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July 30, 2010
City Landlord Accused Of Sexual Assault Of Tenant Craig Schaffer
An Altoona woman says that she is the victim of sexual assault by her landlord.
43 year old Jeremy Hazlett, of 322 6th Avenue is accused of illegally entering the woman’s apartment on May 15th while she was sleeping and demanded rent money she owed him.
According to court documents Hazlett also told the woman to take her clothes off during the confrontation. After the woman refused she was allegedly forced to have sex with Hazlett.
Police say that an examination at Altoona Regional Health System showed the woman had scatches on her arms, shoulders, legs and groin.
Hazlett says he did have sex with the woman but that it was consensual.
Hazlett has been charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, robbery, indecent assault, theft and receiving stolen property.
Dirt Bike Rider Rescued Outside Tyrone Chris Forshey
A dirt bike rider was airlifted to Altoona Hospital Thursday after an accident in rural Blair County.
The incident happened around 5:00PM on private property off of Kettle Road near the Blair-Huntingdon County line. A 911 spokesman says the victim was involved in a dirt bike accident on top of some steep terrain and had to be rescued via a 4-wheeler.
Police have not released the name of the victim or said if he suffered any significant injuries.
Woman Injured in Crash, SUV Rollover Chris Forshey
State Police say the occupants of two sport utility vehicles escaped serious injury following a nasty crash Thursday afternoon in Frankstown Township.
The accident happened around 2:30PM at the intersection of Scotch Valley Road and Frankstown Road. Troopers say one of the SUV’s t-boned the other forcing it off the roadway and into a ditch. The vehicle rolled onto its roof.
One woman was taken to Altoona Hospital for observation. The other occupants suffered only minor scratches. State Police are still investigating and so far no charges have been filed.
Blair Judge Visits Railroad Tracks at Center of Dispute Chris Forshey
A Blair County judge has taken a first-hand look at some railroad tracks currently at the center of a dispute between an Altoona man and Norfolk Southern.
WRTA News was along for the walk Thursday as Judge Hiram Carpenter scouted out the three locations where James Swan built pedestrian paths across a single set of railroad tracks located along 9th Avenue. Norfolk Southern claims Swan was trespassing and says he damaged their property when he used plaster and sand to build the walkways. But Swan called the tracks a hazard and says the public had the right-of-way first. He says he was just helping the public safely cross the tracks.
Judge Carpenter will now have to decide if Swan was guilty of trespassing. He will also have to decide if Swan should pay Norfolk Southern $900 to cleanup the three makeshift walkways. Swan’s attorney Mark Zearfus says he’s glad Judge Carpenter is taking a close look at the case.
Zearfus
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Judge Carpenter is likely to rule on the issue by the end of next month.
Three Blair High Schools Recognized by National Magazine Chris Forshey
Altoona Area High School has been listed as one of “America’s Best High Schools” by U.S. News and World Report magazine.
Altoona is one of only 69 high schools in Pennsylvania to get the recognition. A spokesman for the magazine says some 18,743 schools across the United States were analyzed according to a number of factors -- including student achievement.
Altoona High was ranked as a bronze medal school along with 1,188 other schools in the nation or 6.3-percent. District spokesman Tom Bradley calls the recognition an unexpected achievement.
Bradley
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Bellwood-Antis and Tyrone Area high schools are the only other two Blair County high schools to also be listed. They too received bronze medal ratings.
Blair DA: ‘There is a Huge Demand for Drugs Here’ Chris Forshey
Blair County’s top law enforcement official says he’s not too surprised that local drug agents were able to crack and then take down a $2-million crack cocaine ring on Wednesday.
District Attorney Richard Consiglio says that’s because there is a huge demand for drugs here. Consiglio tells WRTA News that as long as people want to buy illegal narcotics; dealers will continue to set up shop. He says the amount of money that one person can make far outweighs the risks of getting caught.
Consiglio
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Consiglio says Operation Our Town has allowed local officials to keep up with the fight – and he does feel the community is winning its battle. Law enforcement officials say Wednesday’s cocaine shakedown was one of the largest ever in the region.
July 29, 2010
Eight in Custody After Officials Break Up Cocaine Ring Chris Forshey
Eight suspected drug dealers are under arrest after local authorities break up a major crack cocaine ring in Blair County.
The arrests were announced late Tuesday morning. The State Attorney General’s Office says the investigation – known as Operation Hometown – began in November two years ago and focused primarily on Altoona resident Brian Pfister.
Authorities say Pfister obtained the drugs from three other sources -- and he based the operations out of his Altoona home. The ring has an out of town connection in New York City, but most of the dealers involved are local residents. District Attorney Richard Consiglio says agents made several undercover buys once they were finally able to get inside the $2-million drug ring.
Consiglio
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Narcotics officers seized several luxury vehicles, assault weapons, crack cocaine and more than $350,000 in cash. All eight were arraigned and lodged in the Blair County Prison. Consiglio says more arrests are pending.
Troopers: Suspicious Items Were Not Bombs Chris Forshey
State Police say two suspicious items that closed U.S. Route 220 between Bald Eagle and Port Matilda for several hours Wednesday were not bombs.
The incident began just before noon in Taylor Township, Centre County after a construction worker found the first of the two devices located in a drainage ditch in a construction zone. A second similar item was found nearby. A State Police bomb squad was flown in from Harrisburg and to examine and destroy both devices.
Trooper Dave McGarvey says the devices resembled pipe bombs – and that’s why officials were forced to take drastic measures.
McGarvey
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McGarvey says it’s too early in the investigation to determine who the items belong to or figure out where they came from.
Road Sign Vandals Hit Frankstown Township Craig Schaffer
Police are looking for those responsible in a vandalism spree in Frankstown Township.
According to state police, at some point Tuesday or Wednesday someone spray painted obscene gestures and words on 11 road signs on Scotch Valley Road. In addition the initials DT were painted on the signs.
Anyone with information is asked to call the state police at 696-6100.
PA Faces $3-Million Megan’s Law Upgrade Chris Forshey
Pennsylvania is facing a $3-million upgrade to its system that tracks sexual offenders.
State officials say if they don’t bring their “Megan’s Law’ program into compliance by next July; they could lose more than a million dollars in funding.
That’s because the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act is being implemented in 2011 and it requires all states to meet new sentencing and law enforcement provisions for sex offenders.
If the system is not brought into compliance, Pennsylvania will receive a 10-percent reduction in the $11-million annually it receives in federal funding from the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants program.
IBM To Open Infrastructure Lab At Carnegie Mellon AP
Computer giant IBM is teaming up with Carnegie Mellon University on a research lab to develop technologies to help governments better manage their infrastructure.
The collaborative lab is part of the Pennsylvania Smart Infrastructure Incubator and is expected to open in the fall at the Pittsburgh school's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
IBM Vice President Wayne Balta says university researchers and graduate students will work with IBM experts and "be at the cutting edge of the way people are going to run their infrastructures."
According to Balta the goal is to develop technologies, including real-time digital sensors and advanced computer systems that government officials can use to more efficiently maintain and manage infrastructure, like road and sewer systems.
Local, state and federal governments will be invited to partner with the lab on its research.
Ex-PA Lawmaker Waives Hearing on Altered Prescription AP
A former state lawmaker on probation for conflict-of-interest charges will stand trial for allegedly trying to get altered prescriptions filled at a western Pennsylvania pharmacy.
Ellwood City police say 51-year-old former state Rep. Frank LaGrotta altered prescriptions for the anti-anxiety drug Xanax in March and April. Police say LaGrotta changed the prescriptions so he could get 180 pills each time, instead of 120. LaGrotta will face a preliminary hearing August 26th on a similar charge in neighboring Beaver County.
He declined comment after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday. LaGrotta lost a re-election bid in 2006. He's on probation for pleading guilty in 2008 to putting two family members in state jobs with little or no work.
'Pennsylvania Guys' Parody Video an Online Hit AP
"Pennsylvania Guys" may not be as cute as Katy Perry or as dapper as Snoop Dogg, whose song "California Gurls" the local videographers are spoofing, but they do have a hit on their hands.
The five-minute video by three native Pennsylvanians juxtaposes them dancing and singing in front of backdrops from Erie to Philadelphia.
Jason McGuigan of Shamokin, Justin Derr of Sunbury and John Duttinger, a Sunbury native living in Texas are the creators of the viral video "Pennsylvania Guys." They sport Amish suspenders in front of a Weis supermarket, dress like Ben Franklin guzzling a lager in front of Pottsville's Yuengling brewery, and don green wigs and beads on Saint Patrick's Day in Scranton.
The five-minute video has been viewed more than 200,000 times on YouTube since it was posted July 21.
Two Remaining PA Turnpike Bridge Spans Coming Down AP
Two remaining spans of a nearly 60-year-old bridge that once took the Pennsylvania Turnpike across the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh will be demolished on Friday.
The main span of the bridge in Harmar Township was imploded July 13 using 200 pounds of explosives. On Friday, a 268-foot span on the western side of the river will be imploded and fall into a back channel of the river. A 213-foot span on the east side of the river will fall on land.
Twin concrete spans nearby are replacing the bridge. One is already open and is carrying both directions of turnpike traffic, though traffic will be stopped during the implosion. The second replacement span is scheduled to open in November.
Residents Protest Closed PA Town Council Meeting AP
Nine residents of a northeastern Pennsylvania borough want an apology for being kicked out of a packed meeting in April.
The Exeter residents have filed a lawsuit over what they say were Sunshine Act violations. They found themselves waiting outside borough hall on April 6 when the council approved two ordinances that paved the way for a 151,000-square-foot Wal-Mart. The council says it cured any potential violations when it redid the meeting April 30.
Solicitor Peter Moses says both sides have talked and that the borough is always open to a "reasonable and equitable" settlement. Some of the nine residents attended a council meeting Tuesday and say they want an apology. Moses says an apology has been discussed, but not finalized.
July 28, 2010
Blair Reaches Agreement with OPEIU Chris Forshey
Blair County officials have reached a new labor agreement with one of its mployee unions.
Commissioner Diane Meling says registered nurses at Valley View Home who are represented by OPEIU Healthcare will take a wage freeze in 2010 – but will then be given 3-percent raise in 2011.
Meling says the nurses have also agreed to a reduction in their overtime compensation – they will now be paid time-and-a-half instead of double overtime.
Meling
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Meling says the county couldn’t continue to afford to continue paying double time without finding new revenue sources. She says the concessions were important in helping to keep Valley View Home in the black.
Police: Man Pulled Trigger on Gun Twice Chris Forshey
New information in an attempted homicide case in Bedford County.
State Police say they have arrested Joseph Helsel of Imler in connection with the July 16th incident in Kimmel Township. Helsel was picked up Sunday near Blue Knob after being on the run for several days. Troopers say Helsel pointed a shotgun at the victim and pulled the trigger twice. The gun didn’t go off.
Helsel is lodged in the Bedford County Prison on attempted murder charges. His bail has been set at $75,000 bail.
Blood Drive to Benefit Local Officer Chris Forshey
Police officers throughout Blair County will be coming together next week to aid a Logan Township officer battling cancer.
Bill Burrows was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last December and has undergone several transfusions of red blood cells and platelets since then.
Members of the Mountain City Lodge Fraternal Order of Police are hoping to help replenish the blood supply and find bone marrow donors who can help Burrows and others in the same situation. The public is encouraged to participate.
The event will be held August 4th at the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Company. For more information you can contact Sam McClure at 949-2528 or visit the Web site www.centralbloodbank.org.
District Justice Office to Cease Taking Cases on Friday Chris Forshey
Blair County officials have taken another step to close down one of three district judge offices in the City of Altoona.
District Court 24-1-01 will no longer accept new case filings as of Friday. President Judge Jolene Kopriva says beginning August 1st, all new criminal charges and civil complaints will be filed at the offices of District Judges Jeff Auker and Todd Kelley.
The county is consolidating the offices because of a drop in the number of caseloads. A temporary magistrate has also been hearing cases since the death of Judge Joseph Moran last year. That judge told the county a month ago he’s ready to go back into retirement.
Lawmakers Unveil Public Integrity Commission Proposal Craig Schaffer
A bipartisan group of state legislators is spearheading legislative efforts to create a Public Integrity Commission (PIC).
The legislation would create an independent government agency responsible for monitoring and investigating the actions of public officials throughout the state to determine whether they are engaging in unlawful activity in connection with the public office they hold or for which they work.
The proposal calls for a seven-member commission with professional investigatory staff to respond to complaints and seek out corruption. The commission would have the power to subpoena records and witnesses relevant to an investigation along with the authority to grant immunity and compel testimony. The commission would also serve an educational role by issuing yearly reports on public corruption.
Commissioners would be nominated by a committee consisting of law school deans, district attorneys and good government advocacy groups. The governor would select seven members from the 15 nominated by the committee. Those nominated by the governor would be subject to confirmation by two-thirds of the state Senate. No more than three commission members could be from the same political party.
The PIC would replace the current state Ethics Commission and expand its role and purview by employing trained, certified law enforcement personnel with the authority to enforce laws related to public corruption. All of the existing functions and duties of the Ethics Commission -- including personnel, appropriations, equipment, files and records -- would be transferred to the new PIC.
July 27, 2010
Blair Man Found Guilty On Child Porn Charges Craig Schaffer
A Blair County man is facing 25 to 50 years in prison after being convicted of possessing child pornography.
It took the jury less than a half hour on Monday to find 69 year old Gary Parson guilty.
Over 360 photographs of children either nude or with very little on were found by state police on Parsons' home computer.
A sentencing date will be scheduled in the fall.
Man Wanted In Beating Death Arrested On Unrelated Bench Warrant Craig Schaffer
New information this morning on the arrest of the Indiana County man who state police say is a suspect in a Northern Cambria murder investigation.
State police at Clearfield took 40 year old Sherman Holes, of Cherry Tree, into custody Monday without incident after catching up with the wanted man at a residence in Ferguson Township.
Police arrested Holes on an unrelated bench warrant and lodged him in Clearfield County Jail.
Holes didn’t show up in Clearfield County Court earlier this year on separate charges, including theft, from a 2008 case which led to the bench warrant.
Police had been looking for Holes for weeks who at this point has had no charges brought against him in connection with 79 year old Arthur Henry's July 3 death. But he is described as a suspect in the case.
Holes was allegedly at Henry’s home on June 30, the same day Henry was severely beaten. He died three days later.
Police have only confirmed Holes is wanted for questioning and is believed to "have information regarding the homicide."
City Man Arrested On Drug Charges Craig Schaffer
An Altoona man is facing charges as a result of loitering on a city street overnight.
Just before 12:30am police stopped to check out a suspicious group of males gathered at the corner of 8th Street and 7th Avenue. A backpack lying on the ground was claimed by 23 year old Terron Miller of 1514 19th Street. A search of the backpack turned up a small amount of drugs.
Miller was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Public Drunkenness.
Identity of City Woman Injured In Nightclub Parking Lot Released Craig Schaffer
Police continue to investigate a hit and run that sent an Altoona woman to the hospital over the weekend.
Logan Township police have identified the victim as 43 year old Brenda Johnson of 1417 1st Avenue. According to police the incident happened at the Island nightclub on Mill Run Road a little after 2am Sunday. A driver spun out in the parking lot and backed into Johnson and then left the scene.
