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Local News Archives 04-2010

April 30, 2010

City Police Arrest Three Juvenile Graffiti Suspects Chris Forshey

Altoona Police have arrested three juveniles for spraying graffiti on a vacant property.

City police say the 14 and 15-year-old defendants were taken into custody Thursday. Officials say the teens are linked to symbols found on a residence at 704 8^th Avenue. The graffiti first appeared in January. Spray paint damage to the property is set at $3,300.

The arrests came just 24 hours after Chief Janice Freehling told city council Wednesday night that the ongoing graffiti problem is being caused by juveniles who were not connected to gangs. She says her officers have been working to identify and apprehend the juveniles – and many are wanted for multiple incidents.

Officials say if you have any information that can lead to the arrest of more graffiti suspects; you’re urged to contact city police at 949-2489.

Blair Township Institutes Burning Ban Chris Forshey

A burning ban has been instituted in one local municipality.

Officials in Blair Township say the action was needed because of the warm, dry temperatures expected over the next few days. Code enforcement officer Thomas O'Leary says the ban went into effect Thursday and will remain in place until further notice.

Forecasters say the fire danger remains high throughout the central and eastern parts of Pennsylvania because of the dry conditions and low humidity.

Officials: Remains are those of Missing Everett Woman Chris Forshey

Maryland State Police say skeletal remains found in the Green Ridge State Forest near Little Orleans have been tentatively identified as those of a Bedford County woman who disappeared while driving to church in 2006.

Police said Wednesday there is no sign of foul play in the death of 74-year-old Marion Sipes. She was reported missing in March 2006 from Everett – which is about 30 miles north of where the remains were found. Investigators say teenage hikers found the remains about six miles from where Sipes' disabled car was recovered shortly after she disappeared.

Police say Sipes may have tried to walk to help and died from exposure to subfreezing temperatures. The state medical examiner's office will try to determine the cause and manner of death.

City Officials Forming Volunteer Projects Committee Chris Forshey

Altoona City Council will form a new committee aimed at bringing volunteers and community groups together with those who are in need of their help.

Councilman Erik Cagle says getting both sides on the same page should help get more projects to get accomplished in less time.

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Cagle says there are a lot of areas where people can help.

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Cagle says the committee hopes to focus on the older population, who oftentimes need the extra manpower and financial resources to help fix their problems.

PennDOT Discusses Transportation Projects Chris Forshey

PennDOT officials met with local leaders Thursday to update them on projects and happenings throughout the District 9 transportation area.

District executive Tom Prestash says the outreach program allows local and state officials to get on the same page with each other.

Prestash says a lot will happen in 2010. He says the Park Avenue project will be completed in August, several roadways will get paved and structurally-deficient bridges will be repaired. Prestash says PennDOT will invest $110-million in roadways and bridges throughout the District 9 region.

PennDOT has received more than a billion dollars in stimulus funding and several projects statewide are currently being financed with those dollars.

PA Tax Amnesty Staff Increased Due to Heavy Response Chris Forshey

The Rendell administration is putting more staff on phone-answering duty to handle a torrent of calls from people wanting to take advantage of a new tax amnesty program.

State officials say they are still working to address the jammed phone lines that had left some people unable to get through in the program's first few days.

They hope to increase the number of people answering phones from 33 on Monday morning to 93 by Friday. Thousands of phone calls, E-mails and online applications are pouring into the Department of Revenue. The 54-day program is expected to generate an additional $190-million for the cash-strapped state treasury.

The initiative allows tax dodgers to pay off tax debts accrued through June 2009 with no penalty and half the normal interest.

Specter, Sestak Continue Dueling in New TV Ads Chris Forshey/AP

New, dueling TV ads are on the air from Pennsylvania's two Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate before they meet to debate Saturday.

Incumbent Arlen Specter claims U.S. Representative Joe Sestak doesn't pay some campaign employees the minimum wage. The ad first aired Wednesday. A Sestak spokesman says the campaign is complying with the law and accused Specter of trying to distract Democrats from his 28-year voting record as a Republican.

A Sestak ad airing Thursday responds to an earlier attack by Specter. It features a veteran who asks Specter not to lie about Sestak's Navy record. The former Navy vice admiral served 31 years before joining Congress in 2007.

Specter contends Sestak was reassigned in 2005 for creating a poor command climate. Sestak disputes that. The primary is May 18.

April 29, 2010

Local Convenience Store Getting Set To Sell Beer Again Craig Schaffer

A local convenience store will soon be back in the beer business.

A ruling Wednesday by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board opens the door for the Sheetz store at 1900 Pleasant Valley Boulevard in Altoona to sell beer for on-site consumption and takeout.

The time table for the beer sales will depend on conditions of the license that the PLCB will put in place.

After obtaining a malt license in September 2004 and following several stoppages of sales and restarts, sales were cut off last June when the state Supreme Court ruled that eating place licensees must sell beer for on-site consumption.

An appeal of Wednesday’s ruling is expected by the Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania.

City to Soften Stance on Graffiti Marking Enforcement Chris Forshey

The City of Altoona will soften its stance against residents who have become the victims of graffiti vandals.

City officials addressed the issue on Wednesday after Police Chief Janice Freehling and Codes Department Director Mark Ernest told council the problem continues to be a big nuisance. Freehling says while her officers have made some arrests, more graffiti is appearing. Earnest says some businesses and residents have trouble complying with a city ordinance that mandates the graffiti be promptly removed.

Councilman Bruce Kelley says it’s obvious the city needs to change its stance on how it deals with the problem.

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Kelley says the city will tone down the warning letter it sends to properties in violation of the ordinance. The city will also partner with local businesses which can provide products and services to help residents deal with graffiti markings at a reduced price.

Tomassetti: Murder Trials Shouldn’t Strain Budget Chris Forshey

Blair County officials say the cost of bringing in an outside jury for a high-profile murder trial later this year won’t strain the county’s already tight budget situation.

Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says court officials budgeted for two expensive murder trials this year – and hopefully the Sean Allen murder trial will be the only case involving the costs associated with an outside jury.

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Jury selection will happen in York County, but the jurors will then be bussed in – and the county will be forced to pick-up the cost of all housing and food costs. Allen’s trial is set to begin in September.

City Official: Construction Remained Steady in 2009 Chris Forshey

Altoona City code enforcement director Mark Earnest says despite the down economy, construction projects held steady in 2009.

Earnest says while only six new homes and 10 commercial buildings were constructed, the number of alterations to existing properties remained high. Earnest says 836 individual homeowners made 836 changes to their properties, while 82 commercial owners renovated or added space to their properties.

The city collected $320,600 in construction permit fees. Earnest says his department is now also dealing less with landlord issues associated with the rental inspection program.

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The codes department issued 4,518 violations last year, mostly for garbage and vegetation issues. And Ernest says 438 property owners were cited because of problems.

BREATHE Kicks-Off Anti-Tobacco Campaign Chris Forshey

BREATHE and the Altoona Curve has teamed up during the 2010 baseball season to campaign against chewing tobacco.

Curve officials say they will broadcast a 30-second PSA during each home game to encourage the public to kick the habit. Blair County Tobacco cessation coordinator Machel Drahnak says the ballpark provides the perfect forum for organizers to show residents young and old the dangers associated with using tobacco. Drahnak says officials have discovered that more local people are turning to smokeless tobacco to feed their nicotine habit.

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Officials say chewing tobacco leads to tooth decay and gum diseases, plus a number of forms of oral-related cancers.

PA Tax Payers Experiencing Long Waits, Inadequate Information Chrisd Forshey

Pennsylvania revenue department officials appear to be running into some major hiccups just three days into the state’s new tax amnesty program.

Officials say most of the problems stem from the state’s antiquated revenue collection system and lack of personnel to process the proper paperwork. Taxpayers have been complaining about their long phone waits – and some say their Emails are getting bounced back because state mailboxes are overloaded.

The program – which was announced on Monday – is meant to give people and businesses owing back taxes a 54-day window to pay up without the usual penalties and only half the interest due. Officials hope to collect $190-million of the more than $2.1-billion the state is owed in back taxes.

Some taxpayers have complained that they were sent notices saying they owed money, even though they really owed nothing. State revenue officials admit the first 48 hours have been hectic. A department spokesperson says more than 4,000 phone calls came into the office by Tuesday afternoon and officials are still in the process of working through their problems.

PA House Panel Approves Bill on Sex Ed in Schools Chris Forshey

A bill that would require Pennsylvania's public schools to provide sex education to students is on its way to the state House of Representatives.

The bill narrowly passed the House Education Committee on Wednesday. The vote was 14-11. Under the bill, parents would have the opportunity to withhold their children from the classes and school boards would determine the curriculum, as long as it's age-appropriate and medically accurate.

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Representative Chelsea Wagner of Allegheny County, says the instruction can help lower pregnancy rates and costs and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Currently, such instruction is at the district's discretion.

Opponents say family and church, not schools, should provide sex education, which they fear will encourage sexual activity.

Johnstown Steelworkers Back Critz in Congressional Race Chris Forshey/AP

The United Steelworkers have endorsed Democrat Mark Critz in the special election to fill the 12^th District Congressional seat held by the late John Murtha.

The steelworkers union, in a statement through the Critz campaign, says they support the Democrat's plan to create jobs in the blue-collar district. Critz was a longtime aide to Murtha, who died in February.

Democrats are facing a stiff challenge in keeping a 12th Congressional District seat that Murtha held for 36 years. Millionaire businessman Tim Burns, of Eighty Four, is the Republican candidate in one of the most closely-watched House races in the country.

The May 18th special election to choose Murtha's replacement for the remainder of the term will be held the same day as the Pennsylvania primary.

Confidants: Crist Will Run as an Independent Chris Forshey

Florida Governor Charlie Crist will bolt the Republican Party and seek election to the U.S. Senate as an independent, two close confidants said Wednesday.

Crist will announce his plans at 5:00PM Thursday in his hometown of St. Petersburg. The confidants spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement has not been made, but both said they had spoken directly with Crist. One cautioned that Crist can be unpredictable.

Crist later called The Associated Press to say he has told no one of his decision. The announcement will end weeks of speculation about whether Crist will abandon the GOP after falling far behind former House Speaker and tea party favorite Marco Rubio in polls.

Crist, who was born in Altoona, has been governor of Florida since 2006. Before that he was the state’s attorney general.

April 28, 2010

Shuster to Face Democratic Write-In Opponent Chris Forshey

9^th District Congressman Bill Shuster may have a Democratic opponent in his bid for re-election this year.

Former broadcasting executive Tom Conners announced he would seek Shuster’s seat Tuesday in Hollidaysburg. Conners says he jumped into the race late in the game because he wants to put an end to the “38-year-long Shuster Dynasty.”

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Conners says Shuster voted ‘NO’ on healthcare reform and the stimulus money when American needed his support the most. Democratic Party chairman Frank Rosenhoover says since Conners didn’t submit a nominating petition, he needs 1,000 signatures during the May 18th Primary to get on the November Ballot.

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Rosenhoover says he and Conners are prepared to wage a full blown campaign against Shuster this election year.

Arbitrator Rules on Blair Prison’s Workers Contract Chris Forshey

AFSCME union workers at the Blair County Prison will have their wages frozen in the first year of a three-year arbitration agreement announced Tuesday morning.

The workers will be given 3-percent pay increases during the second and third years of the contract. The employees will also have to contribute more to their prescription drug costs. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti called the arbitrator’s ruling a win-win for both sides.

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The workers had failed to ratify two previous offers. Tomassetti says the contract brings the prison employee’s healthcare costs more in line with the rest of the county. He says the county wasn’t able to get changes from the arbitrator on the current attendance and tardiness policies.

Blair Debating Fix for Fallen Swinging Foot Bridge Chris Forshey

Blair County officials are debating whether or not to fix a fallen swinging foot bridge in the Linds Crossing area.

Commissioner Diane Meling says area residents use the bridge as a shortcut to get their kids on and off the school bus. Meling says high flood waters and damaging winds this winter brought the bridge down into the creek.

She says the county has to decide if it can be repaired or replaced.

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Meling says it’s too early to put a cost estimate on the project. The county owns a total of three swinging foot pedestrian bridges.

