In brief: Jury clears Maytag in fire trial

After several hours of deliberations Friday afternoon, a federal jury in Johnstown found that a range made by Maytag Corp. did not cause a $185,000 fire in Tyrone in July 2004.

George and Marsha Del Baggio of Tyrone had sued the corporation, claiming a faulty control panel in the range caused the blaze. They sought unspecified monetary damages.

Attorneys for Maytag argued that fire investigators rushed to judgment on the cause of the blaze.

They contended the homeowners’ insurance company was just trying to foist the cost of the fire onto Maytag.

Altoona man guilty in police shootout

HOLLIDAYSBURG – A prosecutor said he’ll ask for a maximum sentence of 40 years to 90 years for a man convicted of attempted homicide and other charges in a shootout with police.

John Ray, 37, of Altoona, was convicted Thursday of attempted homicide for shooting at Altoona Officer Jack Kuhn III on Nov. 22, 2008.

A Blair County jury rejected attempted homicide charges involving two other officers who were not directly in the line of fire when Ray fired nine shots at police who were chasing him after a traffic stop.

The jury convicted Ray of aggravated assault and other charges.

District Attorney Richard Consiglio said Ray could spend life in prison if the judge imposes the maximum sentence May 17.

Ray remains paralyzed from the shootout.

Deliveryman gets jail for faking robbery

UNIONTOWN – A former deliveryman for a vending company will spend three to six years in prison for faking a robbery and otherwise stealing about $9,400 from the company.

Larry Knopsnider Jr., 25, of Connellsville, told state police that a man jumped him and took his moneybag on Dec. 23, 2008. Knopsnider worked for CRH Catering Co. at the time.

After the robbery, the company assigned other drivers to Knopsnider’s route and noticed they collected more money from 11 vending machines that Knopsnider had been servicing.

Police eventually determined Knopsnider lied about the robbery. They said he also had stolen money from machines on his route in late 2008 and taken other money from a company locker in January 2009.

He was sentenced Thursday.

Mayors, local officials seek revenue options

HARRISBURG – Mayors and officials representing the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities will gather Monday in the Capitol in support of new revenue options for local government.

Among the participants will be Indiana Mayor George Hood and Councilman Richard Thorell, Altoona Vice Mayor Bruce Kelley and Latrobe Manager Richard Stadler.

The economic downturn and soaring personnel costs combined with an outdated local tax structure have generated a fiscal crisis at the local level, officials said. This crisis is most prevalent in older, urban communities, but also is evident in suburban and rural communities statewide. Local governments are faced with increasing property taxes and user fees, and the need to cut services and decrease their work force to make ends meet.

Cambria receives $27G for recycling

HARRISBURG – The Cambria County Solid Waste Management Authority will receive a $27,000 grant from the state, Rep. Frank Burns, D-East Taylor, said earlier this week.

The grant is from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The money is based on the county’s population and the 3,500 tons recycled by the authority in 2007.

“DEP has made yet another wise investment in our region,” Burns said. “I would like to congratulate Cambria County SWMA and Executive Director Kris Howdyshell for their work to promote recycling.”

Vulcan riders form Laurel Highlands unit

A local chapter of the Vulcan Riders Association has formed in the Laurel Highlands.

The worldwide network of Vulcan riding clubs is comprised of Kawasaki Vulcan riders and enthusiasts. The purpose of the association is to promote responsible motorcycling activities for its members while maintaining a family-oriented atmosphere.

Full membership is open to anyone who rides any Vulcan, but riders of other bikes are welcome as associate members.

The group plans to hold regular rides throughout the region and become involved in activities at Thunder in the Valley and other events.

Charter members for the Laurel Highlands Vulcan Riders Association include Tim Dull II of Johnstown, president; Marshall Rugg of Confluence, vice president; Dave Pollino of Johnstown, treasurer; and Jessica Dull of Johnstown, secretary.

For more information or to join, contact Tim Dull at 241-7164.

Meeting to focus on mining jobs

The Mining Industry Advisory Board at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, will hold a special meeting for area educators and individuals interested in careers in the mining industry at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss job opportunities available in the coal mining industry, many of which can be achieved in as little as two years through the acquisition of an accredited associate degree in mining technology from Penn State Fayette.

Representatives from Penn State, the coal industry, equipment manufacturers, regulatory agencies and prior graduates will be on hand.

Workshops available for farmers, gardeners

SIDMAN – Two workshops on resource management for homeowners and farmers will be held Thursday at Disaster’s Edge Environmental Education Center near Sidman.

The workshops are sponsored by the Cambria County Conservation District and Pennsylvania Agricultural Ombudsman Program.

The Agricultural Workshop will provide programs on composting as a means of disposing of dead livestock, the state’s nutrient management regulations and pesticide safety. Two nutrient management continuing education credits and one core pesticide credit will be provided. The workshop will begin at noon and lunch will be served.

The Basic Homeowners Seminar will provide information on a variety of gardening topics. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served.

There is no charge but registration is needed. For information and to register: 472-2120.

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