After initially being transported to Altoona Regional, Miller was later flown to UPMC in Pittsburgh where she was reported to be in critical condition.
Charges are pending against the driver who was located by police shortly after running into Miller.
Possible Break In Blair County Counterfeit Money Investigation Craig Schaffer
Police may have gotten a break in their investigation of phony money being spread around the area.
On Saturday a Bedford County man was arrested for trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at a local fast food restaurant.
Police say 31 year old Timothy Loar, of 1028 Forest Road, Imler, tried to buy a burger at the Roaring Spring Burger King with the bad bill. An employee checked the bill and found it to be counterfeit and called police.
According to court records Loar had another counterfeit $20 bill stashed in his pocket at the time of his arrest. He was charged with forgery, receiving stolen property and criminal attempt at theft by deception and was placed in Blair County Prison. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Thursday.
Since June, police have been investigating numerous cases of phony $20 bills turning up throughout Blair County.
Sestak Points Meltdown Finger At Toomey, Democrats AP
U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak didn't spare fellow Democrats from blame Monday for supporting a financial services deregulation bill a decade ago that he now views as a key ingredient in Wall Street's meltdown and the national recession.
Sestak has repeatedly blamed his Republican opponent, former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey, for helping cause the recession by supporting a 1999 banking deregulation law that, Sestak says, led to the Wall Street meltdown. Asked by a Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon moderator whether he also blames Democrats who supported the bill - including Bill Clinton, Joe Biden and Harry Reid - Sestak responded: "Yes."
Sestak, currently a House member, then repeated his criticism of some Democratic senators who had voted for Obama's health care overhaul earlier this year only after they received heavily criticized carve-outs in the bill.
In 1999, Toomey supported the deregulation bill as a House member representing the Lehigh Valley. Reid, now the Senate majority leader, and Biden, then a senator, voted for it and then-President Clinton signed it.
In the primary campaign, Sestak leveled the same criticism at Specter, who responded during a debate that Clinton had countered that the law did not cause the financial crisis.
Prior to 1999, the Depression-era Glass-Steagall Act prohibited lending banks from underwriting securities or selling insurance to prevent federally insured savings deposits from being used to buy risky securities.
But the 1999 financial services deregulation law removed those walls, in theory allowing the creation of "too-big-to-fail" financial institutions that could imperil the personal savings of Americans by making ill-conceived bets in securities markets.
Sestak supported a move by the Bush administration in 2008 to step in to bail out Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp. and American International Group Inc. with tens of billions of public money. Toomey has said he would have opposed the bailouts.
July 26 2010
Weekend Traffic Stop Leads to Three Drug Arrests In Altoona Craig Schaffer
A traffic stop over the weekend resulted in three drug arrests in Altoona.
City police say that around 7:30 Saturday night they pulled over 26 year old Matthew Strauss of Pittsburgh at 17th Street and 7th Avenue. Strauss was arrested for DUI. Police found over $13,000 and 20 grams of marijuana in Strauss’ car. Strauss admitted to police that he had delivered 10 pounds of marijuana to Jonathan Freet of 308 6th Avenue Altoona and that the money found in the car was a partial payment for the drugs.
Around 5:30 Sunday morning a search was conducted at the 25 year old Freet’s 6th Avenue home that he shared with 23 year old Brittany Hileman. More than 13 pounds of marijuana, various items associated with drug dealing, guns and over $2,600 was discovered.
Freet admitted to selling pot for the past 10 years, four of which he used Strauss as his out of town supplier for large amounts of marijuana.
Freet and Hileman have been charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver. Strauss is facing DUI and Delivery charges. Preliminary hearings are set for Wednesday.
Police say the investigation, which has been funded through Operation Our Town, continues.
City Woman Injured In Nightclub Parking Lot Craig Schaffer
An Altoona woman sustained serious injuries in a nightclub parking lot accident over the weekend.
The incident happened at the Island on Mill Run Road. Logan Township police say that a little after 2am Sunday a vehicle spun out in the nightclub’s parking lot and backed into the woman. After initially being transported to Altoona Regional, the woman was eventually flown to UPMC in Pittsburgh.
Charges are pending against the driver involved in the incident and Logan township police are continuing to investigate.
Copper Thieves Victimize Hollidaysburg Property Owner Craig Schaffer
Police are looking for the thieves who recently broke into a Cambria County property owned by a Hollidaysburg woman.
State Police say sometime between July 17th and this past Saturday an abandoned house at 566 Trout Road, Barr Township, was broken into through a smashed porch window. Once inside someone stole copper tubing from the basement and first floor bathroom. In addition, electrical wiring was cut out and stolen from the basement, upstairs bedroom and the attic.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the State Police at Ebensburg at 814-471-6500.
3 Tornadoes In NE Pa. Cause Damage, Cut Power AP
The National Weather Service is confirming that no fewer than three tornados tore through northeastern Pennsylvania on Friday night, toppling trees and damaging some buildings as well as cutting power to thousands of residents.
Forecasters said Sunday an EF-2 tornado with wind speeds up to 115 to 125 mph touched down near Honesdale in Wayne County and traveled into Pike County. A smaller EF-1 tornado was confirmed touching down in Susquehanna County and heading into Wayne County near Pleasant Mount. Another EF-1 was active near Hawley in Wayne County and Lackawaxen in Pike County.
No injuries were reported. PPL spokeswoman Martha Herron said about 4,300 customers lost power. Brian Wrightson, emergency services director for the American Red Cross of Lackawanna County, says 50 to 80 properties had some damage and 14 people were displaced.
July 23, 2010
Williamsburg Man Accused Of Rape Craig Schaffer
A Williamsburg man is behind bars for a rape that allegedly occurred over the weekend.
State police say that around 12:30am Sunday, 29 year old James Russell Junior gave a minor alcohol and then forced the victim to have sex with him. According to police reports, the rape happened at a residence on Clover Creek Road in Woodbury Township.
Russell has been charged with Rape and other related charges. He was placed in Blair County Prison in lieu of $200,000 straight cash bail.
Two Altoona Men Charged In Child Pornography Cases Craig Schaffer
Child pornography charges have been filed against two Altoona men.
51 year old Roy Dilling, of 899 36th Street and 26 year old John Estep, of 2913 West Chestnut Avenue were nabbed in two separate investigations by state police computer crime investigators.
Court documents show that a search of Dilling’s home computer in May turned up 67 pictures of child pornography. The search warrant was obtained in April after a state trooper was able to access files Dilling was allegedly sharing over the Internet. Dilling has confessed to downloading the files.
Police say that Estep was discovered sharing files on the Internet on New Year's Day 2009 and that he tried to download a video which according to police showed the sexual assault of a 9-year-old Mexican girl.
When police searched Estep's computers they allegedly found folders used for downloading had been erased. Computer forensic techniques did however turn up 14 images of young girls on Estep's computer.
Both men have preliminary hears scheduled for Wednesday.
Police Name Suspect in Cambria Murder Chris Forshey
Police have named a suspect in a murder in Northern Cambria County.
According to court documents, authorities want to talk to Sherman Holes in connection with the murder of Arthur Henry. Holes – who is from Cherry Tree – is currently on the run. Police say he escaped capture after being assisted by a woman identified as Brenda Romania. She’s been arrested and is currently in the Clearfield County Prison.
Henry was found severely beaten in his Northern Cambria Borough home on June 30th. He died July 3rd from his injuries. Crime Stoppers has posted a $2-thousand reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Return of Very Hot Weather Poses Serious Health Risks, Health Department Warns Craig Schaffer
With very hot temperatures and high humidity forecast in the coming days, the Department of Health is again urging residents – and particularly older adults – to take steps that can help them to avoid serious illness or even death.
Although many of the heat-related deaths reported in recent weeks involved older adults, people of any age can experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke. At greatest risk of illness are people over 65, infants and young children, and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems, or chronic conditions.
Heat stroke, which can be fatal, occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature due to overheating and, in turn, loses the ability to sweat. Symptoms include a body temperature above 103° F; red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, call for emergency medical assistance and try to cool the person off in a shady place.
Heat exhaustion occurs after sun exposure or inadequate replenishing of fluids after spending time outside. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. If you experience these symptoms, immediately cool off, rest and drink water. If not treated, heat exhaustion may advance to heat stroke.
Other tips for remaining safe in very hot weather include:
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day;
• Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can increase the risk of dehydration;
• Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing;
• Stay out of the sun. If you must be outside, limit your activity to early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler;
• Air conditioning is the most effective way to cool off and prevent heat-related illness. If your home is not air-conditioned, spend a few hours at a mall or other air-conditioned place to cool off;
• Monitor high-risk individuals by checking on elderly neighbors and children; and
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle.
During heat waves, many communities and organizations such as senior centers set up “cooling stations” offering residents shelter from the heat. Contact your local government for information on cooling station locations.
Logan to Address Proposed Zoning Change August 12th Chris Forshey
Logan Township Supervisors will vote August 12th on whether or not to allow a proposed zoning change request to be taken up by the township’s planning commission.
The Durbin Companies are asking the board to allow a residential area near Penn State Altoona be rezoned an industrial site so the company can build more student housing units. The plans are met with strong opposition to nearby neighbors and other township residents.
Supervisor Dave Rhoa says the board will revisit the issue in august and then decide whether the project can move forward.
Rhoa
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The board has requested the developer to meet with the projects opponents to work through some of their differences ahead of the August meeting.
Labor Hearing Begins for New Cambria Home Owner AP
Attorneys for a health care company say they just recently learned that five of the 250 workers not rehired when the company bought Laurel Crest nursing home in Cambria County were union officials.
The Service Employees International Union is suing Grane Healthcare, claiming the company hasn't recognized the union since purchasing Laurel Crest Rehabilitation & Special Care Center near Johnstown. Cambria County sold the home to Grane effective January 1st for $14.3-million because the county was losing money and couldn't keep enough residents in the 370-bed home to justify its staff.
An administrative judge in Ebensburg is holding a hearing on claims by the National Labor Relations Board that Grane is violating labor laws. The hearing runs through today.
Logan Will Subdivide, Re-Appraise Former Building Complex Chris Forshey
Logan Township’s former municipal building is officially going back on the market.
Supervisors voted Thursday to apply for a subdivision to the City of Altoona, which will officially split the property into two parcels. The township will keep a newer, heated garage which is situated on 1.8 acres of land for its sewer department. Supervisor Ed Frontino says the other 4.4 acres, including the former building, will be re-appraised.
Frontino
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Frontino says there has been some recent interest in the property and he’s hopeful that it will eventually be sold.
Tuition to Jump 4.5-Percent at State-Related Schools AP
Students in Pennsylvania's 14 state-related universities are in line for a 4.5- percent tuition increase next year.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's governing board on Thursday passed a $1.5-billion budget that also includes a $26 jump in the technology fee for full-time resident students.
Tuition will typically go up by about $250. For a full-time, resident undergraduate, it will be just over $5,800. An on-campus resident student can expect to pay about $15,000 for tuition, fees, housing and meals next year.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education currently enrolls nearly 117,000 students.
Orie, Melvin Sought Guidance from 'Angel Lady' AP
Documents from a recent preliminary hearing show Republican state Senator Jane Orie and her sister, a Supreme Court justice, sought guidance from a woman who claims to hear whispered advice from angels in connection with ethics allegations.
Orie and a third sister, Janine, were ordered Wednesday to stand trial on charges they used Orie's taxpayer-funded staff to do campaign work for the senator and their sister, Justice Joan Orie Melvin.
Janine is an aide to Melvin, who hasn't been charged but was named in E-mails with the senator about the spirit guide. A grand jury is investigating Melvin's possible involvement in the ethics scheme.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported that a search warrant for E-mailed records shows the senator and justice sought advice last fall from a woman they called the "angel lady."
U.S. Appeals Court Blocks PA Ethics Panel Gag Rule AP
The U.S. Appeals Court say a gag rule that bars people from discussing complaints they file with the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission violates free-speech rights and cannot be enforced.
Thursday’s decision is a victory for state government reform crusader Gene Stilp, who complained the rule criminalizes truthful speech. State officials had argued that they don't want people tipping off public employees to potential investigations. They also said that word of a complaint being lodged against a candidate could influence elections.
But the appeals court concluded that a complainant's First Amendment rights trump those concerns. Senior U.S. Circuit Judge Jane Roth wrote for the three-judge panel saying "A blanket prohibition on disclosure of a filed complaint stifles political speech near the core of the First Amendment.
Lawyer Howard Hopkirk of the state attorney general's office had argued for criminal, not civil fines, for violating the ban -- saying some people might gladly risk civil fines in order to air allegations and potentially disrupt a campaign.
PA Courts Issue Guide for Cases of Abused Kids AP
Pennsylvania's Supreme Court is providing family court judges, lawyers and other specialists with a new guide for handling cases of abused or neglected children.
The court announced Thursday the release of the "Pennsylvania Dependency Benchbook," which draws together state law and provides examples of practices from around the country that can help judges and lawyers.
It's being distributed to all trial judges and people who work in the child dependency field throughout Pennsylvania. The book is part of the court's effort to reduce delays in placing at-risk children in safe, permanent homes.
The number of children in foster care in Pennsylvania is falling, from 21,000 four years ago to 16,000 in March.
July 22, 2010
City Man Faces Charges After Run-in with Police Craig Schaffer
An altercation at a local shopping center earlier this week resulted in an Altoona man being tasered by Allegheny Township police.
The incident happened Monday night at Walmart on Plank Road. 21 year old Philip Young, of 2011 3rd Avenue is accused of pushing a township police officer into traffic in front of the store.
Young and his ex-wife were involved in an argument when he pulled a stereo speaker from the vehicle they were in and threw it against another vehicle causing damage to a door.
According to police, Young yelled and swore at the officers called to the scene and ignored police attempts to calm him down. When police tried to handcuff him, Young allegedly pushed an officer, and after repeated warnings, he aggressively went after another officer.
After three more warnings Young was tasered by the police, subdued and arrested.
Young is facing charges of aggravated assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and harassment.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 29.
Heating Oil Mishap Forces Evacuation of Cambria Home Chris Forshey
A Cambria County family was forced out of their home Wednesday following a major fuel spill.
Cambria County 911 officials say a 250 gallon home heating fuel tank ruptured and the contents seeped into the basement of Janet Shade’s house along Mountaindale Road in Reade Township. The fuel made its way into the home’s septic tank and began to bubble up through the yard.
Firefighters from several departments worked throughout the afternoon trying to contain the spill.
Rendell Makes Case for Action on Transportation Chris Forshey
Governor Ed Rendell is trying to drive home the dire condition of Pennsylvania's highways, bridges and mass transit systems – but one local official says Republican lawmakers want to wait until after Rendell leaves office.
Rendell testified before the state Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday, and blitzed committee members with photos of deteriorating bridges and highways in their districts.
He warned them that those problems will not get fixed without new money, and presented lawmakers with a variety of ideas about how to raise more money, including an increase in the gas tax.
State Senator John Eichelberger disagrees and says it makes the most sense to address the issues in 2010 when new leadership has taken over.
Eichelberger
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Rendell says he will undertake a cross-state bus trip in August to illustrate the problem.
Newspaper Calls on Corbett to Step Down as AG Chris Forshey
Pennsylvania's largest newspaper says Tom Corbett should resign as state attorney general.