Harrisburg to Take Up Transportation Funding Issue Chris Forshey

Governor Ed Rendell wants a special legislative session on Pennsylvania's transportation funding problems to begin next week.

Rendell's addressed a joint session of the House and Senate on Tuesday after each chamber approved a resolution.

Rendell's call for the session is being prompted by the federal government's recent rejection of Pennsylvania's application to turn Interstate 80 into a toll highway. The rejection eliminated a key source of money to help address a backlog of highway, bridge and mass transit projects across the state.

The Department of Transportation says the $472-million expected from the tolls next year would have been part of $2.9-billion in highway and bridge improvements and $1.6-billion in state and federal support for mass transit.

GOP Candidates to Campaign at Shooting Event Chris Forshey

A conservative advocacy group is inviting candidates for Pennsylvania governor and U.S. Senate to a shooting range to fire bullets into a junker that represents policy ideas it opposes.

The Commonwealth Foundation said Tuesday it invited 10 Republican and Democratic candidates to the May 8^th event at a Lancaster County shooting range.

The Harrisburg-based group says attendees can "pump a few rounds or fire a cannon into a beat-up car" bearing icons or conservative nicknames of liberal policy ideas, such as "Obamacare." All four Republicans are expected to attend and speak. No Democrat is expected.

The event is designed to celebrate gun rights and give foundation supporters a chance to socialize and hear the candidates speak. It features food, shooting activities, cigars and a rock band.

Ken Burns to Be Honored at Penn State Chris Forshey

Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns will serve as this year's commencement speaker for Penn State University's College of Communications.

Burns, who is known for high-profile public television documentaries such as "The Civil War," "Baseball," and "Jazz," will also receive an honorary doctoral degree during the May 15th ceremony at the Jordan Center. Burns' most recent work looked at the history of national parks.

Burns will address 887 graduating students, which Penn State says is the largest class in the history of its College of Communications.

April 27, 2010

Sean Allen Murder Trial To Be Heard By York Jury Craig Schaffer

The fate of a Hollidaysburg man accused of murder will be decided by a jury from York County.

Blair County Court officials got the word Monday from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

The out of county jury selection was needed after a local panel could not be chosen last month for the Sean Allen homicide trial. It was ruled that extensive publicity of the murder would prevent a jury form being selected from Blair County.

Jury selection should take place September 15 and 16 with the trial expected to start September 20^th.

Allen is accused of killing 20 year old Penn State Altoona Student Margo "Maggie" Davis in March of 2009.

Blue Knob Firefighter to Be Laid To Rest Wednesday staff

Friends and family prepare to say final goodbyes to a local firefighter.

A viewing will be held for 49-year-old Rex Walters from 2:00 this afternoon until 9:00 tonight at Berean Baptist Church in Duncansville. Funeral services will be held at the church at 11:00 Wednesday morning. Walters will be buried at Mount Moriah Chuch in Blue Knob.

Walters died Saturday after his tractor-trailer rolled over on State Route 453 outside of Tyrone. Walters had been a volunteer firefighter with the Blue Knob Fire Department for more than two decades.

Walter’s family has requested that donations be made to the Blue Knob Fire Department in lieu of flowers.

Officials Hold Meeting to Move Storm Cleanup Money Along Chris Forshey

Officials from local municipalities could find out today exactly how much they are getting to help clean-up from February’s multiple snow storms.

A meeting is scheduled for later today at the Geeseytown Fire Hall. Emergency management personnel say the forum will bring local leaders up to speed on what they need to do to claim their part of more than $500,000 in money from FEMA. Governor Ed Rendell declared a state of emergency that opened to the door to the assistance for dealing with storm and snow clean-up expenses.

Blair was one of 27 Pennsylvania Counties covered by that declaration. The meeting will include representatives from the state and federal government who will be on hand to answer questions.

PA Launches Tax Amnesty Program Chris Forshey

It’s official. Pennsylvania has launched a 54-day tax amnesty program to encourage delinquent payers to make good on their bills.

State officials said Monday that 97-percent of Pennsylvania’s personal and business taxpayers pay on time, but more than one-million still owe a combined $2.1-million in back debt. Those who take part in the program will have their penalty fees eliminated – and their accrued interest cut in half.

Governor Ed Rendell says program dollars were included in the 2009-10 budget.

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The state is spending $3-million to market the program to the public. Rendell says those who ignore the program will see a special 5 percent "nonparticipation" penalty tacked onto what they owe.

Inquirer, Post-Gazette Endorse Specter Chris Forshey

The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette both have endorsed Sen. Arlen Specter over his challenger, Rep. Joe Sestak, in next month's Democratic Senate primary.

Recent polls have shown Specter, a five-term senator who left the Republican party last year, holding a substantial lead over Sestak, a retired Navy admiral and second-term congressman from suburban Philadelphia.

The Inquirer and the Post-Gazette, two of the state's largest newspapers, endorsed Specter over the weekend. The Inquirer's editorial board called the 80-year-old Specter "a senator for the ages" who is "still a vital player and a worthy choice for Democrats."

The Post-Gazette also praised Specter's work over the years and said "his knowledge of the state's needs, his ability to command respect on Capitol Hill and his voice for the brand of civil discourse that is too rare in America today have few rivals."

Rendell Names New Education Secretary Chris Forshey

Governor Ed Rendell has named a new state education secretary.

Rendell said Monday that he wants 52-year-old Thomas Gluck to take over the position being vacated by Gerald Zahorchak. Gluck has been Pennsylvania’s deputy secretary of education – the department’s second highest-ranking individual.

His nomination is subject to confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate. Gluck – a department veteran -- says he plans to continue to institute the initiatives set forth under Zahorchak’s term. Zahorchak announced his resignation last week after being appointed as superintendent of the Allentown School District.

Local Students Plant Trees to Earn Volunteer Credits Chris Forshey

Some local high school seniors spend part of their day Tuesday planting some new maple trees.

The students from Hollidaysburg Area High school used the opportunity to earn the volunteer credits the need to graduates. The students planted a total of nine trees near a new grocery store that’s opening in the borough.

The trees are two species of Maple’s that are unique to the borough. The trees were obtained through a state grant. Officials plan to hold another tree planting day on May 8^th at Legion Park.

Ben Roethlisberger Speaks Out on Suspension Chris Forshey

Pittsburgh Steeler’s quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he will not appeal the NFL’s six game suspension for violating the leagues Personal Conduct Policy.

In a statement released Monday, Roethlisberger said “the Commissioner’s decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family.”

Roethlisberger went on to say that he was sorry to let down his teammates and the entire Steelers fan base. He also says he’s disappointed in himself and pledged to clean up his act and to avoid falling into more bad situations.

The violation stems from an incident that happened in early March at a nightclub in Georgia. While celebrating his birthday, Roethlisberger was accused of following a 20 year-old woman into the bathroom and raping her. The District Attorney said that there was not enough evidence to charge Roethlisberger with a crime and the case was dropped.

April 26, 2010

Weekend Tornado Warning In Blair County Craig Schaffer

The rainy weekend wrapped up with some scary moments Sunday evening when a tornado warning was issued for parts of northern Bedford County and south central Blair County.

Just after 5pm the National Weather Service announced that Doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was bearing down on the community of Queen. Luckily the warning expired at 5:45 without incident as no tornado developed.

Firefighters Killed in Crash Chris Forshey

A Blue Knob firefighter is dead after rolling his tractor and trailer over the weekend.

State Police say 49-year-old Red Walters lost control of his tanker on State Route 453 early Saturday morning. Walters had been a member of the Blue Knob Volunteer Fire Department for the past two decades. He’s the second member from the department to die in recent months. Former Chief Edward Berkhimer passed away late last year from Brain Cancer.

Troopers are still investigating the crash that killed Walters. A viewing is planned for tomorrow from 2pm to 9pm at Berean Baptist Church in Duncansville. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00AM. Walters will be buried at Mount Moriah Chuch in Blue Knob.

Family members are asking that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Blue Knob Fire Department.

Man in Custody Following Standoff Chris Forshey

A man is in custody following a standoff at a Cambria County home Saturday night.

The incident began around 4:00PM in Elder Township along State Route 36 outside of Saint Boniface. Troopers responded to the home after they got a report of a man with a gun. A State Police CERT Team was called in to assist. Police say 56-year-old Thomas Dillon was held-up inside and refusing to come out. He finally surrendered around 9:30PM.

Troopers negotiated with Dillon until he finally decided to surrender. He was taken into custody. Police say the incident closed Route 36 for several hours. No one was injured during the standoff.

PSU Student Critical After Being Struck by Police SUV Craig Schaffer

A Penn State student is in critical condition after being struck by a State College Borough police cruiser early Sunday morning.

Police Chief Tom King says 21-year-old Kevin Ignatuk darted into the roadway in front of the marked SUV around 1:45AM. The accident happened on the 400 Block of East Beaver Avenue. Ignatuk was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center and then flown by medical helicopter to the Geisinger Trauma Center in Danville.

King says the unnamed police sergeant driving the SUV was not injured in the crash. State Police are assisting the borough in reconstructing the crash. The incident was one of many officers responded to as thousands packed Happy Valley for Blue/White weekend.

Officers are still interviewing witnesses who may have seen the crash.

PA Looks to Bring Millions into State Coffers Chris Forshey

Pennsylvania hopes to bring millions of dollars into the cash-hungry state treasury with a tax amnesty plan to be announced Monday.

During the 54-day amnesty period, all penalties and half the interest will be waived for businesses and individuals that pay off delinquent taxes accrued through June 2009.

The program is inspired by the success of an amnesty last year in New Jersey, which raised a record $725-million in six weeks. A 1995-96 amnesty in Pennsylvania waived penalties but required full payment of taxes and interest, but this year's program follows New Jersey's with a no-penalty, half-interest offer aimed at enticing more delinquents to settle up.

Pennsylvania included an anticipated $190-million from a tax amnesty program when it balanced its budget last year. The Revenue Department estimates that the commonwealth is owed about $2.1-billion in back taxes from more than 1 million businesses and individuals.

Injured Soldier Throws First Pitch of Season Chris Forshey

An Altoona baseball league has dedicated their 56^th season to those serving their county in the military.

East End officials invited Sergeant Matt Gibbons to throw out the first pitch at their opening game on Saturday. Gibbons was serving with the 56^th Stryker Brigade when he was injured in Iraq. Gibbon’s son Connor was at home plate to catch the pitch.

East End’s baseball season also got underway with a small carnival – complete with funnel cakes, inflatable rooms and games for children young and old.

April 23, 2010

Troopers Arrest NJ Man for Pushing Thousands in Heroin Chris Forshey

State Police have arrested a New Jersey man for allegedly bringing thousands of dollars of heroin into Blair County.

Troopers with the Troop G Vice Unit used an undercover narcotics investigator to make several controlled buys from 32-year-old Dwayne Anthony Fabian over the past week. Investigators learned that Fabian had been staying in a home at 1409 3^rd Street and had plans to bring more heroin back to Altoona from New Jersey.

Fabian was taken into custody Wednesday night in the parking lot of a Chestnut Avenue grocery store following a short foot pursuit. Troopers learned that he’s wanted in New Jersey on drug charges and was awaiting sentencing on an armed robbery conviction. Fabian is lodged in the Blair County Prison on $1.25-million bail.

Huckabee Undecided on Future Presidential Run Chris Forshey

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee says people should never underestimate President Barack Obama and the Democratic support he really has.

The Fox News host made the comment while speaking with reporters ahead of his speech Thursday night at Penn State Altoona. Huckabee was asked if he would run for president a second time – and he says Obama will likely not have a challenger and that could make him tough to beat two years from now.

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Huckabee says he’s still undecided on a future presidential bid. As for the Republicans, Huckabee says they need to find their ground and have a clear message that connects to the people if they hope to regain control of the White House.

Logan to Update Comprehensive Plan Chris Forshey

Logan Township officials say they are ready to update the township’s comprehensive plan.

Supervisor Joe Metzgar says the supervisors will be looking at everything from codes to ordinances to water and sewer issues. Metzgar says the board will be seeking input from township residents.

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Metzgar says making updates is always important – and the board will likely have to deal with Chesapeake Bay storm run-off issues and the future growth of the municipality. A public meeting is scheduled for May 4^th and the Logan Township Municipal Complex.

