February 5, 2011
Eight people are homeless following an early morning fire on Friday in Philipsburg Borough. The fire apparently broke out around 5:00AM and firefighters from 11 companies battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. A resident of the apartment complex was transported to Clearfield Hospital for smoke inhalation. The apartment building was the site of a former beer distributor and had six apartments. A family pet is said to have alerted his owners to the fire.
A DUI-related accident in Cooper Township early this morning (SUNDAY) is being looked into by Clearfield based state police. Reports say a 24 year old Philipsburg motorist left the roadway while traveling along State Route 53 near Rollingstone Road around 2:30AM and rolled over several times. Charges are pending the results of blood alcohol testing. State troopers were assisted at the scene by members of the Winburne Fire Department and MO Valley EMS.
A mandatory state-wide food safety course designed to meet the food certification requirements for establishments in the food service industry will be offered by Penn State DuBois in partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension. The nationally recognized ServSafe program fulfills The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act in the categories of food service, retail and bakery. Classes are scheduled from 9:00AM to 4:30PM on February 13th & February 20th at Penn State DuBois Campus. To register, call toll free 1-877-489-1398.
Curwensville Borough Police are searching for a vehicle wanted in a HIT & RUN incident Saturday evening. Witnesses say a red Ford Ranger truck was seen coasting backwards at the intersection of State & George Streets in Curwensville around 10:00PM. The truck struck a planter box and fled the scene at a high-rate-of-speed, nearly striking another vehicle. Anyone with any additional information concerning this HIT & RUN incident is asked to contact Curwensville Borough Police.
Individuals filing their 2011 Pennsylvania personal income taxes can help Pennsylvania's military personnel and their families by donating part or all of their refund to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program. The program provides grants of up to $3,500 dollars to Pennsylvania members of the armed forces and their families who have a direct and immediate financial need as a result of military service. To learn more about the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, visit www.dmva.state.pa.us.
February 4, 2012
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection invites businesses, utilities and local government to an introductory workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 15, about the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 50001, a program designed to promote energy efficiency and reduce operating costs for a variety of organizations. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North-central Regional Planning & Development Commission in Ridgway, Elk County. ISO 50001 is the new energy management system standard designed to help organizations improve energy efficiency, evaluate the use of energy-efficient technology, and to reduce operating costs and improve profitability. Attendees will learn more about the concept of energy management systems and the benefits of developing and implementing one for their organization. More information about the free workshop can be found online at iso50001.eventbrite.com. Those who plan to attend should register by visiting the website or by calling 814-332-6681.
Congratulations to OK! 102.9's Super Snacker Recipe contest winner Pat Young of Clearfield. The winning recipe Pat submitted was for Bacon Appetizer Crescents and is posted on our website wokw.com. As the winner Pat wins a $50 Martins Gift Card. The next 20 best entries win $20 Martins Gift Cards. Congratulations again to Pat Young of Clearfield, winner of OK! 102.9's Super Snacker Recipe Contest and thanks to all who participated.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has approved a 5.7 percent decrease in overall workers' compensation costs that will result in $160 million in savings for Pennsylvania employers. Employers can expect a 5.7 percent rate decrease, on average, in 2012. However, some will see rates go up, some will see no change, and others will see rates go down beyond the 5.7 percent. This will vary according to type of business, as well as the employer's specific claims history. Businesses with a certified safety committee have realized insurance premium reductions totaling $432.8 million since the program began. To learn more about establishing a certified workplace safety committee, visit the Department of Labor & Industry online at dli.state.pa.us.
The Pennsylvania State Police in Clearfield have released their incident report for the month of January 2012. There were a total number of 699 incidences that were reported. Of those incidences, 131 criminal offences were reported. 61 traffic crashes were reported in which 22 people were injured and 2 were killed. 13 DUI arrests were made. 336 traffic citations were issued and 99 warnings were given. The Pennsylvania State Police would like to remind everyone to be safe driving, DO NOT drink and drive and always buckle up.
Sandy Township Police received a report of Vandalism that occurred in Treasure Lake on Wednesday. Unknown Suspects drove large four wheelers onto the Silver Woods Golf Course and caused over $5,000 worth of damage to the fairway and greens. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Sandy Township Police Department at 814-371-4220.
