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January 29, 2010
Blair H1N1 Clinics on Hold Chris Forshey
Blair County operated H1N1 clinics are on hold at least for the time being.
Emergency Management Director Dan Boyles says that’s because the number of H1N1 cases have dropped-off significantly. And he says it’s because the vaccine is widely available elsewhere.
Boyles says the county is ready the number of H1N1 cases peak again.
Boyles
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Boyles says the county has enough volunteers and supplies to get the clinics opened and running efficiently.
Man From Altoona Enters Plea In Maryland Murder Case Craig Schaffer
A former Altoona man has entered a plea in a Maryland murder case.
20 year old Alec Eger was accused of killing Billy Lee Black on Halloween morning 2008 outside Black’s Hagerstown home.
Through his plea, Eger, a friend of Billy Black's daughter, maintains his innocence but still accepts responsibility for Black's death.
As part of the plea agreement, the State has agreed to withdraw their request of a life sentence without parole for Eger.
Prosecutors say Eger stabbed Black several times. Eger claims he only wanted to confront Black about abusing his daughter, Danielle Black when a fight broke out leading to the stabbing.
Investigators found no evidence that Danielle Black was being abused by her father. She however is serving 10 years in prison on a solicitation for murder conviction in a case that didn’t involve Eger.
Eger could be sentenced in April.
Equipment Stolen from Duncansville Job Site Chris Forshey
Duncansville Police are searching for a piece of construction equipment that was stolen from a borough work site earlier this month.
Officials say the WACKER brand gas compacting and tamping machine was taken from the 500 Block of 13th Street sometime between January 8-11th. The machine is valued at $1,200.
Anyone with information on this incident or other crimes that have occurred locally is urged to contact Blair County Crime Solvers at 1-800-422-8802. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
PA to Get $26.4-Million in High-Speed Rail Money Chris Forshey/AP
Pennsylvania will get $26.4 million of the $8 billion in federal stimulus money for development of high-speed rail corridors.
President Barack Obama announced the funding during a town hall meeting in Florida on Thursday. Senator Arlen Specter says most of the money will pay for improvements along the Keystone Corridor linking Harrisburg and Philadelphia, including the elimination of the last three public grade crossings to enhance safety. It also will finance a $750,000 study into the potential extension of the corridor west from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh.
During his re-election announcement earlier this month, State Representative Rick Geist said he was hopeful that Pennsylvania would receive some Federal money to jumpstart a high speed railway project in the state.
Soldier Presents Local Veterans with Signed Flag Chris Forshey
Some Hollidaysburg Veterans Home residents have received a special gift – direct from Iraq.
Local soldier Cory Dearmitt presented the staff and residents of the facility with a flag that had been signed by all the soldiers in his company while serving their country late last year. Dearmitt belongs to the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He thanked the residents for sending his unit care packages as part of the SOS Program.
Veteran’s home officials say the flag will be framed and then displayed on a wall in the lobby of the facility.
Local Students Participating in ‘Operation Valentine’ Chris Forshey
Valentines Day will be a little more special for some of our local troops who are currently serving overseas.
Second grade students from Penn Lincoln Elementary School in Altoona are creating, decorating and then sending special Valentines Day cards to the soldiers -- who are currently at war. The project is known as Operation Valentine.
Teachers say it’s a way to allow the students to thank the soldiers for their freedom. Organizers say in all more than 400 cards will be sent.
More Inspectors, Safer Gas Well Rules in PA Plans Chris Forshey/AP
Governor Ed Rendell says his administration is taking new steps to ensure public safety is being protected amid a rush to drill for natural gas beneath Pennsylvania.
Rendell said Thursday his administration is hiring more inspectors to monitor a growing number of well sites and writing tougher rules to prevent gas from leaking into nearby homes and water wells.
In the last three years, dozens of gas companies have flocked to Pennsylvania in hopes of tapping into the huge Marcellus Shale gas formation. An industry group, the Marcellus Shale Coalition, says it supports the state's moves.
The 68 new inspectors would be paid for by fees for drilling permits. The proposed new rules would require companies to inspect wells more often and restore water supplies polluted by drilling.
January 28, 2010
Ingham Awarded Bronze Star for Valor Chris Forshey
A fallen local soldier has been honored on the floor of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
9th District Congressman Bill Shuster delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday to recognize the bravery and honor the memory of Marine Staff Sergeant Matt Ingham, who was killed earlier this month while serving his country in Afghanistan.
Shuster says Ingham has been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for the heroic actions that ultimately led to his death. It’s the fourth-highest combat award given to those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Altoona City passed a motion Wednesday asking city residents to remember Marine Sergeant Matt Ingham. Mayor Bill Schirf says the city came together to honor Ingham and support his family in a time off great sacrifice.
Ingham was responsible for saving the lives of 9 Marines by crawling to a radio to call in air support after his unit was ambushed. He exposed himself to more enemy fire, which led to his death.
Altoona Man Acquitted on Rape Charges Chris Forshey
A Blair County jury has acquitted an Altoona man on rape charges.
Jurors returned the not-guilty verdict against 35-year-old Troy Lardieri late Wednesday afternoon. During the investigation, Lardieri told police he and his accuser had met for sex on two previous occasions. But his accuser later claimed it was rape. She went to Altoona Hospital after the pair’s third encounter. The woman also told police Lardieri had held her against her will.
Blair County Assistant District Attorney Deeann Paul says while she is disappointed in the verdict, women still need to realize the importance of reporting sexual violence.
AMTRAN Expanding PSU Altoona Loop Service Chris Forshey
AMTRAN is expanding its bus service which links Penn State Altoona’s Ivyside Campus to the Downtown Devorris Center.
The added service will make it easier for students to travel between the two locations. Campus officials estimate that as many as 1,500 students take classes in Downtown Altoona. AMTRAN General Manager Eric Wolf told Altoona City Council Wednesday that rider ship on the Downtown Loop has grown immensely so adding more buses to the route is necessary.
Wolf
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AMTRAN’s Downtown Loop runs five days a week. Students, faculty and staff can ride on the loop free of charge. Penn State Altoona is paying AMTRAN $114-a semester for the bus service.
Weekday Bus Service Between Altoona And State College To Begin Craig Schaffer
People who live in and around Altoona and work in State College can soon leave the driving to someone else.
Fullington Trailways will begin weekday runs between the two locations next month. The service, which has been in the works for several years, is being made possible now because of a PennDot demonstration subsidy which will reimburse Fullington for 45 percent of any possible losses.
City Council Vacates Land for New Sheetz Store Chris Forshey
Altoona City Council has agreed to close part of Aldrich Avenue to allow Sheetz to build a new convenient store along Plank Road.
Council voted 7-0 Wednesday night to support the vacation of 5,423 feet of land – which is needed to make the Sheetz plan possible. Mayor Bill Schirf says the closure won’t cause any major traffic headaches.
Schirf
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Schirf says it will also help keep people from using the streets near Garden Heights as a short cut.
OSHA Continues Investigation into Worker’s Injuries Chris Forshey
Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration returned to an Altoona business Wednesday where a man lost part of both his legs earlier this week in an industrial accident.
So far OSHA officials are not commenting on the details of their investigation at J&J Recycling on Margaret Avenue. But a source close to WRTA News says 24-year-old Willard Morrissey had been jumping on and trying to loosen some jammed cardboard inside a compactor Monday afternoon when the material became dislodged causing the machine to pin him.
Officials are also trying to determine in what capacity Morrissey had been working for the recycler. Morrissey remains hospitalized at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center where doctors were unable to save his limbs.
New Poll Shows Toomey Maintains Lead Over Specter Chris Forshey
Former U.S. Representative Pat Toomey is maintaining a strong lead among likely voters in his bid to deny U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter a sixth term.
That’s according to the latest Daily News/Franklin & Marshall College Poll released Wednesday. Toomey is leading Specter by 14 points. Poll director G. Terry Madonna says that the results reflect a growing national Republican resurgence mixed with a lack of Democratic enthusiasm as the two parties battle over issues like health care and the economy.
Specter, who switched from Republican to Democrat in April, was tied at 30 percent in a general election match-up with Toomey among registered voters, with 35-percent undecided.
Toyota Drivers In PA Urged To Review Recall Information Craig Schaffer
In response to this week's announcement that Toyota would recall 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals, along with Toyota's instructions to dealers that they temporarily suspend the sales of eight models involved in the recall, Attorney General Tom Corbett is urging all Toyota owners in Pennsylvania to carefully review information about the safety recall, document any safety issues and report any difficulties obtaining service or repairs.
Pennsylvania consumers who experience difficulty accessing information regarding the safety of their vehicles or trouble obtaining required safety repairs can file formal complaints with the Attorney General's Office.
Rendell Sets Up Census Panel, asks Public's Help Chris Forshey/AP
Governor Ed Rendell is asking Pennsylvanians to help their state by completing and returning soon-to-be-mailed census forms.
Rendell signed an order Wednesday establishing an advisory panel to work with local communities in responding to the 2010 census. He cited one study that suggests the 2000 census missed about 100,000 Pennsylvanians. Forms will be mailed out in mid-March, and April 1 is National Census Day. Federal officials say they expect to count about 310 million Americans this year.
Census figures help establish representation in the Legislature and Congress as well as state shares of federal money.
January 27, 2010
PA House Votes to Ban Drivers' Hand-Held Phones Staff
Drivers who use a cell phone while behind the wheel in Pennsylvania may not be doing it much longer.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 189-6 Tuesday to give its final approval to a measure that would give police the authority to pull over drivers suspected of texting or using cell phones without hands-free capability.
The author of the bill, House Transportation Chairman Joe Markosek says its time for Pennsylvania to enact the ban to make roads safer.
Markosek
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The bill applies to vehicles that are in motion and violators would face a $50 fine.
Exceptions would include law enforcement officers, operators of emergency vehicles when on duty. There would also be leeway provided for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone to report a traffic accident, or make a 911 emergency call.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
Senator Eichelberger Introduces Bill to Ban Gay Marriage Chris Forshey
State Senator John Eichelberger has formally introduced legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to ban gay marriage.
Senate Bill 707 currently has 15 co-sponsors and it’s expected to be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Eichelberger says Pennsylvania voters should have the opportunity to decide how they want marriage to be defined and not allow an activist judge to make that decision for them.
The bill would insert language into Article I of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stating that “only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid and recognized as a marriage in this Commonwealth.”
The bill must pass both chambers of the General Assembly in two successive legislative sessions, and will appear as a referendum on the ballot. If passed, the language will be added to the Constitution.
