Freedom Hill Baptist Church teamed up with Cambria County Clothing Boutique to help local women refresh their closets; all for free.
Thousands of articles of clothing were made available Saturday during a ladies’ clothing giveaway at the church in Johnstown’s West End.
From noon until 4 p.m., community members could browse and pick up items at no cost.
It’s part of a growing series of outreach events hosted by the church and new partners like Cambria Closet.
Pastor Grimaldi said the church aims to meet basic needs, like clothing, while also building a stronger, more supportive community.
Cambria County Clothing Boutique accepts donations Mondays and Thursdays and often partners with schools for children’s giveaways.
Therapy dogs from Cinnamon’s Closet, also based in Johnstown, were on hand for extra comfort.
Pastor Grimaldi said they plan to host future giveaways this August and again in the winter, making sure everyone has what they need, when they need it.
Thousands across our coverage area are still without power, including local businesses.
While some say they were able to reopen within a day of losing power, others have been closed since Tuesday.
While some places like the Community Arts Center of Cambria County said they had a positive experience when the power went out, businesses like Koch’s in Johnstown said they were forced to close their doors for several days during the outages.
Koch’s owner Renee Turturica said, “We were closed for three days. We threw away everything. Everything was a complete loss.”
Koch’s reopened on Saturday for the first time since Tuesday night’s storm.
Turturica said that after the store, which specializes in subs and deli meats, had its power knocked out, she knew everything was lost.
She said, “All of my ice cream, all of the milk, all the iced teas, all the meat, all the cheeses, obviously. I didn't get my power back on here until one o'clock in the afternoon; at eight o'clock in the morning, I knew everything was a total loss.”
While Turturica said she spent the rest of the week reordering and stocking supplies with her staff, employees at the Cambria County Community Arts Center said they had a much more positive experience when they lost power.
Executive Assistant Allena Schellenberger said, “It was really just one big night of doing everything in the dark; but we pulled through. It was really fun. It's something we will probably never forget.”
Schellenberger said the organization lost power twice due to the storms.
She said a local music group was holding a performance when the power went out the second time.
She said, “They probably had about 30 minutes of lighted performance, and then everything else was pitch black for the last 30 minutes.”
The group kept on playing in the dark, creating what Schellenberger called a fun and unforgettable experience.
Meanwhile, Turturica, who reopened her store Saturday morning, said she’s happy to have her staff and the community at her side.
She said, “I'm so thankful for the staff I have, though, because seriously, I would not have made it through this without these guys.”
JOHNSTOWN — The name Linda Thomson is synonymous with the words economic development.
“I have spent 43 years in economic development in different locations,” Thomson said.
Thomson, 64, will retire June 30 after serving as president/CEO of Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI) for 25 years.
Thomson was born in Charleroi and grew up in Dunbar in Fayette County. She graduated from
Connellsville High School in 1978 and went to Waynesburg University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration and political science. She then received her master’s degree in public administration from Lehigh University.
While growing up, she said she wanted to be an attorney but then became interested in community development.
“I spent a lot of time in my town trying to understand community development; my dad, Gary Owens, was president of the Dunbar Community Development Corporation,” Thomson said. “I decided I would get a degree in public administration, learn how to work in the public sector and do the cool stuff.”
Her career began with positions at the Connellsville Chamber of Commerce and then the Uniontown Chamber of Commerce.
“That is how I got into economic development, I learned the economic development side of the business,” Thomson said.
She then moved on to the Clearfield County Economic Development Corp. as executive director, and was there from 1988 to 2000.
“It was a great opportunity to get to a bigger region and lead an organization that was one of the top ones in the state of Pennsylvania. JARI had a lot of depth, a larger staff than I had before. It was an opportunity for me to grow professionally, and I learned to grow in things I never had,” Thomson said.
At JARI, she had the opportunity to work with U.S. Rep. John Murtha until his death in 2010.
“I worked closely with John, I considered it an opportunity to learn and grow. I learned more in those 10 years … it was phenomenal,” Thomson said.
Thomson has been a strong advocate for government procurement initiatives, including bringing the defense industrial base in the region together as part of the JARI Defense Business Council. In addition, she has worked to bring new defense technology companies to the region, including outreach to international prospects.
Specific relationships and collaborations have been developed with Denmark and Norway.
She has become known as the driving force and co-host for the Showcase for Commerce, now in its 34th year, bringing together leaders across many sectors to support the defense industrial base.
“Linda has been the driving force of the success of the annual Showcase for Commerce, a nationally acclaimed defense industry trade show that will be celebrating its 34th anniversary this May,” said William Locher, senior vice president of commercial lending at Somerset Trust Co.
“Linda is Showcase for Commerce; she is the face of Showcase and has been the reason we still have a Showcase for Commerce today when all the other smaller ones shut down, especially after the loss of Jack Murtha,” said Bill Polacek, CEO/chairman of JWF Industries.
Amy Bradley, President/CEO of the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce, has worked closely with Thomson on the Showcase for Commerce.
“Linda has been an integral part of this event’s growth and success. This event leads to successful relationships and contracts, which create funding and jobs for area businesses,” Bradley said.
Thomson has won many awards over the years, including being named “Economic Developer of the Year” from the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association in 1999 when she was in Clearfield.
“That was a real honor. I was nominated for an industrial site that was a big brownfield that was redeveloped. Today it is the site of Pennsylvania Grain Processing, an ethanol plant,” Thomson said.
She is well respected among her peers and community leaders.
Under Thomson’s leadership, JARI has significantly expanded and strengthened its programs, playing a vital role in the region’s economic growth, said Bette Sayton, President/CEO of the Bedford County Development Association.
