Published: October 17, 2009 12:28 am      

In brief: Lighter, lint set off fire in Westmont

JOHNSTOWN — Firefighters from four departments responded when fire broke out in the basement of a Westmont home around 8:20 p.m. Friday.

West Hills fire Chief Don Blasko said the owner of a 21/2-story home in the 100 block of Wyoming Street was working on the heating system to try to get heat into a first-floor bathroom. The man entered a crawl space in the basement to examine the plumbing that went into the bathroom. To see better, he lit a lighter, and the flame ignited lint that had accumulated from a nearby dryer.

Firefighters confined the fire to the crawl space. Damage was minimal there and there was minor to moderate smoke damage through the remainder of the home, Blasko said.

Pioneer crafts on display today

FARMINGTON – Pioneer Craft Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Touchstone Center for Crafts.

The entire campus near Ohiopyle State Park will be open free to the public.

Artisans will offer hands-on demonstrations and activities for children and adults. Vendors will sell antique and hand-crafted items.

Fiddlers will perform and a car club will be on hand as part of an auto cruise. Pancakes and chili will be available.

For more information or directions, go online to touchstonecrafts.com or call (724) 329-1370.

Drug-free celebration set today in Friedens

FRIEDENS – The 2009 Red Ribbon kickoff will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Bob Bastian’s farm, 347 Blackburn Road, Friedens.

The drug-free community event is open to youth and adults of all ages. There will be games, hayrides, youth door prizes, a bonfire and food.

Paving to begin on Route 601

SOMERSET – Paving on Route 601 is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Monday.

Paving will begin at the turnpike bridge and continue toward Wal-Mart. The work will be done between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. and is expected to last about two weeks. Delays are possible. The work depends on weather conditions.

New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co. Inc. of Bedford County is the contractor on the $3.3 million project.

Film depicts struggles of Ugandan children

Pitt-Johnstown will host a presentation of the movie “The Invisible Children” at 6 p.m. Monday in Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center.

The film exposes the effects of a 20-year-long war on the children of northern Uganda.

Children live in fear of abduction by rebel soldiers and are being forced to fight as part of a violent army.

The documentary is being offered through the campus’ GLOCAL Society Series as part of “Pitt-Johnstown @ Your Service” week. The event is free and open to the public.

Shade student seeks donations of hair

CAIRNBROOK – A Shade High School senior will collect hair for Locks of Love from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the school.

Katie Wall is holding the event as part of her senior project. Her slogan is: “Do something that rocks, donate your locks.”

Anyone with hair at least 10 inches long is invited to donate. The hair should be clean and unbleached.