Flight Schedule to Change at Blair County Airport Chris Forshey
Arrival and departure times of commercial flights at the Altoona-Blair County Airport in Martinsburg are changing.
Airport manager Chuck Pillar says beginning April 6th, Colgan Air will begin offering a 6:00AM departure aimed strictly at business travelers.
Pillar
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Pillar says the change also brings a late arrival at 11:48PM Monday through Friday. He says that will allow someone to fly out of Blair County in the morning and return late the same day.
Police Searching for Vehicle in Hit-and-Run Chris Forshey
Blair Township Police are looking for the driver and vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident early Tuesday morning.
The incident happened along Catfish Road around 3:00AM. Officers say the vehicle struck three mailboxes and a utility pole, causing damage. The car was last seen fleeing west on Catfish Road.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Blair Township Police at 696-3846.
Board: Valley View Home’s Quality Rating Improves Chris Forshey
The Blair County Commissioners say Valley View Nursing Home is making the grade.
Administrator Chris Dear told county leaders on Tuesday the facility has received a three star rating from the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It’s a division of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department and it makes nursing home inspection results available online for the public to inspect.
Dear says Valley View’s management team -- under the direction of Affinity Healthcare Services -- has addressed several of the deficiencies that have given the home a below average rating in the past.
Dear
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Dear says the rating system focuses specifically on staffing, quality of care and inspection results. Dear says just because a nursing home may have a low or average rating doesn’t mean its bad place. He says people need to visit a potential facility and speak to residents before making a final decision on where to place a loved one.
Local Officials Applaud Ban on Text Messaging by Commercial Drivers Chris Forshey
Local transportation officials are applauding Tuesday’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation banning text messaging by commercial truck and bus drivers.
AMTRAN General Manager Eric Wolf says he wasn’t surprised by the move. He says it’s been long overdue.
Wolf
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Wolf says AMTRAN addressed the issue several years ago.
Wolf
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Raystown Transit – which provides transportation services for several local schools – banned its drivers from using mobile devices more than four years ago. Owner Ray Tononi says his company immediately addressed the issue after receiving complaints. Tononi says his vehicles have built-in radios in case drivers need to communicate with company officials.
Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.
Recycling Accident Under Investigation Craig Schaffer
We have an update on the industrial accident earlier this week that seriously injured an Altoona man.
Around 12:30 Monday, 24 year old Willard Morrissey, an employee atJ&J Recycling, got his legs caught in a cardboard-crushing machine at the facility on Margaret Avenue.
After being extricated from the machine Morrissey was transported to Altoona Regional before being flown to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center where he underwent surgery. The accident caused Morrissey to lose most of his lower right leg and his left foot to the heel.
Federal investigators were at the scene Tuesday.
Hoeffel 'Kicks-Off' 4-Month-Old Campaign for Governor Chris Forshey
Former congressman Joe Hoeffel is crossing the state to kick off the gubernatorial campaign he announced on Facebook four months ago.
Hoeffel said at a Capitol rally Tuesday that he would promote socially liberal and fiscally responsible policies.
The 59-year-old Montgomery County commissioner said that, as governor, he would work to relax restrictions on abortion in Pennsylvania and legalize marriage between people of the same gender. He held rallies in Pittsburgh and in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Hoeffel served three terms in Congress before stepping down 2004 to mount what proved to be an unsuccessful challenge to then-Republican Senator Arlen Specter. He's one of four candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor and the only one from vote-rich southeastern Pennsylvania.
January 26, 2010
Rain Blankets Blair County, Causes Flooding Chris Forshey
The heavy rainfall that moved through the region Sunday night into Monday flooded roadways, causing headaches many drivers.
Flooding was widespread throughout most of Blair County, with rural, low-lying areas the hardest hit. According to the National Weather Service in State College, more than two inches of rain fell across the region in a 24-hour period. The heavy rain combined with the mild temperatures and melting snow led to the flooding problems –and pushed water out of the banks of the Little Juniata River and several of its tributaries.
Antis Township officials were forced to close four busy roadways and one state road all at the same time because of flooding problems. Township manager Jeff Zeigler says crews spent much of the afternoon clearing storm drains and ditches of debris.
Widespread flooding was also reported in parts of Claysburg, Williamsburg, Tyrone and the loop area outside of Hollidaysburg.
Woman Rescued from Flooded Car Chris Forshey
Rescue crews are called out to save a woman from her flooded vehicle.
It happened just after 1:00PM Monday along White Bridge Road in Frankstown Township. Emergency crews say the woman tried to drive on a roadway that had been overcome by the flooded Little Juniata River. The vehicle stalled and became submerged in two feet of water.
Blair County Emergency Management Director Dan Boyles says despite the pleas from emergency officials about the dangers of driving on flooded roadways the inevitable was bound to happen.
Boyles
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Firefighters used a 4-wheel drive truck to rescue the woman. Despite being red-faced and shaken, she was okay.
Man Loses Legs in Accident at City Recycler Chris Forshey
A man is injured in an industrial accident at an Altoona business.
Altoona Fire rescue crews were called to J&J Recycling on Margaret Avenue around 12:30PM Monday. Assistant fire chief Tim Hileman says a 22-year-old man became trapped in a machine. Fire crews freed the man, but both of his legs were severed below the knee.
It is not known whether the victim is an employee of the business. He was taken to the Altoona Regional Trauma Center.
Blair Jury Sought For Local Murder Trial Craig Schaffer
Jurors for the trial of a Hollidaysburg man accused of murder will be chosen from a local base.
At least that’s the intention of Blair County Judge Tim Sullivan. The Altoona Mirror is reporting that Sullivan wants the jury pool to be selected from Blair County for the trial of Sean Allen. He’s the man charged with killing 20 year old Penn State Altoona student Maggie Davis.
Davis’ body was found March 3 of last year in the trunk of her car which was parked in the lot of an apartment complex on Lower Brush Mountain Road. An investigation revealed that on March 2 and 3, Davis communicated several times with Allen.
A search of Allen's apartment turned up blood and hair evidence.
Allen’s attorney, citing publicity surrounding the case, had requested that the trial be moved to another county or a jury be brought in from another county.
Jury selection is set for March 31. Jurors could start to hear testimony the first week of April.
Myth Busters Program to Focus on Substance Abuse/Addiction Chris Forshey
Members of Blair County’s Drug & Alcohol community are holding a “Myth Busters” forum tonight to educate the public on treatments for substance abuse and addiction.
Blair County Drug & Alcohol program administrator Judy Rosser will moderate the program. The panelists will include community leaders and specialists in the field of treatment of substance abuse.
Rosser tells WRTA News that those in attendance will learn about what is being done to battle the county’s ongoing drug problem.
Rosser
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The free program gets underway at 7:00PM at the Hollidaysburg YMCA.
PA House Bill Targets Motorists' Cell Phone Use Chris Forshey/AP
A bill that would impose a fine on motorists in Pennsylvania who use a cell phone without a hands-free device is advancing in the state House of Representatives.
The House gave preliminary approval to the bill Monday and a final vote on the bill could happen as early as Tuesday. Under the bill, a $50 fine would be imposed on anyone talking or texting on a cell phone, or otherwise using an electronic device for most other purposes. Using an electronic navigation system would remain legal, and so would calling 911 while driving.
An amendment approved Monday, 156-40, substantially expanded the scope of the bill. Previously, it would have fined motorists for sending text messages on cell phones. There are exemptions for police, emergency responders and others.
Rohrer Issues Debate Challenge in GOP Governor’s Race Chris Forshey/AP
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Sam Rohrer wants state party leaders to hold a candidates' debate before deciding whether to endorse state Attorney General Tom Corbett or Rohrer in the primary election.
The state representative from Berks County addressed a Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon and fielded questions about his candidacy Monday.
Rohrer said he is counting on support from conservative Pennsylvanians who are disenchanted with the political system. Without an open exchange of ideas, he said the Republican Party risks becoming more of "a social club" than a vehicle to advance different points of view.
Rohrer entered the race two months ago and faces an uphill fight against front-runner Corbett for the GOP nomination. The Republican State Committee is slated to vote on endorsements at its February 13th meeting in Harrisburg.
January 25, 2010
Three Arrested After Foot Chase, Gun Incident Chris Forshey
Three men are under arrest after Altoona Police found them hiding behind a tree are with guns outside a city business over the weekend.
The incident happened just before 2:00AM Sunday outside the Tin Cup night spot in the alley of 6th Avenue and 2nd Street. City police say 25-year-old Jonathan McNeal of Broad Avenue, 19-year-old Michael Cortez Eades of Baltimore and a 17-year-old juvenile fled the scene as officers approached them while patrolling an alley. According to a police report, McNeal pointed a pistol grip shotgun at the officers before he took off running.
Officers captured all three men and they found a second gun in a backyard of a home a block away. McNeal and Eades were charged and lodged in the Blair County Prison in lieu of bail. The juvenile was charged and then taken to the Cambria County Youth Detention Center. The investigation into the firearms is still ongoing. And city police have not said if the incident was connected to a shooting incident Friday morning, which happened in the same area.
Marine Hailed as Hero Laid to Rest Chris Forshey
A local Marine credited with saving the lives of about a dozen of his comrades in Afghanistan has been laid to rest.
Funeral services were held Saturday morning for 25-year-old Staff Sgt. Matt Ingham at Cathedral of Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, and he was later buried at Grandview Cemetery. Ingham died January 11th after saving about 12 fellow Marines by crawling, while wounded, to call in air support, exposing himself to additional fire.
Ingham was assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. He graduated from Altoona Area High School in 2002 and also served two tours in Iraq. He's survived by a wife, his parents and a sister.
Georgia Man Accidentally Shot in Foot Chris Forshey
A Georgia man is recovering after accidentally shooting himself in the foot over the weekend.
The incident happened just before 3:00PM Saturday at a rural location along Valley Forge Road in Juniata Township. State Police at Hollidaysburg say a 40 caliber Glock handgun discharged inside the pocket of a coat worn by 75-year-old R. Donnie Pollard of Rome, Georgia as he was removing it. The round struck Pollard in the foot. He was taken to Altoona Hospital where he was treated and released.
Pollard told the investigating troopers that he was unaware a round had been chambered inside the gun and he failed to double check the firearm before he put it in his pocket.
Candidates Feel the Heat in Top PA Election Races Craig Schaffer
As January melts away, Pennsylvania's election contests for governor and U.S. Senate are heating up.
With a February 1st deadline looming for year-end campaign finance reports, candidates are re-examining whether they have the right combination of cash, charisma and connections to be players in the May 18 primary.
