|
June 30, 2010
PA Lawmakers Announce New Budget Agreement Chris Forshey
Pennsylvania appears to have a new budget.
Legislative leaders emerged from a meeting Tuesday afternoon with Governor Ed Rendell, saying a $28.05-billion budget agreement has been reached. A full vote in the Senate and the House is expected later today. The new fiscal year starts Thursday.
If both chambers give their approval, it would be the first time in eight years that lawmakers have met the June 30 budget deadline.
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi says the budget calls for a $250-million increase in basic education funding – that’s $100-million shy of what Rendell had requested. The governor says while he is on board with the agreement, cuts have been made to programs and departments all across the state.
Rendell
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsrendell063010.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
The agreement calls for the Legislature to enact a tax on natural gas extraction from Marcellus Shale by October 1st. Rendell and leaders of the state’s four caucuses say the budget will pass as long as their rank-and-file members sign on.
Council Votes to Terminate CENTAX Contract; Begin with New Agency Chris Forshey
Altoona City Council will terminate its contract with CENTAX and begin using Blair County’s new centralized tax collections agency next year.
The decision passed unanimously during a special meeting Tuesday night. City manager Joe Weakland and Solicitor Larry Clapper will notify CENTAX Thursday, exercising the city’s 180 day termination option with the company.
Controller A.C. Stickel says while there are several unknowns, the city will be ahead of most other Blair County tax agencies using the service before the 2012 state mandated deadline.
Stickel
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newssticke063010.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
The new tax agency is still looking for rental space, and council is pushing to have the office established in city hall. City officials say they will also have to get their collection data back off CENTAX and spend the next several months cleaning up the loose ends.
Airport Authority Asks County to Back Low-Interest Loan Chris Forshey
The Blair County Airport Authority is asking county leaders to back a low-interest loan to pay for a new roof on a building and an energy conservation upgrade.
Commissioner Diane Meling says the authority would borrow $116,000 for the project and also roll $116,000 in existing debt into the same loan. Meling says the authority would get a one-percent interest rate and that will ultimately add up to big savings.
Meling
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsmeling063010.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Meling says the airport’s financial situation is stable and the authority shouldn’t have any problems meeting their loan obligation. The commissioners will discuss the loan at their July 13th meeting.
Blair Terminates Bridge Inspection Firm Chris Forshey
Blair County Commissioners have terminated their bridge inspection contract with Innovative Consultant Group of Altoona.
Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says that’s because the company has filed for bankruptcy and is no longer able to meet its current obligations with the county. The company was terminated as county engineer last month after being unable to complete engineering services on some bridge construction and maintenance projects that have been ongoing.
Tomassetti says the county has bridges that are due for inspection – and right now the board must choose a PennDOT certified bridge inspector. The board says public safety comes first. The county will likely use PennDOT to perform the inspections before choosing a new firm later this year.
PA Conviction Costs Veon His State Pension Chris Forshey/Staff
Former House Democratic whip Mike Veon not only gave up his freedom when he was sent to prison this month, but he was stripped of his state pension.
Veon was sentenced to six to 14 years behind bars on June 18 for his role in a scheme to use taxpayers' money and resources to help elect Democrats. Because Veon was convicted of job-related charges that included theft of services and theft by deception, the state Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act bars him from collecting a pension.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette calculated its value at about $50,000 a year. The paper says convicted co-defendant Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink also lost her pension. She's the former director of Veon's Beaver Falls office.
PA Bill Regarding Cheap Textbooks Draws Scrutiny AP
Legislation that would require Pennsylvania state college professors to consider buying the cheapest educationally sound textbooks for their courses is drawing scrutiny from faculty groups.
The American Association of University Professors and Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties issued statements Monday expressing concern about academic freedom.
Senator Andrew Dinniman's textbook legislation passed the Senate on June 23. He says student costs would be factored into selecting course materials but that faculty rights would not be abridged. Dinniman is a former full-time professor at West Chester University.
The legislation also requires publishers doing business with Pennsylvania colleges to offer digital versions of textbooks by 2020. The bill now heads to the House Education Committee.
June 29, 2010
Juniata Residents Ask Board for New Swimming Pool Chris Forshey
Residents living in the Juniata section of Altoona have spoken – and they want a new public swimming pool.
That’s the expensive recommendation Central Blair Recreation Commission board members will make to city council during a special meeting tonight night. Resident Debbie Garritano was one of about 30 residents and children who spoke in front of the recreation board Monday afternoon.
Garritano
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsgarritano062910.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
The city was proposing a much-cheaper spray park. But council man Erik Cagle says it all comes down to how much the city ultimately wants to spend – and that could range from a half-million dollars up to $2-million.
Cagle
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newscagle062910.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Council will ultimately have to borrow the money or find alternative revenue sources to pay for any project.
PA Budget Talks Near Deadline with Deal Elusive Chris Forshey
A senior Senate Republican says that getting a budget deal done before Pennsylvania's new fiscal year begins Thursday hinges on Governor Ed Rendell's approach to the talks.
Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi told a Pennsylvania Press Club audience on Monday that meeting the budget deadline "depends solely upon the reasonableness of the governor."
He says the Senate will pass a budget bill by the close of business Wednesday, whether Rendell agrees or not. Pileggi says the remaining issues include the details of a proposed tax on natural gas extraction, how much to increase the basic education subsidy for public schools and whether to assume the state will get any of the $850-million in extra federal stimulus money now stalled in Congress.
Pileggi said the governor and all four caucuses have agreed to total spending of just over $28-billion, but not without conditions that threaten to set back talks. A $28-billion-plus budget would be a slight increase from the $27.8-billion 2009-10 budget that passed in October after a 101-day standoff.
State Police: No Interstate Parking for Fireworks Shows Chris Forshey
Authorities are reminding drivers not to park along Interstate 99 during two of the region’s biggest fireworks displays on Sunday night.
PennDOT spokeswoman Pam Kane says motorists who break the law cause a potentially dangerous situation when they slow down to enter the roadway’s shoulder or try to re-enter traffic. And she says there’s always a chance that someone could be struck by a fast moving vehicle.
Logan Township Police Chief Ron Heller says there is also no parking allowed along Park Avenue in Lakemont.
Heller
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsheller062910.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
There will be increased State Police patrols along Interstate 99 during the fireworks displays at both DelGrosso's Amusement Park and Lakemont Park.
Blair Woman Arrested in Bizarre Drunk Driving Incident Chris Forshey
A Blair County woman is facing DUI charges following a bizarre drunk driving incident over the weekend.
The incident happened Saturday along Lafayette Road and State Route 869 over the weekend. State Police at Bedford say 29-year-old Jessica Nave of Duncansville and 27-year-old Richard Rusnak of Patton reportedly driving a vehicle erratically. That’s when a witness says the pair stopped, exited the vehicle and were then seen lying on the ground. The witness called 911.
Troopers caught up with the vehicle a short time later. Nave and Rusnak were believed to be under the influence of alcohol and both have suspended driver’s licenses. Both have been charged with DUI.
Hollidaysburg Farmer’s Market Seeking More Vendors Chris Forshey
The Hollidaysburg Farmer’s Market is set to return next week – but officials are still looking for some additional vendors.
Officials say the first farmer’s market begins July 9th and will run every Friday through September from 10:00AM until 1:00PM on Montgomery Street just off the diamond. The Hollidaysburg Community Partnership says vendors must feature homemade or homegrown products. No food preparation is allowed on site.
If you would like to participate in the farmer’s market, contact the Hollidaysburg Community Partnership at 696-0544 or Email partnership@hollidaysburg.org.
PA Says it Has Full Drilling Chemicals List Chris Forshey/Staff
Compounds associated with neurological problems or other serious health effects are on a list of chemicals being used to drill natural gas wells in Pennsylvania.
Department of Environmental Protection officials say they plan to post the list online later this week.
It is believed to be the first complete catalog of natural gas drilling chemicals used in Pennsylvania, where the rapidly industry is pursuing the rich Marcellus Shale reserve. Officials say they assembled the list based on information drilling companies are required to provide. The chemicals are used in a process called hydraulic fracturing.
Environmental advocates worry the chemicals are poisoning underground drinking water sources. Industry officials say the chemicals pose no threat because they are handled safely.
Specter Set to Pen Third Book Chris Forshey
Pennsylvania’s outgoing senior senator is set to pen another book.
Republican turned Democrat Arlen Specter says he’s writing a book that will detail how his political career came to an end earlier this year. Specter lost the Democratic nomination to challenger Joe Sestak during the May primary election.
Specter says he will talk about his defection back to the Democratic party – and how it affected both parties. Specter has authored two other books, including his first memoir ‘Passion for Truth’ in 2000 and ‘Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate.’ That book was released in 2008.
June 28, 2010
Man Robbed At Local Convenience Store Craig Schaffer
A local convenience store was the scene of a strong arm robbery late last night.
City police tell WRTA News that around 11:30 several individuals assaulted the victim in the bathroom of the 17th Street Sheetz and stole several items from him. According to police no weapons were displayed in the act.
One person is in custody. More arrests are likely.
We’ll have more on this story as details become available.
PA Budget Talks Continue Chris Forshey/Staff
State lawmakers worked through the weekend hoping to get a deal on a new state budget.
Efforts to try to hash out details of the spending plan continued Sunday, four days before the start of a new fiscal year.
Lawmakers and Governor Ed Rendell are trying to reach agreement on a new budget in the face of dwindling tax revenues and doubts about how much federal stimulus money will be available. Rendell is pushing for an increase in state spending for public education.
Another issue to be resolved is whether there will be new taxes on natural gas drilling or tobacco products.
Voters Watching as Legislative Session Winds Down Chris Forshey/Staff
Pennsylvania lawmakers hoping to impress voters with the quality of their work product have about five months left in the current two-year session to add to it.
After the budget passes, most of them will vacate Harrisburg until after Labor Day, and Senate leaders long ago declared they would not convene a lame-duck session after the fall election. That leaves just a few weeks of voting sessions in September and October for legislators to improve on a list of accomplishments that features passage of table games at casinos and new gambling regulations and a successful tax amnesty program.
The Legislature has passed 89 bills since January 2009, among them reauthorization of the Health Care Cost Containment Council, extension of 911 fees on telephone users, imposition of more fire-safe cigarette standards, expansion of unemployment and health insurance benefits and the toughening of animal cruelty laws.
But political analysts say nearly a third of what has been signed into law constitutes low-hanging fruit - state property conveyances and memorial= dedications of roads and bridges.
Two People Hurt in Crash Over the Weekend In Blair County Craig Schaffer
Two people were sent to the hospital as a result of a crash in Woodbury Township over the weekend.
The accident happened around 3:30 Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Clover Creek Road and Mock’s Bridge Road. State Police say that Jessica Castro of Williamsburg failed to see a car driven by Jose Peralta, also of Williamsburg, when she drove her pickup truck out into the intersection. After impact Peralta’s car burst into flames. He and Castro were both taken to Altoona Regional for treatment. No word on their conditions.
Bedford Teen Reported Missing Chris Forshey
State Police in Bedford are searing for a missing 17-year-old girl.
Troopers say Elizabet Michele Doud was last seen Friday at her home along Leisure Lane Camp in Bedford Township. The teen is believed to be a runaway.
Anyone with information is urged to contact PSP Bedford at 623-31-33.
What To Do With Local Pool Subject of Special Meeting Craig Schaffer
The future of an Altoona pool that has been closed because of its deteriorating condition will be the topic of discussion at a meeting today called by the Central Blair Park & Recreation Commission.
This afternoon’s meeting will give residents a chance to voice their opinions on what should be done with Memorial Pool.
Construction proposals on the table include a new pool like the current one, a spray park like the one at Raystown Lake, a wading pool and spray park with a slide, or a full pool and in-pool spray park.
The meeting will get underway at 3:30 at the Juniata Pavilion near Memorial Pool.
Curve Welcomes Four Millionth Fan Craig Schaffer
With an attendance of 4,922 at Sunday night’s game versus the Baysox, the Altoona Curve surpassed the 4-million fan mark in franchise history. Tonya Morgillo, of Curwensville, Pa. was selected the 4-millionth fan in team history in a postgame ceremony.
As the 4-milliionth fan, Morgillo will receive many prizes including two season tickets for life, and a reserved parking spot in the ballpark’s VIP lot.
The 26 year old Morgillo joins three others that were able to come through the gates during the team’s millionth fan milestones. The One-millionth fan in 2001 was former Altoona resident Dave Kibblehouse now of Missouri, the Two-millionth fan in 2004 was John Scott of Tyrone, the three-millionth fan in 2007 was Seana Powell of Clearfield.
Route 22 Westbound Traffic Pattern Switch Craig Schaffer
Motorists traveling on Route 22 in the area of the Cross Keyes Interchange are reminded that starting Tuesday westbound traffic will be switched on to the truck-climbing lane.
Once traffic is switched the contractor will begin drainage upgrades and concrete patching in the driving and passing lanes.
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.
June 25, 2010
Connors Officially Kicks of Congressional Campaign Chris Forshey
A retired advertising executive has officially kicked-off his campaign for Congress.
Tom Conners gathered with a group of Democratic supporters on Thursday to announce he’d received enough write in votes on the Democratic Ballot to challenge incumbent Republican Bill Shuster for the 9th District Congressional seat.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of State’s official totals, Conners received 2,023 Democratic votes in the May 18 primary to Shuster’s nearly 1,300. Conners says he ran an entirely grassroots operation, resulting in his nearly 2 to 1 victory over Shuster.
Conners says he will campaign throughout the summer and fall taking his message directly to the people. He says if the voters really are upset with the representation they’ve been getting from the Shuster’s for the past 38 years -- then now’s the time to vote for a change.
Eich: Lawmakers Could Beat July Deadline with New Budget Chris Forshey
It looks like Pennsylvania might – just might – have a new budget on time this year.
State Senator John Eichelberger says lawmakers are much further ahead in the process at this point than they were last year – that’s when the budget was 90 days late. Eichelberger says it’s very possible that a preliminary appropriation bills could be in place by July 1st – and then lawmakers would stay in Harrisburg to finalize the process.
