given natural resources."Born and raised in Pennsylvania's northern tier, Surra is a lifelongoutdoorsman and possesses an intimate knowledge of state regulations andeconomic development. His efforts during 18 years in the General Assemblyhelped shape the PA Wilds initiative starting with the early promotion of elkwatching in the region. As a senior adviser to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resourcessecretary, Surra works with hunting and fishing organizations towards thestewardship and conservation goals embodied in the PA Wilds initiative andassists DCNR in addressing the balance between growing the region as a naturetourism destination and developing Marcellus Shale natural gas resources.In his additional role as an adviser to the Governor on fishing, hunting andconservation matters, Surra will oversee matters affecting sportsmen and themanagement of Pennsylvania's natural resources by state agencies. The adviseracts as the state government's advocate for sportsmen and develops andimplements, with the Governor's approval, policies and programs to supportthis mission. As a liaison between the Sportsmen's Advisory Council and theGovernor, Surra will convey council recommendations to Governor Rendell. All agencies under the Governor's jurisdiction cooperate with the council andprovide staff assistance and information as needed to carry out itsresponsibilities effectively. The council is administered under the Departmentof Conservation of Natural Resources."It's a real honor for me to be able to serve Governor Rendell and thesportsmen and women of Pennsylvania in this role, which is certainly importantto me personally as a lifelong outdoorsman, and to the Pennsylvania Wildsregion that I currently serve," Surra said. "I think these responsibilitieswill blend nicely with my focus on growing the Pennsylvania Wilds as a naturetourism destination."Surra will take on the expanded role under his current salary. The positionwas previously held by Robert Miller Jr., who resigned on Friday, Oct. 23.For more information on the PA Wilds initiative, visit www.pawilds.com.Media contacts: Gary Tuma, 717-783-1116SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the GovernorGary Tuma of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116

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Retirement

Dale Griffith (left) retired after 30 years of employment with Motor Coils Manufacturing. IUE-CWA Local 88607 President Harry Mansfield (right) presented Dale with a watch commemorating his years of service to MCM and the union. Dale was employed as an electrician, and also served as a union officer in the past. Dale plans to relax and spend time with his grandchildren

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PA Milk Prices Going Up

The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board is temporarily raising the minimum price of milk across the state to help struggling dairy farmers.That means that from November 1 through December 31 consumers will pay about 4 cents more a gallon for milk.Farmers get an extra 50 cents, or $2.65 per 100 pounds of milk (11.6 gallons).“Farmers have been struggling with lower than expected prices for the milk they produce. By increasing the premium, the PMMB recognized that quick action needed to be taken to account for the extended period of low milk prices,” said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Carl T. Shaffer.Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
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Red Raiders clinch AML North Title

The Cameron County Red Raiders won their third consecutive AML North tile today, with a 14-7 win over the Port Allegany Gators. Read the game recap at CC Sportscenter with BlutoPSU

game photos posted at http://camconative.dotphoto.com

October snow!

Several inches of the wet sticky stuff fell in the Emporium area Thursday night. Fallen branches and heavy power lines left Emporium without power for several hours on Friday, prompting the closure of many businesses and factories. Forecast is for more snow into Saturday, but warming temps beginning next week.

The early snow created a very scenic view, mixed with the colorful Autumn foliage, but most of us can wait a bit longer for snow and would rather enjoy a nice Indian summer!

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