The Philadelphia Inquirer said in an editorial Wednesday that the Republican's interest in his campaign for governor is interfering with his duties as the state's top legal officer.
The Inquirer cited Corbett's filings in a pair of politically hot federal court cases. He has filed a brief supporting Arizona's immigration enforcement law and joined a challenge of the national health-care overhaul - actions that Democratic Governor Ed Rendell opposes. The newspaper also cited the ongoing investigation of legislative corruption that Corbett oversees.
Corbett campaign spokesman Kevin Harley says Corbett doesn't intend to resign. He says Corbett is an independently elected state official and is basing his actions on sound legal principles.
FBI Admits to Testing Bomb in Centre Region Chris Forshey
The Federal Bureau of Investigations admitted Wednesday that it made a bomb similar to the one found in New York City May 1st – and then detonated it in rural Centre County.
A spokesperson would only confirm that the test happened within 30 miles of State College. The bureau is not releasing the exact location or date – or even confirm if agents assigned to the State College Borough FBI office were involved in the project. Officials would only say that these types of tests were not uncommon.
The agency was trying to determine what kind of damage the device found in Time Square would have done if it had actually been detonated. Pakistani-American Faisal Shahzad pleaded guilty last month in the attempted bombing attack.
Senator Orie, Sister to Be Tried on Ethics Charges AP
An Allegheny County lawmaker and one of her sisters will stand trial on charges they used the state senator's taxpayer-funded staff for campaign work for herself and another sister.
State Senator Jane Orie and her sister, Janine, were charged in April with using Jane Orie's legislative staff to conduct campaign business.
Janine Orie was an aide to their sister Joan Orie Melvin while she was on the Superior Court and during the judge's two previous runs for the Supreme Court. Janine Orie is currently on paid suspension from that job. After three days of testimony from former staffers, Allegheny County Judge Donna Jo McDaniel heard brief closing arguments Wednesday and immediately ruled that the sisters were to stand trial on all charges.
Attorneys for both women said they were not surprised at the judge's decision but said they were confident of their chances of winning at trial.
PennDOT: 3,600 Bags of Trash Removed from Local Roadways Chris Forshey
More than 186,000 volunteers cleaned 19,373 miles of roads, trails and shorelines in Pennsylvania during the Great American Cleanup – which ran through the month of May.
PennDOT officials said Wednesday that more than 12 million pounds of trash was collected. There were a total of 4,822 reported cleanup events statewide. More than 104-thousand volunteers clean more than 12,300 miles of roadway.
In Blair County a total of 83 groups totaling 1,743 volunteers cleaned about 176 miles of roadway. PennDOT spokeswoman Tara Callahan-Henry says those volunteers removed 3,600 bags a trash – a huge cost savings to taxpayers.
Henry
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Over the past three years, the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania has yielded more than 29.5 million pounds of collected trash, involved 533,627 volunteers and resulted in 54,940 miles of roadways cleaned.
Benches Make Downtown Hollidaysburg More Comfortable Craig Schaffer
Downtown Hollidaysburg has become a more comfortable place to spend your time now that fourteen new street benches have been placed along Allegheny Street and in the Diamond.
The project, organized by the Hollidaysburg Community Partnership, allowed businesses, organizations and individuals to buy a bench in the name of their company or group, or in memory or honor of loved ones. The new benches were then dedicated to the Borough of Hollidaysburg with a plaque affixed to each bench reflecting the donor.
The project is part of an ongoing effort to improve the streetscape in Downtown Hollidaysburg. The Hollidaysburg Community Partnership’s plan also includes the installation of ten trash receptacles and seven bicycle racks.
Officials: Suspicious Package at Old Main ‘a Science Project’ Chris Forshey
Penn State University Police say a suspicious package found in front of Old Main early Wednesday afternoon was actually a science project.
University officials closed the area early Wednesday afternoon and alerted people to stay away from the area via the PSUTXT system. Officials say the package belonged to a summer camp group – and the leader returned to claim the package after the alert was sent out.
The cardboard box had wire hanging out of it. It was accidentally left behind by the group earlier in the day. Police officers reopened the area after an hour.
Penn State to Play Navy in 2012 Chris Forshey
Penn State will battle it out with a former opponent during the 2012 football season.
Athletic Director Tim Curley said Wednesday that the Nittany Lions and the Midshipmen will meet September 15, 2012 at Beaver Stadium. Penn State and Navy have played 37 times during the last century, but the two teams will be meeting for the first time since 1974.
Curley says Navy has a great football tradition and has returned to being one of the top football programs. The previously announced Temple game in 2012 will be moved to September 22nd – and the Nittany Lions will visit Virginia on September 8th.
July 21, 2010
Four People Injured In I-99 Crash Craig Schaffer
Four people were injured in a one vehicle crash on I-99 in Freedom Township Tuesday.
The accident happened around 5pm near exit 23. State police say that
an SUV driven by 56 year old Donald Izzett of Altoona went off the road onto the median where the driver-side wheels sank into the ground causing the vehicle to roll over. During the process of the SUV rolling on its side for about 150 feet, Donald Izzett and passenger Tammy Izzett were thrown from the vehicle. Passengers Kaylee and Zachary Miller, both minors, were extricated from the SUV by motorists who stopped to assist at the scene.
All four people in the vehicle were initially taken to Altoona Regional. Donald and Tammy Izzett were later flown to a Pittsburgh hospital with what police described as major injuries. Zachary Miller suffered moderate injuries in the crash while Kaylee Miller’s injuries were reported to be minor.
The crash remains under investigation
Blair Leader Backs Airport Authority’s FBO Decision Chris Forshey
Blair County’s commissioner liaison to the airport authority is backing the board’s decision to select DeGol Jet Center II as the facility’s new fixed based operator.
Commissioner Diane Meling said Tuesday that she feels the board worked hard and asked the right questions throughout the selection process. She says the DeGol’s have the right tools in place to begin generating new revenue.
Meling
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Meling says she can understand the frustration from competitor Altoona Aviation Services, but feels the process was handled correctly.
Meling
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DeGol Jet Center II has 30 days submit final plans and hash out a lease agreement with the authority.
Fire Damages Garage, Three Cars Chris Forshey
Altoona Fire officials are investigating a blaze that damaged a garage and three cars late Monday night.
The incident happened behind a home at 1904 5th Avenue. City fire inspector Mike Tofano tells WRTA News the fire broke out in the passenger compartment of a vehicle parked outside the garage. Flames from the car spread to the structure itself and two other vehicles parked inside.
Tofano says no one was hurt and the incident remains under investigation. A damage estimate has not been released. City firefighters called city police for backup during the fire because of a disturbance that broke out near the fire scene.
Police officials have not said if the two incidents are related – but neighbors say there was some type of argument between two men before the fire started.
AMCVB Drops East-West Football Game Chris Forshey
The Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has dropped it’s affiliation with the organizers of the East-West All Star Game.
The bureau made the announcement Tuesday, saying it was severing ties with the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches’ Association because the game didn’t meet the overall mission of the AMCVB. The vote by the bureau’s board was unanimous. Officials say that financial losses in recent years and the amount of staff time required to execute the event became too much.
More than 680 players and 120 coaches have participated in the East-West All Star Game over the past 10 years. The organization has awarded more than $70-thousand in scholarships to high school athletes. A PSFCA spokesman says the group will look at all their options and determine how to make the game possible in the future.
Blair to Close City Magistrate’s Office Chris Forshey
Blair County court officials will closes a magisterial district judge’s office in Altoona this September.
The announcement was made official at Tuesday’s weekly commissioner’s meeting. Criminal proceedings in District Court 24-1-01 were held by Judge Joseph Moran until his death last year. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says the decision to close the office is two fold – state budget cuts mean less money for the court system and because the city’s population is shrinking.
Tomassetti
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Tomassetti says the move would likely be mandated after the current census data is released. The city will be split into two judicial districts with 12th Street being designated the official dividing line.
Brothers Who Led Police On High Speed Chase Through Blair County Linked To Kansas Truck Theft Craig Schaffer
There's new information concerning the two brothers involved in last week's high-speed chase through Blair County in a stolen car.
It turns out that 22 year old Marlin Carpenter and 20 year old Nicholas Carpenter had fled the state of Kansas in a stolen pickup truck before coming to Pennsylvania to see their mother.
The seven mile pursuit of the Carpenters here in Blair County started when the stolen car they were in sped past a state trooper on Interstate 99 in Logan Township and ended in a ditch just off Bellemeade Drive in Antis Township.
Police had been on the lookout for the stolen truck from Kansas before the brothers allegedly stole a 2003 Buick Century from Indiana on July 15th.
Police continue to look for the stolen pickup.
Corbett Shrugs at Likely Passage of Jobs Bill Chris Forshey
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett shrugged reports Tuesday that Congress is likely to approve a Democratic bill to extend unemployment compensation benefits.
Corbett answered questions yesterday from about 75 students Central Pennsylvania College near Harrisburg, just as senators in Washington cleared the way for final action on the measure.
Corbett has taken heat recently for saying that jobs are available in Pennsylvania, but that some people would rather collect unemployment checks than go back to work. The state attorney general has said he favored an extension of federal benefits if the cost was offset by spending cuts, but he declined to pass judgment on the borrowing that the Democratic bill requires.
He said it's time to move on and build an economy with enough jobs to make unemployment compensation unnecessary.
Blue Knob, Shawnee State Parks Get New Manager Chris Forshey
A well-know local state park has a new manager.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Tuesday that Tony Willoughby will take over operations at Blue Knob State Park. The Kentucky native and former U.S. Army Sergeant will also oversee operations of the nearby Shawnee State Park.
Both park facilities draw more than 310-thousand visitors per year. Willoughby replaces Robert Bromley at Shawnee State Park and James Davis at Blue Knob State Park. Both Bromley and Davis retired in March.
Ex-Aide: Orie Assigned PA Staff Campaign Work AP
State Senator Jane Orie's former chief of staff says the lawmaker directed her and other taxpayer-funded staff members to do political campaign work for Orie and her sister, Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin.
The staffer, Jamie Pavlot, says she also helped Melvin's aide and sister, Janine Orie, do work for Melvin's campaigns in 2003 and 2009.
Pavlot's testimony came Tuesday during a hearing to determine whether Jane and Janine Orie will stand trial on charges of improperly using the senator's staff to do political work on state time. Melvin hasn't been charged and the Ories have denied wrongdoing.
Pavlot says Orie's staff did a wide range of work for both candidates, including stuff envelopes. She says one staffer spent more than 20 days driving Melvin to statewide campaign stops in 2003 alone.
Miracle Network Event Set For Blair County Ballpark Craig Schaffer
Ryder McDermitt, Pennsylvania’s Children’s Miracle Network Champion for 2010, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch at the Sunday July 25th Altoona Curve game.
Ryder is part of The Team Sarcoma/Brian Morden Foundation event, which hopes to raise awareness of sarcoma and to raise funds to support sarcoma research, clinical trials, and patient and family services.
The 2010 Team Sarcoma Initiative is an internationally coordinated set of events that are being held all over the world this week. More than 20,000 participants worldwide are expected.
Ryder is one of a number of children in the area battling or have battled cancer.
The Brian Morden Foundation, an Altoona based organization dedicated to fighting childhood cancer is sponsoring the “Fight for a Cure at the Curve,” event as part of The Team Sarcoma 2010 initiative. At least 4 local childhood cancer survivors are expected to attend the event and meet with some of the players prior to the game.
For more information contact the Brian Morden Foundation at 814-946-9369.
July 20, 2010
Altoona Police Investigating Attempted Abduction Chris Forshey
Altoona Police say a man attempted to abduct a teenaged girl.
It happened around 1:30PM Monday on the 400 Block of 10th Street. City police say the 13-year-old victim was approached by a while male driving a green sedan. Investigators say the suspect first offered the girl a ride – but then he exited the vehicle and tried to throw her into the backseat.
The victim got away. Police say the suspect is a thin while male in his 50’s. He was wearing a grey work shirt and had short facial hair. Anyone with information is urged to contact Altoona Police at 949-2490.
Teen Arrested in Altoona Crime Spree Chris Forshey
Altoona Police have arrested the man they say is responsible for a string of suspicious fires early Monday morning.
According to a police report, 18-year-old Nicholas Brandon Clemens has admitted to torching two donation bins and a trash dumpster located outside of the Salvation Army building on the 100 Block of 7th Avenue.
Police say Clemens and another man first tried unsuccessfully to steal a car from the Tin Cup parking lot on 6th Avenue. City detectives are trying to determine if Clemens is connected to another suspicious fire that broke out on the back porch of a home on the 100 Block of 6th Avenue at the same time.
The homeowner woke-up after his smoke detector went off. Damage was confined to the back porch. A vehicle parked outside of the victim’s residence was also spray painted with red paint. The investigation is ongoing.
On the heels of the fires set in the early morning hours Monday in Altoona, another blaze is under investigation.
City police tell WRTA News that someone set a fire behind 1904 5th Avenue a little after 11:00 last night. Three cars were damaged, one was totaled.
DeGol Awarded Blair Airport FBO Contract Chris Forshey
DeGol Aviation has been awarded a five-year contract to serve as the fixed-base operator at Altoona-Blair County Airport – but the decision didn’t come without any controversy.
Board members selected the Degol group in a 3-2 agreement over Altoona Aviation 8, a group of pilots, aircraft mechanics and flight instructors who had banned together in an effort to take over the operation left vacant by the termination of the airport’s contract with PennAir.
Authority member Debbie Shuster King says in the end it came down to generating revenue, and DeGol Aviation has a track record of doing that at other airports.
King
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Competitor Paul Nuss says some of the board members put their friends first.
Nuss
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Authority member Don Ruggery abstained from voting, citing his personal business dealings with the DeGol family.
Rendell Says He'd Sign Transportation Tax Boosts AP
Governor Ed Rendell says he supports increasing transportation fees and the state gasoline tax to raise money for highway, bridge and mass-transit projects.
At a Capitol news conference Monday, Rendell renewed his plea for the Legislature to reconvene this summer to approve funding to make up $472-million a year that disappeared when the federal government refused to approve toll booths along Interstate 80.
Rendell says he would support increasing all transportation fees - such as driver's licenses and vehicle registrations - by the rate of inflation since they were last increased. He says those proposals and an increase of about three pennies a gallon in the gasoline tax would generate the needed money.
Rendell says he'll ask legislative leaders to reconvene August 23rd - several weeks earlier than scheduled.
Poll: Toomey Maintains Lead Over Sestak Chris Forshey
Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey continues to hold a slight lead over his Democratic challenger Joe Sestak.
According to the latest Rasmussen poll released on Monday shows Toomey ahead 45-percent to Sestak’s 38-percent. Pollsters say 12-percent of the people they surveyed still remain undecided.
Sestak defeated current Senator Arlen Specter during May’s primary election.
Toomey, Sestak Spar on Earmarks, Jobless Benefits AP
The candidates running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania are sparring over earmarks and unemployment benefits.
Republican Pat Toomey on Monday called on Democrat Joe Sestak to return more than $100,000 in campaign donations from people who work for companies that received federal earmarks that he steered.
Sestak says he routinely returns money from the senior officers of those companies, but it's hard to track donations from lower-level employees. Sestak also says he's sponsored legislation to end earmarks, but won't stop advocating for his district while earmarks still exist.