Eichelberger
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newseich062510.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Eichelberger says lawmakers have good reason to find a fast, fair resolution.
Eichelberger
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newseich062510b.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Eichelberger says he will only back a final spending plan that includes no new taxes. If the budget agreement is reached by July 1st, it will be the first time that’s happened during Governor Ed Rendell’s eight-year tenure.
Rendell Presses GOP to Up Spending by 1-Percent AP
Governor Ed Rendell says he doesn't believe a budget that fulfills the state's obligations to Pennsylvanians can be balanced without new taxes.
Rendell met Thursday with legislative leaders and said his proposed $28.2-billion budget brings spending about as low as he believes is manageable.
To support it, Rendell wants new taxes on natural gas extraction and sales of some tobacco products. Pennsylvania is weathering a $1-billion-plus deficit, and uncertainties in federal support could force more services cuts and layoffs than are already planned. Senate Republican leaders who want to spend about $400-million less are studying Rendell's counterproposal.
The new fiscal year is a week away. Rendell's proposal would raise spending about 1-percent from this year's approved amount, including more for public school instruction.
Bill to Reform State Prisons has Bipartisan Support Chris Forshey
Some Pennsylvania lawmakers say they want to reform the state’s prison system in order to save some money.
A proposed bill sitting in front of lawmakers in Harrisburg would allow non-violent criminal offenders who receive minimal sentences to serve their time in community corrections centers. Similar sentences could also be handed down for narcotics crimes and parole violations.
Lawmakers say the bill has bipartisan support because it will save a large chuck of money that’s used to pay for Pennsylvania’s escalating prison population.
PA Issues 1st Institutional-Infection Rate AP
State officials say Pennsylvania's first comprehensive report on infections acquired in hospitals reveals a statewide rate of 2.4 for every day 1,000 patients spent in a hospital.
Department of Health officials said Thursday its report established a baseline for how a hospital's performance in reducing infections will be judged in the future.
The state provides incentive payments to health care facilities that reduce infections by 10-percent over the previous year. Some of the 250 hospitals in the 2009 report also reported infections in 2008. Based on those figures, health officials say health-care associated infections dropped by more than 12-percent.
The reporting by hospitals is required by a 2007 law. Pennsylvania's hospitals and nursing homes must promptly report patient infections and take measures to reduce them.
Centre Man Sentenced for Pulling Gun on Senator’s Son Chris Forshey
A Bellefonte man has been sentenced to time served in jail plus probation and parole for pulling a gun on Senator John Wozniak’s son during a road rage incident.
A judge also ordered 26-year-old Shawn Meeker to get counseling during his sentencing Thursday in Centre County Court. Meeker apologized to the Wozniak family at the hearing and also asked for forgiveness. Meeker said he had no idea it was Wozniak’s son that he threatened during the March 17th incident along East College Avenue.
He told police he pulled the semi-automatic handgun because the driver in front of him was “being stupid.”
Two Iowa U.S. Senators Question Big Ten Expansion AP
Iowa's two U.S. senators are asking Big Ten Conference officials to disclose their expansion plans and release financial information about the league's cable television network.
Republican Chuck Grassley and Democrat Tom Harkin made the request in a June 10 letter they sent to Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany. The letter was sent a day before university presidents voted to admit the University of Nebraska. Associate Commissioner Scott Chipman confirmed that the conference received the letter.
In the letter, Grassley and Harkin questioned how the Big Ten's expansion efforts fit with its nonprofit status. Grassley is the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees tax-exempt organizations.
The Big Ten Conference, which already has 11 members, has not said whether it plans additional expansion beyond adding Nebraska to the league as a 12th team for the 2011-12 school year.
Flight 93 Temporary Memorial Moving During Work AP
A temporary memorial set up near where Flight 93 crashed during the 2001 terror attacks will be relocated while construction is under way for a permanent memorial.
The National Park Service says a new visitor area known as the Western Overlook will open July 8. The site was originally where the FBI, first responders and the media set up in the days following the crash. Flight 93 was traveling from Newark, N.J., to San Francisco when hijackers took it over on September 11, 2001.
Passengers fought to get control of the plane and the hijackers responded by crashing the plane in a Somerset County field, killing everyone aboard. Construction began last year on a permanent memorial at the site. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed next year.
June 24, 2010
Blair Prepared for State Budget Stalemate
The Blair County Commissioners say they continue to watch spending closely in anticipation of another late state budget.
The board was forced to lay off some employees and cut services during a 90-day budget stalemate last year. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says the same will happen again if lawmakers fail to get a new spending plan within the next two weeks.
Tomassetti
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newstomassetti062410b.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Tomassetti says the law requires that the county have a new budget on time and it shouldn’t be any different at the state level.
Jury In November Altoona Nightclub Fight Trial Reach Verdicts
Two men accused in a nightclub parking lot beating have been found not guilty of the most serious charges against them.
On Wednesday, brothers 24 year old Mark Phillips Junior of Clymer and 22 year old Lance Phillips of Altoona were found guilty of misdemeanor simple assault, disorderly conduct and summary harassment, but not guilty of felony aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy in connection with a fight on November 29th last year outside Altoona’s UVA club.
Lance Phillips was also convicted of recklessly endangering another person.
The defense had argued that the victim, Brent Miller was drunk at the time of the incident and was looking for a fight. Prosecutors claimed the beating of Miller was coordinated between the brothers and that they continued to attack Miller as he lay unconscious in the parking lot
Sentencing for the Phillips brothers is scheduled for late August.
Lilly Man Waives Hearing in Attempted Pharmacy Robbery Chris Forshey
A Lilly man charged with attempting to rob an Altoona pharmacy last week has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Felony charges against 30-year-old Derrick Isaacson have now been waived to Blair County Court for trial. City police responded to Thompson’s Broad Avenue Pharmacy last Tuesday after receiving a call about a suspicious person. City police say Isaacson was wearing heavy gloves and also discovered a ski mask and BB gun during a search.
A trial date has not been set. Isaacson was also released from the Blair County Prison following his hearing on Wednesday after posting $75,000 bail.
Troopers: ‘Major Drug Dealer’ Arrested in Saxton Chris Forshey
A Saxton has been arrested on heroin and crack cocaine charges.
State Police narcotics investigators called 68-year-old Gene Arthur Baker a major drug supplier shortly after he was taken into custody on Wednesday. Troopers uncovered heroin, crack and $2,300 during Baker’s arrest.
He was lodged in the Bedford County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.
One Injured in Head-On Crash Chris Forshey
One person is hospitalized following a head-on crash Wednesday near the Blair-Cambria County line.
The accident happened just before 9:00AM when a car collided with a pickup truck along State Route 53 near Ashville. The driver of the car had to be cut from the crash using the Jaws of Life.
Police have not released the names of those involved. The investigation is ongoing.
Blair Won’t Use Inmates to Clean Judicial Offices Chris Forshey
Blair County officials will likely not utilize county prison inmates to clean the offices of six magisterial district judges’.
Warden Michael Johnston proposed the idea in March, saying he had several inmates willing to do the work. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says the move would save tens of thousands of dollars in outside contracts per year. But he says court officials have decided that there are too many liability issues.
Tomassetti
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newstomassetti062410.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Tomassetti says only trusted inmates could have participated and even then, they would have to be constantly searched and screened. The commissioners will look at bids from private contractors next week.
Shuster Comments on General Change in Afghanistan Chris Forshey
A local lawmaker is weighing-in on the replacement of General Stanley McChrystal as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan.
In a statement released Wednesday shortly after the president’s formal announcement, 9th District Congressman Bill Shuster called McChrystal’s comments published in an upcoming Rolling Stone Magazine article ‘unfortunate.’ Shuster says he respects President Obama’s decision to now install General David Petraeus – and he notes Petraeus has the ability to prosecute the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan successfully.
Shuster says he has a great deal of respect for McChrystal and his service to the nation, but the country must now focus on the objectives in Afghanistan as that country moves forward with their transition of leadership in the Afghan theater.
Corbett Statement on Gas Drilling Draws Flak AP
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Tom Corbett is drawing flak from the Rendell administration for urging environmental regulators to work with the natural gas industry in developing rules for drilling in the lucrative Marcellus Shale formation.
Corbett, the state attorney general, suggested Wednesday that the two sides should agree on interim clean-water and safety standards while the Legislature debates longer-term remedies.
Secretary John Hanger of the Department of Environmental Protection says new rules to prevent drilling wastewater from polluting drinking water or public waterways have won key votes of approval and are slated to take effect January 1. Separate rules governing gas-well construction also are in the works.
Hanger says the rules took two years to develop and officials received input from numerous groups - including the industry.
Poll: Toomey, Sestak in a ‘Dead Heat’ Chris Forshey
A new poll out Wednesday shows senate candidates Republican Pat Toomey and Democrat Joe Sestak in a dead heat.
Data from the Public Policy Poll puts both Toomey and Sestak at 41-percent each.
The pollsters say Toomey remains strong with Pennsylvania’s male voters, while Sestak enjoys broader support among female voters. Eight-percent of those surveyed still remain undecided.
Both Toomey and Sestak are hoping to capture the Pennsylvania senate seat held by the outgoing Senator Arlen Specter, who was defeated in the Democratic May Primary Election.
PSU Campus Ministry Starts Public Fundraising for Student Center Chris Forshey
The Altoona-Johnstown Catholic Diocese says the Penn State Catholic Campus Ministry has raised about $4.2-million for a new Student Faith Center on the University Park Campus.
Ministry Director Matthew Laffey says the quiet phase of the campaign began in 2007, and groundbreaking on the 22-thousand square foot Park Avenue facility will begin once contributions close in on the $5-million mark.
The Diocese says donations from Joe and Sue Paterno, Bill Schreyer and the Stine Foundation totaled $2.5-million. The Paterno’s are the campaigns honorary co-chairs.
June 23, 2010
Blair Drug Raid Nets More Than A Dozen Arrests Chris Forshey
More than a dozen suspected drug dealers behind bars after another large-scale drug sweep across Blair County.
State Attorney General’s Office Regional Drug Taskforce director Randy Feathers says about 50 agents and local police officers hit the streets around 7:00AM Tuesday armed with 19 arrests warrants. Feathers says narcotics investigators have been watching the alleged dealers for the past four months.
Feathers
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsfeathers062310.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Authorities say the drugs they uncovered ranged from heroin to cocaine to the painkillers Oxycotin, Morphine and Suboxone. Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio says the summertime drug cleanup will put another dent in the local drug trade.
Consiglio
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsconsiglio062310.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Officials say several arrest warrants remain for additional drug suspects.
AASD Extends Transportation Contract with TSA Chris Forshey
Altoona Area School District board members have voted to extend their contract with Student Transportation of America.
Superintendent Dr. Dennis Murray says the company has done an excellent job since taking over transportation services four years ago. He says the company has actually saved the district a considerable amount of money since the changeover.
Murray
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsmurray062310.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Murray says STA also continues to provide a high quality of door to door service to the district’s special needs children at a low cost. The contract extension will run through 2016.
Blair Won’t Rebuild Swinging Bridge Chris Forshey
The Blair County Commissioners say they will not reconstruct a county-owned swinging bridge that fell over the Beaver Dam Branch of the Little Juniata River in Frankstown Township during flooding earlier this year.
Commissioner Diane Meling says the costs to construct a more modern truss-style bridge are too high -- and the taxpayer’s aren’t obligated to rebuild the fallen structure.
Meling
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsmeling062310.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Meling says there are no capital improvement funds and the county can’t use liquid fuels money to pay for the construction. The county will continue to maintain a second nearby bridge. Both were turned over to the county in 1934.
Rosser: New Blair Drug & Alcohol Corporation ‘Ready to Go’ Chris Forshey
Blair County’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program will begin operating as a stand alone corporation at the end of next week.
Administrator Judy Rosser told county leaders on Tuesday her new agency has secured a line of credit and is ready to begin offering services. The county will assign a temporary service contract to the new Blair County Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program on July 1st – and then next year the agency will contract directly with the state.
Rosser says the new corporation eliminates Blair County as the middleman and it allows the agency to expand the types of services it offers.
Rosser
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsrosser062310.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Rosser says about 600 people per year use the program. The group will operate out of the Hollidaysburg courthouse through mid-August, and then move to its new suite in the 764 Plaza in Allegheny Township.
Audit Gives Low Grade to PA Sex-Offender Website AP
The state auditor general says the Pennsylvania State Police could be doing a better job informing citizens about convicted sex offenders in their communities.
Auditor General Jack Wagner on Tuesday released a new report that gave the Megan's Law website a grade of "C-minus" in comparison to other states.
Among other things, the report cites poor quality photographs of the convicts, a search engine that sometimes fails to produce complete offender lists and the lack of E-mail notifications to neighbors whenever an offender moves in.
State police responded in a letter that they are working to enhance the mapping capabilities of the website and are considering E-mail notifications. They said new website enhancements are tentatively slated to be unveiled in December.
USDA, Coroner Identify 3 Killed in Plane Crash Chris Forshey
Officials have identified three men killed when a small plane chartered by the Forest Service crashed in Clinton County.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday said Forest Service employees Dan Snider and Rodney Whiteman died in the crash in a residential section of Lock Haven. Coroner Donald Walker identified the pilot as Patrick Jessup, of New York state. Ages and hometowns for the men were not immediately available.
Forest Service officials say the men were conducting an aerial pest detection survey at the time of Monday's crash. The Federal Aviation Administration says the plane went down as it approached William Piper Memorial Airport. The plane struck a house and ended up in the street. No injuries were reported on the ground. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Homemade Bomb Left on State College Police Cruiser Chris Forshey
State College Borough Police say it appears that someone may have tried to blow up an unmarked police cruiser.
The homemade explosive device was placed on the trunk of the vehicle around 1:15AM Monday while it was parked outside of the State College Municipal Building. An officer was able to knock the flaming device off the cruiser and extinguish the flames.
Borough officials say the homemade bomb was made of standard household materials. The investigation is ongoing.
