AP Features, July 16th, 2007
EAST
LEWES, Del. (AP) _ Delaware's long tradition of allowing sport fishermen to drive their vehicles onto beaches at state parks is leading to crowded shores on weekends, officials say. But there are no plans to restrict the practice, which brought in $950,000 in permit fees last year. Environmentalists say beach driving damages dunes and harms wildlife.
HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) _ Flood-prone towns along the Passaic River are taking steps to avoid a repeat of the estimated $180 million in damage caused by this spring's nor'easter, but some officials say a more comprehensive plan is needed. Measures include installing piping and drainage systems and restoring tide gates. Officials also plan to lobby for more federal money.
SOUTH
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ State health officials have begun laying the groundwork to test newborns for serious metabolic and genetic disorders that the state's current screenings don't catch. The Arkansas Health Department began advertising this month to fill new positions for the expanded program, scheduled to begin by July 2008.
MARATHON, Fla. (AP) _ Delta Air Lines will suspend service to the Florida Keys Marathon Airport as of Sept. 6. Service only returned to the middle Florida Keys on Feb. 15 after a six-year hiatus. Year-round service to the airport is not economically feasible, the Atlanta-based airline said.
MIDWEST
CHICAGO (AP) _ Illinois officials hope a new $2 million program will encourage fuel efficiency by giving hybrid car owners a $1,000 rebate. The state created the Green Rewards program by partnering with local banks and credit unions. About 2,000 car buyers will be able to receive one rebate per vehicle, but officials say they'll consider expanding the program according to demand.
MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) _ A man was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his role in an illegal anabolic steroids ring. Joseph Upshaw, 38, pleaded guilty in March to steroid trafficking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Authorities say Upshaw helped smuggle, package and sell illegal steroids from 2004 to 2006 to customers here and in other states.
WEST
BROWNING, Mont. (AP) _ Gov. Brian Schweitzer joined Blackfeet tribal leaders at a groundbreaking for a $4.9 million water treatment plant that will supply this city and East Glacier. The plant will treat water from Lower Two Medicine Lake. It's scheduled to be completed by July 2008.
ALOHA, Ore. (AP) _ A pit bull attacked a 72-year-old woman, sending her to a hospital for treatment for bites on her arms and hands that she got protecting her small dog, authorities said. Leo Hammer, 41, was cited for allowing the dog to run loose and faces a $500 fine, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said. Hammer's children accidentally let the dog out, and it got past a porous fence, according to authorities.