“Linda is best known for her extraordinary vision, steady leadership and deep commitment to community progress. Through her quiet determination and strategic insight, JARI grew into an internationally recognized organization, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for the region. Although she never sought the spotlight, Linda’s legacy of leadership will be felt for generations to come,” Slayton said.
Ed Sheehan Jr., president/CEO of Concurrent Technologies Corp., said through leadership, JARI has positively impacted many of the counties throughout Western Pennsylvania with job creation, job retention, workforce training and development programs, introduction of supply chains to increase business and the recruiting of new businesses to the region from domestic locations, as well as internationally based companies throughout Europe.
“When federal, statewide and local government officials or businesses are interested in bringing in companies or hosting events in the region, they reach out to Linda because they know she will ensure success and they have the utmost confidence in her abilities to make things happen,” Sheehan said.
Thomson said she has enjoyed the diversity of her job.
“Any day can be different. Some days I host a company prospect, another day I meet with a CEO of a company looking at expansion, how we can help them with things in terms of space, how to set them up to do more,” Thomson said.
She believes her ability to build relationships has been the key to her success.
She said she started to think about retirement following the death of her daughter Emma Thomson in a traffic accident in August 2022.
She said she will miss the people she works with and hopes they remember her well.
“I will miss the staff, they are fantastic. The people I work with and being part of a team has been the best part,” Thomson said. “I hope they remember that I put everything I had into my job and made decisions that were best for the organization.”
While Thomson is retiring, she won’t be idle.
“I like to play golf when I get a chance to do it. I want to spend as much time as possible with my daughter, Molly, and spend more time with my husband, Dave. My mom is still living in Dunbar; I see her on a regular basis. I hope to do a little bit of traveling. This will be the first time I have put time into my house,” Thomson said.
She will remain active on the boards on which she serves, such as the Pittsburgh Gateways Corp., Concurrent Technologies Corp., Sunnehanna Country Club, Vision Together 2025 and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
She was just appointed by Gov. Shapiro to the Pennsylvania Military Community Enhancement Commission.
On May 1, Cindy Hostetler became the new president and CEO, even though Thomson’s retirement isn’t effective until June 30.
Thomson has a simple piece of advice for her successor.
“Number one … believe in this team, they are amazing, you can’t go wrong from growing and learning from them and be sure to build those relationships,” Thomson said.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.
Family: Husband, Dave; daughters, Molly and Emma (deceased)
Position: Retiring as President/CEO of Johnstown Area Regional Industries
Education: 1978 graduate of Connellsville High School; bachelor’s degree in public administration and political science from Waynesburg University; master’s degree in public administration from Lehigh University
Quote: “The most recent thing I found amazing, we’ve become the region’s micro lender to small and start up companies in the Southern Alleghenies area and Indiana County, we have seen growth in the way we can support small businesses.”
Antis Township will apply to the state Department of Community and Economic Development for a $250,000 grant to ...
Copyright © 2025 Central Pennsylvania Newspapers, LLC | https://www.altoonamirror.com | 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 | 814-946-7411
CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — The Clearfield Regional Police Department announced that 29-year-old Richard Harris IV has been arrested for robbery and other related charges after the incident at Sheetz.
They say he was taken into custody along Flegal Road in Lawrence Township Sunday afternoon.
Police say a search warrant was executed on his residence where police located the stolen cash and clothing.
In addition, police say they confiscated a 40-caliber pistol, an AK 47 assault rifle and a large amount of ammunition. Harris was arraigned on the charges with a court date pending.
The Clearfield Regional Police Department has announced that a suspect has been taken into custody.
Police have said more information will be released at a later time.
Police are looking for a suspect after an armed robbery at a Sheetz in Clearfield Borough.
According to the Clearfield Regional Police Department, the incident took place Saturday evening just before 11:15 p.m. when a male suspect entered the store and brandished a handgun to the store employee.
Police said the male suspect took money from the register and fled the area and was last seen on foot traveling along Krebs Avenue behind the store.
According to officials, the male suspect was wearing a black coat, tan cargo pants, boots and a facemask.
Police are asking residents in the area to check any recording devices they may have to assist officers.
The Clearfield Regional Police Department said more information will be released when it becomes available.
READ MOREClearfield Co
woman gets life in prison in shooting death of ex-husbandby WJAC staff/Justin Trent
Pa (WJAC) — A Clearfield County woman will spend the rest of her life behind bars for her role in the shooting death of her ex-husband
Danielle Parks appeared in court Friday morning where she was sentenced to life in prison without parole
Police say Kodey Parks was found shot to death outside a residence in Morris Township last year
Kodey Parks' mother provided a statement to the court in which she stated that Danielle and Michaelis "ruined her whole life and the lives of the Parks' children."
Danielle and one of her family members also provided statements during the hearing
Danielle stated that she hopes her children are eventually told the "truth" about what happened
One of her family members also expressed concern that Danielle's punishment was "too strict."
Prosecutors say Danielle Parks with serve her sentence at SCI Muncy
he faces a similar sentenced and is expected to learn his fate within the next 60 days
A first responder in Centre County was pleasantly surprised Friday when he won an award
Moshannon Valley EMS Chief Fred Ferguson was named the 2025 Pennsylvania EMS Educator of the Year
The award honors an EMS educator who contributed to the growth and development of EMS in Pennsylvania
Ferguson has been a paramedic for more than three decades and has trained thousands of students in advanced emergency medicine
“It means hard work and dedication by other people who have gone on before me
and individuals who continue to be a part of a team to make the EMS organizations and the delivery of patient care in a compassionate and empathetic manner."