PA Secretary of Aging Urges Older Residents to Take Precautions in Extremely Hot Weather Craig Schaffer
Secretary of Aging John Hall is urging older Pennsylvanians to take care during extremely hot weather, which can cause physical problems such as heat stroke or even death.
According to medical experts, older people do not adjust as well as young people to changes in temperature. In addition, older people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that could changes how their body responds to heat. They are also more likely to take prescription medicines that could impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature.
During hot conditions, people who feel dizzy, nauseous or have severe muscle cramps should seek medical attention if their condition does not improve.
The Department of Aging offers these suggestions to help older adults stay cool and prevent heat-related illness:
• Stay indoors if possible and seek shade when outdoors;
• Schedule outdoor activities at cooler times of the day;
• Avoid strenuous activities;
• Visit a senior center, shopping mall, library or other air-conditioned facility;
• Drink plenty of water or cool, non-alcoholic beverages;
• Wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing;
• Wrap a towel around ice cubes and apply to the forehead and nape of neck or keep a damp towel in the freezer to cool off;
• Take a cool bath or shower.
June 22, 2010
AASD Votes 7-1 for Tax Increase in 2010-11 Budget Chris Forshey
Property taxes are going up in the Altoona Area School District.
Board members voted 7-1 Monday on a $90-million budget that includes a 2.88-mill tax increase. That translates into an additional $34 per year for an average homeowner in Altoona and Logan Township.
School board member Ryan Beers cast the lone dissenting vote, saying the district must begin to be proactive in controlling its spending.
Beers
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsbeers062210.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Beers says the district can’t wait for state lawmakers to help them out with the pension crisis.
Board president James Walstrom says state funding is unpredictable and you have to compensate for that.
Walstrom
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newswalstrom062210.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Superintendent Dr. Dennis Murray says only 29-percent of the district’s budget relies on property taxes – the rest comes from state and federal funding.
AASD Official Abruptly Departs Meeting Chris Forshey
The slightly contentious budget discussion at Monday’s Altoona Area School District board meeting led to the abrupt departure of a longtime administration official from the board room.
Assistant to the Superintendent for Business Henry Adams packed up his papers and walked out mid-meeting, saying he wasn’t a fan of public embarrassment – but noted it was time to go. The district had just accepted Adam’s retirement for late August – but Adam’s – confused -- stated he’ll retire immediately. He uttered a statement about finances.
The move came as a surprise to board president James Walstrom.
Walstrom
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newswalstrom062210b.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
WRTA News wasn’t immediately able to locate Adams for comment.
Crane Causes Power Outage in Hollidaysburg Craig Schaffer
Hollidaysburg Borough was hit by a power outage Monday halting business for about 90 minutes.
The electricity went off about noon when a mechanical failure caused a crane to hit power lines.
Penelec officials say over 2,400 customers were affected but power was restored around 1:30PM. Trials in progress at the Blair County Courthouse during the outage were delayed for a time.
Reward Offered for Shade Tree Vandals Chris Forshey
Altoona City officials are offering a cash reward to information that leads to the arrests of some shade tree vandals.
Several young trees were destroyed Friday, June 11th along the 100 Block of Logan Boulevard near Mansion Park. Other trees along in the same area have also either been cut down or damaged. Mayor Bill Schirf says the trees were planted as a city beautification project at a cost to the taxpayers of several hundred dollars each. He’s asking the public to come forward with information.
Schirf
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsschirf062210.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
The City of Altoona Shade Tree Commission is offering a reward of $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information should call Altoona Police at 949-2489.
Plane Crashes Into Lock Haven Home; 3 Dead AP
A small plane chartered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture crashed into a home Monday, killing three people aboard and narrowly missing a couple inside the house.
The Cessna 210 was on final approach when it went down west of Lock Haven's William T. Piper Memorial Airport at about 1 p.m. Monday and struck the house, a utility pole and three vehicles, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Jim Peters said.
Three Forest Service workers on board were killed, but there were no reports of injuries on the ground, he said.
The plane was owned by a Colorado company and had been chartered by the USDA, Peters said. Officials did not yet know where it was coming from, its final destination or whether more than three people were aboard, he said.
The registered owner, Wings and Wheels 2LLC of the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colo., did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Governor Calls $261 Million Collected During Tax Amnesty Program an ‘Overwhelming Success’ Craig Schaffer
Pennsylvania’s first Tax Amnesty program in 14 years generated $261 million in state back taxes over 54 days, surpassing by $71 million the $190 million goal set for the program.
Governor Ed Rendell said on Monday that about 60,000 tax delinquents took advantage of the opportunity offered by the state to settle back taxes without paying penalties and only half the interest due.
An additional 5-percent penalty applies to all tax delinquencies that remained after midnight on June 18, and the Revenue Department is stepping up other enforcement efforts.
Tax Amnesty collections will be finalized in coming weeks. A detailed final report is due to the legislature in December.
Bellwood Road Detour Begins Tuesday Chris Forshey
Construction work is set to begin today on a bridge rehabilitation project in Antis Township – and that mean’s a new detour for motorists traveling Old Sixth Avenue Road between Pinecroft and Bellwood.
The 1.25 mile detour will follow Route 4022, to Business Route 220, to Sabbath Rest Road and then back to Old 6th Avenue Road. The work is anticipated to be completed by August 27.
The work is part of a $1.7-million contract that will rehabilitate five bridges in Tyrone Borough and Snyder and Antis Townships. The projects are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Onorato Proposes 14 Debates in PA Governor’s Race AP
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato wants 14 debates or similar forums in the months leading up to the November election.
Onorato announced his proposal to Republican candidate Tom Corbett during a Monday conference call with political reporters. Onorato says he wants at least two events in each media market, and that some debates should focus on particular issues.
His list of proposed topics includes the economy, natural gas drilling, political corruption, education, transportation and the environment.
Lawmaker Plans Crime-Reporting 'Jennifer's Law' Chris Forshey
A Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing a crime-reporting bill named for a mentally disabled woman who was tortured and killed earlier this year.
At a news conference on Monday, State Senator Kim Ward discussed the bill that she calls "Jennifer's Law."
The proposal would make it illegal for someone to witness a violent crime and fail to report it to police. The Westmoreland County Republican says the proposed legislation was prompted by the February torture and slaying of 30-year-old Jennifer Daugherty.
Authorities say Daugherty was brutally tortured for several days before being stabbed to death and her body dumped in a parking lot. Two of the six people accused in her death are facing the death penalty.
DEP Wants More Oversight in Marcellus Shale Drilling AP
The head of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection wants more oversight of drilling on the Marcellus Shale.
DEP Secretary John Hanger will ask the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week to enact laws that reinforce his regulatory power over drilling safety.
Hanger said writing his power into law would protect the state from potential lawsuits as natural gas drilling expands throughout the state.
He said he plans to submit a list of amendments to the state's drilling law specifying that the department can withhold permits from companies deemed "unsafe."
June 21, 2010
Troopers: Excessive Speed to Blame for Fatal Crash
BY: Chris Forshey
State Police say excessive speed is to blame for a fatal crash over the weekend near Osterburg.
Troopers says 22-year-old Joseph Fetter lost control of his vehicle as Friday night along Highway 869 in East Saint Clear Township. Fetter failed to negotiate a curve and struck a utility pole. The vehicle rolled onto its roof. The accident also killed 18-year-old passengers Chans Feather and injured a third man, 20-year-old Gary Pfahler.
State Police say Pfahler was the only person wearing a seatbelt. He remains hospitalized in Johnstown. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Police: Church Burglar Left Birth Certificate
BY: Chris Forshey
Police say a man who stole petty cash from a central Pennsylvania church is in custody after leaving his birth certificate behind when he left.
Authorities say 28-year-old Allen Larry Dawes has been extradited to York County to faces charges after being arrested earlier this month in New Jersey. Investigators say Dawes broke into First St. John's Church in York on May 11th. Police say Dawes spent the night sleeping in a hallway and ate cereal from a pantry that holds food for the needy.
Officials say Dawes has no fixed address. He is being held on $16,000 bail at York County Prison on charges including burglary and institutional vandalism.
Altoona Man to Challenge Congressman Bill Shuster In November
BY: Chris Forshey
A retired television executive will be on the November general election ballot to challenge 9th District Congressman Bill Shuster after waging a successful write-in campaign.
The Pennsylvania Department of State says that 71-year-old Tom Conners, of Altoona, received 2,023 votes in the May 18th Democratic primary. Conners needed at least 1,000 write-in votes and a plurality of the votes cast to qualify. First elected in 2001, Shuster ran unopposed in the May Republican primary.
He also received nearly 1,300 Democratic write-in votes in the GOP-leaning 9th Congressional District.
FBI, IRS Search Top PA Senator's Home, Office
BY: Chris Forshey and WRTA Staff Reports
FBI agents have executed search warrants at the home and district office of a top Pennsylvania state senator as part of a federal investigation into allegations of illegal activity
FBI spokesman Frank Burton Jr. says the joint FBI-IRS investigation into Senator Robert Mellow has been ongoing, and agents made the raids Friday morning. A spokeswoman for Mellow, the Senate Democratic leader from Lackawanna County, said the office was not aware of an investigation before being informed Friday morning prior to agents' arrival.
Mellow Spokeswoman Lisa Scullin says the 40-year senator did nothing wrong and is cooperating. Burton would not discuss the nature of the allegations, say what the agents were seeking or say what they took from Mellow's house in Archbald and office in Peckville, both of which are a few miles northeast of Scranton.
PA Democratic Party Power Shift First in 8 Years
BY: Chris Forshey and WRTA Staff Reports
Control of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party changed hands for the first time in eight years this weekend.
The Democratic State Committee elected Pittsburgh lawyer Jim Burn to head the party as the sun sets on the Ed Rendell era and the Republican Party vigorously campaigns to reclaim the governorship and an open U.S. Senate seat.
Saturday's leadership shake-up did not come without a fair amount of behind-the-scenes drama, deal making and uncertainty over who was in charge. The top-of-the-ticket Democratic candidates - Dan Onorato for governor and Joe Sestak for Senate - said they studiously avoided taking sides prior to the vote.
Governor Rendell proposed to party leaders that the well-regarded T.J. Rooney be permitted to stay on through the November election. But Rooney, who initially was receptive to the idea of extending his tenure, finally announced that he would step down when his term ended Saturday - prompting two other candidates to step up their efforts for the job.
June 18, 2010
Amnesty For Taxpayers Who Owe Money In Pennsylvania Is Coming To An End Craig Schaffer
Pennsylvania’s tax amnesty offer is coming to an end.
The deadline to pay back taxes and avoid the usual penalties is today.
Democratic House Finance Committee Chairman David Levdansky says the additional revenue raised by the amnesty program will help reduce the state’s budget deficit.
Levdansky
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newslevdansky061810.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Levdansky says people who fail to comply will be, among other possible enforcement actions, assessed and extra five percent.
More information is available at pa-tax-payup.com.
Tyrone Man Arrested For Impersonating an Officer Craig Schaffer
A Tyrone man is behind bars today after he allegedly impersonated a police officer in Huntingdon County on Thursday.
State police at Huntingdon say that around 7:45 last night, Matthew Mallory was in the parking lot of the Huntingdon Elks Club in Smithfield Township when he approached a woman in a vehicle, tapped on the window and asked the woman what she was carrying. When he identified himself as a police officer and said he wanted to search her car, the woman asked to see a badge. Mallory pointed to a tattoo and then got in a car and drove away.
State police pursued Mallory from State Route 22 near Glenhurr Lane in Porter Township Huntingdon County to a stop light near State Route 550 at the bridge being repaired in Tyrone.
Mallory was taken into custody with assistance of troopers from the Hollidaysburg Barracks and officers from the Tyrone Police Department.
Charges are expected to be filed against Mallory in Huntingdon County.
Hollidaysburg Names New Borough Manager Craig Schaffer
There’s a new borough manager in place in Hollidaysburg.
By unanimous vote on Thursday, Mark Schroyer of South Park was chosen to replace recently retired John Little.
John Little, who retired after about three years on the job.
Schroyer, one of 17 individuals interviewed for the job, has been manager of Exeter Township, Berks County and South Park Township, Allegheny County and the borough of Donora.
Schroyer, starts his new $63,000 a year position on Monday.
Pennsylvania’s Employment Situation: May Craig Schaffer
Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.1 percent in May, up one-tenth of a percentage point from April.
Pennsylvania’s rate remained below the national rate of 9.7 percent and has been at or below the national rate for 86 of the past 89 months. The state rate was up 1.1 percentage points from May 2009, while the U.S. rate was up three-tenths of a point over the year.
Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted civilian labor force – the number of people working or looking for work – fell by 8,000 residents in May to 6,463,000. The majority of the labor force drop was a decrease in resident employment of 15,000, while unemployment rose by 7,000. The Pennsylvania labor force was up 44,000 from its May 2009 level.
Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs count rose by 19,500 in May to 5,625,900 – its highest level in 13 months.
Pennsylvania has added 76,200 jobs in the past three months. May job growth boosted by federal government temporary hires for the 2010 Census. Manufacturing rose for the fourth consecutive month, up 900 jobs in May.
Fueled by Census hiring, the United States added 431,000 total nonfarm jobs in May, its best month in over 10 years.
Pennsylvania’s job count was up 5,700 from a May 2009. This marked the first time Pennsylvania’s job count eclipsed its corresponding year-ago count since September 2008. The United States’ job count was down 571,000 jobs from May 2009.
Rendell Praises Regulatory Panel Vote Protecting PA’s Stream, Rivers from Drilling Wastewater Craig Schaffer
Governor Ed Rendell is praising two votes by members of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission that he says will protect Pennsylvania’s streams and drinking water supplies against total dissolved solids pollution from Marcellus Shale drilling wells and other sources from storm water runoff.
The new total dissolved solids, or TDS, rules the commission approved today will ensure that rivers and streams in Pennsylvania do not exceed the safe drinking water standard of 500 milligrams per liter. The rules also will protect businesses by grandfathering all existing discharges and allowing businesses to use a stream’s ability to absorb those discharges while not exceeding drinking water standards.