A 22-year old Philipsburg woman was charged with Retail Theft in an incident which occurred Friday around 2:30 PM. Clearfield based State Police report the theft occurred at a Chester Hill Borough establishment after Cassandra L. Rapone removed an item from the establishment without paying for it. Rapone was charged with Retail Theft.
February 3, 2012
It has been announced that the Clearfield Area School District is applying for a referendum exception to raise taxes. If approved by the state department of education, the school district will be able to raise taxes above the applicable percentage without requiring a referendum to voter approval. At its last meeting the board approved a 6-mill increase, which would have gone to the voters for approval, however the district has opted to apply for the exception. In speaking with the State Department of Education about the exception and how taxpayers would be able to voice their opinions if the increase does not make it to the ballot, the department stated normal procedure is that the taxpayers should voice their concerns to the local school board. The Clearfield Area School Board will meet again for a work session February 20th at 6pm.
Curwensville Borough Council has announced a special meeting to be held next week. Council intends on holding a special meeting Monday, February 6th at 6pm at the Curwensville Borough Building. The reason for the special meeting is noted as general purposes.
A bill is being introduced in Harrisburg that's intended to protect the health of student athletes in Pennsylvania from cardiac arrest. Senate Bill 1367 would require any student who faints while training, practicing, or competing in a sport or school sanctioned activity, or is known to have fainted during strenuous activity such as physical education class, be prohibited from further participation until he or she has been screened and cleared by a cardiologist. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the Number One killer of student athletes. One out of every 100 kids has an undetectable heart condition. Young athletes are most susceptible to cardiac arrest. Under the bill, penalties for violating the law would include coaching suspension.
State Police in DuBois responded to a two vehicle crash that occurred on Interstate 80 on Sunday in Union Township, Clearfield County. At around 8:15 PM, two vehicles, one being driven by John Wascovich of Factoryville PA and the other being driven by Eugene Kemp of Clearfield PA were traveling east on interstate 80. The Wascovich vehicle was attempting to pass the Kemp vehicle in the left lane when he struck the drivers side door of the Kemp vehicle. The impact caused both vehicles to slide off the road, onto the median. John Wascovich and Eugene Kemp were not injured in the crash, however John Wascovich's passenger Jennifer Vieczorek sustained minor injuries and was taken by EMS to Clearfield Hospital for treatment. State Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Lawrence Township VFD and Clearfield EMS.
Clearfield based State Police are investigating a burglary that occurred at a restaurant in Woodward Township, Clearfield County. In the overnight hours between February 1st and 2nd, unknown suspects broke into Sammy's Pizza located on Spring Street and stole an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the State Police in Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
February 2, 2012
One-hundred twenty-two years of tradition continued this morning in Jefferson County, as Punxsutawney Phil made his annual prediction. Each year, Phil emerges from his home at Gobbler's Knob to see if we're in for 6 more weeks of winter, or if spring is just around the corner. This morning, at approximately 7:30AM, Phil joined members of the Groundhog Club Inner Circle, as well as 5,000 visitors to Gobbler's Knob, to let the world know that he saw his shadow, meaning 6 more weeks of winter. Ever since the tradition began in 1887, Phil has predicted an early spring only 16 times.
State Police in Philipsburg arrested a man for DUI in Patton Township, Centre County Thursday. Around 2:15 AM, Officers conducted a traffic stop on Justin K. Edling, 27, of Enola after observing him committing several traffic violations. Upon further interaction with Edling, the State Troopers determined that Edling was under the influence of alcohol. Justin K. Edling was taken into custody and charges of DUI and other summary traffic violations are pending the results of a Blood Alcohol Content Test.
The Clearfield County DUI Strike Force conducted a roving patrol Jan. 28-29, arresting four drivers for driving under the influence. Officers also cited two people for failing to use a seat belt. Other arrests made during the detail included: four public drunkenness charges, two for open containers and three for disorderly conduct. Fourteen traffic citations were issued for violations of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, and 13 verbal warnings were given during the detail. The Clearfield County DUI Strike Force is comprised of officers from the following police departments: Clearfield Borough, Lawrence Township, Curwensville Borough, DuBois City, Sandy Township and the Morris-Cooper Regional. The enforcement was funded as part of $4.2 million in federal funds PennDOT distributes statewide, which come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The funds are used for police overtime, equipment and other associated costs.
