OCTOBER GREENESPEAK
(shown above) WILL BE
AVAILABLE BEGINING OCTOBER 2ND!
Got lots of pix and a fun story
about a lady we call BAT WOMAN!
I don't have too many updates on
the stories that were in the last
edition. Most are still pending.
I'm sad to say Jaden did NOT get
his dog back, even though numerous
GreeneSpeak readers (and probably
other folks,too, who sent letters
directly to them) sent e-mails
requesting it. They have stood
their ground. They have said the dog
was adopted out and that's the end of it.
But this thing has not smelled right
from the beginning.
It has been an eye-opening thing.
I am learning quite a few things about
how animal shelters are run and all I
gotta' say is DON'T LET YOUR PET EVER
GET THERE BY MISTAKE. IT IS NOT A SAFE
HAVEN FOR LOST PETS. The humane society
apparently waits the required two business
days (10 hours in this case)and not one
minute more, before they dispose of the
animal as they see fit, including putting
it down, having surgery done on it,
giving it to whomever they so choose, or
NOT giving it to whomever they so choose.
Why don't they want animals returned to
their owners?
When it comes to domestic animals,
THE HUMANE SOCIETY IS GOD once they
get hold of an animal or determine
that an animal, livestock and horses
included, has been abused. I am
hearing many stories, some of which
will probably turn up in print one
day, if I can verify them.
If you have something that needs
to be told about any aspect of this,
please contact me, Cindy Bailey at
724-344-7980 or cindy@greenespeak.com
And I don't mean opinions here; I mean
FACTS. You can share your opinions on
the Greene Scream page, with or wihtout
your name. I'll try to print as many as
I can. I know it's a hot issue.
For my part, I'm pretty disappointed
that the Humane Society has been
unrepsonsive to me, although the
solicitor has at least acknowledged
by e-mails. I understand they fear me
now, but in the beginning, I went to
them FIRST. Their board president, Cal
Abercrombie, told me they have nothing
to hide and invited me to come to a
meeting about Buffy, but then abruptly
cancelled the meeting and did not invite
me to attend any other. Oh well.
Meanwhile, they have one of the other
newspaper editors on their BOARD. I
suspect they will respond to his requests,
but he won't likely have any. That's not
his style. I have tried repeatedly to
contact the director from the beginning,
but she won't respond at all.
Now, they're wanting to give me a hard time
about some documents I'm requesting. Now
THAT'S never happened before, has it, HA!
I WILL get those documents, I promise you.
I think the Humane Society was rude for
not getting back to me at all about
the reader who wanted to donate registered
golden lab retriever pups to the family
if they returned the dog. That woman really
meant well.
Just FYI, last week I received some new
information on this story. It won't likely
get the dog back to Jaden, but when I'm
ready I plan to fill the public in on it,
if I possily can, as I am sure it will
shed a whole new light on the matter.
Anyway, thanks to all who tried to help!
Your letters did make a difference. The
Humane Society now knows that people are
watching them pretty closely. If and when
I get anything else, one way or the other,
I'll let you know.
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OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF
GREENESPEAK monthly newspaper
Cindy Bailey, Editor/Publisher
PH: 724-344-7980
cindy@greenespeak.com
Headquartered at
99 S. Washington St.
Waynesburg, PA 15370
Maiing Address:
P. O. Box 1003
Waynesburg, PA 15370
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
ARE AVAILABLE ON THIS
WEBSITE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES.
Call Cindy today:
724-344-7980
Beginning August 7th the August GreeneSpeak will appear on newsstands - sort of like the ghost of Jacob Marley coming to haunt Greene County's various corrupt public officials who are as greedy for power and money as Mr. Scrooge himself!
Pick up your copy of GreeneSpeak and LISTEN TO THOSE CHAINS RATTLE!
We've got LOTS of fun stuff for you. Public officials everywhere will be donning their trench coats and sunglasses to pick them up to see who's getting their you-know-whats beat up today. Hurry and get yours. If you're coming to the fair tonight, stop by and get your copy, fresh off the press. We will be there in the upper 4-H building.
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THE FLAP
Red vs. Blue or Red vs. BROWN?
Above, one looks BROWN and one looks RED. I'm pretty sure one is TANNED and the other is MAD. Greg Hopkins, the brown one, is challenging our Dollar Bill DeWeese, the red one, for Rep of the 50th District, as you know. I think their body language is also a little telling about who is on the defensive.
The two were the guests of honor at a Meet & Greet sponsored by Harvey's Grange near Graysville Sept. 8. Most of the crowd of 75 people or so wore red Hopkins shirts and were mostly from the immediate area, although there was one cranky fellow from Masontown who picked on Bill.
The brash young one (Greg) had the gall to remind the group that his opponent has not been charged NOR CLEARED in the Bonusgate scandal.
Bill responded that he was insluted by the "inference" of any guilt in the matter, pointing out that that Jefferson Borough Council and Franklin Township Sewer Authority had "no idea" that the crooked secretaries in those two agencies were stealing them blind. Yeah, right.
Recall that no one was ever charged in the Franklin Twp. fire. And I don't believe for one minute that Jefferson Council knew nothing about their devious secretary. She got away with financial murder for DECADES.
In both these cases, all these political folk were concerned about was BAD PRESS.
Now you don't think BILL has ever been worried about BAD PRESS, do you? You don't think he would turn a blind eye to some things in order to get nasty newspaper editors off his, uhm, back?
Life in government is all about KEEPING A LID ON ALL THE BOILING POOP POTS. It's all about keeping nosy reporters out of their hair, not to mention the annoying PUBLIC.
WHAT THEY DON'T KNOW WON'T HURT THEM. Keep the closets full of rancid, rotting skeletons and carry on!
I'm not accusing Bill but I have to agree with Greg; if Bill DIDN'T know about Bonusgate, he is not as competent as his dwindling, diehard Democrat supporters claim, including a supervisor who stabbed me with his eyes last night and tried to verbally assualt me that Bill has "brought a lot of money in here." Oh the pain of it: I get so wounded when people are mean to me - HA!
Bill's leadership role in the House has pretty much helped BILL not Greene County, otherwise known as Poverty-ville.
When they're begging for money, our local officials wear "Third Poorest County in PA" blazoned across their sorry chests. The rest of the time, it's lookee here and see what we did: let the coal company put their name on our pool sign and let the other coal company ruin our one decent lake and then BRAG about getting it fixed at taxpayers' expense. Bill didn't admit it the other night, but he told me personally that Consol will be paying only a portion of that tab, not all of it as they should be.
Anyway, Greene County will always get a tiny piece of the pie, pretty much like we're getting now, because coal is King, our populationis small and we're so far from Harrisburg (and civilization in general).
Frankly, if legislators spent more time legislating things that help everyone in the state, instead of grabbing pork for their own district, it would be better for the whole commonwealth, don't you agree? Pork is so FATTY and it's bad for you!
Later,
The WET HEN
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CLICK ON THE BLUE
LETTERS BELOW TO GET
GREENESPEAK ONLINE:
|
CHOOSE *JADEN*
If you read the folowing story annd think Jaden should have his dog back, send me an email with CHOOSE *JADEN* in the subejct line at: cindy@greenespeak.com I am forwarding these messages to the Humane Society.