The panel also approved new regulations to enhance existing rules governing erosion, sediment control and stormwater to protect streams from the effects of new development, reduce localized flooding during heavy storms, and cut sediment and nutrient pollution.
Congress May Take a Bite Out of COBRA – Pennsylvanians in Limbo Craig Schaffer
A bill to extend federal funding for some key programs failed to pass a procedural vote in the Senate this week, leaving many unemployed and low-income Pennsylvanians in limbo.
Lawmakers will try again after revising the bill, which includes money for states for things like Medicaid, unemployment insurance and COBRA. COBRA helps people keep and pay for their health insurance after losing a job. Ron Pollack directs health care consumer group Families USA, and he fears that the COBRA subsidy might not make it into the final bill.
Pollack
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newspollack061810.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
He says that's because without the subsidy, the COBRA premium consumes more than 84 percent of an unemployment check on average, and in 11 states it's actually larger than the unemployment payment. In Pennsylvania, the average COBRA premium, after the subsidy, is 389 dollars a month. Without the subsidy, it's 1,111 dollars.
Pollack says opponents of the bill who want to see some of the spending reduced out of anxiety over the expanding national budget deficit are justified in their concerns, but stimulating the economy, creating jobs and taking care of those who have lost jobs should be the focus in a recession.
Pollack
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newspollack061810b.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
If Congress fails to extend the fiscal relief bill, Pennsylvania could face a billion dollar hit to the budget ... money lawmakers had planned on. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities predicts that without the federal funds, there will likely be cuts to things like emergency hospital services and personal care assistance for people with disabilities.
Joint State Police, PUC Effort Takes 689 Trucks, 137 Drivers off the Road Craig Schaffer
The Pennsylvania State Police, working with personnel from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, last week placed 689 commercial vehicles and 137 drivers out of service during Operation Road Check 2010, a three-day enforcement effort, Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski announced Thursday.
Pawlowski said personnel inspected 3,502 commercial motor vehicles during the 72-hour, around-the-clock program conducted statewide June 8-10.
According to Pawlowski unsafe brakes and improperly secured loads were the most common safety violations identified during the inspections. He said inspection teams also focused their attention on vehicle weights, tires, driver log books, commercial driver’s licenses, and insurance forms.
Pawlowski said officers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico participated in the program, which was sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Plan Ahead for Summer Driving Season Craig Schaffer
With temperatures expected to soar back into the 90s this weekend, PennDOT is reminding motorists of the importance of preparing your vehicle for the rigors of summer driving.
To make sure your vehicle is in top condition, motorists should have a mechanic they trust perform a service check. A properly trained mechanic will inspect the battery, belt, hoses, air conditioning system and tires to address any potential problems before they cause a breakdown.
There are also a few things that drivers can do on their own to help ensure fewer vehicle-related problems this summer.
· Regularly check tire air pressure and tread wear.
· Replace wiper blades that are frayed or streaking.
· Be sure the windshield washer reservoir is filled with a summer fluid that helps remove bugs and road grime.
· Be certain that all lights are working.
· Check the pavement under the vehicle after it has been parked and report any suspicious fluid leaks to your mechanic.
Once your vehicle is prepared for summer travel, it’s wise to prepare yourself and your family for any long trips. Motorists can visit www.511PA.com or call 511 before they leave home to receive information on construction or other delays on interstates and major roadways.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes water, non-perishable food, a cell phone and charger, battery-operated fans and any other specialized needs such as baby supplies, pet food or medication. In case of a breakdown, remember to never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle since even on a relatively cool summer day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly.
For motorists planning long trips, follow some of these tips:
· Try to travel in the morning or evening hours when it is cooler.
· Get plenty of rest the night before and rotate drivers to avoid fatigue.
· Take frequent breaks, which also help young children traveling with you.
· Focus on the road and avoid all distractions, including cell phones.
· Make sure everyone is buckled up and children are properly restrained in child safety seats.
· Be patient and obey the speed limit, and especially when traveling through work zones.
Bipartisan Legislation Called Win-Win for Agriculture and
Chesapeake Bay Craig Schaffer
State Rep. Jerry Stern of Blair County is applauding the recent introduction of federal legislation designed to assist farmers with burdensome regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency.
House Resolution 5509, the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act, establishes an assurance program and a bay-wide regional trading program to allow farmers and industry personnel the ability to trade credits in order to achieve reduction goals.
Stern says that the Chesapeake Bay is one of the country's great national treasures and the legislation goes a step closer to finding an appropriate balance between protecting Pennsylvania's agricultural industry while preserving the bay for future generations of Americans.
June 15, 2010
Blair Prison Grappling with Overtime Costs Chris Forshey
Blair County officials are continuing to address overtime concerns at the county prison.
Salary board records showed Monday that the facility had spent more than $20,000 in overtime in May alone. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says the high amount is justified and the prison remains way under its overtime budget.
Financial records show the county has only expunged $68,000 of its budgeted $218,000 overtime amount. Tomassetti says nearly a 100 call-offs has also contributed to the problem and the county is looking at the possibility of adding more part-time staff who would be paid a straight hourly wage.
Salary Board Approves Increase for Deputy Chris Forshey
Blair County Salary Board members have approved a $2,000 pay increase for the county’s Deputy Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds, but raises for other office workers still remain on hold.
Director Mary Ann Bennis had requested adjustments for most of her office staff last month. But Commissioner Diane Meling says the county is in the process of reviewing all salaries of county workers.
Meling
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsmeling061510.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Officials also voted to increase the part-time hours of another worker. Controller Richard Peo voted against the move calling it unfair to every other employee who doesn’t work in a revenue-generating office. Meling says the board is waiting for the passage of a new state budget and the 2009 county audit before making anymore spending decisions.
Blair Salary Board OK’s Advertising Contract Chris Forshey
Blair County Salary Board members have approved payment on $1,500 in job advertisement contracts that had been questioned by the county’s controller.
The issue surfaced in April when the county placed the ads in three Sunday newspapers for the position of finance director following the resignation of Tim Brown. Controller Richard Peo says at the time the advertisements were published the job had yet to come in front of the salary board for recreation. So Peo says his office refused to pay the bill.
Peo
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newspeo061510.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Tomassetti called Peo’s complaint ‘a lot of to do with a little issue’ and he’s just glad it’s now formally been taken care of.
Fallen Local Marine Honored by State Lawmakers Chris Forshey
Members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly pause to remember a fallen local hero.
Lawmakers honored Sergeant Matthew Ingham following a moment of silence in Harrisburg on Monday. Ingham died January 11th while on patrol in Afghanistan. The U.S. Department of Defense says Ingham gave his life to save his fellow Marines.
Ingham’s wife and other members of his family were in Harrisburg for the special recognition.
United Way of Blair County Day of Caring Chris Forshey
The United Way of Blair County is gearing up for its 17th Annual Day of Caring.
The event is being held on July 16th. Volunteers from the community will come together to assist with community projects being headed by local organizations. Officials say several dozen organizations have put in requests for help with landscaping and other fix-it-up projects.
Officials are also looking for people to spend time with some of Blair County’s seniors. If you want to volunteer, contact the offices of the United Way of Blair County.
PSU Drilling Study Questioned Over Industry Tie AP
A Penn State study which paints a rosy forecast on the economic potential of natural gas drilling has been greeted with skepticism from a citizens group and a think tank which favors a severance tax because the research was funded by an industry group.
The university says the Marcellus Shale Coalition will pay more than $50,000 for the study released last month co-authored in part by researchers at Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
The industry group in a release on its website boasts that among the key findings are the potential to create more than 200,000 jobs over the next decade.
Critics say the findings are overblown, but a study author and the coalition say the methods used to arrive at the findings are fairly common.
Officials Grapple with Looming PA Pension Problem AP
Despite a lot of talk across Pennsylvania about a looming pension crisis, with school districts saying the rate hikes they face will mean decimated services and higher taxes, there is still no consensus among officials, teachers and taxpayers about how to solve the problem.
School districts over the next five years are expected to see the amount of money they pay into the Public School Employees' Retirement System balloon from 4.78-percent of payroll to almost 34-percent in 2014-2015.
School districts argue they can't swallow the upcoming rate hike without cutting services or raising taxes. Taxpayers are unhappy at the prospect of making up pension fund losses when their own retirement funds have been depleted. But teachers argue that a pension is important to attract and keep good teachers in the commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania School Board Association is urging state lawmakers to change the retirement benefits for new hires – saying the current system isn’t sustainable. And The Pennsylvania State Education Association, which represents teachers, opposes the move and the idea of moving to defined contribution plans.
Either way it’s an issue that some lawmakers say will likely have to be addressed as early as this fall to keep the problem from getting worse.
EOG Gets OK to Restart More Drilling Work in PA AP
State officials are lifting part of their stop-work order on the company that had a blowout at one of its wells earlier this month.
A state Department of Environmental Protection spokesman said Monday that Houston-based EOG Resources can resume drilling wells. Spokesman Neil Weaver says the company still is barred from hydraulic fracturing or well-finishing operations, and work will not resume at the blowout site while an investigation continues.
Weaver isn't sure how many EOG sites are affected by the permission. Last week, the department lifted the moratorium on two EOG gas wells. State officials ordered EOG to stop operations at about 70 sites after the June 3rd blowout on the grounds of a Clearfield County hunting club. No one was injured in the blowout.
June 17, 2010
No tax Increase Slated For Hollidaysburg Residents Craig Schaffer
The Hollidaysburg Area school board plans to vote next week on a proposed 2010-11 budget that includes no tax increase.
The $44.3 million budget would keep the millage where it is. The good news for Hollidaysburg taxpayers comes after last month’s announcement that school district board members had approved a proposed budget which included a 4.875-mill tax increase.
In the wake of public outcry over the tax increase, board members looked for and successfully found ways to cut over $980,000 from the budget.
A final vote on the budget is set for next Wednedsday.
AMTRAN Offering Free Rides for ‘Dump the Pump Day’ Chris Forshey
Four local transit agencies are partnering together to observe the 5th National ‘Dump the Pump Day.’
AMTRAN General Manager Eric Wolf says his agency will be offering free rides allay today to anyone willing to keep their car parked. Wolf says the event encourages people to give public transportation a try.
Wolf
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newswolf061710.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
‘Dump the Pump Day’ was initiated by the American Public Transportation Association in 2006, and officials say it shows residents how their household can save money by downsizing to one vehicle.
CATA in State College, CAMTRAN in Johnstown and DuFast in Dubois are also participating in the program.
PSP: Investigators Still Interviewing Witnesses in Officer Assault Investigation Chris Forshey
State Police investigators say they are still interviewing witnesses and gathering information in a local assault cause that allegedly involves at least two Altoona Police officers.
The investigation began last month after two men were reportedly beat-up by the off-duty cops during a party at Pelligrine’s Lounge in Altoona. One of the victims was hospitalized with a broken jaw. Both victims have retained legal counsel.
A state police spokesman could not offer a potential timeline that charges could be filed, saying investigators handling the case are conducting a thorough investigation. Once the investigation is complete, troopers will meet with Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio to determine any potential criminal charges.
Memorial Set to Remember Fallen Police Officers Chris Forshey
Remembering those who gave their lives protecting the citizens of Blair County.
That’s the theme behind Thursday’s Blair County Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Service in Hollidaysburg. The event begins at 6:00PM in front of the Blair County Courthouse.
Officials hold the service each year to honor members of the local and state law enforcement community who gave their lives protecting normal, everyday citizens. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
If you would like more information on the memorial service of the Blair County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, you can visit the Web site www.bcleomf.org.
Local Police Participate in Survival 101 Training Chris Forshey
Some local police officers are learning new ways on how to deal with teenaged drivers.
PennDOT held its latest Survival 101 program on Wednesday. PennDOT spokeswoman Pam Kane says it’s designed to not only encourage teens to buckle up but also to learn healthy habits such as not drinking and driving and not texting.
Kane
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newskane061710.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Kane says because technology has changed it was important for PennDOT to also make those same changes to its Survival 101 program.
Reward Offered for Arrests in Wind Turbine Attacks Chris Forshey
Crimestoppers in Cambria County are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the persons responsible for two recent wind turbine attacks.
State Police in Ebensburg say someone opened fire on a wind turbine in Adam’s Township May 10th while workers were present on site. Eight days later another wind turbine was vandalized in Portage. A similar incident happened March 29th. Troopers are looking to the public for help in finding the culprits.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers in Cambria County at 1-800-548-7500. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Rendell Orders Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Fallen Soldier Chris Forshey
Governor Ed Rendell has ordered flags in Cambria County and at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg to fly at half-staff to honor a fallen local marine.
Sergeant Derek Shanfield of Hastings was killed last week during a combat mission in Afghanistan. The flags will fly at half-staff through sunset on Friday. It’s the same day that Shanfield will be buried with full military honors.
The 2006 Cambria Heights High School graduate was a member of the Marine’s 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. Cambria County 911 officials say there will be some traffic restrictions in place on Friday beginning at 11:00AM as the viewing and funeral services for Shanfield get underway in Hastings.
PA House Approves Pension-Overhaul Bill AP
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to approve significant changes to the state's two large public-sector pension plans.
The 192-6 vote, taken without floor debate, sent to the Senate a bill that would delay and smooth out a looming jump in costs to taxpayers and reduce some benefits for newly hired state workers, teachers and other school employees.
For those employees, pensions would be 20-percent smaller than they are today, unless employees opt to have more money taken out of their paychecks. The practice that lets retirees withdraw upon retirement their own contributions, plus interest, would be eliminated. The standard retirement age would increase to 65, and it would take 10 years, not five, to fully vest.
The legislation is designed to address a sharp increase in the costs to taxpayers that is expected to occur in 2012. The bill would limit the amount of a single year's increase in costs to governments and school districts, gradually increasing to a cap of 4.5-percent of payroll.
ACLU: State Parks to Suspend 'Free Speech' Law AP
The American Civil Liberties Union says the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has agreed not to enforce a little-used regulation that it claims restricted free speech in all state parks.
