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Today applications will begin to be accepted for LIHEAP, the federally funded Low-Income Energy Assistance Program of the state Department of Welfare. The program offers grants to low-income families to help pay for heating bills. The grants do not have to be repaid.

According to an article on the RepublicanHerald.com, Georgene Fedoriska, executive director at the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, is quoted in the article as saying, “We encourage anyone eligible for the program to look into it, especially with the price of heating oil and the economy right now. Every little bit helps.”

Residents who either rent or own their home may qualify. They do not have to be on public assistance or have unpaid heating bills. The grants are sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider and are credited on the resident’s bill.

Now that Hurricane Sandy has passed through our area, we hope that all of our staff, clients, and neighbors made it through with minimal damage. But as we recover from the storm, we’d like to remind everyone about the “Turn Around, Don’t Drive” law that was put in place in July.

Under this new law, it is a summary offense to drive past, around, or through a sign or traffic-control devise used to close a road because of an existing or potential hazardous situation. Violators can face a fine up to $250. If a violator must be rescued by first responders, emergency workers, or a tow truck, the fine can be between $250 and $500.

With roads in our area still closed due to the storm, we strongly urge motorists to heed the “Turn Around, Don’t Drive” law. Don’t put yourself in danger, or possibly any emergency personnel who may be required to rescue you.

As Hurricane Sandy approaches land, we urge our families, staff, clients, and neighbors to prepare and plan for the worst.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has declared a statewide disaster emergency so that state, county, and municipal governments can respond. Here are some additional recommendations to ride out the storm:

Remain inside your home during harsh conditions. If you need to leave your home, follow posted road warnings to keep yourself and others safe.

The attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law are proud to be a sponsor of the 9th annual Latin Festival being held this Sat., Sept. 29 at the First Energy Stadium in Reading, PA. Admission is free for the event that will be held from noon to 8 PM. Parking for the event is also free. The family-oriented festival is coordinated by the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center and brings together thousands of Latinos from different countries, all in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month that runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The event includes food and live music, as well as a chance to enjoy exhibits, and the culture and folklore of the Latino community. You can enter for a chance to win a flat screen TV and a book bag filled with school supplies. We hope you can join us this Saturday!

The attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law ask you to join with us as we remember all those who lost their lives 11 years ago today at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and with our country, as we remember and we continue to stand together.

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell is reminding residents that today is the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 18 primary election. In the primary, voters cast ballots for candidates for a variety of offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, state senator and representative, and U.S. senator and U.S. representative.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes said, “I would like to remind everyone who has moved since they last voted to apply for registration using their new address.

Individuals applying to register to vote for the May 19 primary must be:

Millions of Americans will take to the roads and the air as they travel across the country for the holidays. Whether you’re journeying “over the river and through the woods” or just around the block, there are some simple tips to keep you and your family safe.

For Highway Travel

Check road conditions and the weather report. Visit the Federal Highway Administration’s website [fhwa.dot.gov] and Weather.com for the most updated information on traffic reports and weather conditions.

On Sept. 10, Attorney Michael J. O’Connor and Attorney David Miller, of O’Connor Law, gave a presentation to the United Steel Workers (USW) District 10 Rapid Response members at Linden Hall in Dawson, PA. According to the USW website (www.usw.org), Rapid Response is the Steelworkers’ nonpartisan grassroots education, communication, and action program that involves every member. Rapid Response allows for almost instant personal communication with every USW member on any given topic. The presentation focused on workers’ compensation and third party claims. The attorneys also answered questions from union members.