June 12, 2009 12:10 am
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GLASGOW – A fire that destroyed a large barn on
Skyline Drive north of Glasgow in Reade Township late Wednesday was caused by an electrical malfunction, a state police fire marshal ruled.
Chief Charlie McQuown, deputy chief of Reade Volunteer Fire Company, who lives near the barn, said the structure was engulfed in flames when he arrived just 30 seconds after the fire was reported by the owner, Roger Troxell.
Damage was estimated at about $150,000 to the more than 150-year-old barn and its contents, McQuown said. A late-model tractor, other farming equipment and a number of hay bales were destroyed.
The barn was open to livestock, but all of the cows and donkeys were outside. Some farming equipment outside sustained slight damage, McQuown said.
There was minimal insurance coverage, he said.
Eight other fire companies from Cambria, Blair and Clearfield counties responded to the 10:30 p.m. alarm. Firefighters were at the scene until 3 a.m. Thursday.
Rockwood family escapes burning home
ROCKWOOD – A family safely fled their burning home in the 3400 block of Markleton School Road early Thursday, fire officials said.
Rockwood Fire Department Chief Jim Miller said at least two members of the Bruce Ohler family were home when a smoke alarm sounded around 5:15 a.m. They called 911 and got out safely.
The basement was engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived and quickly put out the fire, Miller said.
The fire was electrical in nature, he said.
Damage was estimated at about $30,000.
The family is staying with relatives, Miller said.
New Centerville and Somerset firefighters also responded.
Electrical problem cited in trailer blaze
JENNERSTOWN – An electrical problem is being blamed for a trailer fire early Thursday in Jenner Township, fire officials said.
No one was home when the fire broke out about 3:30 a.m. along W.W. Fritz Road, said Mike Novak, first assistant chief of Jennerstown Volunteer Fire Department.
Owner Justin Simmons had just arrived home when he found the trailer on fire and called 911, Novak said.
No injuries were reported.
Damage to the trailer was estimated at $20,000 to $25,000.
Simmons is staying with relatives, Novak said.
Firefighters from Boswell, Sipesville and Acosta also responded.
East Taylor supervisor accused of DUI
An East Taylor Township supervisor has been charged by township police with drunken driving while on a motorcycle.
Joseph Jeffrey Peruso, 52, of the 200 block of Castine Road, Mineral Point, has been sent a summons by the office of District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi to appear for arraignment and a preliminary hearing Aug. 3.
The incident is alleged to have occurred around 10:30 p.m. May 17 in the 400 block of Parkhill Drive. In addition to DUI, Peruso faces three summary charges: Not having a valid license to operate the motorcycle, failing to wear a helmet and/or protective eye gear and operating a motorcycle illegally after sunset.
Police said Peruso’s blood-alcohol level was 0.23 percent, more than twice the 0.08 percent defined as intoxication for adult drivers in Pennsylvania.
The police were dispatched to check on a report of a motorcycle accident. When officers arrived, Peruso, who was on his motorcycle, said he was not hurt, Officer James Sokach said in an affidavit.
Peruso failed a field sobriety test but agreed to submit to a blood-alcohol level test, police said.
Peruso could not be reached for comment Thursday,
Hit-run victim in fair condition
A Mundys Corner man injured in a hit-and-run accident remained hospitalized in fair condition at Memorial Medical Center on Thursday.
Joseph Patrick, 56, was struck by a white Dodge pickup around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday as he walked along Route 271 near Jackson Elementary School, Jackson Township police said.
They are looking for the hit-and-run driver.
Farmers market funds available for seniors
Cambria County Area Agency on Aging is coordinating the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for the county.
The program issues checks for income-eligible older adults to exchange for fruits and vegetables grown locally and distributed at farmers markets throughout the county.
Checks issued during June and July must be used by
Nov. 30.
The program allows each eligible individual to receive four $5 checks for a total of $20 per person.
Information: 539-5595.
Wildlife training planned Saturday
BEDFORD – Natural Biodiversity, the National Wildlife Federation and Recreational Equipment Inc. have joined together to train new Habitat Stewards.
The volunteer program assists communities by participating in the restoration of wildlife habitat in backyards and public areas. The training sessions will familiarize volunteers with the components of a natural habitat and the threats to it, and enable them to utilize their knowledge to lead their communities in creating wildlife habitats.
Those interested in participating should attend the first training session at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Whispering
Creek in Bedford and plan to attend the second session on Aug. 8.
After completing the training, volunteers will be certified by the National Wildlife Federation.
Information: www.naturalbio-diversity.org.
For additional questions or to register for training, call Natural Biodiversity at 532-5049.
Today is deadline for Flight 93 land
SHANKSVILLE – Today is the deadline set by the U.S. government to get all the land needed for the Flight 93 memorial without using eminent domain.
National Park Service acting Director Dan Wenk said Thursday the land owners and the government have been working together all week to get the transaction done without seizing the land.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said last week the government would use eminent domain if deals aren’t worked out by today.
Blair Chamber offers free ice cream sundaes
HOLLIDAYSBURG – In observance of June as Dairy Month, the Farm-City Committee of Blair County Chamber of Commerce will hold Dairy Day at noon today in front of the county courthouse.
The Chamber will provide free ice cream sundaes until the supply is gone.
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