The ACLU on Wednesday said state park rangers stopped two people from soliciting nominating petition signatures at Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, and also told a balloon-twisting artist he needed a permit for that activity in recent weeks.
DCNR press secretary Christina Novak confirmed that the agency has agreed to suspend enforcement while its attorneys research the issue.
The ACLU says the incidents resulted from a 1971 regulation requiring prior written permission for "expression of views" or distributing literature in state parks.
State Police Sued for Hearing Aid Rule AP
A Centre County man is suing the state police over guidelines that forbid the use of hearing aids in the certification process for becoming a municipal police officer.
Lawyers for 39-year-old Bill Furman have asked in the federal discrimination lawsuit filed Wednesday that the rule be changed so he has the chance to become eligible for certification. The state police oversees certification process for all municipal officers. Furman is a parking officer and constable in Boalsburg. He was set to attend a police training academy last year when he said he was told he couldn't continue because of his hearing aids.
His lawyer notes the guidelines do allow for the use of glasses to meet vision requirements. Furman calls it a dream to become a police officer and says he has used hearing aids since he was four.
PA State Universities Halt Some Degree Programs AP
Pennsylvania's state university system will suspend, discontinue or merge dozens of academic majors that officials say are under-enrolled.
Officials with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education say 15 master's and bachelor's degree programs will be discontinued at some campuses. They said Wednesday that more than 50 programs will be placed in moratorium, including some foreign language and science degrees.
The organization representing university faculty members says it is concerned that such changes will lead to job losses and fewer academic options for students. The state system's 14 university campuses serve about 117,000 students.
PA Official Warns of Consequences to Gas Industry AP
Pennsylvania’s top environmental regulator says serious consequences await the state's rapidly growing natural gas industry if companies are caught cutting corners of safety measures to pump up profits.
Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger told a state Senate committee that companies flocking to Pennsylvania to exploit the rich Marcellus Shale natural gas reserve must stop well blowouts, gas migration and water pollution.
Hanger said he has seen examples of negligence and accidents and cited his agency's actions to withhold new permits, stop a company's operations or seal wells when safety is compromised. Hanger spoke on the heels of two high-profile natural gas well accidents, one in Pennsylvania and one in West Virginia.
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee hearing was held as a result of a well blowout in Clearfield County earlier this month that spewed natural gas and wastewater into the air for 16 hours before it was brought under control. It was incredibly lucky that a nearby engine did not ignite the gas and cause an explosion or fire.
June 16, 2010
Police Thwart Attempted Robbery Chris Forshey
A Lilly man is in custody charged with attempting to rob an Altoona pharmacy.
The incident happened just before 1:00PM Tuesday at Thompson’s Broad Avenue Pharmacy. City police responded to the business after receiving a call about a suspicious male. The suspect – later identified as Derrick Isaacson – had entered the business dressed in dark clothes and was wearing gloves. Issacson wasn’t cooperative when questioned by police – and officers found a ski mask and bb gun while searching him.
Isaacson has been charged with Criminal Attempted Robbery and Possessing Instruments of a Crime. He was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Todd Kelly and lodged in the Blair County Prison in lieu of bail.
Blair: State Two Years Behind Funding DA Salaries Chris Forshey
The Blair County Commissioners say the state is more than two year’s late paying for their share of the salary for the county’s district attorney.
The board recently received a check in the amount of $49,000 which was applied to the 2008 reimbursement amount. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says not only has 2008 not been paid-in-full, the state also owes Blair County for the past two years as well.
Tomassetti
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newstomassetti061610.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Tomassetti says the state agreed to pay for a large part of the district attorney’s salaries if counties agreed to make the positions fulltime. He says the county is now owed more than $250,000.
HASD School Officials To Discuss Budget Craig Schaffer
As another Blair County School District gets set to raise taxes, a meeting is scheduled for tonight which will give the public a chance to voice opinions and ask questions.
Last month Hollidaysburg Area School District board members approved a proposed 2010-11 budget by a vote of 5-4 which will be balanced with a 4.875-mill tax increase.
The budget has been on display since that time and the vote for its final adoption is scheduled for next Wednesday.
Tonight’s meeting is scheduled for 7:30 at the school’s administration building located at 201 Jackson Street in Hollidaysburg.
Blair Hires New MHMR Director Chris Forshey
Blair County has a new Mental Health/Mental Retardation direction.
County leaders on Wednesday appointed James Hudack to the position, which has been vacant for more than a year. Hudack is retired from the state Department of Corrections and had most recently worked at NHS Canal Ways Center in Huntingdon.
Commissioner Diane Meling says Hudack brings excellent credentials to the job.
Meling
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsmeling061610.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Meling says the board needed to make a move because acting director Judy Rosser will be ending her tenure with the county within the next month because she’s departing to start her own drug and alcohol treatment agency.
Bedford County Teen Reported Missing Craig Schaffer
State police are looking for a missing teen out of Bedford County.
17 year old Kelsey Jo Donaldson of Liberty Township reportedly left her Saxton residence around 10pm Monday and got into a vehicle along State Route 26 which then drove away.
Anyone with information on Donaldson’s whereabouts is urged to call the state police in Bedford County at 623-6133.
Blair Keeping Contract with Firm Despite Recent Sale Chris Forshey
Blair County Prison officials will stick with a local inmate telephone provider despite the fact that the company has recently been sold to an Alabama firm.
County leaders agreed to continue their contract with DSI-ITI on Tuesday. Commissioners say the action was needed to keep the current contract in place. DSI-ITI will keep its Altoona operating center and the new company will retain 85-percent of employees.
Officials say they had originally chosen DSI-ITI’s as the service provider because the firm is located in Blair County.
PA House OK’s New Limits on Public-Sector Pensions AP
The State House has voted on new rules for Pennsylvania's two large government pension plans that would reduce the size of a looming jump in costs to taxpayers and cut some benefits for new hires.
The House passed amendments on Tuesday that would raise the standard retirement age to 65 for both the Public School Employees' Retirement System and the State Employees' Retirement System. It also would require at least 10 years of service to vest, instead of five.
The size of pensions for people who are hired in the future would be cut by one fifth, unless the employees agree to have more money taken out of their paychecks. Retirees would no longer be able to withdraw their own contributions in a lump sum cash payment upon retirement.
All the proposed changes would affect new employees only. They would not apply to anyone hired before June 30, 2011, for PSERS, and before December 31, 2010, for SERS. The underlying bill - which could get a vote on final passage in the House as early as Wednesday - would add to the long-term cost of the pension systems but reduce the projected size of crippling payments due into both systems in two years.
Blair County Travel Advisory Craig Schaffer
The contractor has completed work on the Vanscoyoc Run Bridge and will begin work on the Decker Run Bridge both on Decker Hollow Road in Snyder Township, Blair County.
The contractor will open the Vanscoyoc Run Bridge to traffic today and close the Decker Run Bridge to traffic tomorrow. A signed detour will be in place that will follow Decker Hollow Road to Business 220, Route 453, Route 4031 and Route 4033.
Work on this more than $496,000 project will consist of superstructure replacements of the Vanscoyoc Run and Decker Run Bridges as well as minimal roadway approach work and guiderail upgrades.
The project is expected to be completed by September.
Democrats Pull PA House Vote on Natural Gas Tax AP
Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aren't getting the chance yet to vote on new taxes on Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction and another dime a pack on cigarettes.
A $317-million tax package was sent back to the Appropriations Committee following a contentious debate on Tuesday that exposed internal Democratic divisions.
Republicans say the Democratic-backed package falls short of balancing the budget and would have a harmful effect on the state's economic health. The debate came with lawmakers and Governor Ed Rendell facing the June 30 end of the fiscal year.
Dwindling state revenue collections and uncertainty about the level of federal stimulus payments are complicating the budget process this year.
June 14, 2010
Weekend Crash Investigated In Allegheny Township Craig Schaffer
Allegheny Township Police are investigating a two vehicle crash that occurred over the weekend.
Police say a missing stop sign is to blame for the accident that happened just before 6pm Saturday.
A car driven by a 17 year old girl from New Enterprise was traveling south on Mill Road. At the intersection of Old Route 22 the stop sign that should have been there had been knocked down in an earlier unreported hit and run. The driver was unfamiliar with the road and didn’t know there was supposed to be a stop sign there so she traveled into the intersection without stopping and struck an SUV driven by James Smith of Duncansville before running into the front of a pizza shop located near the intersection.
The 17 year old driver sustained serious injuries in the crash. She along with Smith and the three passengers in the two vehicles involved in the crash were all transported to Altoona Regional for treatment.
Allegheny Township Police say no charges will be filed in this crash but they are asking anyone with information regarding the accident or the hit and run that took down the stop sign to contact them at 695-3333.
Tyrone Hospital to Emerge From Bankruptcy Craig Schaffer
Tyrone Hospital officials have announced that approval has been received from the United States Bankruptcy Court for a plan of reorganization clearing the way for the facility to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Approval of the plan of reorganization means the hospital can now move through the final steps to emerge from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy which was filed in September of 2006. Over the next several weeks final transactions will be completed and administrative issues will be addressed. The target date for the bankruptcy to officially close is July 24th.
According to hospital officials, outpatient services have increased 12 percent over the past 11 months, physicians and new services have been added and diagnostic technology has been upgraded.
Greenwood Road Bridge Replacement to Begin, Detour will be in Place Craig Schaffer
The contractor will begin a more than $200,000 bridge replacement project on Greenwood Road in Logan Township today.
Work will consist of removing and replacing the existing bridge structure along with roadway approach work as needed.
A 3.8 mile detour will be in place during construction and will follow Old 6th Ave Road, Route 764 and back to Greenwood Road.
All work on this project will be completed by July 6.
Checking On Elderly During Heat Wave May Prevent Dehydration Craig Schaffer
While temperatures in the 80s and 90s are uncomfortable for most people, for some it can pose a health risk due to age or other health conditions.
“The elderly, the very young and people who take certain medications, such as those that narrow the blood vessels, certain blood pressure medications such as beta blockers, diuretics such as lasix, or medications that reduce psychiatric symptoms such as antidepressants and antipsychotics are at increased risk of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses,” according to Matthew Bouchard, M.D., chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine at Altoona Regional.
Risk factors for dehydration include a poorly ventilated living area, inability to access adequate fluids, medications that can increase fluid loss and reduce the body’s ability to remain cool.
Dehydration can be prevented by keeping the living space well-ventilated, avoiding excessive activity during hours of peak heat, and keeping well hydrated in accordance with your physician’s recommendations regarding your individual safe daily fluid intake.
If you know of an elderly relative, neighbor or friend who lives alone you are encouraged to check on them during the hot weather.
Conservative Outsiders Become Insiders In Pa. GOP AP
Pennsylvania's Republican State Committee got a pep talk Saturday from gubernatorial nominee Tom Corbett and a new perspective from former conservative outsiders who are now newly elected party insiders.
With Democrats enjoying a 1.2 million-voter edge in statewide registration, Corbett urged each of the 359 committee members to reach out to at least five voters a day through the Nov. 2 election to tout the GOP message of smaller government, lower taxes and less spending.
The two-day gathering featured Friday night speeches by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, the Californian who is the top Republican on the House oversight committee, and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania.
But the main focus was the 80 new committee members, many of whom are affiliated with the conservative tea-party movement that has sprouted outside the political establishment.
Pa. Universities Mull Shared Degree Programs AP
Leaders of Pennsylvania's state-owned universities are proposing that students be able to enroll in collaborative degree programs that would combine courses and instructors from more than one of the system's 14 universities.
A report to be presented to the faculty union today in Harrisburg is expected to include recommendations for "shared programs" in foreign languages and physics, according to officials such as Karen Ball, vice chancellor for external relations for the State System of Higher Education.
Officials said the pilot programs could use software that enables distance learning. The proposal stems from a review of undergraduate and graduate programs that have low enrollments on individual campuses.
The program review began last fall amid financial challenges for the state system schools of Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.
June 11, 2010
Santone: Blaze Not Connected to Other Suspicious Fires Chris Forshey
Altoona fire officials say a suspicious blaze early Thursday morning likely isn’t connected to two others late last month.
Chief Renny Santone while the fire was intentionally set at 1521 10th Street, this time whoever was responsible had motive.
Santone
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newssantone61110.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Officials still don’t have any leads. The first suspicious fire occurred on May 25th on the outside portico area of a city gentleman’s club. The flames were contained to that area. The second occurred May 27th at a home on the 300 Block of 7th Avenue. That blaze was also set on a porch.
Santone says the investigation continues into all of the fires and so far no arrests have been made.
Logan Urges Developers, Residents to Meet on Student Housing Plans Chris Forshey
Logan Township Supervisors have asked the developers of a new student housing complex near Penn State Altoona to meet with the residents who oppose in an effort to try and find some common ground.
The issue drew more nearly 80 supporters to Thursday’s board of supervisor’s meeting. An attorney for developer Brian Durbin asked the board for a zoning change so the company can build more town homes off Grandview Road. Durbin says his company can provide student housing while still protecting the neighborhood. He’s grateful the plans weren’t immediately shot down.
Durbin
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsdurbin061110.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
A group of residents who are against the plans say their neighborhood has already been impacted by the infiltration of students. They point to Penn State Altoona as the cause of the problem because of a lack of on-campus housing.
Supervisor Joe Metzgar called the meeting a good start. But he says more needs to be done
Metzgar
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsmetzgar061110.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
The township will revisit the issue at its July meeting.
New Blair County Armory Opens Chris Forshey
The Pennsylvania Nation Guard has opened its new Blair County headquarters.
Contraction crews spent the last 18 months building the $9.5-million facility on the grounds of the Hollidaysburg Veteran’s Home at the Meadow’s Intersection. Officials say its one of two dozen similar facilities to be construction across Pennsylvania. The building will house 160 members of the Bravo Company and their Stryker combat vehicles.
State officials say the state-of-the-art readiness centers are designed to meet the spatial and technical needs of the Guard’s members. The Bravo Company will spend the next few weeks moving into their new digs.
