Hotline

By CLYDE FORD Staff Writer Despite biting cold weather, Mark Smith decided he had to wash his car for the second time this week. After parking it at the motel where he is staying on Dual Highway, the 38-year-old Michigan man's car was covered with crow droppings. Again. "You've got to watch where you park in this town," Smith said with a laugh. "Is it always like this?" Smith has learned a Hagerstown lesson. The white stuff falling from the skies in November is not snow.

In the spirit of "reuse or recycle," many of us feel good when we microwave leftovers in plastic margarine tubs we've saved and reuse our plastic grocery bags as food-storage containers. Both are ecologically sound practices. But are they safe food practices? cont. from lifestyle Not according to U.S. Department of Agriculture. Here's what experts with USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline have to say about these and other food packaging questions consumers often ask. Question: Is it safe to heat foods in margarine tubs or cottage cheese containers in the microwave?

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Students and faculty members at Shippensburg University reacted tearfully Wednesday to the news that a charred body found in a mountain fire early Tuesday was that of a marketing major who had been shot in the head. cont. from news page Sydney S. Bull, 23, a senior from Norristown, Pa., was slain and his body set on fire in the Michaux State Forest just outside Franklin County, Cumberland County Coroner Mike Norris said Wednesday. "We are posting a $10,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators of this crime," University President Anthony F. Ceddia told a group of more than 200 students, faculty and press at a noon meeting in the Old Main Chapel.

Play gives middle school a lesson in curbing anger By TARA REILLY / Staff Writer photo: JOE CROCETTA / staff photographer WILLIAMSPORT - Springfield Middle School students got a lesson in violence prevention Wednesday morning when a four-member traveling theater group acted out ways to control anger. Bridgework Theater of Washington D.C., did two performances of "The Game," a play that teaches students how to manage anger by "watching, waiting and working.

Members of the Martinsburg Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol recently recognized the superb support and assistance of one of the members of the 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard. Tech. Sgt. Robert E. Hall, one of the Air National Guard recruiters from Martinsburg, W.Va. was presented a CAP Appreciation Plaque denoting his outstanding support of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Hall has been very supportive of the CAP cadet program and has spoken often to the squadron cadets, encouraging them to advance leadership skills and expanding their knowledge of aerospace education.

Victims to be honored at candlelight vigil By STACEY DANZUSO / Staff Writer, Chambersburg People whose lives have been touched by violence will gather for a candlelight vigil tonight as part of a weeklong tribute to crime victims. Women In Need Victim Services is sponsoring the 10th annual vigil as part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. The candlelight vigil will be in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church, 225 S. Second St., from 7 to 8:30 p.m. "The vigil is our one big event for the week," said Stacy McCole, WIN education coordinator.

By SCOTT BUTKI / Staff Writer photo: RIC DUGAN / staff photographer The first call of the New Year at Washington County's 911 Dispatch Center wasn't about Year 2000-related computer problems but about fireworks going off in Williamsport at midnight. cont. from front page Some feared problems would occur at midnight if computers and software interpreted 2000 as 1900, but no such problems had been reported in the county by 12:30 a.m. today, Washington County Fire and Rescue Communication Chief Ron Karn said.

Trail approved for ballfield BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Morgan County Commission has approved an $8,000 matching fund request to build a trail along the perimeter of an athletic complex on U.S. 522, if the grant is approved.  The trail will cover about half of the perimeter of the ballfield complex, said county Grant Administrator Carol York, who is working with Bruce Beadenkopf, acting director of Morgan County parks and recreation. The trail will cover about 2,046 feet, which Beadenkopf called "a rough estimate.

CASA shelter for abused will move to bigger, better building By DAN KULIN / Staff Writer CASA's domestic violence shelter in Hagerstown will move into a new $1.4 million home by the end of October, CASA Executive Director Vicki Sadehvandi said Thursday. The new building will have more shelter space plus five transitional apartments for CASA shelter clients. "We are so thrilled," Sadehvandi said. "Not only is it a relief for the board and staff that we can provide a more supportive environment for our clients, but it's bright and roomy for them and that's important.

The Washington County Health Department is offering residents a last chance for a flu vaccine. On Tuesday, the department is sponsoring an adult flu vaccination clinic at the Elks Lodge on Robinwood Drive, according to a news release. The clinic will run from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday. No appointments are needed, and Medicare or a $20 donation is accepted as payment. No other insurance plans can be billed. The health department has already sponsored a number of such flu vaccination clinics, including one at each of the county high schools, said Cindy Laugelli, department spokeswoman.