Published: November 20, 2009 11:02 pm      

In brief: Blairsville man crushed by car

A Blairsville man has been killed by a car that fell on him when a jack slipped as he worked on the vehicle in his grandparents’ driveway.

Kevin Garland Jr., 24, of Blairsville, died of asphyxiation Wednesday night, said Westmoreland County Deputy Coroner Gerald Fritz.

The man’s grandmother found him under the car and called 911 about 7:40 p.m., Fritz said.

Garland was pronounced dead at Excela Westmoreland Hospital in Jeannette about 8:30 p.m.

Somerset man accused of shoving woman

SOMERSET – A borough man was jailed Thursday after police said he assaulted a woman and then made off with her 5-year-old son.

Somerset police said they were responding to a call about a man and woman fighting over

a child at 8 p.m. Thursday in the 800 block of East Main Street.

The woman told police that Joseph Meyers pushed her to the ground, knocking her glasses off and injuring her back and left leg.

She said Meyers then snatched the boy and drove away.

Somerset 911 officials contacted Meyers on his cell phone, and he returned with the child to the residence where police were waiting.

Meyers was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and several traffic violations.

He was arraigned by District Judge Joseph Cannoni of Windber and sent to the Somerset County Jail after failing to post $2,500 bond.

City man accused of sex assault on child

A Johnstown man was jailed Friday after police said he sexually assaulted a 6-year-old girl.

Dallas Fairbanks, 34, of the 500 block of Horner Street, was charged with aggravated assault, indecent assault, corruption of minors and child endangerment.

In a court document, police said the girl awoke from a nightmare one night after having watched a scary movie.

Fairbanks allegedly brought the girl into his bedroom and assaulted her.

Police picked up Fairbanks at a construction site in Richland Township where he was working.

Fairbanks was arraigned by District Judge Michael Musulin of Johnstown and sent to the Cambria County Prison after failing to post 10 percent of $20,000 bond.

Commissioners praise van driver’s actions

EBENSBURG – The Cambria County commissioners expressed appreciation Friday to a county van driver who, while delivering for Meals on Wheels, assisted a Cresson area man who was having difficulty breathing.

Robert Seaman of Vinco has been a van driver for the Area Agency on Aging for about five years.

In late October, Seaman – following a long established practice with the man – knocked on the door, went into the house and started to set down the meal.

But Seaman said he realized that something was amiss and called 911 for help. An ambulance soon arrived, and the resident quickly was on the way to the hospital.

“I don’t know why they made a big deal of this,” Seamon said Friday. “This is part of my job, checking on the people.”

Cambria creates post in DA’s office

EBENSBURG – The Cambria County commissioners, on the recommendation of District Attorney Patrick Kiniry, have created the part-time management position of a chief deputy district attorney of the major crimes unit.

The position will be filled for six weeks by Heath Long, who has been the first assistant district attorney.

The first assistant’s post now is taken over by Kelly Callihan, putting her in line to becoming the DA in January when Kiniry leaves office to become a county judge.

There will be no additional cost to the taxpayers for Long’s temporary position, Kiniry said.

The job allows Long to remain in a management position with the same $41,245 pay and benefits, Kiniry said.

Callihan already has said that she will move Long back into the first assistant’s job when she takes over as the county’s top prosecutor.

Christmas stockings will be sent to troops

Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. is holding its annual Christmas Stockings for Soldiers initiative.

Through Nov. 30, people can stop by Hindman’s two Johnstown funeral homes between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and pick up a free Christmas stocking to take home to decorate. The homes are at 146 Chandler Ave. and 1521 Frankstown Road.

Stockings must be returned to the funeral home by Dec. 1 so they can be shipped to troops serving abroad.

For more information, call 536-1770 or 535-4018.

McCort receives $200G energy grant

Bishop McCort High School will receive a $211,500 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Conservation Works! program, Principal Kenneth Salem said Friday.

McCort will be responsible for up to $162,500 of a $374,000 project that will feature a major energy improvement project. It will involve replacing 187 antiquated single-pane windows with more energy-efficient windows and upgrading the lighting.

“The estimated annual savings in heating expenses could be as significant as $40,000,” Salem said in a release.

Board Chairman Dan L. Hummel said, “Our board of trustees and administration are excited to have received such a generous grant. Additionally, McCort is committed to having these infrastructure projects completed by area contractors.”

McCort, with an enrollment of 409 students, became qualified to receive the grant because of its new nonprofit status.