Ferguson also gave credit to his staff who he said continue to push and support him
(WJAC) — Strong storms rolled through the region again Thursday night leaving behind some damage
a falling tree crushed a pickup truck in Davidsville
Brianne Krebs says strong winds brought down a tree on 215 Yoder Lane
"had the storm hit five minutes prior
We had just walked in the door and she had drove down the road whenever this hit."
The White House accuses the two of biased news coverage and argues the federal government shouldn’t be funding that.
PITTSBURGH (WPXI) — There are new revelations in the state of Pennsylvania’s investigation into the owner of a Pittsburgh pet funeral home.
Authorities say he is facing several felony charges for leaving thousands of pet owners in limbo and the investigation reportedly stemmed from a previous intern reporting suspicions to police.
That intern says she worked for Vereb Funeral Home last spring and summer and ultimately quit when she couldn't handle what she saw.
She reported those accusations to both the city of Pittsburgh police and Harrison Township police before, months later, the attorney general's office stepped in.
"For me to be talking to someone and telling them we are taking care of your pet, it's truly devastating to know that that wasn't happening, and those people trusted us, and I couldn't say sorry enough,” says former employee Kara Knight
She is a former employee of Patrick Vereb.
Vereb owns a funeral home and eternity pet memorial. He's now facing thousands of charges from the attorney general's office, accused of disposing of pets in landfills when owners paid for burial and cremation services.
Tiffany Mantzourivis is the one who knew something wasn't right and filed multiple police reports to lead to the state investigation.
"I went home a couple times thinking there is no way this is happening. There is no way, I have to be making this up, maybe I’m crazy,” Mantzourivis said.
But records and what Tiffany witnessed led to the charges.
She says Vereb would only send dogs 55 pounds and over to be cremated because he paid per pet.
She believes those ashes were divided and given to other owners.
As for what happened to the smaller animals, she believes they were dumped.
"There were freezers full of animals getting commonly buried and they were to be in a mass burial at a cemetery, which is a peaceful thing for pet owners. They may not be able to visit them, but their pets are at peace with other people’s pets, and they were getting dumped."
The attorney general's office says the criminal investigation spans from 2021 to 2024, yet some people were even still dropping their pets off this past weekend for services.
Investigators say Vereb scammed over 6,500 pet owners out of more than a-half million dollars.
"There's no way it's only 6,500; it had to be way more and that's just what could be proven."
Alexandria and Granville filed a plan with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on May 1 outlining how it can provide water and sewer service to parts of western and northwestern Licking County
Jersey Township officials sued the coalition
filed the same day in Licking County Common Pleas Court
claims “these entities conspired to take control of portions of Jersey Township through improper and unlawful closed-door meetings that violated Ohio’s Open Meetings Act” in a July 15
Jersey Township Trustee Dan Wetzel said in a release that the lawsuit is “about protecting our sovereignty
No political subdivision has the right to override the will of another’s voters
… Jersey Township has elected leaders for a reason
and we will not allow outside officials to usurp our authority or speak for our residents.”
Granville Village Manager Herb Koehler said May 1 that the coalition could supply water and sewer service to parts of Jersey Township — if property owners request it — but the coalition is not seeking to “take control” of the township
the municipalities said they “vigorously deny the allegations in the lawsuit
the City of Johnstown received a letter in early July 2024 from a Jersey Township trustee explicitly threatening litigation,” the release said
Johnstown Mayor Donny Barnard said in the release: “We remain committed to transparency
and serving the best interests of the residents of Johnstown
We are confident in the integrity of our city’s leadership and governance
and we trust that the court will dismiss this frivolous lawsuit.”
Jersey Township is part of the rapidly growing area between New Albany to the west
State Route 161 to the south and the city of Johnstown to the north
and Platte and the township are seeking an injunction against coalition members
Among the township's requests is for the court to invalidate some actions coalition members took after their July 15 meeting
including the Johnstown City Council’s approval of a comprehensive development plan during the July meeting
suggesting it is to get more customers for financial gain rather than growth management
Platte referred questions to the township's attorney
Tension among local government entities in western Licking County has been simmering for more than a year and is rooted in a debate over service areas for local utilities
Members of the Johnstown-Alexandria-Granville coalition — known as the Municipal Utility Coalition of Licking County — have said for months that their goal is to offer an alternative to the Licking Regional Water District
formerly known as the Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District
and coalition members say they want to manage growth according to their comprehensive development plans
They have concerns that a stand-alone utility
will not fully consider development plans when installing lines
“We’re not at all implying that Licking Regional doesn’t have a part in the future of western Licking County,” Koehler said
We think our service can complement what they offer to the benefit of all customers.”
But when the Licking County Commissioners voted in 2022 to expand the Licking Regional Water service area from about 8,000 acres in southwestern Licking County to 18,182 acres stretching to the north and east of its original service area
leaders from the coalition communities and surrounding townships became concerned about losing their ability to manage growth to their plans
Their concerns intensified when Licking Regional Water bought about 100 acres along State Route 161 in St. Albans Township and proposed a large sewage-treatment facility and a future water-treatment facility within a few miles of Alexandria and Granville
That’s when the leaders began serious discussions about forming a utility coalition
“Our Plan takes direct inspiration from the Licking County FRAMEWORK report,” Koehler said in a release
businesses and residents developed to plan for future growth in western Licking County
The report is full of recommendations “to maintain the values and sense of community that attracted our residents and is now attracting major businesses and investment,” Koehler said
organic growth while ensuring that our local schools and other critical community needs are not neglected
Our ‘inside-out’ approach will allow us to increase treatment capacity and construct centralized sewers as the need arises
allowing us to keep sewer rates affordable.”
