Top Johnstown Area Local News Stories
Source: MedleyStory
A standoff in Seward shuts down part of Route 711 for nearly seven hours Saturday. Luckily, no one was hurt, but neighbors were on edge all morning, and spoke to usabout the man who was inside.
Police were still investigating Saturday morning at 166 Brooks Drive where neighbors told us a man just reached his breaking point.
"They busted out his bedroom window and we haven't really seen much movement in the last few minutes," neighbor, Jess Mack told us over the phone.
We spoke to neighbors while the stand off was still in progress. They told us a man living inside one of the homes in Saint Clair Manor fired shots at a group of friends who came to check on him before 4 a.m. Saturday morning.
"They were just coming down to see if he was alright because his alarm was off, and it's been going off since 3:30 this morning and my brother is a good-hearted person. So, he was probably coming down to see if he was alright," Bobbie Jo Neuner said.
"Somebody came running around my apartment, and it was a couple of kids that said they were being shot at," neighbor Merton Jones said.
Those shots led police to a nearly seven-hour standoff with the man inside that neighbors know as Chuck.
"He just held this white thing that they shot through the door, held it back out the door, and said 'ain't very good,' and threw it back out. I mean he's, really, a tough old man," neighbor Toni Ritson said.
"I've never seen any violent behavior on his part. I wouldn't have thought it, no. I know he's been under a lot of stress, but I would've never expected anything like this," Jones said.
According to his neighbors, those tense emotions have been building.
"His family members have been dying, and he's been getting more and more depressed and wanted left alone. I think everything just got to him and he just lost it," Ritson said.
Neighbors told us it took about six officers to get him down to the ground. He was taken away in an ambulance and appeared to be uninjured from what neighbors could see. Charges are pending.
Published: Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:20:33 -0500
Families with children battling pediatric cancer joined together with 700 dancers and more than 15,000 volunteers for the 40th annual Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on Friday.
During the dance party, which includes games and inspirational speakers for cancer patients and survivors, student dancers will remain on their feet for 46 hours, without sleeping or eating.
THON raised more than $9.5 million last year for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and had pulled in more than $78 million since it formed in 1977.
Penn State Basketball Coach Patrick Chambers told dancers, families and spectators that he was proud to see the overwhelming dedication and support for the cause, following four difficult months in Happy Valley, including the child sex abuse allegations against Jerry Sandusky and death of legendary football coach Joe Paterno.
“After a lot of adversity, even a tragic loss. This truly embraces what Penn State is all about,” said Chambers.
Penn State President Rodney Ericskon told 6News that he has been impressed every year to see how much THON has grown.
“I keep wondering can they possibly go any higher than they did the last year,” said Erickson. “Every year, I seem to be surprised but whatever that final total is, but it’s not the most important thing.”
The Bush family traveled from Lancaster for their second THON weekend for their daughter Sydney, who received treatment at Hershey Medical for a brain tumor.
“It’s just incredible love and so much giving from the Penn State students,” said Celeste Bush.
“There’s 15,000 role models four our kids to see what it’s like to be able to see what it’s like to be able to give back to people who need help,” said Peter Bush.
Third-grader Sydney Bush said she enjoyed dancing with Penn State students and enjoys spending time with other kids facing similar issues.
“We have a countdown book that goes from 18 days to one day and we use that to countdown the days until THON,” said Sydney Bush.
The grand total of funds raised for THON 2012 will be announced at the conclusion of the dance marathon at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
To donate to THON or watch a live webcast of the dance marathon, visit www.THON.org
Published: Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:32:56 -0500
Every year chainsaw wood carvers from all over the world head to Ridgway, Elk County.
Saturday morning, the world's largest chainsaw wood carving event will begin for the 13th year in the small town.
Organizers told 6 News that more than 225 carvers have registered for the event.
Randy Rupert, a wood carver from Punxsutawney, said that he has been coming to the event for more than a decade.
"I learn something new every year. I learn different techniques. It is just fun to get together with all these carvers," said Rupert.
Dennis Beach, of Northeastern Pennsylvania, has been wood-carving for 27 years. He said that he has been coming to the event since it started.
"This is the largest wood carving event in the world, and it is right here in Ridgway. If you come down, you will get to see a couple hundred chainsaw carvers," Beach said.
Organizers said that at least a dozen covers are coming from outside of the United States.
