IN BRIEF | Wind topples trees throughout region

Emergency crews from throughout the area responded to numerous reports of downed trees, limbs and power lines overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

Richard Stancombe of the 200 block of Linkville Road in Middle Taylor Township said he was awakened by wind gusts about 2:30 a.m.

“It seemed like a wind burst or miniburst or something,” Stancombe said Thursday.

His family – including a wife and four children – didn’t realize until daylight that an apple tree had been toppled, along with a swing set.

More seriously, their detached garage was structurally damaged.

“Basically, it did something to the foundation and wall of the garage. One side is ready to cave out,” Stancombe said.

He said their insurance company is arranging for contractors to come out and assess the damage.



Case continued in bear-season assault

INDIANA - The aggravated assault case of a Seward man who was charged after a confrontation with another man during bear-hunting season last year has been continued until March 4 in Indiana County Court.

Stephen Shesko had been scheduled to enter a plea Thursday.

Shesko, 61, is accused of severely punching and kicking Erick D. Melius, 28, of Belsano, on Nov. 24, 2008, in Buffington Township, near the border with Cambria County.

State police said Melius instigated the incident by calling a young Amish man in the hunting party names, although Shesko is not Amish.

Melius was found dead at his home two days later, authorities said.

Although Shesko was charged with criminal homicide in the incident, that charge was dropped by prosecutors after blood tests revealed that Melius could have died from drug

toxicity.

Shesko’s new attorney, David Weaver of Johnstown, sought the continuance, which was approved by Judge William Martin.



Votes on ag representative due

EBENSBURG – Monday is the deadline for farmers to cast their ballots to elect a representative to Cambria County Farm Service Agency’s Local Administrative Area 1.

The candidates are Jerome Carl and Mary Lou Smithmyer.

Area 1 takes in Elder, Chest, Susquehanna, Reade, White, Dean, Clearfield, East Carroll and West Carroll townships, and farmers from those municipalities are eligible to vote, the agency said.

Ballots will be counted at a public meeting at 10 a.m.

Dec. 14 at the agency’s office at 171 Lovell Ave.



Food drive aided Meyersdale families

MEYERSDALE – Golden Living Center in Meyersdale recently partnered with the local food pantry, community organizations and businesses to collect much-needed nonperishable food and clothing for the Thanksgiving Tree food drive.

Golden Living was joined in the drive by Family HealthCare, Thomas Drug Store, Thomas Medical Supply, Rural Health Clinic – Dr. Nathan Thomas, Meyersdale Senior Center and Shop ’n Save.

The supplies were delivered to Meyersdale Area Food Pantry to ensure delivery to families in need before Thanksgiving.

Golden Living has provided health care for up to 99 residents, including those needing skilled nursing and rehabilitative care, for more than 26 years.



Seat belt check turns up violations

EBENSBURG – A seat belt checkpoint held on West High Street during the Thanksgiving holiday resulted in 2,172 contacts.

The checkpoint was hosted by borough police with assistance from the Cambria Township, Carrolltown and Nanty Glo departments.

One person was arrested for driving under the influence, three citations were issued for expired inspection and one each for alcohol restrictions, expired registration and a title violation.

Police issued 59 warnings for not wearing a seat belt, six for faulty equipment and one each for not carrying a driver’s license and expired insurance.

The checkpoint was conducted between 8 p.m. Nov. 26 and 3 a.m. Nov. 27.

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