Alexandria Mayor Sean Barnes said in the coalition’s response to the lawsuit: “We value our partnership with Johnstown and Granville
especially in light of the growth that is coming to Licking County
Collaborations such as ours are necessary if we hope to positively shape the future of the region.”
Granville Mayor Melissa Hartfield said in the release that she is disappointed in Platte and Jersey Township's actions: “I believe this is a deliberate attempt to distract us from working in the best interests of our constituents.”
Wetzel said Jersey Township officials “hope that this lawsuit can be resolved amicably.”
Platte and Jersey Township are serious about a sustainable future
Alan Miller writes for TheReportingProject.org, the nonprofit news organization of Denison University’s Journalism program, which is supported by generous donations from readers
There are currently no upcoming/recent events
Thanks for visiting
The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy
We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here
Scattered thunderstorms during the evening
Johnstown's Jonathan Swartwout (3) controls the ball as Voorheesville's Joseph O'Leary (26) defends during Friday's game at Knox Field in Johnstown
Johnstown's Gage LoDestro carries the ball upfield during Friday's game against Voorheesville at Knox Field in Johnstown
Johnstown's Cashton Dalmata controls the ball during Friday's game against Voorheesville at Knox Field in Johnstown
the Johnstown boys' lacrosse team has had its struggles on offense
The theme continued Friday as the Sir Bills scored just once in a 9-1 loss to Voorheesville at Knox Field
Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content
More Local Sports
Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Account processing issue - the email address may already exist
Have the latest food and drink articles delivered to your inbox every Thursday
Sign up today to receive email newsletters of local daily obituaries
Get the Register Star and Daily Mail E-edition delivered directly to your inbox
Have the latest local news delivered every morning so you don't miss out on updates
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account
(WJAC) — A special council meeting was held Wednesday in Johnstown as council members unanimously approved using American Rescue Plan funds to support projects at the West End Skate Park
Wood Street Playground and Sargent's Stadium
and a walking track will be added to the skate park
and that the basketball courts will be redone
And monies going toward Sargent's Stadium and the Wood Street Playground will be for general upkeep and repairs
Nearly 400-thousand dollars in COVID-era federal funding will be used for the projects
KENT- The Kent State Golden Flashes Baseball team wraps up their nine-game home stand on Tuesday Apr
29 as the Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats come to Kent
The game will be streamed for free on BoxCast with Dane Richardson on the call
Kent State enters the midweek match up at 28-14 on the season and 16-5 in Mid-American Conference play
The Flashes are coming off a big weekend series win over the rival Akron Zips
Hayden Jatczak swung a white-hot bat over the weekend against the rival Akron Zips
and a triple leaving him just a home run short of the cycle
In the series opener the infielder recorded five RBIs and two runs scored delivering the knockout two-run sac fly to enact the run rule in the bottom of the seventh
Jatczak clobbered a crucial two-run homer over the wall in left field to give the Flashes the lead on Saturday
Another multi-hit game came on Saturday as the Bay City native hitting a leadoff triple in the third and a bases clearing three-run double in the bottom of the sixth to give the Flashes the lead and secure a series win
Brody Williams also had a great week at the plate for the Flashes recording a hit in all four games
Williams had a two-hit night on Wednesday with two runs scored and an RBI
In Friday's run rule victory over the Zips
Williams had three RBIs that set the tone for the weekend
The junior recorded three more hits on Saturday and another on Sunday
Williams also recorded a pivotal back pick on Sunday to get the Flashes out of a jam in the eighth and clinch a series win
The Pitt-Johnstown Mountain Cats come into Tuesday's match up at 13-30 on the season and a 4-20 in conference play
The Mountain Cats were swept this past weekend by Indian University (Pa.)
Tuesday is Pitt-Johnstown's lone game against a division 1 opponent
has started all 43 games for the Mountain Cats and leads or tis tied for the team lead in most offensive stats including runs (25)
Thanks for visiting
JOHNSTOWN — Sevi Chiddention’s primary job is to guide an emerging pitching staff for the Johnstown baseball team
and the sophomore catcher made his job easier May 2
two-run single capped Johnstown’s three-run first inning
Junior Conner Sullivan and sophomore Landon Larason made it stand up as the right-handers combined to scatter four hits in the host Johnnies’ 4-1 victory against rival Northridge in Licking County League-Cardinal Division play
and we just have to keep the positive energy and the confidence
it gave me the confidence to go up there and get a hit.”
Johnstown snapped a six-game losing streak in LCL games
and a quick start provided that confidence
Junior Braeden Archibald singled home sophomore Luke Carter as the first three Johnnies reached
and three batters later Chiddention did not let Northridge sophomore right-hander Kash Reeves minimize the damage
Chiddention hit a seventh-inning home run in the season opener against West Muskingum and drove in late runs against Licking Valley and Hamilton Township
He started his work early and kept right on going against Northridge
finishing 3 for 3 and bumping his team-best RBI total to 12
“He’s a grinder,” Johnstown coach Travis Carpenter said
We have talked to the team a little bit about the peaks and the valleys of the season
We have let a few get away that we shouldn’t have
Sullivan ran into a jam in the top of the fifth
He allowed just one base runner on a hit by pitch
and the game ended on Archibald’s back-handed stop and throw from deep in the hole at short to get the batter at first
“We wouldn’t have won if Larry didn’t come in with the bases loaded
though,” Sullivan said “He saved that inning for me
He’s the one that works his butt off the most.”
