Published: September 26, 2009 12:04 am      

In brief: Route 219 delays expected Monday

SIDMAN — Motorists should expect delays on Route 219 between Sidman and New Germany on Monday between 6 and 7 p.m.

The contractor will be lifting a bridge structure that crosses the Norfolk Southern line and the little Conemaugh River.

Both northbound and southbound lanes will be affected.

Delays will last no more than 15 minutes and state police will help with traffic flow.

This is part of an overall project that consists of concrete patching, milling and resurfacing as well as rehabilitating six sets of dual bridges on Route 219 between Sidman and New Germany.

New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co. of Bedford County is the contractor for the $9.1 million project that is expected to be completed by mid-November 2009.

Fire company reprises wine-tasting event

EBENSBURG – It was so popular the first time that they’re doing it again this weekend.

Dauntless Fire Company will hold its second annual wine-tasting today as part of Ebensburg’s PotatoFest celebration.

The event, which began during PotatoFest last year, is a fundraiser for the department, which serves the borough and Cambria Township.

Those 21 or older may participate for a $10 admission charge. Pennsylvania wineries will be featured, and the wine tasting will be held at the fire station, 209 W. High St.

Fundraisers to benefit ailing reporter

EBENSBURG – Benefits are being planned for Susanne McCombie, a Nicktown native and reporter with Mainline Newspapers, who was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer.

McCombie, 27, is a graduate of Northern Cambria High School and Lock Haven University. She begins chemotherapy next week and will require months of treatment.

Two events have been planned to help with her financial burden: A basket party will be held October 18 at the Rembrandt Club in St. Benedict, and a Battle of the Banks is being planned for Nov. 14 at St. Nicholas Church Hall.

To volunteer or donate, call Lynn Weber, 948-8397, or Kelly Springer, 659-4900.

New traffic patterns for Pittsburgh tunnels

PITTSBURGH – Traffic patterns in the Squirrel Hill Tunnels on the Parkway East,

I-376, in Pittsburgh will change between Monday and Friday to allow for crews to conduct regularly scheduled cleaning operations.

The changes will be in effect from from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night, said District 11, PennDOT.

Westbound traffic will see the restrictions Monday and Tuesday with eastbound traffic being affected Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, work will be done on the Bates Street Tunnel under Parkway East.

Historical Society plans Spirit Night

EBENSBURG – Spirit Night, once a major fundraiser for the Cambria County Historical Society, is being revived.

On the nights of Oct. 2 and 3, a volunteer cast dressed in period costumes will entertain the public.

Judge Tim Creany will play the part of a judge in the 1930s, and his brother, District Judge Fred Creany, will play the part of a gangster.

The society, housed in a former mansion at the corner of Highland Avenue and North Center Street, will also be the site of a “moonshine” sale and a speakeasy.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.

Restaurant, Rotary join to fight hunger

The Richland Township Rotary Club is inviting residents to help them fight hunger by visiting Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries in the Richland Town Centre from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

During those hours, the restaurant will donate to the club 20 percent of the proceeds from customers mentioning the Rotary Club by name. The proceeds will benefit Strike Out Hunger, an initiative by Rotary International to fight hunger.

Skating hours set for Ebensburg center

EBENSBURG – Skating hours have been set at Cambria County’s Northern Central Recreation Center.

Fall hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the center, located along Route 422 near the entrance to Central Cambria High School.

Farmland preservation applications sought

The Cambria County Agricultural Land Preservation board is accepting applications for its farmland preservation program.

The program enables the state, county and local governments to purchase development rights from local landowners.

To date, there are 11 farms preserved in Cambria County totaling 1,700 acres.

The applications are due by Jan. 31.

For more information or to receive an application, call 472-2120.