Meanwhile, Sestak says he supports an emergency extension of federal unemployment benefits, even if Congress can't find the $30-billion-plus to pay for it. Toomey says he believes any extension should be offset by spending cuts first.
Penn State Study Says Service Jobs May Be at Risk AP
A Penn State study says Pennsylvania may be more susceptible than other states to losing jobs overseas.
The study says one-fourth of Pennsylvanians working in the service industry were vulnerable to having their jobs shipped abroad, and that Pennsylvania workers were more likely to hold "offshorable" jobs than the national average.
Service jobs most susceptible to being sent overseas are those considered routine, and which do not require face-to-face contact or regional knowledge. They include call center employees, payroll and radiology.
The study cited lower wages and the ability to avoid employee benefits among reasons to ship jobs overseas. Author David Passmore says such cost savings may be especially appealing to employers in a recession.
Prosecutor Opens Orie Case by Defending Ethics Act AP
A county prosecutor opened his case against state Senator Jane Orie and her sister on Monday not with witnesses detailing the crimes she is accused of committing, but rather with bureaucrats defending the state ethics law being used to prosecute her.
The Pittsburgh-area Republican and her sister, Janine Orie, were charged in April with conspiring to use the senator's taxpayer-funded staff to do political work for her and a third sister, state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin. The sisters have denied wrongdoing and Melvin has not been charged.
Janine Orie was suspended from her $67,000-a-year job as Melvin's aide when she was charged in April by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.'s office. Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Claus spent Monday morning questioning the head of the state ethics commission and the chief clerk of the state Senate.
A judge must decide whether sufficient evidence exists to hold the case for trial.
July 19, 2010
Coroner Rules Out Foul Play And Suicide In Local Iraq Ware Veteran Death Craig Schaffer
A mishandled gun resulted in a death in Snyder Township last week.
22 year old Christopher Chamberlain of Tyrone was killed Friday night when a gun accidentally discharged. Over the weekend Blair County Coroner Patricia Ross said that the gunshot wound to the head was apparently self inflicted as the gun discharged while being handled by Chamberlain.
The Iraq war veteran was one of four men at a Decker Hollow Road residence when the tragedy occurred. Ross has ruled out foul play and suicide. Alcohol may have been involved in the incident but no one was determined to be legally intoxicated. State police continue to investigate the shooting.
Chamberlain was a 2006 Tyrone Area School District graduate who had served in the Marines, including two tours in Iraq. Memorial services for Chamberlain will be held at 11am on Tuesday at the First English Lutheran Church in Tyrone.
Suspicious Persons Reported In Several Blair County Neighborhoods Craig Schaffer
Concern over suspicious persons roaming through some Blair County neighborhoods triggered a high volume of calls to state police over the weekend.
The calls came in between 4 and 7pm Saturday from residents of Stonehedge, Sylvan Heights, and surrounding areas in Frankstown Township. When police made contact with several of the individuals in question they were provided information and documentation showing that they were employed by KLMN Reader Services Incorporated of Chesapeake Virginia.
State police say that while many people were alarmed by the conversations they had with these salespeople, no crimes were reported.
One Vehicle Crash Injures Two Over The Weekend In Freedom Township
Two people from Bedford were injured on Saturday in a one vehicle accident in Freedom Township.
State police say that a little after 4:30 pm 30 year Greg Swartzwelder fell asleep at the wheel while driving along Interstate-99 at the Mountain Road intersection. The car left the roadway, hit a guard-rail and went airborne. The car then landed and hit the berm of Mountain Road and rolled over onto its roof.
Swartzwelder and his nine year old passenger, Catherine Swartzwelder each sustained moderate injuries in the crash.
Blair County Prison Makes Changes To System Of Isolation Craig Schaffer
Blair County prison is set for changes that will increase its capacity.
The creation of an area designated to house about 10 inmates who must be isolated from other inmates will put the prison’s capacity to 350 beds.
A series of changes is actually taking place with the prison's chapel being turned into an inmate housing area, the chapel being relocated into what once was the law library and the law library moving into a former office area.
In the past, Blair County has met costly court demands to keep certain inmates away from other inmates by arranging housing at another prison.
Disruptive Behavior Cited In Pennsylvania Hospitals AP
A Pennsylvania state agency has released a report examining what it calls "disruptive behavior" by health care workers.
The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, which studies medical errors and "near-misses" at Pennsylvania health care facilities, said it found 177 incidents of disruptive behavior by health care workers during a 31-month period ending last October.
The incidents cited, which mostly involve doctors, include a surgeon storming out of the operating room, leaving others to finish the job, or dropping instruments on the floor and using the items on a patient, ignoring an offer of replacements. No names or places are revealed.
Many of the incidents stemmed from conflicts between doctors and nurses, the physician often ignoring a concern raised by a nurse or was uncooperative when asked to clarify a written order, the report said.
The authority said such incidents may result from a hospital hierarchy that allows high-ranking doctors and staff members to get away with disruptive and intimidating behavior, which can leave other employees feeling ignored or afraid to point out errors or raise concerns.
The solution, the report said, is creating a culture in which employees at all levels are encouraged to express concerns, and all concerns are addressed - and there is "zero-tolerance" for disruptive behavior.
The report refers to a survey of 2,100 doctors and nurses that found a "fundamental lack of respect" between the two groups. Another survey of nurses cited calls to doctors to clarify orders as the main trigger of disruptive behavior; surveys of doctors indicate frustration over orders not being carried out correctly or on time.
Pennsylvania health care facilities have since 2005 been required to report medical errors and near-misses to the authority, which looks for causes and ways to prevent them. The body cannot punish doctors or hospitals so people are not discouraged from reporting incidents.
Control Of Pa. House Up For Grabs In Fall Election AP
If Republicans pick up just three seats in the 203-member Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the November election, it could bring sweeping policy changes to a state that can't seem to make up its mind whether it wants to be blue or red.
There will be plenty to talk about on the campaign trail, from the dysfunctional budget process and state spending to the "bonusgate" corruption cases and lingering resentment over the 2005 pay raise and the 2001 pension grab.
The campaign news this summer has focused on the two high-profile races for governor and U.S. Senate, but the outcome of legislative races could largely determine what the state does about its multibillion-dollar budget shortfall, the funding crisis for public-sector pensions and redistricting - not to mention the thousands of bills lawmakers will introduce over the coming two-year session.
The House is currently controlled by Democrats, 104-99, and Republicans are salivating at the chance to parlay a favorable national political climate into a return after four years to majority status.
The Senate is expected to remain firmly in GOP control, and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett currently leads in polls over Democrat Dan Onorato.
Pennsylvania has two Democratic U.S. senators and a majority of Democrats in its congressional delegation. But Republicans came out ahead in last year's state judicial elections and have momentum going into the Nov. 2 balloting.
At this point, campaign strategists in both parties are trying to get a handle on the best places to direct their resources, a more-art-than-science process that assesses poll numbers, fundraising figures and the political skills of individual candidates.
Bill To Consolidate Pa. Government Protested AP
A state lawmaker's proposal for Pennsylvania's counties to absorb municipal governments and be made responsible for local services is drawing fire from local government officials.
Democratic State Representative Thomas Caltagirone of Berks County, sponsored legislation earlier this year under which Pennsylvania's 67 counties would assume all responsibility for local services, including road repairs, police and fire services, and zoning. The proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate townships, boroughs and cities.
Caltagirone said he does not expect such a bill to pass but wanted to start a serious discussion about the cost and inefficiency of the current fragmented system of local government that includes some 2,566 municipalities.
The bill will get a hearing Aug. 18 in Harrisburg, and Caltagirone says he expects opponents to show up in force.
The Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors has suggested that townships across the commonwealth pass resolutions in opposition, and executive director David Sanko says hundreds have done so.
Pa. To Limit Free Rides To Methadone Clinics AP
Pennsylvania officials are moving to limit free rides for heroin addicts to distant methadone clinics in more than one-third of the counties in the commonwealth as part of a revision to state policy that oversees the medical assistance transportation program.
Under the change beginning in September, the state will cap payments made to reimburse addicts who drive long distances for methadone treatment. Only 25 cents per mile, and up to 50 miles per trip, will be provided for participants to drive to one of the two closest clinics to their homes.
The program currently reimburses unlimited mileage for travel to any clinic that a participant chooses in a 10-county region.
The medical assistance transportation program provides free rides to doctors and other treatment centers for people who receive public assistance. The policy change would affect only those who drive themselves to methadone clinics, and those who get there by taxi or by bus will not be limited in where they receive treatment.
The state Senate last month authorized an audit of the transportation program to determine how much taxpayer money was used to pay for rides to methadone clinics.
July 16, 2010
Detroit Man Arrested On Drug Charges In Blair County Craig Schaffer
A Detroit man was arrested in Blair County Thursday on drug charges.
27 year old Larry Johnson was picked up by Allegheny Township police at a hotel on Plank Road.
During a search of the man’s room police say they found $1,500 in $100 bills, $1,850 in $50 bills and an undisclosed amount of marijuana. Johnson allegedly had another $2,000 in cash and digital scales in his pockets.
Johnson charged with possession with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana, and other offenses.
There also is at least one other person under investigation in the case.
Johnson was placed in Blair County Prison in lieu of $20,000 cash bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 22.
Drug Agents Raid Altoona Home Craig Schaffer
An Altoona home was targeted by drug agents Thursday.
As a result of a recent investigation, 38 year old Gene Carter, of 611 5th Avenue, was arrested. Carter allegedly sold an ounce of cocaine to an undercover officer in March. Police say that Carter used another person to make the deal that went down on the 700 block of Bell Avenue.
Carter has a history of drug arrests including tose for charges brought against him in Philadelphia before he moved to Blair County about eight years ago. He has since had a couple of clashes with the law involving drugs previous to this latest arrest.
Carter’s preliminary hearing is set for July 21st.
Teen Rampage Suspect Remains Jailed Chris Forshey
A preliminary hearing for a Blair County teenager accused of going on an arson and car theft spree last month has been delayed.
19-year-old Brian Notestine was formally arraigned Thursday morning on a laundry list of criminal charges – but his preliminary hearing was rescheduled for August 5th. Notestine was taken into custody June 18th after Police say he stole several cars and allegedly lit several fires.
Notestine remains behind bars in the Blair County Prison after failing to post $500,000 bail.
PSP: Border Collie Taken During Burglary Chris Forshey
State Police say a dog was taken during some burglaries in the Antis Township-Bellwood Borough area over the Fourth of July.
Troopers are investigating at least three home break-ins where thieves stole money and other items. Investigators say an 8-month-old border collie belonging to Michael Stephens of Tyrone and Theresa Snyder of Altoona was taken during one of the burglaries.
Anyone with information is urged to contact State Police at Hollidaysburg at 696-61-00.
Snake Bitten Puppy On Road To Recovery Craig Schaffer
The 7-month-old pup who suffered a rattlesnake bite to his snout Tuesday is on his way to recovery.
The young dog was bitten while walking with it’s owners along the bottom of the Allegheny Portage Railroad Trace Trail.
The $700 dose of antivenom was too expensive for the family, so they took the advice of an area veterinarian and gave the dog Benadryl.
The dog has passed the critical stage in his recovery and is scheduled for a checkup next week.
Officials Working to Identify Illegal Dumpsites Chris Forshey
There are more than 116 illegal dumpsites scattered throughout Blair County.
Officials with PA Cleanways and the Blair County Department of Solid Waste held a news conference Thursday near an illegal trash dump off McMahon Road in Altoona to bring attention to the issue. DOSW director Terry Stacey says there is a total of 167.5 tons of trash and more than 2,000 tires scattered throughout the county.
Stacey says those figures are likely just a fraction of the amounts of trash that’s really out there.
Stacey
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PA Cleanways spokeswoman Susan Urchek says 38 of the sites are within 50 feet of some body or type of water flow. She says people can face hefty fines for improperly disposing of garbage and rubbish. Officials say 77-percent of the content found at the dumpsites in Blair County is recyclable.
Blair Officials Hosting Statewide Conference Next Week Chris Forshey
County officials from all over Pennsylvania will gather in Blair County next week for the 83rd annual conference of the Register of Wills and Clerks of the Orphans Courts Association.
Blair County Register of Wills Mary Ann Bennis says it’s been more than 60 years since the county has hosted an event this big. Bennis says there is plenty scheduled to keep everyone in attendance busy.
Bennis
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Bennis says it’s also an opportunity for local officials to showcase what Blair County has to offer.
PA Jobless Rate Still High, But Level, in June AP
Pennsylvania's jobless rate remained unchanged in June, and Governor Ed Rendell says that's one reason Congress needs to approve an extension of emergency unemployment benefits.
The Department of Labor and Industry said Thursday that the statewide unemployment rate was 9.2-percent last month - the same as the adjusted rate for May.
Pennsylvania lost 6,300 jobs last month, mostly to the phase-out of temporary census jobs, but gained more than 64,000 jobs during the first half of the year. Still, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians are looking for work. Rendell said Americans need two things these days - good-paying jobs for citizens and "a Congress that does its job."
The state had initially reported May's jobless rate as 9.1-percent.
PA State Police Ordered to Disclose Moonlighting AP
The Pennsylvania State Police must release most of its records about work that its employees perform while they are off-duty, the state Office of Open Records has ruled.
The office concluded in Wednesday's decision that the state police erred in withholding information about employee moonlighting in response to a right-to know request filed in May by The Associated Press.
The regulatory agency gave the state police 30 days to release all requests, decisions and other records involving outside work by employees. State police spokesman Jack Lewis said the department had not yet received a copy of the decision. The department has 30 days to decide whether to appeal to Commonwealth Court.
Earlier this year, a moonlighting state trooper was connected to the off-field carousing and legal problems of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Pittsburgh Steelers star sometimes used the trooper friend as his personal assistant.
Specter Will Vote ‘Yes’ on Kagan Chris Forshey
Senator Arlen Specter says he will support the nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court despite what he calls her "non-answers" to senators' questions during confirmation hearings.
In an op-ed piece published Thursday in USA Today, the Pennsylvania Democrat and past critic of Kagan said she "did just enough to win my vote." Specter, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, cited Kagan's openness to televised Supreme Court proceedings and her pick of Justice Thurgood Marshall as her role model.
Specter voted last year against confirming Kagan to her current post as solicitor general. He was then a Republican, and has said he opposed her because she wouldn't answer questions about how she'd approach cases. Specter, who switched parties last year, acknowledged in his op-ed that Kagan was following other high court nominees in giving evasive responses. "
Two Pittsburgh TV Stations Pulling Anti-Sestak Ad AP
A newspaper says two Pittsburgh-area television stations are pulling a commercial attacking the voting record of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Thursday that Sestak had complained about the accuracy of the ad sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It began airing Monday and says Sestak voted "with Nancy Pelosi 100 percent of the time" and for "a government takeover of health care."
Sestak's campaign called both statements false and protested to 16 stations that are airing it. A letter to the campaign from stations WPGH and WPMY says the ad will be discontinued because "it is not true that Sestak voted with Pelosi 100 percent of the time."
The chamber's ad is independent of Sestak's opponent, former U.S. Representative Pat Toomey.
July 15, 2010
City Officials Mum About Ongoing Police Investigation Chris Forshey
Altoona City Council is still not commenting on an ongoing criminal investigation involving at least three city police officers.