Northridge left a runner in scoring position in four of seven innings
He had defensive help as freshman Titus Hardin threw out a runner at the plate from left field and freshman Sam Miller caught a runner stealing
and (Reeves) did a great job,” Northridge coach Jeremie Young said
“We had runners in scoring position numerous times
Johnstown’s top of the order was active as Carter had a hit and a run
junior Landon Myers two runs and Archibald
who rebounded from rough outings against Newark Catholic and Utica
inducing five ground outs and three pop outs
Larason then built on picking up a victory against Hamilton Township in his previous outing
“I tell them to not get down because some of these hits and some of these runs aren’t their fault,” Chiddention said
“I just keep telling them to pound the strike zone and good results will happen.”
Northridge recently earned its first two LCL victories of the season against Utica and Zanesville and dropped a one-run game to Watkins Memorial
The young Vikings scored on a bloop RBI single from sophomore Brice Beaver
“We are playing some of our better baseball as of late,” Young said
but we played a really good defensive game today
ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com
Instagram: @newarkurt
Northville's Zoie Crow (4) slides into second as Johnstown's Maddy Kraemer catches the throw during Thursday's non-league game at Johnstown High School
Northville's Danielle Flickinger fouls off a pitch during Thursday's non-league game against Johnstown at Johnstown High School
Johnstown's Mia Iorio slides into third as Northville's Korrine Bly looks to apply the tag during Thursday's non-league game at Johnstown High School
Johnstown's Brynn Williams slides into second as Northville's Zoey Jensen covers the bag during Thursday's non-league game at Johnstown High School
JOHNSTOWN — After six innings of Thursday's non-league game with Northville
the Johnstown softball team found itself with a seemingly comfortable 6-1 lead
the Falcons didn't go down without a fight
scoring four times in their half of the seventh
and forcing the Lady Bills to sweat out a 6-5 victory under the lights at Johnstown High School
(WJAC) — A powerful storm swept through Cambria County
causing significant damage and disruptions across the region
Emergency officials reported that a barn on the 500 block of Munster Road in Portage was blown over during the storm
prompting a local animal rescue to assist with the emergency response
There is currently no information on whether any animals or people were injured
a cell tower was brought down by the storm along Sunset Road
strong winds toppled several trees along Lemon Drop Road
Fender Lane was closed after parts of a pole fell onto a vehicle
Crews responded promptly to address the situation and ensure public safety
The City of Johnstown Committee for Tourism & Special Events will host the Spring Rail Trail Festival this weekend
the City of Johnstown Committee for Tourism & Special Events will host the Spring Rail Trail Festival
This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday May 3 from 10 a.m
More Fulton County
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates.
Have the latest food and drink articles delivered to your inbox every Thursday.
Each day's obituaries, delivered to your inbox.
Sign up today to receive email newsletters of local daily obituaries.
Get the Register Star and Daily Mail E-edition delivered directly to your inbox!
Have the latest local news delivered every morning so you don't miss out on updates.
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall.
Johnstown firefighters take on code enforcement duties; not expected to affect operationsby Brock Owens
— The Johnstown Fire Department is now playing a role in code enforcement as city officials aim to enhance efforts in maintaining local codes
City Manager Art Martynuska said the initiative involves the fire department working alongside the Johnstown Codes Department and Laurel Municipal Inspection Agency to identify potential violations
"We were trying to make sure that we're using all the resources we can," said Martynuska
and the fire department are now working in conjunction in sweeping through the city and trying to determine how we have to come into compliance to make the city a better place to live."
Fire Chief Bob Statler noted that the firefighters' downtime will now be scheduled differently to accommodate this new responsibility
Martynuska said that emergencies and scheduled training will remain priorities
"Obviously emergencies always take precedent
If a training is already scheduled they'll continue to do their training
This is on days that they don't have training or obviously responding to emergencies," he said
The collaboration is already yielding results
with more code violations being identified
Martynuska emphasized the advantage of having firefighters involved
"Gives us an advantage because the firefighters know the city
but this also helps in refamiliarizing themselves and to get out there and be seen by the citizens."
While the goal is to canvass the entire city
Statler does not have an estimate for how long this process will take
Martynuska reiterated the initiative's purpose
"We're trying to make the city a better place to live
We're not trying to be punitive with these things
it's more with compliance than anything else."