Popular Jazz Concerts Return to Plaza Tonight Chris Forshey
A popular summer concert series returns to Downtown Altoona tonight.
‘Friday’s on the Plaza’ is officially set to kick-off at 6:00PM with the Randy Jackson Band. The event, which features food vendors and select jazz music, will run for six Friday nights through August 27th. The concerts are free.
Center City Coordinator Bob 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.
PA Trooper Gets Award for in Fatal 2002 Shootout AP
A trooper will receive the Pennsylvania State Police Medal of Honor for wounding a drunken-driving suspect who killed another trooper in a November 2002 shootout.
Thirty-seven-year-old Trooper Brian Lampel, of the Ebensburg barracks, will receive the award Friday in Hershey. Lampel twice shot Mark Leach, of New Germany, after he refused to surrender and began shooting at troopers following a traffic accident on November 9, 2002 in Ebensburg.
Thirty-four-year-old Trooper Joseph Sepp was shot in the head and killed. Leach, who is now 52, is serving a life sentence for Sepp's murder. Lampel says he's accepting the award in Sepp's honor. Spokesman Jack Lewis says the award is the highest honor bestowed by the state police.
PA Foreclosure Rate Rose 20-Percent Over Past Year AP
The number of Pennsylvania homes entering the foreclosure process over the past 12 months rose by more than 20 percent, despite a national rate that stayed flat over the same period.
New figures out Thursday from foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc. showed almost 5,300 Pennsylvania homes received at least one foreclosure filing in May.
That's a slight drop from April, about the same percentage decrease nationally over the same period. Nearly 1,600 of those properties in Pennsylvania were seized. Pennsylvania's foreclosure rate in May was two-fifths the national rate, with approximately one in every 1,000 homes receiving a foreclosure filing last month.
A year ago, the state's foreclosure rate was one-third the national rate, a sign that Pennsylvania's situation worsened while the nation's foreclosure crisis appeared to level off.
7 Hurt in Buggy/Car Collision Chris Forshey
Seven members of an Amish family were injured when their buggy was struck by a car in Cambria County Thursday morning.
The crash happened just before 9:00AM on the 600 Block of Tripoli Road just outside of Colver. State Police at Ebensburg say the car ran into the back of the horse and buggy, ripping it in half. The horse took off with part of the buggy still attached. A man, woman and five children riding in the buggy were injured but they refused treatment. Their names haven’t been released.
State Police are still investigating and haven’t said if they plan to file any charges.
Roethlisberger: 'I was Dumb, Young and Immature' AP
A contrite Ben Roethlisberger says he got caught up in being a caricature called Big Ben, not the grounded player and person he once was, leading to his off-field problems and affecting his play as the Steelers quarterback.
Speaking candidly with KDKA-TV, Big Ben talked about his rise to fame and how it consumed his life. He admits he was gaining everything he ever wanted while losing a lot of who he was raised to be. The star quarterback says his celebrity status got so overwhelming, it consumed him.
Its his first of two detailed interviews since a Georgia college student accused him of sexually assaulting her in a nightclub bathroom on March 5th. Roethlisberger said he doesn't have an alcohol problem, but before the alleged assault he and his party ordered considerable amounts of alcohol.
When the NFL announced Roethlisberger's six-game suspension on April 21, commissioner Roger Goodell said the quarterback was required to undergo evaluation. Roethlisberger didn't promise he wouldn't use alcohol again, but said he must make "smart" decisions.
Investigator Hired by PA to Look at Well Blowout AP
State officials have hired a Texas-based petroleum engineer to perform an independent investigation of last week's natural gas well blowout.
John Vittitow arrived at the main site Thursday. DEP officials also say they've discovered a new waterway apparently polluted by drilling fluids released during the accident. They say they continue to monitor the unnamed tributary to Little Laurel Run.
Meanwhile, the contractor ordered by state officials Wednesday to stop its well finishing work in Pennsylvania said it is cooperating. C.C. Forbes Co. of Texas says it had already idled its two Marcellus Shale rigs Friday. No one was hurt in the accident at an EOG Resources well on the grounds of a Clearfield County hunting club.
Board OK’s New Leaders at Three State Universities AP
New leaders are taking over at three of Pennsylvania's state-owned universities this summer.
The State System of Higher Education board on Thursday approved the hiring of Karen Whitney as the next president of Clarion University. Whitney is a former vice chancellor at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. Two interim presidents also have been selected: David Werner at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Barbara Dixon at Lock Haven University.
The board also extended the contracts of presidents at the other 11 state-owned universities through June 2013. Those schools are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Kutztown, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester.
June 10, 2010
City Fire Under Investigation Craig Schaffer
A late night fire in Altoona is under investigation.
City police say that a little after midnight a vacant structure at 1521 10th Street caught fire. Initial reports indicate moderate damage to the building with the third floor sustaining most of that damage.
No one was injured and the fire is being investigated by both the city police department and the city fire department.
PEL: Altoona Approaching 2011 Deficit Chris Forshey
The City of Altoona’s financial consultant says the city remains on track to go broke within the next two years.
Representatives from the Pennsylvania Economy League gave an update to city council on Wednesday and told the board that not much had changed since their initial findings two years ago. Projections show the city will consume the rest of its reserves by the end of 2011.
City Councilman Bruce Kelley says that comes as no surprise.
Kelley
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newskelley061010b.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
PEL consultant Gerald Cross says the city continues to be well-managed and it’s still better-off fiscally than other comparable municipalities. Cross says a majority of the city financial issues are occurring because of antiquated state mandates.
The PEL recommends the city look at potential layoffs, reducing healthcare costs and collecting their share of the Flat Head Tax and Per-Capital Income Tax that is levied by the Altoona Area School District.
Proposed Student Housing Complex Expected to Draw Crowd Chris Forshey
A proposed student housing project in Logan Township is expected to draw a large crowd at tonight’s supervisor’s meeting.
Naomi Thomas, a member of the Township Residents Against Student Housing, says the group is mounting strong support to stop the plan before it even gets off the ground.
Thomas
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsthomas061010.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Durbin Companies is asking township leaders to rezone a parcel of property near Penn State Altoona from Residential I to Industrial so the company can build more student housing units. Brian Durbin tells WRTA News the new town homes would be an addition to the complex his company recently completed. Durbin says he understands the project is controversial and hopes the supervisors listen to his proposal. Durbin says his company has been responsible leader in local student housing and he hopes to work together with the community to hash out their differences.
TRASH supporters have been complaining about a growing number of noisy and disruptive Penn State Altoona students. Tonight’s board meeting gets underway at 6:00PM at the Logan Township Municipal Complex.
Cambria County Marine Dies in Afghanistan Chris Forshey
A Cambria County marine has been killed while serving his country in Afghanistan.
The U.S. Department of Defense identifies the soldier as 22-year-old Sergeant Derek Shanfield of Hastings. Shanfield was killed when his Marine unit came under attack on Tuesday. He had been working with allied forces in Helmand Province at the time.
Shanfield was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based out of Camp Lejune in North Carolina. Defense department officials say a second Marine from Florida was killed in the same attack.
He was a 2006 graduate of Cambria Heights High School. Funeral services have not been set.
Search for Escapee Underway in Blair County Craig Schaffer
A man with roots in Altoona is being sought by police after escaping from the Johnstown Community Corrections Center.
According to state police, around 6:30 Wednesday evening, 30 year old David Lamb was in the process of being searched before being transported back to SCI Cresson for violating his parole when he ran away from authorities. Lamb was serving a two year felony sentence.
Because the Johnstown man is originally from Altoona, police believe he may be in the area. There is no indication that Lamb is armed or dangerous.
City Man Arrested After Breaking Into Ex Girlfriend’s Home Craig Schaffer
A city man has been arrested after breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s home.
Altoona police say the incident happened around 5:30 Wednesday evening when 51 year old Donald Coble was found in the residence located on the 100 block of East 5th Avenue. The woman says that after she discovered Coble in her home he grabbed her and tried to kiss her before leaving the scene.
Coble who was court ordered to stay away from the residence in exchange for the courts dropping a PFA against him was later picked up by police and charged with burglary, criminal trespass, and attempted indecent assault.
City Officials to Protest Changes to ACT 47 Chris Forshey
Some Altoona City officials will travel to Harrisburg on Friday to help lobby against a proposed change to ACT 47.
House Bill 2416 – which was introduced by State Representative Todd Eachus – would bar cities from reopening their union contracts once they enter into distressed status. City Councilman Bruce Kelley says that defeats the whole purpose of what ACT 47 is supposed to accomplish.
Kelley
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newskelley061010.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Kelley says the whole move could hurt Pennsylvania municipalities significantly – especially since so many have gone to distressed status. The Pennsylvania League of Cities is also fighting against the bill.
Charges Against Accused Shooter Sent to Trial Chris Forshey
A Tyrone man accused of shooting at his ex-girlfriend outside her Tyrone home late last month will go to trial on attempted murder charges.
Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller sent three attempted homicide charges filed against 30-year-old Wesley Henninger III to Blair County Court on Tuesday. Tyrone Police say Henninger shot at his ex-girlfriend and two others on May 29th following an argument. No one was hurt.
A trial date has not been set. Henninger remains lodged in the Blair County Prison in lieu of $1-million bail.
Revenue Secretary Visits Altoona to Urge Delinquent Taxpayers to Settle their Bills Chris Forshey
State officials are making a last minute push to get delinquent taxpayers to settle their debts.
Pennsylvania’s Tax Amnesty Program is scheduled to come to an end June 19th. Revenue Secretary Daniel Hassell paid a visit to Altoona on Wednesday to urge local residents who owe back taxes to pay-up – and that’s because after the deadline passes the state will add a 5-percent penalty to all monies that are still owed.
The state is currently waiving all penalties and half the interest for delinquent taxpayers in an effort to add $190-million to state’s cash-strapped coffers. Hassell says so far the state has collected more than $101-million dollars.
Hollidaysburg Graduation Postponed, Seniors Will Graduate Tonight Chris Forshey
The Hollidaysburg Area School District has rescheduled its graduation ceremonies for tonight – after Wednesday’s event was rained out.
Officials made the decision to change the date after rainfall moved into the region late Tuesday and continued to fall. Officials say graduation ceremonies are set to get underway at 6:00PM.
The event will take place at Tiger Stadium as originally planned.
May 9, 2010
Blair Prepares for Another State Budget Impasse Chris Forshey
Blair County Commissioners say they are again preparing for another state budget impasse.
Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says he expects state lawmakers will fail to meet the July 1st budget deadline for the eighth consecutive year. Tomassetti says the commissioner’s addressed the issue last week with all department heads.
Tomassetti
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newstomassett0i06910.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
County leaders were forced to halt some services and lay-off employees last year. Commissioner Donna Gority says either way the situation is ugly and the county is likely going to face significant money cuts once a new budget is in place.
Gority
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsgority060910.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
County leaders say they do feel that state lawmakers will move quickly to find a resolution because it is an election year.
AAHS Graduates 512 in Ceremony at Mansion Park Chris Forshey
It was Pomp and Circumstance in Altoona Tuesday night.
The Altoona Area School District held its 134th Commencement at Mansion Park. Five-hundred twelve students were issued their high school diplomas.
Superintendent Dr. Dennis Murray offered a profile of the class while speaking to those in attendance.
Murray
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsmurray060910.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Murray says 10-percent of students will go into the workforce while 6-percent remain undecided. Sheetz convenience store chairman Steve Sheetz – a 1965 AAHS graduate – served as guest speaker and encouraged the students to have passion for what they do and a drive to succeed.
Blair Department Asks to Spend $90,000 on Consultant Chris Forshey
A Blair County court-related department wants to spend more than $90,000 on a consultant to help them reorganize the way services are provided.
Two contracts were presented to county commissioners on Tuesday. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says the Adult Probation and Parole Department’s objective is to find better ways to supervise people who are in the system.
Tomassetti
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newstomassetti060910b.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
The commissioners say they still have some questions that need answered. The department says it will cover the cost of the study by adding on a $35 fee to defendants who are under court supervision.
Rasmussen: Corbett Holds Lead Over Onorato Chris Forshey
A new poll out Tuesday shows Republican Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett holding a strong lead over his Democratic challenger Dan Onorato in the race for governor.
The latest Rasmussen Poll has Corbett with a 16-point lead – or 49 percent of the vote compared to Onorato’s at 33-percent. The poll shows 18-percent of the state’s voters remain undecided. Corbett led by 13 points, or 49-percent to Onorato’s 36-percent following the May 18th primary.
Corbett, a statewide official for six years, enjoys better name recognition than Democrat Onorato who has only just introduced himself to voters during the primary campaign. While some 87-percent of Republicans back Corbett, only 60 percent of Democrats back Onorato. Independents support Corbett, 50-percent to Onorato’s 14-percent.
Cambria County Officials Warn Critz of Poll Visits Chris Forshey/AP
A western Pennsylvania election supervisor has warned Democratic Representative Mark Critz against being inside polling locations.
Cambria County elections director Fred Smith says Critz violated state law during the May 18th special election by being inside precincts without a watcher's certificate - though there are no fines or sanctions for such violations.
Smith says the county election board directed him to write Critz to not do it again. Critz defeated Republican Tim Burns in the race to the fill the last few months of the late Representative John Murtha's term. The board responded to a complaint from the county GOP of improper campaigning at four precincts.
A Critz campaign spokesman says there was no electioneering and called the Republican protests "sour grapes."
Senate OK’s 3 Bills to Divert Nonviolent Offenders Chris Forshey/AP
Three bills that make changes in how Pennsylvania's justice system deals with nonviolent offenders have senators' approval.
The state Senate passed all three Tuesday and sent them to the House. They have the support of state Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard and prisoner advocates as policymakers try to relieve overcrowded prisons.
One bill would find alternative ways to deal with technical parole violators, rather than sending them back to prison. Another would allow some inmates to complete counseling and other prerelease programs in a community corrections center rather than prison. That's a measure the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association opposes.