PennDOT's efforts to modernize and improve the way it does business, ensuring the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, are detailed on a new webpage. These efforts, outlined at dot.state.pa.us under the heading, "Modern PennDOT," will be updated regularly as progress continues. Efforts to implement modernization ideas recommended by PennDOT employees started early last year. While some of the additional modernization ideas suggested last year by the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission (TFAC) will require legislative action, PennDOT is moving forward with the ones that do not. To view the advisory commission's recommendations, visit tfac.pa.gov, click on final report, and then click on modernization.
National Fuel has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission a quarterly adjustment to gas supply charges, which became effective Wednesday for its Pennsylvania customers. This 9.8 percent decrease will lower the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using ninety-five thousand cubic feet of gas annually from $84.92 to $76.59. Continued decreases in the market price of natural gas due, in part, to the increasing Marcellus shale gas production, make this quarterly adjustment possible. Pennsylvania utility companies are permitted to update gas supply charges on a quarterly basis to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas. National Fuel's next opportunity to adjust gas supply charges will be May 1st.
January 31, 2012
A Cincinnati motorist sustained moderate injuries in a Sunday afternoon single vehicle crash along Interstate 80 in Sandy Township. The crash occurred as the 69 year old motorist fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle drifted off the roadway and the driver awoke when the vehicle traveled across the rumble strips, subsequently jerking the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to strike an embankment and roll twice. The driver, wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, was flown by medical helicopter to Altoona Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. It was noted the driver will be cited.
Auditor General Jack Wagner announced that an audit of the Penfield Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association, VFRA, in Clearfield County determined the organization was in compliance with tested laws and regulations. The Auditor Generals office commended the management of the Penfield VFRA for complying with all state laws, contracts and administrative procedures. The report covered the audit period January 1st 2007 thru December 31st 2009. VFRA's are non-profit organizations established to afford financial protection to volunteer firefighters who suffer misfortune as a result of their participation in the fire service. The associations receive state aid from a 2% state tax on fire insurance purchased by Pennsylvania residents from insurance companies incorporated outside of the commonwealth.
A meeting was held Tuesday night regarding the possible closing of the Shawville Post Office. Many customers of the Shawville Post Office attended the meeting to voice their concerns about the possible closing. One concern was that all residential customers would have to move to mailboxes with rural delivery and lose the security of a post office box. Others said they will miss the local service with the need to travel to further Post Offices to purchase services. Postal Service representatives that conducted the meeting urge residents to contact their Federal Representatives and voice their concerns in writing. It was stressed that Congress will have the final say as to what direction the Post Office will go in cutting costs and possibly shutting down offices.
Clearfield based State Police arrested a man for DUI early Tuesday morning on SR 53 in Morris Township, Clearfield County. State Police stopped John E. Schomke, 46, of Allport for a traffic violation he had committed. While speaking with Schomke, officers detected the odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle. John E. Schmoke was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI. Charges are to be filed through the district court pending the results of a Blood Alcohol Content test.
State Police in Clearfield are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday morning at a Nittany Minit Mart in Bradford Township, Clearfield County. Around 2:45 AM, an unknown suspect entered the store through the front entrance and demanded money from a clerk while brandishing a set of pliers. After procuring $250 dollars from the clerk, the suspect fled the scene. The unknown suspect was described as a 6'1-6'2 white male with a slender build in his mid 20's, blond hair and a sunken in face. The suspect was wearing dark sneakers with white trim, dark blue jeans, a dark "Puffy Style" Jacket, a dark hooded sweatshirt with skulls on the sides of the hood and the hood pulled up and he was believed to be wearing a teenage mutant ninja turtle bandana to cover the bottom part of his face. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Clearfield based State Police at 814-857-3800.