State Police investigators have yet to announce any charges in connection with the May 31st incident at Pelligrine’s Lounge, where two men were allegedly beaten in a bathroom by the off-duty cops. Reporters questioned council about the case Wednesday night after Chief Janice Freehling was called into a lengthy executive session to discuss personnel matters.
Council would only say ‘no comment’ when asked later about any new developments. Freehling turned the case over to State Police after learning that some of her officers may be involved in the altercation. Council would not say if those officers still remain on duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Council Supports Zoning Change for New Drugstore Chris Forshey
Altoona City Council has introduced an ordinance to rezone a parcel of land near the Altoona Hospital for a new Walgreen’s drug store.
Council went against the city planning commission’s recommendation of having the company construct a street front store like other businesses located downtown. Walgreen’s developer told council that they want the building to sit back from the street, just like their recently constructed store on Pleasant Valley Boulevard.
Councilman Bruce Kelley says the city has to show it can work with developers to encourage and support new business growth.
Kelley
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The complete parcel will be rezoned from residential to light industrial. The ordinance will sit for 30 days before a final vote next month.
Traffic Changes to Stay in Garden Heights Chris Forshey
Traffic changes in one Altoona neighborhood are here to stay.
City Council introduced an ordinance Wednesday night that will make the newly installed stop signs and one-way streets in the Garden Heights neighborhood permanent fixtures. City officials made the changes earlier this year after residents complained about the excessive amount of non-neighborhood traffic that passes through on a daily basis.
Mayor Bill Schirf says so far residents seem to be pleased with changes.
Schirf
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Council calls the changes a work-in-progress. Officials say they will readdress the issue at a later date if the situation warrants it.
Baker Mansion Springhouse Gets New Life Chris Forshey
A spring house located in the front of the Baker Mansion has been officially restored.
Officials say the spring originally opened in 1849 and provided water to workers at the Allegheny Furnace. The springhouse is designed to look like a turtle. The spring itself has since been diverted and is no longer operational.
Elias Baker and his family moved to the property in the 1800’s and the family owned most of what is now Altoona. Two local businessmen made the restoration project a reality. Baker Mansion is owned by the Blair County Historical Society.
IRC Begins Recycling Bin Distribution Chris Forshey
New recycling bins are now available for free to residents of Blair County.
The Intermunicipal Relations Committee began distributing the blue containers at Reservoir Park in Tyrone on Wednesday. The capacity of the bins ranges from 18 to 25 gallon sizes. IRC officials say they hope the larger bins will encourage people to recycle more. The cost of the containers is being covered by a state grant designed to enhance collection efforts.
A second bin distribution day is scheduled for Friday at the VIP parking lot at Blair County Ballpark. Distribution hours are Noon to 7:00PM. The new recycling bins are available for residents of Tyrone, Altoona, Hollidaysburg and Logan Township.
PA Turnpike Approves Toll Increases for 2011 AP
Motorists on the Pennsylvania Turnpike are in store for higher tolls come January.
The turnpike commission said Wednesday that people paying with cash will see a 10-percent increase, while E-ZPass customers will pay 3-percent more.
It'll be the first time that E-ZPass drivers will pay less than others for the same trip. The new rates are scheduled to take effect January 2nd.
Tolls went up 3-percent six months ago after rising 25-percent in January 2009. Officials say the increases are necessary to offset the rising costs.
Poll Shows Toomey, Sestak Even in PA Senate Race AP
Republican Pat Toomey and Democrat Joe Sestak are running even in a new poll in Pennsylvania's closely watched race for an open U.S. Senate seat.
The Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday shows both men at 43-percent.
It is the Connecticut school's first post-primary survey in the race. The numbers changed little since Quinnipiac released a May 13 poll that showed Toomey with 42-percent to Sestak's 40-percent. In the new poll, just 12-percent say they're undecided. Independent voters in the poll favor Toomey, 44-percent to 35-percent.
The telephone poll of 1,367 Pennsylvania voters was conducted during the six days that ended Sunday.
The sampling error margin is plus or minus 2.7-percentage points. The election is November 2nd.
Charges Against Ex-Revenue Secretary Sent to Court AP
A district judge ruled Wednesday that prosecutors showed sufficient evidence to send the public corruption case against a former state lawmaker and revenue secretary to county court for trial.
District Judge William Wenner has ruled that 61-year-old Stephen Stetler will face trial in the theft, conspiracy and conflict-of-interest charges filed against him.
Stetler resigned from Governor Ed Rendell's Cabinet shortly before charges against him were announced in December. He represented a York district in the House for 16 years and helped coordinate the House Democrats' campaign efforts from 2003 to 2006, when he left the Legislature.
He is accused of using taxpayer-paid employees to perform campaign duties that included research on opposing candidates. Stetler defense attorney Joshua Lock says the evidence against Stetler is weak and noted the standard for deciding whether the case should go to Common Pleas Court for trial is relatively low.
Fraternity On Trial In Pa. Student's Death AP
A central Pennsylvania judge must decide whether a fraternity accused of providing alcohol to a freshman should be held responsible for the student's death last fall.
Alpha Tau Omega is on trial in the death of 18-year-old Penn State student Joseph Dado, whose body was found in September at the bottom of a stairwell. The fraternity says it should not be held responsible for acts of individual members.
Judge Thomas King Kistler heard testimony Tuesday in the nonjury trial in Centre County and told attorneys to submit their arguments in writing within three weeks.
Fraternity attorney Kathleen Yurchak says the party was not sanctioned by the fraternity. But prosecutor Nathan Boob says the beer was purchased with fraternity money, and members were checking that those entering were potential rush recruits but were not checking their IDs.
Pennsylvanians Reminded to Take Precautions to Reduce Exposure to Mosquitoes that Could Carry West Nile Virus Craig Schaffer
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reminds Pennsylvanians to take precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes as the season arrives for West Nile virus, or WNV, infections.
This year, mosquito sampling is showing earlier and more frequent evidence of WNV circulation in Southeastern Pennsylvania than in recent years.
Although WNV has reappeared every summer in Pennsylvania since first detected 10 years ago, the positive findings in 2010 are earlier -- and in greater numbers – than those seen in the last few years, which could indicate that the risk to humans may also be higher this year.
The mosquitoes that transmit WNV breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. Ideal locations include clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots, and other types of plastic containers.
Some simple steps to eliminate standing water around your home include:
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires, or any object on your property that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
• Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains;
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use;
• Do not let water stagnate in birdbaths;
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish;
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers;
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property; and
• Standing water that cannot be eliminated should be treated with Bti products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement, and other stores. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of day or night, they are most active at dawn and dusk. When engaged in outdoor activities, people can avoid mosquito bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellants and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.
For a fact sheet on the West Nile virus, including symptoms, please visit www.health.state.pa.us, click on “Diseases and Conditions” and alphabetically locate the fact sheet. For more information about West Nile virus, including current test results for mosquitoes, birds and horses, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us or call 1-800
July 14, 2010
Overnight Party Lands City Woman in Jail Craig Schaffer
A city woman is in jail today following a party overnight involving alcohol and minors.
Police say 34 year old Ruth Williams was intoxicated and was providing alcohol to underage drinkers at a party at her home on the 1400 block of 3rd Avenue. When police broke up the bash around 3:30 this morning, they found William’s son was also present.
Williams now faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, and furnishing alcohol to minors. She was also arrested on a Sheriff’s warrant and placed in Blair County Prison.
Four other arrests were made, all for underage drinking.
Two Vehicle Crash Closes Area Roadway Tuesday Craig Schaffer
Two people escaped serious injury Tuesday in a head on crash that closed down a portion of Route 764 for an hour.
Police say the accident happened around 7pm near Sugar Run Road in Allegheny Township. A southbound SUV driven by Dave Gracey Junior of Altoona crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming pickup truck driven by Aaron McFarland, also of Altoona. The crash caused the pickup truck to flip over. Only minor injuries were reported.
Rendell: Layoffs Could Happen Soon Chris Forshey
Governor Ed Rendell is warning the state’s labor unions that massive layoffs could begin soon.
State officials aren’t saying how many workers might be left go – but it’s expected to be several hundred positions. Some layoffs were predicted as the result of the new state budget. But Rendell says Pennsylvania isn’t any closer to getting the needed federal stimulus dollars that are needed to keep the layoffs at a minimum.
Rendell says the state has no extra money and officials will again reevaluate the situation within the next two weeks.
Blair Officials Seek Grant for Security Upgrade Chris Forshey
Blair County officials are seeking some grant money to make an upgrade to the courthouse’s security system.
Sheriff Mitch Cooper told county leaders Tuesday that the county was eligible for up to $38,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Cooper tells WRTA News the current system is ready for a makeover.
Cooper
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Cooper says the system is vital to keeping the building secure. The commissioners say they would need a 25-percent match for the project to happen and that could be worked into the county’s 2011 budget.
Blair Being Reimbursed Sheriff’s Training Expenses Chris Forshey
Blair County officials say they are now being fully reimbursed for the costs of training new sheriff’s deputies.
Sheriff Mitch Cooper told the board Tuesday that the state has paid the county $17,000 since January for expenses his office incurred. Cooper says that practice wasn’t consistent in the past and the county is now collecting the money it’s owed.
Commissioner Diane Meling says it involves a lot of paperwork, but officials need to be collecting as much money as possible. Officials don’t know how much money the county might have missed out on. The state pays the costs of training deputies to participate and complete the basic law enforcement course through Penn State University.
Blair Adds Interactive Property Maps to Tax Office Chris Forshey
Blair County residents will soon be able to get a detailed photographic map of their property – complete with all structures, physical boundaries and parcel measurements added on.
The map printing service will be up and running within the next week and will allow anyone looking to buy and sell properties the ability to obtain all information in one complete GIS photograph. Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says the project has been in the works for some time.
Tomassetti
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The maps will be available as soon as the board adopts a new fee schedule. Each map will be available in big and small sizes and come in color or black and white schemes.
Bill Would Limit Pensions of PA Lawmakers AP
A state lawmaker from western Pennsylvania says legislators should set an example by limiting their own pensions.
Westmoreland County Republican Tim Krieger has introduced a bill that would shift benefit plans for new and current members of the General Assembly from set plans to defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s.
Krieger says failure to pass it before the session ends in November will be evidence that lawmakers put their own interest before the public interest. Brett Marcy, a spokesman for House Democrats, says Krieger is one of six members who voted in June against a measure aimed at bringing long-term financial stability to the public pension systems.
Senate Republicans say that plan to cut back on short-term payments will cost taxpayers $27-billion over 30 years.
Corbett Favors Alternatives to Public School AP
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Tom Corbett says that one of his first actions as governor would be to advocate making public money available to pay for tuition at parochial and other private schools.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Corbett on Tuesday praised the "school choice" agenda championed by Anthony Hardy Williams in his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for governor. He says it would force underperforming public schools to improve or risk losing the taxpayer dollars.
Corbett said he would support vouchers and other mechanisms that allow families to redirect a portion of the public funds used to educate their children to private schools, including parochial schools and charter schools. He acknowledged that such a major change would require much discussion with the Legislature.
Corbett also said he wants to explore privatizing the liquor and wine business - but not the state prisons - as a way to balance the state budget without breaking his pledge not to increase state taxes. He left open the door to increases in fees for such things as vehicle registrations and driver's licenses.
Clearfield Well Blowout Report Cites Mistakes, Training AP
A consultant says rig workers' inexcusable failure to use enough pressure-control devices led to a natural gas well blowout in Pennsylvania last month.
Consultant John Vittitow's report released Tuesday also criticizes the drilling crew's lack of training and proper testing of equipment.
He says he knows of no company that would cut the same corners on such a well. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection promptly ordered all companies to obey a set of safety procedures designed to prevent a repeat accident. Department Secretary John Hanger is warning other companies against cutting the same corners and says the incident has been embarrassing to Texas-based EOG Resources Inc.
Explosive gas and toxic wastewater blasted out of control for 16 hours at EOG's Marcellus Shale site in rural Clearfield County in early June. No one was hurt.
Romanelli Sues Pa. Dems Over '06 Ballot Challenge AP
A Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate in 2006 has sued the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, the Pennsylvania House Democratic caucus and seven people over a successful effort to get a court to throw him off the ballot.
Carl Romanelli filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in Scranton, alleging the work to challenge his nominating petitions violated his constitutional rights.
He claims the defendants used taxpayer-funded resources to mount a "Herculean" effort to have him disqualified in the election. Democrat Bob Casey went on to defeat incumbent Republican Sen. Rick Santorum that year.
The defendants include Rep. Bill DeWeese; former Rep. Mike Veon; Democratic House aides Bob Caton and Karen Steiner; and former Democratic House aides Mike Manzo, Jeff Foreman and Brett Cott. Also named were "John and Jane Does, 1-100, individually and as employees of the House Democratic caucus and co-conspirators."
The Romanelli challenge formed the basis of charges against Veon and Cott in their recently concluded public corruption criminal trial. Although both men were convicted of some charges in the case, and are currently serving prison sentences, they were acquitted of counts that pertained to the Romanelli challenge.
After the verdict, the foreman said jurors felt it was not fair to hold the two liable for what jurors saw as a widespread effort.
July 13, 2010
Cunningham Agrees to Plea Deal for 2008 Murder Chris Forshey
A Duncansville man will spend the next 14-35 years in state prison after agreeing to a no-contest plea of third degree murder.
21-year-old Ryan Cunningham was sentenced by a Blair County Judge Monday shortly after his lawyers struck the deal with District Attorney Richard Consiglio and the family of the victim. The agreement came on the first day of jury selection for Cunningham’s upcoming murder trial.
Cunningham had agreed to a similar plea earlier this year, but changed his mind and later opted for a jury trial. He was arrested and charged in April of 2008 with murdering 18-year-old Shawn Noel during an altercation over a girl.
Consiglio says justice has been served and the conviction will keep Cunningham behind bars for at least the next two decades.
Consiglio
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Cunningham will also be ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and restitution upon his release from prison.
Fake Money Passes at Third Northern Blair Business Chris Forshey
More funny money has been uncovered in northern Blair County.
State Police at Hollidaysburg say this time the victim is the Martin’s Grocery Store in Bellemeade. Troopers say someone passed a counterfeit $20 bill over the weekend. It’s the third theft by deception case to surface since Memorial Day. Austin’s Texas Hotdogs and Jean-o’s pizza have also been scammed.
Police are asking business owners and clerks to be on the lookout for the suspicious bills.
Blair May Expand Prison Staff to Alleviate Overtime Chris Forshey
Blair County leaders may expand the prison’s fill-in staff to help eliminate escalating overtime costs.
Salary Board members on Monday approved another $20,000 in overtime payouts since June. Controller Richard Peo says the costs are stemming from higher than normal call-offs, summer vacation absences -- and because the prison now handles some of the duties that use to fall under the sheriff’s department.
Peo says expanding the number of fill-in employees financially makes the most sense.
Peo
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Peo says the prison still remains well under its allotted 2010 budget.
Vandals Deface Northern Bedford School Building Chris Forshey
State Police are looking for the vandals who defaced the exterior of the New Paris Elementary School in the Chestnut Ridge School District.
Troopers say the incident happened sometime around the Fourth of July holiday weekend. According to a police report, the actors painted expletives and symbols on the backside of the school building.