Adding to the pressure on some candidates are party bosses' desire to avoid messy primary fights by settling them before any ballots are cast. The Democratic State Committee may try to cut through that muddle when it meets next month - as will the GOP state committee - by endorsing a candidate.
But a party endorsement is no guarantee of anything. Just eight years ago, the Democratic Party endorsed Bob Casey for governor, and Democratic voters nominated Rendell instead.
City Woman Charged With Burglary Craig Schaffer
Break-in lands a city woman in jail.
Altoona police say they caught 27 year old Shannon Brubaker, of 524 5th Avenue, Apartment Three, while she was in an apartment on the 500 block of 5th Avenue.
Court documents show that around 5Am Sunday police found Brubaker at the scene trying to crawl through a broken window.
According to police, the person who called the report in also told them that Brubaker had asked the caller for a flashlight and something to pick a lock with.
Fumo Friend Gets 1 Year Home Confinement for Fraud Chris Forshey/AP
A friend of convicted former Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Fumo must serve a year of home confinement for taking $287,000 for little- or no-work state contracts.
Former police officer S. Michael Palermo must also serve five years probation after his federal sentencing Friday.
The 69-year-old Palermo is a close friend of the long-powerful Fumo, a Philadelphia Democrat. Fumo is serving a 55-month sentence for defrauding the state and two nonprofits of millions. Palermo ran Fumo's farm near Harrisburg and did errands for him while earning $150 an hour from the state. He says he did some state work from 1999 to 2004, but nowhere near enough to justify the pay.
Palermo entered a negotiated plea last year.
DEP Says Turning Down Water Heater Thermostats, Sealing Off Drafts Will Increase Energy Savings
The Department of Environmental Protection is reminding the public that small energy conservation steps taken around the home can add up to significant savings and help consumers stretch their heating budgets.
DEP Secretary John Hanger says that turning down the thermostat on your water heater will help to conserve energy and save money. For every 10 degrees you reduce your water heater’s thermostat, you could save up to five percent on your overall energy bill.
Hanger says more savings can be achieved by sealing cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and vents keeping warm air inside and keeps cold air outside. Opening insulated draperies on sunny days will allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Closing the draperies at night will help retain the heat.
More information on energy savings tips, financial help to pay heating bills, and additional resources for staying warm are available at www.TurnSealSave.org.
State Museum to Exhibit 12,000-Year-Old Skeletal Remains of a Pennsylvania Mastodon Craig Schaffer
The skeleton of a 12,000-year-old Pennsylvania Mastodon is the star attraction of an exhibit that opened over the weekend at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.
Robert Sullivan, the museum’s senior curator for paleontology and geology, says the mastodon is the most complete specimen from Pennsylvania and one of the most complete on the East Coast.
In 1968, two employees of Lakeside Peat Humus Company in MarshallsCreek, MonroeCounty, accidentally snagged the mastodon’s skull while they were running a bucket through a peat bog as part of routine mining operations. A month later, museum staff and volunteers excavated the specimen from the peat bog.
January 22, 2010
Overnight Shooting In Altoona Under Investigation Craig Schaffer
There was a shooting overnight in Altoona.
At this point no information is being released by the Altoona Police Department except that the incident took place around 2AM.
There have been media reports putting the shooting in the area of the 1000 block of 6th Avenue with one man having been shot in the leg.
An investigation continues into the incident.
We’ll have more on this story later this morning as information becomes available.
Viewing for Local Marine Set for Today Chris Forshey
Viewings are being held today for a local marine killed in action while serving his country in Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Matt Ingham lost his life January 11th after his Marine brigade came under enemy fire. Ingham will be remembered as the brave soldier who radioed for help after being gravely wounded. Military officials say Ingham’s actions saved the lives of 12 of his fellow Marines.
The closed-casket viewings are being held from 2-4:00PM and 7-9:00PM at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. A public memorial service will be held at 10:00AM at the Cathedral. Ingham’s funeral will be private.
Mccain Worker who Took Obama Signs Speaks to WRTA Chris Forshey
The local man who pleaded guilty earlier this week to disorderly conduct for stealing Barack Obama signs during the 2008 Presidential Election is speaking out to WRTA Radio.
38-year-old Michael Jennings of Hollidaysburg explained to Two-Way Radio Host David Barger why he took more than 40 campaign signs from a PennDOT right-of-way.
Jennings
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Jennings claimed he had planned to return the signs, but was caught before he was able to do so. Jennings says he agreed to the disorderly conduct charge because his actions could be considered disorderly and because the incident will be expunged from his record in the future.
Hundreds of Local Residents to “March for Life” Chris Forshey
Hundreds of people from our region are traveling to the nation’s capitol today for the 37th Annual Walk for Life rally.
Several busses departed Hollidaysburg this morning with residents from Blair County. Among those attending the event are 30th District State Senator John Eichelberger. The pro-life rally typically draws thousands of people from all across the country.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Peg Luksik is also traveling to Washington, D.C. for the event. She’s going with a group of residents from Cambria County.
PA Jobless Rate Up, Jobs at Most Scarce in Decade Chris Forshey/AP
A new report says jobs in Pennsylvania were harder to find in December than they have been in more than a decade.
The state Department of Labor and Industry said Thursday that the statewide unemployment jumped to 8.9-percent last month.
The October rate also was 8.9-percent, the highest level in 25 years, before dipping to 8.5-percent in November. The department says employers eliminated about 8,100 jobs in December, leaving Pennsylvania with fewer than 5.6-million jobs - the lowest level since September 1999.
The state's unemployment rate is below the national average of 10-percent. Among the 10 most populous states, only Texas' rate is lower.
Democrat Chairman: Sestak Challenge May Hurt Party Chris Forshey/AP
Pennsylvania Democratic chairman T.J. Rooney says the party would be better off if U.S. Representative Joe Sestak abandons his bid for Senator Arlen Specter's seat and instead seeks a third term in the House.
Rooney was reacting Thursday to Republican Scott Brown's Senate victory in Massachusetts and polling that suggests Republican Pat Toomey is pulling ahead in the race for Specter's Senate seat.
Rooney says Specter could focus more on his general-election campaign, while Sestak could lock in his House seat for two more years. That would save the party money in an important election year.
Sestak's campaign says it's staying the course. Spokesman Jonathon Dworkin portrayed Specter as party-switcher desperate to keep his job and said Sestak expects to be the party's standard-bearer in November.
Rasmussen Poll: Toomey Leads Specter by 9 Points Chris Forshey
Republican Pat Toomey leads incumbent Senator Arlen Specter 49 to 40 in Pennsylvania’s race for the U.S. Senate.
That’s according to the latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey released on Thursday. The poll also finds Toomey with a 43 to 35-percent lead over Democratic challenger Joe Sestak. Just a month ago Toomey led Specter by four and Sestak by six. In the state’s Democratic Senate Primary race, Specter now leads Sestak by 21 points.
On the healthcare issue, just 41-percent of Pennsylvania voters favor the health care legislation currently before Congress. Fifty-seven percent are opposed. Those figures include 22-percent who strongly favor the legislation and 47-percent who are strongly opposed. Those who strongly oppose the health care plan overwhelmingly prefer Toomey over either Democrat.
Paterno a Witness in Civil Trial of Former Player Chris Forshey
Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno could be called to testify in the upcoming civil trial of a former star running back.
Austin Scott sued two former Center County prosecutors, his accuser and Penn State University Police last year saying rape charges filed against him in 2007 cost him a career in the NFL. The rape charges were later dropped.
Paterno is listed among the two dozen potential witnesses in the case. Scott’s lawyers say Paterno is well-aware of their clients NFL potential. A judge set September 1st as the deadline for all parties to gather evidence and finish the discovery phase of the case.
Scott is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
January 21, 2010
Rhorer to Campaign in Altoona Chris Forshey
A Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate is scheduled to make his first official campaign stop in Blair County this weekend.
Republican State Representative Sam Rhorer will join 30th District State Senator John Eichelberger for a Pennsylvania Town Hall in Altoona on Saturday. Rohrer is the author of a measure to eliminate and replace school property taxes, and a leading proponent for spending restraint and budget reform.
Rohrer will meet with constituents and discuss specific proposals to reduce spending, cut taxes and inspire a new culture of ethics in state government. The event gets underway at 6:30PM at the Greenwood Fire Hall.
Rhorer faces a tough uphill battle against Attorney General Tom Corbett to win the Republican nomination for governor.
Goodman to Leave AMCVB, Will Join Bedford Chamber Chris Forshey
Another top official is leaving her post at the Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Marketing director Kellie Goodman will become executive director of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce effective February 15th. Goodman has been with the AMCVB since resigning as sports director of a local television station in December 2007.
Goodman’s departure comes on the heels of a statewide search to replace Cheryl Ebersole, the facility’s former director who abruptly resigned under a sea of controversy in September. A replacement hasn’t been named and board members never publicly discussed Ebersole’s departure.
The AMCVB board is taking applications for executive director through the end of the month.
Amtran Announces New Rider Feature Craig Schaffer
AMTRAN has added a new feature to its Smart Bus project to get real-time bus departure information to customers quickly and easily.
Amtran General Manager Eric Wolf says the “mystop” feature was previously only available online. But now riders can call from their home phone, office or mobile phone and get real-time bus departure times for their specific bus stop.
Wolf
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AMTRAN's Smart Bus project was designed and implemented by Avail Technologies from State College through a special Intelligent Transportation System grant through Congressman Bill Shuster.
Blair, PA Prep for May Primary Chris Forshey
If Tuesday’s big upset in the Massachusetts Senatorial race has you motivated to seek public office, petition time is fast approaching.
Candidates for various local and state offices can begin circulating their nominating petitions on February 16th. Commissioner Donna Gority says 2010 will be a big election year across the board.
Gority
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The deadline to file a petition is March 9th. Pennsylvania’s 2010 Primary Election is scheduled for May 18th.
Specter Ahead of Sestak in Latest Poll Chris Forshey
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter is maintaining a healthy lead over his biggest Democratic rival.
According to the preliminary numbers released in the latest Rasmussen poll on Wednesday, Specter is ahead of Congressman Joe Sestak 53-32 percent. The former NAVY vice-admiral has yet to pull ahead of Specter in any polls.
Rasmussen officials say they will release the latest numbers putting Specter against likely Republican rival Pat Toomey later today.
Poll: Nearly 1 In 5 May Not Fill Out Census Form Craig Schaffer/AP
A new poll suggests almost one in five people aren't sure they'll participate in the U.S. census.
Twelve percent of U.S. residents who were surveyed say they're on the fence about filling out the form. Another six percent say they're unlikely to or definitely won't fill it out. Those people are more likely to be young adults and lower-income people.
