HARRISBURG — A state budget that boosts education spending and borrows for energy, infrastructure and economic development projects easily passed the state Legislature on Friday and was signed into law by a visibly pleased Gov. Ed Rendell.
“We did an awful lot in this session, an awful lot that will improve the lives of ordinary Pennsylvanians,” Rendell said at an early evening bill signing ceremony in the Capitol.
The 2008-09 state budget — and a flurry of other legislation — was approved four days into the state government’s new fiscal year.

MIFFLINBURG — A record crowd filled the streets of Mifflinburg Friday morning for the 25th anniversary of the borough’s annual holiday 5K, which draws more participants than any other area road race.
Running to victory was Tim Stackhouse of New Berlin in 16:53.
Lewisburg High cross country and track and field standout Sophia Ziemian was the top female finisher, crossing the line in 18:09.30.

TURBOTVILLE — Lewisburg on Thursday rallied for a 6-4 elimination bracket win over Milton in Area II Junior Division baseball action at the Northumberland County Recreation Complex in Turbotville.

LEWISBURG — Justus, Heidi and Iro have a sweet new ride.
The three are dogs with the Union County Sheriff Department’s K-9 Response Team. They received their 2007 Dodge Durango thanks, in large part, to a donation by BZ Motors.

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s public water and sewer systems were among the biggest winners in this year’s budget process, as legislators are poised to approve $1.2 billion in borrowing to repair and improve them.
By one estimate, local governments and authorities face a $20 billion bill over the next 10 to 15 years to improve how they supply people with fresh water and treat sewage. There will be no shortage of requests for ways to spend the new money.