Residents are encouraged to report potential violations to code enforcement if they notice any issues
Thanks for visiting
Sevi Chiddention’s two-run single in the sixth inning was the big blow April 25 as the Johnstown baseball team caught fire
scoring nine runs during the final two innings of an 11-5 victory at Hamilton Township
Chiddention totaled two hits and three RBIs for the Johnnies (7-6)
a run and an RBI; and Braeden Archibald contributed a hit
Landon Larason struck out six in 5⅓ innings
Stephen Slocum’s two-run single gave Lakewood the lead for good during a six-run fifth inning
lifting the Lancers to a 7-5 victory against visiting DeSales
Garrett Hardway chipped in with an RBI double
and Colton Ferry had two runs and an RBI for the Lancers (11-3)
Hardway also struck out six in a complete game
NC beats GCAAlex Nagel struck out nine in five three-hit innings
pitching Newark Catholic to a 10-0 victory against visiting Granville Christian
Mikey Hess and Jaxon Holman led the Green Wave (8-5) with two hits each
and Holman and Hal Gillespie scored two runs apiece
Aiden Geiger and Josh Benvie each recorded a hit for the Lions (9-3)
Jakob Culver struck out five in five innings and combined with Luke Bosse and Wilson Wells on a one-hit shutout for Granville in an 8-0 victory at Buckeye Valley
Theo Talbott and Jacob Smith recorded two hits
a run and two RBIs apiece to lead the Blue Aces (13-2)
while Chase Holtzapple had two hits and an RBI
Heath beats AcademyConnor Corbett piled up four hits out of the leadoff spot and scored a run for Heath in an 8-1 victory at Columbus Academy
two runs and an RBI for the Bulldogs (9-3)
Tannar Patterson belted a two-run home run
Sunkle struck out two and allowed two hits in five scoreless innings of relief
Charles scored a run in the bottom of the 12th inning
sending visiting Watkins Memorial to a 4-3 defeat
Bradley Vincent struck out six in five innings
and Logan Grezlik and Cam Burt combined to strike out seven while allowing one hit in five innings of relief for the Warriors (6-6)
Brayden Windnagel totaled two hits and two RBIs
Northridge falls at home Titus Hardin had a hit and an RBI for Northridge (5-8) in a 12-1 loss to visiting Worthington Christian
Cheyenne Smith homered to lead off the eighth inning
giving Utica the lead for good in a 6-3 victory at Philo
Makena Wilson added an RBI single and Baleigh Torrens an RBI triple later in the eighth for Utica (7-9)
Kiersten Hull recorded a team-high three hits
Smith also struck out seven in a complete game
TRACKPanthers place at New PhilaLicking Valley athletes took runner-up in four events during New Philadelphia’s Leo Gundy Invitational
Anthony Blizzard crossed in a time of 52.93 seconds to take second in the 400-meter dash
4 1/2 inches in the shot put for the Panthers
Lincoln Clements and Liam Zellner took second in the 800 relay (1:36.46)
Valley’s Ally Conaway placed second in the pole vault (8-6)
Ellie Alexander made seven saves for Granville in a 7-4 victory at Oakwood
Evie Sanders and Ellie Brower scored two goals apiece; and Ava Phillips added one for the Blue Aces
Lauvray also fielded 11 ground balls and caused five turnovers
Brecken Kennedy and Brooke Smith distributed two assists apiece
Thanks for visiting
Game Recap: Men's Basketball | 2/23/2025 12:15:00 AM | Bob Shreve
Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations
Thanks for visiting
A wrestling and track coach in the Johnstown-Monroe School District has been placed on unpaid administrative
Ohio (WSYX) — A wrestling and track coach in the Johnstown-Monroe School District has been placed on unpaid administrative after being charged with sexual battery that allegedly happened at his former school in Pickerington
currently a middle school wrestling and track coach
engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with someone enrolled in a school that Ross was employed or serving in
The allegation dates back to about September 24
The Fairfield County Prosecutor's Office later told WSYX that the incident involved his former employment at Pickerington Ridgeview Junior High School
Johnstown-Monroe sent a letter to parents stating that Ross is not a classroom teacher and that
the allegations do not involve a Johnstown-Monroe student
He was hired by the district in October of 2024
over a year after the alleged start of the illegal activity
we cannot share additional details at this time," the district said
we can share that all coaches are subjected to a rigorous background check process prior to employment as required by law."
The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office is investigating
JOHNSTOWN − The Johnstown-Monroe School District obtained a much-needed building and land near its multi-school campus
while the city received some much-needed funds as it looks for a new home
The city sold its administration building and 3-acre site at 599 S
but the city will lease the building space and remain in the building until it finds a place to relocate city offices
council chambers and the police department
When the city streets department vacates its part of the building
the school district will use that space for wrestling
cheerleading and indoor batting for baseball and softball players
The school district will eventually move its administrative offices into the building
The city and school district will share the council chambers space
“It’s a good deal because we were able to work together to come to a solution that helps each other financially,” Mayor Donald Barnard said
“The city is able to save money and look at future areas to build a police station and city offices
“This is a very historic day that the school district and the city can work together in such harmony
looking at the past and how well our boards worked together in the past and how well we’re working together now.”
The school district also plans to construct a multipurpose building on the site
immediately north of the former city building along South Main Street
The building will have space for basketball
School Board President Tim Swauger praised the agreement at a joint meeting of the school board and city council
getting the ability to build an auxiliary gymnasium right on our campus
and not have kids walking throughout the village and across major roads to get to it is huge."