When asked why they may not participate, more than half said they were too busy, not interested or weren't familiar with the census. One-fourth said they didn't trust the government or had privacy concerns.
The Census Bureau officially launches its head count in rural Alaska on Monday. The count for the rest of the nation begins in March. The census is used for redistributing U.S. House seats every 10 years and distributing billions of dollars in federal aid.
January 20, 2010
Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Marine Chris Forshey
Governor Ed Rendell has ordered all flags in Blair County and at the state capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of a fallen local Marine.
25-year-old Marine Sergeant Matt Ingham died January 11th while serving his country in southern Afghanistan. Department of Defense officials say Ingham radioed for help and saved the lives of 12 of his fellow Marines after he was gravely injured when his brigade came under enemy fire.
Flags should remain lowered until sunset on Saturday.
Blair County Family Gets $1-Million Prize Staff
A Blair County couple is officially $1-million richer.
Pennsylvania Lottery officials presented Shawn and Stephanie Benton of Altoona their winner’s check on Tuesday – just two weeks after they claimed one of the lottery’s Million Dollar Raffle prizes.
The Benton’s bought their $20 winning ticket in December at a convenience store in Altoona. Stephanie Benton spoke with WRTA’s Doug Herendeen about the experience.
Benton
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Benton says she has been buying the raffle tickets for the past five years. She says other than living debt free; the money won’t change her family. Benton’s husband Shawn was not at the ceremony because he wasn’t able to miss work.
Meadows Appointed Blair Court Administrator Chris Forshey
Blair County has a new court administrator.
County leaders announced on Tuesday that Janice Meadows has been appointed to the position by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Ronald Castille. Meadows has taken over for Michael Reighard, who retired at the end of the year.
Meadows says she was recommended by the county’s judges and she’s ready to tackle the difficult job ahead of her.
Meadows
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Meadows joined Blair County in 1995 as a custody manager. She is now responsible for the day to day operations of all court functions.
Funding for West Nile Surveillance Scaled Back Chris Forshey
Another state budget cut is affecting Blair County operations.
Emergency management officials informed the board of commissioners on Tuesday that state funding for the county’s West Nile Virus surveillance program had been scaled back by $6,700.
Karen Givler of Blair County’s 911 Center says the time spent administering and monitoring the program will be reduced.
Givler
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The commissioners call the move just another example of how Harrisburg has made it more difficult for counties to operate and provide their services.
Feds Reportedly to Decide Soon on PA I-80 Tolls Chris Forshey/AP
Members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation say they been told that the U.S. Transportation Department will decide "very soon" on the state's proposal to turn Interstate 80 into a toll road to raise more money for roads and bridges.
U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., says he told Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and other officials in a meeting Tuesday in Washington that the tolls would "effectively reroute prosperity around Pennsylvania."
U.S. Representative Chris Carney, D-Pa., said the tolls would also be a burden on working families who use the highway. Also at the meeting were Democratic Representatives Kathy Dahlkemper and Paul Kanjorski.
The Federal Highway Administration in September 2008 rejected an earlier tolling proposal by state transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials.
January 19, 2010
Boil Water Advisory for Maple Hollow Chris Forshey
Officials have issued a boil water advisory for residents in the Maple Hollow section of Duncansville.
That’s because work crews are repairing a broken water line this morning at the A Building in the Maple Hollow Townhouses. Water customers throughout the Maple Hollow region could experience cloudy water or low water pressure.
The repair should be fixed by 1:00PM. Officials say if the water is cloudy or discolored it should be boiled for one minute before consumption.
Homecoming for a Fallen Hero Chris Forshey
The body of a local war hero killed while serving his country in Afghanistan has been returned to Blair County.
Staff Sergeant Matt Ingham’s family and friends shed tears as the 2002 Altoona High School graduate’s casket was unloaded from a transport plane at the Altoona-Blair County Airport on Monday. Ingham died in after coming under enemy fire just a week ago – he radioed for help and saved the lives of 12 fellow Marines.
A motorcade comprised of local police, Patriot Guard Riders and retired veterans groups escorted Ingham’s hearse back to Altoona, where a few hundred people gathered along 17th Street and 8th Avenue to pay their respect to the fallen soldier.
Walt Edwards – who serves as the vice-commander of the Western Pennsylvania American Legions met with Ingham’s family at Santella Funeral Home.
Edwards
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Viewings for the former Marine will be held Friday, with a memorial service set for Saturday at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
Marine Escort Trained with Ingham Chris Forshey
The Marine Corps sergeant who escorted Sergeant Matt Ingham’s body back to Altoona says Ingham’s death is especially hard for him because he trained with the Altoona High School graduate in the Philippines.
Gunnery Sergeant Shane Denna says he was assigned to inform Ingham’s wife Yasmin in person that her husband had died in combat. Denna called the duty on of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. But he says he’s also honored to be tasked with taking care of Yasmin and the rest of Ingham’s family.
Denna
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Denna is currently assisting the family through the funeral and benefits process. He says the Ingham’s are strong and Matt will always be a military hero among all Marines. Denna says the sight of all those who came out Monday with flags in hand to honor the Marine is comforting.
Denna
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Denna says no matter your thoughts on the war, its important that you pray for and support of all those who are serving their country.
Eichelberger Seeking Second Term Chris Forshey
30th District State Senator John Eichelberger has formally announced that he’s seeking another four-year term in Harrisburg.
Eichelberger was introduced to a crowd of supporters in Hollidaysburg on Monday by his son Johnny.
Johnny Eichelberger
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Eichelberger talked about some of his accomplishments since defeating 32-year incumbent Robert Jubelirer in a huge upset nearly four years ago. He cited reform legislation, the Pennsylvania corruption investigation and spending cuts as some of his accomplishments. Eichelberger says he’s honored that his constituents have put their faith in his leadership.
Eichelberger
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Eichelberger also made campaign stops and met with supporters in Bedford, Huntingdon and McConnellsburg.
Former Hollidaysburg Resident Planning Presidential Run Craig Schaffer
A man who once lived in Blair County wants the White House to be his future home.
32-year-old George M. Nagle, at one time a resident of Hollidaysburg, will hold a town hall meeting on Friday to announce his plans to run for President in 2012.
Nagle, a 1995 graduate of Hollidaysburg Area High School, has an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in biology and master's degrees from Duquesne University in biology, marketing and business.
Up until November of last year the single father of an 18 year old adopted son was employed as a biologist for Weatherford International LLC of Houston.
Nagle will run as a Republican and wants to hear from local residents at the event on Friday which will be held at the Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School at 6:45pm.
January 18, 2010
Celebration of the Life Of Civil Rights Leader Observed Today Craig Schaffer/AP
Most schools and all local government offices are closed today in recognition of one of history’s most prominent civil rights leaders.
In Washington D.C. President Barack Obama will spend much of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrating the civil rights leader's life and legacy.
Following a morning meeting with senior advisers, the president and first lady Michelle Obama will participate in a public-service event.
Later at the White House, Obama will host a conversation with a small group of African American seniors and their grandchildren on the legacy of the civil rights movement.
In the evening, the president and Mrs. Obama plan to attend the "Let Freedom Ring" concert at the Kennedy Center.
Locally, Penn State Altoona will hold its first Martin Luther King Reflection Breakfast and Day of Service starting at 10:00 this morning in the Adler Gymnasium.
Body Of Fallen Marine to Be Brought Home To Blair County Today Craig Schaffer
The body of a local marine killed in action will be returned to Blair County today.
Staff Sgt. Matt Ingham lost his life a week ago while serving his country in southern Afghanistan. The military is scheduled to deliver the remains of the 24 year old son of Gary and Tammi Ingham of Altoona, to the Altoona/Blair County Airport around 1:00 this afternoon.
According to the officials handling the funeral arrangement, a closed casket viewing for the former Altoona Area High School student will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. Then on Saturday morning a memorial service will be conducted at 10:00 at the Cathedral.
High Speed Chase In Altoona Leads To Arrest of City Man Craig Schaffer
A high speed chase over the weekend leads to an Altoona man being arrested.
Around 2:15 Sunday morning in the area of 6th Avenue and 10th Street city police officers observed a car being driven in an erratic manner. The driver, later identified as 31 year old Theodore Toney of 614 Walton Avenue, proceeded to run a stop sign at 2nd Avenue and 9th Street. When the police tried to pull Toney over he fled at a high rate speed, running through other stop signs. At 5th Street and Grant Avenue Toney took a turn too wide and crashed into a parked vehicle. Toney tried to run away from police but was apprehended immediately.
Police say Toney exhibited signs of intoxication and he was taken to Altoona Regional’s Bon Secours Campus for a blood alcohol test.
Toney is facing charges that include Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police, and Reckless Driving. It was also determined that Toney wsa on Parole in Pennsylvania having recently been transferred from the state of New Mexico. He was arraigned and committed to Blair County Prison in lieu of $20,000 straight cash bond and a State Parole Detainer.
Senator Eichelberger To Announce Re-Election Campaign Craig Schaffer
State Senator John Eichelberger is set to announce his re-election intentions at a series of stops in the district today.
Eichelberger will hold events in Bedford, McConnellsburg and Huntingdon.
A local event will be held at 10:00 this morning in Hollidaysburg at the Dream Restaurant.
Dangerous Situation In Altoona Defused By City Police Craig Schaffer
An armed Altoona man kept police at bay for more than two hours Friday night after making threats against woman at an apartment building in the city.
A little after 5:30 Friday evening 26 year old Robert Purdin barricaded himself in his apartment on the 300 block of Willow Avenue after allegedly threatening the woman with a handgun. Police blocked off traffic around the scene and the building’s tenants were evacuated while officers and a hostage negotiator tried to talk Purdin out of his apartment.
The tense and dangerous situation ended around 8pm when police were able to take Purdin into custody with no one being hurt. Logan Township Police assisted at the scene.
Purdin is now facing various charges including burglary, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.
January 15, 2010
Elderly Woman’s Purse Taken from Shopping Cart Chris Forshey
Allegheny Township Police are looking for the man who stole a purse from an elderly woman in the Wal-Mart parking lot.
The incident happened Wednesday afternoon. According to a police report, the woman was putting groceries into her car when the suspect took the purse from her shopping cart. Wal-Mart surveillance video shows a man in his late 20’s or early 30’s grabbing the purse and then fleeing in a dark colored car. The suspect was inside the store prior to the incident and was seen wearing a dark blue hoodie and khaki pants.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Allegheny Township Police.