Beard says less serious offenders are a major chunk of Pennsylvania's rising prison costs. Prisons are expected to be at maximum capacity even after $800 million is spent to add 8,000 beds.
Rooney Stepping Down as State Democratic Chairman Chris Forshey/AP
Pennsylvania Democratic chairman T.J. Rooney is calling it quits after more than seven years.
Rooney confirmed Tuesday he will step down when the Democratic State Committee picks a new chairman on June 19th. Allegheny County Democratic Party chairman Jim Burn and Montgomery County Democratic Party chairman Marcel Groen have expressed interest in succeeding Rooney as state chairman.
The 45-year-old Rooney was Governor Ed Rendell's hand-picked choice to head the party when he was elected in 2003 and has played a role in every major political campaign in the state since then.
In 2006, Rooney helped engineer a Democratic sweep that included regaining control of the state House of Representatives and Pennsylvania's delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as Bob Casey's election to the U.S. Senate.
PA House Speaker Blasts Rendell Over PennDOT Unit Chris Forshey/AP
Pennsylvania House Speaker Keith McCall is defending a unit within PennDOT used by lawmakers to assist their constituents and says Governor Ed Rendell's decision to break it up was "more than disappointing."
In a three-page letter sent Monday, McCall asked Rendell to reconsider busting up the Legislative Services Section, which McCall said has been used to sort out complicated problems and assist those who lack a computer or other means to deal with their problems at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
A spokesman for McCall said Tuesday he has met with Rendell to try to work out a resolution. Rendell's office had no immediate comment. Rendell moved to dissolve the operation after it was criticized in a lengthy report issued last month by the secret grand jury that investigated allegations of legislative corruption.
The grand jury report said taxpayer-funded resources should not be used by the Legislature to help people navigate the PennDOT bureaucracy.
Penn State Warns of More Cyber-Breaches Chris Forshey/AP
An ongoing cyber-security sweep at Penn State found the Social Security numbers of another 25,000 individuals may have been exposed due to infected computers.
The university said there is no evidence the data had been accessed after the computers were hit by malicious software, though individuals affected by the breach have been notified as required by law.
One recent case involved a University Libraries computer breached with malware which contained the Social Security numbers of more than 9,700. In a separate case, the school last week sent letters to more than 15,800 people about a possible breach at an Outreach Market Research computer.
Another 30,000 individuals had been notified late last year and earlier this year of potential breaches.
Report: Penn State to Update Right-to-Know Filing Chris Forshey
Penn State University plans to file an amended version of its annual Right-to-Know report disclosing top salaries at the school.
The online news website, www.statecollege.com, says in a report the school will release the latest filing Friday. A school spokesman said the filing will disclose the salaries of two Penn State workers who are family members of key leaders at the institution.
The disclosure initially released late last month also includes details on endowment performance and philanthropic contributions. Penn State was required to release the information in compliance with a state Right-to-Know law that took effect in 2009.
June 8, 2010
City Officials Discuss Marketing Vacant Lots for Development Chris Forshey
Altoona City officials are exploring new ways to market vacant lots to people who want to build homes and business in the city.
The move was discussed during Monday’s strategic planning meeting as council discussed updates to the master city plan. Councilman Dave Butterbaugh says the successful blighted property program has led to the demolition of structures on several buildable parcels in recent years and now council wants to see those parcels get new life.
Butterbaugh
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsbutterbaugh060810.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Butterbaugh says despite having to navigate the sometimes cumbersome zoning laws and land restrictions, there are benefits once a project has been completed.
Butterbaugh
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsbutterbaugh060810b.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Officials say they’d like to partner with local community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to show people that new development is possible.
Traffic Changes Coming to Garden Heights Chris Forshey
Altoona City Council will vote Wednesday night on a series of traffic changes in Garden Heights to help stop the flow of non-resident traffic through the neighborhood.
Council will also begin the legal process of implementing two one-way streets to keep traffic from entering off Plank and Frankstown Roads. Plans discussed Monday call for the installation of staggered stop signs at intersections on Eveningtide Avenue. Longfellow Avenue will get 4-way stop intersections. And stop signs will also get added along Byron and Bryan Avenues. Ordinances will be introduced to make Tennyson Avenue one-way North between Emerson and Byron Avenues, and to make Mosser one-way West between Bryant Avenue and the alley serving nearby businesses.
Councilman Mark Geis says all of the proposed changes came from Garden Heights residents.
Geis
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsgeis060810.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Geis says the city will reevaluate the situation in a few months, especially after the new Park Avenue extension opens. City officials say they hope that will offer motorists an alternate route back to Frankstown Road.
Mosquito Spraying Set for Blair County to Control West Nile Virus Threat Craig Schaffer
Weather permitting, the Department of Environmental Protection and the West Nile staff in Blair County will apply treatments Wednesday (6/9) in Huston Township to control adult mosquito populations.
High populations of adult nuisance mosquitoes have been detected in multiple areas of the township.
The treatments will be administered during the evening hours with ATV-mounted equipment to spray open spaces in residential areas of the township.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water on your property.
• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.
For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
In addition, here are some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bits, particularly for people who are most at risk:
• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as replant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
For more information about West Nile virus, and the state’s surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.
Late Night Stroll Down a City Street Results in Two Arrests Craig Schaffer
An intoxicated stroll down a city street overnight lands two people in jail.
Altoona police tell WRTA News that around 12:45am an officer stopped an apparently drunk 28 year old Michael Nichols and 24 year old Erika Coll as they were walking in the 1400 block of 7th Avenue.
Police found Nichols and Coll to be carrying a small amount of marijuana and hypodermic needles. They were both taken into custody.
Police also learned that Coll had a PFA against Nichols and there was a warrant out of Mifflin County for Nichols.
Both Coll and Nichols face public drunkenness, small amount, and pararpehrnalia charges with Nichols facing the additional warrant and PFA violation.
Rep. Critz Accused of Electioneering Chris Forshey
Cambria County’s Republican Party has filed a complaint with the county accusing 12th District Congressman Mark Critz of campaigning inside a polling precinct during the May 18th Primary Election.
At least one cell phone photograph has surfaced showing Critz inside a Westmont Borough polling station. The complaint was filed with Cambria County’s Board of Elections. State elections law states that a candidate must stay outside and a certain distance away from polling precincts on an election day.
County officials are in the process of reviewing the complaint and say they will interview poll workers in an effort to verify the allegations. Critz beat his Republican challenger Tim Burns for the seat, which was held by former Congressman John Murtha who died in February.
Rendell Says Taxpayers Won't Pay for Research Chris Forshey/AP
Governor Ed Rendell says taxpayers won't be billed after all for a partisan research project aimed at building support for his budget proposals.
The governor said at a Monday news conference that Philadelphia consultant Kevin Feeley will be paid out of Rendell's campaign fund and that Feeley has agreed to return $10,000 in tax money that has already been paid.
Reacting to a recent Philadelphia Inquirer story, Rendell says its "inappropriate" to bill taxpayers and blames the decision on overzealous staff members, whom he declined to identify.
The Democrat says the research will help build support for his budget in the Legislature, but that it should be financed with private money.
Penn State to Eliminate Roughly 40 Ag Science Jobs Chris Forshey/AP
Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will lay off 10 people and eliminate about 30 other vacant positions through attritition because of a budget shortfall.
College dean Bruce McPheron says in a statement the downsizing is part of an effort to keep costs in line at a time of eroding state appropriations for agricultural research and cooperative extension.
Those departments do not receive tuition dollars. The 10 layoffs will come at the main University Park campus. A spokesman says the other positions being eliminated are in State College and elsewhere around Pennsylvania, including the extension jobs.
The college says it's possible another 160 positions could be eliminated in the next few years if state funding remains flat.
PA Halts Drilling by Company After Gas Incident Chris Forshey/AP
Pennsylvania regulators are halting all gas drilling activities by the company whose natural gas well spewed out explosive gas and polluted water for 16 hours last week.
Governor Ed Rendell said Monday the order against EOG Resources Inc. will remain in place until the Department of Environmental Protection can finish its probe and until after the company implements whatever changes may be needed. The order stops EOG from drilling and fracking operations.
A blow-out of an EOG well in Clearfield County on Thursday sent gas and at least 35,000 gallons of drilling wastewater into the environment. The state agency says the company is being cooperative with the investigation and is supportive of the order.
June 7, 2010
Ed Funding, as Usual, Central to PA Budget Debate Chris Forshey/AP
Education issues have been at the center of Governor Ed Rendell's governing agenda since the former Philadelphia mayor took office 7 1/2 years ago, and that doesn't appear to be changing during negotiations for what will be the final state budget of his administration.
The Democratic governor was speaking to reporters shortly after a budget meeting with legislative leaders last week when the topic turned to the size of the state's annual contribution to basic education funding.
Rendell says education is more important to the commonwealth's future than anything else. In every one of Rendell's previous budgets, basic education funding has grown from the prior year. It was $6.9-billion when he took office, and has risen to about $11-billion in the current year. In eight years under Rendell's Republican predecessors, Governor Tom Ridge and Governor Mark Schweiker, basic education funding grew much more slowly, from $5.7-billion to $6.9-billion.
The $29-billion budget proposal he released in February would increase basic education funding by about $99.2-million, and include $1.6-billion in stimulus money. Republican state lawmakers say that likely won’t work considering the state’s ongoing fiscal crisis.
GOP Aims Fire At Pa. Project On Rendell's Policies...AP
State officials are defending a $30,000 research project aimed at illustrating the effect of Gov. Ed Rendell's policies from Republicans charges that the effort is a waste of taxpayer money.
The project run by Philadelphia public relations consultant Kevin Feeley, who was Rendell's spokesman when he was the city's mayor. Feeley says it aims to put a face on Rendell's education, economic development and environmental programs, and would help illustrate the effects that cuts in the programs would have.
Republicans, however, called the contract a slap in the face as the governor warns of possible layoffs of state workers.
Rendell chief of staff Steve Crawford said Friday the administration believes budget cuts come with a human toll and Feeley's work would help reinforce that point.
Penn St. Extends Prez Spanier Through 2015 AP
Penn State University president Graham Spanier, one of the longest-tenured executives in higher education, has agreed to a three-year extension that will keep him at the school through 2015.
Spanier, who heads a university system with 24 campuses and about 94,000 students, has been at Penn State since 1995. The university said Friday in a statement that Spanier's new deal takes effect July 1, with a raise of $80,000 that will increase his total annual salary to $700,000.
The new contract takes Spanier a year beyond a recently announced $2 billion capital campaign scheduled to end in 2014.
Research expenditures have more than doubled from $344 million to more than $765 million during Spanier's tenure, and the university's endowment has grown from $364 million to $1.4 billion, the school said.
With the new contract, Spanier would become the second-longest serving Penn State president in the school's 155-year history, tied with Ralph Hetzel, who served from 1927-1947. The longest serving school president is George Atherton, who had a 24-year tenure that ended in 1907.
Recession Also Hits Startup Aid For Pa. Businesses AP
The recession has prompted a surge in entrepreneurial activity across the country, but the trend is not reflected in Pennsylvania - and small business advocates worry that huge funding cuts in programs that try to nurture such ventures may mean even fewer startups.
Although new business creation last year hit the highest levels in 14 years as some who lost jobs decided to go out on their own, Pennsylvania came in third-to-last in a Kauffman Index entrepreneurial ranking. And funding for the Small Business Development Center was slashed to $3.6 million, down 55 percent from the all-time high of $8 million in 2006.
In 2009, only 200 per 100,000 adults started a business venture in the commonwealth, less than half the level as in Oklahoma and Montana, where 470 per 100,000 start a business.
DUI Patrol Nets Two Arrests Chris Forshey
Two people have been pinched for driving under the influence after a roving patrol DUI detail over the weekend.
Officials say a total of a total of 35 motorists were stopped for traffic or equipment violations. A police report identifies the two DUI defendants as 19-year-old males. Their names have not been released.
A total of Thirty-nine Traffic Citations or Written Warnings were issued for either moving violations and or equipment violations.
June 4, 2010
PA Jobless Rates Fall Significantly Chris Forshey
Pennsylvania’s jobless rate has fallen significantly within the last month.
State officials say it’s the largest drop in first-time jobless claim filings in more than a year. The figures released by the labor department on Thursday show the number of claims fell by more than 10,000 for the week that ended May 29th. A new government report due out later today is expected to show that more than a half-million non-farm jobs were added across the United States in recent months.
Jobless claims also fell significantly in Michigan, Tennessee and Georgia.
Blair County Hazardous Waste Collection Day Set For Saturday Chris Forshey
If you’re a resident of Blair County, you will have an opportunity this weekend to get rid of your household hazardous products.
A special collection day has been scheduled for Saturday from 8:00AM to 1:00PM at Blair County Ballpark in Logan Township.
Blair County Department of Solid Waste spokeswoman Beth Smithmeyer says the event is a good way to keep harmful pollutants out of landfills because they will be disposed of properly.
Smithmeyer
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newssmithmeyer060410.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Smithmeyer says there are a few things that won’t be accepted.
Smithmeyer
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newssmithmeyer060410b.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Among the items that will be taken are aerosols, oil filters and antifreeze. The cost is $10 per trunk load and the event is open to county residents with a valid photo identification.
PSU Altoona Gets Donation for New Turf Field Chris Forshey
Penn State Altoona’s Spring Run Stadium is getting a major upgrade thanks to the college’s advisory board.
Campus officials announced Thursday that a new turf field will be installed thanks to a $250,000 donation by the board members. The gift is the second donation from the board as part of the ongoing For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students. A previous donation of $250,000 was used to purchase 47 acres near the campus to accommodate more campus activities.
College officials say the stadium is heavily used for sports, especiall soccer, and for several other campus activities. The new field will allow sports games to be played despite inclement weather.
Juniata Gap Road Construction to Begin Chris Forshey
More summer road construction is set to get underway in Altoona and Logan Township.