Logan Rejects Two Bids for Parcel Chros Forshey

Logan Township supervisors have rejected two bids on a half-acre parcel of ground located off Frankstown Road and Ameila Drive near Logan Town Centre.

Both bids came in at $30,000 or less. Supervisor Jim Patterson says that’s way below the $125,000 appraisal price and the township isn’t giving the property away.

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Patterson says the board really can’t sell it below the appraised value until all sale options have been exercised. The township discovered two months ago they owned the land after a developer approached the board with an interest in purchasing it.

Local Students Mark Earth Day Chris Forshey

Students from all around Blair County took time to mark the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day on Thursday.

A group of kindergarten through fourth-graders spent the day cleaning and removing trash from Fairview Park in Altoona. The students also took preventative measures to help avoid future littering. The children studied about Earth Day before actually participating in the event.

A group of students from Bishop Guilfoyle High School held their own Earth Day activities. Second graders from Altoona’s parochial schools were bussed in to participate in several outdoor-related events, including a nature walk. Organizers say the event was designed to teach the students about the environment.

And Skills of Central PA held an electronics collection at Blair County Ballpark – which was aimed at keeping them out of the country’s landfills.

Sestak Asks Biden to Condemn Attack Ad Chris Forshey

Pennsylvania senatorial candidate Joe Sestak is asking Vice-President Joe Biden to condemn Senator Arlen Specter for an attack ad released this week questioning his military service.

The request comes as Biden is set to campaign for Specter Friday night in Scranton.

Sestak – a retired Navy admiral - says Specter is unfairly distorting his military record. Sestak calls the advertisement “lies” and wants Biden to set the record straight. In the letter, Sestak calls a political attack on the service of a veteran a dishonor to everyone who has worn the cloth of the nation.

A group of veterans representing the Sestak campaign will personally deliver the letter to Biden tonight. Polls show Specter holds a substantial lead over Sestak, but Specter’s advantage has dwindled in recent weeks.

PHEAA to Increase Grants, Reduce Amounts Chris Forshey

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency says more students will receive education grants next year – but the amounts will be reduced slightly.

A spokesman says 185,000 Pennsylvania students will qualify – that’s up by 15,000 students from last year.

The change came after the board approved a new calculation of the grant distribution formula. The average grant will be $2,449 – that’s down from $2,739 last year. The maximum grant amount will drop from $4,120 to $3,781.

PHEAA will have about $403-million to distribute. The money comes from a yearly state appropriation. PHEAA’s board of directors had considered three different scenarios before making the decision to make more grants available to more students.

PA Attorney General’s Office Agent Charged with DUI Chris Forshey

An agent with the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office has been charged with driving under the influence.

A department spokesman confirmed Thursday that 41-year-old Gary Speaks was under internal investigation following the March 5^th incident in Harrisburg. Police pulled over Speaks after noticing he was driving his car with only the taillights on.

Court documents show Speaks failed a field sobriety test and also refused to take a breathalyzer test. He’s facing a driver’s license suspension of six-to-18 months. Speaks has worked in the attorney general’s office for 18 years and has in the past been part of Tom Corbett’s Executive Protection Detail.

He continues to work as an agent and is currently awaiting a hearing for a program offered to first-time offenders.

Aprill 22, 2010

Police: Woman Admitted to Setting Fire to Mattress Chris Forshey

A homeless city woman charged with setting an apartment building on fire “was curious to see how fast a mattress could burn.”

That’s according to a statement filed Wednesday in a felony criminal complaint against 35-year-old Hope Neff. City police say Neff set the fire in a third floor bedroom of an apartment building at 616 North Fourth Avenue on Tuesday night. Officials say Neff had been staying with a relative in an apartment above the former Fleck’s Clothing Store.

No one was injured – but four people are homeless. The building was completely destroyed. Owner John Muccitelli has insurance. Neff has been charged with two felony counts of arson, risking a catastrophe and several related crimes. She was lodged in the Blair County Prison in lieu of $300,000 bail.

Gority: Budget Problems in Harrisburg May Impact Blair Chris Forshey

The Blair County Commissioners say they are concerned that ongoing budget problems in Harrisburg will have a major trickle-down effect on Pennsylvania’s counties.

Commissioner Donna Gority says the financial setbacks at the state level will likely force lawmakers to continue reducing money allocated to counties to cover their mandates. Gority says the state has already shown that human services funding isn’t a priority – and she’s afraid to see what’s going to happen next.

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Gority says the silver lining this year – the state is more likely to have a balanced budget on time. That’s because the November election is on the minds of lawmakers and they are well aware of the ongoing public resentment with elected officials.

NEW Corp. to Add an Additional 200 Positions

An Altoona customer service center has plans to add at least 200 more jobs over the next year.

Officials with the NEW Corporation celebrated their first year in operation locally on Wednesday by announcing they would add the additional workers. NEW services warranty contracts through inbound calls for several national retailers. The company recently took on DirectTV as a customer, leading to the need for the additional employees.

NEW opened in the former Martin’s supermarket on 25^th Avenue last spring and has been growing ever since. The company operates 11 customer care facilities around the county. NEW is currently taking applications for those new positions.

Turzai Introduces Legislation to Privatize Sale of Wine and Spirits Craig Schaffer

House Republican Whip Mike Turzai has unveiled legislation to privatize the wholesale and retail operations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Turzai says the sweeping reform of the state owned liquor control system and privatization of retail sales would help both consumes and taxpayers in Pennsylvania.

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Pennsylvania is currently the largest purchaser of wine and spirits in the United States. The PLCB owns and operates 621 state stores throughout the Commonwealth.

The sale and distribution of beer will not be affected by this legislation.

Rendell Backs Bills to Pick Judges by Merit Chris Forshey/AP

Governor Ed Rendell renewed his pitch for ending elections of statewide appellate judges and empowering the governor to appoint them based on recommendations from a public commission.

Rendell said Wednesday he is concerned that growing campaign contributions to candidates for Pennsylvania's three appellate courts are eroding public confidence in the courts. He says 29 states use commissions to appoint judges, while Pennsylvania is one of just six states that elect judges in contested partisan elections.

Critics say people on the commission recommending names to the governor may themselves be subject to a politicized appointment process. Such a change requires amending the state constitution, which cannot be done without legislative and voter approval.

One bill is in the House and one is in the Senate. Neither has received a committee vote.

Sestak Criticizes Specter's 'Swift-Boat' Ad Chris Forshey/AP

The Navy veteran who is challenging Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania's Democratic primary election is accusing the fifth-term senator of using "Swift Boat"-style attack tactics.

Joe Sestak's campaign issued the message in an E-mail to veterans. It cites a Specter attack ad first aired Tuesday that says Sestak was relieved of duty "for creating a poor command climate."

The assertion was made in a 2005 Navy Times article. Sestak retired as a vice admiral a few months later, but disputes the report's accuracy. Sestak says the new Navy chief at the time simply wanted his own command team and moved Sestak aside since he had been promoted by the previous Navy admiral.

The Navy didn't issue official comment at the time. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported on the E-mail.

Mine Workers Union Backs Critz in Murtha Seat Race Chris Forshey/AP

Democratic congressional candidate Mark Critz received the endorsement Wednesday of the United Mine Workers of America in his race to fill the seat of the late Representative John Murtha.

A union official in a statement released through the campaign said Critz was committed to creating jobs and bringing economic development to the western Pennsylvania district. Critz said he would push for investments in clean coal and alternative energy production that would help create jobs.

Critz was a longtime aide to Murtha, who died February 8^th. Former House Speak Newt Gingrich is planning to attend a reception for Republican candidate Tim Burns on Thursday in Latrobe. The May 18th special election is one of the most closely watched House races in the country.

Would-Be PA Governors Spar Before Local Officials Chris Forshey/AP

Pennsylvania's candidates for governor discussed property taxes, police protection and other issues on the minds of local government officials during a forum in Hershey on Wednesday.

The candidates expressed conflicting views about whether the property tax should be replaced by another tax. But all six expressed concern about rising real-estate taxes driving people out of their homes.

The candidates drew applause in their unanimous opposition to "unfunded mandates" — costly state requirements without the money to pay for them. Democrats competing in the May 18 primary are Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, state Senator Anthony Hardy Williams, state Auditor General Jack Wagner and Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel.

The Republicans are state Attorney General Tom Corbett faces state Representative Sam Rohrer.

PA Public Corruption Hearing Focuses on Computers Chris Forshey/AP

The first day of testimony is over in what's shaping up as a marathon preliminary hearing for former House Speaker John Perzel and nine co-defendants with ties to the state House Republican caucus.

Prosecutors got through their first witness Wednesday, a former legislative aide questioned in detail about an assortment of taxpayer-funded computer contracts that prosecutors say illegally helped some Republican candidates.

Bill Tomaselli told the district judge about the deals and meetings that surrounded the caucus' use of software and hardware designed to make it easier to track voters and get them to the polls. The other defendants include former state Represenative Brett Feese and eight people who used to work as campaign or legislative aides to him or Perzel.

Judge William Wenner is deciding if there's enough evidence to send the case to county court for trial.

April 21, 2010

Arrest Made In Juniata Fire Craig Schaffer

A woman temporally staying in an apartment in the building that went up in flames last night in the Juniata section of Altoona has been charged with starting the blaze.

Police say an investigation into the fire at 616 North Fourth Avenue has led to the arrest of 35 year old Hope Neff.

Fire crews were called out around 9:45PM and found fire visible in the upper floors of the former Fleck's Clothing Shop. According to police, Neff started the fire in a third floor bedroom.

Deputy Fire Chief Tim Hileman says four people living in two apartments above the vacant store have been displaced. At least one of the tenants was taken to Altoona Hospital. The blaze was under control within two hours.

Fire Chief Renny Santone says the building, which was insured, is a total loss and will need to be torn down.

Neff has been charged with Arson Endangering Persons, Arson Endangering Property, Risking Catastrophe, and other related offenses. She was committed to Blair County Prison in lieu of $300,000 straight cash bail.

The Red Cross is assisting those who have been affected by the fire.

Blair Leaders Back Colgan for Flights Chris Forshey

The Blair County Commissioners are backing the airport authority’s request to stick with its current airline company.

County leaders voted unanimously Tuesday to back Colgan Air and its current flight schedule. A total of four airline companies had originally shown an interest in providing the service. The number was ultimately reduced to two contenders.

Commissioner Diane Meling says staying with Colgan makes the most sense because it offers more ease and comfort to airline travelers than GulfStream Airlines was able to provide.

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The commissioner’s say its important to keep passengers moving through the airport because the county can’t provide any financial support. The final decision on the Colgan selection will come from the FAA.

Blair Seniors to Get Extra Food Help Chris Forshey

State agricultural officials are offering a supplemental food program for some Blair County senior citizens this summer.

A department spokesperson says the program offers a monthly box of shelf stable food items for seniors 60 years or older with an annual income of 130-percent or less of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. That translates into $14,079 for a single person or $18,941 for a couple.

Interested seniors can sign up beginning Friday at Blair Senior Services locations in Claysburg, Williamsburg, Tyrone and Downtown Altoona. Food distribution begins in July. Blair County will get 414 boxes for monthly distribution.

Armed Robber Hits Bedford Bank Chris Forshey

Police are looking for an armed bank robber in Bedford County.

A man wearing a mask walked into the Susquehanna Bank on Route 30 in Breezewood around 9:30AM Tuesday armed with a gun and demanded money. He got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police describe the suspect as being about 5-feet 9-inches tall. He was wearing a black hoodie with a ladder design on the left part of chest, nylon pants with three white stripes going down the side of the leg, latex gloves, and a black and silver ski diagonally striped mask.

Blair Revises CDBG Funding Amounts Chris Forshey

Blair County officials are moving Community and Block Grant Development Funds from one project to another.

County leaders said Tuesday the move was necessary so the funding wouldn’t be sent back to Harrisburg. Commissioner Diane Meling says the county had made an $80-thousand allocation to the Claysburg/Greenfield Township Library to help cover the cost of installing a new elevator. But she says the project came in way over budget and the project is on hold.

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Meling says the money will be moved to the Duncansville Storm Sewer Project, which includes new infrastructure work in low-to-moderate areas of the municipality.