January 30, 2012
The Clearfield County District Attorney's office has announced details concerning this weeks Clearfield County "Fugitive of the Week". The Fugitive was identified as Robert Lewis McCracken, age 46, of Altoona, PA. In May of 2003, officers responded when McCracken had followed a female victim on Gill Hollow road in Beccaria Township and used his vehicle to ram into the victims vehicle. McCracken then attempted to break the driver's side window and puncture the tires of the victim's vehicle. When officers made contact with McCracken, they detected signs of impairment. Robert McCracken was charged with Reckless Endangerment, DUI, Harassment and Driving with Suspended Privileges. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 21st, 2003 at which time all charges were held for court. McCracken failed to appear at Jury Selection for his trial and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Anyone with knowledge of Robert Lewis McCracken's whereabouts is asked to call the Clearfield Crime Stoppers, toll free, at 800-376-4700. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting www.ClearfieldDA.org. All calls and tips are considered confidential. The District Attorney's office also announced the capture of a past Fugitive of the Week. Cory Eminhizer was apprehended on November 22nd, 2011 thanks to an anonymous tip to the Curwensville Police Department. Eminhizer was taken into custody without incident.
A Philipsburg man sustained moderate injuries in a single vehicle crash that occurred on SR 2030 in Bradford Township, Clearfield County. On Thursday at 7:25 am, Walter Wagner, 40, of Philipsburg was traveling west on SR 2030 (Allport Cutoff) when he drove off the southern berm of the road for unknown reasons and struck a utility pole. After the crash, Wagner drove his vehicle back to his residence. He was then taken by a private vehicle to the Clearfield Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Walter Wagner will be cited for Careless Driving, along with several other violations in the incident.
Clearfield based State Police responded to a single vehicle crash that occurred on SR 53 in Decatur Township, Clearfield County on Sunday. At 3:53 AM, Annie Love, 18, of Houtzdale was traveling south on SR 53 when she lost control of her vehicle, swerved off the western berm of the roadway and struck a tree with the front end of her vehicle. Annie Love was taken by EMS to the Altoona Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries she sustained in the incident. State Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Osceola Mills Fire Department.
Clarion based State Police are investigating a report of rape in Clarion Township, Clarion County. The victim, an 18 year old female of Clarion, reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted and forcibly raped multiple times at a remote location off of Waterson Road and at various other locations in Clarion County by a known 27 year old Male of Lucinda. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Clarion based State Police.
An update has been released in the investigation of a man found dead in a wooded area near Irwin Drive in Decatur Township on Saturday afternoon. Clearfield based State Police have identified the man as 30-year old Andrew R. Garland, of Osceola Mills. The cause of death is still being investigated. An autopsy has been tentatively set for today. (Monday, January 30th.) More details are forthcoming pending the results of the autopsy. The investigation is continuing. State troopers were assisted at the scene by members of the Hope Volunteer Fire Company and personnel from the Clearfield County Coroner's office. Anyone with additional information that could aid authorities in the investigation is asked to contact Clearfield based State Police at 857-3800.
An incident of Harassment was investigated Sunday in Chester Hill Borough, Clearfield County. Just after 2 PM Sunday, a 30-year old Philipsburg man made threats toward a 22-year old West Decatur man at a residence along the 1400 block of Walton Street, in Chester Hill Borough. Clearfield based State Police filed Harassment charges against John L. Bowes in the incident.
Minor injuries were sustained by a 31-year old Bellwood driver in a crash Saturday night in Coalport Borough. Clearfield based State Police investigated the single-vehicle crash along SR 53 at its intersection with SR 865 (Heverly Road). Ryan N. Snyder, of Bellwood, was traveling west on SR 865 towards Coalport. Snyder failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of SR865 and SR 53 in Coalport. The vehicle traveled across SR 53. Unable to stop, the vehicle struck a traffic sign and then a tree along the west side of the roadway. Upon further investigation, officers determined Snyder to be Under the Influence of Alcohol. Two passengers in the vehicle were not injured in the crash. Charges of Disobeying Road Signs have been filed against Snyder in the incident. Ryan N. Snyder also faces DUI charges pending the outcome of the Blood Alcohol Content test.
