Published: September 05, 2008 10:49 pm      

IN BRIEF: Ferndale Bridge closure planned

Ferndale Bridge closure planned

The Ferndale Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday and Tuesday between 9 p.m. and midnight, PennDOT said.

Pedestrian sidewalks will remain open.

The bridge closure is necessary for bearing replacement work, PennDOT said.

Traffic will follow a 10.8-mile detour. It will run from Route 403 to Route 271 to Route 3007 (Goucher Street) to Route 3011 (Franklin Street), then back to Route 985 to Route 403.

The project consists of replacing the bridge deck and rehabilitating the existing single-span truss structure over the Stonycreek River.

The project also includes roadway approach repairs, guiderail upgrades, and the replacement of curbs and sidewalks.

Brayman Construction Corp. of Saxonburg, Allegheny County, is the contractor for the $3 million project, which is expected to be completed by July.

Run, nature walk to help fight disease

The second annual “Not A Walk in the Park” will be held at 10 a.m. today in Johnstown.

The run and nature walk will follow a 2.3-mile walking path beginning at the base of the Inclined Plane. An optional guided walk will take a more direct route and will include steps. Kristen Sewak of Natural Biodiversity will lead the walk.

Registration will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the base of the Inclined Plane.

The cost is $10 for children and $20 for adults, with all proceeds going to fight Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The event is dedicated to Marah Griffith of Conemaugh Township, who died in 2001 at age 16 from the disease.

Coroner: Alcohol level high in fatal crash

INDIANA – Toxicology results in the motorcycle crash death of Junior Lee McAninch of Smicksburg 10 days ago indicated he was highly intoxicated, Indiana County Coroner Michael Baker said Friday.

McAninch had a blood-alcohol level of 0.295 percent, nearly four times the legal limit for Pennsylvania drivers.

McAninch lost control of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Route 210 near Smyrna Road in the Plumville area Aug. 24.

His cycle was found on the road by a passing motorist at about 8:48 p.m.

Volunteer firefighters and paramedics searched the area and found McAninch’s body where it had been ejected over the northbound guardrail.

Baker pronounced McAninch dead at the scene of multiple blunt force trauma.

Program strives to end sexual assault

INDIANA – IUP’s Six O’Clock series will begin Monday with a program titled “Decide to End Sexual Violence.”

The program is designed to educate men and women on how to prevent sexual assault.

It will focus on how people can work together to build a community that does not tolerate sexual violence.

The program will be presented by students and staff from the IUP Haven Project, the Alice Paul House and The Center for Health and Well Being, program co-sponsors.

The Haven Project is a grant-funded initiative intended to increase and improve counseling and advocacy services for IUP women who experience violence. The Alice Paul House is a community shelter for battered individuals and their children.

The Six O’Clock Series will co-sponsor nine additional programs during the fall semester.

All programs begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Hadley Union Building’s Ohio Room.

All of the programs are free to the public, and parking on campus is free after 5 p.m.

Information: Center for Student Life, (724) 357-4799.

Reception set for art display

INDIANA – The public is invited to the Horace Mann Gallery from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday for the opening reception of a display of artwork by Addam Ruppe.

He will display and offer for sale numerous types of work, with an emphasis on gemstones and jewelry.

The show will be on display through Oct. 6.

The gallery is in Horace Mann Elementary School,

206 S. Fifth St.

For more information, call: (724) 463-8560.

Golf tournament will benefit charity

Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy, 119 Jari Drive, Richland Township, will hold its second annual Fall Golf Classic on Thursday at Indian Lake Golf Club in Somerset County.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., and there will be a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

A dinner and an awards program will begin at 6 p.m.

Participants will receive a hot lunch and on-course beverages along with a coupon for a free hybrid or wedge club and a free round of golf at Indian Lake this year or in 2009, said Ashley Beaver of Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy.

Golfers also will have an opportunity to take their shot at a $25,000 hole-in-one and participate in a Diamond in the Rough contest for a $500 diamond pendant donated by Decker Diamond Jewelers, Ebensburg.

Golfers can register online at www.alucp.org or call Beaver at 262-9600, ext. 325.