Top of the heap

Everyone's heard of blue ribbon this, blue ribbon that. You know that means the top of the heap. So it was pretty exciting to find out that Northern Bedford County Elementary School has been named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Rich Coleman talked with the principal and superintendent. Get some insight into what makes their school so good in Rich's story on A1 today.

Don't drink and drive. OK, we've all heard that. Don't drive and ride your lawn tractor? That's a new one. See the brief on A3 about a man in Ohioville who was arrested for doing that. Seems he got a bit out of control.

Have you ever seen the show "Toddlers & Tiaras"? Maybe it's because I don't have a daughter and maybe it's because I don't understand the whole beauty pageant scene, but I find it scary. It's hard to watch these stage moms coach their little girls to vamp it up and wear clothing and makeup that children should never see. Read L. Brent Bozell's column on today's Opinion page (A4)for a glimpse into some of the latest from the show. It is pretty wretched.

Pet lovers, unite! The Mirror's 2011 Pet Expo is just around the corner. It's planned for Oct. 16 at the Blair County Convention Center. Check out the ad on A5 for what is planned. It's not too late for vendors to get involved, either. Amy Hanna will love to hear from you!

If your kids are still in child safety seats, head to one of the safety seat checks being held this week in recognition of National Child Passenger Safety Week. There's information on A6 about them.

Make sure to read the story on C1 about whooping cough vaccinations.

Lucky Kristy MacKaben! How many people get to actually talk to Big Bird? Well, Kristy did. She interviewed the guy who plays Big Bird in different Sesame Street Live shows. Read her story on D1. Sesame Street Live's "Elmo Makes Music" is coming to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena next week. Tickets are still available.

Local 4H kids work hard all year long to get their animals ready for various livestock shows. Check out all the winners from the recent show at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park. There are lots of photos and lists of winners on D3.