Huckabee: Government Spending ‘Way Out of Control’ Chris Forshey

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee says too many people working in the Federal government have never run a business – and that’s contributing to America’s soaring budget deficit.

The conservative Fox News Host told WRTA’s Doug Herendeen on Tuesday that while a certain amount of debt is manageable; spending in Washington has now gotten way out of hand.

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Huckabee says the problem isn’t just with Democrats. Government finances are just one of the topics Huckabee will discuss during his visit to Penn State Altoona on Thursday night.

Poll Shows Critz, Burns Virtually Tied Chris Forshey

A new poll out Tuesday shows Democrat Mark Critz and Republican Tim Burns virtually tied in the race for the 12^th District Congressional seat.

The poll published in the Washington Post shows Critz with 40-percent of the vote and Burns with 39-percent. A large handful of voters remain undecided.

The poll also attributes the tightness of the race to the dissatisfaction with President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress. It was conducted last week by the Conservative American Action Network. Both Critz and Burns are vying for the seat left open by the death of Congressman John Murtha earlier this year.

Both men have heavy hitters campaigning for them this week. Democrats held a fundraiser for Critz in Washington, D.C. last night – it was hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Vice-President Joe Biden will campaign for Critz Friday in Pittsburgh. Burns will be joined Thursday night in Latrobe at a fundraising event hosted by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Reform Activists Demand Corbett's Resignation Chris Forshey/AP

Government reform activists are calling on state Attorney General Tom Corbett to resign, charging that his political interests are interfering with his elected duties.

Leaders of four groups joined together at a Capitol news conference Tuesday.

Some criticized Corbett for joining some of his counterparts across the county in filing what they characterize as a politically motivated legal challenge to the recently enacted national health-care reform package. Others called on not only Corbett, who is running for governor, but all elected officials who are running for higher office this year to resign from their posts.

Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley says the activists only talk about reform, while Corbett is actually cleaning up the corruption in Harrisburg through his ongoing investigation of the Legislature.

April 20, 2010

Mayor: Juniata Streetscape Project Moving Forward Chris Forshey

PennDOT is planning to move forward with work on the Juniata Streetscape Project.

Mayor Bill Schirf says officials will meet with residents and business owners next month to bring them up to date on the plans. Schirf says if all goes well construction along Chestnut Avenue in Juniata should begin next spring.

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Schirf says the project will cause some detours and officials will discuss those with the public.

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The project could be wrapped up by the end of next year.

PennDOT, PSP Urge Drivers to Slow Down in Work Zones Chris Forshey

Drivers beware – the person sitting behind the steering wheel of a yellow PennDOT work truck just might a state police trooper.

Representatives from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police gathered at the Cross Keys interchange of Route 22 on Monday to stress the importance of using caution in construction work zones.

Officials say last year 56 work zone crashes occurred in PennDOT District 9. Assistant district executive Roger Dodson says that’s 56 too many.

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Dodson says speed and driver distraction leads to most crashes. He says most of those injured in work zones are the driver’s themselves. State Police troopers issued 400 work zone speeding citations last year. The punishment carries a double fine and a possible suspension of your driver’s license.

OOT to Meet with Tyrone Residents Chris Forshey

Operation Our Town is planning a public forum for later tonight in Tyrone.

Organizers will be providing Tyrone Community leaders with a presentation on ideas of how they can improve the Tyrone community. American Eagle Paper Mills will also be announcing their commitment of $10,000 per year for three years to OOT.

Representatives of Operation Our Town will be available to meet with residents after the presentation. The event gets underway at 6:30PM at the Bull Pen Restaurant.

Toomey, Burns Campaign in Region Chris Forshey

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey paid a visit to our region on Monday.

Pat Toomey toured the Galliker Dairy Company in Johnstown and met with a small crowd of supporters. Toomey was joined by Republican Tim Burns, who is running to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the death of Congressman John Murtha earlier this year.

Both Toomey and Burns talked about the importance of creating new jobs. Burns told supporters he wants to grow an economic environment that can sustain well-paying jobs and let the free market work on its own. Toomey also talked about job creation and shrinking the size of government.

Recent polls show most Pennsylvanians remain most concerned about the economy, while 60-percent say the healthcare reform bill is bad news.

April 19, 2010

Second Round Of Vehicle Windows Being Shot Out This Month Investigated Craig Schaffer

The State Police at Hollidaysburg are looking for whoever is responsible for shooting out windows of 15 vehicles over the weekend.

Police say the criminal mischief spree occurred sometime between 3:00 and 6:00 Saturday morning. The vehicles were parked along Juniata Valley Road, East Loop Road, West Loop Road and surrounding areas in Frankstown Township.

This is the same area hit earlier this month on the 9^th.

The State Police are asking everyone to be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles in that area. Anyone with information is asked to call 696-6100.

Teen Arrested for Graffiti Incident in City Craig Schaffer

Altoona police continue to crack down on graffiti crimes in the city with the arrest of a 16 year old boy over the weekend.

When officers responded to a report of a juvenile spray painting the side of home in the Prospect Pool area, they caught the teen hitting another residence. He was taken into custody without incident.

Altoona police say they discovered several locations where the juvenile had spray painted graffiti. He now faces charges of Criminal Mischief, Loitering, Prowling at Night and Disorderly Conduct, as well as other related charges.

City police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to call them at 949-2489 or to call the Blair County Crime Solvers at 1-800-422-8802. Callers may be eligible for a reward for their information.

Monday Is The Last Day To Register For Pa. Primary

Just two years ago, Pennsylvanians were overloaded with information about how to vote, when to register, where to cast ballots and whom to support in a history-making battle for the White House.

The recruitment drive on behalf of now-President Barack Obama was impossible to ignore, which made it a huge success. Statewide voter enrollment soared to a record 8.8 million, and the Democratic Party gained an edge of more than 1 million voters over the GOP that remains intact.

Today’s deadline for registering to vote in the May 18 primary features far less fanfare. That's even though Democrats and Republicans will decide nomination races for two of the state's highest offices - governor and U.S. senator - as well as contested seats in Congress and the state Legislature.

Most of this year's statewide candidates are not making concerted efforts to recruit voters. Rather, they are providing help to individual supporters who have questions about registering to vote.

Resurfacing Contract On Routes 164 And 1009 In Blair County Begins Craig Schaffer

Work will begin today on a nearly $79,000 resurfacing project along three and a quarter miles of Route 164 in Freedom Township and approximately one half mile of Frankstown Road in Frankstown Township, Blair County.

The work on Route 164 will run from Martz Road to Route 3013 and the work on Frankstown Road will run from Route 22 to Scotch Valley Road.

Work on both roadways will begin under daylight traffic control with flaggers and will consist of drainage upgrades, milling and resurfacing. Minor delays are possible.

All work will be completed by August.

Feds OK $50 Million In Pa. Aid For Winter Storms Craig Schaffer/AP

Pennsylvania will be getting about $50 million in federal disaster aid to cover expenses stemming from the back-to-back winter storms in February.

Gov. Ed Rendell's chief of staff, Steve Crawford, says the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved the aid for 27 counties that were hit hardest by the storms.

Crawford says an additional $6 million may be available for local projects to mitigate future disasters.

State emergency-management chief Robert French estimates it may take four to six weeks for the aid to be distributed.

Big Ten Expansion Talks Appear To Be On Agenda Craig Schaffer/AP

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that high-ranking representatives of the Big Ten were to discuss accelerating the timetable for a decision on possible expansion.

The Tribune cited unidentified sources in its report.

The Association of American Universities is meeting in Washington, D.C., through Tuesday. All the Big Ten schools are AAU members.

University of Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman and Michigan State president Lou Anna K. Simon, their schools confirmed Sunday, were among the university leaders who planned to attend the AAU meetings.

Big Ten spokesman Scott Chipman could not confirm whether commissioner Jim Delany would be at the AAU meetings. Delany is scheduled to be in Arizona later in the week for BCS meetings.

April 16, 2010

33 Charged in Countywide Drug Sweep Chris Forshey

Thirty-three people have been charged in a large-scale drug bust in Blair County.

Local law enforcement officers working with the State Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics Investigations began making the arrests Thursday morning. Twenty-five of the alleged suspects have been taken into custody. District Attorney Richard Consiglio says the defendants are accused of selling everything from heroin and crack cocaine to synthetic drugs such as Suboxone, Methadone and Morphine.

Consiglio says most of those being charged are street-level dealers who authorities have been watching for quite some time.

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Agents arrested Edwin Feliciano – who is from Puerto Rico. Consiglio said he’s accused of moving heroin between New York and Altoona. Police also arrested Robert and Cherry Ranger of Altoona. Authorities uncovered 914 packets of Heroin worth $25-thousand during a search of their Logan Boulevard home.

AASD: New Text Messages Won’t Deter Friday Classes Chris Forshey

Altoona School District officials say classes are being held today despite newly-surfaced text messages and internet postings this week saying something would happen inside the junior high school.

Officials sent out an emergency alert late Thursday to parents informing them that classes have not been canceled and the school building will be safe and secure. Authorities are in the process of trying to figure out where the messages are coming from. A cash reward is being offered.

Administrators and police put the 9^th Grade class through metal detectors on Monday after text message rumors over the weekend stated there would be some type of shooting incident.

Unofficial Tea Party Rally Draws Crowd of 300 Chris Forshey

More than 300 people packed the steps of the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg Thursday for the unofficial Tax Day Tea Party Rally.

Participants displayed signs, American flags -- and they called for everyday citizens to get involved in their government and take it back. Tea Party member Joe Harteis cited a modern day version of the Little Red Hen.

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Hazel Minnigh of Hollidaysburg says the massive bank bailouts, increased government spending and socialized healthcare have just gotten to be too much.

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More than 500 people signed a large cardboard check that called for an end to wasteful government earmarks. A group of Tea Party members delivered that check to the office of 9^th District Congressman Bill Shuster.

Gubernatorial Candidate Wagner Visits Altoona Chris Forshey

Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jack Wagner paid a visit to Altoona on Thursday.

Speaking at the Democrat’s Blair County Headquarters Wagner emphasized three areas he would like to focus on if elected governor. They include creating high quality jobs through smart investments in infrastructure, the creation of a scholarship program to help families afford the cost of higher education and reform of state government by holding a constitutional convention.

Wagner also called on state lawmakers to pass a budget on time. He says he will freeze the paychecks of elected officials if they fail to meet the budget deadline.

Blair Officials: VVH Staff Quickly Ended Patient Incident Craig Schaffer

Blair County officials say staff and management at Valley View Nursing Home worked quickly to stop a seriously ill patient from being further harmed by a former nursing home worker.

Altoona Police charged 29-year-old Carla Joan Murphy of Spruce Avenue on Tuesday with allegedly stealing two Fentanyl patches from a dementia patient in early March. Murphy was fired by the county in August and had cared for the resident. Through a statement released on Thursday, the commissioners said Valley View Home staff was able to promptly identify the situation and they reported it immediately to law enforcement authorities.

County leaders say they want to assure the public that all of the home’s elderly residents continue to have a safe and secure environment for the quality treatment the public has come to expect at Valley View Home.

PA Ordered to Add $800-Million to Malpractice Fund

A Pennsylvania court is ordering the state to transfer more than $800-million from its general fund into an account that helps physicians pay their malpractice premiums.

Commonwealth Court panel on Thursday issued a 4-1 decision in favor of the state's hospitals and physicians, which had argued the state should not have been able to divert surplus money from a program known as MCare.

The dissenting judge warns that the decision throws the current state budget way out of balance, and creates a massive windfall for doctors. State Senator John Eichelberger says the ruling is the latest blow to the state’s budget.

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Pennsylvania Medical Society spokesman Chuck Moran says the ruling is what they'd hoped for. Governor Ed Rendell's office says they will appeal it.

April 15, 2010

Crash Kills Altoona Man Craig Schaffer

State Police at Bedford say an accident claimed the life of an Altoona man Wednesday.

46-year-old Jeffrey Quirin died in crash that occurred along State Route 220 in Cumberland Valley Township around 5:30AM. Three pickup trucks were involved in two quick crashes. Police say Quirin’s truck was hit head-on by a truck driven by 18 year old Andrew Hickey of Bedford. That crash was the result of Hickey’s vehicle hitting the trailer connected to a truck driven by 31 year old Dean Halteman of Mapleton Depot. Halteman’s vehicle had crossed into the oncoming lane.