Police: Stolen Credit Card Used to Make Purchases Chris Forshey
Crime Solvers of Blair County needs you help in finding a man who used a stolen credit card to make fraudulent purchases.
Allegheny Township Police say the suspect used a credit card that was stolen from the victim’s wallet at the Summit Tennis & Athletic Club on January 2nd. The victim’s card was then used to make purchases at several local businesses. Police say the suspect is a 35-40 year-old black male who is 6-feet tall with a full beard and mustache.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Solvers of Blair County at 1-800-422-8802. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Local Teenager’s Rampage Leads to Placement in Treatment Center Craig Schaffer
The melee that broke out at a local bowling alley during the early morning hours of January 2nd has resulted in a teenager being placed in an outpatient treatment program.
In Blair County Juvenile Court on Thursday President Judge Jolene Kopriva heard testimony that revealed the 14 year old boy was intoxicated when police arrived at Holiday Bowl answering a disturbance call. During the fracas the boy’s father and several others who were under the influence of alcohol got involved and the teen had to be tasered when he starting hitting the officers on scene, injuring two of them. One of the officers may have suffered a career ending injury to his gun hand.
During Thursday’s court proceedings, at which the youth apologized to the injured officers, the boy was found guilty of aggravated assault of police officers, resisting arrest, possession of a small amount of marijuana and underage drinking, and he was placed in an Adelphoi Village outpatient treatment program.
First Phase of Trolleyworks Business Park Opened Chris Forshey
A new office complex is open for business in Altoona.
AMTRAN officials unveiled the first-completed phase of their Trolleyworks Business Park project on Thursday. The 5,000 square foot building located near Mansion Park use to be the former Gold’s Gym facility.
Renovations began more than a year ago. AMTRAN hopes to rent the offices for to supplement its operating income. The busy authority tapped into more than a million dollars in stimulus funding to make the project a reality. Neither office has been rented.
AMTRAN officials have big plans for the second phase of the project, which includes the construction of more office space.
Officials: Blair Below State Level on Youth Placements Chris Forshey
The state Department of Welfare is honoring Blair County’s Children & Youth Services for reducing the number of children who are in out-of-home placements.
Commissioner Donna Gority says county has instituted steps that allow for more children to stay in their own homes – even when there is an issue that requires county services.
Gority
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State officials say keeping children in outside placements instead of with a close relative is both expensive and time consuming. Commissioner Gority says the number of local children in out-of-home placements has fell recently from 145 children to 113 children.
Casey: Healthcare Legislation Will Likely Pay in 2010 Chris Forshey
U.S. Senator Bob Casey says he believes universal healthcare will pass by the end of 2010.
Pennsylvania’s junior senator made the comments while visiting Altoona on Wednesday.
Casey
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Casey says right now the House and Senate are working to bring both of their bills together and hashing out their divisive issues. He says the legislation is needed because it solves several costly problems in the current system.
Casey
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Casey says he understands that millions of Americans are against the legislation, but he says it’s critical that the bill passes now for both the economy and for those who have no insurance at all.
Drug Charges Filed against Tyrone Man Craig Schaffer
A Tyrone man was arrested earlier this week on drug charges.
37 year old Timothy Taylor, of 1473 North Avenue, was picked up by state police on Wednesday in connection with a couple of drug sales. During a drug investigation in Snyder Township conducted on October 30th and November 3rd of last year, police say Taylor sold marijuana to an undercover officer.
Taylor has been charged with possession of a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance.
Penn State Fraternities to Ban Alcohol During Rush Chris Forshey/AP
Fraternities at Penn State University plan to prohibit alcohol at all recruitment events starting next week.
The school's Interfraternity Council says the new policy is aimed at keeping new recruits safe.
The policy says that during the recruitment process chapters may hold alcohol-free recruitment events during specified times. Chapters will be allowed to host one last recruitment event on February 8th; bids will be extended February 9th and must be accepted by February 11th.
The fine for violating the alcohol-free rule is $1,000 per event. State College police say they are pleased with the move. Captain Dana Leonard says it's a step in the right direction.
Think Tank Calls for Investigation of PSU, Professor Chris Forshey
A conservative Pennsylvania think tank wants state officials to investigate Penn State and ‘Climategate.’
The controversy surrounds Penn State University professor Michael Mann and Emails leaked in 2009 which question the legitimacy of global warming research. Penn State has launched its own internal investigation on the matter. The Commonwealth Foundation says it believes that scientific misconduct has played a significant role in fueling alarmism over supposed catastrophic manmade global warming.
A foundation spokesman says Penn State’s own internal investigation constitutes a conflict of interest because Mann’s work brings in visibility, prestige, and revenue for the university.
Representative Kortz Drops Bid for U.S. Senate Seat Chris Forshey/AP
State Representative Bill Kortz says he's dropping out of the Democratic nomination race for U.S. Senate.
The former U.S. Steel Corporation manager from Allegheny County said last summer he planned to run.
But in a statement released Thursday, he said he's decided he can't raise enough money to get his message across. Kortz would have faced stiff competition if he stayed in the race.
Senator Arlen Specter is seeking the Democratic nomination in a bid for a sixth Senate term and faces a stiff challenge for the nomination from U.S. Representative Joe Sestak.
January 14, 2010
Fallen Local Soldier Returns to U.S. Today Chris Forshey
The body of a local Marine killed while serving his country in Afghanistan will be returned to the U.S. later today.
The family of 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Matt Ingham is in Dover, Delaware for their son’s final homecoming. Ingham died early Monday when he and two of his fellow Marines were ambushed by enemy combatants. The 2002 graduate of Altoona Area High School had served two tours of duty in Iraq, and was deployed to Afghanistan just last fall.
His parents, Gary and Tammi, live in the Juniata section of the city. Matt Ingham was married and had been living in Japan. Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey – who was in Altoona Wednesday on unrelated business – took a moment to remember Ingham and his family.
Casey
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Funeral arrangements have not been completed. A public memorial service is also being planned for next week.
Officials Discuss Revitalization Efforts in Downtown Altoona Chris Forshey
Revitalizing Downtown Altoona.
That was the focus of a walking tour Wednesday that involved Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey and some local elected officials. Senator Casey has secured $293-thousand in federal grant dollars for the city to begin blight removal work in sections of the downtown business district.
Casey says it’s his goal to see the central business districts in cities all across the state thrive and bring in new jobs. Casey says to accomplish that goal; you need to have the correct infrastructure in place.
Casey
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Casey compared Altoona to his native Scranton, which is experiencing similar problems. Casey also toured Penn State Altoona’s downtown facilities and the Altoona Transportation Center Parking Garage – which received funds from Casey’s office in 2007.
Officials: Local Missionaries Working in Haiti ‘Okay’ Chris Forshey
Some Blair County residents on a missionary trip to Haiti are reported to be okay.
Father Mark Begly of the Saint John’s Parish in Lakemont says Frank and Elizabeth Campion of Hollidaysburg, their son Francis and Linda Runk of Altoona all traveled to the country more than week ago with a group of eight sisters’ from the Altoona-Johnstown Catholic Diocese. Begly says the group has been working in an orphanage near the town of Hinche – which is about seventy miles from Port-Au-Prince.
Begly says the group has been in contact with the parish and family members here at home.
Begly
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Diocese spokesman Tony Degol says another missionary group from Holy Trinity Parish in Huntingdon was in Haiti’s capital when the earthquake struck. Degol says Father David Arseneault received minor injuries. Three volunteers from that group were unharmed.
City Parking Rates Increasing Chris Forshey
Parking rates are set to increase in Downtown Altoona.
City Council is considering a proposal to raise parking fees by $1 per-month in the Downtown business district. Altoona Parking Authority Director Pat Miller says the authority had to borrow $200,000 as part of a grant match for capital improvements. And he says the authority had to contract its snow removal services.
Mayor Bill Schirf says the increase is nominal and shouldn’t adversely affect downtown businesses.
Schirf
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Schirf says the parking fee increases have been relatively small over the past decade.
City to Expand Web Site for Use as Marketing Tool Chris Forshey
Altoona City Council has formed a committee that will focus on the re-development of the city’s Web site.
Councilman Erik Cagle proposed the committee at Wednesday’s meeting. Cagle says in 2010 it will become the gateway for the community and the world to stay informed with what’s happening in the city.
Cagle
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Cagle says the city was able to change technological platforms, allowing for the expansion. The committee will also explore the possibility of adding a free wi-fi zone in the downtown business district.
The city’s website is hosted at www.altoonapa.gov.
Corbett Closer to GOP Endorsement for Governor Chris Forshey/AP
Tom Corbett is picking up more support in his bid for the Republican Party's endorsement for governor.
A straw poll of GOP state committee members from southeastern Pennsylvania on Wednesday showed support for Corbett, the current state attorney general.
Southeastern caucus chairman Michael Meehan of Philadelphia says the vote was nearly unanimous, although he isn't releasing the results of the unofficial vote. Corbett faces competition for the GOP nomination from state Representative Samuel Rohrer.
On Saturday, the central Pennsylvania GOP caucuses voted to back Corbett. The full state committee is slated to vote on an endorsement next month.
City Woman Accused of Stealing From Acquaintance Craig Schaffer
The case against an Altoona woman accused of stealing cash and pills from the person she asked to give her a ride is headed to trial.
Charges against 18 year old Brittany Walk stem from an incident that happened last November in the city.
Police say that Walk stole the woman’s wallet and prescription medication after the victim had given Walk a ride. $32.00 was stolen along with two bottles of pills containing Suboxone and Xanax.
Council Hears Liquor License Transfer Request Chris Forshey
Altoona City Council is considering a business owner’s request to transfer a liquor license into his city eatery.
Frank D’Ottavio – who owns some pizza shops in Blair County – told council that his Broad Avenue location will only sell six packs to go. The license would be transferred from the Borough of Tyrone.
Councilman David Butterbaugh says he feels council will back the move.
Butterbaugh
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Butterbaugh notes that there are several other businesses in the area that sell beer. Council is slated to vote on the move at their next meeting.
January 13, 2010
Altoona Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Staff
A local Marine has died while serving his country.
Gary and Tammi Ingham of Altoona were informed Monday that their 24 year old son Matt had been killed in the line of duty. Marine Staff Sgt. Matt Ingham and two fellow marines lost their lives in an ambush in southern Afghanistan.
Altoona School District spokesman Tom Bradley says Ingham was a 2002 graduate who attended the Altoona Greater Career and Technology Center.
Ingham was married and had entered the Marine Corps shortly after graduation.
Report: Some Local Nursing Homes are Tops, Some Need Work Chris Forshey
A national publication says some local nursing homes ‘make the grade’ while others could use some work.
