Published: January 06, 2009 10:11 pm      

IN BRIEF | Fire causes $3,000 damage to home

JENNERSTOWN – A one-story home on Matterhorn Road off Route 30 west of Jennerstown was damaged by fire late Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze started as a chimney fire but spread to the interior, said Jennerstown Assistant fire Chief Michael Novak.

The home’s occupant Richard Underwood, escaped safely, Novak said.

Firefighters doused the fire in about 15 minutes.

Damage was estimated at $3,000.

Also responding were volunteers from Boswell, Sipesville, Acosta, Ligonier and Waterford.



Two men charged in Twin Rocks burglary

TWIN ROCKS – Two men have been jailed on suspicion of a burglary and theft at a Station Road residence.

Burglars broke into the home of Dawn Warzel, 19, and Chris Zunner, 22, between 5 p.m. and midnight Monday, state police said.

Police said they arrested Daniel Kegley, 18, and Brandon Smith, 18, both of Twin Rocks.

They were jailed in lieu of $10,000 bond apiece set by District Judge Michael Zungali.



Burglars hit home in Fairfield Township

LIGONIER – State police are investigating a burglary on Route 259 in Fairfield Township.

Someone entered the home of Brian Welshons, 43, between Saturday evening and 2 a.m. Sunday. Entry was gained through a basement door.



Portage firefighters receive $27G grant

PORTAGE – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released a $27,111 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to Blue Knob Volunteer Fire Department in Portage. 

U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, who announced the grant, said: “These grants help our firefighters and EMS organizations respond safely and efficiently, so that they can do a better job protecting our communities.”