State Police at Clearfield investigated an incident of Criminal Mischief which occurred in Greenwood Township, Clearfield County, Saturday morning. Sometime between 5:45 and 6:15 AM, Saturday, unknown individuals damaged a section of stone wall on property owned by Joseph Lester Winebold along the Mahaffey-Grampian Highway. Estimated damages to the property total approximately $300. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in this area during this time span or who may have information concerning this crime is asked to contact State Police at Clearfield at the Woodland barracks at 857-3800.
A 19-year old Penfield woman was not injured in a single-vehicle crash Saturday, in Winslow Township, Jefferson County. DuBois based State Police report the woman lost control of her vehicle on the ice covered roadway around 5:30 PM Saturday. While rounding a left-hand turn along SR 950, about ½ mile South of Pancoast Road, the vehicle slid across the roadway and rolled down an embankment along the east berm. The vehicle came to rest on its roof, just east of the roadway. Officers were assisted at the scene by Falls Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Reynoldsville Ambulance.
Robert K. Swauger, 36, of Sykesville was charged with Careless Driving in a single-vehicle crash which occurred last week in Winslow Township, Jefferson County. DuBois based State Police filed the charges following the crash in which Swauger was west bound on SR 322, just east of Fern Hollow Lane, rounding a left-hand turn when he lost control of the vehicle. As the vehicle slid across the roadway, it left the road and passed through a yard. As it traveled through the yard, the vehicle impacted and sheered off a telephone pole and continued a short distance coming to rest against some shrubbery. Power lines became entangled in the incident and came to rest on the passenger-side of the vehicle. Swauger was wearing his seat belt and received minor injuries in the incident.
January 29, 2012
Few details are being released in the investigation of a man found dead in a wooded area near Irwin Drive in Decatur Township on Saturday afternoon. Clearfield based state police have identified the man, but have not released information concerning his identity. State troopers were assisted at the scene by members of the Hope Volunteer Fire Company and personnel from the Clearfield County Coroner's Office. Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact Clearfield based state police at 857-3800.
A state police drug recognition expert was called-in to evaluate several Curwensville residents who were involved in a single vehicle accident on the interstate. DuBois based state police say a 37 year old Curwensville motorist lost control of her vehicle while traveling in the westbound lane of Interstate 80 in Sandy Township earlier this month. The vehicle struck the guardrails at Exit 97 and spun around on the roadway. Following the collision, the driver and a 39 year old passenger switched places in the vehicle and continued traveling for an additional 1 ½ miles before stopping the vehicle along the berm of I-80. Both the driver and passenger were suspected of being under the influence of illegal and prescription medication. Charges have been filed in the incident.
According to Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials, the Elk Country Visitor Center has earned honors for energy efficiency. The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded "Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" status to the facility. The award is an internationally recognized mark of design, construction and maintenance excellence that seeks to ensure buildings reflect the highest environmental and energy efficiency. The center's energy efficient features include rainwater collection and reuse systems and geothermal heating and cooling systems. The Elk Country Visitor Center opened in September 2010 in Elk County at a total cost of $12 million dollars in state funding & private donations.
A Reynoldsville woman was the victim of identity theft under investigation by DuBois based state police. According to reports, unknown perpetrators gained access to the victim's debit card information and used it to make several on-line purchases. No estimate was given as to the total amount of losses in the incident. Anyone with any additional information concerning this incident is asked to contact state troopers at 371-4652.
The state Senate last week unanimously approved legislation that will provide a critical tool to accelerate the replacement of aging natural gas, electric and wastewater systems in the Commonwealth, create new jobs and increase public safety. House Bill 1294 will establish a new financing method – known as a distribution system improvement charge process – to expedite utility infrastructure projects. This change would enable natural gas distribution companies, electric distribution companies and wastewater companies to accelerate the replacement of existing corroded, brittle or other at-risk lines, funded by a small surcharge. Currently, these utilities must wait for the completion of a rate case to begin receiving a return on their investment, which delays projects and leads to higher costs for consumers. House Bill 1294 now returns to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments. Governor Corbett has indicated his support for the legislation.