U.S. News & World Report recently ranked 15,000 personal care facilities, including 10 located in Blair County. The homes received ratings of one to five stars in each of three areas: health inspections, nurse staffing, and measures of care. The averages are then computed.
Garvey Manor in Hollidaysburg and Homewood at Martinsburg top the list with five stars each, while the Altoona Center for Nursing Care, Golden Living Center Hillview and The Village at Morrison’s Cove each received four stars. The Presbyterian and Lutheran Homes in Hollidaysburg and Epworth Manor in Tyrone were given three stars. Blair County’s Valley View Home and the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home scored the lowest with two stars each.
The U.S. News rankings rely on Nursing Home Compare, a program run by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS analyzes information on all homes enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid programs.
State Budget Cuts Affect Blair Human Services Chris Forshey
More budget cuts are coming to Blair County’s Human Services Department.
County leaders said Tuesday that the state has reduced funding for Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Children and Youth Services by one percent. That decrease will be absorbed at the administration level.
But Commissioner Donna Gority says the biggest hit will occur to the Human Services Development Fund and Homeless Housing Assistance Program. She says the loss totals about $43,000 and the county will need to notify its service providers about the reductions.
Gority
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Governor Ed Rendell cut funding to both programs by $4-million each because of the state’s lagging tax revenues.
Meling: Seed Money Improves Local Communities Chris Forshey
Some local park and recreational organizations have been honored for putting county seed money to good use.
The Blair County Commissioners issued plaques to representatives of a dozen community groups on Tuesday, thanking them for making a difference in their communities. Commissioner Diane Meling says the organizations were given the grant dollars last year to make improvements to everything from baseball fields to playgrounds to community swimming pools.
Meling
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The fund was set-up by court order in 1985 when Blair County decided to rent land to the partnership that owns and operates Lakemont Park. The order requires the money to be used for recreational purposes.
Shuster: Congress Will Focus on Healthcare, War on Terror Chris Forshey
Its back to work for lawmakers in Washington, D.C. today and a local congressman says there will be two big issues on the table.
9th District Congressman Bill Shuster says the Democrat’s health care legislation and the country’s overall security will be at the forefront of the discussions.
Shuster
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Shuster says there are still several issues between the House and Senate that need worked out before the bill becomes a reality. He says lawmakers will also be forced to deal with the struggling economy, growing jobs and the massive federal spending deficit.
Sestak Challenges Specter to 6 Debates in Primary Chris Forshey/AP
Congressman Joe Sestak is challenging Senator Arlen Specter to agree to six debates in the Democratic primary election campaign for Specter's seat.
Sestak said at a Harrisburg news conference Tuesday he wants to stage one debate in each of the state's six media markets.
The retired Navy vice admiral says he's eager to talk about the Senate votes Specter cast with the Bush administration prior to his defection from the Republican Party last year. A campaign spokesman for Specter said the senator has typically taken part in one debate during the primary-election.
Spokesman Christopher Nicholas said Specter is hopeful that can be arranged in this year's campaign.
Senator Corman Seeks Re-Election Chris Forshey
A popular Centre County Republican lawmaker says he will seek another term in Harrisburg.
34th District State Senator Jake Corman has officially announced his re-election bid. Corman was first elected in 1998 and is seeking a forth term. Corman is the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
His district is comprised of both Centre and Mifflin Counties.
PA House Speaker McCall Retiring at End of 2010 Chris Forshey/AP
Pennsylvania House Speaker Keith McCall has decided to retire from the Legislature at the end of this year.
McCall said Tuesday that he will step down when his 14th term ends in December because he wants to spend more time with his family.
McCall says he wants to be able to join his family more often for dinner, help his children with their homework and be able to attend ball games. The Carbon County Democrat's decision ensures that the House will soon have its fourth speaker in a period of about four years.
McCall was first elected in 1982 to fill a House seat left open by the death of his father, Representative Thomas McCall. The 50-year-old McCall became speaker a year ago.
Punxsutawney Phil to Text his Weather Prediction Chris Forshey/AP
Punxsutawney Phil will text his weather prediction to those who sign up to have texts sent to their mobile phones.
Mickey Rowley, the state's deputy tourism secretary, says he realizes that not everyone can come to Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day, so this is a good way to get the word out. Those wanting Phil's prediction can text "Groundhog" to 247365 until February 2nd. They can also give their e-mail to get other Pennsylvania tourism messages.
Each February 2nd, thousands of people descend on Punxsutawney, a town of about 6,100 people about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, for Phil's prediction. According to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phil has seen his shadow nearly 100 times since 1897.
January 12, 2010
Geist Seeks to Return to Harrisburg Chris Forshey
Blair County’s senior state lawmaker wants another term in Harrisburg.
79th District State Representative Rick Geist announced his re-election plans on Monday in front of a handful of supporters in Downtown Altoona. Geist -- who has served more than 30 years as a state lawmaker -- tells WRTA News that the next two years will be critical in getting the state’s fiscal house back in order.
Geist
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Geist says the legislature needs to pass a supplemental budget to address some of the shortfalls. And he plans to push for major road and bridge improvements if a Republican becomes governor. As for a potential challenger, Geist says his record will stand alone.
Geist
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Geist says in the end it all comes down to constituent services, and he feels his office has done a pretty good job serving the public.
Operation Our Town Gets $300,000 Chris Forshey
A Blair County community-based drug and crime fighting program has received a large influx of cash from Washington.
9th District Congressman Bill Shuster presented a $300-thousand federal check to Operation Our Town on Monday. Shuster says the money came from the Omnibus Appropriations Act. He called it an earmark he’s proud to bring home to Blair County.
Shuster
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District Attorney Richard Consiglio says the Operation Our Town has helped local law enforcement to battle the war on drugs and crime head-on. He says without the money, police departments would need to find the money on their own.
Consiglio
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Operation Our Town gives some of the money to police for overtime and law enforcement efforts. The rest of the community-business partnership goes to crime prevention and treatment.
Officials: Valley View Workers to Get Merit-Based Increases Chris Forshey
Some lower-paid Blair County workers may not be getting the full salary increases they have been promised in 2010.
County salary board members voted in December to award $930 increases to all non-union salaried employees. But Monday, salary board members voted 3-1 to instead institute merit-based raises for workers at Valley View Nursing Home. Commissioner Donna Gority says the facility’s administration wants to pay its employees based on their performance – just like last year.
Gority
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Controller Richard Peo voted against the sudden change, calling it unfair.
Peo
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Commissioner Gority disagrees with Peo saying there is a system in place for evaluating employees, but she admits it will become more detailed in the future.
Geist: PA Heading Toward Fiscal Nightmare Chris Forshey
A local lawmaker says Pennsylvania has some big problems ahead of it.
State Representative Rick Geist said on Monday they range from a massive budget deficit to a crumbling highway and bridge infrastructure system to the need to create new jobs and bring in new businesses.
Geist says he’s hopeful that Pennsylvania elects a Republican governor so that he can retain his role as the senior elected transportation official and begin to address the condition of the state’s highways and bridges.
Geist
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Geist says right now there is no new money for PennDOT. He says they have only been patching up problems that are growing bigger. Geist says he also remains hopeful that high-speed rail will come to Pennsylvania in the next decade – and that should help to boost business and economic development.
Ridge: "Human Failure" Led to Christmas Attack Chris Forshey/AP
Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge says that "human failure" is to blame in the Christmas Day airline attack.
In an interview with a Harrisburg radio station the former Pennsylvania governor says warnings from Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's father should have prompted the State Department to revoke his visa.
Abdulmutallab is accused of igniting an explosive mixture aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253 as it prepared to land in Detroit. Abdulmutallab's father told the U.S. embassy in Nigeria his son had drifted into extremism.
Ridge told WITF-FM on Monday that the departments responsible for the country's security are suffering from a lack of mission.
January 11, 2010
Former Blair County Teacher Pleads Guilty In Alcohol Related Homicide By Vehicle Case Craig Schaffer
A former Hollidaysburg Area School District teacher will be spending three to six years behind bars after pleading guilty to Homicide by Vehicle while under the influence of Alcohol.
On Friday Blair County Judge Hiram Carpenter handed down the sentecnce against 51 year old Martin Wimer.
Police say Wimer was drunk when the accident occurred on Frankstown Road on September 27th, 2008. According to police, Wimer’s vehicle traveled into the oncoming lane and crashed head-on into a car driven by 67 year old Judy Wills. Wills was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wimer's blood-alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit.
Tyrone Man Arrested For Sex Crimes In West Virginia Craig Schaffer
A Tyrone man was arrested Friday in connection with numerous sex charges out of the state of West Virginia.
43 year old Eric Woomer was picked up after local state police received a request from the Ranson West Virginia police department asking for an arrest warrant to be served on Woomer.
Woomer has been charged with 16 counts of sexual assault, 16 counts of sexual abuse by a parent and distribution and display of obscene matter. He was lodged in Blair County Prison awaiting extradition to the State of West Virginia.
Farm Show Event Showcases 4 Democrats For Governor Craig Schaffer/AP
Four of the five Democratic candidates for governor made their pitches Saturday during the kickoff of the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.
The candidates refrained from criticizing each other at a luncheon sponsored by the Penn Ag Democrats and sounded more like friends than competitors.
Jack Wagner, the state auditor general who has criticized Gov. Ed Rendell's administration, said he would lead the way in reforming state government.
Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty touted their efforts to turn around local communities and vowed to create new jobs statewide.
Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel said he would tax the extraction of natural gas to raise money for agriculture and social programs.
Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox, who's also seeking the Democratic nomination, stayed home sick.
Central Pa. Republicans Favor Corbett For Governor Craig Schaffer/AP
State Attorney General Tom Corbett is a step closer to winning the Republican Party's endorsement for the GOP nomination for governor.
Republican State Committee members from central Pennsylvania met behind closed doors at a Harrisburg hotel Saturday and took a straw vote that was overwhelmingly in Corbett's favor. Party spokesman Mike Barley says Corbett won 88 votes and his only competitor, state Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County, won 16.
Corbett's office is conducting an investigation into alleged corruption in the Legislature that has kept his name in the news for months and bolstered his statewide name recognition.
The central Pennsylvania GOP caucus also favored former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey as the party's nominee for U.S. Senate, picking him over Johnstown activist Peg Luksik 97 to 4.
The full GOP state committee is slated to make endorsements on Feb. 13.
Weekend Fire in Tyron Blamed On Wood Burner Craig Schaffer
A fire over the weekend in Tyrone is being blamed on a wood burner.