The 13th annual Ridgway Chainsaw Carver Rendezvous begins on Saturday at 9 a.m.
The rendezvous will conclude on February 25.
For more information visit www.chainsawrendezvous.org
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:50:23 -0500
Every year chainsaw wood carvers from all over the world head to Ridgway, Elk County.
Saturday morning, the world's largest chainsaw wood carving event will begin for the 13th year in the small town.
Organizers told 6 News that more than 225 carvers have registered for the event.
Randy Rupert, a wood carver from Punxsutawney, said that he has been coming to the event for more than a decade.
"I learn something new every year. I learn different techniques. It is just fun to get together with all these carvers," said Rupert.
Dennis Beach, of Northeastern Pennsylvania, has been wood-carving for 27 years. He said that he has been coming to the event since it started.
"This is the largest wood carving event in the world, and it is right here in Ridgway. If you come down, you will get to see a couple hundred chainsaw carvers," Beach said.
Organizers said that at least a dozen covers are coming from outside of the United States.
The 13th annual Ridgway Chainsaw Carver Rendezvous begins on Saturday at 9 a.m.
The rendezvous will conclude on February 25.
For more information visit www.chainsawrendezvous.org
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:50:23 -0500
In 2010 the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation began using social media as a form of providing information.
PennDOT decided that Twitter, a social media outlet, would be a good way to outsource information to drivers.
Dawn Walls, safety press officer for PennDOT District 2 told 6 News that providing information via Twitter has been effective.
"People want their information in a fast environment, so with social media, they can get it before they hit the road," said Walls.
PennDOT initially began tweeting things on a statewide level.
During late 2010, they began to create Twitter accounts on a regional basis divided up by their 511 breakdown.
Since that began, PennDOT now has seven regional Twitter accounts that provides information based on areas throughout the state.
On Twitter, District 2 is listed as 511PAState College.
"It really is an information tool for us to let people know what all PennDOT is responsible for," said Walls.
Walls said that the tweets on their Twitter account has proven to be very helpful during winter.
"During winter weather it becomes very important so we can get all types of messages out. We can let them know when roads are closed, or maybe of a lane restriction. We can also use it to tell drivers how to be as safe as possible when they are out there traveling, if they have to travel," said Walls.
To get information from PennDOT through Twitter you can create a free Twitter account at www.twitter.com.
You can then follow PennDOT by searching for its accounts, including the statewide and regional accounts.
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:41:58 -0500
Twenty-one years ago a local farmer was concerned about coyotes destroying his crops.
In an effort to lower the coyote population, he and his friends began a friendly competition betting money to see who could find the largest coyote.
Now, it is 2012 and what began as a friendly competition, is now one of the largest coyote hunts in the world.
It is called the Mosquito Creek Sportsman Club Coyote Hunt.
Friday morning at 12:01, thousands of hunters hit the woods across Pennsylvania.
Devon Tarner, president of the Mosquito Creek Sportsman Club told 6 News that 3,985 hunters have registered for the event.
Tarner said that most people join the hunt for fun, but for most, they take the chance at winning some cash.
Tarner said that who ever finds the biggest coyote will take home $7,970.
The hunter that harvests the largest female coyote will win $7,506.
The hunt will go on through Sunday at 4 p.m.
Hunters that harvest coyotes must check them in at the Sportsman Club in Frenchville, Clearfield County.
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:38:46 -0500
People in Somerset County can now breathe a sigh of relief.
It was back in December 6 News told you about a rash of burglaries throughout the Hooversville and Stoystown areas of Somerset County. Police said they now know the man involved for breaking into those homes, and he's already in jail.
Derrin William Campbell of Hooversville was arrested back in December, charged with theft, trespass and assault
Police said he broke into a home in Friedens, threatened the homeowner and got away with credit cards, keys to a safety deposit box and more than $15,000 in cash.
Police said Campbell was also involved in a burglary that happened within Stonycreek Township, Cambria County.
On Friday, he was arraigned again for two more incidents. In each, police say he broke into homes in Somerset County and removed several firearms and cash.
Police said they received their information from Kenneth Hummel, a man also involved in the burglaries. Police said he's facing similar charges.
A judge set Campbell's bail at $50,000 for both incidents he was arraigned on. That's in addition to the $150,000 bail he hasn't been able to post from his previous case. Police said he also has detainers in Cambria County for violating a prior probation.
