Published: July 01, 2009 10:54 pm      

In brief: Five people escape fire in Portage home

Fire caused an estimated $60,000 damage to a 2 1/2-story home in the 600 block of Orchard Street in Portage late Wednesday afternoon.

One firefighter received a back injury while battling the fire and was taken to a hospital to be examined, said Portage fire Chief Ray Lee.

The five people who lived in the home escaped safely, he said. Their names were not being released Wednesday night.

They were being assisted by the Red Cross.

There was no insurance, Lee said.

Firefighters did a good job and had the fire knocked down in about 20 minutes, he said.

A state police fire marshal and Portage Borough police are investigating the blaze. The fire started in a second-floor bedroom, Lee said.

Also responding were volunteers from Lilly, Cresson, Summerhill, Wilmore and Ashville.

PennDOT will hold meeting on plans for Dean Bridge

DYSART – PennDOT will hold a public meeting and plans display for the proposed replacement of the Dean Bridge on Kolak Road in Dean and Clearfield townships.

The meeting will be held in an open house format from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Dean Township Building, 145 McMuldren St., Dysart.

The plans display will introduce the project and allow the public an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed project and traffic control, as well as comment on potential environmental and community effects.

PennDOT asked that anyone with knowledge of historic resources in the project area attend the meeting.

PennDOT representatives will be available to answer questions and receive input on the project.

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Anyone requiring special aid or additional information regarding the meeting may contact the project manager, Monica Farabaugh, at 696-7160 or e-mail mfarabaugh@state.ps.us.

Environmental council to present report on Donegal exit

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, in conjunction with several organizations, will hold a public meeting to present the draft report from the Donegal Community Design Workshop at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Donegal Community Center along Route 31.

Because of the Pennsylvania Turnpike exit at Donegal, the community is seen as a critical gateway to the entire Laurel Highlands. The visioning effort is focused on how to make the community more attractive and accommodating to both visitors and residents.