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Operation Our Town Kicks Off New Campaign In Fight Against Drugs Jul 03, 2008
Operation Our Town, in cooperation with Push Out the Pusher and Crime Solvers of Blair County, has begun a major countywide campaign to remind people of the Push Out The Pusher phone number and encourage its use.
The campaign kickoff will take place at the Altoona Curve baseball game at Blair County Ball Park on Friday, July 4. Fans will receive the free signs promoting the Push Out The Pusher (POTP) line as they leave the park after the fireworks show.
“Our goal is to saturate all communities of Blair County with the message that you can report drug activity by calling 693-3020,” said Randy Feathers of the state attorney general’s office, chairman of the Operation Our Town Law Enforcement Round Table. “Displaying the signs will show dealers and users that the community stands united against illegal drug activity.”
POTP callers can leave a recorded message or choose to speak with someone to report suspicious activity and/or drug activity in their neighborhoods. All callers can remain anonymous. The hot line has received thousands of calls since its inception and has contributed to several drug busts throughout Blair County.
Feathers made special mention of the group Blair Countians for Drug Free Communities, whose members’ years ago saw the need for the Push Out The Pusher hot line, found funding for it and implemented it.
Frank Rosenhoover, current chair of Blair Countians for Drug Free Communities, said he welcomes the partnership and the widespread use of the phone line for the betterment of the community.
Autism Insurance Gets Senate OK Jul 03, 2008
Parents of autistic children will be able to pay for behavioral therapy and related services with private health insurance starting next year. The Senate passed the measure this evening, 49-1, a day after it received a unanimous vote in the House of Representatives. Gov. Ed Rendell says he will sign it. The bill would require insurers to provide up to $36,000 in coverage initially for autism therapy for people under 21, and the state's Medicaid program would pay for any costs that exceed that cap. Businesses with 51 or more employees would have to offer the coverage starting July 1, 2009. The Senate's Republican leaders says he expects the chamber to send the bill to the governor before the Legislature leaves for its two-month summer break.
Rape Suspect Cleared Jul 03, 2008
Altoona police said a paternity test has proven a rape suspect did not father a child born to his alleged victim, a 12-year-old girl.
Curtis Adrian Walk, 20, is still awaiting trial on charges he raped the girl. Police said he told them he had consensual sex with the girl, but police said he confided to someone else that he raped the girl.
But police said they have now obtained DNA samples from a 42-year-old convicted sex offender from Hollidaysburg to determine if he fathered the victim's child.
That man has not been charged with a crime and police are not naming him to protect the girl's identity.
Police said Walk gave police a statement that led them to suspect the other man fathered the child.
Decision In Penn State Streaker Case Jul 03, 2008
A decision in Centre County court could impact students who police recently arrested at Penn State for taking part in a university tradition called the Mifflin Streak. The tradition is now getting nationwide attention. Penn State charged six students after they strippedand ran near Mifflin Hall. One of those charged, Daniel Mozer, seen here in the black hat was charged with open lewdness and disorderly conduct; those charges however were dismissed in court on Wednesday. His attorney argued it was not a criminal activity.
Historic Railroad Tracks Stolen Jul 03, 2008
$25,000 worth of historic railroad tracks are missing in Huntingdon County. The quarter–mile stretch of tracks are part of the East Broad Top Railroad. The tracks date back to the 1800’s and work is being done to preserve them. The general manager of the railroad says the thieves even went as far as to show off by posting a fake contract, saying they were hired to remove the tracks. Neighbors are appalled.
Plea To Public To Play Jul 03, 2008
The Rockwood School District in Somerset County is asking for local business to help kids afford to play school sports and in the band. The Rockwood School District was forced to cut $600,000 dollars from its budget this Spring. That means kids now have to "pay to play" starting with the upcoming school year. The District says it needs $80,000 to cover the cost of school activites.