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:42:01 -0500
WINDBER, Pa. --
The Windber Area School District is facing a projected $1.6 million shortfall for the next school year.
Superintendent Rick Huffman said changes will have to be made and the school is concerned about the possibility of even more cuts in the future. But the one thing he said school officials won't do is complain.
This isn't the first time the district has seen a $1 million cut.
"All of our teachers all of our administrative staff and a portion of our support staff all took pay freezes last year and that was a $1 million deficit with that in place," Huffman said.
Now the district is faced with a higher deficit -- $1.6 million -- and there are several reasons why it's gone up.
In addition to state money decreasing, the district hasn't raised its school taxes in years. Huffman said that's because of Act 1.
"Act 1 formula is based on the taxes you already have in place, so if my tax structure is real high, I could raise taxes by a larger margin. Here, because it's so low, you could only increase it if you really, really wanted to by a minuscule amount," he said.
Huffman said the $1.6 million may be a change in their budget, but it won't change the quality of the district's education.
The cut means the district will look at extracurricular activities and programs that it may have to eliminate or combine.
Stay with 6 News, WJACTV.com and WJACTV.com Mobile for continuing coverage.
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:33:54 -0500
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. --
A driver was injured when the gasoline tanker truck he was driving overturned and exploded in Centre County.
The crash happened around 6:30 a.m. Friday at the Grey's Woods exit off-ramp of Interstate 99 in Patton Township. The exit ramp was closed for several hours.
Emergency crews said the tanker was hauling about 8,500 gallons of gasoline.
The driver, whose condition was not released by noon Friday, was taken to Mt. Nittany Medical Center.
Hazmat crews were at the scene cleaning up the site. Stay with 6 News, WJACTV.com and WJACTV.com Mobile for continuing coverage.
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:07:08 -0500
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. --
Police have made an arrest in connection with a late-night shooting near a bar in Ashville Borough, Cambria County.
Philip Paul Gaida, 33, of Cresson, was arraigned at a district court in Cambria County accused of aggravated assault. He released on bond.
In a news release, Pennsylvania State Police said the incident happened Thursday around 11:15 p.m. at the Ashville Inn.
Troopers said the victim, Jeremy Culp, of Ashville, was transported to Altoona Hospital for treatment of wounds and is in stable condition.
Investigators said Gaida and 25-year-old Edward Leroy Lebo, of Gallitzin, were at the Ashville Inn when they got into an argument with Culp and his friend. The bartender separated the people, then Culp and his friend avoided Gaida and Lebo and left the bar.
Troopers said Gaida and Lebo followed Culp and started an argument with him as Culp walked to his vehicle. The argument escalated into a physical altercation and Culp punched either Gaida or Lebo in the face. Another witness broke up the fight.
Culp and the witness were walking away when Lebo told Gaida, "Phil, you got your gun. Shoot him," according to the PSP release.
Gaida allegedly pulled out a .40-caliber automatic pistol from his waist and shot Culp in the buttock. Culp fell to the ground then Gaida and Lebo fled the scene in a silver Ford Taurus.
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:20:48 -0500
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. --
Special Olympics of Pennsylvania says it has received about $80,000 donations in memory of the late Penn State coach Joe Paterno.
Paterno died Jan. 22, less than three months after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, his family had requested donations be made to Special Olympics or the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, which benefits pediatric cancer research and care. That event begins Friday.
Special Olympics president Matt Aaron said this week some donations to his charity came from other schools, while others came from individuals in the amount of $61, in honor of the number of years Paterno worked at Penn State.
Paterno's wife, Sue, is one of the lead organizers for the Special Olympics' Summer Games in June, held on the Penn State campus.
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:19:06 -0500
About a dozen friends and family members of Maria Boyd, who is accused of killing her infant son in June 2010, attended a hearing in Huntingdon County on Thursday.
Authorities arrested the 23-year-old mother in December on first-degree murder charges, after a 17-month investigation that determined Boyd was responsible for the death of her 6-week-old son, Andrew.
At the conclusion of the hearing, a judge said it would take an additional hearing to determine if the county or the defendant should pay for expenses of a private investigator and pathologist, which also further delays the preliminary hearing.
An autopsy said Andrew Boyd suffered from a fractured skull, had alcohol in his blood system and died from blunt-force trauma to the abdomen.
