The Tribune-Democrat
INDIANA
April 04, 2009 11:48 pm
—
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of death of a Homer City-area man who died Friday morning.
Jeffrey Burkett, 33, of Third Street in Aultman, was discovered dead by friends at Scott’s Motel just outside Indiana.
County Coroner Michael Baker said Burkett reportedly called a couple he knew who were staying at the motel late Thursday. Burkett had been drinking heavily, did not want to drive home and asked them if he could sleep in their room.
A call to authorities came from the room at 11 a.m. Friday when the couple could not rouse Burkett. Baker pronounced him dead at the scene.
Preliminary reports from the autopsy conducted at Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown, were inconclusive.
Baker said further toxicology testing will be needed before a final determination on the cause of death is made.
Initial studies were positive for alcohol, cocaine and opiates, but Baker said authorities want to know the precise levels of each substance.
Police seek warrant in wake of shooting
Johnstown police are seeking an arrest warrant in a shooting incident that took place early Saturday outside the Oakhurst Homes.
No one was injured.
One vehicle being chased by another drove into the Oakhurst Homes and multiple shots were fired from the pursuing vehicle, police said.
The vehicle being chased crashed and struck a garage and a parked car.
The suspect vehicle – a white Ford Expedition – then left the scene.
The vehicle being chased was struck by at least two bullets, a police spokesman said.
The incident remains under investigation.
Quaker Sales receives state paving contract
Quaker Sales Corp. of Johnstown was awarded a $599,946 PennDOT contract to resurface sections of Route 56 and
Route 3006 in Richland Township.
The project consists of resurfacing of 3.20 miles of Route 56 from Route 219 to where the concrete begins and one-tenth mile of roadway on Route 3006 from Route 56 to just past Sheetz.
Quaker Sales was the lower of two bidders, PennDOT said.
The project is being funded with 100 percent state money.
Work is anticipated to begin in May and be completed in August.
Grants available for service projects
SOMERSET – The Somerset County Probation Department is offering mini-grants of up to $1,000 for service projects that enhance the community.
The money was generated by the Community Service Recycling Program.
The grants are available to any nonprofit civic organization or group in Somerset County.
The projects must address a local need, no matter how small, the department said.
The projects also must use a service crew of adults and youngsters and have a realistic budget, action plan and timetable.
Grant recipients will be determined by the Community Service Board and approved by the county commissioners.
For more information or a grant application, call Sean Dolan at 445-1688 or download an application from the county Web site: co.somerset.
pa.us.
Grant applications during this award period are due by May 15.
The awards will be announced by May 31.
Trauma conference scheduled Wednesday
A broad range of medical issues encountered while treating injured patients will be addressed Wednesday during “Trauma alert: Care for all ages,” the spring trauma conference at Memorial Medical Center.
Medical professionals from across the region are expected to attend.
Speakers include Drs. Russell D. Dumire, S. Lee Miller, H. Schiffer and Richard Schroeder, all from Memorial’s medical staff, and ultrasound manager Dan Pyle.
Somerset Dems plan annual spring dinner
The Somerset County Democratic Committee will hold its annual spring dinner at
6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Berlin Community Building.
The public is invited.
All Democratic statewide candidates for judge have been invited to speak, as well as countywide candidates.
Statewide judicial races include one Supreme Court, three Superior Court and two Commonwealth Court judges.
Local candidates for county treasurer, prothonotary and jury commissioner will be recognized.
Tickets are $15 and can be ordered by calling John or Janet Vatavuk at 467-5137.
The deadline for ordering tickets is Saturday.
Regional initiative set for April 26-27
Community leaders from throughout the Laurel Highlands will meet for a summit later this month to discuss ways to expand the region’s economy by capitalizing on its natural and cultural resources.
Scheduled for April 26-27, the first Laurel Highlands Summit is part of the region’s Conservation Landscape Initiative, an effort by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to raise the region’s quality of life while crafting a model of sustainable development tied to the region’s natural and cultural assets.
The initiative engages communities and local partners with state agencies and funding partners to conserve and protect the high-quality natural resources and enhance the region’s economic viability.
The summit will be held at Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort in Somerset County.
Registration is required. The cost per person is $35 for one day or $55 for both days.
For registration and other information on the summit, call the National Road Heritage Corridor at (724) 437-9877 or visit www.laurelhighlandscli.info/.
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