January 28, 2012
Representative Camille "Bud" George, a man who has served the 74th District for 38 years has decided to step down. Representative George made the announcement, Friday, that he will not be seeking re-election. He noted that he has served under 6 governors and that it has been an honor to serve the people of Clearfield County for so many years. After much thought and consideration, George, decided not to seek re-election to his post. For the next 9 months, Representative George will continue to serve out his term in office and the people of the district as best he can because he believes the government has a responsibility to help people with problem's that are too big to handle on their own. His plans are to take some time off with his wife, Edna, and family. However, Representative George will not be out of public service all together. He will be known as Mayor Camille "Bud" George. He was sworn in as the new mayor of Houtzdale earlier this month.
A meeting regarding the possible closing of the Shawville Post Office will be held next week. A listeners news tip informed wOK!w that a meeting regarding the possible post office closing will be held at the Goshen Township Building Tuesday January 31st at 6pm. Anyone with a news tip is asked to call us at 765-4955 or email us at news@wokw.com.
Clearfield based State Police responded to a single vehicle crash that occurred on Scofield Street in Curwensville Borough, Clearfield County Thursday. At 7:25 PM, a known 17 year old male juvenile of Grampian was traveling east on Scofield Street when he received a text message and took his eyes off the road. When he turned his attention back onto the road he realized that he was on the wrong side of the roadway. The juvenile lost control of his vehicle while trying navigate back into the correct lane of travel, swerved off the roadway, struck a utility pole and continued down an embankment into Anderson creek. Due to the collision with the utility pole, power to the Curwensville area was taken out of operation. Penelec is on scene to fix the problem. The 17 year old Juvenile was not injured in the incident.
Forty-four suspected drug dealers, accused of dealing prescription narcotics and illegal drugs, were charged today following a street-level sweep in Blair County by state narcotics agents and local police. Attorney General Linda Kelly said the arrests are the result of an eight-month cooperative investigation into the alleged street-level drug dealing in the Altoona area. Kelly said the defendants are charged with dealing a variety of different narcotics including; marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin. Additionally, many of the defendants allegedly sold and trafficked highly addictive prescription pain killers.
Houtzdale Borough Council has announced a special meeting to be held next week. A special meeting of Houtzdale Borough Council will be held Monday at 6:30pm. The purpose of the meeting is for general business that may come before council.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health, yesterday, advised consumers who purchased raw milk from The Family Cow store in Chambersburg, Franklin County, that several recent illnesses indicate the raw milk may contain harmful bacteria. Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized. The packaged raw milk is sold under The Family Cow label in plastic gallon, half gallon, quart and pint containers. It is sold directly to consumers in an on-farm retail store and at drop off locations and retail stores around Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley, as well as south-central Pennsylvania. Three cases of Campylobacter infection have been confirmed in persons in Pennsylvania and 3 cases have been confirmed in Maryland. All cases consumed raw milk from this farm. A formal recall has not been announced pending the Department of Agricultures test results of the raw milk. However, the department is recommending discarding any product purchased after January 1st. Nearly 1,300 confirmed cases of Campylobacter are reported each year in Pennsylvania. Onset of the illness usually occurs in 2 to 5 days after ingesting the bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. Patients often do not require specific medical treatment unless they become severely dehydrated. More information concerning Campylobacter may be obtained by visiting the Department of Health's website at: health.state.pa.us or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
January 27, 2012
Clearfield based State Police responded to a single vehicle crash that occurred on Scofield Street in Curwensville Borough, Clearfield County Thursday. At 7:25 PM, a known 17 year old male juvenile of Grampian was traveling east on Scofield Street when he received a text message and took his eyes off the road. When he turned his attention back onto the road he realized that he was on the wrong side of the roadway. The juvenile lost control of his vehicle while trying navigate back into the correct lane of travel, swerved off the roadway, struck a utility pole and continued down an embankment into Anderson creek. Due to the collision with the utility pole, power to the Curwensville area was taken out of operation. Penelec is on scene to fix the problem. The 17 year old Juvenile was not injured in the incident.
