Published: November 27, 2008 08:26 am            

Laurels and barbs

Barb: A person or persons vandalized 22 vehicles on Nov. 21 or 22 at Bud’s Auto Sales in Beaverdale. The majority of the damage consisted of vehicles being scratched. But the vandal or vandals also stole spare tires, wheels from vehicles, antennas and even a rear quarter panel. Auto dealerships have been hit extremely hard by the economic downturn. This has to hurt Bud’s. If anyone can make sense of this, please call our newsroom. If anyone has information about possible suspects, please call (800) 281-1680 (police) or 487-7375 (Bud’s).

Laurel: Alexis McMahon is one quick-thinking, brave teenager. The 16-year-old last weekend saved her 5-year-old brother after fire broke out in the family’s Chest Springs home. “She did an excellent job getting her brother out,” said Rick Zupon, chief of the Ashville Volunteer Fire Company, which responded with five other companies. Damage was extensive, but everyone got out, including the family’s dog, which was rescued by firefighters. Obviously, things could have been a lot worse.

Barb: What a shame. Two young black bears were illegally shot and dumped in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County, near North Fork Reservoir. The Somerset County League of Sportsmen is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible. “Frankly, we think that’s a pretty despicable act,” said the organization’s president, Rich Berkley. We do too. Anyone with information has been asked to call the game commission office at (724) 238-9523.

Laurel: We can’t say enough good things about the Johnstown-based Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. Nearly $135,000 was distributed recently in the group’s fall round of solicited grants. More than $1 million in grants and scholarships has been awarded during the fiscal year that began July 1. Headed by Mike Kane, executive director, the foundation has been a big-time player in this region. Take a few minutes and learn more about this terrific organization and how it operates, at www.cfalleghenies.org.

Barb: A brawl on the usually quiet Pitt-Johnstown campus has left the community in shock. Three people were jailed (one was released a short time later) after a fight involving about 50 people. It took place after midnight Nov. 21 at a fraternity party. We’re confident that the administration and campus police will deal appropriately with those involved. We’re also confident that the officials will continue to keep the public updated on the investigation.

Laurel: We join educators and parents in welcoming Pressley Ridge to our area. The Pittsburgh-based nonprofit will operate a private day school in the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology building in Richland Township. The school will serve autistic and other disabled students recommended to it by our school districts. Tuition is paid by the referring school and not the family. We believe there is a real need for this type of school in our area. Apparently, so does Pressley.

        

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