Emergency crews were able to properly contain and dispose of two packs of hospital waste that were being transported by Quirin.

The Bedford County district attorney is assisting with the accident investigation.

Pending Bill Could Reduce Medical Costs at Prison Chris Forshey

The Blair County Commissioners say legislation forthcoming in Harrisburg could significantly reduce the medical costs the county incurs treating inmates at the prison.

Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says similar legislation has already been passed in ten other states and it would limit the amount of money the county has to pay to cover an inmate’s medical expenses.

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Tomassetti says oftentimes taxpayers don’t realize they pay for 100-percent of the cost of housing, feeding and providing medical care to inmates.

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Tomassetti says in some cases inmates who are sick and in need of care are released early so the county doesn’t have to pay the bill.

Official: City Spent $300K on Salt Last Year Chris Forshey

The City of Altoona spent $300,000 on salt to clear its roadways this winter.

Public Works Director Dave Dietrich says that’s about $60,000 more than last year. He says the city was able to keep ample supplies of salt on hand – and therefore it was available – and used when needed.

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Dietrich says there is a silver lining – the city could be reimbursed up to $120,000 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency because of the snow emergency declaration.

Officials: 77% of Blair’s Census Forms Returned Chris Forshey

The U.S. Census Bureau says 77-percent of Blair County residents have so far returned their official census questionnaires.

Residents have until the end of the week to mail the forms in before bureau officials begin to make personal home visits. Blair County Commissioner Diane Meling says it’s much more cost-effective for everyone to fill out the form and mail them back.

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The Census Bureau says Blair County typically has one of the highest return rates in the state.

City to Install Cameras to Curb Vandalism in Elevators Chris Forshey

Altoona City officials said Wednesday they will install security cameras in and near the elevators located in the 13^th Street Crosswalk.

Ongoing vandalism problems have forced the city to close the elevators several times over the past year for expensive repairs. Councilman Bruce Kelley says hopefully this will alleviate the problem and make the crosswalk fully accessible for the public. Kelly says the city will have to cover most of the costs.

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Public Works director Dave Dietrich says repairs are currently being made to the elevators and the cameras should be installed by summer.

Judge to Speed Federal Health Care Challenge Chris Forshey/AP

A federal judge in Florida says he wants to set a fast schedule for a lawsuit by at least 18 states aimed at overturning President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

But Senior U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson said Wednesday the case still could take months to make its way through his court. Hearings and filing deadlines in the case are slated into November.

Wednesday's scheduling hearing was the first court date in the case brought by Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and attorneys general or governors to stop the health care plan.

The states claim the federal government cannot force citizens to buy health insurance or force a mandate on states without providing money to pay for it.

April 13, 2010

AASD: No Weapons Found Amid School Threat Chris Forshey

Altoona Area School District officials are trying to get to the bottom of a rumor that threatened a shooting Monday at the junior high school.

District spokesman Tom Bradley said officials are offering a reward for information that pinpoints a cause. Students, parents and their teachers were on edge after the rumor surfaced late Friday on facebook and via cell phone text messages. The rumors escalated throughout the weekend.

Bradley says despite the threats it was a relatively normal day. But he says ninth grade students were screened before entering the facility.

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Bradley says some parents did keep their children home. School administrators met with the students on Monday to discuss the incident before classes got underway.

Blair Recreates Finance Director Position Chris Forshey

The Blair County Commissioners have begun the process of searching for a new finance director.

County Salary Board members voted 2-1 to re-create the position on Monday. Current finance director Tim Brown submitted his resignation last week and will become Logan Township’s new manager. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says he’s hopeful the county can find someone to pick-up right where Brown leaves off.

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Salary board member and county controller Richard Peo voted against the move.

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The county will begin advertising the job this week at a salary of $45 to $65,000.

Blair Officials Approve Increase for Drug Prosecutor Chris Forshey

Blair County’s top narcotics prosecutor is getting a pay increase.

Salary board members voted Monday to increase Peter Week’s salary from $37,000 to $45,000. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says Week’s salary is covered by Operation Our Town, who will also pay for the increase. Distict Attorney Richard Consiglio asked for the increase citing Week’s positive professional work and accomplishments.

Tomassetti says the salary is still low compared to other prosecutors across the state. Board members called the move necessary to make sure Blair County can attract and retain the qualified people needed for the job.

Six Jazz Concerts Planned for Heritage Plaza Chris Forshey

Just in time for summer – the popular jazz concert series is set to return on Heritage Plaza.

Organizers released details about this year’s events on Monday. Center City coordinator Bob Scholl says the first concert will be held June 10^th and then continue on the second and fourth Fridays of June, July and August.

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Scholl says last year the concerts brought between 800 and 1,000 into the downtown business district. The Altoona Public Library and Blair County Arts Foundation benefit from the concerts.

DA: No Charges Against Steelers' Roethlisberger Chris Forshey/AP

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he is "happy" to put sexual assault allegations in Georgia behind him and knows he must work to regain the trust of his teammates and the team's large fan base.

Roethlisberger, reading a statement for 74 seconds on Monday night but not taking questions from reporters, said Georgia prosecutors reached the right conclusion by deciding not to charge him in the case.

The two-time Super Bowl winner plans to resume working out shortly with his teammates, but did not say when.

He did not discuss his upcoming meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or any possible punishment that might be brought against him by the league or the team for violating the players' conduct code.

Janine Orie Suspended with Pay from PA Supreme Court Chris Forshey/AP

Janine Orie has been suspended with pay from her $67,000-a-year job as an aide to her sister, Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin.

Orie and another sister, Pittsburgh-area Republican state Senator Jane Orie, were charged last week by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. with using the senator's legislative staff to do campaign work for the senator and Justice Melvin on state time.

The Ories have denied wrongdoing. State courts spokesman Art Heinz says Janine Orie's suspension began Wednesday, when the charges were announced. She had worked for her sister on the Supreme Court since January, when Melvin took office after winning a court seat in November's election.

Before that, Janine Orie had worked for Melvin when she was a member of Pennsylvania's Superior Court.

Santorum's Endorsement Story Stirs PA Senate Race Chris Forshey/AP

U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak is questioning incumbent Arlen Specter's motives in backing former President George Bush's Supreme Court nominees.

Sestak on Monday cited a claim by former Senator Rick Santorum that Specter backed the high-court nominees in exchange for Santorum's endorsement of Specter's 2004 re-election bid. Both Specter and Santorum were Republicans at the time.

Specter is now a Democrat facing Sestak in the May 18th primary and denies there was any such deal. But Sestak said he believes Santorum told the truth to a crowd at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans over the weekend.

He said the story underscores Specter's willingness to give away votes to save his career. Specter says he would never make such a promise under any circumstances.

PennDOT to Show Antis Road Plans Tonight Chris Forshey

PennDOT will hold a public meeting and plans display tonight for the proposed Lower Riggles Gap Road bridge rehabilitation project over the Little Juniata River and Sandy Run in Antis Township.

The project will involve the replacement of the existing bridge beams and deck, guiderail placement and minimal roadway approach work. Current plans involve the use of a detour.

The meeting begins at 6:00PM at the Antis Township Municipal Building on North 2^nd Street in Bellwood.

April 14, 2010

Tea Party Rally Canceled Chris Forshey

The Blair County Tea Party’s Tax Day Rally scheduled for Thursday at the Hollidaysburg Courthouse has been canceled -- but some party members say they still plan to attend anyway.

Organizers decided to forgo the event after county officials sent a letter to President John Kasun saying the party could be liable for the safety and conduct of the rally participants. Kasun says the party was unable to get last minute liability insurance.

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Commissioner Terry Tomassetti said Tuesday the county welcomes the rally but it does notify any group wanting to use the courthouse patio or lawn about the potential legal implications.

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Several callers to WRTA’s Two-Way Radio Program on Tuesday told host Dave Barger they still plan to show up at the courthouse in an unofficial capacity.

Former VVH Worker Charged with Stealing Fentanyl Patches Chris Forshey

A former Valley View Home employee has been charged with stealing two Fentanyl patches from a nursing home resident.

The alleged incidents happened on March 2^nd & 3^rd. According to a criminal complaint, 29-year-old Carla Joan Murphy of Spruce Avenue is seen on video surveillance tapes inside the nursing home on both days the patches were reported missing from the patient. Witnesses also say they saw Murphy inside the patient’s room for brief periods of time. Murphy was a former certified nursing aide who cared for the dementia patient on a several occasions. Her county employment was terminated August 18^th.

Murphy has been charged with two counts of each robbery, possession of a controlled substance, simple assault and harassment. She was lodged in the Blair County Prison in lieu of bail. Murphy faces an April 21^st preliminary hearing.

Police Discover Six Marijuana Plants in City Home Chris Forshey

An Altoona man is facing drug charges after police discovered marijuana plants growing inside his city home.

City police had initially gone to 1124 20^th Avenue to assist state constables in serving an arrest warrant. But once inside, officers discovered six marijuana plants growing in pots inside a tall cabinet. A bong with the words “I love cops” was also confiscated.

Police seized the plants and arrested Derek Miller. They say Miller has admitted the plants belong to him. A formal criminal complaint has yet to be filed.

PSP: Brush Mountain Fire was Arson Chris Forshey

A large fire that burned along Brush Mountain for several hours Monday evening appears to be a case of arson.

State Police at Hollidaysburg say the blaze began as a campfire that was allowed to burn out of control. Authorities say a hunting camper at the fire site had also been forcibly entered – but it was not damaged by the fire. Heavy smoke and flames were visible from Interstate 99 throughout most of the evening.

It took 60 firefighters and two water-suppression airplanes several hours to control the flames. State Police have not identified any suspects – but they say some type of party happened at the site over the weekend. The investigation is ongoing.

Local Company Seeks County Help to Expand Operations Chris Forshey

A Blair County company is asking the county commissioners to back a finance package that will allow it to expand.

Diversapack, LLC opened a plant last year in the Robert Jubelirer Industrial Park in Tyrone and manufactures bottle labels and other packaging films for several national companies. ABCD Corporation Director of Development Paul Cooney says the company wants to add a second manufacturing line – and that means more local jobs.

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County leaders say they are not liable if the company defaults. They say the county will merely act as a conduit. The company plans to employ 150 people once it’s fully operational.

Reward Offered for Sling Shot Vandal’s Arrest Chris Forshey

Authorities in Blair County are looking for some sling shot shooters.

State Police say someone used a sling shot to break several windows on homes and cars in the West Loop and Juniata Valley Road areas of Frankstown Township over the weekend. A damage estimate has not been released.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward to information leading to an arrest.

Ruling Knocks Vodvarka Out of PA Senate Race Chris Forshey/AP

It's a two-way race again for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania.

A Commonwealth Court ruling Tuesday struck 225 signatures from the petition of political newcomer Joe Vodvarka, leaving him 101 signatures shy of the 2,000 he needed to get on the May 18th primary ballot.

That leaves only incumbent Senator Arlen Specter and U.S. Representative Joe Sestak, who had challenged Vodvarka petitions. Sestak's lawyer, J. Manly Parks, calls the decision "the right result" because it follows the letter of the law. Vodvarka, a retiree from the Pittsburgh area, says he can't afford to appeal but would consider changing his mind if someone else offers to pay the bills.

He says the election laws are "made by politicians and they're for politicians."

Paterno Says Big Ten Must Pick The Right Partner Craig Schaffer/AP

Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who has been married since 1962, knows a thing or two about what makes a successful marriage.

So he recognizes how important it is for the Big Ten to pick the right partner or partners if it expands from its current 11 teams.

Paterno advocates that the Big Ten carefully choose a school or schools that are similar to the current conference members but can still add to the conference.

The Big Ten is exploring the possibility of expanding, possibly within the next year or two.

Paterno said the conference cannot add schools just to get bigger but needs to invite like-minded institutions.

Penn State joined the conference as its 11th school in 1993.

Williams' Property-Tax Cut Banks on Present Law Chris Forshey/AP

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hardy Williams is promising to cut local property taxes by one-third, but most of the reduction would come from slot-machine revenue already reserved for that purpose.