LITTLE DOG LOST
Judge upholds Humane Society's decision not to return dog to disabled preschooler
By Cindy Bailey, GreeneSpeak Editor/Publisher
WAYNESBURG–Jaden Hayes is a blonde-haired boy of three who has shining dark eyes. He laughs a lot and he’s very active.
Right now this child, who suffers from erratic and severe epileptic seizures, knows only a handful of words, mostly, “Mommy,” “Daddy,” and “Puppy.” It’s this last one that causes in a lump in his mom Candy’s throat.
“Every night when he goes to bed, he says ‘puppy,’” she said as she sat in the GreeneSpeak office earlier this month, while in the midst of a court battle with the Humane Society of Greene County. The subject of the case is the little sandy-haired dog of mixed breed that once saved Jaden’s life by waking Candy from a sound sleep during one of his seizures. He was life-flighted to a nearby hospital and treated in time.
As Jaden explored the office, getting into things like most little kids, Candy described the first horrendous weeks of his life when he went from normal health to life-threatening illness within a few days.
What began as chronic diarrhea escalated to the point where the baby couldn’t keep anything down. He began having seizures and doctors told her he was experiencing “ bleeds” and blood clots in his brain. He suffered a stroke which paralyzed his left side.
Eventually he stabilized at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh where no one could really explain his condition despite a battery of tests. He began to tolerate a specialized formula and was sent home with a vague diagnosis of a “metabolic” disorder.
Meanwhile, Jaden’s father “couldn’t handle it,” Candy said and he left.
Fortunately, longtime friend Chuck Wolfe and his wife of Graysville, who already had a houseful of kids, took Candy and Jaden in, as well as her sister Dorthea Carter.
Candy Matusik admits that her situation is not your traditional 1950s style home with a husband, wife, 2.5 serene children, and a well-bred dog. Yet she is devoted to this family, who helped her and her small son when she had nowhere to go.
For all intents and purposes(not legally or biologically), she says, "Chuck is his dad.” Chuck is also dad to six of his own kids, one of who has autism, and foster dad to his half-brother, as well.
He speaks with concern about his own disabled son, as well as Jaden, who regresses every time he has a seizure. “He has to learn everything all over again,” Chuck says, which accounts for his limited vocabulary.
But he gets around remarkably well and wants to keep up with all the other kids in the house, most of whom are under the age of 10.
This is where Buffy comes in. Candy says the dog makes him want to walk even more when they put it on a leash.
Buffy was among a litter of mixed-breeds born in the spring; she is long like a “wiener” dog but sort of resembles a miniature collie otherwise.
In a household this size and with this much going on, most things are communal including the pups, but Dorthea had taken a liking to Buffy so Chuck said she could have her. Then Dorthea thought it would be nice to buy the license and tags for Buffy and present her back to the Wolfes for their toddler, Joshua.
As animals sometimes will do, Buffy somehow sensed that there was something different about Jaden, so she adopted him instead. They played together and slept together and the dog became a constant companion, something his physical therapist says was very good for him. In a letter, entered as an exhibit in court, the therapist wrote, “Jaden is very attached to this dog, and with all of his physical limitations, it is a positive relationship for him to be able to have.”
In August, Jaden went to visit his Grandma to give Candy a respite from his care. Chuck’s brother Robert Keller asked to watch Buffy during that time, since he owned one of the sibling pups, “Jack,” and thought they could play together.
According to Chuck, a disagreement arose between Robert and his wife about the dogs in the house, so after trying unsuccessfully to reach Chuck, Robert took the dogs to the Humane Society on Aug. 13.
Here the story gets complicated, (even the attorneys and judge were getting mixed up) so the events appear in a chronological list as follows:
•On Aug. 16, Mrs. Keller returned for Jack but did not pick up Buffy. The Humane Society did not request proof of ownership, only that she pay expenses for Jack’s stay.
•Meanwhile Robert had not been honest about where Buffy was, and Chuck and Candy were getting frantic.
•On Aug. 18, Dorthea, who had just moved to Waynesburg, went with a friend to the Humane Society to look at dogs and saw Buffy and told the staff it was “her dog,” but she didn’t ask for it.
•That evening she told Chuck about the dog and he left a message at the shelter which was closed.
•On Tues., Aug. 19, society director Jane Gapen said she knew Chuck had called but proceeded with plans to adopt the dog out.
•On Weds. Aug. 20 Chuck, Dorthea, and Candy went back, showed the dog license (still in Dorthea’s name), told Jaden’s story, and pleaded with them to have the dog back. They were told it had been adopted out. (It was actually at the vet’s being spayed).
•At around noon on Wednesday, Dorthea left a handwritten note for Craig Wise of the society board at his office with her concerns.
•The three returned later on Wednesday and Dorthea stayed behind while Chuck and Candy consulted attorney Mary Pruss.
•Craig went to the shelter late in the day and apparently he and Dorthea had an argument, although their testimony in court diverged. Wise, Gapen, and kennel manager Anita Jaggie all say Dorthea cried and said she was “afraid” of Chuck and that she willingly surrendered her rights to the dog. She says Wise threatened to put her in handcuffs and throw her in jail and “tricked” her into signing the paper.
•Meanwhile Humane Society solicitor Dave Pollock had been consulted by Gapen and he advised her to return the dog.
•On Thurs., Aug 21, Chuck bought his own license for Buffy and returned to the shelter with Pruss and Candy to no avail, although Gapen had agreed to see if the other adoptive family would give the dog back.
•On Monday Aug. 25, Pruss filed an emergency petition in the court and the dog was returned to the shelter. Chuck and Dorthea then filed a complaint against the shelter.
•The hearings were completed Sept. 2 and on Sept. 5, the judge ruled that the Human Society “may deliver the dog in question to a person or person of its choosing.” He based his decision on the law which says that any unlicensed dog “unclaimed after 48 hours may be humanely killed or given to a humane society...”
Pruss was disappointed with the ruling. In a legal brief she filed Sept. 4, she concluded, “The Humane Society ignored the attachment that Buffy has for Jaden and Jaden has for Buffy. It is difficult to understand the coldness of heart towards a three-year-old child while purporting to care about a puppy.”
Though somewhat distraught over the situation, Chuck says his household is grateful for the support of family and the community, as well as the Attorney Pruss and GreeneSpeak.
Candy, her eyes red from crying when she heard the judge’s decision, echoed Chuck’s comments, but she asks, “I’d like to ask Ms. Gapen what do I tell my son when I put him to bed and he’s asking for his ‘puppy’ ?”
[EDITOR’S NOTE: As we noted at left, GreeneSpeak has launched an effort to reunite Jaden and Buffy. If you would like to help, please send an e-mail with CHOOSE *JADEN* in the subject line and e-mail it to cindy@greenespeak.com and we’ll forward it to the Humane Society as they come in. Or write the same message on a slip of paper and mail it to: GreeneSpeak, P. O., Box 1003, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Or drop it in our box at the office on 99 S. Washington St. in Waynesburg.
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[CLICK ON THE ABOVE AD TO PRINT OUT AND MAIL IN FOR GREENE COUNTY'S BEST ADVERTISING DEAL!]