Police have no suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact State Police in Bedford.
Onorato Lukewarm on Extension of Jobless Benefits AP
Democratic gubernatorial canididate Dan Onorato is defending unemployment compensation as a vital but temporary lifeline for out-of-work Pennsylvanians – but he was lukewarm about supporting his party's efforts in Washington to extend federal jobless benefits.
Onorato hedged Monday when asked about stalled legislation in Congress to extend emergency federal payments to people whose 26 weeks of state-paid benefits have run out.
The House has approved the $33-billion proposal, but Republicans in the Senate have repeatedly blocked a similar measure on grounds that it would increase the national debt. Onorato says he’s not opposed to it but that it’s not his issue. He says his issue is to get jobs back to Pennsylvania.
Onorato, Allegheny County's elected executive, touted his plan for attracting new jobs and took another swipe at Republican foe Tom Corbett for "insulting the hardworking men and women of Pennsylvania" by suggesting last week that some would rather collect unemployment checks than return to work.
Court: Veon Must Stay in Jail While He Appeals AP
A state appellate court says former House Democratic whip Mike Veon must stay in prison while he appeals his conviction and prepares for another criminal trial.
The state Superior Court upheld the ruling of the Dauphin County trial judge. It delivered the decision late Friday. Veon was sentenced to at least six years in prison last month for his role in a scheme that used taxpayer resources for election campaigns and paid bonuses to state employees who helped those efforts.
A trial on separate charges that Veon diverted grant money from a nonprofit group for his personal and political benefit is slated to start in September. Veon has been in the Camp Hill Correctional Institute since June 18.
Toomey, Sestak Duel Over Bailout, Financial Reform AP
Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate candidates are jousting over who is more in touch.
Republican Pat Toomey and Democrat Joe Sestak held events just blocks away in suburban Philadelphia on Monday.
Toomey is highlighting Congressman Sestak's U.S. House votes in favor of bailing out Wall Street, the American auto industry and mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The former congressman says the bailouts are a waste of money and reward irresponsible behavior. Sestak says the bailouts saved countless jobs and homes. He also says Toomey is abandoning people who were hit hard after the government let them down so badly.
The men also sharply disagree over a Democratic-penned Senate bill intended to police consumer lending and prevent another financial bubble that leads to a recession. Sestak supports it, Toomey doesn't.
Specter Trying To Stimulate Israel-Syria Talks AP
Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter flew to the Middle East over the weekend to try to stimulate talks between Israel and Syria.
Specter told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in an interview Monday that he met with Syrian President Bashar Assad and Israeli officials. He says both sides have an interest in starting talks without preconditions.
The Democratic Senator also said such talks have always depended on "a heavy press by the United States." He did not go into detail about the discussions but expressed optimism.
Turkey had been trying to mediate talks between Israel and Syria, but relations soured after Israel's raid in May on a Turkish flotilla that was trying to break Israel's blockade in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of nine civilians.
Claysburg Man Facing Cruelty to Animals Charge Chris Forshey
State Police have charged a Claysburg man with cruelty of animals after he allegedly neglected his two pet ferrets.
Troopers say 48-year-old Dale Allen Dively kept the animals caged with no food or water. One of the ferrets died.
Dively is facing one count of cruelty to animals. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled for a later date.
July 12, 2010
Woman Allegedly Raped At Area Lake Craig Schaffer
An Ebensburg man has been arrested in connection with a rape over the weekend at Lake Raystown.
State police at Huntingdon say that they received a report that a 23 year old woman had been raped around 1am Sunday on a boat moored in a cove on the lake in Penn Township.
Other people on the boat when the act allegedly occurred reported the incident and then made the accused, 24 year old Joseph Burns and a friend of his leave the boat.
A search was conducted for the two men which included a helicopter and rangers with the Army Corp of Engineers. The men were eventually found in a remote, inaccessible forested area of the lake and Burns was taken into custody without incident.
Burns was arraigned and placed in the Huntingdon County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Man Arrested For Simple Assault Of City Woman Craig Schaffer
Altoona police are investigating a case of simple assault that happened overnight.
According to police, the incident happened around 1am on the 1500 block of 4th Street. Michael Reid is accused of assaulted the woman for obtaining a domestic violence warrant for him.
No other information is available at this time.
Dog Dies After Being Tasered By City Police Craig Schaffer
A dog described as an aggressive pit bull was killed over the weekend by Altoona Police.
After receiving a call from a neighbor of the dog's owner police found two pit bulls were running loose in the area of Howard Avenue and 1st Street about 6:30 Saturday evening.
When the dog’s owner couldn’t be located a police officer used a taser on one of the dogs. That apparently caused the dog’s death.
Published reports say the dog's owner, Elbert Feagin, of 100 Howard Avenue, says his dog was killed unnecessarily and only because it was a pit bull.
The matter remains under investigation.
Hearing For Pa. Death Row Inmate Seeking Execution AP
A hearing is scheduled next month on whether federal public defenders should be representing an Altoona man who has sought execution after failing to overturn a conviction of killing his estranged girlfriend's husband on Thanksgiving Day in 1998.
Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio said Friday that he believes the public defenders are acting without the permission of William Wright III, who said last year that he was tired of appeal delays and asked the governor to sign his death warrant.
Consiglio said that as recently as May 15, Wright asked the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to intervene so that his execution could commence. His court-appointed federal public defenders say they believe he is mentally incompetent.
AP: Pa. Lawmakers Tapped Grants While Deficit Grew AP
Even as the state government staggered under a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall that crimped public services and forced layoffs, the Legislature continued to tap a hush-hush pool of grant money set aside for lawmakers' pet projects back home.
All told, legislators have requested about $210 million since the money was approved in July 2008, according to an Associated Press analysis of documents released by the governor's office under a Right-to-Know request. That works out to $830,000 in taxpayer money for each of the state's 253 legislative districts, where the grants are spent on everything from playground equipment to police cruisers, and festivals to ball fields.
The grants - nicknamed WAMs, for "walking-around money" - enable lawmakers to take credit for bringing home the bacon and give a handful of top lawmakers outsized influence over directing disproportionate sums of money to their own districts.
The grants can be as small as $5,000 to fix up a nonprofit or township office building, or $2 million for this year's and next year's West Oak Lane Jazz Festival in Philadelphia. Some grants patch holes in the social safety net, such as helping a food pantry buy food.
But decision-making on how the grants are distributed never sees the light of day - there is no public hearing, no publicly available formula to follow.
Transportation Needs: Maybe Forgotten But Not Gone AP
Among the many big-ticket issues competing for the Legislature's attention in a financially challenging election year, Pennsylvania's transportation funding crunch seems destined for the back of the bus.
Lawmakers won't reconvene until mid-September, leaving only weeks before they break for the final stretch of the election campaigns, and the prospect of any legislative activity after the Nov. 2 elections is cloudy at best.
Leaders of both parties have promised in advance to spend much of that time revisiting a pair of politically thorny subjects left dangling from this year's budget negotiations - a new tax on natural gas drilling and the creation of an independent fiscal agency in the Legislature.
Gov. Ed Rendell, whose own proposals to tax the profits of major oil companies or lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike went nowhere, called a special session of the Legislature in May in an effort to refocus lawmakers' attention on the issue.
The Democratic governor, who will step down in January when his second term ends, has pressed the Legislature to return to Harrisburg this month to deal with the problem.
Pa. Panel: Nix School-Zone Minimum Drug Sentences AP
A state panel is recommending that lawmakers repeal the mandatory minimum sentences imposed for drug offenses in school zones, letting judges determine the sentence based on existing guidelines.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing says mandatory sentences are used inconsistently across the state. Executive director Mark Bergstrom says some district attorneys invoke them every time, while others rarely use them.
In addition, he said, there is no required link between drug deals and the school zone, which extends 1,000 feet from the edge of school property, so it includes people living blocks away.
Current law does not distinguish between a drug dealer selling to children near a school and someone selling drugs in a house during the middle of the night.
State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-West Manchester, said that since the state prison population keeps going up as crime has been decreasing, lawmakers have to address mandatory minimum sentences for first-time, nonviolent offenders. But he said lessening any offense in a school zone would put children in danger.
Defense attorney Christopher Ferro calls the law "justice by tape measure," since the school zones don't really take into account whether minors were involved in a crime. Especially unfair, he said, is that the law disproportionately affects defendants in urban areas because of the number of school buildings.
July 12 Begins 2010-11 Doe License Process Craig Schaffer
Hunters are reminded that county treasurers will begin accepting antlerless deer license applications from resident hunters starting today and from nonresidents beginning July 26.
By state law, antlerless deer licenses will continue to be sold only by county treasurers, so hunters will need to prepare and mail separate applications for antlerless deer licenses.
Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl Roe says that the Game Commission will continue to accept online harvest reporting for antlered and antlerless deer, as well as fall turkey, spring gobbler, bobcat, fisher and Deer Management Assistance Program permits. Postage-paid report cards still are available in the digest, but the agency is encouraging hunters to report online to improve accuracy of data entry, and to save on the cost of postage and data entry.
Route 1013 Bridge Replacement Over Kettle Creek Craig Schaffer
A reminder for motorists this morning.
An $819,000 bridge replacement project carrying Route 1013 over Kettle Creek in Logan and Tyrone Townships begins today.
Work will consist of replacing the existing structure with a precast box culvert, roadway approach work along with new guide rail installation.
Traffic will be reduced to a single lane that will be controlled by a temporary signal.
All work is to be completed by the end of October.
July 9, 2010
One Dead In Early Morning Vehicle Pedestrian Accident In Altoona
One person has died in an early morning traffic accident in Altoona.
City police say that a pedestrian was killed as a result of being hit by a pickup truck near the Boyer Candy Factory. The coroner was called to the scene around 5:30 this morning.
No names have been released but we’ll have more on this story as details become available.
Attempted Robbery Of City Business Investigated Craig Schaffer
An attempted robbery of a local business is being investigated by Altoona Police.
Just before 10:00 Thursday night officers were called to RJ’s Convenience Store on North 4th Avenue in Juniata.
A man had entered the store brandishing a gun and demanded money. The would-be robber left the scene on foot without getting any money.
Police say the man they’re looking for is in his 20’s, approximately 5’8” and he was wearing jeans and a long sleeved dark colored shirt. He had a gray bandana covering his face and he was wearing large sunglasses that could have been ladies’ sunglasses. The gun he was holding was either a shot gun or a rifle.
East Freedom Woman Burned in Mobile Home Fire Chris Forshey
An East Freedom woman has been lifeflighted to a Pittsburgh hospital after being burned inside her mobile home.
Firefighters were called to 145 Chevrolet Drive around 4:30PM Thursday and found the structure fully involved. Neighbor Ryan Snyder tells WRTA News he and two other men were able to rescue the wheelchair-bound woman through a back door.
The victim has been identified as 52-year-old Debbie Kagarise. Freedom Township Fire Chief Ron Henry says Kagarise received burns to her face and inhaled a large amount of smoke. Henry says multiple crews were called in to fight the blaze so firefighters could be rotated frequently in the 90-plus degree heat.
Henry
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Henry says the fire will be ruled an accident – neighbors say a child playing with a sparkler caused the blaze. Kagarise’s condition has not been released.
Two Injured in Boating Accident on Lake Raystown Chris Forshey
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission officials have confirmed that one person was seriously hurt in a boating accident on the lake Monday.
A spokesman says a total of two people were injured – one of them had to be lifeflighted from the resort. Officials say the victim is recovering at an area hospital. No names have been released.
The accident happened when a 20-foot powerboat ran over a jet ski with two people on it. The accident is alcohol related and charges are forthcoming. Commission officials arrested nine people for boating under the influence over the Fourth of July holiday.
One Shot Inside City Apartment Chris Forshey
Altoona Police have confirmed that one person was shot inside an apartment late Wednesday night.
City police were called to what was described as a domestic dispute shortly after 11:00PM on the 2400 Block of Broad Avenue. One person was taken to Altoona Hospital. City police remained tight-lipped on Thursday as to what happened inside the apartment.
No names have been released. The investigation is still ongoing.
Heat Wave Finally Eases Chris Forshey
Turn down the A/C.
Forecasters say a break from the hazy, hot and humid weather is coming this weekend. Temperatures are expected to hit the mid-80’s today – but the humidity will subside as some rain showers move into the region.
The National Weather Service has canceled excessive heat warnings for much of the state. A cold front is expected to clip the region this Saturday. Officials say the 90-plus degree temperatures buckled roadways and caused the deaths of two people in the Eastern part of the state.
A complete look at the Weather Channel Forecast is coming up in just a few moments.
Gamesa Receives State Money for Logan Wind Farm Chris Forshey
A company building a new wind farm in Blair County has been given another million dollars in grant money by the state.
Gamesa Energy says the money will be used to help pay for their $80-million wind farm that will be located on the Chestnut Flats plateau in Logan Township. The turbines will be located near the Horseshoe Curve, but they won’t be visible from the historic site.
The money is being paid out of the Green Energy Works Fund the Governor Ed Rendell set aside to help promote alternative energy growth. The company already received $7.8-million in stimulus monies for its Ebensburg plant after agreeing to bring additional jobs to the region.
Senate Unanimously Supports Eichelberger’s Call to Reduce the Burden of State Government Mandates Craig Schaffer
Last week, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed a resolution, sponsored by Senator John Eichelberger to establish a task force to study the impact of state mandates on taxpayers in Pennsylvania’s boroughs, townships, cities and counties. The task force would also be responsible for making recommendations on ways to reduce unfunded mandates and reduce the costs of local government.
The task forcewould be composed of experts familiar with the funding and operation of programs implemented by local government units, including elected officials, representatives from local government associations, academicians, program directors, finance officers, and other administrators from both state and local government. By 2012, it will make findings with regard to the potential for cost savings that could be achieved through partial waivers or elimination of certain mandates, as well as make findings and recommendations with regard to alternative procedures that could be implemented.
Feds Appeal Sentence of Powerful Ex PA Senator AP
U.S. prosecutors took the rare step Thursday to appeal the sentence of long-powerful Philadelphia Democrat Vincent Fumo in his sprawling corruption case.
The 67-year-old Fumo is serving a 4-1/2-year sentence for defrauding the state senate, a museum and a nonprofit of millions.
Prosecutors had sought a 15-year term. In an appeal filed Thursday, they call Senior U.S. District Judge Ronald Buckwalter's decision "unreasonable" and "unduly lenient." They are also appealing the one-year term of ex-Fumo aide Ruth Arnao.
Fumo was convicted last year of using the victim groups to maintain his mansion, spy on political rivals, pay for yachting vacations and otherwise support his lavish lifestyle.
PA Seeks Federal Help to Expand Rail Freight Lines AP
Governor Ed Rendell says he's hoping a proposed major expansion of railroad yards in Pennsylvania will ease growing truck traffic on the highways.
The Democrat said Thursday that Pennsylvania and four other states will apply later this month to the federal government for $115-million to expand Norfolk Southern's rail freight corridor between the Northeast and the Gulf Coast.
That money includes $25-million for the rail yard in Harrisburg and $8-million for a terminal at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Pennsylvania is already spending millions to expand the Philadelphia facility. Rendell says expanding the rail line could mean thousands of new jobs, while taking trucks off the road.
The governor warns that congestion on the nation's highways will worsen if ports and railways aren't expanded considerably.
