Local News
Related Photos
-
Thomas Smith, former president of the Johnstown branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the state NAACP conference, speaks at a ceremony for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge. Todd Berkey
Discussion
Johnstown bridge renamed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Johnstown made history Thursday as the Walnut Street Bridge was renamed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge.
The effort to unite the community was initiated by local resident Anthony Gergely, who said he thought there was a lack of recognition of African-Americans in the area.
“This is a great day for the city, and I’m so happy to see this happen,” he said during a dedication ceremony at the nearby Johnstown Train Station.
Gergely worked on the project with state Sen. John Wozniak, D-Westmont. The proposed name change took a year in the Legislature before Gov. Ed Rendell signed House Bill 1723.
A plaque will be displayed on the bridge honoring King.
Thomas Smith, former president of the Johnstown branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the state NAACP conference, said the bridge symbolizes closing the gap between the races.
“It’s wonderful to witness what we can do if we work together,” he said. “This bridge is a symbol of hope for all people and for those yet to come.”
The ceremony included entertainment by the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church youth choir and praise dance members.
Isa Wadley, a student at Bishop McCort High School, read an abbreviated version of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Other participants included community leaders and local pastors, who spoke on their thoughts about King and renaming the bridge in his honor.
- Local News
-
-
Ring, owner reunited after 37 years
After 37 years, Harold Thomas of Williamsport, Lycoming County, was pretty sure he would never see his high school ring again.
-
Subcontractor in deadly well blast was cited for violations
The employer of two workers killed in an oil and gas well explosion last week had paid nearly $10,000 in federal workplace safety fines for two other well fires, including a 2007 explosion that burned an employee, records show.
-
Fraud case may go to jury today
Cambria County prosecutors wrapped up their fraud case Tuesday against a Windber man with testimony that he had misappropriated $668,518 from an elderly Westmont woman for work not done and for items at greatly inflated prices.
-
Windber Research Institute partners with Maryland firm
Quality standards used in Windber Research Institute’s tissue banking program have created a valuable collection of materials for researchers in all areas of medicine.
Windber’s blood and tissue specimens will now be available through a Maryland company that serves scientists around the world. -
Power of 32 begins idea exchanges
The Power of 32 muscled into Somerset County on Tuesday.
Power of 32 is a “regional visioning initiative” involving counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia. The goal is to form a regional plan that includes strengthening the economy and creating jobs. -
Honda dealership rolling smoothly at former Chevy site
The move from Scalp Level took a little longer than expected, but Thomas Team Honda’s manager said the new Stonycreek Township location is exceeding expectations.
-
Two killed in Westmoreland traffic accidents
Two people have died in separate highway accidents in Westmoreland County.
-
In brief: N. Cambria district seeks feedback
Northern Cambria School District will hold a series of “Coffee and Conversation” meetings to discuss the impact of the school district and to receive feedback from parents and students.
-
Unemployment rate declines in Somerset
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Somerset County fell by 0.3 of a percentage point in June to 9.9 percent, while the Cambria County rate held steady at 10.2 percent.
- District Deaths July 28, 2010
- More Local News Headlines
-