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[POSTED SEPTEMBER 8, 2008]
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PUBLICATION DELAYED!
For the first time in GreeneSpeak's history I made the editorial decision to hold up publication until I learn the outcome of at least one court case, maybe two.
Have you been following the Humane Society story in the O-R? Chuck Wolfe and his family contacted me before the case went to court, asking me for help, so I've been talking with himm, his attorney, Humane Society officials, their attorney and also been attending the hearings. We're supposed to learn something today, Friday, Sept. 8th.
It takes a lot of work to try and get both sides, especially when one side isn't very friendly.
Please understand that GreeneSpeak has been a supporter of the Humane Society and continues to firmly believe in their purpose and necessity in Greene County, but everyone makes mistakes...admitting them is the hard part.
As you well know, we fight for the UNDERDOG (pun intended)when we believe they are not being adequately heard, because the more traditional media tend to tell everythiing from the public officials' point of view, crowding out the voices, views, and hearts of the people!
Let's just say GREENESPEAK will cover this story LIKE
NO OTHER MEDIA. Please be patient and understanding with this harried, hassled newspaper publisher.
I am also covering the Britnee Moore preliminary hearing which was set for today. I haven't heard that it's been continued or anything. You recall that this girl was driving the car that hit and killed Hope Maley head-on in March 2007 near Spraggs. Tragic case, all around, but as I've said before if I hit someone head-on and killed them, the victim's family, as well as the citizens of the commonwealth, would deserve some answers.
PLEASE SEND IN YOUR COMMENTS TO THE GREENE SCREAM PAGE REGARDING ANY TOPIC.
I have several backed up and plan to post them later today.
Wish me luck!
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[POSTED JULY 17, 2008]
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THEATER OF THE ABSURD CONTINUES ITS AMAZING RUN
So anyway, I find it curious that GCCYS Director Lori Harbert has been transferred to that same position in Washington County even as the investigation of Baby T. is SUPPOSEDLY going on. Recall that Harbert was allegedly the person who practically yanked Baby T. from her mother's arms last fall.
I can't get any word on what's going on, if anything, regarding Baby T., and I have to tell you that I am skeptical of anything ever happening to bring justice to this toddler.
Apparently the local politicians and/or political appointees here have gotten to Mr. Richard Gold, the state deputy secretary of the DPW, who wrote me personally and guaranteed that an investigation would commence.
He came here and met with some foster/adopt/birth parents last week, but not before he rudely and unprofessionally told me to, uhm, GET OUT. All of those folks, with a couple of exceptions, asked me to be there for at least part of that meeting.
As soon as I said my name, I could see he was loaded for bear. After all, he had spent the day with the fine folks at Greene County CYS, who gave him an earful about me and the other nutcases he was about to meet with. TOO BAD SOMEONE THIS HIGH UP CAN'T THINK FOR HIMSELF. OH WELL, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? THEY TREAT BABIES LIKE CHATTEL, SO HOW TO DO THINK THEY WILL TREAT TROUBLEMAKERS??????
Really, Mr. Gold, for all his fancy pants, is not too smart. What is the first thing a political appointee like him should learn? TREAT THE PRESS WITH CARE, THEY HAVE ACCESS TO A WHOLE LOT MORE INK, WHITE SPACE, AND CYBERSPACE THAN YOU.
But Mr. Gold was RUDE, UNPROFESSIONAL, and told me to get off the property. Who is he to tell me to get off pubic property? He violated my constitutional rights, plus he pissed of all the people in the meeting, most of whom had already told me their stories which have been printed in GreeneSpeak. This ain't over, believe me....
Anyway, Washington County can have the compassionate Ms. Harbert for all I care. She certainly created (or helped greatly to create) an atmosphere of intimidation here in Greene County, according to the dozens of parents I have talked with.
Fortunately, I have some contacts in Washington County who can keep me informed of her shenanigans there....
On another note, don't you just love Bill DeWeese's comment in the O-R today about Angela Bertugli who "is blessed with one of the finest families among all of my acquaintances"?????????
BILL, METHINKS THE TRUE COLORS OF YOUR PETTICOAT ARE SHOWING....
Boy, Bill sure must be SCARED TO DEATH of Pam Snyder, our fine commission chairwoman and first cousin of Angela's late father (See below for more of "Bonus Babe's" political family members). All I can say is OH MY GOD, DOES BILL THINK WE'RE IDIOTS????????????
And then there is the righteous letter to the editor from Bill Northrop, retired co-publisher of the O-R, "Finally, they got caught," who brags about his and the O-R's role in the open records laws, etc.
Mr. Northrop's family was among the founders of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association which once was located on this side of the state. The PNA, long since relocated to Harrisburg, has become a powerful lobbyist at the State Capitol. Lobbyists, as you know, schmooze with politicians in order to get their slant written into legislation.
Newspapers, as you know, need ad money and powerful friends. Large and mid-sized newspapers with bloated payrolls, like the O-R, are IN THE TOILET right now because of their greedy grab for ad revenue to OVERPAY their executives and to hire staff who DO NOTHING but kiss public officials' backsides.
Do you see a connection here as to why the mainstream media often is biased in favor of public officials as opposed to the common people?
GreeneSpeak is a member of the PNA and we largely support their efforts, but you always have to be aware of the big picture and remember that EVERYONE has an agenda....Mine is THROW THE BUMS OUT and JUSTICE FOR THE UNDERDOG!
CHECK OUT THE GREENE SCREAM PAGE FOR MORE FUN STUFF TODAY.
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[POSTED JULY 12, 2008] 2:30 p.m.
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Okay, so I just found out that Angela's brother, Chris, is on the PA Gaming Board. Type in his name and you will see he was hired as an "investigator" in 2006. But surely all these related folks getting great PA government jobs isn't political or nepotistic or anything, do you think?
Unfortunately the other newspapers out east are making fun of Ms. Bertugli's former reign as Miss Rain Day. She is being called the "Bonus Babe" etc. Too bad for innocent kids who want to wear that crown or who have worn it. Too bad for well-meaning volunteers who are trying to do put on this pageant for downtown Waynesburg, but unfortunately this year's pageant will be TAINTED with the smell of this ugly scandal.
On the other hand, we have a Bertugli as the president or co-president of the Rain Day Pageant this year and the committee has decided to snub GreeneSpeak, removing us from the media list and not participating with us this year, even though they always have and even though we always rent a booth there, and we ALWAYS cover both before and after the event with tons of photos. We HOPE it's nothing political that they refuse to send us press releases. Do YOU think it is????????
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[POSTED JULY 12, 2008]
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'UNTOUCHABLES' ARE GOIN' DOWN!
By Cindy Bailey, GreeneSpeak Editor/Publisher and Greene County Pubic Official's Biggest Pain in the You-Know-What
Regarding Bonusgate, don't you just love Mike Manzo's photo on the front page of the O-R? I recall having met this cocky little smooth talker a number of times. That expression on his face today isn't remorse or agony; he's just pissed off that they actually had the gall to put him in cuffs.
That's why he worked so well in PA politics: he definitely had a bloated vision of himself as some kind of untouchable and he managed to bamboozle a lot of other people under him to believe the same thing about themselves.