The state senator from Philadelphia touts his plan in TV ads and claims on his Web site that it would generate $1.4-billion in new revenue dedicated to property-tax cuts.

But three-fourths of that sum - $1-billion - would come from growth in the slot machine revenue that provided $770-million for tax relief this year under a 2006 law. The online news agency Capitolwire pointed out the misstatement in a story posted Tuesday.

Williams campaign spokeswoman Nia Ngina Meeks called it a "misnomer" and said the campaign did not mean to suggest his plan would raise the entire $1.4-billion.

Murtha Family, Supporters Plan Pa. Foundation Craig Schaffer/AP

Relatives and supporters of the late Rep. John Murtha have announced a foundation in his name aimed at creation of a center for public service and supporting nonprofit organizations in western Pennsylvania.

Officials said Tuesday that The John P. Murtha Center for Public Service at the Johnstown campus of the University of Pittsburgh would attempt to educate and inspire students and the public to become active in community, military and public service.

The center would also contain an archive of the congressman's papers and provide a venue for debate and inquiry into local, regional and national issues.

A permanent foundation endowment is also envisioned to provide money each year for grants to organizations as well as scholarships.

Murtha died Feb. 8 at age 77 after complications from gallbladder surgery.

April 12, 2010

Violence Scare Has AASD Alert Craig Schaffer

Text messages received by some Altoona Area School District students over the weekend suggest that there will be a shooting at the junior high today.

Parents who became aware of the texts notified the Altoona Police Department. Altoona police say that the school district’s police are aware of the rumors and will have kids screened as they enter the building today.

The buzz of potential violence at the school actually got started on Friday before the texts went out over the weekend but officials say they have uncovered nothing to substantiate the rumors.

Students will have to go through metal detectors to get to classes today at the junior high.

Husband And Wife Try “Driver Switch” At DUI Checkpoint Craig Schaffer

The Blair County D.U.I. Task Force conducted a Sobriety Checkpoint on Pleasant Valley Boulevard in the area of Super Shoes from 10pm Friday to 2am Saturday.

This Task Force event resulted in: 644 motorists being processed through the Checkpoint. Additional motorists were stopped for traffic or equipment violations by Roving units. Five motorists were arrested for Impaired Driving; 54-citations and or warnings were issued for traffic violations such as: Failure to wear seatbelts, Expired Registration or Inspection, Equipment Violations, Speeding, Failing to Obey Traffic-control Devices.

Two motorists were arrested for DUI for Operating the same vehicle. A husband and wife entered the Checkpoint in a line of vehicles, while awaiting an available Contact Officer, the husband and wife were observed, by another motorist, switching drivers. The concerned citizen notified officers who conducted an investigation and subsequently arrested both the husband and wife for Driving Under The Influence of Alcohol.

Census Results Will Shape 2011 Pa. Redistricting Craig Schaffer

Pennsylvania political junkies have much to chew over this year.

State voters are about to pick a new governor and decide whether to return Sen. Arlen Specter to Washington as a converted Democrat. They will also sort through a host of competitive congressional races and select 228 of the 253 state legislators.

At the same time, the state's roughly 12.5 million residents are completing census forms that will be especially important because Pennsylvania seems headed toward the loss of one of its 19 congressional districts.

Those shifting population patterns also will complicate the task of the five-person legislative reapportionment commission that in about a year will begin to redraw the General Assembly's district lines.

Pennsylvania has added about 324,000 people since the 2000 census - about half of them from foreign countries - but its 2.6 percent growth rate is among the weakest in the nation.

Newcomers are settling in the Pocono mountains, the Philadelphia suburbs, especially booming Chester County; and south-central Pennsylvania. Population decline is concentrated in the western counties.

Santorum Says GOP Failed Conservative Movement Craig Schaffer/AP

Former Sen. Rick Santorum is telling fellow Republicans that the party failed the conservative movement when the GOP controlled Congress and the White House.

Santorum is one of several potential presidential candidates who addressed the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, a three-day gathering of GOP activists.

The former Pennsylvania senator says some Republicans were guilty of growing the size of government earlier this decade.

"Conservatives didn't fail America," he said. "Conservatives failed conservatism."

Steelers Unload Star Wide Receiver Craig Schaffer/AP

A person familiar with the deal says the New York Jets have acquired wide receiver Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a fifth-round draft pick.

Holmes, the 2009 Super Bowl MVP, is facing a lawsuit in Florida from a woman who claims he threw a glass at her, cutting her above the eye, in an Orlando nightclub. The police also have been investigating the woman's claims. Holmes denies hurting the woman.

Meanwhile, a district attorney in Georgia is set to announce if he plans to file charges in a case of sexual assault claims against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

District Attorney Fred Bright says he's reviewed the investigation reports and will hold a news conference today to announce his decision.

The investigation into a college student's claim that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her at a club in Milledgeville has been wrapped up.

It's the second time in a year Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual misconduct. He also faces a lawsuit filed by a woman who says he raped her in 2008 at a Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he denies.

April 9, 2010

Logan Hires New Manager Chris Forshey

Blair County’s finance director has been appointed Logan Township’s new manager.

Supervisors voted 5-0 Thursday to name Tim Brown to the position. For the past 20 months Brown has oversaw the county’s finances and worked to improve its bookkeeping policies. Before that he spent his career working in the telephone industry.

Supervisor Jim Patterson says the board interviewed nearly a dozen candidates over the last few months, but Brown’s qualifications stood out.

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Brown will make $63,500 a year. He starts his new role on April 26^th.

Blair to Begin Search for New Finance Director Chris Forshey

The search will begin immediately for a new Blair County finance director.

Commissioner Diane Meling praised Tim Brown’s efforts when she spoke to WRTA News late Thursday about his departure.

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Meling says the board will re-create the position next week.

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Brown has given a two-week notice and has pledged to make it easy for the next person coming into the job to hit the ground running.

Logan May Hold onto Garage at Old Building Complex Chris Forshey

Logan Township officials said Thursday they may hold on to a storage garage at their old municipal complex.

Supervisor Ed Frontino says the township is running out of storage space at its sewer treatment plant and keeping one of the old garage buildings would be more cost-effective than building a brand new one.

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Frontino says the move might make the old complex more attractive to some buyers. The board would need to subdivide the land and get it reappraised if they decide to go in that direction.

Crews Make Progress in Battle Against Wildfire Chris Forshey

Forestry officials have gained the upper hand on large wildfire burning near the Blair-Cambria County line.

The blaze began Wednesday around 5:00PM in a remote section of state game lands outside of Blandburg. DCNR forestry bureau spokesman Terry Stemmler says fire crews from two counties returned to the scene Thursday to extinguish some hotspots that had rekindled. A water-dropping helicopter has also been assisting in the effort over the past two days. Stemmler says more than 150 acres have been charred and firefighters at times faced 30 foot flames.

Firefighters were assisted late Thursday by some rain showers that moved across the region. Stemmler says the blaze appears to have started as a few smaller fires that merged into one. The investigation into the cause of the wildfire is ongoing.

Toomey Starts April with Strong Polling Numbers Chris Forshey/AP

A new poll shows Republican Pat Toomey leading both likely Democratic opponents in Pennsylvania's fall general election for U.S. Senate.

The Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday is a near-reversal from polling a month ago in a hypothetical contest between Toomey and Democratic incumbent Senator Arlen Specter.

The survey shows the former Lehigh Valley congressman leading Specter, 46 to 41-percent. Specter led Toomey 49 to 42-percent in the March poll. Toomey also more than doubled his lead to 42 to 34-percent over Specter's key primary challenger, U.S. Representative Joe Sestak.

Toomey is considered the front-runner for this year's GOP nomination. The telephone poll of 1,412 Pennsylvanians was conducted during the week that ended Monday. The sampling error margin is plus or minus 2.6-percentage points.

Activist Calls for Judge Orie-Melvin to Resign Chris Forshey/AP

The Pennsylvania political activist who brought taxpayers the giant inflatable pink pig and the large screw on top of his truck is now calling for Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie-Melvin to resign.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says Harrisburg citizen Gene Stlip filed a complaint Thursday with the state’s Judicial Conduct Board saying Orie-Melvin had to be aware of the campaign activities going on in her sister Senator Jane Orie’s 40^th District senatorial office. Stilp alleges that Orie-Melvin violated “canons 1, 2 and 7 of the Pennsylvania Judicial Code” and she should step down from her post.

Judge Joan Orie-Melvin’s sisters Jane and Janine were indicted Wednesday by an Allegheny County Grand Jury on charges they allegedly did campaign work for Orie-Melvin on the state taxpayer’s time and dime. Orie-Melvin was just elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in November. Stilp says both sisters were members of the campaign staff.

Lawyer: Evidence will Exonerate Holmes Chris Forshey/AP

An attorney for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes says he has mailed Orlando Police investigators evidence that will exonerate his client against allegations that he threw a glass at a woman in a nightclub.

Attorney Adam Swickle refused to say Thursday what the evidence was since it is part of an ongoing investigation. Orlando Police Department spokeswoman Barbara Jones also refused to say whether detectives had received anything.

Anshonae Mills filed a lawsuit last month claiming Holmes threw a glass at her, cutting her above the eye. In the lawsuit, she said Holmes and a police officer intimidated her so she wouldn't press charges.

Mills changed her mind, and the case has been reopened by the Orlando police.

April 8, 2010

Altoona Drug Dealer Sentenced To Federal Prison Term Craig Schaffer

A good portion of a convicted drug dealer’s life will be spent behind bars following his sentencing in Federal Court in Johnstown.

33 year old Lewis Ervin, who once resided on the 2100 of 8^th Avenue, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison yesterday.

Irvin was arrested last April following an investigation by city police and the Blair County Drug Task Force. Ervin was accused of being involved in a Baltimore to Altoona drug operation. Police found 11.5 ounces of crack cocaine at his residence. The drugs had a street value of $32,000.

Three City Residents Caught In Drug Raid Craig Schaffer

Three city residents were arrested earlier this week as a result of an undercover drug buy.

On Monday members of the Altoona Police Department and the Blair County Drug Task Force conducted a heroin buy from 21 year old Tawny Smola of 212 8^th Street and 37 year old Robert Goss of 1410 18^th Street. Another buy was conducted involving 31 year old Edwin Felciano of 901 2^nd Avenue.

A subsequent search of Feliciano’s residence yielded approximately nine grams of bulk unpackaged heroin with an estimated street value of $5,000.

Pa. Senate Whip Jane Orie, Sister Face Charges Craig Schaffer/AP

Pennsylvania Senate majority whip Jane Orie and her sister Janine have surrendered to face charges of theft of service and other charges for allegedly using the senator's staff to do campaign work on behalf of a third sister, state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin.

A district justice allowed them to remain free. The sisters and their brother John, who acted as their attorney yesterday, denied the charges. The women claim the charges are the result of a political witch hunt by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala.

Jane Orie says she's been fighting corruption, particularly in the gambling industry, and she's being targeted because of the Zappala family's gambling interests.

Ex-Pa. Turnpike Official Admits FBI Obstruction Craig Schaffer/AP

A former Pennsylvania turnpike official admits he tried to thwart an FBI probe of long-powerful state senator Vincent Fumo.

Mitchell Rubin will serve six months house arrest and pay $150,000 to the state senate after pleading guilty yesterday to felony obstruction of justice.

The former head of the turnpike commission admits he misled FBI agents about senate funds that Fumo steered him. Prosecutors say Rubin did little or nothing despite a five-year, $30,000-a-year senate contract.

Rubin's wife, Ruth Arnao, went to trial with Fumo in a sweeping corruption case. She is serving a one-year term, and Fumo a five-year term, for their convictions on all counts.

The 58-year-old Rubin must also serve five years probation as part of his negotiated plea.

House Transportation Chair Calls For Collaboration After I-80 Tolling Decision Craig Schaffer

The State House Transportation Committee Chairman says legislators will have to work together to find a long term solution to the state’s transportation funding needs now that the federal government has rejected Pennsylvania’s plan to toll Interstate 80.

Democratic State Representative Joseph Markosek of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties says the decision means starting in July, Pennsylvania will lose nearly half of the state funding it was counting on for roads, bridges, and mass transit.

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Markosek says the state has a huge backlog of critical road and bridge projects and the failure to address those projects threatens the economy, jobs and public safety in all 67 counties.