The PA Supreme Court, by a 4-3 decision, ordered the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission to fix its state House and Senate redistricting plans. The Supreme Court order did not say what was unconstitutional about the plan, reserving that for a forthcoming opinion. But it did state that the 2001 state House and Senate lines shall remain in effect until a revised final 2011 Legislative Reapportionment Plan having the force of law is approved. The state constitution says townships and counties should only be split if absolutely necessary, and observers say that questions about the interpretation of which splits were absolutely necessary may have led to the decision. Several lawmakers and citizens had filed 11 challenges in response to the new maps, and the court heard their arguments on Monday. The critics said the new legislative districts unnecessarily divided up neighboring communities around the state, especially those with common interests.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has issued 141 orders and adjudications, collected more than $900,000 in penalties and fines and recovered $3.2 million in restitution for consumers in 2011. Action is taken after an investigation reveals violations of Pennsylvania statutes or regulations, or after the completion of a market conduct examination. The results of the actions include: 37 individual insurance licenses were revoked or surrendered to the department. 57 licenses were placed under various periods of supervision. 16 waivers were issued, placing individuals under indefinite supervision due to prior felony convictions. The reasons for the actions were the result of companies and/or agents: Misappropriating premium dollars. Forging or altering signatures of policyholder applications. Selling unlicensed health plans, and Lying on license applications or renewal forms. A comprehensive list of enforcement actions taken by the department is available online in the consumer protection section at insurance.pa.gov.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved $34 million through the H2O PA program for the construction and repair of flood control systems in five counties. Projects that involve the construction, improvement, repair, or rehabilitation of all or part of a flood-control system are eligible to apply for H2O PA funding. Locally in Clearfield County, Irvona Borough will receive $860,889 of H2O PA funding to rehabilitate six deteriorated drainage structures and to remove two closure structures, greatly reducing flooding and eliminating the need of building a sandbag closure structure during times of high flood forecasts. The project will allow an extension of another 50 years of service life to the levee system that was originally built in 1962.
January 26, 2012
DuBois School Board last night at its regular meeting listened to a audit report highlights presented by Business Manager Sam Kirk Jr. Kirk said the district collected a revenue that was $125,052 less than anticipated, however its expenses came in $6,701,103 under the budgeted amount. The district's overall financial position was $6,576,051 better than budgeted. Kirk said the the cafeteria took a loss of $52,173 compared to a $94,143 loss the prior year, and monies were transferred from the general fund to cover the loss. The district had outstanding debt of $32,245,000 on June 30, Kirk said, the district saw a decrease in principal over the year of $2,075,000. The debt outstanding is being used for current projects like the Juniata Elementary renovation and DuBois Area High School HVAC project. Mauthe, Yutzey & Gabler, P.C. conducted the audit for the school.
Dubois City Police are investigating the report of a sexual assault that occurred Tuesday evening. At approximately 7:20 Tuesday evening police were dispatched to the report of a sexual assault along the 600 block of East Dubois Avenue, along the railroad tracks between Division Street and McCracken Run Road. The victim, and 18 year old female, reported that she was walking along the railroad tracks when she was knocked to the ground by an unknown male and sexually assaulted. The victim described the assailant as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, thin build in his mid 20's to mid 30's with short scruffy facial hair. The man was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt; dark jacket possible camouflage, and dark pants. Anyone with information that could aid authorities in their investigation is asked to contact Dubois City Police at 371-23-23.
Lawrence Township Police report their investigation into a vehicle crash along the Clearfield Curwensville Highway. Police report that a vehicle driven by Andrew Hoover of St. Marys was traveling along state route 879 when Hoover lost control of the vehicle. The Hoover traveled across the roadway and into the parking lot of an Auto Sale business, striking a pull behind trailer, subsequently causing the trailer to strike the building. No injuries were reported, the building sustained moderate damage.
Attorney General Linda Kelly has joined with attorneys general from eight other states in seeking information about the impact on consumers of a recent hacking attack that targeted online retailer Zappos.com. Kelly noted that according to published reports, the hacking at Zappos affected parts of the company's internal network and systems, compromising a wide array of personal customer information, including names, billing and shipping addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers and encrypted passwords. Pennsylvania's Breach of Personal Information Notification Act requires businesses to notify Pennsylvania consumers without unreasonable delay of any data breach that involves their personal information. The company has been asked to respond to the states' inquiry no later than January 27th. Consumers who may be affected by this breach are urged to review tips and information about preventing or responding to identity theft, included in the "Your Money" section of the Attorney General's website: yourmoneypaoag.com