It's a sad day for the state of PA, but the COMMON PEOPLE WHO PAY ALL THEIR SALARIES HAVE BEEN VINDICATED!
I don't figure too many of them will see jail time, but at least they won't be around the legislature anymore.
I loved how the O-R would not mention Angela Bertugli's name yesterday, but they were forced into it today because the Philly Inquirer plastered her face on THEIR front page.
So what does the O-R do? The QUOTE the Inquirer in a little gray box WITH NO BYLINE. Now, you couldn't expect any of Greene County's reporters to take the heat for that one, could you?
You mean they can't write their own story about a Greene County native with a Greene County political name who's grandpap Remo was longtime sheriff and only recently resigned as Rices Landing Mayor?
Not to mention that Remo Jr. and Commissioner Pam Snyder were cousins. Remo, Jr. was a longtime school board member at Jeff-Morgan and football coach at West Greene.
Now, I'm not implying that Pam or the elder Remo had anything to do with any of this, but don't you suppose that the girl thought she was untouchable since she had such an old respected NAME?
Perhaps her name will keep her out of jail???????????
OF COURSE, the O-R wouldn't want to do anything to hurt Pam Snyder's little delicate feelings. How can the O-R continue to be her personal pep squad if they are picking on her relations?
You know, she might cause them to lose some ads and we all know that the O-R, like every other bloated print newspaper in America, IS LOSING THEIR SHORTS these days.
But THE SMALL, FREE, ALL LOCAL NEWSPAPERS LIKE **GREENESPEAK** ARE KICKING EVERYONE ELSE'S BUTT JUST BECAUSE WE TRY LIKE HELL TO GET TO THE TRUTH (See today's first Greene Scream for more on that) and we write ALL LOCAL STORIES AND COMMENTARY.
My God, but the people in charge here sure do run the other newspapers....TOO BAD THEY CAN'T RUN GREENESPEAK, but they sure as heck are working to block my every move
You see, they can control all the people on the public payroll, even a little weenie DPW Secretary of the state CYS, BUT THEY CANNOT CONTROL THE PEOPLE.
They cannot control all the families who have come forward voluntarily to report on what happened to them in regards to GCCYS. THIS AIN'T OVER!
As I have said for months now, in my mind, I have an image of a little toddler I call "Baby T" and she represents ALL those kids who have not had a chance to become a part of a normal family or to return to their own family because some little weenie bureaucrat who has over 20 years in the offices here says "THESE KIDS ARE MINE AND YOU AREN'T GETTING THEM."
No, it's not over. NOT EVEN CLOSE!
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[POSTED JULY 11, 2008]
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NEWEST INDUCTEE INTO THE 'PUBLIC OFFICIALS' HALL OF SHAME'
By Cindy Bailey, GreeneSpeak Editor/Publisher
OMG! You will LOVE the stories I am already working on for the August edition. UNBELIEVABLE! Just so you know: America DOES ACTUALLY STOP at the Greene County line.
OOOOOOH YEAH, I'M STILL KICKIN'....as many backsides as one little renegade newspaper publisher can....but yeah, just in case anyone needs to be reminded: GREENESPEAK IS A REAL NEWSPAPER AND AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION, just like the "other media" around these here parts.
BUT, GreeneSpeak provides more Greene County news, views, photos, and local writers that you have not already read elsewhere, than you'll find in any other single edition (or several editions) of any other print publication available here. That is not only a pledge and promise; it's the truth!
Take a look at the dailies and see how much news is from Washington and Fayette counties. Take a look at the weekly and you might as well just stick with the dailies.
Take at look at any of the newspapers here and you will be seeing everything from the viewpoint of THE PUBLIC OFFICIALS WHO HAVE A GRIP ON ALL THE OTHER PRESS HERE pretty much all of the time. Occasionally, they may "pick on" Harrisburg officials, but no one, BUT NO ONE ever picks on Greene County's Good Ol' Boys and Girls (in drag) because Greene County public officials from the commissioners down to the lowliest township supervisor (not to mention their secretaries!) try to make the lives of reporters who dare A LIVING HELL.
But they can't GO OVER MY HEAD, BECAUSE MINE IS THE ONLY HEAD HERE - HA! HA! I'll see them ALL in hell! Sorry, I'm getting carried away....
Just remember: In Greene County, there is no JUSTICE FOR ALL. Only JUSTICE FOR THE ONES WE LIKE....but stay tuned....
Oh man, don't you just love the Wal-Mart boondoggle! Too bad I didn't include it in the print edition, but as of this moment, I hereby induct WAYNESBURG CROSSINGS WAL-MART into the PUBLIC OFFICIAL'S HALL OF SHAME for what surely must be the single most dragged-out Wal-Mart project ever started in America (which of course stops at the Greene County line so maybe I should leave the "America" part out).
I suspect the Wal-Mart will be another WalGREENS, an empty building sitting there waiting for a date - in court. Don't cha' just love it?
And then there's BONUSGATE....makes you wonder WHO PAID WHO to take the heat and possible jail sentences. I don't think ANYONE in the whole GA was completely innocent, but how can they put them all in jail???????
Another Greene Scream came in today with some pertinent comments on today's topics. Enjoy!
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[POSTED JULY 7, 2008]
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It really pushed me to get the July GreeneSpeak out on July 3rd, but I'm glad I did. Now it's time to move on to the next one!
I guess the fireworks were cancelled the other night.I didn't even go into town because I figured they would be. However, I understand that lots of folks showed up in hopes of seeing them.
What I don't understand is why they (commissioners/county recreation department, whoever) can't somehow find a way to let people know what's going on. Even a sandwich board in front of the fairgrounds with the words "fireworks at dusk" and a big "cancelled" sign which could be placed over top would be helpful.
Of course Greene County government leaves GreeneSpeak out of all media contact which is a disservice to my readers, but you would THINK that they could force themselves to get on the phone and at least call the local radio station.
But the people who would do the calling are off, of course, and the people who ARE working are kissing the backsides of the politicians who are showing their faces, so there is NO ONE to let the people know what's going on.
Here's a thought: why can't the county government establish an 800 number with recorded messages on whatever it is people need to know on any given day. I don't mean emergency messages, but just local stuff, like the fireworks, or like I-79 is shut down due to an accident, or stoplights aren't working in Waynesburg because of power failure. Not that hard, really.
They have these numbers and CELL PHONES for everything and everyone else. All they would need to do is record a voice mail that says, "FIREWORKS CANCELLED". Someone could do it from home online.
A reader sent me a Greene Scream about the fireworks. late Saturday night. Read his take today.
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[POSTED JUNE 18, 2008]
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I know everyone is feeling the crunch in this awful economy. Now, they are pick on poor ol' bananas. My daughter sent me an op-ed about it. Get on the New York Times Opinion page and type in "Yes, We Will Have No Bananas."
It's worrisome, but I am committeed to keeping this website and the print edition of GreeneSpeak FREE to all. I also work hard to keep my ad prices low, but EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. Business Card Ad are only $25 in GreeneSpeak, so if you need a cheap ad, call me 724-344-7980. First Ad is Free.
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POSTED JUNE 16, 2008]
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KISS YOUR KIDS...AND THEN LET THEM GO
So don't you wonder when or if all these skyrocketing prices will end? Now the tornados have destroyed the Iowa cornfields. It makes you wonder if we're heading into the End Times, doesn't it?