Several friends, including Canda Keiser, wore green T-shirts in the courtroom to show their support for Boyd.
“I believe in Maria’s innocence, and I’ll continue to support her until the end. We love you, Maria,” said Keiser.
Ariel Gratta told 6News that she believes other people that were inside the Smithfield Township home are responsible for Andrew’s injuries and that the charges against Boyd will eventually be dropped.
“She is just such a nurturing and loving person,” said Gratta. “One day, she will get her justice and she will be set free and she will get her children home with her, where they belong. Unfortunately, Andrew will have to be up in heaven waiting for us when we all pass. Right now we all just love him. We just know that this, this is wrong; this is not true. Maria didn't do any of this."
Defense attorney Tom Dickey said he filed a habeas corpus motion and asked the judge to consider dismissing the first-degree murder charge.
“If you look into the criminal complaint, it doesn’t have any allegation which we believe shows first-degree murder. That’s the only time when you can’t have bail,” said Dickey.
Huntingdon County District Attorney George Zanic told 6News that several prosecution experts determined that Boyd was responsible for the death of her son and that additional evidence will likely surface at the preliminary hearing.
“We have thousands of thousands of documents. We’re ready to proceed with the case,” said Zanic. “We wouldn’t have charged her if we didn’t think that she did it.”
Published: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:31:33 -0500
What do you do when you're asked to make a donation? When you get a flier in the mail? Or a sales call?
It can be tough to recognize phony solicitors, but to avoid getting scammed out of hard-earned cash, people need to be alert and know the difference between what's legitimate and what's not.
Officials with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office said they've seen many letter marked with flags or eagles that appear to be from the government, when in fact they're a scam.
To avoid being defrauded, residents should know where the offer comes from and who they are dealing with. Never send money to an organization or someone who you don't know.
Fraud should also immediately to the Federal Trade Commission. That information helps law enforcement bring scammers to justice.
In addition, people should register their phone numbers on the Do Not Call list and opt out of all junk mail and solicitations.
On the computer, keep security programs up-to-date and immediately delete emails that look suspicious.
Brookville Police Chief Ken Dworek said people fall for scams every day. In one case he investigation, a couple lost $21,000.
"It's in epidemic proportions. Almost as bad as prescription drugs," Dworek said.
He said his department handles two to five cases a week because there is much money to be made in mass marketing fraud. International crime rings reach out to people by phone, online and through mail. According to the FTC, the deceptive crime costs the U.S. $1 billion a year and catching con artists is very difficult.
Dworek said, "It's frustrating because everybody, every law enforcement agency that has any bearing -- State Police you name it -- is putting out warnings. You get nothing for nothing and nothing is free."
For more information about how to enroll in the Do Not Call list, opt out of mass mailing and more, visit:
--The Federal Trade Commission website (ftc.gov)
--The Pennsylvania Attorney General's website (attorneygeneral.gov)
Published: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:30:00 -0500
Penn State's tuition has skyrocketed in the past decade, but Pennsylvania's governor said its not because of funding cuts.
When Gov. Tom Corbett unveiled his proposed budget last week, it indicated state-owned universities could see a 30 percent cut in funding. That means a loss of $41 million for Pitt, $42 million for Temple and $62 million for Penn State. Penn State's tuition has increased steadily steadily over the years. In 2001, the yearly tuition bill for a freshman at Penn State's University Park campus was $7,000. In 2006 it jumped 41.8 percent to $10,000. And last year, it was up 51.1 percent to more than $15,000.
With Corbett's proposed funding cut of 30 percent, many expect tuition to rise once again.
When asked on Thursday of the response he's had from alumni, Corbett told reporters he hasn't seen much. In fact, he said, communication to his office is down considerably this year, compared to last. But from the alumni he has talked with, Corbett said 8 out of 10 agree with his proposal, saying that universities need to learn how to control their costs.
Corbett said it troubles him when universities, like Penn State, immediately start talking tuition increases when the state proposes to cut their funding.
"I talked about this last year, so I 'll talk about it again and I'm on the board of trustees there. ... Penn State, 10 years prior, received $3 billion dollars and increased tuition 110 percent," said Corbett. "Obviously giving them money, didn't keep tuition down, did it?"
Corbett has also proposed cutting the state agency offering financial aid by 6 percent, and that, mixed with the potential rise in tuition, makes many fear enrollment at state owned universities could drop significantly.