Around 11am Saturday, fire crews were called out to a duplex on Cameron road. According to officials the fire started in the basement and spread up through the walls of the home. No damage estimate has been released.
January 8, 2010
Pellet Gun Gets Local Junior High Student Suspended Craig Schaffer
An Altoona Area School District Junior High student has been suspended for bringing a pellet gun to school.
The 8th grader first showed the gun to some of his teammates while on the bus traveling to a basketball game in State College Monday evening. Parents were alerted which led to school officials being notified.
Upon entering the school building on Tuesday, the gun toting student was intercepted and was suspended for 10 days. An expulsion hearing will be scheduled later this month.
The pellet gun in this incident resembled an automatic weapon and possession of a look-alike weapon on school grounds is a violation of Pennsylvania's Act 26 which means the student could be expelled for the rest of the year.
Lee Food Service Property, Building Net $3.4-Million Chris Forshey
The Allegheny Township property that use to house the now defunct Lee Food Service company is getting a new lease on life.
Imler’s Poultry has purchased the building and the land for $3.4-million. A total of four companies had been interested in the property. Lee Food Service went out of business last fall and filed for bankruptcy in November.
A bankruptcy judge has approved the sale. Officials say the paperwork should be completed in the next few weeks.
Rendell Signs Bill to Allow Table Games at Casinos Chris Forshey/AP
Governor Ed Rendell's signature is on the new law legalizing table games at Pennsylvania's slots casinos.
The governor signed the bill in private Thursday afternoon, saying he had mixed feelings about it. He discussed the issue with reporters at the state capitol.
Rendell
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Rendell says the new law is designed to generate millions in license fees to close a gap in the current budget, and produce revenues for state and local governments in future years. Table games include poker, blackjack and roulette.
Regulators say it'll be at least six months before table games are up and running.
Blair Lawmakers Refuse to Back Table Games..............CAF..........1-8-10
A bill to add table games to Pennsylvania slot machine casinos did not find any support from Blair County’s three Republican state lawmakers.
30th District State Senator John Eichelberger discussed the bill during a year-end news conference on Thursday. Eichelberger says the table game expansion isn’t the answer to closing Pennsylvania’s massive budget gap.
Eichelberger
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Eichelberger says some casinos aren’t doing that well and might not buy the licenses. And he says places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City that rely heavily on gambling revenue have been severely pinched by the sluggish economy. State Representatives Rick Geist and Jerry Stern both vehemently opposed the table games.
Gerlach Drops Out of GOP Race for PA Governorship Chris Forshey/AP
Congressman Jim Gerlach is dropping out of the Pennsylvania governor's race.
The fourth-term Republican from southeastern Pennsylvania said Thursday he decided the statewide campaign is simply too expensive.
Gerlach's decision leaves only two candidates for the Republican nomination. They are state Attorney General Tom Corbett, who is widely viewed as the GOP front-runner, and state Representative Sam Rohrer of Berks County. Gerlach says his campaign had raised more than $1-million, but he believes he would need four times that much to be competitive.
Corbett has said he expected to raise close to $4-million by the end of last year. The candidates have until February 1st to file their year-end campaign finance reports. On the Democratic side, five candidates are vying for the nomination in the May 18th primary.
Geist to Announce Re-Election Bid Chris Forshey
Blair County’s senior state lawmaker plans to seek another term in Harrisburg.
79th District State Representative Rick Geist has called a news conference for 10:00AM Monday to formally announce his intention to seek re-election. Geist cites several significant legislative accomplishments during his 30 years at the capitol, including spearheading efforts to toughen Pennsylvania’s DUI laws; work zone and truck safety and making teenagers wait longer to get a driver’s license.
In addition to his Chairmanship on the House Transportation Committee, Geist is chairman of the Republican Caucus’ Committee on Committees, which oversees the assignment of House members to the various standing committees of the House. He also serves on the House Commerce Committee and the House Rules Committee.
Eichelberger Reviews 2009, Previews New Year Chris Forshey
30th District State Senator John Eichelberger met with local news reporters on Thursday to review his third year in office.
Eichelberger called 2009 a productive year and says he introduced legislation to bring about property tax reform, tax assessment reallocations and to ban bonuses for state workers. Each is currently pending in various state senate committees. As for 2010, Eichelberger says it’s going to be a tough year financially for Pennsylvania...especially with the pending pension crisis.
Eichelberger
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Eichelberger says he will continue to look for ways to cut state spending and bring about reform. The first term senator never missed a floor vote and was absent for only one committee meeting. Eichelberger attended more than 400 events and traveled more than 22,600 miles throughout the 30th District last year. But he says he only billed the state for his costs to travel to Harrisburg and some trips outside of the district.
January 7, 2010
PA House Gives Final OK for Casino Table Games Chris Forshey/AP
Table games such as poker and blackjack are in the cards for gamblers at Pennsylvania's slots casinos.
The state House of Representatives on Wednesday voted 103-to-89 in favor of a bill that allows table games. Governor Ed Rendell says he'll sign it into law. The law lets larger casinos install 250 tables for games such as poker and blackjack, while the smaller resorts casinos can have 50.
State gambling regulators say it'll be six months or longer before table games are up and running. The proceeds are needed to help pay the state's bills as the recession continues to ravage state tax collections.
Juveniles Arrested In Connection With A Strong Arm Robbery In Altoona Craig Schaffer
WRTA News has learned that three juveniles have been arrested for a strong arm robbery in the city Wednesday.
Altoona Police say the incident occurred a little before 4:30 yesterday afternoon in the 1000 block of Lexington Avenue.
So far no other details have been released.
Blair Officials Look to Make Documents Digital Chris Forshey
Blair County officials say they want to move forward with plans to eliminate paper waste by making all of their documents electronic.
Commissioner Diane Meling says it’s something the county’s information technology committee has been looking at for the past several months. Meling says the committee’s initial goal was to find ways to cut down on paper use, but things took an unexpected turn.
Meling
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Meling says while the county will need to make an initial financial investment in the upgrade, it will simplify things in the long run while reducing cost as well.
Meling
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The commissioners haven’t agreed on a final system but estimate it will cost between $60,000 and $80,000.
Vandals Cause Closure of 13th Street Crossover Elevators Chris Forshey
Vandals have again forced the closure of the elevators located in the 13th Street pedestrian crossover.
City officials said Wednesday the elevators will now remain off limits to the public until further notice. Public works director Dave Dietrich says the vandals – believed to be a group of teenagers -- interfered with the elevators’ mechanical system by messing with the controls inside the cabs. Dietrich says once the repairs are completed, the city will make a decision as to when they will be reopened.
Dietrich says the elevators are shut down at least once a month because vandals tamper with them. The city is working to find a solution to the problem. Anyone with information about the vandalism is urged to call Altoona Police.
Faulty Flue Pipe Caused Blair Blaze Chris Forshey
Officials say a fire that caused minor damage to a home in rural Blair County on Wednesday started as the result of a faulty flue pipe.
Firefighters were first called to the home along South Baron Road in Huston Township around 4:00AM. Crews found a cardboard box near a basement wood burner smoldering. They were called back to the same home a few hours later and discovered another problem inside a wall. Firefighters found that a cracked flue pipe had caused some two-by-fours to overheat and begin to smolder.
Damage was contained to the area around the woodstove. Blair County emergency officials are using it as reminder to everyone to use extra caution when relying on alternative heat sources in your home – especially since temperatures have been below freezing for the past few days.
Salvation Army Reaches Kettle Campaign Goal Chris Forshey
The Salvation Army of Altoona has met its Red Kettle Campaign goal of $75-thousand – despite the sluggish economy.
Officials said Wednesday they actually brought in slightly more than their goal amount. The Salvation Army was able to help more than 1,200 families in the Altoona-Blair County region with food, toys and other necessities this holiday season.
WRTA’s Drive-By Giving Day – in association with the Salvation Army and the Altoona Fire Fighter’s -- also met its campaign goal of $15-thousand. That money was used to provide toys to children who otherwise would not have received any this Christmas.
7 Plead Guilty in PA Corruption Scandal Chris Forshey/AP
Seven former Democratic aides for Pennsylvania's House of Representatives have pleaded guilty to crimes uncovered by a state investigation.
All seven defendants who entered pleas Wednesday have agreed to cooperate with prosecutors seeking convictions against other House members and staffers implicated in the probe. They have yet to be sentenced.
Among the aides who admitted breaking the law were Mike Manzo, the former chief of staff to former Democratic leader Bill DeWeese, who also has been charged. Former state Representative Mike Veon and three former Democratic aides are scheduled to go on trial later this month.
Deputy state attorney general James Reeder called the pleas a victory for justice and for Pennsylvania taxpayers.
Intern tells Paper Orie's Staff Worked for Sister Chris Forshey/AP
A former intern for Republican state Senator Jane Clare Orie has told a newspaper she saw another intern and other staff do campaign work for Orie's sister, newly elected Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin.
The 26-year-old intern, Jennifer Rioja tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that she went to Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. after seeing Orie's staff work on her sister's campaign last year.
Senator Orie's attorney has called the district attorney's grand jury investigation a "political hack job." Orie has denied wrongdoing in a letter to the intern.
Her attorney, Jerry McDevitt, says there's no evidence Orie, herself, ever directed the intern or her staff to do the political work.
January 6, 2010
Blair Leaders Pay Out Housing Assistance Dollars Chris Forshey
The Blair County Commissioners will pay out more than $170,000 to several local housing assistance agencies.
County leaders discussed the 2010 grant requests at their Tuesday meeting. The money comes from a small fee collected each time a county property changes hand. It’s then put into a special fund set-up specifically to help those in need of housing help.
More than $1-million has been collected since Act 137 was instituted several years ago. Administrator Denny Doll says the county had requests topping $380-thousand.
Doll
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The commissioners are giving $34,000 to the countywide heating assistance program, $30,000 to Habitat for Humanity for the construction of a new house, $35,000 to the Family Services homeless assistance shelter and $25,000 to Altoona’s Gateway Improvement Project.
Commissioners Honor Retiring Veterans Affair Director Chris Forshey
The Blair County Commissioners honored their retiring Veteran’s Affairs director at their first meeting of the new year on Tuesday.
County leaders say Gerald McCaulley is responsible for helping county veterans and their widows to secure more than $1.4-million dollars in benefits since he took over the office in July 2008. Commissioner Donna Gority says McCaulley modernized the office through efficiency improvements and updated computer records. McCaulley says he made it his goal to see that veterans get the benefits they deserve.
McCaulley
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Veterans are eligible for various financial incentives including money if they are wounded during combat, pension dollars and housing and rehabilitation assistance. McCaulley worked for 21 years as an Altoona Police officer before becoming a probation and parole officer with Blair County’s court system.