All I know is that we have to live every day as if it's our last and make sure the people we love KNOW that we love them every time we part.
I was shaken by the deaths of the two young adults in the tractor accident over the weekend. Stevie Yourchik was in my Sunday School way back when I used to teach and serve as superintendent (in my other life!). He was a quiet, polite kid who never gave you any mouth or trouble. I just love his sisters and his mom. My heart just breaks for them and the family of the young woman. The Baileys are praying for them all. Such a waste. Such unimaginable agony for their families and friends.
I KNOW Stevie was loved and is in the presence of God.
The day they leave your body is the day you have to kiss them and hand them over to the Creator. That's just all you can do.
Speaking of...many of you know my daughter Julie accetped an internship in Egypt (!?!) teaching English this summer.
Talk about handing your kid over!
Thanks to everyone for their prayers thus far. She has safely arrived and is settling in - had a wild boat ride down the Nile (more on that later!) and saw the pyramids on horseback by night.
Me? I'm just trying to get the laundry done.
AH, youth!
##
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POSTED MAY 25, 2008
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LEST WE FORGET...an appropriate Greene Scream came in today for the few who may be sitting at their computers instead of going outside today!
##
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POSTED MAY 23, 2008
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THE RUNAROUND STOPS HERE
The folks at StoneMor which owns the Greene County Memorial Park on Jefferson Road are working hard at giving me the runaround, so I am publishing my written request for answers right here. Last time I did this, the state announced they would launch an invesitgation of Greene County CYS, which they did! So let's see what happens this time! Lawrence Miller is the head hauncho at StoneMor.
Also, a couple of new Greene Screams came in.
##
Hello Mr. Miller--
My name is Cindy Bailey and I am Editor/Publisher of a newspaper called GreeneSpeak in Waynesburg, PA.
I have been in contact with Mike Stache and a number of other employees of StoneMor. I wrote an investigative piece last month regarding one of your cemeteries, Greene County Memorial Park in Waynesburg, Pa.
I was told by the maintenance supervisor, Jim Kuntz, that I should talk with the new sales manager, Bob Conley, who was apparently brought on staff there after I started snooping around. I have seen that some improvements have taken place and Mr. Kuntz said some window panes were being replaced in the mausoleum, but I had some other questions about what is being done.
However, although Mr. Conley agreed to meet with me today, when I arrived at his office, he told me he couldn't speak with me and that I had to contact the "higher-ups" and put my questions in writing. In short, I got the runaround, but I am not giving up.
So here are my questions in writing:
1. First and foremost, I'd like to know why cemetery staff routinely are burying empty vaults that were sold "pre-need". Doesn't this mean they have to be dug up and cleaned out when the "need" arises? I KNOW this is happening because I saw it with my own eyes. I've had two attorneys and a number of cemetery workers tell me that the vaults are buried pre-need so the company can access the merchandising trust fund early. Is this true? I am told that maintenance workers are expected to bury hundreds of these things to the exclusion of everything else, which is why there are problems at this cemetery. Don't the plot owners have to give permission for this? The director of the state Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association tells me that this is an "unusual" practice but could/would not offer an explanation of why someone might do it. Can you address any of this?
2. I'd also like to know if anyone has tested the air quality of the mausoleum at this sight to determine if it is safe for people to be in there. The place smells and that's all there is to it. I'm told that coffins are placed in the crypts on top of kitty litter to absorb "drainage". What's going on here? Is the smell embalming fluid which naturally contains harmful chemicals that people shouldn't be breathing? If the air has been tested, I'd like to see a copy of that document.
3. Which brings me to the wiring in the mausoleum. The breaker box looks dangerous, but not as dangerous as the outlet which has apparently been soaked with drainage from the windows. Is this why the ventilation fans aren't working? Is this why there's a smell and potential health hazard?
4. I'd also like to know why workers are painting concrete statues which are not designed to accept paint.
5. Additionally, doesn't anyone associated with Greene Memorial Park think it's a poor practice to stack vaults in plain sight of the cemetery with no fence or anything? There are two locations where they are in plain view, one worse than the other. They are covered with bird droppings. I'm assuming staff members are doing this to save time since they have to bury so many empty ones, but maybe there is another explanation.
6. I also have questions about the dubious advertising techniques of Mr. Conley and some others there (see attached). Using "public notice" at the top of the ad leads people to believe that it is a LEGAL notice. Also, the reference to the "privacy policy" is obviously meant to make it sound more official than it is, when we all know it's just an advertising gimmick (SCAM) for the sales staff to get more leads. Can you address this as well?
7. I have been contacted by a number of other folks who have all sorts of concerns, and they are telling me that they have been trying to get ANY response from you people for YEARS. Are you hoping they will go away? Why does it take an investigative reporter to get things moving?
8. Finally, I wonder why there are no efforts to trim around the flat markers. Many are so far down in the ground, there are almost lost. It seems to me that it would not be too difficult to get some Scout groups or something to come in and dig around the markers a little. Isn't that what perpetual care is? I have a great uncle who died on D Day at Normandy and who is buried there. I'd hate to think that after my generation is gone, his marker will be lost to the encroaching ground.
If I don't hear anything from this e-mail, I will be contacting you by phone. Meanwhile, I have published the content of this e-mail on my website so my readers know I'm not giving up or letting them down. I have an obligation to follow through on this story and was truly endeavoring to make sure the cemetery officials had an opportunity to talk about what they are doing to address the concerns of the public. However, I plan to publish another story in the coming days, with or without any "official" response to these questions.
Sincerely,
Cindy Bailey
"Free Speech still lives in Greene County, Pa."
Cindy Bailey
Editor & Publisher
GreeneSpeak Publications
P.O. Box 1003
Waynesburg, PA 15370
PH: 724-344-7980
FX: 724-267-3911
Website: www.greenespeak.com
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POSTED MAY 16, 2008
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Just in....
I got this via e-mail just now. I wonder if a cheeky little newspaper making fun of their Wal-Mart project had anything to do with our fine public officials scambling to get this together?
Let's see....they've been making announcements about this since the year 2000....GreeneSpeak publishes a satirical photo of a Fayette County commissioners bringing in their old Wal-Mart on a truck and a month later, they schdule another groundbreaking ceremony? Cause and effect or just a coincidence? You decide!!
Pardon our skepticism, but we'll believe it when we see it. You can be sure if the doors ever DO open, it will be the smallest, crappiest Wal-Mart in America.
Anyway, if you want to come to the kissy-face groundbreaking ceremony, consider the press release below as your personal invitation. If anyone asks, tell 'em GREENESPEAK SENT YOU!!!
Also another Greene Scream today.
##
Wal-Mart Plans Ground-Breaking Ceremony for Waynesburg Supercenter
Local elected officials to join Wal-Mart and Cleveland Construction representatives for ceremonial ground-breaking Monday, May 19
WAYNESBURG, Greene County (May 15, 2008) --- Construction is scheduled to begin soon on a new 143,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter in Franklin Township on Murtha Drive off state Route 21 near the county airport just outside Waynesburg, Greene County.