Published: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:29:16 -0500
Gov. Tom Corbett spent some time in Johnstown on Thursday, where he discussed his budget proposal with the employees of a local manufacturing company. His message: Raising taxes is a bad idea
Corbett toured the facility at Lockheed Martin Aeroparts, Inc., where he praised the company for its growth.
Each employee at Lockheed Martin has a specific job and together they assemble the components responsible for putting major aircraft in the sky. The headquarters of the company is in Texas, but they've had a base in Johnstown since 1987.
According to the plant manager, the company has grown significantly over the years, starting with just 100 employees and increasing to now over 400.
Corbett used the company as an example of why he's still against raising taxes.
"I did not want to do it on business -- I still don't want to do it on business, 'cause they're providing you the jobs, and they're coming to Pennsylvania and we're growing the business section here in Pennsylvania and that provides jobs... It's not that we want to cut, it's not that we want to reduce the spending. But when the money's not there, you have to make hard choices."
With a deficit of over $4 billion, Corbett has proposed some steep cuts in his budget on things like universities and public welfare. Again on Thursday he stressed that we all need to live within our means and not spend money we don't have.
Published: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:26:58 -0500
ALTOONA, Pa. --
A Blair County man has been ordered to stand trial on more than 400 child pornography and child-sex counts alleging he abused a 6-year-old girl while a 3-year-old girl watched.
Prosecutors allege 50-year-old David Pulcine made the girls prance around in skimpy, sparkly outfits as part of what he told them was the "fashion model game."
According to The Associated Press, Pulcine was ordered to stand trial after a 90-minute preliminary hearing on Thursday.
Police said they found the images in a file called "Delete Davey's Account" on his computer when they arrived at his home with a search warrant last June. They said Pulcine was trying to hide the images moments before the raid.
The pornography investigation led police to the alleged abuse of the girls in 2008 or 2009.
Pulcine has pleaded not guilty.
Published: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:17:05 -0500
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. --
Firefighters from across the area gathered on Thursday to remember one of their own.
John Bracken, known to everyone as "Chief," died earlier this week at age 89.
Bracken was a member of the Krings Volunteer Fire Company in Somerset County for 50 years.
Those who served with him called him a mentor.
Bracken was also a World War II veteran and received a Purple Heart.
He will be laid to rest at Grandview Cemetery.
Published: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:59:43 -0500
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. --
Johnstown police are looking for the culprits after a rash of vandalism in the city' west end.
A viewer first alerted 6 News to graffiti that was spray painted on a Dollar General building in the city's west end.
Police have responded to the store before because of damage done by graffiti, and some residents said they're not surprised because they see activity going on outside the store at night.
Residents who live near the store said they believe more than one person is responsible for the graffiti, which was discovered Thursday.
They also said a nearby store in an alley near D Street had similar graffiti.
Johnstown Police Capt. Andrew Frear said he can't confirm if there is a connection but said police will continue to keep an eye on both areas.
Frear said, "People have to pay to have that (damage) taken care of, so we're treating it very serious, and patrols are on at night and during the evening to look for that activity."
Anyone with information about the vandalism or who might be involved is asked to call police.
Stay with 6 News, WJACTV.com and WJACTV.com Mobile for continuing coverage.
Published: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:26:57 -0500
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. --
Employees at the National Drug Intelligence Center in Johnstown were given pink slips on Wednesday.
Every Department of Justice worker at the downtown office was given a reduction in force notice, a source told 6 News.
The notices were handed out in advance of the official closing of the center.
The notices become effective in June.
The source said very few people have been given new assignments, although it is believed that there will more reassignments.
Stay with 6 News, WJACTV.com and WJACTV.com Mobile for continuing coverage.
Published: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:37:26 -0500
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. --
Cambria County may eliminate at least two magisterial district judges because of a drop in population.
On Wednesday night, the public was given the opportunity to ask county officials about the plan.
Cambria County is hoping to eliminate the two seats through attrition; two magistrates in the county plan to retire soon.
President Judge Timothy Creany said, "Looking and comparing our numbers to other counties, we realized we probably had to reduce by two districts to come into parity with what every other county our size has."
Public meetings are scheduled in Vinco, Ebensburg, Cresson, Portage and Hastings over the next week.
Published: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:30:10 -0500
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