The 3-acre property is not far from the district’s high school
Johnstown-Monroe School Superintendent Phil Wagner said the district needs land and buildings as it prepares for anticipated growth in student enrollment
"It's a good deal for the community," Wagner said
"It exemplifies the partnership with the city
It allows us to advance our strategic planning
“Our administrative offices are operating out of four classrooms at Johnstown Intermediate School
We’ll most likely move the board of education into that city hall building
The lease agreement lasts five years but can be extended for three more years
The city will contribute $31,164 the first year
increasing annually to $41,552 in the fifth year and to $49,343 in the eighth year
the city shall be responsible for 65% of the costs exceeding that threshold
The school board could terminate the lease if it needs the space for school purposes and finds another similar facility for the city
View from the cityThe agreement allows the city earn interest on the $1.2 million and eventually use that money to find other locations for city departments
The city has been trying to reduce its debt in recent years and sought additional funds with an income tax levy
“We’ll create a committee to look at our options,” Barnard said
so we’ll have to at least build something for police
Although the city has up to eight years to find a new location
the mayor said it should have some ideas much sooner
“I think within the next year you’ll see a plan laid out by the city with what we’re going to do," Barnard said
with council member Ryan Green casting the lone vote against the sale and agreement
“My opposition was because of the lack of future planning," Green said
"We don’t have a location to build a future site
It doesn’t meet the criteria to move forward
but all about timing and doing what’s best for the city in the future
The superintendent said the district needs to plan for the growth and development coming to the area
"The student enrollment hasn't grown as fast as projected," Wagner said
"There were 100 homes demolished in our school boundaries
The high school enrollment is the closest to capacity
The middle school has room for 122 more students
the intermediate school 245 more and the elementary school 268 more
and capacity at the four buildings is 2,334
Plans include someday building a new high school somewhere on the campus and converting the existing high school into a middle school
A six-classroom addition to the high school is under construction now and should open in August
Construction on the multipurpose building should begin soon and open in the fall
The sale and lease of the city building is the second major deal with the city since Wagner became superintendent three years ago
The previous one was a compensation agreement for revenue sharing as new developments come into the city
"The feedback I've had has been very positive on how the city and schools are working together," Wagner said
kmallett@newarkadvocate.com
but said she was terrified during her daughter’s nine-day stay at Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health
they just held her as long as possible,” she told Denver7 Investigates
Former Johnstown Heights employee Eric Olsen said it’s no surprise to him that the 92-bed mental health facility in northern Colorado would keep a patient at the hospital longer than needed
“Every patient has a dollar sign attached to them
There's a fiscal value for that patient,” Olsen explained
Behavioral Health Technician Samantha Russell noted that this sort of thing happened frequently during her time workingat Johnstown Heights
including once after a patient’s death in late 2022
RELATED: State places Colorado mental health facility on second serious designation in 6 months
And now, the facility is officially closed with the company’s CEO describing it essentially as a business decision
to some it remains unclear as to why or how that decision was reached
Denver7 Investigates produced more than a half dozen reports and a news special since October 2022
uncovering troubling stories regarding the care for some of the state’s most vulnerable people
“when I saw nursing staff forging documentation to keep patients there
“I hope this place never opens again,” Russell
During previous reports, Denver7 Investigates highlighted the November 2022 death of Christopher Dickson inside the facility’s detox unit
Larimer County Coroner Stephen Hanks said he believed Dickson should still be alive
Subsequent reports uncovered details about state inspectors tipping off Johnstown Heights before so-called “surprise” inspections with one former employee saying they had a few days’ advance notice.
RELATED: Gov. Polis responds to concerns about validity of CDPHE's 'surprise inspections' at mental health hospitals
the state still found 28 violations of the course of its inspections
Denver7 Investigates spoke to former nurse B.J. Potts
who spent six weeks working at Johnstown Heights before resigning due to personal safety concerns
where he said he has spent more than 40 years as a nurse
but says his six-week stint at Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health earlier this year was unlike any other in his career
“As a medical professional my job was to help people," she said
in a statement sent in February when the hospital announced its closure
said the facility would remain “fully licensed” and “accredited," but never stated specifically why the hospital voluntarily shut its doors
we have decided to cease operations at Johnstown Heights
This decision was made with deep consideration for the community
and we remain grateful for the opportunity to have served patients and families in the region,” part of the statement read
Attorney Jerome "J" Reinan is representing multiple former Johnstown Heights patients in ongoing lawsuits against the facility’s owners
He speculated that the hospital’s referral sources dried up based on previous news stories shedding light on what happened in the hospital
but from what we know about the facility it's been having so many problems with care issues
regulatory issues and violating mental health statutes,” Reinan said
Denver7 Investigates reached out to CEO Gibson to ask for clarification on the closure
but in a statement said the closure came following "a comprehensive review of business dynamics including shifts in referral and reimbursement trends and increased competition."
said he did not regret his harsh words toward the facility
“It was to me what I would imagine a prison to be like,” he said
“I don’t think I’ve ever worked in a place like that
Thanks for visiting
Johnstown FC has expressed its shock and sadness at the death on Saturday of club stalwart Christy Kavanagh
whom it described as "a force of nature that lit up every room"
Ballymun native Christy first became involved with the club in 2006 as a parent of a young son playing with the club before taking on the u-11s as a coach the following year
A driving force in the Navan MDL-based club for two decades
Christy served at committee level and was the current Senior First Team manager
He was aged in 50's and married with four children
In a statement the club said: "Everyone here at Johnstown FC is completely devastated by the passing of Christy Kavanagh
He really was the heart of our football club
We want to express our deepest condolences to Christy's beautiful family
"Christy was a force of nature and lit up every room he entered and even whole football pitches!
We all loved him dearly here at Johnstown FC
he was father figure to most of the lads that have come through our club in the last 15 years
"He was a brilliant friend to so many in our community which he cared dearly about
Nobody was safe from his laser sharp wit and that's what made him so special
but he will forever be woven into the fabric of Johnstown Football club family and the wider Johnstown community
Secretary with the North East Football League
Justin Burke described Christy as "a total football man and a gentleman."
"Having known him from my own playing days at Ballymun United
he was always a person that younger players looked up to and aspired to be
He had a way of bringing the best out of people and I'm sure the Johnstown football players
coaches and committee will miss his personality at the club
"Our immediate thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pamela
friends and football club during this sad time."
clubs are being asked to observe a minute's applause in memory of Christy before this week's fixtures
Johnstown-based Cllr Alan Lawes said: "RIP Christy Kavanagh the Johnstown Community have lost one of its own and its very best
Sympathy to your wife family and many friends."
Deputy Johnny Guirke added: "Very sad to hear this news Christy was lovely man and great community man Rest in peace Christy."