Local elected officials will join representatives from Wal-Mart and Cleveland Construction for a ceremonial ground-breaking at the primary access point to the new store off Murtha Drive, which is named in honor of U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown.
WHAT: Ground-breaking ceremony for new Wal-Mart Supercenter
WHEN: 10 a.m. Monday, May 19
WHERE: Murtha Drive, located off state Route 21. Murtha Drive will serve as the primary access point for the store in Franklin Township, Greene County
WHO: Invited to attend the event include: U.S. Rep. John Murtha; state Sen. Barry Stout; state Rep. H. William DeWeese; county commissioners Pam Snyder, Dave Coder and Archie Trader; and township supervisors T. Reed Kiger, John Higgins and Corbly Orndorff.
As the ceremonial ground-breaking demonstrates, Wal-Mart is dedicated to working closely with local and state officials to ensure the new store meets community needs. Wal-Mart is proud of its involvement as a good neighbor and looks forward to being an active corporate citizen in local community affairs and activities.
The new store will result in added tax revenue for local government and the school system, and it could mean as many as 300 new associate job positions.
The new Supercenter is a significant investment for Wal-Mart, and the company will continue to reach out to local residents to make sure the store benefits all customers by providing a safe and aesthetically pleasing shopping experience.
The Supercenter will offer the ultimate in convenience --- grocery shopping and multiple departments of general merchandise, including apparel, jewelry, lawn and garden, health and beauty aids, electronics, a pharmacy and more --- all under one roof.
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POSTED MAY 14, 2008
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TWO MORE GREENE SCREAMS TODAY!
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POSTED MAY 13, 2008
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The FLAP
What's up with THAT?
I've been noticing something really ODD lately.
The hamburger buns at Wendy's are ROUND, even though their burgers are SQUARE. No. Really. I'm not kidding.
I think maybe I'll do a full-length important feature story on this. I mean, what's up with THAT????
We have the hurricanes and earthquakes killing thousands and threatening the lives of millions more from the destruction and pestilence.
Then there's the war, of course, and the presidential election, not to mention ridiculous property taxes and the rape of the land from mineral extraction in this corner of the world.
In Greene County, we have way too many kids who drop out of school, have babies at 14, and never learn to read or hold a job, but I really think it's so much more significant to present really dumb articles about sandwiches, buns in particular, don't you agree?
As I am muddling over this, it occurs to me that maybe the folks at Wendy's are aware that most women's bras do not fit, so maybe they're thinking that, instead of tossing those round buns in the trash, people on low-carb diets could recyle by stuffing their cups with (you guessed it) ROUND hamburger buns....but that's just me.
##
On another note, Lil' Ol' Me has been quoted in the
Sunday (May 11)Philadelphia Inquirer, along with lots of other Greene County folks. Story is "In the black," a business piece about the rising price of coal by Jane Von Bergen (www.philly.com).
I think it should still be on there under the Business section. I had lunch with Jane and her photographer. Very down to earth folks, even if they were from the big city--ha! ha! Jane did an excellent job with the story, I thought.
##
Also, the Pittsburgh Regional CYS director called me to confirm that an INVESTIGATION OF THE BABY T. CASE IS IN FACT UNDERWAY.
I'll tell you more when I get more on it.
##
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POSTED MAY 10, 2008
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WEBSITE UPDATED AT LAST
I've been having some issues lately with this website, but I finally have been able to update it. I hope it's a little easier to navigate now.
By the way, couple of Greene Screams came in today.
Enjoy!
##
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POSTED MAY 1, 2008
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TO ALL THOSE LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND OTHERS WHO IGNORED MY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING REFORMS AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR GCCYS AND GC HUMAN SERVICES IN THE BABY T CASE AND OTHER ISSUES, GREENESPEAK SAYS:
SURPRISE! SURPRISE! SURPRISE!
Your flip and arrogant attitude toward the people who are trying to help Greene County's unwanted children has gotten the attention of the state DPW and the governor's office who say they have launched an investigation into the situation.
ALL GREENESPEAK WANTS IS THE TRUTH and the public deserves some sort of explanation and evidence of a true effort to make sure this doesn't happen again. THIS IS NOT PERSONAL.
STAY TUNED.
If any reader has something to add about GCCYS, contact me at cindy@greenespeak.com or send in your GREENE SCREAM on the Greene Scream page.
Later - off to deliver the news far and wide!!!
##
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POSTED MARCH 24, 2008
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The FLAP
Okay, so it's been going on three weeks since the March edition of GreeneSpeak was published and here's a shock: I HAVEN'T HEARD ONE WORD FROM ANYONE AT GCCYS, Greene County Human Services, or from the commissioners about what they plan to do to address this situation of Baby T's two failed adoptions, which I believe is just one of MANY similar stories.
Whether the Important People like it or not, this isn't about ME or GREENESPEAK. It's about a little baby being used as some kind of club to beat people into submission. And it's WRONG.
Now, we all know that my politics are not the "correct" ones, but surely we can all see that this is about BABIES.
My last nerve has been gotten on, so I have e-mailed the following letter to the People in Charge. Thought you might like to know what's going on and to let you know that I'm doing what I can to fight for Baby T. and kids like her.
ENJOY! And feel free to submit comments to the Greene Scream. I have been offline for a bit, but there are some recents ones I have just posted today].
[The following letter was e-mailed 3-24-08 by me to Karen Bennett, director of Human Services; Farley Toothman, county solicitor; Greg Hook GCCYS solicitor; Lori Harbert GCCYS director; Pam Snyder and Archie Trader, commissioners; and the Litton family].
As most of you already know, GreeneSpeak has published two investigative pieces (in Feb. and March) about the failed adoptions of "Baby T." If you have not seen the stories, let me know and I will see that you get copies. In both cases, the families came forward and asked to go on record with their names, their stories, and documents in hopes of helping other potential parents.
As the Editor/Publisher of GreeneSpeak, I feel that I owe my readers and this entire community, as well as the Blakers and the Littons, a follow-up article regarding what reforms are being discussed and/or being put in place to ensure that this type of injustice is avoided as much as possible in the future.
I had hoped that someone representing GCCYS or Greene County would have contacted me with your goals or plans for the near future, or at least some sort of explanation as to how an innocent toddler could slip through the cracks like this. I believe this lack of response shows a definite lack of good faith, not only toward myself, but toward the Blakers, the Littons, my readers, and all Greene County residents who are trusting CYS to care for our most vulnerable citizens.
I also believe that the Blakers and the Littons deserve a confidential update on the welfare of this child. The public may not need to be privy to this information, but these two couples deserve some measure of peace.
I would also like to know if any staff members are being disciplined for their actions or if any system of checks and balances is being put in place for such things as recording phone calls, staff visits to the home, and family members visiting the GCCYS office.
I must admit I am not surprised that no information has been forthcoming.
After all, I attended a Human Services Advisory Board meeting in February where board members who had questions were told that this was an "inappropriate" venue in which to ask them. What, then is the purpose of the advisory board, if not to give input regarding issues that come up? Mr. Blaker said he was told the same thing at a GCCYS meeting last fall.
Likewise, I'm told that in March (following the release of "An Incredible Injustice" in the March GreeneSpeak), Ms. Snyder advised members of the GCCYS Advisory Board the same thing: that it was "inappropriate" to ask about Baby T. at that meeting.
