Southmont firefighters extinguish home fire

Fire of undetermined origin started a fire in the attic and roof of a home in the 100 block of Violet Street in Southmont on Friday afternoon.

The home is owned and occupied by Beverly Fine.

Firefighters had the fire under control in about 10 minutes, said Southmont Deputy Fire Chief Mike Butler. He said firefighters did a good job of protecting the home’s contents from water damage through the use of salvage covers.

Butler described damage as minimal to the three-story home.

Also responding to the 1:30 alarm were volunteers from Westwood, West Hills, and Upper Yoder and Lower Yoder townships.

PennDOT invites comments on bridge rehabilitation

PennDOT said it will host a public meeting and plans display for the Krings Bridge Rehabilitation on Route 4041, Kring Street, in Richland and Stonycreek townships in Cambria County and Conemaugh Township in Somerset County.

The display will introduce the projects and allow the public a chance to review and comment on the proposed project, construction and detour, as well as comment on potential environmental and community effects. PennDOT representatives will be available to answer questions and receive input.

The meeting will be held in an open house format from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday at the Conemaugh Township Building, 1120 Tire Hill Road.

Two motorists killed in Westmoreland crash

GREENSBURG – Two Westmoreland County men were killed when their vehicles crashed Thursday afternoon on Route 119 in East Huntingdon Township.

Joseph B. Halley, 18, of Hunker, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Westmoreland County coroner’s office. Norman J. Peretti, 49, of Scottdale, was pronounced dead at Frick Medical Center.

State police said Halley had been traveling northbound in a 2000 Dodge Neon, and Peretti was southbound in a 1999 Chevrolet Metro.

Halley’s vehicle crossed a grass median into the southbound lane and struck the other vehicle, police said.

Witnesses are asked to call state police: (724) 832-3288.

Greater Johnstown holds line on school taxes

Taxes in the Greater Johnstown School District will remain the same in 2008-09, the board decided in adopting a tentative budget.

The proposed budget calls for outlays of $37.6 million, down about $1 million from the current budget, Superintendent Barbara Parkins said.

The district was able to reduce the budget mainly because of the 39 teachers who retired in the past year, she said. Newer teachers have lower salaries than the veteran educators who retired, she said.

The millage remains at 46.8 mills.

For a property with a $10,000 assessed value, the taxes would amount to $463.

The budget will be open for public inspection for 30 days, with final adoption in late June.

Police warn residents to keep cars, homes locked

BERLIN – Police in Berlin Borough are warning residents to keep cars and homes locked. Authorities noted a recent increase in burglaries and thefts, mostly involving unlocked vehicles and homes.

Anyone who witnesses a crime or suspicious activity may contact Berlin police: 445-1525.

Tennis Center announces summer programs

EBENSBURG – The borough’s new Tennis Center is now offering several summer programs and an all-you-can-play tennis pass.

Junior programs include Future Champions for ages 9 to 16, and Quickstart Tennis, in various groups for ages 4 to 8. Pee Wee Tennis is for youngsters with some beginner experience, followed by Next Level.

The summer unlimited pass runs through Sept. 22 for members of the center.

For more information, go to EbensburgTennisCenter.com or call 471-2980.