Special Walk Planned To Fight Premature Births In PA Craig Schaffer

The spring season brings thoughts of new beginnings, but the March of Dimes reminds us how tragically human life can sometimes begin.

That’s one of the reasons for events such as the March of Dimes “March For Babies” coming up next month. The event which is co-sponsored by the four stations of the Radio Campus will raise money to help prevent premature births, infant mortality and birth defects.

Wednesday on Two Way Radio, WRTA’s Dave Barger spoke with Jody Albarano, Assistant Community Director of the March of Dimes. She addressed the fact that every year premature birth touches 17,000 babies and their families here in Pennsylvania.

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March for babies Sunday takes place May 2^nd. For more information call 696-9691.

Police: Roethlisberger Investigation Goes To DA Craig Schaffer/AP

Georgia police say they have finished their investigation into a 20-year-old college student's claim that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her.

Milledgeville police chief Woodrow Blue said in a statement yesterday that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Milledgeville police handed the investigation report and witness statements to local District Attorney Fred Bright last night.

A woman who answered the phone at Bright's office yesterday said the DA had just received the documents and would not comment before reading them.

Roethlisberger is accused of sexually assaulting the student at a nightclub in Milledgeville on March 5. Roethlisberger has not been charged and his lawyer disputes the accusation.

April 7, 2010

Fire Dangers Loom In Central Pa Craig Schaffer

The National Weather Service in State College has issued a red flag warning until 7:00 this evening.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.

The complete weather channel forecast follows the news.

Brush Fire Scorches Six Acres in East Freedom Chris Forshey

Firefighters spent much of Tuesday afternoon battling a large brush fire in Blair County.

A 911 Center spokesman says emergency crews were called to an area along McDonald Road in East Freedom after the flames broke out around 2:00PM. Fire officials say at least ten acres were charred. The state forestry bureau brought in an airplane tanker to drop water on the blaze. It took volunteers from six fire companies several hours to control the flames in the 80-degree heat. A cause has not been released.

A second brush fire that broke out Monday in Allegheny Township remains under investigation. The blaze scorched 20 acres along Sugar Run Road. A fire department spokesman says crews finished extinguishing the hotspots on Tuesday morning.

Feds Reject Rendell’s Plan to Toll I-80 Chris Forshey/AP

Governor Ed Rendell says the federal government's rejection of Pennsylvania's application to toll Interstate 80 will stall work on valuable transportation projects.

Rendell said Tuesday he will call a special session of the Legislature to find a way to replace the $450-million-plus per year that tolls were to produce for highways, bridges and mass transit systems.

Rendell lobbied heavily in favor of the application and says he disagrees with the federal government's reasons for rejecting it. Transportation funding will drop sharply in July without the I-80 tolls. Rendell encouraged legislators to put aside partisan differences and act right away.

The decision was a victory for many lawmakers and congressmen across northern Pennsylvania who had opposed the idea as an unfair burden on the residents and businesses they represent.

Rendell Pushes for More Education Funding Chris Forshey

Governor Ed Rendell is calling on state lawmakers to retain funding levels for education even as state revenues continue to fall because of the struggling economy.

The governor spoke to a crowd of about 250 Altoona Area School District students, faculty and administrators on Tuesday. Rendell says he’s asking for an additional $335-million in education spending for the next fiscal year.

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Rendell urged those in attendance to call on their local lawmakers and demand they support his education initiatives. The governor also discussed the 2010-11 state budget. He called for new taxes on Marcellus Shale drilling and smokeless tobacco plus an extension of the state’s sales tax at a reduced percentage rate.

City Man Arrested After Striking Emergency Responder Craig Schaffer

A city man was arrested overnight after allegedly striking an emergency responder.

Altoona police say that just before 1am, an extremely intoxicated Roy Harpster fell outside the Escapades Bar on the 2500 block of Union Avenue. As a result of the fall, Harpster sustained facial and other head injuries. When police arrived on scene with emergency personnel Harpster struck an AMED technician who was trying to treat his injuries.

Harpster has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Public Drunkenness.

Blair Human Services Funding Reduced 14-Percent Chris Forshey

More state budget cuts are affecting Blair County’s Human Services Department.

Director Cathy Crum told county leaders on Tuesday that funding in her office has been reduced by an additional 14-percent. Crum says that means local agencies that provide services to individuals will now be directly affected.

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Crum says many of the agencies already saw funding reductions in January.

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Crum says she’s working closely with the agencies to make sure only essential services are being provided.

Specter Talks Stimulus Money, Healthcare in Altoona Chris Forshey

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter made a stop in Altoona on Tuesday.

Pennsylvania’s senior lawmaker toured the James E. VanZandt Medical Center to see the federal government’s stimulus money at work first hand. The hospital has received about $4-million dollars, most of which is being used for infrastructure upgrades.

But the stimulus money was not all that was on Specter’s mind. He also addressed several of the issues facing veterans who are returning from war – especially those who are now dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress problems.

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Specter also addressed concerns about recent cuts in Medicare funding. And he says he’s currently working on a Bill of Rights for military soldiers, which will help deal with issues such as backlogs on veteran’s claims and GI Bill issues.

Curve 2010 Baseball Season Set to Start Chris Forshey

It’s that time of the year again.

The spring baseball season officially begins tomorrow night at Blair County Ballpark. The Altoona Curve will go head-to-head with the Harrisburg Senators in the ball club’s home opener. Curve officials introduced their 2010 team roster on Tuesday, which includes several familiar faces coupled with several young top-prospects.

Curve General Manager Rob Egan says the ball club has spent the winter preparing for its biggest opening season to date, complete with an autograph signing by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Ziggy Hood and fireworks.

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Egan says the Curve held the line on their ticket prices and added more “value promotion” in an effort to bolster attendance in the struggling economy.

AP Source: Charges Coming in PA Senator Probe Chris Forshey/AP

A person familiar with the dealings of an Allegheny County grand jury says an indictment will be returned Wednesday in the investigation into whether campaign work was being done in Senator Jane Orie's office on state time.

The person with knowledge would not comment for the record on Tuesday because the grand jury's findings are secret until they are returned. The person would not say who will be charged.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala confirmed in January that he was investigating claims by the Republican state senator's former intern. The intern says Orie's staff performed campaign work for the senator's sister, state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin, on state time.

Orie and her attorney did not immediately return calls to reporters.

April 6, 2010

Two Found Dead in City Apartment Chris Forshey

Altoona Police are investigating the deaths of two people in a city apartment.

City police and the Blair County Coroner were called to 5401 Sixth Avenue around 2:00PM Monday for a welfare check. Officers discovered the bodies of a man and woman inside. Their names have not been released pending the notification of their families.

Authorities say the deaths do not appear to be suspicious -- nor do they suspect foul play. Altoona Firefighters spent several hours on scene performing tests – specifically for high levels of carbon monoxide and ventilation problems.

Autopsies will be performed on both of the deceased victims.

Brush Fire Battled In Allegheny Township Craig Schaffer

Several local fire companies were called out late Monday afternoon to battle a brush fire in Allegheny Township.

Around 5:30 crews responded to the area around Sugar Run Road where the flames were quickly spreading up the mountain.

Firefighters from Allegheny Township, Duncansville and Geeseytown all responded.

There’s no information available at this time on what started the fire or how much damage was done.

Police: Man Who Opened Fire Near Jaffa ‘Very Intoxicated’ Chris Forshey

Altoona Police say a city man was heavily intoxicated when he opened fire with a vintage rifle near Veteran’s Field Monday morning.

City police responded to the area behind the Jaffa Mosque around 8:00AM after several residents called 911 to report the gunfire. Sergeant George Bistline tells WRTA News that William Behe discharged two rounds from a 32 caliber hunting rifle, which was manufactured between 1890 and 1925. Bistline says Behe consumed a half-bottle of whisky and could barely stand when officers approached him in a wooded area.

Behe admitted to firing the gun and told officers he wanted to take his own life. He was transported to the Altoona Hospital Crisis Center. Police have charged Behe with reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, discharging a firearm within the city and public drunkenness. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Specter to Visit VanZandt Medical Center Chris Forshey

Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter is scheduled to make a stop in Altoona Tuesday morning.

A Specter spokesman says the state’s senior senator will tour the James E. VanZandt Medical Center and meet with Director Tony Bennett. The two will discuss how the facility is utilizing $2.8-million in federal funding provided by the Recovery Act of 2009.

It’s specter’s first visit to Blair County since announcing last year that he was leaving the Republican Party to become a Democrat. State election observers say Specter may be in some political trouble. He and conservative Pat Toomey are running neck-in-neck in early polling that previews the upcoming November election.

Blair Airport Officials Begin Selling their Own Fuel Chris Forshey

The Altoona-Blair County Airport will begin selling its own fuel Tuesday morning.

The move is temporary. Airport manager Chuck Pillar says his office has been working through the logistical process of providing its own fuel service since the authority decided to terminate its contract with PennAir Aviation early last week.

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Pillar says there is enough staff in place to make the changes work. PennAir has served as the airport’s fixed-base operator for more than 20 years, but recent problems -- including a lack of fuel supply for the airplanes -- led to the authority’s decision to terminate the contract

Airport officials are currently seeking proposals from companies interested in taking over the fix-base operations.

Eight People Die on PA Highways over Easter Holiday Chris Forshey

Eight people were killed on Pennsylvania’s highways over the three-day Easter driving period.

State Police say four of the people who were killed were not wearing seatbelts and 58 of the 561 crashes, including three of the fatal crashes, were alcohol-related. Troopers also issued 4,100 speeding tickets and charged 340 people with driving under the influence.

State Police Troop G spokesman Dave McGarvey says six of the 49 crashes locally involved alcohol – which seemed to be a big problem this past holiday weekend.

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During the 2009 Easter holiday driving period, 13 people were killed troopers charged 266 people with DUI.

Cable Company Didn’t Air Pirate’s Season Opener Chris Forshey

Some local baseball enthusiasts turned on their televisions Monday only to find the Pittsburgh Pirate’s home-opener at PNC Park was not on the tube.

That’s because Atlantic Broadband did not air the game, which was carried on Fox Sports Pittsburgh. Viewers saw the opening ceremonies between the Pirates and Los Angeles, but programming was switched to other events.

Atlantic Broadband spokesman Dave Dane says the cable company is carrying its normal line-up of 120 Pirate’s games this season. But Dane says Fox Sports Net put the home-opener in an additional package of 36 games and the cable company decided not to purchase due to cost factors -- and a programming schedule which was put in place months ago.

Fox Sports Net addressed the problem on its website, advising Atlantic Broadband customers to call the cable company and complain because the Pirate’s home-opener was not being carried on local television.

Wheeling ECHL Team to Play 10 Games in Johnstown Chris Forshey/AP

Minor league hockey will be played in Johnstown next year, after all.

The Wheeling Nailers will play 10 regular-season games and one preseason game next season at the Cambria County War Memorial. The announcement Saturday from the team and the arena came the same day that the Nailers' ECHL rival, the Johnstown Chiefs, played their last home game in Pennsylvania. The Chiefs are moving to Greenville, South Carolina., because of financial concerns.

Nailers' owners and brothers Rob and Jim Brooks grew up an hour from Johnstown. They say they are heartbroken by the Chiefs' move, and that they are glad to keep an ECHL presence in Johnstown. The city was a founding member of the league.

The Nailers are a minor-league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

April 5, 2010

PSP: Man Shot Himself Following Chase Chris Forshey

A Hollidaysburg man is in critical condition after police say he shot himself in the head following a police chase.

The incident happened in Frankstown Township late Saturday night. State Police at Hollidaysburg say they originally pulled the 34-year-old man over for speeding along Frankstown Road. Authorities say after the man gave the trooper his information, he fled in his vehicle and led troopers on a chase.

The man eventually pulled into the parking lot of the Frankstown Township Municipal Building, pulled out a gun and then pulled the trigger. State Police say the man’s gun was registered to himself. He was taken to Altoona Hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

City Man Tussles With Police Craig Schaffer

A city man is facing various charges after a weekend rampage.

Just after 230 Saturday morning, 21 year old Andrew Rowles went to his ex-girlfriend’s house on the 100 block of Lexington Avenue. Rowels, of 1910 11^TH Street, kicked the front door in and went after his ex-girlfriend. After shoving her into a wall, Rowles assaulted the woman’s current boyfriend. In addition he kicked a 4-year-old girl in then head.