Computer Glitch Takes Down PA Lottery Terminals Chris Forshey
Pennsylvania Lottery officials say they've fixed a computer glitch that took down game terminals for about six hours Thursday morning.
Lottery executive director Ed Trees says that a computer network problem that affected terminal-based games and ticket validation functions began around 6:00AM.
Trees
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Trees says all terminals were fully functional by noon. Lottery officials went ahead with their Midday drawing of the Daily Number, Big Four, Quinto and Treasure Hunt as planned.
DEP Accepting Applications for Nitrogen Tire Inflation Grants Craig Schaffer
Automotive service providers can now apply for financial assistance to purchase and install systems that will help their customers get better gas mileage and increase the life of their tires by inflating them with nitrogen.
Under the Pennsylvania’s Nitrogen Tire Inflation System Grant Program, service providers are eligible for up to $5,000 in reimbursement costs.
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger says automotive tires filled with nitrogen rather than conventional air maintain their pressure up to four-times longer and properly inflated tires are safer and more fuel efficient, which translates into saving money at the gas pump.
Traffic Pattern Switch on the Route 22 Bridges Over Route 764 Craig Schaffer
Traffic will be switched on the Route 22 bridges over Route 764 either today or tomorrow.
Once traffic is switched the contractor will begin bridge repairs to the outside lane of the bridges.
Overall work on this $13.9 million project consists of concrete patching, bituminous overlay, guiderail upgrades, drainage upgrades, emergency cross over upgrades and the rehabilitation of six bridge structures all on Route 22. Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling through the work zone.
Work on this project is anticipated to be completed by October 2011.
July 8, 2010
Early Morning Crash In Altoona Craig Schaffer
Emergency crews were called out early this morning to an accident in Altoona.
Fire crews and police responded to the one vehicle crash around 4am. Witnesses at the scene say a vehicle went off the road and crashed through a fence at the corner of 22nd Street and 5th Avenue.
No one was hurt in the crash but the driver is facing DUI charges. No other information is available at this time.
Nine Arrested for BUI at Lake Raystown Chris Forshey
State Police say nine people were arrested for boating under the influence at Lake Raystown over the Fourth of July holiday.
Officers warned boaters they would be cracking down on excessive drinking while on the lake. State officials say Lake Raystown has one of the largest number of boating under the influence incidents.
Last year three boaters were pinched for BUI over the Fourth of July holiday.
PSP: Elderly Cambria County Man was Murdered Chris Forshey
State Police are investigating the bludgeoning death of a Northern Cambria man.
Troopers say 79-year-old Arthur Henry died Saturday, three days after being attacked inside his mobile home. Neighbors told troopers the people come and go from Henry’s home on a constant basis. They wouldn’t confirm a possible drug connection during a news conference on Wednesday. There are no suspects.
Henry had been jailed on drug charges in the past. Assistant District Attorney Gary Jubas says while Henry’s death is a homicide; he believes there is no danger to the public.
Jubas
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Police say Henry’s son Frank was murdered in 1994 – but they don’t think that case is connected to his death.
Convicted Drug Dealer Looks To Appeal Sentence In Blair County Drug Case Craig Schaffer
A local attorney has been appointed to take on a convicted drug dealer’s appeal.
30 year old Felix Ocasio is appealing his sentence of more than 30 years in state prison for selling heroin and crack cocaine in Blair County.
Hollidaysburg attorney Robert Donaldson has been appointed to handle Ocasio’s case. In September of 2008 Ocasio had asked for new representation. The appeal process had been stalled since that time.
Donaldson has been given 60 days to get up to speed on the appeal.
Ocasio was arrested when he was 19 and was sentenced almost 10 years ago. He has admitted that what he did was wrong but he feels his sentence was too stiff.
Officials: 116 Illegal Dumpsites Throughout Blair County Chris Forshey
Officials with a Pennsylvania environmental organization say there are more than 100 illegal dumpsites scattered across Blair County.
PA CleanWays representatives will discuss the issue at a news conference next week. The illegal dumpsites are believed to contain about 167 tons of trash. Thirty-three percent of the sites are located within 50 feet of a creek, river or other body of water.
Officials say the dumpsites contain everything from household trash to tires and old appliances.
Blistering Heat Causes Roadways in PA to Buckle AP
The triple-digit blistering temperatures are causing problems on some Pennsylvania roadways.
The excessive heat caused roads to buckle in some areas as the asphalt heated up Wednesday. Crews with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation were scrambling to make repairs. There were no roadway problems reported in our region.
An excessive heat warning remains in effect through Thursday night. State health officials blame the heat for at least one death – an elderly woman whose body was discovered Monday in her Philadelphia home.
Rendell Criticizes Lawmakers for Lack of Tobacco Taxes Chris Forshey
Governor Ed Rendell is criticizing state lawmakers for failing to enact more taxes on tobacco.
The comments came Wednesday following Rendell’s second signing of the new $28-billion budget at Elmwood Elementary School in Mechanicsburg. The governor told reporters that the legislature could have taxed cigars and smokeless tobacco, plus increased the cigarette tax in an effort to generate more state revenue.
Rendell says he is thankful – though – that lawmakers have agreed to enact a tax on the state’s surge of natural gas extraction.
PA Table Games Create Thousands of New Jobs AP
Tables games are coming to Pennsylvania, and thousands of jobs have been created because of it.
Three western Pennsylvania casinos will be the first to offer table games starting Thursday, and others across the state will soon follow.
About 4,500 new jobs will be added at Pennsylvania casinos by the end of the year to accommodate the new games. Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Chairman Gregory Fajt says the jobs offer good wages, health benefits and other perks.
Pennsylvania first opened slots casinos in 2006.
In January, lawmakers passed a bill allowing table games. Over the next 12 months, tens of millions of dollars are expected to flow to the state and some local governments from a 16-percent tax on the casinos' take at the tables.
July 7, 2010
Governor Signs Budget Craig Schaffer
Governor Ed Rendell has signed a $28 billion General Fund budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year.
The state will boost the basic education subsidy to school districts by $250 million, an increase of 4.5 percent, to $5.8 billion. State-related universities, the State System of Higher Education and community colleges will receive the same funding amounts as last year.
The 2010-11 budget maintains essential funding for public health and safety. It includes money to pay for health care and other vital social services for more than 2.1 million of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, including low-income children, families, people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians.
Legislation accompanying the budget will also create a new assessment that will ensure that the state’s hospitals can provide high-quality care for those on Medical Assistance, including seniors and indigent children. The agreement will allow the state to draw down significantly more federal funds that will help keep the financial condition of hospitals stable. The net gain for the General Fund is $121 million.
While the budget does not raise taxes, the General Assembly and the Governor agreed to enact by October 1 a new levy on the extraction of natural gas. It would take effect by January 1, 2011. Details, including rates and structure, will be worked out over the summer.
Local Driver Faces Homicide By Vehicle Charge Craig Schaffer
Police have charged a local man with homicide by vehicle in connection with a November crash that killed a Penn State Altoona student.
32 year old Jason Sanders, of 1228 North 4th Avenue Juniata, is accused of not having his headlights on while speeding when he crashed into a car driven by 18 year old freshman Kaitlyn Leavens of Glen Mills. The accident happened as the car Leavens and her four roommates were in, turned off Chestnut Avenue to go onto Juniata Gap Road and traveled into the path of Sanders’ car.
19 year old Nicole Chauvet of Canonsburg, who was in the back seat of Leavens' car, was pronounced dead at the scene. 18 year old Nicole Lawrence of Columbia, Maryland, another passenger in the Leavens car, was ejected and taken to the hospital in critical condition. Leavens and Alyssa Walsh, of Downingtown; and Holly Hamilton, of Sinking Spring, both 18 years old, also suffered injuries.
Police allege that Sanders was driving around 60 mph on Chestnut Avenue, which is posted with a 35 mph speed limit.
Sanders’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 15.
Power Outage Hits City Overnight Craig Schaffer
Some residents in the Greenwood and the East End area of Altoona had to bear the heat without fans and air conditioners for a few hours last night.
Penelec officials say that around 8pm the power went out for about 730 customers. By 10:30 550 of those folks were back on line and by 3:2o this morning all customers had their electricity restored.
A malfunctioning transformer is being blamed for the outage.
Burglars Target Antis Township Homes Chris Forshey
State Police at Hollidaysburg need your help in finding out who burglarized two Antis Township homes over the Fourth of July holiday.
Troopers say the suspect entered a home along East 9th Street July 4th and stole several items. A second home located on East 7th Street -- just two blocks away -- was also burglarized. Investigators say that in both incidents the actor broke out a window on a back door to gain entry.
Anyone with information is urged to contact State Police in Hollidaysburg at 696-61-00.
Cooling Centers Staying Open Longer Chris Forshey
Blair Senior Services will keep their three local cooling centers open longer to help the county’s elderly beat the 90-degree temperatures.
A spokesperson says the facilities will have extended hours through 6:00PM Tuesday and Wednesday. Officials are also asking residents to keep a close eye on their elderly neighbors.
Blair Senior Services has cooling centers located in Downtown Altoona on 12th Avenue, in Tyrone at 505 3rd Street and in Williamsburg at 423 W. 2nd Street.
State Police: 10 Killed, 361 Injured in Holiday Driving Period Crashes Craig Schaffer
Ten people died and 361 others were injured in 712 crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the four-day Fourth of July holiday driving period.
Commissioner Frank Pawlowski says seven of those killed were not wearing seat belts and 72 of the crashes were alcohol-related, including three of the fatal crashes.
During the holiday driving period that covered Friday, July 2, through Monday, July 5, troopers arrested 339 persons for driving under the influence, issued 7,877 speeding citations, cited 723 for failing to wear seatbelts, and issued 129 citations for not securing children in safety seats.
During last year’s Fourth of July holiday travel period, which covered only three days (July 3-5, 2009), nine people died and 206 others were injured in 447 crashes investigated by troopers.
The statistics include only those incidents investigated by state police and do not include data from incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.
Bus Service Continues Altoona to State College Run Craig Schaffer
Fullington Trailways will keep its bus service from Altoona to State College going at least for the time being.
Ridership has only improved marginally since May from three or four passengers daily but company officials aren’t ready to give up on the idea yet. The route will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis.
The bus route runs from Duncansville to State College back to Altoona, then back to State College in the morning before returning to Duncansville in the evening.
Work Continues on Route 36 Between Allegheny Street and Blair Street in Hollidaysburg Craig Schaffer
Motorists are reminded that concrete patching and curb and inlet rehabilitation continues on Route 36 between Allegheny Street and Blair Street in the Borough of Hollidaysburg.
The contractor will begin working today and traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction under long term traffic control devices. Work will also continue between Chimney Rocks Road and Allegheny Street with the northbound travel lane being closed for concrete patching.
Overall work on this $2.9 million project, which is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, includes concrete patching, bituminous overlay, milling, shoulder upgrades, ADA curb ramps and traffic signal upgrades.
All work is to be completed by mid-October.
Central PA Festival of Arts Gets Underway Chris Forshey
More than 100,000festival goers are expected to pack the Centre Region over the next several days for the 44th Annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.
The event begins today (Wednesday) and will run through Sunday. It features everything from food to crafts to artwork and pottery. More than 300 artists and 50 musical acts are participating in the 5-day festival.
Police remind those attending that there are street closures and parking restrictions in place. Admission is free to all outside events.
Three Western Pennsylvania Casinos Testing Table Games AP
Three casinos in western Pennsylvania will be the first in the state to test table games before they officially open those games to the public.
The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington County, and Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie are conducting the eight-hour test sessions on Tuesday.
The proceeds will go to various charities and barring any glitches, the table games will officially open to the public on Thursday. The Rivers and The Meadows plan to open table games at 6:00AM. Thursday. Presque Isle plans to open its games at 10:00AM that day.
Three central Pennsylvania casinos are scheduled to open table games next week, and three in eastern Pennsylvania the week after that.
July 6, 2010
Hot Enough for You Yet? Temperatures Top 90-Degrees
By: Chris Forshey
Weather forecasters say the hazy, hot and humid temperatures are here to stay for at least the next three days.
The National Weather Service in State College says most of Pennsylvania saw scorching highs topping 90-degrees on Monday. That trend is expected to continue through Thursday. Its hot all across the Eastern United States -- temperatures reached into at least the 90s yesterday from Maine to Texas, into the Southwest and Death Valley.
Officials say they expect the electric grid to handle the additional power load as the shorten work week gets rolling again today.
Blair Judge Says No Double Jeopardy in Stolen Goods Case
By: Chris Forshey
A Blair County judge says an Altoona pawn shop owner and two members of his family can be tried again on charges of selling stolen goods on eBay.
In a 31 page opinion filed last week, Judge Hiram Carpenter wrote that he didn’t believe state prosecutors intentionally fail to disclose information about witnesses during the January 2008 trial of Best Buys owner Michael Friedenberger, his wife Lynette or Friedenberger’s mother-in-law Pamela Cross.
The trio was charged with theft, conspiracy and participating in a corrupt organization by a statewide grand jury in 2007 following an investigation by the State Attorney General’s Office into the alleged illegal activity. Officials say Best Buys was selling stolen goods online. The trial was halted following the third day of testimony after defense attorneys were not provided information on the plea bargains offered to some of the prosecution’s witnesses.
Defense attorneys say retrying their clients constitutes double jeopardy based on prosecutorial misconduct. Carpenter agreed that the prosecutions conduct was wrong, but says it doesn’t warrant dismissing the charges. Attorney Stephen Passarello will appeal the judge’s ruling.
PSP: Fatal Crash Caused by Medical Emergency
By: Chris Forshey
State Police say a Maryland woman who died after crashing her car along State Route 22 on Monday suffered from a medical emergency.
The accident happened on Short Mountain. Troopers say 59-year-old Wendy Jane Pool’s car veered off the roadway and struck a tree. No other vehicles were involved.
Pool was taken to Altoona Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
PA Lawmakers Vote Last of State Budget Bills
By: Chris Forshey & WRTA Staff Reports
Governor Ed Rendell is expected to sign Pennsylvania’s new budget sometime today or tomorrow.
A five-hour flurry of votes by lawmakers on Saturday passed the remaining bills needed to make up a new $28-billion budget, three days into the new fiscal year. The budget includes $250-million more for basic aid to public schools and authorization to borrow $600-million for capital projects, no new taxes and widely scattered cuts that are expected to result in hundreds - at least - of state employee layoffs.
The budget draws heavily from federal stimulus money, but does not specify which programs will be cut if the state does not get $850-million that has been stalled in Congress. It includes a written commitment by House Democrats and Senate Republicans to work this fall on enacting a tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction and on a new nonpartisan legislative fiscal office.
It is the final budget of his eight years in office, and like the others, it will be enacted after the June 30 deadline.
Petersburg Man Leads Troopers on Short Car Chase
By: Chris Forshey
A Petersburg man spent the Forth of July in custody after State Police say he led them on a short car chase.
It happened around 2:30AM Sunday in Smithfield Township, Huntingdon County. Troopers say they attempted to stop Aaron Robert Patterson for a traffic violation. Patterson failed to comply and led troopers on a short pursuit.
Once stopped, Patterson fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later. He was arraigned in front of a Magisterial District Judge and released on bail.