Ballymun Utd FC said: "Deepest Condolences to all the Kavanagh family on the sudden passing of Kavo
Christy was one of the real characters of our club in the 90/00s
Funeral arrangements will be released later
Meath Chronicle is part of Celtic Media Group which includes: The Anglo Celt
Westmeath Examiner and Westmeath Independent| © 2021 Meath Chronicle and Celtic Media Group
Game Recap: Baseball | 3/22/2025 8:45:00 PM | - Tyler McIntosh
© 2025 Slippery Rock University Athletics
Thanks for visiting
the wing of a plane struck the runway while landing at the Johnstown Airport on Monday afternoon
Officials say that the left wing of SkyWest Airlines Flight 5046 reportedly made contact with the runway after completing a go-around procedure
Reports say the plane was operating as United Express
from Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia
Officials say that the contact with the runway was not felt by the flight crew
and all customers deplaned normally at the gate
COLUMBUS — Kylie Sharp went from low-post to point guard Saturday
4 Amanda-Clearcreek in a Division V district final at Ohio Dominican
“This is going to be a great way to go into our regional
Nobody really realizes how big of a win this is,” Sharp said
Johnstown (21-3) plays Ottawa-Glandorf (22-0) in a regional semifinal at 6 p.m
last season’s Division III state runner-up
The Johnnies started the season with eight players in the program
“What really keeps us together is our confidence,” Sharp said
“We have really grown together and have great chemistry
Johnstown forced Amanda (13-11) into two separate six-minute scoring droughts in the first half
The Aces also went without a field goal for more than six minutes spanning the third and fourth quarters
Sharp scored 10 of her 12 points in the second half
and sophomore Payton Schneider had a game-high 13 points
Schneider and freshman Bailey Neff combined to hit five 3-pointers
The Johnnies won the program’s second district title
It is the first district title under coach Scott Helmke
“It feels great to be back and finally winning it,” said Sharp
who was a starter as a freshman when the Johnnies were Division III district runners-up to Pleasant
nobody really knows how personal this feels to me
This is a very personal moment for me and him
After the recent injury to junior Lauren Baughman
Sharp has primarily gone back down into the post
When freshman point guard Caylin Cox picked up her fourth foul early in the fourth quarter
“I am so happy and so proud of all of them
It’s been such a crazy season,” Helmke said
we talked about three years ago we were here in a district final after we beat Cardington
She wasn’t ready for her season to end and did everything she could to will this team to a win.”
Schneider’s first 3 pushed Johnstown out to a quick 7-0 lead
Gavynn Sowers’ basket with a minute left in the first quarter finally got Amanda on the board
Johnstown’s defense was at it again in the second quarter
contesting shots from the paint to beyond the 3-point line
Allie Leist scored the lone basket of the quarter for the Aces
and a 3 apiece for Schneider and Neff sent the Johnnies up 15-4 at halftime
Sophomores Amelia Bonito inside and Riley Stefanick outside provided tenacious defense
Taylor Evans briefly gave Amanda a spark in the third quarter
Stefanick and Neff all scored in an 11-1 run to end the quarter to give Johnstown a 29-8 lead going to the fourth
“We have really focused on strengthening our bond and figuring out how to connect on the court
It all comes from my teammates giving me great passes.”
responding to what its officials called lies and misinformation
nonannexation agreement with a property owner in Monroe and Jersey townships
seemed unnecessary because the city does not want to annex the land
and city officials said the property owners don't want their land developed
stating in a written response: "While we appreciate the city's offer of non-annexation
we do not agree to the terms of your offer
we have offered a draft JEDD contract to Monroe Township regarding our property
We do not desire that contract to involve the city."
allows municipalities and townships to address concerns associated with economic development
Businesses and individuals working within a JEDD may be subject to municipal income taxes
administered by the municipality that is part of the agreement
The proposal covers 228 acres in Monroe Township and 46 acres in Jersey Township for a total of 274 acres on Caswell and Duncan Plains roads
Johnstown Mayor Donald Barnard explained the frustration the city feels as it tries to combat misinformation about the city's intention on township lands
“There are individuals and agents outside of our city that are making comments and lying to people (alleging) that we are in the process of trying to annex every piece of land outside the city of Johnstown
“That Johnstown is trying to annex property and take farmland from farmers is an absolute lie
That is not what we have been trying to do.”
The Ford property is not contiguous with Johnstown city limits
so no annexation would be possible until other properties closer to the city are annexed
"One thing I want to make sure everyone knows in the townships that surround us is that it is not Johnstown's intention to ever annex land into Johnstown unless the landowner requests it," Barnard said
"Johnstown has never forcibly annexed land into our city
"For those individuals that are lying and manipulating landowners in the area around Johnstown to confuse and convince them that Johnstown is some big bad wolf
the future will show who told the truth and had the best intentions for this area."
The mayor credited Council President Tiffany Hollis with developing the nonannexation
nondevelopment resolution after the city learned of the Ford family's desire to enter into the JEDD to keep its property undeveloped and not annexed
"It's OK to be against development," Hollis said
We have to respect that any way that we can
I was hoping this would open communication back up with the Ford family and we could come to a solution that pleases everyone involved
TFramework
public-private planning effort organized by the Evans Foundation and Planning Next
It encouraged jurisdictions to work together to prepare for the massive development and thousands of jobs
Monroe Township Trustee Troy Hendren said the Ford family came to the township seeking the formation of the development district to keep its land undeveloped
“Gary Ford didn’t want anything to do with Johnstown,” Hendren said
We even told him Johnstown didn’t want to annex
Hendren said the township needed a municipality to be the taxing authority for the proposed JEDD
“Johnstown is not interested in doing that
We started working on this back in August.”
Heath Mayor Mark Johns said the city is still working through the process of forming the JEDD
which will include public hearings and approvals
“We were asked if we’d be the municipal taxing partner for the JEDD," Johns said
"As the municipal taxing partner in a JEDD