PennDOT crews will begin a $1.6-million rehabilitation project on Juniata Gap Road beginning on Wednesday, June 9th. Work on this project will consist of concrete patching, diamond grinding, roadway reconstruction, curb and gutter replacement, signal upgrades and the construction of a bike trail. Southbound traffic will travel through the project under lane restrictions while northbound traffic will be detoured. The two mile detour route will follow Chestnut Avenue to Fourth Street to Wopsononock Avenue and then back to Juniata Gap Road.
This detour will be in place until late August. Overall work on this project is anticipated to be completed by early October.
PA to Consider Medial Marijuana Use? Chris Forshey
Could medical marijuana be coming to a treatment center near you?
A report out shows that Pennsylvania is joining a number of states who are considering that legalization of medical marijuana.
The state chapter of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is pushing for the change, as are many state residents. NORML says it hears from medical marijuana users who claim significant relief from the pains caused by illnesses such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.
Lawmakers are set to begin discussions on the legalization of marijuana later this year through bills introduced in the House and the Senate. Fifteen other U.S. States have medical marijuana laws.
Ex-Legislative Aide Cott Seeks Shorter Sentence Chris Forshey/AP
A former Pennsylvania House aide is asking a judge to reduce his prison sentence of 21 months to five years in the legislative corruption case.
Brett Cott's attorney filed a motion Thursday asking Dauphin County Judge Richard Lewis to reconsider the sentence Cott received last month after being convicted of felony theft, conspiracy and conflict-of-interest charges.
Cott defense attorney Bryan Walk calls the sentence "extremely harsh" and filed letters from two jurors that indicate they agree. Lawyers are scheduled to argue the motion in court later this month.
A state attorney general's office spokesman says the sentence was appropriate and prosecutors will argue it should remain in place.
June 3, 2010
Tyrone Shooting Suspect Jailed Chris Forshey
Police have arrested the man wanted for a shooting incident over the weekend in Tyrone Borough.
30-year-old Wesley Henninger III was taken into custody without incident Wednesday morning by State Police troopers in Philipsburg. A spokesman says Henninger was apprehended after seeking treatment at a medical facility. He had been wanted by Tyrone Police since a shooting Saturday at a home at 1405 Pennsylvania Avenue in Tyrone. According to police, Hennigner opened fire on his ex-girlfriend and two other males following an argument. No one was hurt.
Henninger has been returned to Blair County to face three attempted homicide and several related charges. He was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller and lodged in the Blair County Prison on $1-million bail.
Charges Against Kettle Shooter Dropped Chris Forshey
A Blair County magisterial district judge has dismissed the criminal charges filed against a Duncansville man accused of shooting another man outside an East End bar in February.
Police charged 38-year-old Alvin Zimmerman with attempted homicide after he shot Thomas Vaughn once in the stomach during an argument that began with gay slurs at the Kettle Inn. On Wednesday, the charges were dismissed after a judge agreed with Zimmerman that he acted in self defense.
During his preliminary hearing, Zimmerman claimed Vaughn punched his friend and was then coming after him. Zimmerman said he tried to retreat but Vaughn and another man kept coming at him threatening to attack. He fired a warning shot before shooting Vaughn one time. A witness also told the judge Zimmerman tried to flee but was unable.
Vaughn and another man still face assault charges in connection with the same incident.
Coroner: Altoona Teen’s Death Ruled a Drowning Chris Forshey
The Huntingdon County coroner says drowning caused the death of an Altoona teenager at Lake Raystown over the weekend.
Divers pulled the body of 16-year-old Eugene Ciccarella from the water just before 6:00PM Sunday. Ciccarella went missing earlier in the day while playing football with some friends in the Tatman Run Public Swimming Area. Ciccarella’s friends searched for him for about three hours before contacting park officials.
His body was found in 11 feet of water just outside of the public swimming area. The coroner’s office says while Ciccarella’s death has officially been ruled a drowning, the results of toxicology tests are still pending.
Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services Become Private July 1 Chris Forshey
Big changes are coming to Blair County’s Drug & Alcohol treatment services.
Beginning July 1st, the county will spin off the department to its own not-for-profit organization. Commissioner Donna Gority says the new corporation will be able to operate more efficiently while still providing the same level of service.
Gority
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsgority06310.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
Gority says there will be no significant changes for those who receive services. The new group should begin contracting directly with the state over the next year. The group will temporarily remain in the Blair County Courthouse until it can move into its new rental space in Hollidaysburg.
Sestak, Critz Skip Obama Event Chris Forshey/AP
A bit of distance between President Barack Obama and Democratic Representative Joe Sestak might not be the worst thing for either of them right now. The pair didn't plan to share a stage when Obama visited Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
The issue comes just days after the White House acknowledged it used former President Bill Clinton to offer Sestak a role on an administration advisory board if he dropped plans to challenge Senator Arlen Specter
Sestak defeated Specter, the national Democrats' backed candidate, in the Pennsylvania primary last month. His victory increased demands from Republicans for a White House explanation of the job offer. A Sestak spokesman said Sestak had a previous commitment and regretted being unable to attend the event in Pittsburgh.
Other members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation were staying away, including Democratic Representative Mark Critz, who last month won a special election to fill the seat held by former Congressman John Murtha.
PA Insurance Department Announces High-Risk Pool Submission Craig Schaffer
Pennsylvania has submitted to the federal government its proposal for a temporary high-risk insurance pool for a limited number of the currently uninsured who have health conditions that preclude them from securing coverage elsewhere.
On Wednesday Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario said the high-risk insurance pool will help several thousand Pennsylvanians who are simply unable to afford health insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions.
Pennsylvania’s high-risk insurance pool provides the commonwealth access to more than $160 million of federal funds to provide coverage and care to high-risk Pennsylvanians until the new insurance exchanges that will be created as part of the national Health Care Reform Act in 2014.
June 2, 2010
Police: Tyrone Shooting Suspect Still Running Chris Forshey
Police in Tyrone Borough are asking for the public’s help in locating a man accused of opening fire on three people over the weekend.
The incident happened Saturday outside a home at 1405 Pennsylvania Avenue. Police officials say 30-year-old Wesley Henninger III approached the home, pointed a handgun at his ex-girlfriend and two other men, and then opened fire. No one was injured. Henninger fled in his vehicle and hasn’t been seen since. Police said on Tuesday they believed they have found the gun used in the shooting and they are following several leads.
Henninger’s now been charged with three counts of criminal attempted homicide. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Tyrone Borough Police at 684-1364.
Blair Central Booking Project Moving Forward Chris Forshey
Plans to open a central booking center at the Blair County Prison are moving forward once again.
County commissioners made the announcement on Tuesday – just two months after the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency turned down a funding request of $260,000 for the project. But Commissioner Diane Meling says the county has found a new way to fund the project.
Meling
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
url=http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/359/File/newsmeling06210.mp3 width=300 height=150 loop=false play=false autostartOnce=false downloadable=false fullscreen=true displayNavigation=true displayDigits=true
The booking station will be located in the older, historic wing of the facility. Meling says once up and running, the county will access a $175 booking fee per defendant and that should cover the cost of operating the center. Officials say they hope to have the new center in operation by the end of the year.
Local Plant Worker Injured Chris Forshey
A local plant worker has been released from the hospital after being burned over the weekend at a Roaring Spring paper plant.
Officials say the Appleton Paper worker was changing a filter on a supply line at the facility on Monday and was burned on the face and chest after coming into contact with a corrosive chemical. The workers name has not been released.
Appleton Paper has not commented on the incident.
No Charges Against Trooper Involved in Fatal Shooting Craig Schaffer
No charges will be filed against a State Police trooper involved in a fatal shooting in Hopewell Township, Bedford County earlier this year.
Bedford County District Attorney Bill Higgins says that the deadly force used by state police on March 30th against 67 year old Chester Guyton, of Yellow Creek, was "not only justified, but also exemplary police work under very unfortunate circumstances."
Higgins says that according to eyewitnesses and video of the incident, the trooper held fire until Guyton raised his weapon and pointed it at two fellow officers. Police tried for an hour and a half to negotiate with Guyton before he was killed. They had been summoned to the scene by a family member who said Guyton was threatening to kill himself "and anyone who would try to stop him.
Saturation Patrol Detail Nets Several Arrests, Citations Chris Forshey
A police saturation patrol detail over the weekend led to the arrest of several people on a variety of criminal charges.
The massive police event was held Friday night into Saturday morning and included officers from the Altoona and Logan Township Police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police. According to figures released on Tuesday, officers made four drug-related and two DUI arrests. Several others were charged with misdemeanor and summary offenses.
Officers used the saturation patrol detail to enforce the motor vehicle codes, crimes codes and drug laws. Officers also issued 20 traffic citations and 82-written warnings. The event was funded by Operation Our Town.
PSP: 16 Die in Memorial Day Holiday Crashes Chris Forshey
Sixteen people were killed and another 290 were injured on Pennsylvania’s highways over the four-day Memorial Day holiday driving period.
State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski said Tuesday that none of those who died was wearing a seatbelt. The official holiday driving period covered Friday through Monday. Pawlowski says troopers cited 924 drivers for not wearing a seatbelt and issued 105 citations to motorists for not securing children in safety seats.
Troopers also issued 8,096 speeding citations and made 371 DUI arrests. Alcohol played a factor in two of the fatal crashes.
PA Tax Collections Still Lagging Behind Forecasts Chris Forshey/AP
Pennsylvania’s budget deficit continues to get worse.
The Pennsylvania Revenue Department says general-fund revenue collections for May came in nearly $125-million below projections.
The figures released Tuesday left the state $1.2-billion below assumptions for the fiscal year that wraps up at the end of June. Year-to-date collections are running nearly 5-percent less than anticipated.
The weak numbers are an ominous sign for the always contentious state budget talks that will accelerate over the coming weeks.
PA Judge Rejects Dismissal of ACORN Lawsuit Chris Forshey/AP
A federal judge has rejected a bid to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a state law barring the use of quotas in voter registration drives.
U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer on Friday granted a motion by lawyers for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now to add two more plaintiffs to the suit.
State Attorney General Tom Corbett sought dismissal of the case, citing a March announcement that ACORN was shutting down operations nationwide. But ACORN's attorneys said the organization had not been formally dissolved. ACORN challenged the law's constitutionality last year after Allegheny County prosecutors charged seven people, six of them paid ACORN voter registration workers, with violations of the quota statute, fraud and related charges.
Charges against one defendant have been dismissed and another defendant pleaded guilty; the other cases are pending.
June 1, 2010
Altoona Teenager Dies During Lake Raystown Outing Craig Schaffer
An autopsy is scheduled for today for the 16 year old Altoona boy who died at Lake Raystown on Sunday.
Eugene Ciccarella died as he and several friends were playing with a football at the Tatman Run Public Swimming area. The group chased the football into the water and began to swim back to shore when they noticed Ciccarella wasn’t with them. State police say that after an extensive search by the friends failed to turn up the victim, park rangers were called. Several fire departments and their dive teams arrived on scene and a little before 6:30 Ciccarella’s body was found in about 11 feet of water.
Police say the cause of death appears to be drowning but more should be known following today’s autopsy.
Holiday Drug Arrests In Altoona Craig Schaffer
Two Altoona residents are facing a laundry list of charges after their drug arrest over the holiday weekend.
23 year old Danielle Stossel and 28 year old Donald Carey, both of 507 Fourth St., 3rd floor, were picked up on Sunday.
Court documents show that Stossel sold seven ounces of pot to a police informant.
An investigation led police to Stossel’s apartment where they found marijuana, currency strewn about the floor and a digital scale. When Carey showed up at the apartment during the search police say he tried to dispose of a bag containing over 1,000 packets of heroin. The search also turned up crack cocaine.
Stossel and Carey each face two counts of possession with intent to deliver crack and heroin and possession of crack and heroin, plus one count each of criminal conspiracy, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Stossel faces additional related drug charges.
Rendell: Sestak Affair 'Hard-Knuckle Politics' AP
Gov. Ed Rendell is defending the White House's actions in enlisting former president Bill Clinton to try to ease U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak out of Pennsylvania's Senate primary with a job offer.
It was intended to clear a path for Sen. Arlen Specter to the Democratic nomination, which Sestak eventually won.
On "Fox News Sunday," Rendell called it "hard-knuckle politics." He said he did the same thing in 2006 in asking former congressman Joseph Hoeffel to drop out of a race and later named him a deputy secretary of commerce.
But Rendell said for the administration to dodge questions about the issue for months was "not smart."
Rep. Darrell Issa, the top Republican on the House oversight committee, again called for an investigation and said the episode showed that Obama had become a part of the Washington culture he decried as a candidate.
Blair County Travel Advisory Craig Schaffer
Work is set to begin today on the Route 2015 Culvert at Yellow Springs.
A 10.9 mile detour will be in place that will carry motorists from Route 22 west to Route 866 into Williamsburg.
Work will consist of replacing the existing structure as well as minor drainage upgrades and approach work.
Completion of this more than $162,000 project is expected by early August.
DUI Holiday Task Force Results Craig Schaffer
The D.U.I. Task Force conducted a Sobriety Checkpoint in Hollidaysburg Borough from 10pm Friday to 2am Saturday.
The event resulted in 402 motorists being contacted; one motorist was arrested for Impaired Driving; and 37 citations and/or warnings were issued for violations which included: expired inspections, expired registrations, equipment violations, and seat belt violations.
Lifeguards Absent From Most Pa. Park Beaches AP
With Memorial Day weekend behind us, the summer season is underway and more and more people will be heading to the state’s lakes for some R & R.
The trouble is that only two beaches in Pennsylvania's state parks will have lifeguards watching out for swimmers.
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in 2008 eliminated lifeguards at all state park public beaches except for Lake Erie's Presque Isle State Park. Lifeguards were added to Fuller Lake after a teenager drowned there in July of that year. Lifeguards do remain at pools in state parks.
The agency says the decision was made to operate more efficiently citing the cost of more than $800,000 per year for guards.
Beaches at state parks are now more accessible to the public the agency says because "swim at your own risk" beaches remain open later in the year because lifeguards were often high school and college students who would go back to school each August. |
.jpg)