Latest On The Disappearance Of Ray Gricar Jul 02, 2008
New details this morning in the disappearance of Centre County’s former District Attorney Ray Gricar. A press conference held Tuesday in Union County. Officials now say they think Centre County's current District Attorney and the State have mishandled the case. Gricar disappeared three years ago. The current Montour DA and the former Clinton County DA say Centre County authorities failed to talk to some witnesses. They also claim Gricar's laptop hard drive, found in the Susquehanna River should be analyzed further. The last time anyone saw Gricar alive was back in April 2005
186 pairs of combat boots are sitting in Cambria County this morning with the intent to send a very strong message about the war in Iraq. The boots stand in remembrance of fallen soldiers like Captain Tristan Aitkin of State College, Private Aaron Rusin of Johnstown and Sergeant Daniel Lightner of Hollidaysburg. These are just some of our local troops represented in the eyes wide open display at UPJ.
New 911 Center For Bedford County Jul 02, 2008
A ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, christened the county's new 911 center. Located inside the new courthouse building, dispatchers now have access to state of the art technology. For the last 20 years, 911 operators have worked in the basement of the Bedford ambulance building.
100,000 Rider Gets Honor Jul 02, 2008
A man from Washington State earns a unique honor during Thunder In The Valley. On Sunday morning Scott Asperser became the 100,000 rider On the Johnstown Incline Plane. As part of the honor his picture will hang in the gift shop until the 200,000 rider takes the trip.
Clark Found Guilty Jul 01, 2008
Guilty, that's the verdict against the Bedford County man charged with killing Holly Notestine. A jury returning their verdict Monday after more than 2–days of deliberations in the Joseph Clark murder trial. The Dauphin County Jury convicting Clark of kidnapping and killing Notestine back in 2000. Notestine's family says after 8 long years, they finally have some closure. The death penalty phase is underway this morning. The jury must now decide if Clark should spend the rest of his life in prison without the chance for parole, or die for killing Notestine.
Deadlock In Highmark Contract Talks Jul 01, 2008
The deadline has come and gone and still no movement in contract talks between Conemaugh Health System and Highmark Health Insurance. A statement released by Conemaugh says both sides still have not reached an agreement. The current contract expired at midnight. Because talks remain deadlocked hospital officials say they will continue to treat people with Highmark insurance for the next six months under the same terms as the current contract.
Serious Charges Dropped Against Top Cop Jul 01, 2008
A Cambria County Police Chief accused of drinking and driving and assaulting another officer won't face serious charges. During a preliminary hearing on Monday, felony charges again northern Cambria Police Chief Kevin Stanek were dropped. A judge ruled stanek can also return to work. The Chief was pepper sprayed during a traffic stop in April, he still faces misdemeanor charges
DTV Update Jul 01, 2008
Just A Reminder That On February 17th Of Next Year, All Must Swtich From Analog To Digital. For You That Means A Better Picture And Sound And More Programming. But If You Rely On Rabbit Ears, A Rooftop Antenna Or Have An Analog Television – You Will No Longer Get A Signal. The Best Way To Solve That Is To Buy A DTV Converter Box Buy A Digital Television And subscribe To A Cable Or Satellite Provider. If You Would Like More Information Or To Get A Coupon To Help Pay For The Converter Box You Can Log Onto dtv.gov.
Three Dead Following Standoff And Shooting Jun 30, 2008
Three people are dead after an apparent double slaying-suicide in Cambria County.
Officials said that at about 3 a.m. Sunday, David Gerlach, 42, opened fire on his ex-wife, Debra Gerlach, 41, and her boyfriend 44-year-old Paul Demetri before turning the gun on himself. The incident took place at Debra Gerlach's home along Allie Buck Road in Cambria Township.
According to Cambria County Coroner Dennis Kwiatkowski, the Gerlachs were in the process of getting a divorce. Neighbors said they were selling their home.
Kwiatkowski said the Gerlach's has four children, but they were not home at the time of the shooting.
According to officials, there was a note left at the scene.
Jury Continues Deliberations This Morning In Bedford Jun 30, 2008
The jury has still not reached a verdict in their deliberations in the Joseph Clark murder trail in Bedford County. The jury concluded their discussions last night and asked for specific clarifications on the charges Clark is facing. They resumed deliberations this morning at 8 am.