Reform Advocate Announced Lt. Governor Candidacy Chris Forshey
A well-know Pennsylvania reform advocate says he is now a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor.
Russ Diamond – who founded the Web site PACleanSweep in response to the controversial 2005 Pennsylvania Pay Raise, says his platform includes a constitutional convention, elimination of property taxes and defending Pennsylvania from federal intrusion. In an Email message to WRTA News, Diamond says Pennsylvania needs a strong reform advocate in the executive branch. He calls himself the only candidate “with a legitimate, workable plan in hand.”
Diamond has introduced legislation calling for a constitutional convention in each legislative session since 2007.
Rendell Says Heating-Aid Grants Will Be Increased Chris Forshey/AP
Cash grants that are expected to help 600,000 low-income families pay their winter heating bills in Pennsylvania are being increased.
Governor Ed Rendell said Tuesday that the grants provided through the federally funded LIHEAP program are being increased by $100 to an average of $326 for the current season.
He says this year's program also is being extended by nearly three weeks to April 2nd. At a Capitol news conference, Rendell credited the changes to efficient management of the program.
Rendell said that if Congress releases additional contingency funds for the program, the state could increase grants for the most vulnerable households, including senior citizens, young children and people with disabilities.
Table Games Proposal Poised for PA Senate Vote Chris Forshey/AP
The Pennsylvania Senate is poised to vote on a bill that would legalize table games at the state's slots casinos, with a final vote in the House expected Wednesday.
The bill passed out of the joint House-Senate conference committee on a 5-to-1 vote Tuesday. Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are meeting on the bill. The bill is largely similar to a version that passed the Senate in mid-December. It would allow a fourth stand-alone resort casino license in 2017 and earmarks a portion of the proceeds to benefit the communities where casinos are located.
Governor Ed Rendell says revenue from table games is needed to avert the layoffs of nearly 1,000 state workers.
Judge Denies Bid To Delay Trial For Veon, Others Craig Schaffer/AP
A judge says he's not willing to delay trial for a former Pennsylvania lawmaker and three co-defenants.
On Tuesday, Dauphin County Judge Richard Lewis ruled against former Representative Mike Veon's request to push back the January 19th start of trial.
Veon's lawyers say they need more time to organize and understand about 67,000 documents they've received from prosecutors.
The defendants are accused of illegally diverting state workers and legislative resources for campaigning and other purposes.
Seven co-defendants are expected to plead guilty Wednesday. An eighth was acquitted of all charges last month.
Scarnati Retains Seat as President Pro-Tem Chris Forshey/AP
Senator Joe Scarnati was sworn in to serve a fourth year as Senate president pro-tempore on Tuesday.
The Jefferson County Republican has held the position since 2006. Scarnati also has pulled double duty as lieutenant governor since his Democratic predecessor, Catherine Baker Knoll, died in November 2008.
Baker-Knoll’s term expires at the end of next year, when it will be filled by whoever wins the seat during this year’s regular election.
Floodplain Maps Open for Inspection Chris Forshey
The City of Altoona’s floodplain map will be available for review beginning next week.
Residents are welcome to inspect the maps, which are being proposed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The maps are being available during business hours from January 11th through the 29th at Altoona City Hall in the 3rd floor conference room.
January 5, 2010
Bill Schirf Sworn in as Mayor of Altoona Chris Forshey
Former city councilman Bill Schirf is officially Altoona’s new mayor.
The retired educator is taking over the administration of a city that faces future financial distress and an ongoing drug problem. Shirf took the oath of office Monday in a ceremony attended by more than 100 people at the Penn State Devorris Downtown Center.
His top priorities include fighting crime, tackling the ongoing budget issue and improving the business district.
Schirf
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He was joined by Jason Ibrahim, Dave Butterbaugh and Bill Neugebauer, who were sworn-into their first terms in office. Ibrahim says he plans to keep a close eye on the city’s budget.
Ibrahim
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Councilman Mark Geis was also sworn-in to serve another four years.
Blair Officials Sworn into Office Chris Forshey
There is a new sheriff in town.
Former Altoona City Assistant Police Chief Mitch Cooper was sworn-in Monday as Blair County’s newest row officer. He replaced Sheriff Larry Field who retired after serving the past 20 years. Cooper says he’s just ready to get to work.
Cooper
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Cooper was given his official badge by Field, who told the audience of about 250 onlookers that he never had one when he began his tenure. District Attorney Richard Consiglio also took the oath of office and began his second four-year term. He says 2010 will be an extremely busy year for him and his staff.
Consiglio
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Deputies and administrative officials from both offices were also sworn-in. Judge Hiram Carpenter – who was retained for a third term, Prothonotary Carol Newman, and Jury Commissioners Francis Kuhn and Joy Foreman were administered the oath of office.
Bedford County Defense Contractor Gets $2-Million Earmark Chris Forshey
A Bedford County defense contractor is getting $2-million from Washington to expand its operations and grow its digital technology.
Szanca Solutions will use the money to advance its high-tech voice recognition software. The technological program is being developed for use by the military. The money – part of a Defense Department Appropriations Bill earmark – was secured by Congressman Bill Shuster. The money is expected to create some new jobs.
Szanca Solutions say it has about two dozen people working on the development of the software and that number will grow as it goes into formal production.
Forecasters: Bitter Cold Temperatures Could Stay a While Chris Forshey
Forecaster’s say the recent bitter-cold spell could stay around for at least the next few days.
The National Weather Service in State College says the breezy conditions coupled with below freezing temperatures are forecasted through at least Wednesday. The gusts have been throwing snow onto icy roadways, leading to less-than-favorable travel conditions for motorists. The frigid temperatures contributed to a major water main break, which affected residents living in the Beverly Hills, College Heights and Fairview sections of Altoona.
Several hardware stores report that ice melt and snow removal items have been in popular demand. Road crews in several local municipalities have been working overtime to keep the roadways cleared.
Rendell: Prisons, Welfare May See Bulk of Job Cuts Chris Forshey/AP
Governor Ed Rendell says the state prison system and the Department of Public Welfare will see the bulk of the nearly 1,000 job cuts if a bill to legalize table games doesn't pass soon.
Rendell released a department-by-department list Monday of the layoffs that will occur if the table games bill isn't on the way to his desk by the end of the week.
Legislative leaders plan to brief their rank-and-file members on progress in their negotiations on Tuesday. Rendell's plan calls for the Department of Corrections to lose 299 of 15,436 positions. The Department of Public Welfare would cut 333 of its 17,244 jobs.
State police would see the third-most losses - 112 out of its complement of 5,772.
January 04, 2010
City Highway Yard Trying To Get Roadways Cleared Of Snow
Driving in Altoona today continues to be a little tricky in spots but for the most part traffic is moving along even if drivers have to slow down a bit to get around.
Many roadways are still snow covered but that isn’t the result of the city running out of salt as has been previously reported.
Altoona Highway Superintendent Brendan Kellytells WRTA News that the there is enough salt in stock to get by but current weather conditions call for a different approach. The highway department switched from salt to anti-skid material on Saturday because of the cold temperatures. Kelley says the salt already on the roadways will start to work if even if just a little sunshine breaks through.
The slick roadways this morning caused many area schools to operate on a two hour delay today.
Elected Officials Set to Take Office Chris Forshey
It’s a changing of the guard in several municipalities and in Blair County this morning.
Inauguration ceremonies are set to begin at 9:00AM at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, where several newly-elected faces will be sworn-into office. Most notably, Former Altoona Assistant Police Chief Mitch Cooper will become Blair County Sheriff and Francis Kuhn and Joy Forman will become jury commissioners. Several existing row officers, judges and mayors will be sworn-into a second term.
Inauguration ceremonies begin at 10:00AM in the City of Altoona at the Devorris Downtown Center. Bill Schirf will become Altoona’s next mayor and David Butterbaugh, Jason Ibrahim and William Neugebauer will be sworn in as councilman. Democrat Mark Geis will begin another term. A reorganization meeting will occur following the ceremony.
The public is invited to attend both ceremonies.
Blair County High Speed Chase Chris Forshey
A man led several Blair County police departments on a high-speed chase in icy roadway conditions early Sunday morning.
The incident began along Locke Mountain Road when officers tried to stop a driver for traveling too fast for roadway conditions. He eventually pulled over and was taken into custody.
Police have not released the name of the driver.
Holiday DUI Task Force Results Craig Schaffer
The Blair County D.U.I. Task Force conducted a county-wide DUI Roving Patrol on New Year’s Day. Officers from eight municipal departments participated.
This event resulted in 28-vehicles being stopped for various violations.
The most unusual incident of the event occurred at Holiday Bowl. According to Task Force officials, a disturbance broke out between patrons at the establishment which continued when the police arrived on scene. A 15 year old boy was arrested and was tasered when he starting hitting the officers. Four other patrons were also arrested when they tried to intervene on the juvenile’s behalf.
Charges pending against those involved in the incident include; Riot, Failure to Disperse, Resisting Arrest, Assault, Underage Drinking, Disorderly Conduct, Harassment.
One person is also being investigated for Possession With The Intent to Deliver.
City Loses Community Leader Craig Schaffer
The city of Altoona heads into a new year without one of its longtime community leaders.
Lucy Johnson died on New Years day at the age of 85.
The 1942 graduate of Altoona High School was known for her faith in God and for serving people in the community.
Johnson was the first black president of the Altoona Hospital's AFCME union and she was an original member of the Head Start program. She also served on many boards of area agencies and organizations. Johnson was named the 2005 Humanitarian of the Year by the Blair/Bedford Central Labor Council and she received the 2002 NAACP Woman of the Year Award and the 1986 John Riley Human Relations Service Award.
Friends will be received this afternoon from 2 to 4 and this evening from 7 to 9, and from 1 to 3:30 Tuesday afternoon preceding the funeral service at The Good Funeral Home Inc.
Table Games in PA Means Poker, Craps - and Pork Chris Forshey/AP
A vote on a bill that would deliver poker, craps and other table games to Pennsylvania's casinos is expected in the coming days. It's also become the latest method for state lawmakers to deliver pork for their own pet projects.
Under the bill's latest version, the casinos will send 14-percent of their table games take to the state treasury and another 2-percent to fund civic and infrastructure projects in the communities surrounding the casinos. Some of the local money would fatten municipal and county budgets.
Proponents of the local set-aside say the idea has popular support among rank-and-file lawmakers and local politicians. But critics say it's reminiscent of the secretive process in which lawmakers have been able to direct grants toward their favored causes. |
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