What you may not realize is that the Blakers and Littons are merely the people who wanted to go on record. I have been contacted by numerous other families who have their own horror stories but who are still afraid to come forward for fear of "retaliation" from GCCYS. Realize that this includes folks whose adopted children are now grown and gone. This leads me to believe that the situation with Baby T. is not isolated and that the problems there are chronic.
I had noticed in last week's O-R that several staff members have been hired to fill longstanding vacancies at CYS and I hope the Blakers' and Littons' stories helped get that moving, but this is only a start.
I am willing to meet this week, day or evening, with anyone who would like to discuss this. Failing that, I am looking forward to a written response (by the end of this week, please) with whatever you are doing to address this situation, including some specific plans (or at least suggestions) for reform in the near future at GCCYS.
I will look forward to something by the end of this week as I plan to address this in the next edition with or without your response. If I receive no response, I will note that my request was refused, which will be telling enough for GreeneSpeak's readership.
I truly hope that politics can be placed aside in the interest of our children.
Thank you,
Cindy Bailey
"Free Speech still lives in Greene County, Pa."
Cindy Bailey
Editor & Publisher
GreeneSpeak Publications
P.O. Box 1003
Waynesburg, PA 15370
PH: 724-344-7980
FX: 724-267-3911
Website: www.greenespeak.com
##
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POSTED FEBRUARY 17, 2008
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PEOPLE ARE OUTRAGED ABOUT THE BABY T. STORY.
KEEP YOUR CALLS, LETTERS, AND COMMENTS COMING!
EVERY ONE OF YOUR SUBMISSIONS HELPS ME DO MY JOB
AND I THANK YOU!
Two more Greene Screams today:
one about Baby T. and one about the Towers.
Enjoy!
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POSTED FEBRUARY 16, 2008
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Another Greene Scream came in.
A reader asks: WHAT'S GOING ON WITH BABY T.?????
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POSTED FEBRUARY 13, 2008
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The FLAP
THE LATEST ON WAL-MART
All over town I have been hearing rumors that Wal-Mart had pulled out of the Waynesburg Crossings project, but I called McHomle Construction, who is the developer and as of today. they tell me "NOT SO!"
Brian McGurk, Vice Presdient of McHolme, says the project is "defintely" still on. He says it will have to be re-bid in the spring, but that construction will begin after that. He says a target date for the opening is "early '09."
McGurk says there is NO problem with the soil as far settling or anything else. He says the rumors about Wal-Mart pulling out are absolutely NOT TRUE. "Walmart has spent millions on the site, they aren't going to pull out now," he said.
This is what I got, folks. If you have something SPECIFIC which is contrary to McGurk's comments, please contact me at: cindy@greenespeak.com or 724-344-7980. I'd love to hear it!
Like I said in the January GreeneSpeak, people sure do love to talk about Wal-Mart.
People are telling me that some sort of meeting was held and Wal-Mart got mad and pulled out, but McGurk says this is not true.
You would think our illustrious commissioners would address this situation, but they might have to admit a delay or something like MORE MONEY IS NEEDED FROM YOU, THE HAPLESS TAXPAYER.
All I know is that every time I ever call anybody about Wal-Mart, the answer is always the same: Wal-Mart will be opening one year from now.
I think I've been quoting that same statement from dozens of officials since the year 2000!
It's all about money. I suspect they are trying to squeeze more money out of the commissioners (YOU) like they did when Pam and the gang floated that bond issue a year or so ago. Nothing is ever free and all these state and federal grants that come in always require a MATCH--you know, YOUR taxes.
Gotta' love that Greene Team. They are really straight shooters, don't cha' think?
##
ALSO...two new Greene Screams came in. Enjoy!
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POSTED FEBRUARY 7, 2008
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We covered most of Greene County today
with the February edition, but we've still
got some places left. Please be patient.
we should be done by noon tomorow!
Meanwhile, a Greene Scream came in about
the heartbreaking story of "Baby T."
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POSTED FEBRUARY 6, 2008
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GREENESPEAK HITS THE STANDS TOMORROW!
We've been hitting the bad guys (and girls)
pretty hard, but I will admit, they have exhausted
me. I think I will go rest now before I start
delivering my propaganda to all of Greene County
tomorrow.
YOU WILL LOVE IT!
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POSTED JANUARY 20, 2008--8:19 A.M.
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Another disgruntled voter says it's time for a change.
See the GREENE SCREAM.
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POSTED JANUARY 19, 2008--P.M.
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Okay, so another good Greene Scream just came in and no, I did not write it, but I DO like it!
Enjoy "The Have and Won't Have" list.
Maybe you have more stuff to add.
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POSTED JANUARY 19, 2008--A.M.
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Another Greene Scream has been posted.
Enjoy and stay warm!
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POSTED JANUARY 18, 2008
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GREAT FEEDBACK COMING IN
Hearing lots of great feedback regarding the January print edition of GreeneSpeak. I think after the holidays, everybody must have been really ready to read the REAL news--ha! ha!
Anyway, keep the feedback coming, good, bad, or whatever! I take every comment under consideration and try to use it to improve my publications and to present as many views as possible. (And trust me, our elected officials use this website and our print edition to find out what the REAL people are talking about. You know, the ones who don't owe the politicians anything!)
Please, anytime, feel free to contact Greene County's only truly FREE newspaper via this website or E-mail: cindy@greenespeak.com, or by phone: 724-344-7980.
Several new Greene Screams have come in.
ENJOY!!!
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POSTED JANUARY 14, 2008
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The FLAP
I suspect the DeWeese camp is in a state
of panic right now. Lots of folks loved the
pig bus on our front page and the
commentary inside, but there are still
some diehards out there who just
LOVE BILL, no matter what he does
or doesn't do. I suspect the Hopikins
Team will have their hands full getting
past that barrier, but God bless 'em for
their efforts!
On another note, if you saw Sunday's front
page story in the O-R about the number
of accidents in Greene County last year,
did you also note the paragraph about
how "cell phones may have played role"
in the deaths of Hope Maley and the
Davises?
That statement was made but
not attributed to anyone or any document.
The D. A. tells me that this is still rumor
and that the police reports regarding
these two accidents are not public yet.
I'd like to know where that information
came from and why they thought it
pertinent to the story.
Especially in the
Maley death, I thought it was inappropriate
to mention this if they don't have the
facts, esp. since a civil suit is pending.
I hope no one is trying to influence anyone
inappropriately, but that's just me.
Sort of makes it sound like the
girls were both yakking on the phone
and well accidents just happen, so
forget it.
Let me be clear: If anyone in
my family were ever injured or worse
by a driver hitting them head-on, I don't
care how many cell phones were in the
cars, I'd want some answers.
Is it just me, or am I nuts?
I still say if I killed someone in this
manner, especially someone with
"important" connections, I'd be in jail
right now for manslaughter.
I welcome comments on this topic, via
the Greene Scream page,
E-mail: cindy@greenespeak.com, or
by phone: 724-344-7980
Sometimes I just want to know if anyone
out there thinks like I do or am I, as my
detractors will say, JUST A NUT?
Also, two more Greene Screams came in
today on some other topics.