PA Asking Feds to Allow Ads on Highway Signs
By: WRTA Staff Reports
Electronic signs along state highways that warn drivers of accidents, traffic jams and construction could be pitching them products if state officials get their way.
Pennsylvania has joined California and Florida in asking the federal government to allow the sale of advertising on electronic highway signs to generate money to fix roads and bridges. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says the advertising could generate $150-million annually for each state. But traffic safety advocates argue that the ads could distract drivers and pose a road hazard.
The states are asking the Federal Highway Administration to waive several regulations that bar advertisements on overhead and roadside changeable signs. States would contract with private companies to upgrade and maintain the electronic signs.
Mining Company Finds Opposition to Reopening Quarry
By: Chris Forshey
Some Blair County residents are speaking out against plans by a Pittsburgh-based company to reopen a limestone quarry near the Rails to Trails path.
More than 50 residents attended the Catherine Township Board of Supervisor’s meeting Monday night, urging officials to stop plans by The Gulf Group. The company bought the old Heller limestone quarry near Williamsburg in 2007. The company needs a permit to work within 300 feet of nearby properties and the trail itself.
The residents say the mining will disrupt their lives and destroy the beauty of the trail. A conservation specialist told the board that the mining should be kept at least a quarter-mile from bat and bird habitats. Company officials say the quarry will bring new jobs and the impact will be minimal.
The company has secured a permit to begin working on the bridges and roads around the quarry. A second non-coal mining permit will be needed before The Gulf Group can remove material from the property.
July 2, 2010
Pennsylvania's State Budget Deal In Jeopardy AP
The Pennsylvania state budget deal could be unraveling after talks among Legislative leaders broke down late Thursday over the authorization of an independent fiscal office.
House Democratic leaders blamed Senate Republicans for what they said was a last-minute addition to the budget talks, and an unwillingness to continue negotiations.
The main budget bill passed the General Assembly on Wednesday, but Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell has said he will not sign it without companion legislation. Those other elements of the budget package were the topic of the talks that seemed to hit a brick wall on Thursday.
House Majority Leader Democrat Todd Eachus and a spokesman for the House Republicans both said the fiscal-office issue was raised only recently by the Senate GOP, and both parties in the House believe it should be dealt with on its own, not as part of the budget.
Senate Republican spokesman Erik Arneson said the fiscal office was the topic of discussions a year ago - it was created in last year's budget but only in concept - and had been studied by lawmakers from both chambers and both parties since then.
Rendell said earlier Thursday he hoped to sign the budget on Tuesday, but expressed concern about the dispute over the companion bills. He has 10 days to sign the budget, and an aide said if it comes to that he would likely exercise his line-item veto authority.
Blair Assessing State Budget Impacts Chris Forshey
Blair County Commissioners are still trying to determine how the state’s new budget will impact their bottom line.
Commissioner Terry Tomassetti says county departments are beginning to process the budget information that’s been filtering in.
Tomassetti
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Tomassetti says there doesn’t appear to be any major cuts – at least initially. The board has changed its contracts with its service providers saying that if state funding was cut or reduced, their money would be reduced as well.
The commissioners plan to tackle the impact of the new state budget after the Fourth of July holiday.
Brooklyn Man Arrested on Drug Charges Chris Forshey
A Brooklyn man has been arrested on drug charges.
Agents from the State Police Troop G Vice Unit took 22-year-old Rason Unique Battle into custody without incident on Wednesday. Battle is accused of pushing thousands of dollars in Heroin throughout Altoona over the past several months.
Troopers say he sold the drugs out of a home at 312 North 7th Avenue. They were able to make two controlled buys off of him. A search of that residence didn’t turn up any drugs. Battle had just been released from prison in April on similar charges.
He was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Todd Kelley and lodged in the Blair County Prison in lieu of $200,000 bail.
Local Lawmaker Pushing for Term Limits Chris Forshey
A local lawmaker has sponsored a new bill that would impose term limits on state lawmakers.
30th District State Senator John Eichelberger is the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 1304. Eichelberger and other members of the Senate Majority Police Meeting held a hearing on the issue on Tuesday to discuss the legislation.
Eichelberger says the bill would limit legislative terms in the House and Senate to 12 years and also restrict the amount of time lawmakers can spend in leadership positions. He says it would also amend the state’s constitution and lead to a better legislative process.
Eichelberger
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Twenty-one states have enacted term limits for legislators, but the laws have been repealed or found unconstitutional in six of those states.
Pennsylvanians Urged to be Safe, Follow State Laws When Using Fireworks Craig Schaffer
Because fireworks are a fun, but potentially dangerous, part of Fourth of July celebrations, state safety and law enforcement officials today reminded residents about laws governing their use and offered tips on how to stay safe.
State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann says fireworks displays are best left to the professionals and anyone who wants to celebrate the holiday with small novelty fireworks should take some simple safety steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Pennsylvania law allows consumers to use small “novelty” fireworks, which are ground-based and include sparklers and trick noise makers. These fireworks can be sold by retail establishments with valid permits.
Consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and mortars, are prohibited by state law. These aerial-based fireworks are sold at facilities licensed by the state Department of Agriculture and may be purchased only by out-of-state residents with identification or in-state residents with a municipal permit.
All display fireworks that are shot into the air and burst into a large, colorful display—such as those seen at organized celebrations and sporting events—are prohibited for use by consumers.
Mann shared the following safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water handy.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not try to alter or combine them.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water prior to disposal.
• Use common sense. Spectators should stay a safe distance from the igniter and the igniter should wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – illegal fireworks should be reported to local law enforcement.
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision.
• Always remain standing and at least six feet from others while using sparklers.
• Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person.
• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparkler directly into a bucket of water.
For more information on Pennsylvania laws regarding fireworks, please visit the Pennsylvania State Police web site at www.psp.state.pa.us, and click on “FAQs about Fireworks.”
Poll Shows Toomey Holds Slight Lead Chris Forshey
A new poll out Thursday shows Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey with a slight advantage over his Democratic challenger Joe Sestak.
The results of the Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters shows Toomey with 45-percent of the vote, while Sestak gets 39-percent. Eleven percent of all voters remain undecided.
The June 29 survey shows the race has changed little since the beginning of the month. This is the seventh Rasmussen Reports survey of the race in 2010, and a review of prior results highlights just how stable it's been to date. Toomey’s support has stayed in a very narrow range of 42-percent to 47-percent
Sestak’s support has showed more movement, ranging from a low of 36-percent to a high of 46-percent. Most of that movement came as he surged to victory over Specter in the Democratic primary.
Greenwood Road Bridge Replacement Completed, Detour Lifted Craig Schaffer
Work has been completed ahead of schedule on the $292,000 bridge replacement project on Greenwood Road in Logan Township.
Work consisted of removing and replacing the existing bridge structure along with roadway approach work as needed.
The 3.8 mile detour that was in place during construction has been lifted.
The original completion date for this project was July 6.
2nd Penn State Review Clears Climate Scientist Michael Mann AP
Another Penn State University review has cleared a leading climate scientist of a research misconduct allegation stemming from leaked E-mails about global warming.
The report said professor Michael Mann did not seriously deviate from accepted academic practices for proposing, conducting or reporting research.
A university inquiry in February dismissed three related allegations and recommended further investigation on a fourth. A five-member panel of professors dismissed that allegation outright in the report Thursday.
Mann has long been criticized by skeptics of man-made global warming theories. The review came after computer hackers obtained messages between U.S. and British scientists in November.
PA Applies for $1.6 Million for High-Speed Rail Planning Study Craig Schaffer
Pennsylvania has applied for a $1.6 million federal grant from the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program to study possible expansion of rail service between Ohio and New York State through Erie. If selected for the federal grant, PennDOT will invest $400,000 in state funds to complete the study.
The Lake Erie Corridor Investment Plan would examine potential infrastructure improvements to allow for fast, reliable passenger rail transportation. A Service Development Plan and environmental planning will help determine the feasibility of expanding the service. A cost/benefit analysis will also be performed, serving as the basis for a potential cooperative agreement among the states and local officials in finding funding for the improvements.
The corridor connects Erie with Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, N.Y., and is now served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited service, which provides one train in each direction each day between Chicago, New York City and Boston.
The Federal Railroad Administration in March announced the availability of $115 million for high-speed rail projects, $50 million for planning and $65 million for construction projects.
PA Misfires in Bid to Identify Drilling Chemicals AP
State officials misfired in a bid to catalog chemicals used by the drilling industry to extract natural gas from the rich Marcellus Shale reserve underneath Pennsylvania.
A Department of Environmental Protection spokesman said Thursday that a list of chemicals provided to The Associated Press included all chemicals used at well sites, not just those injected into wells.
Department spokesman Tom Rathbun now says the list includes chemicals that have other purposes, such as cleaning drilling equipment. Environmental advocates worry the chemicals are poisoning underground drinking water sources. However, department officials say they know of no examples in Pennsylvania or elsewhere.
Industry officials say many of the chemicals are present in consumer products and are heavily diluted by water.
PA Quarantines Cattle Over Well Water Concern AP
The state agriculture department has quarantined 28 head of cattle at a central Pennsylvania farm after officials say the animals consumed wastewater that leaked from a holding pond for a natural gas well on the property.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said Thursday that uncertainty over how much water the cows drank warranted the quarantine to protect the public from eating potentially contaminated beef. The quarantine covered the 28 cows, plus their unborn calves on the farm in Wellsboro. East Resources was drilling the well.
An East spokesman said agriculture officials may have overreacted, and that tests done at the request of state environmental officials found no reason for adverse impact on the cattle, or on public health.
July 1, 2010
Rendell Signs $28-Billion Budget, First One to Be On Time Chris Forshey
Governor Ed Rendell signed a belt-tightening $28-billion budget bill Wednesday night, paving the way for the first on-time spending plan to be enacted during his two terms.
The budget for the fiscal year that begins today increases basic education spending by $250-million and does not raise taxes, but draws heavily from federal stimulus money and imposes cuts, and likely layoffs, across a wide swath of state government.
The House voted for it 117-84, the Senate 37-13. The Legislature still has companion legislation to consider before the budget is fully in place. Lawmakers described it as a compromise product of painful financial times. House Democratic leaders got some help from Republicans in mustering the supermajority required to waive a rule that requires 24 hours' notice before a bill is voted.
On the House floor, Republicans derided the budget for being too large and not sufficiently dealing with next year's projected multibillion-dollar deficit.
PA Budget Agreement Leaves Unanswered Questions AP
Pennsylvania's state budget agreement may be a prelude to a protracted debate over the state's finances that drags well into the fall.
The deal sent to Governor Ed Rendell's desk Wednesday postpones decisions on how to tax the state's growing natural gas industry and how to respond if a huge chunk of federal funding falls through.
The $28.05-billion spending plan is built on nearly $3-billion in federal stimulus aid, but $850-million of that has failed to get through Congress. Plus, the deal requires the enactment of a natural gas tax by October 1st – and there is broad disagreement in the Legislature over how to structure it.
It was those unanswered questions that forced many of the no-votes in the state’s legislature.
Two of Three Blair Lawmakers Say ‘No’ to New Budget Chris Forshey
Two of Blair County’s three state lawmakers voted against Pennsylvania’s new $28.05-billion budget.
State Senator John Eichelberger and Altoona State Representative Rick Geist cast no votes, while State Representative Jerry Stern threw his support behind the new appropriations bill.
Senator Eichelberger says his fellow lawmakers and caucus leadership spent too much money – especially in light of the $1-billion budget shortfall from last year.
Eichelberger
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Representative Geist also tells WRTA News that the state is spending too much in a recession – and the line items that were cut were in all the wrong places. Geist says many of the cuts will hit Altoona human services agencies hard.
State Representative Jerry Stern -- a member of the House leadership who helped craft the new bill -- was not immediately available for comment on Wednesday night.
Woman Mauled, Pet Killed in Dog Attack Craig Schaffer
A dog attack in Blair County earlier this week will lead to charges.
According to Roaring Spring Police, on Tuesday morning a 70 year old woman was walking her small dog in an alley in the borough when two large dogs jumped a fence at 408 Sugar Street and mauled the woman and killed her dog. The woman was taken to Nason Hospital for treatment.
The attacking dogs, an American Bulldog and a Cane Corso Mastif, were immediately declared dangerous dogs and at the request of the owners were seized and euthanized by a local veterinarian.
Charges are pending against the owners of the dogs and the incident is being investigated by the Roaring Spring Police Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
Fake Money Passed in Blair County Chris Forshey
State Police are asking business owners to be on the lookout for fake money in Blair County.
Troopers say someone used a fake $20 bill on Memorial Day at Austin’s Texas Hot Dogs at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park in Tipton. Employees and the owner didn’t catch the fake money right away. The counterfeit bill has been turned over to investigators. Another fake $20-bill was passed at Jean-O’s Pizza the same weekend.
Troopers are reminding everyone to be on the lookout for fake money heading into the Fourth of July holiday, as shoppers frequent roadside fireworks stands and other summer businesses.
PSU Funding Remains Flat in New Budget Chris Forshey
Taxpayer funding for Penn State University will remain flat in the new 2009-10 state budget.
The university will receive the same appropriation as last year -- $333.9-million. That figure includes $318-million in state money and nearly $16-million in federal stimulus dollars. A Penn State spokesperson says the university had requested $360-million.
Penn State’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet July 9 at Penn State Dubois. That’s when the officials are expected to set the tuition rates for the next academic year.
Sister's Attorney Says Melvin Focus of Grand Jury AP
The lawyer for the sister of state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin says the justice will be the focus of an Allegheny County grand jury expected to convene "shortly."
James DePasquale represents Janine Orie, Melvin's sister who has been suspended with pay from her $67,000-a-year job as Melvin's aide.
Janine Orie was suspended after she and a third sister, state Senator Jane Orie, a Pittsburgh-area Republican, were charged in April with using the senator's legislative staff to do campaign work for the senator and Justice Melvin on state time. DePasquale told The Associated Press Wednesday he learned two weeks ago that District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. was going to convene another grand jury to "focus on Justice Melvin."
The Ories have denied any wrongdoing, and DePasquale says he's seen no evidence Melvin has done anything wrong.
Governors Push for More Healthcare Money AP
Governors from several cash-strapped states warn that unless Congress gives them more money to help pay for health care for the poor, their states could face layoffs and cuts in services.
The governors, including Pennsylvania's Ed Rendell, New York's David Paterson and Michigan's Jennifer Granholm, said Wednesday that their states need the money to avoid cutbacks that could hurt some of their most vulnerable citizens. A deficit-weary Congress recently rejected billions of dollars in additional aid to states.
The federal stimulus program enacted last year expires in December. Congress was poised to extend some funding to states, including $16-billion for Medicaid, the public health care program for the poor. But the measure died in the Senate.
Syracuse-Penn State to Play in Meadowlands in 2013
Syracuse and Penn State are renewing their long football rivalry with a game at New Meadowlands Stadium.
The contest in August 2013 will be the first of a three-game series announced Wednesday. The two schools also are working to finalize an agreement to play a home-and-home series in 2020-21.The teams have met 70 times, the longest rivalry in Syracuse history, with the Nittany Lions holding a 42-23-5 advantage.
The series ended after 1990 when the Big East was formed and Penn State joined the Big Ten. It resumed again two years ago with a home-and-home series. |
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