When police arrived on scene Rowles attempted to assault an officer. During the tussle with police, Rowles tried to grab an officer’s gun. Police had to use pepper spray to subdue him.

Rowles has been charged with Burglary, Assault, Resisting Arrest and other related charges.

Man Arrested on Burglary Charges Chris Forshey

Altoona Police have arrested a man suspected of trying to burglarize several homes.

City Police say Kevin Michael O’Connell was first observed on a closed in porch on the 2200 Block of 14^th Street late Friday night. He was chased off by a homeowner who heard noises. Police say O’Connell then allegedly tried entering a home on the 1100 Block of 25^th Avenue. There he was chased off by a homeowner and the homeowner’s dog. Several residents also reported seeing a man fitting O’Connell’s description prowling around the neighborhood.

O’Connell was finally taken into custody around 1:30AM Saturday on the 200 Block of 25^th Avenue after several officers observed him trying to enter the back door on a home. City police say O’Connell had been living at the Salvation Army treatment center on 7^th Avenue. He was taken into custody and charged with several counts of criminal attempted burglary, criminal trespass and prowling and loitering at night.

City Teen Robbed of iPod Chris Forshey

Altoona Police say a city teenager was robbed of his iPod.

The incident happened early Saturday morning at the intersection of 9^th Street and 3^rd Avenue. City police say the 18-year-old male was approached by a while male and two female accomplices. Police say the victim was thrown to the ground and threatened with a knife – but a weapon was never displayed.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Altoona Police at 949-24-89.

Route 22 Lane Restrictions Extended from Gallitzin to Cross Keys

Hollidaysburg Craig Schaffer

A $13.2 million project along 6.4 miles of Route 22 between the Gallitzin Exit and the Cross Keys Interchange in Allegheny Township, Blair County begins today.

The contractor will close the east bound passing lane and the west bound truck climbing lane of Route 22 to begin the concrete patching work.

Overall work on this project consists of concrete patching, bituminous overlay, guiderail upgrades, drainage upgrades, emergency cross over upgrades and the rehabilitation of six bridge structures.

Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling through the work zone.

Work on this project is anticipated to be completed by October.

Economy Seen as a Key in PA Election Battleground Chris Forshey/AP

A president's party normally loses congressional seats two years after he is elected. If that pattern holds, Pennsylvania, with many closely contested races for top offices, could see some of the biggest changes in political landscape of any state.

Political analysts say the outcome for Republicans and Democrats at all levels in November is likely to hinge on jobs and the economy and how President Barack Obama handles the issue.

So far, polls show voters leaning to Republicans. In Pennsylvania, close contests include Arlen Specter's bid for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate, the vacancy in the governor's office when term-limited Ed Rendell departs and two vacancies in the U.S. House, not to mention control of the state House of Representatives. All are held by Democrats and all are viewed by Republicans as winnable.

But analysts say Democrats could emerge the victors in many contests if Obama strikes the right notes on the economy during what is viewed as America's worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

New Party, Same Challenge, in Specter's Senate Bid Chris Forshey/AP

Arlen Specter twisted around from the podium to peer at the men standing behind him at a recent endorsement event, as though to remind himself who exactly they were. All were Democrats. And Pennsylvania's longest-serving U.S. senator was accustomed to endorsements by Republicans until he switched parties a year ago after spending more than 28 years in the GOP.

Specter's principal opponent in the May 18th Democratic primary is Joe Sestak, a second-term congressman and retired Navy vice admiral from suburban Philadelphia. Also in the race is political newcomer Joseph Vodvarka.

The Republican primary pits former Lehigh Valley congressman Pat Toomey against Johnstown activist Peg Luksik. Toomey came within about 17,000 votes of knocking off the party-endorsed Specter in the 2004 Republican primary out of one-million cast. Polls show Toomey with a lopsided lead over Luksik in the GOP primary.

In the Democratic primary, Specter has led Sestak in recent polls by more than 2-1. As of December 31st, he also had more cash on hand - $8.7-million to Sestak's $5.1-million.

April 2, 2010

Four PSU Altoona Students Arrested on Marijuana Charges Chris Forshey

Four Penn State Altoona students have been arrested for allegedly dealing thousands of dollars worth of marijuana.

Logan Township Police and the narcotics investigators from the West Drug Taskforce executed search warrants at two apartments on Campus View Drive on Wednesday. Officers arrested Brad Harabedian of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, David Quake of Glenmore, Sam Devor of Eighty Four and Evan Trupkivich of Wayne.

Logan Township Police Chief Ron Heller says agents have been monitoring the students for the past few months – and an undercover officer recently made a drug buy from one of the men.

Heller

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Heller says the case has not been closed just yet – and more arrests are possible.

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All four suspects have been arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Steve Jackson and released on bail.

Community Gathers to Support Child Abuse Prevention Efforts Chris Forshey

About 200 people gathered on the plaza of the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg Thursday to draw attention to the ongoing battle against child abuse.

Organizers told the crowd that child abuse continues to be a problem in Blair County and all across the nation. April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. A group of pre-school aged children sang songs to the supporters in attendance ---and a police color-guard raised a flag to honor those impacted by the problem.

Blair County Children, Youth and Family Services Director Maryanne Burger says prevention is the key to combating the issue. She says it takes everyone working together to make a real difference.

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Burger says Blair County is a model county in the state when it comes to child placements. Thursday’s gathering marked the 13^th year the ceremony has been held.

Altoona City Officials ‘March to the Mailbox’ Chris Forshey

Some Altoona City officials are urging residents to participate in the 2010 census.

Congress designated Thursday as the deadline to complete and mail back the forms. Mayor Bill Schirf and Councilman Bill Neugebauer and Jan Mills participated in a ‘March to the Mailbox’ to return their own census forms. About 30 people joined the city leaders to walk from city hall to the Altoona Post Office.

Councilman Neugebauer says it’s important that everyone participates in the process – especially in a place like Altoona, which has seen its population decline.

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Councilman Neugebauer and Mayor Schirf say it took them less than ten minutes to fill out their forms. The Census Bureau says residents in Blair and surrounding counties have a higher participation rate than other parts of the state. During the 2000 Census nearly 70-percent of people returned their census forms.

Official: Tax Sale Company Has Been Photographing Homes Chris Forshey

A company that buys tax sale properties has been taking pictures of some homes across Blair County in recent weeks.

Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says his office has fielded concerns from several residents over the unknown vehicles and photographers taking the pictures in their neighborhoods. Tomassetti says the county is not currently photographing properties - but he says Plymouth Park Tax Services of New Jersey is.

He says the company purchases tax sale homes from the county and the county gets the money up front.

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Tomassetti says if you suspect something suspicious you can contact your local police department.

AASD Students Walk to Raise Money for Food Bank Staff

Some Blair County high school students are lacing up their shoes for a good cause.

The teams of Altoona High School students and their teachers have been walking together at the end of the school day since early February. The teams are raising money for the Saint Vincent DePaul Food Bank. Officials say more than 28,000 miles have been logged and thousands of dollars have been raised.

Participants celebrated their achievements with a party on Wednesday.

April 1, 2010

High Profile Murder Trial Comes to a Halt Chris Forshey

A Blair County judge has dismissed potential jurors summonsed to hear testimony in high-profile local murder case.

Judge Timothy Sullivan made the ruling Wednesday after determining that most of the jurors had heard recent media reports about the upcoming Sean Louis Allen murder trial and were familiar with its details. No jurors were able to be seated because of the pre-trial publicity.

The 20-year-old Allen is accused of murdering Penn State Altoona student Margo “Maggie” Davis in March of 2009. He’s facing life in prison if convicted on first-degree murder charges. District Attorney Richard Consiglio says while he is disappointed in the move, the community needs to remember the victim and her family -- and realize that justice will eventually be served.

Consiglio

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Consiglio says the testimony will likely be delayed for several months. Court administrators must now decide whether to select a new jury poll, interview potential jurors one-on-one or bring in an out-of-county jury.

DA: Shooting of Hopewell Man Appears ‘Justified’ Chris Forshey

Bedford County District Attorney Bill Higgins says the shooting of a Hopewell man by a Pennsylvania State Police trooper appears to be justified.

Higgins said Wednesday that he has reviewed videotape of the shooting taken from the camera in a State Police cruiser. A trooper shot and killed 67-year-old Chester Guyton after he pointed a weapon at authorities during a standoff Tuesday afternoon. After responding to a call about a "distraught male," state police say they found Guyton threatening to harm himself and others inside his home before he began walking outside in the yard with a weapon.

Higgins said troopers had been negotiating with Guyton for 90 minutes when he pointed the weapon at the officers. He says his office and the Pennsylvania State Police will conduct formal investigations into the matter.

Off-Duty Blair Police Officer Charged in Hit and Run Crash Staff

An off-duty Blair County police officer has been charged with fleeing the scene of an accident.

The incident happened just after 11:00PM on March 20^th along State Route 865 at North 8^th Street in Bellwood Borough. Police say a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Adam Bonsell of Tyrone smashed into the rear of a pickup truck traveling in front of him. According to a police report, Bonsell never stopped to offer any help and he ditched his car just blocks away.

Police say Bonsell returned to the accident scene a short time later and told the investigating officer he went home and had three beers “to calm down” and to call a tow truck. Bonsell was allegedly reported to be staggering with glassy eyes and unable to stand. He is employed by both the Tyrone Borough and Mount Union Police Departments.

Bellwood Police have charged Bonsell with fleeing the scene of the accident, failing to notify police about an accident and careless driving.

Pa. DA Forms Review Board For Missing Prosecutor Chris Forshey/AP

The Centre County district attorney has formed a panel of investigators to look into the disappearance of a former county prosecutor nearly five years ago.

Ray Gricar was reported missing by his girlfriend on April 15, 2005, after going for a drive on his day off. His car was found at an antiques market in Lewisburg.

Current District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller said Wednesday in a statement that the new review board will be made up of seasoned investigators from the county. She calls the board an extension of her review of the investigation.

Police said this week were no new leads in the case, and that tips have dried up. Parks Miller said police and the board will continue to investigate and will treat Gricar's disappearance as a significant case.

PA Lawmaker Says $1-Billion Deficit is Possible by July Chris Forshey/AP

A top Republican state senator says Pennsylvania's budget situation is worsening and says it's reasonable to expect a $1-billion deficit by July 1.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman said Wednesday that disappointing March tax collections are likely to bring the state's fiscal year shortfall to at least $700-million.

With three months to go in the fiscal year, the Centre County Republican says a $1-billion deficit, or more than 3-percent, is possible. Corman says Democratic Governor Ed Rendell should consider additional cuts in this year's budget. However, Rendell said in a statement responding to Corman that a balanced budget is still within reach since April is also a big month for revenue.

He says it is important to wait before making assumptions.

Candidates For Pa. Governor Discuss Reforms Craig Schaffer/AP

The six candidates for Pennsylvania governor found as much common ground as differences during a freewheeling discussion about the need for reforms in Pennsylvania state government.

The four Democrats and two Republicans - all men – fielded questions from members of the audience and Harrisburg Area Community College students during a 90-minute forum Wednesday night. Most not only answered the questions but tried to squeeze in a mini- speech in the 60 seconds allotted for answers.

The candidates in the May 18 primary are Republicans Sam Rohrer and Tom Corbett, and Democrats Anthony Hardy Williams, Joe Hoeffel, Dan Onorato and Jack Wagner.

Guards Criticize Plan to Man Towers with Cameras Chris Forshey/AP

Pennsylvania corrections workers are criticizing a plan to reduce the hours that guards occupy towers on the perimeter of some state prisons.

The Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association took out an advertisement in Tuesday's edition of The Patriot-News of Harrisburg calling perimeter guards the last line of defense for the public.

Earlier in March the Department of Corrections announced a plan to remove corrections officers from the guard towers when inmates were not in the yard or being moved. The walls would instead be monitored by security cameras watched by guards inside. Under the plan, the tower guards would be reassigned inside the prison starting in May.

Guards currently man the towers 24 hours per day. Officials say the change will save taxpayers $4.8-million annually in overtime.

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