Enjoy and stay warm!!
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POSTED JANUARY 9, 2008
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BREAKING NEWS:
Greg Hopkins has announced that he will be seeking the office of State Representative of District 50 in the November 2008 election.
"Since the 2006 election, my strength and resolve for a better way of government has only grown stronger. I look back and compare what we
campaigned on then to what is happening now. Honesty, integrity and trust are the values that I see in a leader. My vision does not include behavior requiring an investigation by the Attorney General. We need role models of good conduct in leadership. Citizens deserve to have someone represent them that is a reflection of what they value and believe. Our residents here are hardworking, honest and committed to their families and communities. I will represent them and not compromise my core values or beliefs."
Hopkins continues, "Real reform is not coming out of Harrisburg as promised. What is comingout is another huge scandal brewing around our incumbent. ‘Bonusgate’ is a breach of trust bigger than the midnight pay grab. Our thirty-one year incumbent has been very busy trying to
remove himself from this scandal and spinning story after story, to try and explain himself ou of it. He can’t. He is at the center. In 2006, my campaign spent $47,000 to the incumbent’s 1.2 million dollars. …and we won in Greene County! In 2008, citizens will not only speak, they will be heard. My pledge and promise to this district is to bring in a new era of trust."
Greg Hopkins, a Republican, is 36 years old. He is a graduate and Academic All-American of Slippery Rock University with a degree in Environmental Science. He played professionally with the Arena Football League for eleven years and retired last year. He was a key component in
forming the Arena Football Players Union. During his stellar career, he was chosen Ironman of the Year, the League’s most prestigious honor. He was elected as one of the top twenty players in League history and his number, 82, was retired in 2007 and hangs permanently in Staples
Center in Los Angeles. He is currently coaching as well as running a family farm in Nineveh, Pa where he resides. He has served seven years as the Morris Township auditor and serves as a community activist and active volunteer.
##
ALSO TWO MORE MORE GREENE SCREAMS TODAY. ENJOY!
##
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POSTED DEC 26, 2007
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THE FLAP
I STAND BY WHAT I WRITE AND PUBLISH
(If you didn't know already: This section of the website is written by ME: Cindy Bailey, Editor/Publisher GreeneSpeak Publications, cindy@greenespeak.com, 724-344-7980).
Regarding the Greene Scream Page, I want to make sure all readers understand that the letters posted on the Greene Scream Page are written by READERS ONLY. Most of them are sent in anonymously, and I have ABSOLUTELY NO WAY OF KNOWING WHO SENT THEM IN unless the writers tell me, which they usually don't.
I try to publish as many Greene Screams as I can, representing as many viewpoints as possible. I don't get them updated as often as I should; I'm a one-person show at GreeneSpeak & I just get to stuff when I get to it. Most of my longtime readers have been VERY UNDERSTANDING about this and I APPRECIATE IT!
Anyway, I do not always agree with everything I post on the Greene Scream Page, and I do not post things which seem personally malicious to anyone. Some of these things are a judgement call, of course, but my intention here is to provide a cross section of opinions and thoughts from anyone who cares about what's affecting Greene County, PA these days.
Having said that, however, I make no apologies for printing the opinions of others, which most news outlets do everyday. Do you think the Observer, for example, agrees with every letter they print? If you think that, then you don't understand newspapers at all.
In regard to the letters I publish here and/or in the print edition, I welcome opposing viewpoints at any time. I do NOT welcome (or print) personal attacks on myself or the letter writers. Disagree with us all you want, but PLEASE SPARE US your opinions on our spiritual welfare, love life, weight, or, well you get the idea....because frankly, WE JUST DON'T CARE. WHAT WE CARE ABOUT IS A BETTER, MORE EQUAL QUALITY OF LIFE IN GREENE COUNTY, PA.
I stand by what I print as well as what I write. And whatever I write has my name on it. You can't beat me up with my own publications. Sorry. Go ahead, stand up and read my work out loud in a public meeting or anywhere else; JUST MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE MY BYLINE! (If someone else wrote it, please include THEIR byline). The more people who learn of me and GREENESPEAK, the better!
Onto another matter, I just want to say that the lengths some people will go to maintain their political power in Greene County continue to amaze even me.
Right now, I know of several famlies who are fighting to keep their homes and families together while the political machines try to mow them down and silence them. You already know how much I loathe this type of thing, how it gives me a reason to live AND publish. I will apprise my readers of the situation as soon as I possibly can.
Meanwhile, allow me to encourage anyone who is fighting social injustice because of oppression by elected or other public officials and their minons: YOU DO NOT LABOR ALONE OR IN VAIN. THERE IS HOPE AND THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE! And they may not be in the political majority, but that doesn't matter. This is STILL AMERICA.
And I also want to take this opportunity to invite you to contact me if you need help with shedding light on some dark corners of the Greene County political scene. I will do what I can. Please feel free to contact me through this website on the Greene Scream Page, or: cindy@greenespeak.com
724-344-7980
Meanwhile, this is a PROMISE to those arrogant tyrants who are trying to destroy someone right now: I KNOW WHAT'S GONIG ON AND I PROMISE TO SHARE IT WITH ALL OF GREENE COUNTY VERY SOON. All I have to do is stick to the TRUTH, which will be your UNDOING!
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POSTED DEC 5, 2007
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GREENESPEAK will hit the stands tomorrow.
Hurry and get yours while they last.
Enjoy!
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POSTED NOV. 14, 2007
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The FLAP
My, my, my, but the you-know-what
sure does hit the fan.
You might be interested to know that
Greene County's underbelly is now
slated to be dissected by a PIPELINE.
I have to do some more checking,
but the Trib reported this tidbit
yesterday, to which our fine, newly
re-elected commission chairwoman
responded that SHE DOESN'T HAVE clue!
Seems this lovely addition to our
abandoned mine sites, acid mine
drainage, cracked streams and
proposed power lines is expected to be
operational in 2120.
You can find the story here:
(You will have to cut and
paste this in your browser).
http://www.pittsburghlive.com
/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_537648.html
On another breaking news front,
former state Rep. Frank LaGrotta
was charged with two felony counts
of hiring his sister and niece as legislative
assistants and then paying them tons of
OUR MONEY for work they never performed.
LaGrotta was tossed out on his ear in the
voter backlash against the 2005 legislative
pay raise. I guess he showed us!
The attornery general's charges come a day
after seven top House Democratic staffers
were forced out of their jobs in a move related to
bonusgate.
One of those MAGNIFICENT SEVEN was our own
Mike Manzo, Dollar Bill DeWeese's chief of staff.
The investigation is currently focusing on our
buds in the House Democratic leadership,
which awarded $1.8 million in bonuses --
some in excess of $25,000 --
when it gained control in 2006.
You mayrecall that a number of folks in DeWeese's
Waynesburg office were awarded some hefty
bonuses as well, although no charges have
been made against these people as yet.
You can read about it on the KeyStone Politics website
and toss in your own comments m(or put them on the
Greene Scream):
http://www.keystonepolitics.com/story/
aroundcapitol/corbett-charges-lagrotta-felony
-counts-nepotism-case
Our own Dollar Bill has not commented on
Manzo's fate, but tonight he has sent this statement
on LaGrotta:
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